Buying Abstract Art Online
How Not to End Up With Something the Size of a Postage Stamp When Buying Art Online
You might be worried that buying abstract art online can be a bit of a gamble. You imagine scrolling through hundreds of pieces, falling in love with one, adding it to your basket, and waiting eagerly for your beautiful new artwork to arrive... And then it turns up and it’s the size of a biscuit tin lid!
Buying art online can be a wonderful, convenient way to bring colour, calm and character into your home - you just need to know what to look out for. As someone who creates abstract art, I thought I'd share a few things I’ve learnt - both as an artist and as someone who’s been on the customer side of things... I once bought 1 button mushroom in my Tesco order, thinking it was a punnet, and in the same shop ended up with 6 bags of carrots, thinking they were individual ones! I've never done that again 😆
This isn’t going to be a snobby guide, because that’s just not me. Instead, it’s a friendly nudge in the right direction if you're thinking about buying abstract art online, and maybe a giggle at the potential pitfalls (because art shopping should be fun, not intimidating...)
First Things First: Why buy abstract art at all?
Abstract art doesn’t try to look like a tree, or a dog, or a woman holding a fruit bowl. It’s more about shapes, colours, layers and emotions. It’s not always meant to be anything specific - which is exactly why so many people fall in love with it. You can hang a piece of abstract art in your living room and see something new every day. Or just enjoy how it makes the room feel.
That’s the magic of it. And that’s exactly how I paint - intuitively, in layers, just seeing where it goes. I’m generally not trying to make a political statement or channel my inner turmoil. I just love painting. I want to make beautiful, joyful pieces that you’d be proud to hang above your sofa (and that won’t scare your dog).
Why Buy Abstract Art Online?
There’s something lovely about going to a gallery and seeing art in person. But let’s be real - not everyone has time to wander around galleries every time they have a yearning to buy a piece of art. Sometimes you’re in your PJs at 10pm with a glass of wine, browsing for something to fill that blank space in the hallway that will make you smile every time you come home. That’s where buying abstract art online is great.
You can scroll, shortlist, and even imagine pieces on your wall thanks to clever mock-ups and lifestyle shots. No gallery staff watching you. No pressure. No need to pretend you understand postmodernism. Phew!
Plus, you get access to independent artists all over the world - many of whom (like me) are painting from kitchen tables, spare rooms or gloriously messy home studios. You get something unique, made with love, and you’re supporting a real human.
Ok, so here's what you need to keep in mind when buying art online...
The Postage Stamp Problem
When buying abstract art online, check the size. Check it again. And then look at a tape measure just to be safe.
It’s amazing how many people fall in love with a piece online, only to realise later it’s 10cm wide and would look more at home in a doll’s house than their dining room. Screens can be sneaky like that. A bold square of colour that fills your laptop screen might actually be smaller than your mobile phone.
Most good artists and sellers will clearly list the size in the description (I always do). But it’s easy to miss, especially if you’re caught up in the moment. So take a moment, measure your wall, and think about how much space you want the art to fill.
A good trick is to cut out some newspaper or use masking tape to mark out the shape of the piece you’re considering - it gives you an instant feel for whether it’s going to work.
Here's a wall art size guide to help you too...
How Do You Choose?
One of the reasons people hesitate when buying abstract art online is that little voice saying to them that they don't 'understand' abstract art enough and might buy the wrong thing.
Here’s the secret: it doesn’t matter what it 'means' as long as you love it. And it can mean something completely different to you than it did to the artist when they painted it - and that's ok!
It’s completely OK to choose a painting because it makes you feel happy, or because the colours match your cushions, or because it reminds you of that time you went to Frinton-on-Sea and froze your arse off eating chips on the beach.
The beauty of abstract art is that it’s open to interpretation. What you see in it is entirely personal - and sometimes even changes depending on your mood, the lighting, or how much sleep you’ve had!
So when you’re buying abstract art online, trust your gut. If something speaks to you (even if you don’t know what it’s saying), that’s a good sign.
But What’s the Story?
A lot of artists are told we should 'tell a story' about every piece in order to 'resonate' with our potential buyers. Honestly, that feels a bit forced to me. When I create my art, there’s no grand plan or deep story - I build up layers until it looks good and makes me feel something. It's possible I’ll step back and think: Oh, this reminds me of sunrise over the sea, or “This has such a calm, cloudy mood - but that’s often after the fact.
What I can say is that I paint to create pieces that feel joyful, soft or peaceful. Things that you’d want to live with. I imagine them in kitchens filled with chatter, or calm bedrooms with books by the bed. That’s the story - creating something that brings a feeling into your space.
And it doesn't bother me at all if you see a story of your own in my paintings - in fact, that would make me really happy!
Buying from Independent Artists Online
When you buy abstract art online directly from an artist, you’re getting more than just a product. You’re getting a little piece of their creative world. Many of us offer:
- Original art that no one else will have.
- Custom sizes or commissions if you have a particular space in mind.
- A human touch - messages, updates and friendly packaging.
- Sustainable practices - a lot of independent artists use eco-conscious materials, packaging and print options.
I'm always happy to answer any questions you've got, or do you a mock-up of your wall with one of my paintings on it, so you can see how it might look. And, like all independent artists, I'm genuinely thrilled every time someone buys a piece!
Summary of Tips for Buying Abstract Art Online
To round things off, here are a few quick tips to help you buy with confidence:
- Double-check the size. I know I’ve said it already, but it will help you avoid any unwanted surprises when it arrives.
- Look for photos showing the artwork in a room. It helps you imagine scale and vibe.
- Check whether it’s an original or a print. There are advantages to each which you can read about on my blog.
- Read the artist’s notes or description. It gives you a feel for their style and process and might contain other details that are useful when making a decision.
- Ask questions! I know I love hearing from potential buyers, and no question is too silly.
Buying abstract art online should feel exciting, not stressful. It’s a chance to add a splash of personality to your space, support an artist whose work you love, and end up with something that lifts your mood every time you see it.
And with just a smidge of attention to detail (hello measuring tape), you can avoid the dreaded postage-stamp surprise and bring home a piece that truly fits - in every sense of the word.
If you’re currently browsing for something soft, layered and colourful - the kind of artwork that doesn’t shout too loud but still makes an impression - you’re in the right place. Have a browse through my shop, and if anything catches your eye, just give me a shout.
