Buy works of art online - 10 essential tips for your art purchase online

Since you came across this article, I take it, you are doing art as well as me: a room is simply not completely without at least a small piece of art.

Completely regardless of our tastes regarding design, style and decoration, we definitely agree that a work of art gives every room in an apartment, in the office or in public facilities a very special shine.

If we turn the Watches affordable art extremely difficult to decorate our own four walls.

Sales on the art market and the art trade took place almost exclusively through high-doped art auctions or renowned galleries. What is of course not reprehensible per se, however, limited access to the art market to a small, elite group of financially strong players.

This fact has changed tremendously in recent years. With the triumphal march of the World Wide web and nationwide broadband internet, more and more traditional galleries have made it available to make their works available for purchase online to an interested public.

At the same time, more and more pure online galleries that only drive their works on the network. Due to the increased competition and the significantly lower costs for online marketing, we benefit as potential buyers and interested parties, in which the acquisition of art generally has become significantly more affordable.

Another very positive development through the Internet is the fact that artists and creatively creative now have a direct channel available for potential buyers, patrons and sponsors. The bill, we can now enjoy a huge and colorful variety of all kinds of works on the net, and at completely different prices.

So you can say that there is now the right offer for every taste and wallet. Among them are creative works by previously unknown artists as well as works by renowned and long -established sizes of their genre. You can find unique items , limited prints , reproductions and facsimiles .

Modern sculptures, oil paintings and acrylic pictures of the Kunstgalerie event type

A representative who skillfully implemented the concept of fusion of offline and online offering is the Dresden art gallery event- the artificers . Since 2003, they have consistently specialized in online retail with modern art in parallel to their inpatient presence in the state capital of Saxony.

In addition to high -quality, current and diverse artistic work, your customer -oriented service is one of the unique selling points. The art -loving customer is accompanied by the selection to safe shipping.

A service -oriented approach of this kind is also necessary, because it is about creating a solid trust in relation to the customer in the initially anonymous business relationship via the Internet. This is an important cornerstone in general when buying online and probably even more important when purchasing works of art on the net.

After all, it is also about more money than shopping a new couple shoes . Furthermore, the purchase of art is often a very emotional and personal matter in which direct contact between prospective customer and provider is essential.

Trust through quality and reliability - this is almost an exemplary of the artists from an event with their symbiosis of contemporary online trade and the classic exhibition in a gallery. As a demanding artist, you not only have the option of conveniently selecting art pictures, sculptures and graphics in front of the computer and buying them directly, but also to be examined directly in Dresden on site.

So that you are now optimally prepared and equipped for the purchase of art via the Internet, we would like to give you the following, elementary tips ...

Buy works of art online - the most important tips

1. Start with a plan

Before you go on the way and keep an eye out for all kinds, you should first go within you and think about what you want at all. At the latest at the point when you can't get any further and you may be asked by a gallery owner or curator for your precise introduction, it can be difficult.

If you are still new in the world of art and maybe not yet really familiar with the very own vocabulary and the rules of design, colors and aesthetics, then a good starting point would be the consideration of the intention that is behind your wish to get a work of work.

You may already have a very specific space in your apartment, which you want to upgrade or beautify it. Then what about the furnishings and decoration in the room ? Which colors are dominant and what would go well with it? How big should the work of art be?

What are the maximum dimensions so that the work still fits the planned place? Would you prefer a painting for the wall or a standing sculpture ? Are there certain motifs and topics that have been particularly taken with it?

All of these are considerations that help them enormously and let them mature in them even before searching on the Internet. This will be of great value in the further course.

So take your time for it, let the ideas mature, talk to family and friends about it and be open to new inspiration.

Once you have a clear picture in front of your spiritual eye, it no longer plays a major role whether you are a great art connoisseur or not. You can then clearly communicate what you want and what you imagine.

2. Set your budget

In order not to get financially into the bredouille in the end, you should set your budget in advance. How much can and do you want to spend the maximum of the object of your desire? Be relatively concrete when formulating your financial scope and definitely define a fixed upper limit.

