Shopping for original art online can quickly become overwhelming. With so many platforms promising authentic pieces, it is not always clear which ones truly deliver quality and which ones simply look convincing at first glance. Knowing where to spend your time and money makes all the difference.
To make the process easier, we have narrowed it down to platforms that combine strong reputations with impressive selections. Some feature more than 200,000 works, with prices starting around $24 and original pieces beginning near $110. In this guide, we will walk you through five reliable destinations where creativity, quality, and authenticity come together so you can buy with confidence.
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1. Art by Maudsch
Art by Maudsch takes a different approach than browsing pre-made inventory. This Amsterdam-based collective connects you with a network of 20+ professional artists who paint your chosen piece for you. The platform has served over 10,000 satisfied customers and accumulated more than 2000 five-star Trustpilot reviews.
Customization drives the entire process. You can request adjustments to size, color, or specific elements after selecting an artwork from their collection of over 1,000 designs. An artist begins hand-painting your piece using high-grade oil or acrylic paints on cotton canvas once you place your order. If you are looking for a handcrafted original oil painting on canvas that feels personal and tailored to your space, this approach ensures you receive a piece created specifically for your home rather than a mass-produced print. No printing gets involved whatsoever.
The approval stage sets this service apart. The team sends you image previews of your finished painting before shipping. You can request changes at this point, and the artist will make adjustments without additional charges. One customer shared: “I gave my feedback and they got another painting prepared which addressed my feedback. The framed painting arrived very professionally packed and I was very happy with it”.
Art by Maudsch offers a middle ground for those seeking original art to improve their living spaces without spending gallery prices. You receive a hand-painted, custom-adjusted piece with professional framing and worldwide shipping. The approval process before final shipment reduces risk, and the 90-day guarantee provides additional security. Just approach the purchase with realistic expectations about the nature of made-to-order decorative art versus collectible works from known artists.
2. Artfinder
Artfinder operates as a curated marketplace connecting independent artists with buyers from 110+ countries. The company was founded in 2011 and launched in 2013. The platform has grown to reach over 450,000 registered art lovers with 2 million page views per month and 400,000 monthly visits. The B Corp certification reflects the platform’s commitment to putting creativity, people, and environmental standards at the center of operations.
The selection spans paintings, prints, photography, sculptures, drawings, and collages. You can browse by category (abstract art, landscapes, portraits, still life, animals), medium (acrylic, oil, watercolor, mixed media), or price point. Shopping options have pieces under £500, under £1,000, and over £3,000. Original art starts around available price ranges for those seeking affordable entry points. Collectors can find higher-value pieces from emerging and independent artists who are 12+ years old in their practice.
What sets Artfinder apart from print-on-demand services is the direct connection to artists. You receive a handmade piece straight from the artist’s studio when you buy original art here. The platform requires artists to submit only original, handmade work during the application process. Each artwork listing has detailed information about the artist, the piece’s dimensions and materials, and the story behind the creation.
The platform offers several support features for buyers. Free returns apply if you’re not satisfied with your artwork. You can commission artists for custom pieces, which works well for family or pet portraits.
3. Saatchi Art
Saatchi Art operates from Los Angeles and has grown into the world’s leading online gallery. The platform features over 1,178,869 original artworks from artists spanning 110+ countries. Monthly visits reach approximately 2 million and social followers exceed 2 million+. This positions it as maybe the most visited marketplace for buying original art online.
The selection spans multiple mediums: paintings, fine art photography, sculpture, drawings, collage, and limited editions. You can filter by style, size, color, or budget to guide through the extensive inventory. Prices accommodate various purchasing power levels and range from $50 to $100,000. This makes original art available whether you’re decorating your first apartment or building a serious collection.
Every original artwork ships with a certificate of authenticity that the artist signs. This documentation secures your purchase and provides verification of the piece’s origins. The platform offers a free 14-day return policy for US buyers. International customers receive a 14-day satisfaction guarantee. If your artwork arrives damaged, contact support with photos right away. This triggers a replacement or full refund.
Saatchi Art employs expert curators who review all uploaded artworks each day. These curators assemble weekly collections to simplify browsing and offer art advisory services with one-on-one guidance tailored to your taste, space, and budget. Trade professionals receive exclusive benefits and discounts by contacting the platform.
4. 1stDibs
You’re hunting for museum-quality pieces or rare works from well-known names? 1stDibs positions itself squarely in the luxury tier of online art marketplaces. This platform connects collectors with more than 4,000 vetted sellers worldwide who specialize in high-end original art, antiques, and design objects.
