Once you start setting up a new home, chances are good you'll discover lots of pesky empty wall space that needs filling. I love browsing galleries for original art, but I admit that extra step of contacting them for availability and prices often stops me in my tracks (as do the price tags themselves). I love sites that give it to me straight.
We've done lists of online art resources before, but it's never too soon for another round up. The following ten websites fall somewhere between sites that sell affordable prints, and galleries with artwork that lists in the thousands. If you're just starting a collection, this is a great place to start.
1. Etsy: Look for both new and vintage works are here. It's a bit daunting at first, but once you start working your way through listings, there's no doubt you'll find something you like and can afford. Don't forget to mark your favorites for later. Shown above: Planes by Julie Bonafay, $40.
2. Artstream: Online shop for the Artstream gallery, featuring a small selection of works from emerging and established artists.
Ice Shelf by Amy Ruppel, $225
3. UGallery: Emerging and mid-career artists apply to be a part of this online gallery. You can try out artwork for a week to see if you like it.
Boston Leap by Leslie Morgan, $400
4. Zatista: A site that wants buying art to be easy. There are multiple ways to search their extensive selection.
The View by Lesley Spanos, $125
5. Buy Some Damn Art: Started by Art Hound blogger Kate Singleton. Each Tuesday she introduces a new selection of exclusive pieces from up-and-coming artists.
The Fuss by Jenn Smith, $350
6. Lumas: Hand-signed limited edition photographs, with a special section for young artists new to the art scene.
Untitled I by Matthias Heiderich, $530
7. Sebastian Foster: Sebastian Foster offers contemporary art from his Austin-based gallery. He also runs Poster Cabaret.
Stan and Clive by Elizabeth Bauman, $250
8. The Beholder: Connects collectors with artists via the power of the internet. Work from 70 artists is searchable by price and size.
Day Seventeen by Kristine Rolke Smith, $650
9. Lost Art Salon: A fine art collection of over 7,000 works from the 20th Century. Most paintings are priced under $1,000 and most likely come framed.
Canyon d Chelly II by Rob Delamater, $585
10. eBay: This is another wader site, which will take time out of your busy day. But you can find great undervalued stuff, and often times it will already be framed.
Our Town by James Richter, $695 or best offer
(Images: As credited above)
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Thanks for this post. Very useful!
A very timely post since I just moved into a house, thank you!
I'm a little surprised that 20X200.com was not on this list. They sell prints and not originals but still very affordable nonetheless.
http://www.20x200.com/
Thanks for these tips. I've also had some success with artistrising.com.
What are the best search times for ebay art browsing? Particularly if you want it to come framed?
* search terms
I just discovered society6.com today and thought they'd be listed here. It's a great site for inexpensive prints.
Another excellent source is Art.com - everything from classics to emerging artists. Top notch in house framing services make the process very simple.
Happy Hunting!
@ANDYMAC73 You beat me to the punch. 20x200 should be near the top of this list.
This is awesome--thank you! I tried to look for art on Etsy...that was kind of painful.
Great post.
"an empty wall space that needs filling" ??
"the price tags are a bit daunting"??
Do you even know how paintings are made? If you want an artist's work, it would be nice to pay for her time, materials AND creativity if it's her profession. Otherwise, go to IKEA and buy something big that matches your sofa!
I suggest dailypainters.com. It is all original art (paintings) and some of the prices are very affordable.
I am impressed with this list, as I am VERY familiar with etsy, and have been a long time ebayer.
I am a HUGE fan of incorporating art. I've been dreaming of where I'm going to hang what.
I also suggest that if someone wants to get in on the ground floor of some artists, who are usually VERY flexable on price, that they go to their local colleges gallery and reach out to the students. You never know what gems you can find. Plus it will be such a personal boost to the artist. (I was going to say young artist, but not all college students are young! :D )
Thanks so much for the mention! It's great to be placed alongside sites that are passionate about art and supporting artists.
suggestion: Dan McCarthy.org
Jess13, unless I don't get what you're saying, I think you've misunderstood sistervashti's comment.
