How to Buy Art Online: A Guide for First-Time Buyers

Buying artwork online has become easier than ever.

You can explore artists from across Canada, compare original paintings, discover fine-art prints and find artwork for your home without ever stepping into a traditional gallery. But buying art online is different from seeing a painting in person.

So how do you know what to look for? Here are some things I recommend considering before you make your purchase.

Start by Finding an Artist Whose Work You Like

Before considering price or size, explore the artist’s work.

Look at several paintings rather than judging an artist by a single image.

Do you see a consistent style?

Do the colours appeal to you?

Do the subjects interest you?

Does the artist’s work make you feel something?

If you find yourself repeatedly returning to the same artist’s website, you may have found someone whose work connects with you.

Read the Artist’s Story

One advantage of buying directly from an artist is that you can learn about the person behind the artwork.

Read their artist statement.

Find out what inspires them.

Learn about their creative process.

Look at where they are from and what subjects they paint.

When you’re purchasing original artwork, knowing the story behind the artist can make the experience much more meaningful.

Look Carefully at the Painting

Online photographs can’t completely replace seeing an original painting in person, but good photographs should give you plenty of information.

Look for:

• Overall composition
• Colour
• Brushwork
• Texture
• Detail
• Signature
• Edges of the canvas
• Framing

If the website provides multiple photographs, take advantage of them.

Check the Dimensions

This is extremely important. Don’t rely on your computer screen to judge size. A painting may appear large on your monitor but be much smaller in person.

Write down the actual dimensions and measure that space in your home. You can even use painter’s tape to mark the approximate size on the wall.

Ask About Framing

Find out whether the artwork is:

• Framed
• Unframed
• Ready to hang
• Sold with hanging hardware

If it isn’t framed, ask the artist what type of framing they recommend.

Understand Shipping

Original paintings need to be packaged carefully. Before purchasing, understand how the artwork will be shipped and whether shipping is included in the price.

If you’re purchasing a larger original, ask the artist about their packaging and delivery process.

A professional artist should be happy to explain how your artwork will be protected during shipping.

Ask Questions

One of the biggest advantages of buying directly from an artist is communication. Don’t be afraid to send a message.

You might ask:

“Can you tell me more about this painting?”

“Is this an original?”

“What inspired the painting?”

“Is it framed?”

“What are the exact dimensions?”

“Can you show me what it might look like on a wall?”

These are perfectly reasonable questions.

Don’t Buy in a Hurry

Unless you’re purchasing a piece that you know is likely to sell immediately, take some time.

Save the painting.

Come back later.

Look at it again.

If you still love it, that’s a good sign.

Sometimes the painting you initially notice isn’t the one you’ll ultimately choose.

Buy From a Reputable Artist or Gallery

Look for clear information about the artist and their work. A professional art website should make it easy to find:

• Artist information
• Artwork descriptions
• Dimensions
• Medium
• Pricing
• Contact information
• Shipping information
• Purchase instructions

Transparency helps buyers feel confident.

Enjoy the Experience

Buying art shouldn’t feel like buying a major appliance.

It should feel personal.

Take your time.

Look at the paintings.

Read the stories.

Ask questions.

And when you find the one that makes you stop and look again, you may have found your painting.

Buying Newfoundland Art Online

For people who have moved away from Newfoundland and Labrador, buying artwork online can be an especially meaningful experience. A painting of the Newfoundland coastline can bring a familiar piece of home into another province or another country.

At Route 60 Art, I create original acrylic paintings inspired by the places, landscapes, communities and coastal character of Newfoundland and Labrador. If a particular painting catches your eye, contact me. I’m happy to answer questions, provide additional information and help you decide whether the work is right for you.

Explore Route 60 Art online to discover original Newfoundland paintings and fine-art prints. Browse the collection, contact David with questions, or purchase a work that brings a piece of Newfoundland and Labrador into your home.