Buying artwork online – 10 essential tips for your online art purchase

Since you've come across this article, I assume you feel the same way about art as I do: a room simply isn't complete without at least one small piece of art.

Regardless of our tastes in design, style and decoration, we can certainly agree that a work of art adds a very special touch to any room in an apartment, office or public facility.

If we turn back the Watches about ten to fifteen years, it would have been extremely difficult for us to get our hands on affordable art to decorate our own homes.

Sales on the art market and the art trade itself took place almost exclusively through high-priced art auctions or renowned galleries. While this is not inherently wrong, it did restrict access to the art market to a small, elite group of financially powerful players.

This situation has changed dramatically in recent years. With the rise of the World Wide Web and widespread access to high-speed broadband internet, more and more traditional galleries have made their works available for purchase online to an interested public.

At the same time, more and more purely online galleries emerged, selling their works exclusively via the internet. Due to increased competition and the significantly lower costs of online marketing, we as potential buyers and interested parties benefit, as acquiring art has become considerably more affordable in general.

Another very positive development brought about by the internet is the fact that artists and creative professionals now have a direct channel to potential buyers, patrons, and supporters. As a result, we can now enjoy a huge and diverse range of works of all kinds online, at a wide variety of prices.

It can therefore be said that there is now something to suit every taste and budget. This includes creative works by previously unknown artists as well as works by renowned and long-established figures in their genre. You will find unique pieces , limited edition prints , reproductions , and facsimiles .

Modern sculptures, oil paintings and acrylic paintings from the EventART art gallery

One example of a company that has successfully implemented the concept of merging offline and online offerings is the Dresden art gallery EventART – Die Kunstmacher . Since 2003, they have consistently specialized in online sales of modern art, alongside their brick-and-mortar presence in the capital of Saxony.

In addition to high-quality, contemporary, and diverse artistic works, their customer-oriented service is one of their unique selling points. Art enthusiasts are guided through the entire process, from selection to secure shipping.

A service-oriented approach of this kind is also necessary, because ultimately it's about establishing a solid foundation of trust with the customer in what is initially an anonymous business relationship via the internet. This is a crucial cornerstone of online shopping in general, and probably even more so when acquiring artwork online.

Ultimately, it involves more money than buying a new pair of shoes . Furthermore, buying art is often a very emotional and personal matter, where direct contact between the buyer and seller is essential.

Trust through quality and reliability – the artists at EventART achieve this in an exemplary way with their symbiosis of modern online retail and the classic gallery exhibition. Discerning art enthusiasts thus have the opportunity not only to conveniently select and purchase paintings, sculptures , and prints from the comfort of their own homes, but also to view them in person Dresden

To ensure you are optimally prepared and equipped for buying art online, we would like to give you the following essential tips…

Buying artwork online – The most important tips

1. Start with a plan

Before you set off to look for art of all kinds, you should first take some time for introspection and think carefully about what you actually want. Things can get difficult at the latest when you reach a point where you're stuck and perhaps a gallery owner or curator asks you about your specific ideas.

If you are new to the world of art and perhaps not yet familiar with its unique vocabulary and the rules of design, colors and aesthetics, then a good starting point would be to consider the intention behind your desire to acquire a work of art.

Do you perhaps already have a specific spot in your home that you'd like to enhance or beautify? What about the existing furnishings and decor in that room ? Which colors are dominant, and what would complement them? How large should the artwork be?

What are the maximum dimensions so that the artwork will still fit in the intended space? Would you prefer a painting for the wall or a standing sculpture ? Are there any particular motifs or themes that you are especially drawn to?

All of these considerations will be extremely helpful and will allow a mental image to form in your mind even before you start searching online. This will be of great value to you later on.

So take your time, let the ideas mature, talk to family and friends about them, and be open to new inspirations.

Once you have a clear picture in your mind's eye, it no longer matters much whether you are a great art connoisseur or not. You can then clearly communicate what you want and what you envision.

2. Set your budget

To avoid financial difficulties later, you should set your budget beforehand. How much can and are you willing to spend on your desired item? Be relatively specific when defining your financial limits and definitely set a fixed upper limit.

While works by established artists are usually priced in the four-figure range, you can find pieces by newcomers and up-and-coming artists for around 500 euros. Even with a budget of 100 euros, you can still find a wealth of beautiful art online.

