How to buy art online?
Buying art online should feel exciting, intuitive, and personal, not intimidating. At Verità Fine Art, we believe collecting art is about curiosity, connection, and living with work you truly love, not about rules or insider knowledge.
Whether you’re buying your first piece, a gift for a loved one, or adding to an established collection, here’s a thoughtful guide to buying art online with confidence.
Be open-minded & find what speaks to you:
My first piece of advice sounds simple, but can be more challenging than you think: figure out what you like. Not what an algorithm tells you that you should like. Not a cheap imitation of what some billionaire has in their home. Not what your mom would approve of. What makes you happy, independent of those influences? What would you be happy to look at each day?
If a piece lingers in your mind, sparks an emotional response, or feels like it already belongs in your space, trust that instinct. Never give in to trends; we’ve all seen how quickly fads rise and fall.
At the same time, be open minded. While it’s great to start with an idea of what you want, make sure you remain receptive to a range of styles, colours, interests, etc. and allow yourself to be surprised. You never know what you’ll fall in love with.
Art doesn’t need to follow trends or fit expectations. It doesn’t need to cost a lot. It just needs to resonate with you.
Set a budget that feels right:
Before browsing, it helps to decide on a comfortable price range.
In the “art world" prices go up almost infinitely (seriously, there are, like, two superyachts that cost more than a Leonardo and that’s about it).
None of that nonsense here. At Verità, our pieces start at $15 and go up to $500 CAD.
There are a number of factors that impact an artwork’s price, including its medium, size, edition, and provenance. What matters is choosing work that feels aligned with both your budget and your interests.
Telephone, $15 from Verità
Explore different mediums:
Different types of artwork bring different energy into a space. As you browse, notice what you naturally gravitate toward:
Abstract works can really bring your space to life. They encourage personal interpretation and emotional response
Landscapes can create calm, depth, or a sense of bucolic escape for those who live in the urban jungle.
Mixed media offers texture, personality, and experimentation. They are visually compelling and unique.
Works on paper or text-based art often feel intimate, like the hand of the artist is still present.
Prints like lithographs, linocuts, woodblocks, and prints on canvas harness reproductive technologies to make works of art more accessible and scalable to your space. Manual printmaking processes often contribute an intimate sense of spontaneity and uniqueness.
Vintage posters let you connect with art history and reflect your position in the community of viewers who have appreciated that artist’s/artists’ work across time.
Yes, art is decorating your home, but it should feel intentional. Find a piece that you want to look at forever, and that reflects who you are.
Explore different mediums:
Different types of artwork bring different energy into a space. As you browse, notice what you naturally gravitate toward. Yes, art is decorative, but it should feel intentional. Let us help you find a piece that you want to look at forever, and that reflects who you are.
Abstract works can really bring your space to life. They encourage personal interpretation and emotional response
Landscapes can create calm, depth, or a sense of bucolic escape for those who live in the urban jungle.
Mixed media offers texture, personality, and experimentation. They are visually compelling and unique.
Works on paper or text-based art often feel intimate, like the hand of the artist is still present.
Prints like lithographs, linocuts, woodblocks, and prints on canvas harness reproductive technologies to make works of art more accessible and scalable to your space. Manual printmaking processes often contribute an intimate sense of spontaneity and uniqueness.
Vintage posters let you connect with art history and reflect your position in the community of viewers who have appreciated that artist’s/artists’ work across time.
Hanni Rothschild, Sirena, $375 from Veritá
Understand the details
Before purchasing, take time to review the basics:
Dimensions: so you can visualize the scale of the work in your space
Condition: is the artwork new or vintage? Read the description and view the photos to understand any signs of wear or damage.
Framing: consider whether or not the artwork comes framed, and what condition the frame is in. A framed work will be more expensive to ship, but, on the other hand, professional framing comes at a considerable cost.
We’re always happy to provide additional details, images, or context. We also offer full condition reports for any artwork on request, so you can buy with clarity and confidence.
Measure your space (then visualize)
Measure the space where the artwork might live. Outlining with tape or string on your wall can be a very helpful way to visualize how much space the artwork will fill. You should also consider how the artwork will interact with its surroundings (e.g. furniture, other artwork, decor) and how much light the space gets. For example, a darker composition might underwhelm in a shadowy room without a spotlight.
If you’re unsure, we’re happy to help you with an in-home consultation to think through placement, proportion, and lighting.
Personal shopping
Buying art online doesn’t have to be impersonal. At Verità Fine Art, we offer personal shopping support for every client. Whether you’re comparing works, looking for something specific, or just beginning to explore, we’re here to guide you.
We’re happy to suggest pieces based on your taste, space, or budget, and to answer questions along the way.
Shipping:
Consider the shipping costs when selecting your artwork. Larger and framed artworks will be more expensive to ship, while customers in Toronto will benefit from local delivery and pickup options.
To keep your costs down, and to minimize environmental impact, we use recycled packing materials whenever possible. Your artwork might arrive in a Costco box, but it will be safe!
Midcentury Modern Hot Air Balloon Mirror, $50 from Verità
Trust yourself
Art buying isn’t about getting permission to like something, or cracking a secret cultural code. If a piece feels right, it probably is.
Take your time. Ask questions. Let curiosity lead.
Buying art online can feel transparent, personal, and joyful. At Verità Fine Art, we’re here to support you at every step with thoughtful curation, honest guidance, and a genuine love of art.