You might have been an art lover for many years, but there’s nothing more exciting than finally purchasing your first piece of art and beginning a collection of your very own.
With online technology making it easier than ever to make purchases on the internet, we no longer have to spend hours trawling around galleries and art exhibitions seeking interesting pieces of art to add to our own collections as we can now browse for a plethora of stunning artwork from established and emerging new artists from the comfort of our own homes.
So, if you’re a first timer looking to buy your first piece of art at home, follow our five-step guide and begin to build your own collection without having to leave the house.
Step 1 – Set a budget and stick to it
Before you start looking online at artwork, it’s essential that you look at your finances and agree on a budget for your first piece of art.
It’s easy to be tempted to spend more than you can afford to when you spot a piece that you love, but it’s better to stick to your initial budget to ensure that you don’t get in too deep and regret the decision later on down the line.
If you aren’t able to get your hands on the funds straight away, Art2Arts are pleased to offer ten months interest-free credit through Arts Council England’s own art interest-free loan scheme.
You can purchase any artwork on the site between £100 – £2500 and spread the cost over ten monthly instalments, making it a cost-effective way of purchasing your first piece of art.
Step 2 – Identify reputable art sales websites
There are several art sales websites available online but do your research on which sources are the most reputable before you part with any of your hard-earned cash.
Some websites aren’t all that they seem, and you may fall victim to scam websites where you’ll receive poor quality ‘art’ or in some cases, nothing at all after placing your order.
A good online art dealer will be able to provide you with customer testimonials, a good Trust Pilot rating, a returns policy and in some cases a finance option to help you purchase your first piece of art.
Beware of any online auction sites that don’t specifically deal in art, antiques or collectables when you’re browsing the internet as this can be a hotbed for fakes and replicas. It’s also very difficult in some circumstances to get back in touch with the seller if you’re not 100% satisfied with your purchase, so it’s better to be cautious and go with an online art dealer who has a good reputation.
Step 3 – Choose your first piece
There’s no hard and fast rule when it comes to purchasing your first piece of art, so whatever you choose make sure that it fits into the space you’ve chosen to display your artwork at home, suits your budget and works well with your current décor.
The most important thing to think about when selecting your first piece of art is that you enjoy looking at it, after all, it’s going to be a focal point in your home for many years to come so make sure you choose a piece you simply can’t live without.
Step 4 – Check delivery, guarantees and returns policies
Before you place your order online, double check the following items to make sure that you’re making the right decision.
Delivery – All good online art shops will offer a good quality delivery service to ensure that your art reaches you in pristine condition. Many will use tried and trusted couriers who offer insurance to transport your purchase, so don’t be afraid to ask on how your purchase will be getting to you.
Guarantees – Certificates of authenticity are a must when purchasing artwork, so you should insist that anything you are buying comes with this type of guarantee to avoid buying poor quality replicas.
Returns – All good online art dealers will offer their customers a full refund or credit note should they not be 100% satisfied with their new purchase. Regardless of if you have ordered a piece of art that doesn’t fit your space as expected or even if you think you’ve made the wrong choice, a good returns policy can give you total peace of mind when purchasing your first piece.
Step 5 – Sit back and enjoy!
Once your art has arrived and you’re happy with your purchase, there’s nothing more to do than hang your piece and sit back and admire it. Having the first piece of your collection adorning your walls at home is a wonderful feeling, so take a moment to appreciate it before planning your next piece!
