For the longest time, only the richest circles of society have been expected to buy art. It has always been a high-end purchase that most people couldn’t afford or understand. However, with the emergence of online art galleries and marketplaces, the narrative is gradually transforming. These places have led to a surge in digital art sales by lifting reservations around collecting art and how it is meant only for the rich.

If you are one of those new art collectors who want to buy art for the first time online but have never done it before, here are some reasons to start now. Today, we will discuss the advantages of buying art online. We will also explore how it differs from the traditional gallery experiences and how to make the best of it in this digital era.

Advantages of Buying Online Art

In 2023, the online art market roughly made $12 billion globally, which is almost double the figures in 2019. The statistics show a rise in the preferences for buying art online and here are some of the reasons that made it possible:

Vast Global Selection 

Before the online art market took off, very few artists had access to art galleries in their local vicinity and it also limited the options for buyers. However, online markets have brought together artists from all over the world and enabled them to sell artworks beyond borders. This has not only given more diverse choices to buyers, but they can also get the best of every country, genre, and style.

Buy At Your Own Convenience 

Just like every e-commerce platform you get the flexibility to buy art at your own convenience and time when shopping online. Some of these platforms even offer virtual viewing experiences so you can get an idea of what these artworks would look like on your walls. You don’t need to coordinate with the gallery timings anymore and can view, admire, and buy paintings online whenever you are ready. No more sellers running after you with their best-ever sales pitch, pressurizing you into buying artwork you don’t want to– perfect for introverts!

Competitive Prices and Transparency

With so many art galleries and marketplaces taking the digital route, buyers now have more sellers they can visit to buy art online. We all know that with the application of basic economic rules, a rise in supply leads to a decline in prices. The sellers have become more flexible and are willing to offer competitive rates with complete transparency. You can find all the details about the artwork such as the medium, year of completion, artist details, and everything else, right on the seller’s website without having to ask anyone. This allows you to find the right artwork on your own terms, and make price comparisons without having to go through any awkward conversations before the purchase.

You Can Support Emerging Artists

Unlike established galleries, virtual marketplaces have always been more welcoming to emerging artists. Most of these ventures are particularly established to support new talents who need a chance to display their work on a global scale. When you buy art paintings online from these venues, you also support deserving individuals trying to make money as an artist. Not to forget that your chances of finding unique artworks also increase significantly, because their work isn’t mainstream yet.

Flexible Returns and Payment Options

As someone who is buying art for the first time, it is natural to feel confused and unsure. You don’t know what you’ll do if the artwork doesn’t look good in your home or isn’t the right art for your office. However, one of the many perks you get when you buy art online is the flexible returns and payments. If you don’t like a piece of art after receiving it, most places give you the flexibility to return it within a fixed period. You also get to choose between multiple payment options that make your experience smoother. Not just that, some platforms like Artsy also offer options for a buyer to negotiate the price, which significantly bridges the gap between traditional and online methods of buying art.

Tips To Buy Art Online

If it’s your first time buying art online, here are some tips that can help you make better decisions:

• Look for trusted marketplaces like Artsy marketplace that are renowned globally for buying and selling art online. 
• Familiarize yourself with the return policies so you do not end up wasting money on a piece of art you don’t like.
• Do not hesitate to search for more information about the artist. You can send a query to the gallery and also request certificates of authentication for original artwork. 
• Carefully read all the details about the work, including if it’s a print or original work and the number of editions if applicable. 
• Educate yourself about your rights as an art buyer before purchasing anything. It includes insurance coverage, return policies, authenticity, return shipping, etc.

TERAVARNA Makes Buying Art Online Easy

As an online art gallery, TERAVARNA has established its reputation among artists and buyers alike. It recently also launched its own Marketplace that showcases works of artists from different parts of the world, along with global shipping facilities that allow you to access and purchase artworks from any part of the world. It has also been a VIP partner of Artsy which is the most popular names in the online art market. When you come to us, you also get one of the smoothest experiences of buying art with a world-class range of options to choose from, only at TERAVARNA.

It’s a bright, sunny day outside, and you have decided to add a touch of fine artistry to your living room. You have never done this before, but you now want to buy art, and you don’t know where to start. You’re confused about the type of painting you want. Or wait… Do you even want a painting? Or should you go for a photograph instead? Maybe wall art is a better option. But, where will you hang it? What should be the size and color? What should be your budget?

These questions often haunt new art buyers because they don’t know where to start. Running TERAVARNA’s Marketplace, we often receive similar queries from most new art collectors. They are excited, confused, and also a bit lost with so many options available in the market. After catering to numerous such buyers, here are some tips that can help you buy art with more confidence.

