About a decade ago, there was a lot of buzz about online art galleries revolutionising the way we discover and buy art.
And they did for some extent.
Whether you're a collector looking to add something special to your home or an artist aiming to share your work with a global audience, online galleries that are accessible anytime and from anywhere offer a lot of advantages.
But are they changing the art world towards a more accessible and democratized one?
Let’s dive into the subject by reviewing the advantages of art platforms and investigating whether they are transforming the art world and if they are the right place for you to buy and sell art.
The Benefits of Online Art Galleries
1. Global Accessibility
With just a few clicks, online art galleries connect you to artists from around the world.
You’re no longer limited by geographic location, which means you can explore a vast range of styles, genres, and cultures—all from the comfort of home.
For artists, this means their work can be viewed by collectors worldwide, opening up incredible opportunities for exposure and sales.
2. Convenience and Ease
Traditional gallery hours and travel constraints can make it challenging to visit physical spaces, but online galleries operate 24/7.
This flexibility lets you browse, research, and purchase art on your schedule.
Plus, many platforms provide tools to visualize how pieces will look in your space, offering a seamless experience that’s tailored to modern lifestyles.
3. Increased Visibility for Artists
For emerging and independent artists, online galleries are a powerful tool for reaching a wider audience.
Unlike physical galleries, which can be selective and competitive, many digital platforms offer greater inclusivity.
Artists gain visibility without the barriers of traditional gallery representation, and they can often retain a larger portion of their sales.
4. Diverse Art Styles and Mediums
Online galleries feature an array of art forms, from original paintings and sculptures to digital and multimedia art.
This variety allows collectors to find truly unique works that might not be available locally.
Some platforms even specialize in niche markets, like abstract art, helping collectors curate personal collections that reflect their tastes and values.
5. Transparency and Trust
Many online art galleries prioritize transparency by sharing detailed artist biographies, artwork descriptions, and pricing information.
This openness builds trust between artists and collectors, especially with platforms that offer certification of authenticity and secure payment options.
Some sites also provide buyer reviews or artist success stories, adding an extra layer of reassurance.
Did online galleries change the art world?
Well, not really.
When art platforms started popping up online it seemed that things would change and artists would be able to take control of their sales and profits by cutting middle men - the galleries, however, this did not happen because of the following reasons.
1. Although it is possible to sell art online now, this requires business, and, especially E-Commerce Skills that most artists lack.
2. The market is still dominated by blue-chip artists whose work is sold at elite galleries - the big players are still the ones to decide who’s going to be the next big star. Even if they place their works online - there is a lack of transparency - the prices are not displayed and you will hardly know what exactly was sold at major art fairs and for how much (except if it’s a work by celebrity artists sold for millions that makes a good PR).
3. Large art platforms offered more opportunities, but became saturated very quickly. Although they have fancy search tools, it is quite difficult for collectors to find the perfect artwork, especially if the online gallery is not curated.
I have been observing a large number of online marketplaces and am keeping a list of online places where one can buy and sell art online (the list contains 55 links and is available in my book). Every year, when I am updating it, I see online galleries leaving the business and new ones popping up.
The largest galleries (both online platforms and brick-and mortar) dominate the market, which is becoming more and more centralized as smaller players leave the game.
What this means for art collectors
If you are keen finding the work of art yourself, you will need to invest time browsing online, no matter if you are looking at online art platforms or want to buy from the artist directly.
Want to find the perfect artwork faster - turn to curated online gallery, like Art Goda - because we believe that art curation and specialization is important.
And we don’t keep prices in secret.
What to look for in an online art gallery
When exploring online galleries, consider factors like
- Specialty. Look for galleries that align with your artistic preferences or investment goals.
- Artist Representation. Galleries that feature in-depth profiles and exclusive collections offer a more curated experience.
- User Experience. Platforms with easy navigation, secure checkout options, and responsive support create a more enjoyable browsing and buying process.
Few more considerations
While online art galleries offer numerous advantages, there are a few factors to keep in mind.