The art selection spans centuries. Pieces range from 18th Century works to contemporary 21st Century creations. You’ll find original photography, drawings, prints, sculptures, and paintings in movements of all types and styles. The platform features works by notable artists that include Salvador Dalí, Joan Miró, Marc Chagall, Yayoi Kusama, Kehinde Wiley, and Jean-Michel Basquiat. Contemporary art receives particular emphasis, with collectors competing for pieces by artists like Jeff Koons and Jasper Johns.
What separates 1stDibs from more available platforms is the price reality. We’re talking about a marketplace where you can find photography priced at $850,000 or even $1.4 million. Not every piece commands six or seven figures, but the platform caters to serious collectors and those seeking rare, exclusive acquisitions. One industry observer noted that 1stDibs “positions itself as a platform for ‘the most beautiful things on earth’ – rare and unique finds that you cannot access anywhere else”.
The seller vetting process maintains quality standards. All sellers undergo detailed evaluation by in-house experts at 1stDibs to verify the integrity of their listings and the quality of their service. This screening creates confidence in the supply, especially for purchasing high-value original art pieces.
5. Tappan
Tappan Collective built its reputation on removing the intimidation factor from buying original art. Chelsea Neman Nassib founded it in 2012. She’s a fine art graduate who identified a gap in support for emerging artists and new collectors alike. The platform operates from 8200 Melrose Ave in Los Angeles. The core mission centers on transparency and shows artists’ studios, available works, and prices without the gatekeeping common in traditional gallery spaces.
The platform currently features approximately 1,300 artworks from 56 artists. Prices span from $15 to $12,000. This range accommodates first-time buyers alongside more seasoned collectors. Categories have paintings, sculpture, textiles, collages, mixed media, drawings, photography, prints, and books. Weekly additions keep the collection fresh. Guest curators assemble themed collections that make navigation through the inventory simpler.
Tappan stands apart through its multi-layered approach to artist development. The artist residency program started in 2016 and offers one- to three-month terms at Tappan Studios. These residencies provide physical space for learning new mediums and experimental projects. They facilitate studio visits, community engagement, and artistic cooperation within the roster. Several artists from the original lineup have graduated to representation by galleries like Marianne Boesky Gallery, Kohn Gallery, and The Hole in NYC.
The platform expanded beyond e-commerce in Spring 2023 with a physical gallery featuring 6,000 square feet of wall space. The space opens Tuesday to Saturday from 11-6, with Monday appointments available. This allows collectors to view pieces in person before purchasing. Architects Marco Marraccini at Abramson Architects and interior designer Brandi Howe designed the environment to bring the art and space to life.
Thinking About Creating Your Own Piece?
After browsing through hundreds of artworks on these platforms, you might wonder whether creating something yourself makes more sense than continuing to buy original art. The honest answer comes down to capability. Most people opt to purchase art rather than make their own because they cannot produce work at that level. As one researcher points out, when facing exceptional pieces, you realize you’re not capable of making something that beautiful and perfect. This inadequacy becomes clear to most of us when viewing masterworks.
If you want something specific but lack the skills to execute it yourself, commissioning provides a middle ground. Platforms like Artfinder allow you to set your budget, describe your perfect artwork, and establish a completion date. Your chosen artist accepts the offer or contacts you through the platform’s messenger system. Custom art commissions let you cooperate with an artist to create something unique, whether that’s a portrait, mural, digital illustration, or abstract painting.
Those determined to create their own pieces have several approaches that work. Abstract artwork adapts to any form and lets you choose paint colors while producing original art without huge purchase prices. Even beginners can handle it. The process involves moving paint around using intuition and gut feelings about what you see. Parts will spark doubt while others speak to you, which happens to every artist. Taking pressure off perfection frees you to explore more. Art remains subjective, with one person loving what another hates.
Creating art yourself, whether commissioned or DIY, adds personal value that purchased pieces cannot match. Many beginners begin with structured creative kits before moving into freeform work, and brands like Number Artist make this transition approachable through their Number Artist canvas kits, which help turn personal photos and favorite scenes into display-worthy artwork. The time invested and the reason behind making it represent the phrase “it’s the thought that counts,” except you have something to view for decades.
Conclusion
Each platform we’ve covered serves different needs and budgets. Whether you’re commissioning custom pieces through Art by Maudsch, browsing emerging talent on Tappan, or pursuing luxury acquisitions on 1stDibs, the right choice depends on your collecting goals.
These five marketplaces offer legitimate paths to buying original art online with authenticity guarantees and return policies. Start with platforms matching your budget range and read artist profiles really well. Don’t hesitate to use advisory services that are available.
The art that speaks to you is out there. Take your time learning about pieces and ask questions that matter. Trust your instincts when something catches your eye.