These days, you can buy pretty much anything online, and art is no exception. There is an almost staggering range of artworks in a variety of styles and mediums available online, many at a fraction of the cost you may expect to pay for great art.
Like any other kind of online shopping, there can be potentially pitfalls in buying art online, and certain hacks to make sure you get the best deal. Let’s take a look at the top 5 tips for buying that amazing piece of art online.
1. Know How To Filter
When browsing through art sites like ipicasso you will be confronted with an amazing amount of choice. Therefore, it is important to be clear on what type of art you are looking for from the outset in order narrow down your search.
Depending on the site, you will be able to filter your search based on:
• Style of Art
• Subject
• Colors
• Size
• Medium
• Budget
Before you start your search in earnest, do a little research into the styles and subjects of art you like – do you want something impressionist, modern, or something else? Think about the space you have to hang your piece of art – what are the minimum and maximum dimensions that will fit your space? Be sure to set your budget and have a clear idea of this in advance.
2. Research Authenticity
Every piece of art you buy should come with a Certificate of Authenticity. This is an official, signed document which proves that the work is authentic. When looking to buy art online, always check this certificate will be included with your purchase.
If buying an original piece of art it is also a good idea to do some research about the artist and the work. Thanks to the wealth of information available online these days, you can use the internet to learn more to ensure you make an informed purchasing decision.
3. Check Shipping and Insurance
Another important part of buying art online is how it will be handled and shipped. Art works are extremely delicate, so you want to be sure they will be handled appropriately and arrive to you in perfect condition. Before you place your order, carefully check the shipping and how the art will be handled. For high-end pieces, art should always be shipped by a professional company which specialises in handling art.
You will also want to check the applicable insurance: the shipping company should have insurance in place which will cover your art in case anything happens during shipping or delivery. A final thing to keep in mind is duties and taxes. Depending on the value, art works may be subject to duties which you will need to pay if coming from another country. These charges will be applied by the customs authority in your country generally in coordination with the shipping agent, and is something you should consider when calculating costs.
4. Match the Work to Your Décor
Before you make your final decision on what art you will buy, think about how it will fit into your current décor. A new piece of art can certainly transform a space, but you still want it to work well with what is already there. Don’t buy colours or styles which will clash or detract from the furniture and décor pieces which you already have in the space.
Having said that, you do not need your art to completely match everything else in the room: a piece which is a contrast to other décor can make a dramatic statement, when done well. Equally, an artwork can introduce something which is missing from the space, such as a splash of colour. Consider your current décor and what it needs to go to the next level when looking to buy a piece of art.
5. Ask Questions
Buying from an online seller doesn’t have to mean you forego the normal advantage of being able to ask questions. A piece of art is something that you will look at every day, so you want to make sure that you make the right decision!
Most sites have a customer service team who are also art experts, and will happily answer your questions over the phone, email or chat. This can be very useful if you are almost ready to make a decision but are not sure if a certain piece of art is for you, or if you have questions or concerns about shipping, authentication or anything else in the process.
Buying art online doesn’t have to be a minefield. By following these simple tips and advice, you will find this a seamless process to get a piece of art that you love.
More info: ipicasso.co.uk
