Where to Buy Original Art Online (And How to Choose the Right Piece)

Buying original art online can feel a bit daunting, especially when you’re investing in something you can’t see in person.

The good news is that it’s never been easier to discover and buy artwork from around the world. Whether you’re looking for a statement piece for your home or something smaller to start a collection, there are a few key places to look, and a few things worth knowing before you buy.

Discovering Artists on Social Media

For many people, the search for art starts on platforms like Instagram and Pinterest.

These platforms are ideal for discovering artists whose work you connect with - whether that’s through colour, style or subject matter. Pinterest in particular is useful if you’re starting with a space in mind, as you can search for things like “abstract art for living room” or “blue artwork for coastal interiors” and see how art is used in real spaces.

If you come across an artist you love, it’s always worth taking the time to visit their website. Most artists now sell directly, and this is often where you’ll see their full range of available work.

Buying Direct from an Artist

Buying directly from an artist has become increasingly common, and it offers a more personal and transparent experience.

You’re able to:

• view the full body of available work
• understand the ideas and process behind the pieces
• ask questions about size, materials or placement

Many artists also share work on their website that isn’t available elsewhere, including smaller studies, experimental pieces or new releases.

For collectors, buying direct can feel like a more meaningful way to purchase - knowing exactly where the work has come from and having a direct connection to the artist behind it.

Buying Through Galleries (Local and Online)

Galleries continue to play an important role in the art world and can be a great way to discover new artists.

Local galleries allow you to see work in person, understand scale more clearly and get a feel for how a piece sits in a space. For many buyers, especially when purchasing larger works, this can be a valuable part of the process.

Online galleries such as Saatchi Art and The Online Art Gallery make it easy to browse a wide range of artists, compare styles, sizes and price points. While platforms like Saatchi Art feature artists globally, The Online Art Gallery focuses specifically on Australian artists, which can be helpful if you’re looking to buy locally.

One thing that often surprises buyers is how gallery pricing works. Galleries typically take a significant commission on each sale, which is built into the price of the artwork. This is how galleries are able to curate work, promote artists and connect it with collectors.

If you discover an artist through a gallery, it generally makes sense to purchase through that gallery, as they’ve played a role in bringing the work to you.

If you’ve discovered an artist through their social media and connected with a particular piece, it’s worth visiting the artist’s own website. This gives you a clearer view of their available work and ensures you’re buying directly from the artist’s studio.

Ultimately, the best approach is the one you feel most comfortable with. Some collectors prefer the structure and support of a gallery, while others enjoy the direct connection that comes from working with an artist one on one.

Buying directly from an artist can also offer a more personal experience, with the opportunity to ask questions and understand the work in more depth before making a decision. No one knows the work better than the artist themselves.

What to Look for Before You Buy

Once you’ve found work you like, there are a few practical things to consider before making a decision.

Experience and consistency

Look for an artist with an established body of work. This doesn’t necessarily mean decades of exhibitions, but a clear sense of direction and consistency can give you confidence in what you’re buying.

Size and scale

One of the biggest challenges when buying art online is understanding how it will look in your space. Always check dimensions carefully and look for images of the work displayed in a room where possible.

Materials and finish

Is the work on paper or canvas? Is it framed or unframed? These details affect both the final look and how the artwork will be displayed.

Shipping and delivery

Shipping is an important consideration, particularly for larger works.

Many artists offer:

• flat shipping for smaller works on paper
• rolled canvas for larger pieces, which can reduce international shipping costs
• insured and trackable delivery

Rolled works can be stretched or framed locally, which is often a practical option for international buyers.

Why Buying Original Art Is Different

Original art brings something to a space that reproductions can’t. Each piece is one of a kind, with its own texture, detail and presence.

It’s not just about filling a wall, it’s about choosing something that adds character, depth and a sense of individuality to your home.

Over time, many collectors find that the works they choose reflect different stages, places and experiences, which is part of what makes living with art so rewarding.

Viewing Available Works

If you’re exploring original abstract art, you can view my current available works here, including smaller studies and larger statement pieces.

Each work is created in my Brisbane studio and shipped worldwide.

View Original Paintings | View Textile & Woven Works