Expose Yourself to Fine Art

Buying art, especially the more expensive ones, can be a long-term commitment, so make sure it is worth committing to. In other words, look for something that defines your personal taste. If you haven’t explored much, start browsing the different types of art, such as paintings, photographs, sculptures, prints, etc. Like different types of landscape paintings, different types of portraits, etc. It will expose you to different themes, mediums, and styles, making it easier for you to narrow down your choices.

You can look for virtual art exhibitions or visit brick-and-mortar galleries to communicate with the managers or artists in person. Notice how every artwork makes you feel. Ask yourself if you would be comfortable seeing it hanging in your living room every day. Since art is more about connecting with creativity, let your instincts guide you in finding the right piece of art. 

For those exploring art online, curated platforms such as Singulart can also be a helpful starting point. They allow you to browse a wide range of artworks from international artists, making it easier to discover different styles and refine your preferences from home.

Fix Your Budget

When it comes to the art industry, there is actually no upper limit to the price of fine art. Its price often depends on the artist’s reputation, the time spent on creating it, the materials they used, etc. Hence, there can always be a huge price variation in what you think may be similar-looking pieces of art.

To avoid splurging out of impulse, it’s always best to fix a reasonable budget in advance. Once you have sufficiently explored the type of art you want to buy, think of a price band you are comfortable with. Do not forget to take into consideration the framing costs, installation charges, and shipping as required. 

Remember, you don’t need to spend thousands of dollars when you buy art for the first time. You can find numerous artists within your budget who will be more than happy to sell their work to you. After all, the goal here is to help you embark on your art collection journey. We do not want you to end up regretting your purchase and never be able to afford another piece.

Decide Where You Want to Install It

Knowing where you want to set up your art purchase is as important as buying a good piece of art. Before you start narrowing down your choices further, fix the space where you want to install it. It could be a wall, a shelf, or even a furniture top that you feel may be lacking something. 

Avoid spaces in direct contact with sunlight or something right above your fireplace. The heat can damage the colors or alter the texture of the artwork. Finding the right place will also give you an idea of the dimensions you can look for in the artwork. You do not want something too big to fit or something too small that looks out of place.

Look for the Best Places to Buy Art

In this case, you have two options: buy directly from the artist or buy through a fine art gallery. Both options come with their own set of perks and repercussions. 

Buying from an artist allows you to directly communicate with the creator and learn their perspective on the artwork. Artists are also more open to negotiations in most cases. However, it is often quite difficult to find a genuine artist you would want to buy from. You may also find a lack of options because of the slow creation process and similarity in style. Additionally, if you live far away, they might not be willing to handle the shipping, packaging, insurance, and other charges.

On the other hand, galleries are more accustomed to professionally handling situations where an artist might lag. They offer you a wide range of options from multiple artists, thus expanding your choices. Their assistance in handling additional work like transportation and insurance is also more professional because it’s part of their job.

In recent years, online galleries like Singulart have combined the benefits of both approaches. They offer access to a curated selection of artists while also handling logistics such as shipping, insurance, and customer support, which can make the buying process smoother, especially for first-time collectors.

However, most galleries charge some commission on sales from the artist, which is eventually recovered from the buyer. Hence, the price of an artwork quoted by the galleries is often on the higher end. Also, when it comes to galleries, they are not quite flexible with discounts either. It is because of the professional services they offer with their sales that it isn’t a feasible option for them. Therefore, when looking for the best places to buy art, do not overlook these factors.

Try to Find Out More About the Art Works

If you have managed to find something you like, try to learn more about it. Be it a gallery or the artist, do not hesitate to ask about the technique, paint, material, and other details. Sometimes, if an artwork is too cheap, it could be a print of the artwork instead of the original painting. Always make sure to ask that in advance. Remember, even if the seller is not a scammer, it isn’t exactly their responsibility to tell you that.

Moreover, it is something you are going to place in your personal space and look at every day. Hence, knowing about it in detail will help you appreciate it better. 

Go With Your Instinct

Every person has different expectations when they buy art. It is a personal experience for a reason. Different pieces of art evoke different emotions in every individual, and neither one of them is wrong. You may really like something that has gone out of style or might not hold any resale value. However, unless you are buying it as an investment, these reasons alone should not stop you.

Ask About the Framing, Installations, and Aftercare

Your art shopping doesn’t simply end after choosing an artwork that you want to buy. You must also consider the installation and framing options. If your artwork is already framed, make sure to check its quality and how it complements the artwork. Apart from increasing the life of a painting, a frame’s job is also to complement the artwork. If you are thinking of changing it, consider that cost as well. You can also request the seller to change the frame, and they may do it for a nominal cost.

It is best to find out about your installation options right at the time of purchase. Do not hesitate to ask the seller about their opinion on installations. Given their experience, they would be able to tell you different ways you can install the piece and how to take care of it.  For example, you may not want to wipe it with a wet cloth, lest it ruin the paint.

