How to buy a painting online: a practical guide

Buying art online raises some reasonable questions. How do you judge a painting you cannot see in person, and who receives your payment? A little preparation can make the choice clearer. Here is how to review the work and the seller before placing an order.

Size and proportions

Before falling for a particular work, measure the wall where it will hang. Check the dimensions in the listing and mark them out with painter's tape to get a sense of the scale. A small painting can disappear on a large wall; a very large one can overwhelm the room. Leave some space around the work and think about how its centre will sit in relation to your eye level and the furniture.

Colour and light

Screen colours can differ from the real work. Look closely at the photographs and read the description of the medium and palette. If you need more detail, ask the artist for additional views in the conversation. Consider the light in your own room: a painting may feel different in a bright living room and a quieter study. Look for a work whose colours feel comfortable in the space where you will see it every day.

Original or reproduction

The Gallery offers two types of work. An original is a unique object: you buy the particular piece made by the artist. A reproduction is offered in variants, with available sizes, materials and framing options shown in the listing. Its price depends on the selected version. An original may suit you when the individual object matters most; a reproduction can offer more flexibility in format and budget.

Read the description

Check the medium, dimensions, year and information about the maker. The Artists section introduces the people behind the work, and the Magazine provides context and practical guides. Clarify anything that is missing before accepting an offer. Knowing what you are buying reduces the chance of a surprise when the work arrives.

Payment and agreements in your account

In the gallery's promotional payment model, you pay by bank transfer directly to the artist. Your order contains the bank details and payment reference. Keep the agreement and your report of the transfer in your account; the seller confirms when the money has arrived. Reporting a transfer does not itself confirm receipt. The gallery records the conversation and can provide mediation. It does not hold the funds or guarantee a refund.

Agree on delivery

Agree on the delivery method, cost and timing before buying. Each artist is responsible for preparing and sending their own parcel. Check whether the agreed service includes insurance and how damage should be reported. Inspect the packaging when the parcel arrives. Photograph any damage and contact the seller in the conversation attached to the order.

Withdrawal and returns

When a consumer buys goods online from a business seller, the usual withdrawal period is 14 days from receiving the goods. Check the seller's status and the return terms before buying. An exception can apply to goods made to the consumer's specifications or clearly personalised needs. Negotiating a price or selecting a standard variant does not automatically make a work personalised. See Shipping & returns and UOKiK's consumer guidance for more information.

The seller and the sales document

The seller is the artist identified in the listing and order. The record of your agreement in the account documents the transaction terms. The seller issues the appropriate sales document according to their tax status; the gallery does not automatically issue a VAT margin invoice for every work. Before buying, ask what document you will receive and what information the seller needs from you.

Measure the space, read the listing, check who is selling and agree on delivery. Review the payment and return terms before accepting the order. Browse the available works in the Gallery and Auctions, or see How to buy art for the purchase process.