While works of well -known artists are mostly in the four -digit price segment, they already get works from newcomers and emerging artists for around 500 euros. But even for a budget of 100 euros, there can be a wealth of beautiful art on the net.

If you have already shot yourself at a specific artist, you should take a look at all available works and editions. Depending on the edition (original/unique or limited pressure) as well as size, there are usually significant tension in terms of price.

3. Research Part 1 - Information about works and artists

You now have your basic structure together to start looking. At the beginning of their research, the topics, motifs, type of art or the artist themselves should be.

For example, do you have preferences in terms of art direction, colors, style, motifs or topics ? For example, do acrylic images and oil paintings prefer other directions? Do you also like landscape painting and portraits or more on abstract or even surrealistic motifs? You can use all of this as a starting point for your online research.

If you are still unsure about this, you are also welcome to take a look at our online gallery and the categories listed in it. This may help you classify your preferences and your individual taste.

Furthermore, the search for one or more concrete artists also makes sense. In addition to the descriptions on the gallery pages, there are a number of other useful contact points that have a wealth of useful and interesting facts and information about the man behind the work.

In particular, this includes in addition to the artist's homepage - which generally provides insights into the curriculum vitae, biography and the career - social media such as Instagram , Facebook and Pinterest, as well as large art magazines that, like a kind of directory, lead to numerous information, data and facts (e.g. Artnet, Artsy, ...). There you will find things such as exhibition history, current exhibitions, collections, list of works, awarded awards and much more.

This process of dealing with the art and the author behind it also has the positive side effect that on an emotional level they develop a deeper access and a higher level (partly up to an intimate form of) familiarity.

And isn't the magic of art enjoyment justified in the diversity and the complexity of the works and its creators? In my opinion, this cannot develop when passing or briefly overflowing.

4. Research Part 2 - Make trustworthy providers

After you are aware of what kind of art you are looking for, the "where?" be clarified. After a short search on Google, a whole wealth of online galleries will catch your eye.

I can already recommend the big providers such as the art makers , Lumas , Singulart , Ars Mundi , Argato and in the international environment Saatchi Art , Artsy , Absolut , Uprise Art , Artgallery , The Artling and Artfinder .

In addition, it is helpful to look for press reports, experience reports or forum discussions about the provider. Seals such as Trusted Shops or Shopvote provide important information here and show the satisfaction of previous customers.

Other quality features are of course customer service and the type and scope of support when buying online. For example, if you have telephone advice or even an inpatient presence for a conversation in four eyes, this is a confidence -building point. The selection and compilation of the works can also be important. Was this curated by relevant experts or do artists hire their work themselves and largely autonomously?

Another indication of the seriousness of a gallery can be your connections with art exhibitions, trade fairs and artistic organizations.

As a thumb rule in the event that you are not sure whether you want to give your trust in a certain online gallery or not, you should look for another provider in case of doubt.

Authenticity certificates

If you buy works of art on the Internet, you should always make sure that this is accompanied by a corresponding certificate of authenticity, which was signed by the artist. This is an important document that confirms the authenticity of the work. You can find information on this for all common online galleries - usually within the description of the artwork.

5. Use filters, search functions and contact options at the provider

At the moment you will probably have a small number of online galleries and providers. Now you can refine your search by using the existing functions such as search filters, categories, collections and other groups or sorting of works within the online presence.

Often the search results can then be narrowed down using a price range, region, according to medium, style, colors, size, artists, etc. The works found can often be displayed in a certain order. These functions make the search much easier.

Recommendations on the part of the provider in the person of experts or curators can also be helpful when choosing the right exhibit.

And if you do not get ahead with the search functions, simply contact an employee of the provider. This is the fastest possible using a contact form, email or with a short call.

6. Ask questions

With the topic of contact, we would be already at the next point: Question all questions that burn you on your soul. Do not hesitate to use the gallery's contact and service offers when things are unclear or you need help.

The art trade is a consulting -intensive industry by house, in which a variety of information and factors play in the purchase decision. Of course, this is also aware of the galleries and therefore they are also well prepared for personal contact and dealing with many questions by potential interested parties. After all, in most cases it is also about stately amounts. Use this offer!