I've found some great pieces on ebay, but it can be overwhelming. Once you find the ebay sellers dealing in the type of pieces you like, though, it's not so bad; just check out their listings every once in a while.
@SisterVashti @Jess13 @J_White - IMO, it would behoove some people to understand that when people balk at these prices, it isn't because they undervalue or do not appreciate the artist and his or her creativity and effort; it's because art is subjective and there is no tangible guide to determining what is fair to pay an artist for his or her work. There is simply what one can afford. And I can tell ya - a great deal of people cannot justify $1,000 for a painting.
...as the title says, we are looking at ORIGINAL artwork. Sites such as 20x200 and society6 (and, as someone suggested, IKEA) sell affordable PRINTS of original artwork and are great at what they're doing.
If you care about owning an affordable, one of a kind original, look no further than to the list above, a great way to support artists and their work.
Thanks for the list!
www.omgposters.com
Www.inprnt.com
www.jamesjean.com
Not all original, but different
This is awesome. I have been replacing all my prints/lithographs with original paintings recently. Such a big difference that makes to a room. Good thing I never got into hanging up posters *shivers*
Prints are a fantastic option for a lot of people, but for those looking for originals that won't break the bank there are plenty of options if you know where the look. Kudos to the authors for providing these resources and including my site www.buysomedamnart.com! : )
I'd add these sites to the list:
https://www.enormoustinyart.com/
http://www.kindergallery.com/ (art for kids)
http://www.kurated.com/
http://www.saatchionline.com/
Thanks for this great article! I'm so happy to see my painting, The Fuss, included. As an artist, my goal is to make buying art a fun and easy experience. Kate at Buy Some Damn Art is awesome to work with, and I also love selling via my Etsy shop, Upper Tiny.
Thanks to everyone who supports up and coming artists! :)
Thanks AT for a useful post, I just wish comments were used for useful discussion rather than veiled self-promotional and self-congratulatory (can we please stop with the all caps, people?) posts. I don't have much more constructive to say other than that, I just miss the days on AT when comments were lively, less calculated, and more informative.
Shukaide, I do NOT feel that ANYTHING you said was constructive at ALL, merely a late night rant that was to make others feel insignificant and YOU to feel superior.
There was NO need to get snarky over a PERFECTLY nice, helpful posting of comments. Congrats to ALL the cool websites and the artists that were showcased in this post.
@Kathryn123
Thanks so much for the dailypainters.com link! What an awesome collection! And actually affordable too.
@KBMatters - was going to write the same thing. Original artwork is different from prints of original artwork. Some people are not really interested in prints which makes this post very useful.
Loving all of these, I especially like the minimalist photos in #6. great use of negative space and composition. This site has some really cool art, came across them a little while back www.pixel-prints.com Thinking of using a few if their pieces for a project.
What do people think of the art lease concept as an affordable way to hang original artwork at home or work? I have a friend who used an art lease consultancy in Chicago -- https://www.facebook.com/RevolvingCollectionsGallery -- and she had a really great experience working with them. I like the idea of being able to re-curate or rotate the artwork on a annual or bi-annual basis. I'm curious what others think of this concept?
I have been selling my small drawings on ebay for 5 years now and the best times to browse for any art is Sunday from 12 to 6. Really good work (like mine) at low prices can be found on ebay, you just have to do a lot of searching.
http://www.bazart.com/en/ Discover carefully selected artists and works at affordable prices with free worldwide shipping
Don't forget Cureeo.com!
www.cureeo.com
For time-poor art lovers who know what they're looking for, www.artfuly.com gives an almost instant selection e.g. 'under $200' or 'under $100 and features red and blue' or 'between 1.5 and 2m wide' - search in any way you like and then animate the art into a virtual room. A site that wants buying art to be easy, delivery to the door and try if for a week for free!