If you already have your heart set on a particular artist, then you should take a look at all available works and editions. Depending on the edition (original/unique piece or limited edition print) and the size, there are usually considerable price differences.

3. Research Part 1 – Information on works and artists

You now have your basic framework in place to begin your search. Your research should begin with the themes, motifs, type of art, or the artist themselves.

Do you have any preferences regarding art style, colors, genres, motifs, or themes ? For example, do you prefer acrylic and oil paintings to other styles? Are you also into landscapes and portraits, or do you prefer abstract or even surrealist motifs? You can use all of this as a starting point for your online research.

If you're still unsure, feel free to take a look at our online gallery and the categories listed therein. This might help you better understand your preferences and individual tastes.

Furthermore, searching for one or more specific artists is of course also worthwhile. In addition to the descriptions on the gallery pages, there are a number of other useful resources that offer a wealth of useful and interesting facts and information about the person behind the work.

This includes, in particular, the artist's website – which usually provides insights into their CV, biography, and career path – social media platforms such as Instagram , Facebook, and Pinterest, as well as major art magazines that act as a kind of directory, containing a wealth of information, data, and facts about the artist (e.g., Artnet, Artsy, etc.). There, one can find information such as exhibition history, current exhibitions, collections, catalogue raisonné, awards, and much more.

This process of engaging with the art and the creator behind it also has the positive side effect of allowing you to develop a deeper access and a higher degree of (sometimes even an intimate form of) familiarity with the work on an emotional level.

And isn't the magic of enjoying art precisely rooted in the multifaceted nature and complexity of the works and their creators? In my opinion, this magic cannot unfold when simply passing by or skimming through them.

4. Research Part 2 – Identifying trustworthy providers

Once you're clear about what kind of art you're looking for, the next question is "Where?" Even a quick Google search will reveal a plethora of online galleries.

In general, I can confidently recommend the major providers such as Die Kunstmacher , Lumas , Singulart , ars mundi , argato , as well as, in the international arena , Saatchi Art , Artsy , Absolut Art , Uprise Art , ArtGallery , the Artling and Artfinder .

Furthermore, it is helpful to look for press releases, customer reviews, or forum discussions about the provider. Quality seals such as Trusted Shops or Shopvote provide important information and demonstrate the satisfaction of previous customers.

Other quality indicators are, of course, customer service and the type and extent of support offered during online purchases. For example, the availability of telephone support or even a physical presence for a face-to-face meeting is a significant factor in building trust. The selection and compilation of artworks can also be important. Has this been curated by relevant experts, or do the artists themselves upload their work largely independently?

Another indicator of a gallery's credibility can be its connections with art exhibitions, fairs, and artistic organizations.

As a rule of thumb, if you are unsure whether or not you want to trust a particular online gallery, you should rather look for another provider if in doubt.

Certificates of authenticity

When buying artwork online, always ensure it comes with a certificate of authenticity signed by the artist. This is an important document confirming the artwork's authenticity. You can find this information at most major online galleries – usually directly within the artwork's description.

5. Use filters, search functions and contact options provided by the vendor

You have probably already narrowed down your search to a small number of online galleries and providers. Now you can further refine your search by using the available functions such as search filters, categories, collections, and other groupings or sorting of works within the online platform.

Search results can often be refined by price range, region, medium, style, color, size, artist, etc. The found works can then frequently be displayed in a specific order. These features greatly simplify the search.

Recommendations from the provider, in the form of experts or curators, can also be helpful in selecting the right exhibit.

And if you get stuck using the search functions, simply contact a member of the provider's staff directly. The quickest way to do this is via the contact form, email, or a short phone call.

6. Ask questions

Which brings us to the next point regarding contact: feel free to ask any questions you may have. Don't hesitate to use the gallery's contact and service options if anything is unclear or you need assistance.

The art market is inherently a consultation-intensive industry where a multitude of information and factors influence purchasing decisions. Galleries are, of course, well aware of this and are therefore ideally equipped to handle personal contact and the many questions from potential buyers. After all, substantial sums of money are usually involved. Take advantage of this opportunity!

Just because you buy online doesn't mean you have to forgo expert advice and professional service. This will also be available at any reputable online art gallery . Furthermore, many frequently asked questions are already answered in FAQs, help sections, or online how-to articles.

