How to Buy Art
A Beginner’s Guide to Purchasing and Discovering Art
Buying art should be inspiring, not intimidating. This guide offers expert insights, practical guidance, and curated collections—helping you navigate the art world with ease. Whether you’re searching for affordable art, investing in emerging artists, or building a collection that reflects your personal style, we make collecting art approachable, transparent, and rewarding.
Start collecting art by exploring artists, setting a budget, and understanding pricing—this guide will help you make informed decisions and buy art with confidence.
From understanding provenance to making informed purchases, learn how to navigate the art market smoothly and build a collection with certainty.
Artwork prices can be mystifying, from million-dollar auction sales to undisclosed gallery prices. Learn the key factors that influence value and how to make informed collecting decisions.
Top gallerists like Larry Gagosian and Almine Rech share the essential books that every aspiring and seasoned collector should have on their shelf.
Navigating gallery pricing can be intimidating, but understanding the right approach—and the standard approach to discounts—makes all the difference.
The art world can feel exclusive and opaque, but these five insider secrets—from navigating galleries to landing coveted works—will help you collect with confidence.
See the full series of articles about starting your art collection.
“Inside My Collection” interviews inspiring art collectors and offers a look at the pieces in their homes. The featured art collectors share their journeys into collecting; recent acquisitions; new artists they’ve discovered; preferred methods and advice for buying art; and philosophies on what it means to be an art collector today.
The musician and MTV host shares the stories behind his art collection—started through Artsy—that includes leading artists like Sam Gilliam and Derrick Adams.
Esteemed Italian art collector Patrizia Sandretto Re Rebaudengo talks about what she’s learned over three decades of purchasing art from her home in Turin.
Pete Scantland is building an impressive contemporary art collection in Columbus, Ohio, featuring works by Amoako Boafo, Dominique Fung, Jenna Gribbon, and many others
Schwanda Rountree, a Washington, D.C.–base lawyer and art consultant, takes a thoughtful approach to collecting works by emerging and mid-career Black artists.
Roxanne Gay and Debbie Millman share the motivations and stories behind the art collection they've built across their New York and L.A homes.
Read more profiles of leading art collectors.
Arrange your art with intention by considering framing, lighting, spacing, and placement to enhance both the artwork and your home.
From placement and lighting to frames and fixtures, hanging art is both a science and an art. Learn expert tips on creating a cohesive display, maximizing impact, and avoiding common mistakes.
Discover expert tips on choosing frames that enhance, protect, and complement your artwork while preserving its long-term value.
Learn how to seamlessly integrate street art into your home with expert tips on framing, lighting, and creating a cohesive display that honors the artwork’s origins.
Buying the right artwork for the home can present challenges for anyone looking to find an aesthetic balance in their living spaces. Artsy spoke with 7 top interior designers for their tips.
Different artworks require different types of care—even those displayed at home. Learn more about preserving your artworks for the future.
Artsy’s curated collections make it easy to find artworks by color and scale, helping you discover pieces that perfectly fit your space, style, and taste.
Discover a curated selection of small artworks for sale, perfect for adding impact to compact spaces.
Discover a curated selection of large artworks for sale, perfect for making an impact on bigger spaces.
Discover a curated selection of tabletop sculptures for sale, perfect for adding character and dimension to any space or surface.
Explore a curated selection of red art, orange art, yellow art, and more, featuring pieces that radiate energy and vibrancy.
Explore a curated selection of blue art, green art, and purple art, featuring pieces that evoke calmness and serenity.
From the beginning of art history, artists have been drawn to the simple palette of black and white.
The art market operates through galleries, auctions, private sales, and online platforms, where prices are influenced by demand, artist reputation, the economy, and art world trends.
This article explores the key factors impacting the buying and selling of art this year, from Trump’s presidency to the rise of cryptocurrencies.
Discover the top art fairs worldwide, from blue-chip showcases to emerging artist hubs, tailored for collectors at every stage.
Shifts in interest rates can influence liquidity, auction results, and collector behavior—here’s what you need to know.
Understand the key differences between appraisals, valuations, and estimates—how they’re determined, when they’re needed, and what they mean for collectors.
An artwork’s ownership history can impact its value, authenticity, and legal standing. Learn how to assess provenance before you buy.
Although President Trump has paused some tariffs, confusion remains about whether artworks are affected. We explain how experts are interpreting the policy.
See the full series of articles on the art market.
To bid in an art auction, register with the auction house, set a budget, research the artwork, and place bids in person, online, or by phone while following auction rules.
Navigating an auction can be daunting for new collectors. This essential glossary breaks down 25 key auction terms—from reserves and guarantees to white glove sales—so you can bid with confidence.
This step-by-step guide covers everything you need to know about Artsy Auctions—from placing a bid and securing your lot to understanding buyer’s premiums and post-sale logistics.
Auction sales offer public insights into market trends, but understanding their true impact requires a deeper analysis.
Gain access to the art world’s social scene by attending public openings, securing VIP passes to fairs, networking with galleries, and navigating invite-only events with insider tips.
From exclusive dinners to late-night dancing and DJ-fueled celebrations, discover how art world parties shape relationships, influence deals, and define the social scene.
Navigate the art world with confidence. This guide for introverts shares expert tips on attending gallery openings, art fairs, and events.
Bringing your dog into the art world—from VIP fair days to gallery openings—requires the right etiquette. Here’s how to ensure your pup is well-behaved while you navigate the scene.
Discover the top art fairs worldwide, from blue-chip showcases to emerging artist hubs, tailored for collectors at every stage.
Keep your art safe by using professional art shippers, climate-controlled storage, and the right insurance to protect your art collection.
From selecting the right packaging to navigating insurance and transport logistics, learn how to safely ship artworks across any distance.
Learn how to choose the right facility, control climate and humidity, and safely transport artworks to ensure their longevity.
Protect yourself by buying from reputable galleries, auction houses, and online platforms like Artsy; verifying provenance and authenticity; and researching sellers before making a purchase.
Avoid art scams and forgeries by researching provenance, verifying documentation, and working with reputable dealers. Learn expert strategies to spot red flags before making a purchase.
Protect yourself from cyber scams in the art world by verifying dealer communications, securing transactions, and implementing best practices to prevent phishing and fraud.
To sell art, choose between consigning with a gallery or auction house, understand the terms of the agreement, set realistic pricing, and ensure proper documentation to maximize your return.
This guide breaks down the key steps for consigning your art, from working with auction houses and galleries, to understanding seller agreements, commissions, and pricing strategies.
From understanding auction timing and marketing strategies, to negotiating fees and assessing sale potential, this guide covers the key questions every consignor should ask to ensure the best auction results.
Should you consign your art to a gallery or an auction house? This guide unpacks the key differences, from the discretion and market control of galleries, to the expansive reach and marketing power of auction houses.
