How to Sell Paintings Online

Selling paintings online has never been more accessible, with a wide range of platforms and tools to help you reach buyers worldwide. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting your creative journey, the internet offers endless opportunities to showcase and sell your work. In this article, we’ll walk you through the essential steps of selling paintings online, from setting up an online store to marketing your artwork effectively.

1. Choose the Right Platform

Before you can start selling your paintings, you need to select the right platform. There are several online marketplaces and websites designed specifically for artists to showcase and sell their work. Here are some popular options:

Online Marketplaces:

Etsy: Known for handmade and vintage items, Etsy is a great place for artists to reach buyers who appreciate unique, one-of-a-kind pieces.

Saatchi Art: Saatchi is a global online art gallery that allows artists to sell both originals and prints. They offer a commission-based model, so you don't have to pay upfront.

Artfinder: This marketplace focuses on original art, connecting artists directly with buyers. You have to apply to sell, but the platform is known for supporting emerging artists.

Redbubble and Society6: If you’re open to selling prints and other merchandise with your artwork on it, these platforms are excellent for reaching a broader audience.

Your Own Website:

If you want more control over your branding and sales process, consider creating your own website using platforms like:

Shopify: Ideal for artists who want an easy-to-manage e-commerce store with built-in tools for payments and inventory.

Wix or Squarespace: Both of these platforms offer customizable templates designed for artists, helping you create a professional-looking website with e-commerce capabilities.

Having your own website allows you to maintain full control over pricing, customer experience, and branding, but it also requires more effort in driving traffic to your site.

2. Create High-Quality Images of Your Artwork

Great photos of your paintings are essential for selling online. The internet is visual, and high-quality images can make a huge difference in how your artwork is perceived. Here are some tips for photographing your paintings:

Lighting: Use natural light whenever possible. Photograph your artwork near a window with soft, indirect light to avoid harsh shadows or reflections.

Backdrop: Keep the background simple and uncluttered so that the focus remains on the painting.

Resolution: Use a high-resolution camera or a good smartphone camera to capture clear, crisp images. Make sure your photo is in focus and accurately represents the colors of your artwork.

Multiple Angles: Include different shots of the painting, such as close-ups of textures and details, full-view images, and pictures showing the painting in context (like hanging on a wall).

Consider Video: For a more dynamic presentation, consider shooting a short video that shows the painting from different angles.

3. Price Your Paintings Wisely

Pricing your artwork can be tricky. You want to make sure you're compensated fairly for your time and skill, but you also need to be competitive with other artists online. Here are some pricing tips:

Research Similar Artists: Look at what similar artists are charging for comparable works on your chosen platform. Take note of the size, style, and medium of their paintings.

Factor in Materials and Time: Consider how much time you spent on the painting and the cost of materials (paint, canvas, brushes, etc.). Don’t forget to include overhead costs like website hosting or platform fees.

Consider Shipping Costs: If you’re selling original works, remember to factor in shipping costs (especially if you’re shipping internationally). Many platforms provide shipping calculators to help with this.

Don’t Undervalue Your Work: While it can be tempting to price low to attract buyers, it’s essential to recognize the value of your art and avoid undervaluing your skills. Start at a price that reflects the effort and talent you've put into your work.

4. Write Compelling Descriptions

A good product description can make a big difference in converting a potential buyer into a sale. When writing your descriptions, include the following:

Title: Be clear and concise, including the subject of the painting (e.g., “Sunset Over the Ocean”).

Medium and Dimensions: Mention what materials you used (e.g., oil paint, acrylic, watercolor) and the size of the painting.

Inspiration/Story: Share a little about the inspiration behind the painting or the process. People love to know the story behind the artwork.

Framing and Finishing: Clarify if the painting is ready to hang or if the buyer will need to frame it. If it’s on canvas, does it have finished edges, or will they need to frame it?

The more information you provide, the more likely buyers will feel confident purchasing your work.

5. Offer Multiple Payment Options

Make the purchasing process as smooth as possible by offering several payment methods. Most online platforms handle payment processing for you, but if you’re selling on your own website, consider using services like:

PayPal

Stripe

Apple Pay

Credit Card Payments

Providing a range of payment options will make it easier for potential buyers to complete their purchase.

6. Promote Your Art on Social Media

Once your artwork is online, it's time to get the word out. Social media is a powerful tool for artists to showcase their work and drive traffic to their online store. Here’s how to use it effectively:

Instagram:

Post high-quality images and behind-the-scenes content.

Use relevant hashtags (#artforsale, #originalart, #acrylicpainting) to reach a wider audience.

Engage with followers and other artists by commenting, sharing, and liking posts.

Facebook:

Join art groups or marketplaces to connect with buyers.

Share posts in your personal feed and encourage friends and family to support you.

Create a Facebook business page dedicated to your artwork for a more professional presence.

Pinterest:

Pin images of your paintings along with links to your sales pages. Pinterest is a highly visual platform, perfect for driving traffic to your online store.

TikTok:

Create videos showing the painting process, or share time-lapse videos of your work coming together. TikTok's algorithm favors creative content, making it a great place to go viral.

Blog and Newsletter:

Create a blog on your website where you can share stories, process videos, and updates about new artwork.

Offer a newsletter to your followers, providing exclusive previews and promotions to build a loyal audience.

7. Provide Excellent Customer Service

Once you start making sales, customer service is key to building a loyal fan base and receiving positive reviews. Here are some tips for keeping your customers happy:

Respond Promptly: Answer customer inquiries as quickly as possible, whether it’s about a painting’s details or shipping information.

Packaging: Carefully package your paintings to ensure they arrive in perfect condition. Use bubble wrap, sturdy boxes, and, if necessary, additional insurance for higher-value paintings.

After-Sale Communication: Follow up with your customers after their purchase to ensure they’re happy with their artwork and to request a review if they’re satisfied.

8. Keep Evolving Your Business

Selling paintings online is an ongoing process. Continuously improve your online presence, update your portfolio, and stay active on social media to maintain interest in your work. As your brand grows, you may also want to consider offering limited-edition prints, expanding your collection, or collaborating with other artists or galleries.

Final Thoughts

Selling paintings online offers incredible potential for reaching a global audience and building a sustainable art business. By selecting the right platform, pricing your work fairly, promoting effectively, and providing great customer service, you can create a thriving online art store that connects you with art collectors and enthusiasts around the world. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional, the world is your gallery—so start sharing your art with the world today!

Best of Luck!

Victoria