Buying Art Directly from the Artist vs Online Platforms
- Jan 7
- 6 min read
The way art lovers buy art has changed significantly over the past decade.
In the past, art was primarily sold through galleries and art fairs.
Now, there are numerous online art platforms such as Saatchi Art, Artsper, and Artmajeur, as well as many other similar platforms.
These platforms have made art much more accessible to a wider audience and play a significant role in the contemporary art market.
They are also important for many artists, as many of them do have the opportunity to sell their art through such platforms.
Whereas they were rarely, if ever, seen by art galleries.
However, there is a growing movement showing that more and more art buyers are choosing to buy directly from the artist.
A great deal of art is offered through social media platforms, where it's easy to inquire about a work of art directly with the artist.
In addition, many artists have their own websites where art can be purchased. And of course, many artists offer the option of scheduling a studio visit where you can first view the artwork in person.
But what's the key difference between these two options:
buying art through an online platform or directly from the artist?
And what does that choice mean for you as an art buyer, practically, financially, and emotionally?
In this blog post, I'll take you through a clear, honest comparison, so you can see that buying directly is a very good option!
The role of online art platforms in the art market
Online art platforms have undoubtedly contributed significantly to the visibility of contemporary art.
For art buyers, they offer, among other things:
a large international selection of artists
a wide variety of artworks
convenience and overview in one place
clear pricing structures
sometimes support with shipping and returns
a sense of security, especially for novice art buyers
For many people, these platforms provide an accessible first introduction to purchasing a work of art. You can browse, compare, and discover online at your leisure, without direct contact or obligation.
Art platforms also offer advantages for artists:
they increase your visibility
you gain access to an international audience
you can participate in a larger sales network
a lot of work is taken off your hands
artists sometimes receive free promotion
It is therefore important to emphasize:
There are different sales methods with different consequences.
Who/What determines the price of an artwork on an art platform?
It's not clear to art buyers how the price of an artwork is determined on an art platform.
Usually, the artist sets the selling price themselves.
However, all online art platforms work with artists on a commission basis, essentially in the same way a gallery does.
The commission charged by an online platform is usually between 30% and 50% of the selling price.
In some cases, there's an additional fee for marketing, promotion, or logistics services.
In concrete terms, this means:
if an artwork costs €3,000 on an online art platform
the artist ultimately receives a considerably lower price for it
To compensate for this difference, artists are often forced to:
set their prices on platforms higher
than when selling directly from their own studio or website
Not because the work is more valuable there, but because the platform's sales model requires it.
This isn't a secret or an exceptional practice; it's simply how these platforms function.
Buying art directly from the artist: what changes?
When you choose to buy art directly from the artist, many things change for both you and the artist.
The commission from the online gallery platform is eliminated.
For you as an art buyer, this has several clear advantages:
1. The price of an artwork can be significantly lower.
Because there is no intermediary, the following can happen:
the same artwork can be offered for a much lower price.
the artist can still earn just as much money
The difference is often hundreds to thousands of euros, without compromising quality or authenticity.
2. The value goes entirely to the artwork.
Your investment goes:
directly to the studio
to materials, time, and craftsmanship
to the artist's continued existence.
For many art buyers, this feels like a conscious and meaningful choice.
3. Personal contact with the artist
Buying directly from an artist often offers the following possibilities:
Asking questions about the work
Extensive explanation of the techniques and materials used
Discovering the story and intention behind a painting
Advice on size, finish, or presentation
Possible adjustments to a work of art in terms of size, shape, and color
Advice on selecting an artwork that perfectly matches your wishes
Sometimes a studio visit is even possible. This personal contact is often lacking when purchasing through a platform.
At db Waterman, you can book a gallery visit through the website.
You can also contact her personally if you prefer.
You can also request a FREE PREVIEW for an artwork on your wall.
The Emotional Value of Buying Art Directly
Buying a work of art is almost never a rational choice. Buying an original painting is an emotional decision.
You buy it because a work of art resonates with you. In whatever way.
That's why many art buyers find that buying art directly from the artist:
makes the artwork more personal
deepens the story
strengthens the connection with the work
provides a conversation starter for your visitors
You know who created it.
You know the story behind the creation of a work of art and how it's constructed.
You feel that your choice matters.
All these factors influence how a work of art is experienced once it hangs on your wall at home.
Is it safe to buy art from an artist?
A frequently asked and very understandable question.
The advantages that online platforms often offer are:
clear, fixed payment structures
reliable return conditions
standardised logistics
The internet has made many things a lot simpler and more accessible for private sellers such as visual artists.
That is why buying art directly from a professional artist is now just as reliable, provided that the artist has
a clear, professional website
transparent prices
clear communication
demonstrable sales experience
professional, insured shipping.
professional returns policy
Artist db Waterman, with her own studio and website works with:
official invoices
good customer relations
The difference is therefore not so much in security, but in structure and scale.
db Waterman offers all of these points, has extensive experience in shipping paintings all over the world and also provides clear photos of the package to be shipped.
Buying Art Through a Platform or Directly from the Artist: A Comparison
Aspect | Via an Art Platform | Directly from the Artist |
Price | Higher due to commission | Often lower |
Personal contact | Limited | Direct |
Story behind the artwork | Brief summary | Full context |
Customization / consultation | Not possible | Often possible |
Where your payment goes | Platform + artist | Entirely to the artist |
Experience | Transactional | Personal and relational |
Buying art directly from the artist is becoming increasingly common.
Art buyers indicate that buying art directly is becoming easier because they:
want to buy more consciously
can find artists more easily online
want to pay less for the same quality
want to support artists directly
value authenticity
find the story behind a work of art important.
appreciate contact with the artist,
have more confidence in buying art online
For this group, direct purchase does not feel like a compromise, but rather an enrichment of the art experience.
Finally, I'd like to share a personal note.
I work on my paintings every day with great love and conviction. I work on them in my own studio in the Klokgebouw on Strijp-S, Eindhoven, the Netherlands.
This is a former Philips building, where many startups are housed.
Each work is created layer by layer, with attention, hesitation, and intention.
I always love it when people take the time to visit my studio to see my work in person.
It always leads to wonderful conversations about my paintings, and from that, many personal matters.
When visitors ask about the idea and inspiration behind a piece, they're usually surprised by my story. Then they begin to see what I want to say with a painting, and it becomes even more valuable.
I find that this personal contact deepens the artwork. The conversation, the questions, and the sharing of the story enrich the experience. For me as the creator, but also for the buyer. That's why I believe that direct purchases feel more honest and personal for many people.
But also, of course, more financially attractive.
Not because art platforms are wrong, but because personal contact adds something that no system can replace.
Are you considering purchasing a piece of art?
Are you curious about my work, my working methods, or the possibilities of direct purchase?
You are always welcome to:
view my current collection
discover the story behind a piece of art
contact me with questions
or schedule a studio visit
Together, we can discuss what suits your interior, without pressure or obligation.
You buy art with care.
That care begins with a conversation.
Visit my Studio!
You are always welcome to visit my studio gallery at
Strijp-S in Eindhoven, The Netherlands
Or take a look at my online portfolio.
Please contact me with any questions or requests you may have!
Please contact me if you have any questions. I can help you choose or create a piece of art that fits your interior!
