How to Buy Original Art Online with Confidence
- Jul 5
- 10 min read
Can you really buy original art without seeing it first?
More and more art lovers and collectors are buying paintings online. Even directly from the artist themselves.
How do you do this with peace of mind?
Buying original art online can feel like a risk and a leap into the unknown.
Perhaps you have been looking for a beautiful piece of art for months.
Suddenly, you discover a painting online that immediately appeals to you. You keep looking at it. You imagine what it will look like in your living room, hallway, office, or bedroom. The artwork seems to fit perfectly.
But then doubt creeps in.
"What if the painting looks different in real life?"
"Can I really spend so much money without seeing the artwork first?"
"How do I know for sure that the colors, textures, and details in the photo match what I expect in real life?"
"How will the painting fit in my living space?"
"What if the painting gets damaged during shipping?"
Logical questions. And of course, you are not the only one asking yourself these questions. In fact, almost everyone looking online for an original artwork to buy starts with the same questions.
Interestingly, these questions are rarely about whether people like the artwork. By the time they're asking them, they've often already fallen in love with the painting. The real question is whether they feel confident enough to buy it online.
It is about trust.
When someone visits my studio and gallery in Eindhoven, they can experience a painting with their own eyes. They can walk around it, literally feel the painting, see how the light affects the surface, discover the different layers of texture, and get a feel for the scale.
Unfortunately, this is not always possible for art lovers from the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, or elsewhere in the world.
Yet, every year, more collectors buy original art without ever visiting a gallery or meeting the artist personally.
So how do they make that decision?
And perhaps even more importantly: how can they buy original art online with peace of mind?
Questions from First-Time Online Art Buyers
Over the years, I have noticed that people buying art online for the first time ask remarkably similar questions. Whether they live in the Netherlands, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, or France, the concerns are almost always the same.
As an artist, I have had the privilege of shipping my paintings to collectors all over the world.
Before making a purchase, many of them ask exactly the same questions. That is not surprising.
Buying an original painting online cannot be compared to buying almost anything online.
Below you will find the ten most frequently heard and most important questions from art enthusiasts and how I help them answer them.
10 Common Questions About Buying Original Art Online
"Does the artwork look the same in real life as it does in the photos"?
"Can I really judge the colors and texture properly on a screen"?
"Will the painting suit my home and interior"?
"Is the artwork worth the price? It's a significant investment."
"How can I be sure I’m buying an authentic original painting?"
"Will the painting arrive safely? What if it gets damaged during shipping?"
"What if I receive the artwork and it’s not what I expected?"
"Can I trust an artist I’ve never met?"
"Is buying original art online really a good idea?"
"Am I making the right decision, or should I keep looking?"
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Does the artwork look the same in real life as it does in the photos?
I think this is one of the most frequently asked questions I receive, and that makes perfect sense.
When you look at a work of art online, you cannot stand in front of the painting. You cannot see how the light falls on the surface.
You cannot fully appreciate textures and relief. You cannot touch and feel the surface.
That is why I do my best to photograph every artwork as accurately as possible. Using close-up shots and side shots to allow some visualization of the texture.
The colors you see in the photos come very close to the original.
I achieve this by editing each photo very precisely in Photoshop until it resembles the original artwork.
Unfortunately, however, every computer screen displays colors slightly differently, so small deviations are always possible.
What photos can never fully capture is the physical presence of an original artwork. The layered textures, subtle details, and depth become much clearer in real life.
Many collectors tell me that the painting feels even more impressive once it is hanging on the wall. My goal is simple: when you unpack your artwork, I want it to meet your expectations and hopefully even exceed them.
Can I really judge the colors and texture properly on a screen ?
This is another frequently asked question by novice art buyers.
The honest answer is: almost, but not quite.
In my studio at Strijp-S, I usually have good natural daylight thanks to the huge windows. This allows me to take good photos of my work. I use a tripod and sometimes extra studio lights for this.
If, despite this, there is still not enough light in my studio, I take my painting outside so that I have the best light.
Every painting is photographed by me in the same way using a professional camera, for the best result. Afterwards, the images are edited in Photoshop to match the colors as perfectly as possible to the original artwork.
But an original artwork always has something that a screen cannot capture.
Especially the depth, layering, and smaller details will be more visible in reality than in a photo.
Many buyers tell me that the artwork feels richer, more alive, and more tangible in real life than they had expected. That is actually an unexpected surprise when you buy an artwork online.
"Will the painting suit my home and interior"?
Choosing an original artwork is about more than just falling in love with the painting itself.
A painting must match the colors of your home decor. You also want to know if the size fits well in your home, complements your interior, and truly gives the feeling that it belongs there.
That is why I offer a free PREVIEW SERVICE.
You can send me a clear photo of the wall where you want to hang the artwork. Taken straight on in good daylight.
Using Photoshop, I create a realistic preview by placing the artwork of your choice on your wall to scale.
I am sending you the photos by email to view.
This gives you a much better idea of how the size, colors, and overall atmosphere of the painting will work in your space before you make a decision.
Many people have already indicated that this removes the uncertainty of buying art online. Instead of imagining what the artwork might look like, you can view it in your own home with full confidence. The service is completely free and without obligation.
I would like to help you choose the artwork that suits you well.
Is the artwork worth the price? It's a significant investment
Is the artwork worth the price? It is a significant investment.