Negotiate the Terms of Purchase

Never hesitate to negotiate a fair price for the artwork. However, keep it reasonable and make sure it is a civil negotiation. Even if the seller doesn’t agree to offer a discount on the artwork, they might still be willing to do it on shipping and other expenses. Do not forget to ask them about insurance as well. Some galleries offer free insurance on their artworks, while others can easily arrange it for you.

You can also ask them about the return policies in case you change your mind later on. Whatever your final terms are, make sure that you understand everything and get it in writing. Review the written agreement and keep that copy safe with you, along with the invoice. This will avoid any future conflicts and make the purchase as smooth as possible. 

Buy Art For Your Soul, Not For the Trends

Decorating your home or office with your choice of artwork is a wonderful approach to personalizing your space. It can bring a sense of belonging because it matches your taste and, by extension, can also enhance your mood. Therefore, whenever you go to buy art for your home or office, always look for something that satisfies your soul. After all, it will stay with you for several years and should feel like something worth keeping.

Creating a stunning art piece is only half the job. The other half is to promote and market it to potential customers. Although there are numerous ways to showcase your work and gain recognition, persuading your customers to invest in your artwork is always challenging.

Therefore, in this blog we will discuss nine tips for artists to promote their artwork, including through online art contest, collaboration with other artists, and much more. But before that, here’s a quick question:

Can art speak for itself?

Many artists believe that art speaks for itself and don’t feel the need to invest in promotional and marketing tools. Though it’s true that art can transcend all language barriers, sometimes the audience may need to first ‘find’ the artist, and then a little direction from them as well.

Therefore, artists need to find better ways to communicate the hidden message in their work to the audience.

9 Tips To Promote or Market Artwork

Promoting and marketing your work is essential to build your career as an artist. But with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide where to begin. To make it easier for artists, we have compiled a list of nine effective strategies. From leveraging social media to participating in online juried art shows, these tips can help your work garner more attention, ultimately paving the way for your success in the art community.

Understand Target Audience

Many artists may not have clarity about their target audience. Therefore, the first step is to research and analyze ‘who’ the audience is for your artwork. The criteria to define the audience must include their age, interests, gender, qualifications, and other such criteria.

Find Ways to Connect With Prospective Audiences

Once an artist learns about the target audience’s demographics and behavior, it’s time to learn how to reach them. For example – when the audience is available online, the best way to reach them is through social media advertising on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. Similarly, to gain visibility offline, artists can showcase their work on platforms such as art shows, exhibitions, and galleries.

Yet another effective way to reach a wider audience is by networking with other artists and using print media.

Create a Portfolio

Understanding the target audience helps artists find the best channels to connect with them. The next step is to create a professional and well-organized portfolio. It should be both physical and digital that’s created with high-quality prints. An artist’s portfolio should showcase their best pieces and be a brief introduction about them and their artistic style.

Bonus Tip: Creating a portfolio on a website or social media gives an easy way to reach and connect with the right audience.

Engage Your Audience With Stories

Of all the tips provided here, using stories works magically for all artists who need to promote their artwork. There are various ways to engage your audience with a story, such as adding behind-the-scenes anecdotes, talking about art tools, or art tutorials. Posting short videos or posts on platforms including Instagram, Facebook, and Tiktok can help you reach a wider audience too.

While curating social media content, focus on creating a narrative around your artwork so that people can appreciate the effort you put into every piece.

Shift Focus from ‘You’ to Audience

The art process is about artists, but marketing is all about the audience. Therefore, when you promote your work, focus on the audience and their interests. Try to articulate your work accurately so it ultimately appeals to the audience.

Talk About ‘Why’ Anyone Should Buy Your Artwork

As mentioned before, art cannot speak for itself. So, artists must learn how to communicate their work to potential buyers. Instead of focusing on artistic jargon, simplify the creative product’s pros. For instance, a sunset painting can be great as decor, while a handcrafted scarf can be an accessory to an outfit.

Recommend, Not Promote

Very few art lovers will not require any promotion to buy the artwork. So, artists must ensure they cater to this particular category of prospects. Instead of promoting on the website or social media, artists must use recommendations as a promotion tool. It’s free and doesn’t require any rigorous strategy. Artists can recommend their friends, family, and colleagues to share their work or collaborate with other artists.

Network with Other Artists

Networking with other artists and art professionals is an excellent way to gain exposure and build relationships. Artists can attend art shows, exhibitions, and events to connect with curators, gallery owners, and other artists. Artists can also expand their network by joining art organizations and community groups.

