What's it like to buy an original painting online?

⏱️ 5 minute read

Buying an original painting online is different from ordering a book or a pair of shoes. You can't hold it. You can't see it in person. You don't know exactly how the light will fall on it in your room. And yet, more and more people are doing it, and they're happy with it.

How is that possible? And what can you expect when you do it for the first time?

It starts with looking

You arrive at the website. You scroll. You see work that appeals to you and work that leaves you cold. That's normal. Not every work is for everyone, and that's precisely the point.

Take your time. Don't just look at the thumbnail, but click through to the detail page. Check the dimensions. Read the story behind the work. Look at the colors in relation to what you already have at home.

And if a work keeps drawing you back, if you keep returning to it, that's a sign it's worth exploring further.

It's okay to ask questions

This is perhaps the biggest difference from a physical gallery: you can contact the artist directly. No middleman, no sales assistant following a script. Just me.

Want to know what a piece looks like in daylight versus artificial light? Ask. Want to know if the colors match your interior? Send a photo of your space. Want to know how the work is constructed, what layers are in it, how long it took? I'd be happy to tell you.

That direct line is something a gallery rarely offers. And it makes buying art online more personal than you might expect.

The order

You've made your choice. You add the piece to your cart and check out. At that moment, there's often a mix of excitement and a little tension. That's normal. It's a purchase that has meaning.

After ordering, you'll receive a confirmation. I carefully pack the work; original paintings are protected with corner protectors, wrapping paper, and sturdy outer packaging. Prints go into robust envelopes that cannot bend.

You'll receive a track-and-trace number as soon as the work is on its way.

The moment of receipt

The package arrives. This is the moment everything comes together.

Take your time unpacking it. Not quickly, but deliberately. First, place the work somewhere and look at it in the light of the room where it will hang. Let it sink in for a moment before you hang it.

Almost always, the first reaction is: it's bigger than I thought. Or: the colors are more intense than on screen. That's the texture, the presence of an original work that a screen can never fully convey.

And then you hang it up. And then you know.

What if it's disappointing?

It can happen. A color turns out differently than expected. The size feels different in the space. For prints, there is a 14-day return policy, undamaged and in original condition. This does not apply to original paintings, but always contact me if you are not satisfied with something. I am happy to help find a solution.

And precisely for this reason, I recommend asking questions beforehand. The more you know before the purchase, the smaller the chance of disappointment afterward.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is an original painting packaged for shipping?
With corner protectors, wrapping paper, and sturdy outer packaging. The work is carefully packed to ensure it arrives safely.

Can I request additional photos of a piece?
Yes, always. Send a message via the contact page and I'll take custom photos for you.

How long does shipping take?
Within the Netherlands, usually 1 to 3 business days after dispatch. You will receive a track-and-trace number as soon as the work is on its way.

What if I want to return the painting?
Prints can be returned within 14 days if they are undamaged. Original paintings are excluded from returns. In case of questions, always contact us first.

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• Why buying art from an unknown artist is actually smart
• How to choose the right painting for your space
• What does an original painting cost and why is it worth it?