How to Sell Your Art Paintings Online Now

What is the best way to sell art paintings online? The best way involves a multi-faceted approach, combining strong art marketing strategies with effective online presence and sales techniques. Can I sell original art directly to collectors? Yes, you absolutely can sell original art directly to collectors through your own website, social media, and dedicated online art platforms. Who is the target audience for selling art paintings online? Your target audience will vary depending on your style, but generally includes art enthusiasts, interior designers, gift shoppers, and both new and experienced art collectors.

Selling your art paintings online can feel like a daunting task, especially if you’re just starting. But with the right knowledge and a clear plan, you can successfully connect your art with buyers around the world. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from setting up your online shop to getting your work seen by the right people.

Setting the Stage: Preparing Your Art for Sale

Before you even think about listing your work, it’s crucial to have your paintings ready and presented professionally.

High-Quality Photography: Your Digital First Impression

The way your painting looks in a photograph is paramount. Buyers can’t touch or see your art in person, so your images are their only guide.

Tips for Stunning Artwork Photos:

Natural Light is Best: Shoot your artwork outdoors on an overcast day or near a window with indirect sunlight. Avoid direct sun, which can create harsh shadows and glare.
Consistent Lighting: Ensure the lighting is even across the entire painting.
Camera Quality: Use a decent camera or a modern smartphone with a good camera. If using a phone, ensure the lens is clean.
Flat Lay vs. Detail Shots:
- Full Artwork: Capture the entire painting without any cropping. Make sure it’s perfectly straight.
- Detail Shots: Include close-ups of interesting textures, brushstrokes, or unique elements. This adds depth and shows craftsmanship.
- Lifestyle Shots: Show your painting in a room setting to help buyers visualize it in their own space. Use a neutral background and scale the artwork realistically.
Color Accuracy: Try to match the colors in the photo to the actual painting as closely as possible. Edit your photos to ensure true representation.
Resolution: Save your images at a high resolution suitable for web display and potential print marketing.

Framing and Presentation

While many buyers prefer to choose their own frames, offering framed options can be attractive.

Framing Considerations:

Professional Framing: If you choose to frame, invest in professional, archival-quality framing.
Simple and Classic: Opt for neutral frames (black, white, natural wood) that complement your art without overpowering it.
Ready to Hang: Ensure your paintings are ready to hang, with appropriate hardware attached.

Crafting Compelling Descriptions

Your written descriptions are your chance to tell the story behind your art and connect with potential buyers.

What to Include in Your Descriptions:

Title: The official title of the artwork.
Medium: Specify the materials used (e.g., Oil on canvas, Acrylic on board, Watercolor on paper).
Dimensions: Provide the height, width, and depth (if applicable) in both inches and centimeters.
Year Created: The year the artwork was completed.
Story/Inspiration: Share the inspiration or narrative behind the piece. What emotions did you want to evoke? What message are you conveying?
Condition: Honestly describe the condition of the artwork.
Framing Information: If framed, mention the type of frame and any special features.
Keywords: Incorporate relevant keywords that potential buyers might search for.

Pricing Your Artwork: Finding the Right Value

Pricing your artwork is a critical step that many artists struggle with. It needs to reflect your skill, time, materials, and the art market.

Factors to Consider When Pricing:

Materials Cost: The cost of your canvas, paints, brushes, and any other supplies.
Time Spent: The hours you dedicated to creating the piece.
Your Experience and Skill Level: As your career progresses and your reputation grows, you can command higher prices.
Size of the Artwork: Generally, larger pieces command higher prices.
Complexity and Detail: Intricate works often take more time and skill, justifying a higher price.
Market Value: Research what similar artists with comparable experience and styles are charging.
Your Career Stage: Emerging artists might price lower than established artists with a proven sales record.
Overhead Costs: Factor in any costs associated with running your business (website fees, marketing, studio rent).

Common Pricing Formulas (Use as a Guideline):

While there’s no single perfect formula, these can offer a starting point:

Formula Type	Calculation	Notes
Time x Hourly Rate	(Hours spent x Desired hourly rate) + Materials Cost	This is a basic starting point. Adjust based on other factors.
Size-Based	(Height + Width) x Price per Square Inch/Centimeter	Common in galleries. The price per square inch will vary by artist.
Market Comparison	Research comparable artists and price accordingly.	Crucial for understanding your position in the art market.

Important: Don’t undervalue your work. It’s better to price slightly higher and offer discounts if necessary than to price too low and struggle to raise your prices later.

