So, you’ve decided to buy some art. Fantastic, excellent decision!
Buying art is an enriching experience but can also prove to be an agonising decision. With so many artists and types of art available to view and buy online, most people struggle to understand the difference between artists, price points and the quality or value of the artwork, making the final purchase decision that much harder to make.
Whilst visiting galleries and viewing art in-person is my preferred way to experience art, it is time consuming, and I’m limited to the number of galleries and artworks available within my local city. This is where online resources beat physical galleries hands down. The sheer volume of options available to you as an online collector is out of this world!
The idea of buying art online used to fill me with terror. And there are many reasons to be concerned. What if the original looks different to the photo? What if the art is damaged in transit? What if I’m completely duped and the artwork never shows up? These are all valid concerns and I’ve heard from people I know personally who’ve had bad experiences buying art online.
So, here’s my quick guide on how to avoid the pitfalls and secure yourself an artwork online which you’ll treasure for years to come.
1. Quality assurance
When buying art online, it’s crucial to ensure the quality of the work. Look for detailed descriptions such as mediums used, framed or unframed, original, or limited edition.
Study the photos, remembering images can be very misleading. I’ve seen too many artists represent their art mocked up in a photoshopped room and the scale is far larger than what the artwork is in real life. This can lead to great disappointment to a collector with very different expectations.
Pro tip: check the measurements and measure your wall to check how big it will appear. I like to mock-up the size of the artwork on my wall using Post-it-notes or BluTack. I ask my collectors to send me photos of the correct scale on their wall and I send back an image of my art on their wall to the correct scale. It’s the perfect way to try before you buy and can also help to decide between 2 or 3 different art options. It’s worth asking the artist if they will offer this free service to you as part of your decision-making process.
2. Read artist bio
Check background information about the artist. Often artists will list exhibitions they’ve had or galleries they’ve been represented by. Also have a look at a range of other work created by them. Look for consistency in the quality of their work. Be careful buying from an artist with a body of work which differs too widely in style or subject matter. It’s far safer to buy from an artist with a defined style, as this will give you greater chance of receiving a quality artwork. Reputable artists will often provide certificates of authenticity, offering reassurance about your investment.
Pro tip: Google search the artist and look for collector reviews. Don’t just rely on the information listed on an online gallery or the artist’s website. Artists with a limited history of exhibiting will be priced lower than artists with an extensive CV.
3. Shipping
Shipping art can sometimes be a concern, particularly with delicate pieces. However, established artists take care to package their work securely. Always review shipping policies and inquire about insurance options to safeguard your purchase. When shipping artworks I always cover the insurance for damage or theft, leaving my collectors with 100% peace of mind.
Pro tip: Unwrap the artwork carefully. You don’t want to accidentally put a box cutter through a canvas! Take your time and if there are any issues with the artwork, take photos of damage and contact the artist immediately.
4. Lack of physical interaction
The biggest downside of online art shopping is the inability to experience a piece in person. Digital images may not fully capture the nuances of texture, colour and scale of the art. To bridge this gap, ask the artist to supply videos or better still, book a video or FaceTime call with them.
Pro tip: Ask to see the artwork in natural as well as artificial light. This will help you to determine what the colours look like. Colour can vary dramatically under different light sources, so you want to know the art will suit the space and light source it will receive when placed in your home.
4. Avoid a scam
So much art is sold via Instagram profiles, however I can’t tell you how many of my artists friends have had copycat accounts set up by scammers, claiming to be the artist with the aim of duping unsuspecting art collectors into buying an artwork via Instagram, taking their money, and never sending the artwork.
Some artists will simply DM you via Instagram with banking details to transfer money. Whilst this could be legitimate, I would always insist upon receiving an official invoice from the artist with their ABN (in Australia) and business address on it. This helps to ensure they are legitimate.
Pro tip: Search for the artist’s name to see if there’s more than one account name on Instagram. Or better still, visit the artist website and look for an email address or phone number to speak directly to the artist to ensure they are the actual artist and not a copycat account.
Investing in art should be a fulfilling experience. Focus on purchasing from reputable artists who prioritise transparency and authenticity. On my website, I aim to provide clear information and open lines of communication to ensure a positive experience.
Remember that buying art is not just about acquiring a piece for your home, it’s about embracing creativity and personal expression. Trust your instincts and know that if an artwork speaks to you… listen. Then buy it.
Happy art shopping.