5 Affordable Artists Whose Work I Absolutely Love and You Need to Know Now

Joan Satero via Brick Alley Co.

I’ve always loved abstract artwork, but I struggled for a long time to source oversized, original pieces that didn’t cost thousands of dollars. I then was introduced to Brick Alley Co., a vintage shop that sells (both in person and online) secondhand goodies of all kinds, including a ton of affordable, original artwork. When browsing the site for the first time, I was immediately drawn to artist Joan Satero’s pieces, and I’ve accumulated quite the collection of her art over the past several years. My favorite Joan piece is the gigantic canvas painting that I’ve hung above my sofa — it spans the entire length of my loveseat. A statement-maker, this artwork will come with me wherever I go next. For reference, this gargantuan piece cost me less than $700, which, I think, is perfectly reasonable for something handmade that’s one-of-a-kind and this large.

Elle Yount Atelier

Elle Yount’s pieces are so charming and are perfect for the abstract art lover who also appreciates all things Greco-Roman and Old World European. Many of Yount’s paintings feature bust sculptures, for example. I also have a beautiful Leaning Tower of Pisa piece that Elle made and love how it came in a stunning gold frame, which really makes the art pop. If you’re not in the market for one of her originals, she also sells prints of several of her pieces, which start at just $40.

Jimmy Thompson

I discovered Jimmy Thompson’s pieces while stalking a friend’s Instagram page and coming across a stunning black and white sketch of his I just had to have. Fast-forward a couple of months, and one of Jimmy’s pieces was gracing my own apartment walls; it’s an original sketch of a nude figure sitting atop a mantel, which I found to be incredibly fitting, given how much I love both black-and-white figure drawings and fireplaces! Jimmy will often market his sketches on Instagram, but he also has an entire website of available originals, prints, and more. He often draws restaurant or city scenes and has plenty of colorful works, too, if bright hues are more your thing!

Blair Staky

Blair Staky hails from Denver and sells gorgeous abstract pieces. I’ve accumulated quite a few of her canvases and paper works over the years. (I had actually first become familiar with her many years ago through her popular lifestyle blog, “The Fox and She!”). Like some of the other artists featured here, Staky offers both originals and prints in her shop, and her works range from muted in tone to extremely bright and colorful as well. I got this green-and-white piece of hers framed in a float mount style, where you can see the rough edges of the paper, so that it really pops.

Johnathan Hallgrey

I came across Johnathan Hallgrey selling some of his work in Central Park (he’s posted up there often on weekends!) and left with one of his equestrian prints, which is so colorful and charming. The good news for you: Hallgrey has a website, too, and you can snag one of his pieces no matter where you live. I scooped up the “Lady on a Zebra” piece because I loved its whimsy, but plenty of other styles exist to choose from, say, if you prefer portraits.