Where to Sell Your Art Paintings Online: Your Digital Showroom

Choosing the right platforms is key to displaying paintings for sale effectively and reaching your audience.

Your Own Artist Website: The Ultimate Control

Why: Gives you complete control over branding, pricing, and customer experience. You own your customer list.
How: Use platforms like Shopify, Squarespace, Wix, or WordPress with e-commerce plugins.
Pros: Full control, no commission fees (beyond payment processing), direct customer relationships.
Cons: Requires more effort to drive traffic.

Online Art Platforms: Access to a Wider Audience

These platforms are specifically designed for artists to sell their work and have built-in audiences.

Popular Online Art Platforms:

Saatchi Art: A large, curated marketplace attracting art lovers and collectors. They handle sales and offer free shipping.
Artfinder: Focuses on independent artists and offers a good range of styles.
Etsy: While known for handmade crafts, it’s also a popular place for artists to sell prints and original work, especially for emerging artists.
Fine Art America/Pixels.com: Excellent for selling art prints on various products. They handle printing, framing, and shipping.
Redbubble/Society6: Similar to Fine Art America, focusing on print-on-demand for various merchandise.

Table: Pros and Cons of Online Art Platforms

Platform	Pros	Cons	Best For
Saatchi Art	Large collector base, curated, handles logistics.	Higher commission fees, competitive.	Original paintings, reaching established collectors.
Artfinder	Focus on independent artists, global reach.	Commission fees, requires application.	Original paintings, connecting with buyers seeking unique pieces.
Etsy	Huge customer base, low barrier to entry, good for prints.	Can be crowded, less perceived “fine art” status for some.	Emerging artists, selling prints, smaller original works, diverse styles.
Fine Art America	Excellent for prints, handles production & shipping, royalty options.	Lower profit margins on originals, less direct collector interaction.	Selling art prints, expanding into merchandise.

Social Media: Building Community and Driving Sales

Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest: Use these platforms to share your process, finished works, and stories. Direct your followers to your website or online shop.
Live Streams: Host live painting sessions or studio tours to engage your audience.

Virtual Galleries and Online Exhibitions

Many online platforms and organizations host virtual exhibitions, offering another avenue to get your work seen by a curated audience.

Art Marketing Strategies: Getting Your Work Noticed

Simply listing your art isn’t enough. You need to actively promote it.

Building an Artist Brand: Your Unique Identity

Consistency: Maintain a consistent style, voice, and visual aesthetic across all your platforms.
Storytelling: Share your journey, inspiration, and the passion behind your art.
Professionalism: Respond promptly to inquiries, be polite, and maintain high standards in all interactions.

Content Marketing: Sharing Your Expertise and Process

Blog: Write about your art, techniques, inspirations, or the art world. This boosts SEO and positions you as an expert.
Videos: Create studio tours, time-lapses of your painting process, or tutorials.
Behind-the-Scenes: Share snippets of your creative process on social media.

Email Marketing: Direct Communication with Your Audience

Build a List: Encourage website visitors and social media followers to sign up for your newsletter.
Regular Updates: Share new works, exhibition news, studio updates, and special offers.
Personalization: Address subscribers by name and segment your list based on interests if possible.

Social Media Marketing: Engaging Your Followers

High-Quality Visuals: Post clear, attractive images and videos of your art.
Engage: Respond to comments, messages, and engage with other artists and art lovers.
Hashtags: Use relevant hashtags to increase discoverability (e.g., #oilpainting, #abstractart, #artistsoninstagram, #yourstyle).
Paid Advertising: Consider targeted ads on platforms like Instagram and Facebook to reach specific demographics.

Collaborations and Networking: Expanding Your Reach

Partner with Other Artists: Cross-promote each other’s work.
Collaborate on Projects: Work with designers, influencers, or other creatives.
Engage with Art Influencers: Reach out to art bloggers or Instagrammers who might feature your work.

Public Relations: Getting Featured

Press Releases: Send out press releases for major milestones like new collections, exhibitions, or significant sales.
Art Blogs and Magazines: Pitch your story or artwork to relevant online and print publications.

Selling Art Prints: Expanding Your Revenue Streams

Selling prints is a fantastic way to make your art accessible to a wider audience and generate passive income.

Types of Art Prints:

Giclée Prints: High-quality inkjet prints using archival inks on acid-free paper or canvas. Known for their longevity and color accuracy.
Limited Edition Prints: A set number of prints are produced, each numbered and signed by the artist. This adds exclusivity and value.
Open Edition Prints: Prints are produced without a limit on quantity.