Just because you buy online does not have to be that you have to do without an expert council and professional service. also be available to you with every serious art gallery on the Internet In addition, numerous frequently asked questions are already clarified in so-called FAQs, help sections or online guide articles (How-to`s).

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

Art purchase is usually a considerable investment that wants to be carefully considered. You should therefore be safe when making a purchase decision and have a good feeling. If certain doubts are not yet cleared, then you should leave a little time with the decision and critically question what is still bothering you.

The story behind the work ...

The question of the story behind a picture or a sculpture is often exciting for works of art. With relative security, this will not have been created in the air empty and have a very individual history of origin.

For example, imagine that you receive a visit to your apartment with a newly acquired work of art and this inspires a spontaneous conversation. Perhaps you are then asked "What is the meaning of this picture?", "What did the artist think?", Or "What does this picture want to tell us?" .

Wouldn't it then be wonderful that you could give an exciting story for the best and shine with one or the other exciting fact? Art can be a wonderful door opener for lively and multi -layered conversations.

7. Shipping, transport & insurance - check the conditions

You should not underestimate this aspect. After all, you want to quickly hold the object of your desire in your hands. Transport damage and annoying disputes with senders and logistics companies are true party killers. Therefore, clarify which transport options and conditions are available in advance.

When transporting expensive art, you should only trust professionals who know the special features and pitfalls of this business. It is recommended for a value of several hundred euros or above it also a corresponding transport insurance in the event that there is damage or completely loss of the shipment.

Depending on the size and type of artwork, this may also incur costs that you should factor into your purchasing considerations. Some works, such as unframed art prints, can be shipped relatively easily rolled up in tubes, while large-format paintings with heavy art frames are considerably more cumbersome. Heavy sculptures also pose one or two challenges for logistics providers, which are naturally mirrors .

International shipping

The art world also grows unstoppably through the Internet and through modern shipping solutions and offers, practically every work can be sent to almost any place in the world. So if you are flirting with an international gallery, a longer delivery time and the regulations in relation to import, customs & Co. come into play at the transport costs.

Speak to the provider that he will certainly help you with shipping, transport , insurance and import.

8. Familiarize yourself with the return guidelines

It is in the nature of online purchase to keep the product in the hands of it only after the purchase and payment. Of course, it can happen that the reality does not quite meet expectations and that you could then be disappointed with receipt.

In such a case, a return right is worth gold. Most trustworthy online galleries, of course, know from the fact that artwork can sometimes only be judged by photos on the Internet and, accordingly, generally offer return options if not fallen.

A look at the return guidelines should be taken before the purchase and not only when the emergency occurs. That can protect from some frustration. Is the return transport of the gallery carried or does the customer have to pay for it? Are there certain conditions to which a return is coupled? etc. ...

9. Take your time with your decision

As already indicated in the previous points a few times, I would like to respond to the importance of taking time until the purchase decision. Works of art are complex objects that are often recorded on several levels and are understood. At the same time, your own taste, the context and emotional aspects play an overarching role.

So do not break your decision over the knee and slowly let thoughts mature. Your gut feeling will tell you when you are ready to make nails with heads.

Professional tip: Favorite lists

Online galleries often offer the possibilities favorites lists or notes and saving favorite works in them. So you can use your lists at any time and compare the works in it. If this function is not offered by house, you can also use the bookmark function of your browser or one of the many apps and browser extensions.

With this approach you can gradually collect interesting specimens. Later you can gradually sort out of works from this list until in the end you only have a small selection of your favorite pieces. Then you will find the decision much easier.

10. Get the art you really love

In the end, buying art is primarily about you! You should never lose sight of that in all the other aspects. The bottom line is the only thing that matters, the fact whether you love your new work of art. Completely subordinate are then considered whether it is a contemporary work, it comes from a well -known artist, comes from a renowned gallery, is particularly valued by experts, is expensive or corresponds to a current fashion or nothing.

Choose the work that creates positive feelings in you and makes a special contribution to your well -being - whether in your own apartment, in the office, practice, or wherever you place it. Find something that inspires you and to which you can establish a connection.

So if you already spend a lot of money on art, you also buy something that you really love!