Steps To Buy Artworks Online

I wrote this blog to satisfy my client's needs and questions over the years. In the last decade, selling art online has become trendy, especially during the pandemic. History shows us that buying art is a safe, stable, and secure investment vehicle during economic uncertainty; investors may sell their stocks to acquire art to diversify and protect their wealth, as I have seen with some of my collectors.

However, art may or may not be a long-term investment, so I always advise my clients to buy what they mostly love or think is excellent after researching the art style, subject, and size needed in the space they want to display and within their budget. 

Once you know what you want, explore many secure & trustworthy art platforms, websites & social media before purchasing. Let it be a fun & relaxing thing to do in your spare time in the comfort of your home or office. You need to feel the art in your heart & space. To understand, visit art galleries, exhibitions, museums, artist studios, emails, and video visits. 

Be aware of hackers & scammers over the net! Know your source, always do your due diligence & ask intelligent questions!

What to Ask the Seller When Buying an Artwork Online?

Art is a powerful medium of expression that can evoke emotions, inspire ideas, and challenge our perceptions. As an art lover, buying artwork online can be an exciting experience, but choosing the right piece can also be challenging.

Online Artwork — The Right Approach

Online artwork is a type of art that is created and displayed through digital media and the internet. It includes visual arts, digital paintings, photographs, animations, videos, and interactive installations. Unlike traditional artwork enclosed in a physical space, online artwork has the potential to reach a global audience instantly, making it accessible to people from all over the world.

One of the main advantages of online artwork is the ease with which it can be shared and distributed and how you can view the art over and over again. Artworks can easily be uploaded to various online platforms, including social media, galleries, and digital art marketplaces. At Myriam Nader Haitian Art Gallery, one can browse by artists, genres, sizes, and prices of thousand Haitian artists from Haiti & abroad.   

Asking the art seller the right questions is essential to ensure you make an informed decision. Here are some questions you should ask them when buying art online:

1-Does the artist have full biographic info, including CV, Exhibition history, catalogue raisonné, and selected press on their website?

If the artist is emerging and perhaps doesn't have a representation yet, follow them on their social media- a great way to familiarize yourself before committing—a studio or a video visit to understand their working practices.

2-Do they have other artworks available?

How many have they previously sold? How long has the artist been creating art professionally? Are they showing in art galleries? Do they have a catalogue raisonné?

3-Ask about the inspiration behind the artwork

Knowing the inspiration behind an artwork can help you understand the artist's thought process and intent. It can also give you a better appreciation of the artwork's significance and meaning. Ask what inspired the artist to create the piece and their intended message. 

4- Materials used to create the artwork

The materials an artist uses can affect the artwork's quality, durability, and value. Ask about materials the artist used to create the artwork and if there are any special care instructions. Ask for the media of the artwork. The value of the work can be significantly different: Is it a unique piece or an edition? (Photographs & sculptures most commonly come as editions). An edition can be a great way to buy artwork by an artist you like if the price point is out of your reach.

5. Ask about the artistic creativity/approach/training

An artist's creative process can be a fascinating insight into their approach to art-making. Knowing the artist's process can also give you an idea of the skill and expertise required to create the artwork. Ask the artist to describe their process, including any techniques they use and how long it took to create the artwork. How do they title their piece? Do they regularly return to specific subjects or themes in their art? How do they describe their artistic style?

6. The intention of the composition and color palette

Understanding an artwork's composition and color palette can help you appreciate its aesthetic qualities. Ask the artist about their intention with the composition and color palette and how it contributes to the overall message or meaning of the artwork.

7- Size of the artwork

Knowing the size of the artwork can help you determine where to display it and how it will fit into your space. If applicable, ask the artist for the artwork's dimensions, including the height, width, and depth. If applicable, does the size include the frame? If not, what is the size of the framed artwork?

8. Guarantees or warranties

It's essential to know if the artist offers any guarantees or warranties for the artwork. Ask the seller if they offer return policies or guarantee the artwork's quality and authenticity. Will the artwork be insured when shipped?

9. Pricing Policy

Ask the seller about their pricing policy, including discounts, payment plans, taxes, shipping & insurance costs. It's also essential to know if the seller offers any certificates of authenticity or appraisals. We do at Myriam Nader Haitian Art Gallery to each artwork purchased on our site.

10-Other Critical Considerations:

• Payment Security: Credit cards, PayPal, wire transfers, Stripe, ACH transfers
• Shipping and insurance in transit: The shipping carriers
• Damage and return policy and process
• The quality of the photos posted online of the artwork
• Reviews or testimonials from other buyers and the reputation of the seller-
• The art platforms should disclose in the footer: their Privacy policy, Refund Policy, Shipping Policy & Terms of Service & accreditations (Better Business Bureau & association memberships)

Conclusion:

Buying artwork online can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but asking the right questions is crucial to make an informed decision. By asking the artist’s inspiration, materials, artistic process, composition, size, guarantees, and pricing policy, you can make an informed decision and purchase a piece of art you'll cherish for years.

Do your due diligence, know your source & be aware of scammers and hackers on the net! Buy from trusted & established galleries, sellers, or artists. 

Our Virtual Art Gallery has been dealing with Haitian art for over 30 years, and we ensure that all artworks on our website are unique and trustworthy. Our gallery provides a Certificate of Authenticity upon purchase. We are more than happy to answer any questions you may have concerning Haitian art and the process of buying from Myriam Nader Haitian Art Gallery, I hope this article is useful to you. Please feel free to share and many thanks!

 Myriam Nader Salomon , Art Dealer & Appraiser, Specializing in Haitian art. myriamnader2007@aol.com