Buying art without seeing it in person can be challenging, as colors and textures may appear different on screen.
Make sure that the online gallery you are looking at offers generous return policies and virtual consultations to address this.
Stories of Success
The art market is still centralized and challenging, but more artists and collectors are sharing stories of how online galleries transformed their journeys.
From discovering emerging artists in distant countries to creating spaces filled with meaningful pieces, collectors often find joy and satisfaction in online gallery experiences.
Similarly, artists benefit from reaching audiences they might never have connected with otherwise.
So even though online art sales did not transform the art world, they definitely opened more opportunities both for artists and collectors.
However, I believe that the future belongs to curated and specialized galleries with a clear purpose, niche and specialization.
Collectors need an easier and more convenient way to find what they are looking for and artists need to learn the basics of E-Commerce, marketing and selling their art online without any representation or dependency on huge art platform, where they are competing with thousands of creators.
Ready to explore?
If you're curious about adding unique art to your collection or just want to browse and get inspired, consider exploring Art Goda’s collection.
Our carefully curated selection offers pieces that fit any style and space, with new works added regularly.
Whether you’re an art enthusiast or simply love the beauty of creative expression, we’re here to help you find art that resonates with you.
And if you are an artist, willing to dive deeper into the art selling business - check out my book “Can Art Sell” that is available in digital and printed formats and start exploring the best e-Commerce platform - Shopify.
My gallery runs on it and I do recommend to all artists who need a professional presence online. Click this link to sign up for FREE and try it out for as little as 1 USD / month.
Sources & Resources
Channels:
Art Goda on Youtube (watch videos)
Art Goda on Spotify (listen to podcasts)
Articles:
How To Build A Website For Your Art Business
The Ultimate Guide: How To Buy Fine Art Online
How To Start Selling Art Online: 5 Essential Steps
Sculpture Art: Everything You Need To Know
How I started an Online Art Gallery
FAQ: Common Questions About Online Art Galleries
1. Are online art galleries trustworthy?
Yes, many online art galleries have established credibility and ensure secure transactions. Look for galleries that provide transparent information about artworks, Certificates of Authenticity and customer reviews.
2. How can I know if the art will look good in my space?
We have a list of tips for you that you can follow to make sure that you are choosing the work that looks best in your home or office - click to read the blog post that will guide you.
3. Do online galleries offer returns?
Return policies vary by gallery. Most reputable galleries offer a return window, especially if the artwork arrives damaged or doesn’t meet your expectations. Be sure to check the return policy before buying.4. What if I’m new to buying art—where should I start?
Online art galleries cater to all experience levels. Start by browsing to discover what styles you like. Many galleries also have art advisors who can help you choose pieces based on your preferences and budget.
5. How do I make sure my art arrives safely?
Online galleries or artists who sell through them typically package artwork securely for shipping, with protective materials and insurance options. Look for galleries with clear shipping policies and customer support to ensure a smooth experience.
6. Can I sell my art at an online art gallery?
This depends on the platform. Some online galleries are open to galleries only, others - to artists only and there are also models that are open for both. Please check the information on the site how to apply or sign up for an online gallery.
7. What is the best online gallery to sell art?
When choosing an online platform to sell art, variety of factors must be considered: your style, price range and your current place in the art market. There is no art sales channel that is good for everybody, you need to find what works for you. I personally believe that most successful artists are those who master marketing and start building their own art business.
8. How do I start my online art business?
You can build a beautiful website quickly by using web building platforms. A professional platform that is well equipped to build online galleries, powered with e-commerce tools is Shopify. You can sign up for FREE by clicking this link.
About the Author
Goda Smlingyte is the founder of Art Goda, a boutique online art gallery.
With a passion for contemporary and abstract art, Goda has built Art Goda to be a platform where collectors, new and experienced alike, can discover art that resonates with them.
Her approach emphasizes authenticity and quality, making art accessible to a wide global audience.
Through her blog and online gallery, Goda shares her insights into the art market, the buying process, and the transformative power of art.
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