Sometimes you can even find published interviews with artists, gallery owners, collectors and art dealers, from which you can learn valuable advice, tips and recommendations.

Buying art is generally a significant investment that requires careful consideration. Therefore, you should be confident in your purchase decision and feel good about it. If any doubts remain, you should take some more time to decide and critically examine what still bothers you about the purchase.

The story behind the work…

What's often fascinating about works of art is the question of the story behind a painting or sculpture. This story almost certainly didn't emerge in a vacuum and has its own unique origin.

Imagine, for example, that you receive visitors at your home with a newly acquired work of art, and this immediately sparks a spontaneous conversation. Perhaps you will then be asked, "What is the meaning of this painting?", "What was the artist thinking?", or "What is this painting trying to tell us?" .

Wouldn't it be wonderful if you could then share a captivating story and impress with one or two fascinating facts? Art can be a truly wonderful way to open doors to stimulating and multifaceted conversations.

7. Shipping, Transport & Insurance – Check the terms and conditions

Don't underestimate this aspect. After all, you want to get your hands on the object of your desire quickly and safely. Damage in transit and frustrating disputes with the sender and logistics company are real party killers. Therefore, clarify in advance which transport options and conditions are available.

When transporting expensive art, you should only entrust it to professionals who understand the intricacies and pitfalls of this business. For items valued at several hundred euros or more, appropriate transport insurance in case of damage or total loss of the shipment.

Depending on the size and type of artwork, shipping costs may apply, which you should factor into your purchasing considerations. Some works, like unframed art prints, can be shipped relatively easily rolled up in tubes, while large-format pictures with heavy art frames are considerably bulkier. Heavy sculptures also present logistics companies with certain challenges, which are naturally reflected in the shipping costs.

International shipping

The art world is also becoming increasingly interconnected through the internet, and modern shipping solutions and services allow virtually any artwork to be sent to almost any location in the world. Therefore, if you are considering purchasing from an international gallery, you should be aware that in addition to shipping costs, you will also have to factor in longer delivery times and regulations regarding import, customs, and other related matters.

Ask the supplier about it; they will certainly be able to help you with shipping, transport , insurance , and import.

8. Familiarize yourself with the return policy

It's inherent to online shopping that you only physically hold the product in your hands for the first time after completing the purchase and payment. Naturally, it can happen that reality doesn't quite meet expectations, and you might be disappointed upon receiving it.

In such a case, a return policy is invaluable. Most reputable online galleries are, of course, aware that artwork can sometimes be difficult to judge based solely on online photos and therefore usually offer return options if the buyer is not satisfied.

It's advisable to review the return policy before purchasing, not just when a problem arises. This can prevent a lot of frustration. Does the gallery cover return shipping, or is the customer responsible for it? Are there specific conditions attached to a return? etc

9. Take your time with your decision

As I've already mentioned a few times in previous points, I'd like to reiterate the importance of taking your time before making a purchase decision. Works of art are complex objects that are often perceived and understood on multiple levels. At the same time, personal taste, context, and emotional aspects play a crucial role.

Therefore, don't rush into your decision and let your thoughts mature gradually. Your gut feeling will tell you when you're ready to take the plunge.

Pro tip: Favorites lists

Online galleries often offer the option favorites lists or watchlists and save your favorite artworks. This allows you to easily access your lists and compare the artworks within them. If this feature isn't available by default, you can use your browser's bookmarking function or one of the many apps and browser extensions that offer this functionality.

This approach allows you to gradually collect interesting pieces. Later, you can then gradually eliminate works from this list until you are left with only a small selection of your favorites. This will certainly make your decision much easier.

10. Get the art you truly love

Ultimately, buying art is all about you! This should never be forgotten amidst all the other aspects. In the end, the only thing that matters is whether you love your new artwork. Considerations such as whether it's a contemporary piece, by a well-known artist, from a prestigious gallery, highly regarded by experts, expensive, or in line with current trends, or none of the above, are completely secondary.

Choose a piece of art that evokes positive feelings in you and makes a special contribution to your well-being – whether in your home, office, practice, or wherever you place it. Find something that inspires you and with which you can form a connection.

So if you're going to spend a lot of money on art, then buy something you really love!