How to Sell Prints:

Print-on-Demand Services: Platforms like Fine Art America, Society6, and Redbubble handle printing, framing, and shipping. You upload your artwork, and they do the rest, taking a commission.
Print Your Own: If you have access to a high-quality printer or a local print shop, you can manage the printing and shipping yourself. This gives you more control and potentially higher profit margins.
Your Website: Integrate a print shop into your artist website.

Pricing Your Prints:

Consider Print Size: Larger prints will cost more.
Edition Size: Limited editions should be priced higher than open editions.
Printing Costs: Factor in the cost of printing, paper, and ink.
Market Value: Research pricing for similar prints from other artists.

Art Sales Techniques: Closing the Deal

Once a potential buyer is interested, specific techniques can help convert them into a customer.

Building Rapport and Trust:

Be Accessible: Respond to inquiries quickly and helpfully.
Provide Information: Be ready to answer questions about the artwork, your process, and shipping.
Show Empathy: Help the buyer envision the artwork in their space and address any concerns they might have.

Overcoming Objections:

Price: If a buyer finds the price high, be prepared to explain the value. You can also offer payment plans or discuss smaller available pieces.
Fit: Help them confirm if the piece suits their decor or personal taste. Offer to send additional photos or videos.

Offering Incentives:

Free Shipping: A significant draw for online buyers.
Limited-Time Discounts: Create urgency.
Bundles: Offer a discount if they purchase multiple pieces.

The Art of the Follow-Up:

After a Sale: Thank your customer, provide tracking information, and ask for feedback.
No Sale: If a buyer expresses interest but doesn’t buy, add them to your mailing list (with permission) for future engagement.

Reaching Art Collectors: Finding Your Patrons

Identifying and connecting with those who are most likely to buy your art is crucial.

Who Are Art Collectors?

Individuals: People who buy art for personal enjoyment, investment, or to decorate their homes.
Interior Designers: Professionals who select art for their clients’ projects.
Corporate Buyers: Businesses looking to decorate offices or public spaces.
Galleries and Curators: Individuals who represent artists and sell to a wider network.

Strategies for Reaching Collectors:

Online Art Platforms: As mentioned, these are designed to connect artists with buyers, many of whom are collectors.
Social Media Engagement: Follow and interact with art collectors, interior designers, and art consultants on platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn.
Build Relationships: Attend virtual and in-person art events, connect with people, and nurture those connections.
Targeted Advertising: Use social media ads to target demographics known to be interested in art.
Build Your Email List: Collect emails from interested parties at events and online.

Managing Your Online Art Business

Beyond selling, good business practices ensure longevity.

Shipping Your Artwork Safely:

Secure Packaging: Use sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, foam, and packing tape. For larger pieces, consider wooden crates.
Insurance: Always insure your artwork during transit.
Tracking: Provide tracking numbers to your customers.
International Shipping: Research customs regulations and be transparent about potential duties and taxes.

Payment Processing:

Secure Gateways: Use trusted payment processors like Stripe, PayPal, or Square.
Clear Policies: Have clear refund and return policies.

Customer Service:

Be Responsive: Address inquiries and issues promptly and professionally.
Go the Extra Mile: A positive customer experience leads to repeat business and word-of-mouth referrals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How much should I charge for my art online?
A: Pricing depends on many factors including materials, time, size, complexity, your experience, and market research. Use formulas as a guide but don’t undervalue your work.

Q2: Is it better to sell originals or prints?
A: Both can be profitable. Originals offer higher profit margins per piece, while prints allow you to reach a broader audience with lower price points. Many artists do both.

Q3: How do I get my art noticed online?
A: Consistent posting on social media, high-quality photography, engaging with your audience, SEO optimization for your website, and email marketing are key strategies.

Q4: Do I need a website to sell art online?
A: While not strictly mandatory, having your own website gives you the most control over branding and customer data. Online platforms can be a great starting point.

Q5: What are the best social media platforms for artists?
A: Instagram is highly visual and popular for art. Pinterest is great for discovery, and Facebook can be used for building community and running ads.

Q6: How do I handle shipping large paintings?
A: For large pieces, professional crating is often necessary. Research specialized art shippers or build a sturdy wooden crate. Always insure the shipment.

By following these steps and committing to consistent effort in both creating and marketing your art, you can build a successful online art business and effectively sell your paintings to art lovers worldwide.