When you buy an original artwork, you bring much more into your home than just a decoration for your wall.
It is much more personal and also tells something about you, the person buying the painting.
In addition, it is an investment in craftsmanship, creativity, and something unique.
I spend many days, sometimes weeks, working on every artwork I create. Everything is built up entirely by hand. From the first layers of texture to the final details, every painting is made with professional materials and developed with care and attention. No prints, no mass production, and no two pieces are ever exactly the same.
An original artwork never loses its meaning over time. In fact, many art buyers tell me that they appreciate their painting even more as the years go by. It becomes part of their home, of the story they share with visitors, their memories, and often something they hope to pass on to future generations.
When you invest in original art, you are not just buying a painting. You are bringing a unique piece with its own story into your home. A story you can enjoy every day for years.
How can I be sure I’m buying an authentic original painting?
How can I be sure that I am buying an authentic original painting?
When you buy an original artwork online, you naturally want the guarantee that you are receiving an authentic artwork from the artist.
Every painting I sell is a unique original, entirely handmade painting. I never make identical copies, and every artwork is individually signed.
To provide complete assurance, I supply a Certificate of Authenticity with every painting sold online via my website. This certificate confirms that the artwork is an original creation by db Waterman and contains the year, title, dimensions, materials, and my signature.
When you buy a painting directly from me in the studio, you know exactly where your artwork comes from. There is a direct connection between the artist and the art buyer. But even then, a sale is always accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.
Many buyers are not familiar with this, and it is a pleasant additional surprise. And it makes the purchase even more special.
Will the painting arrive safely? What if it gets damaged during shipping?
When buying art online, this is certainly one of the biggest concerns for an art lover.
Especially if the painting has to travel a long distance abroad.
But the good news is that original artworks can be shipped very safely, provided they are securely and correctly packaged.
Every painting is carefully packed using professional packaging materials and protected with multiple layers to minimize the risk of damage during transport. Over the years, I have shipped original artworks to collectors all over the world, and I know how important safe packaging is.
Should your artwork unexpectedly get damaged during shipping, you are not alone. All shipments are fully insured, and I will personally guide you through the claims process and work with you to find a suitable solution.
My goal is simple: I want your artwork to arrive in exactly the same condition as when it left my studio, so that the only surprise upon opening the package is seeing your new painting for the first time.
What if I receive the artwork and it’s not what I expected?
Everything revolves around trust when buying artwork online.
Of course, it is exciting, and you wonder if the painting will evoke the same feeling when you finally see it in real life.
And naturally, this is not a small purchase!
That is exactly why I try my best to provide the right first impression of a painting before you buy it.
The images of the artwork, the descriptions of the artwork; everything has to be right.
And that is why I offer the extra assurance of a free PREVIEW so you can view a painting on your own wall before you make that important decision.
Should the artwork unexpectedly fail to meet your expectations, I also offer a 14-day RETURN POLICY.
If the painting does not fit well in your home, you can return it within 14 days, provided it is returned in its original condition.
But after selling nearly 200 paintings, I can honestly say that no one has ever returned a painting...
Can I trust an artist I’ve never met?
This is a very valid question.
Purchasing an original painting is in itself a very personal event.
And when this happens online via a website, you have to trust someone you have probably never met.
Trust can be built through good communication and openness. That is why I find it important to answer every question personally and to provide honest information about my work.
If you are interested in a particular painting, I will keep you informed throughout the entire process, from the first inquiry until the moment the artwork is delivered to your address.
Over the years, art lovers from all over the world have purchased my artworks. Many have shared their experiences through reviews, which can be read on my website.
As a result, everyone can get an honest picture of what it is like to buy directly through my website or my studio.
When you buy from me, you are not dealing with a large company or an anonymous website. You are buying directly from the artist who created the painting. That personal connection, along with transparent communication and reliable service, is something that many collectors tell me they greatly appreciate.
Is buying original art online really a good idea?
Buying a painting online feels like a big step for many people.
You are choosing something very personal without having seen it in real life first.
But nowadays, thousands of art lovers and collectors buy original artworks online, directly from the artist.
An important advantage of buying art online is that you can view a wider range of artists from all over the world.
You can calmly view artworks at your leisure, multiple times over. And take your time to make a decision from the comfort of your own home.
To make the entire process as safe and pleasant as possible, I offer detailed photos, honest descriptions, a FREE preview service so you can see the artwork on your own wall, secure FREE worldwide shipping, a 14-day return period, and a certificate of authenticity with every original painting.
Am I making the right decision, or should I keep looking?
Am I making the right decision, or should I keep looking?
That is a completely natural feeling.
My advice is simple: take your time with your decision!
An original painting is not an everyday purchase. It is something you will hopefully enjoy for years to come, so it makes sense that you want to make a good choice.
The right artwork is more than just something that matches your sofa or wall color. It is a piece that makes you pause, that you look at again and again, that you talk about with friends and family, and that gives you a special feeling.
Over the years, I have spoken with many buyers and enthusiasts, and I have noticed that they often return to the same artwork time and again. They look at other paintings, compare styles and colors, but one piece continues to draw them in. In my experience, that is usually a good sign.
The best artwork is not always the one that fits your interior perfectly. It is the artwork that creates an emotional bond.
If a painting keeps you occupied, it may have already found its place in your home.
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!