Enter Art Competitions

Participating in art competitions and exhibitions is a great way to gain exposure and sell artwork. When a creative piece is selected or wins prizes, it helps an artist establish credibility and get the attention of art curators, collectors, and other professionals. Artists can research local and international art competitions online to find the one that aligns with their style, and submit their artwork.

Wrapping up

Beautiful works can be scrolled or swiped if artists’ promotion tools don’t include any Call-to-action (CTA) buttons or phrases. A common example could be an Instagram post that includes an engaging story around a photograph but doesn’t tell the audience ‘what to do next.’ Ignoring CTAs is an ineffective approach to promoting work online and offline.

So, next time you write a blog post or create a video related to your work, remind your audience to take action. A good CTA may be anything from ‘visit my website’ to ‘support my art.’ Ensure the CTA options are clear so the audience knows how to proceed.

At last, promoting your artwork lets you develop a strong presence and achieve success. Apart from the above tips, artists can also participate in online juried art shows or showcase their work through an international art gallery. If you need further information on how TERAVARNA’s one-of-a-kind juried art competitions can give you an edge to build a successful artistic career, get in touch with us.

All art contests are open to everyone. Participate and let art lovers see the world through your eyes.

Does it boggle your mind too when you hear about an expensive painting being sold for millions of dollars? If you just answered yes to that question, then this blog is going to amaze you even more.

People buy and sell paintings all the time, but only a few manage to reach the league of millions. Most of these paintings are by the old maestros who revolutionized the art world and are now worshipped as pioneers for their contributions. Keep reading to find out about every masterpiece in this list. 

4 Most Expensive Paintings Based on Their Selling Price

Every time painting masterpieces are discussed, the Mona Lisa by Leonardo Da Vinci always manages to steal the show. It was valued at $100 million in December 1962 which makes it $970 million at present — just a little shy of touching a billion.  Now on display at the Louvre, this is not only the most expensive painting in the world but also priceless. Since the Louvre is likely never going to sell it, we have excluded it from the list. Rest assured you are still going to be mind blown nonetheless. 

1. Salvator Mundi- Painted by Leonardo da Vinci

The crown-bearer of the most expensive painting ever sold, this depiction of Jesus was sold for a whopping $450 million. The transaction took place at a Christie’s auction that was held in 2017 by a buyer acting on behalf of a prince of Saudi Arabia. If we take inflation into account, the current value of this painting would roughly come around $507 million. 

An interesting fact about the painting is that it had disappeared for almost 2 centuries before it was rediscovered in 2005. Severely damaged and in urgent need of restoration, it was then sold at a lowkey auction for just $1,175. It is also a very controversial painting because many scholars believe that it might not have been made by Da Vinci alone.

2. Interchange – Painted by Willem de Kooning

This painting has gone down in history as a significant piece of work for various reasons. Standing second in this list, it is still the most expensive contemporary painting. In 1989 it was sold for $20.68 million, which was the then highest price for a living artist’s work. Finally, the painting was bought by David Geffen for $300 million in September 2015.

De Kooning was one of the earliest artists from the abstract expressionism movement and this is his seminal piece. It marks his shift of subjects from women to urban landscape and also a change in his techniques. At present its valuation stands at $350.4 million.

3. The Card Players – Painted by Paul Cézanne

Bought by the Royal Family of Qatar in 2011 for $250 million, it is now valued at $307.8 million. This is another seminal work on this list and a part of five oil painting series of the same name. The other four paintings are on display at different museums in Paris, Philadelphia, London, and New York. This is the only painting out of five, which is privately held.

At the time when it was sold, it was the highest price paid for a piece of art, and is still a proud possession of Qatar.

4. When Will You Marry – Painted by Paul Gauguin

The painting’s original name is ‘Nafea Faa Ipoipo.’ It is one of the first paintings Gauguin created after he went on a trip to Tahiti in 1891. The inspiration taken from Tahitian culture is quite evident in the work. 

The ownership of the painting changed in September 2014 when it was bought for $210 million by a buyer from Qatar. The transaction is considered to be one of the most significant ones in the world. The reason is both the popularity of the work as well as the controversy it attracted. It was claimed to have been sold for $300 million initially. Had that been the truth, it would have become the most expensive painting sold at that time.

Expensive Paintings Are More Than Just About Exorbitant Price

Purchasing pieces of art comes with several reasons attached to it. People collect them for their aesthetic appeal, appearance, sentimental value, or sometimes simply because of the backstory it carries. All of these factors combined can highly influence the price of an artwork. However, given the trends in the past couple of decades, buying art has also become an excellent investment choice. Several platforms have started facilitating the sale of art and TERAVARNA is also a part of one such initiative. We have recently launched our Marketplace that displays works of contemporary artists from around the world. What makes it more appealing is that we are a global platform, thus you can buy their artwork from any corner of the world.