Bay Area decorator Alison Johnston has helped many, many clients purchase art for their homes. But not everyone has the time, access, or budget to makes gallery purchases so buying art online is a terrific option. But where does one go to buy art online?! Here Alison shares her expert resources.
Do you know the two rules for buying art? “Do you like it?” And “Can you afford it?” Stop worrying about making a mistake! If you answered ‘YES’ to both of these questions, it’s the right piece for you!
The internet gives us incredible access to artists. Here are some of my favorite sites for real art at great prices. I’ve selected mostly abstract pieces, but shop away … there are many more traditional options as well. And don’t miss my HOT TIP for hanging art at the bottom of the post!
Let’s start with a familiar retail site. Serena and Lily is known for their coastal chic style. But did you know they carry real art (paintings and photography)? They have curated an excellent group of artists and everything is an original! Of course I picked all their blue pieces.
Minted also carries original art (yes, the invitation site!). But one of my favorite things about Minted is the customized sizing of their prints. You can choose the size and they will even show it to you on a wall so you get an idea of the scale. They also provide framing options!! These are a few of my favorites.
I love the bold colors of the Strata series.
Abstract landscapes your thing? How about this one?
I love the color scheme of this print. I could build a whole room around this!
For a taste of the funky, I love the selections at Scout Design out of Dallas. They carry that perfect conversation piece that can liven up an office or a family room. I want a series of these ‘The Library is Open’ book sculptures for my dining room.
Wouldn’t this butterfly collage be charming in a guest room?
Rock and Roll and it’s made out of sticky notes! So fun.
Wonderwall Studio is great for larger-scale abstract prints. They also offer several sizes and have a great collection of artists.
I have been following Michelle Armas for years and she has a great collection of abstract prints. These can be done on paper or canvas.
I use Framebridge for framing unusual sizes. If it’s a normal-size piece, Target and Pottery Barn have great options.
HOT TIP: How to hang art. Did you know most people hang art too high? The right height is eye level for the middle of the painting. For most people, this means the middle of the painting is in the 5’- 5’8” range.
Enjoy your art shopping! (Mine takes place during endless sports watching with my family. Might as well multi task!)
