3 Places to Find Affordable Art
You just bought a new house, renovated a room in your home or got into a nicer apartment and you are ready to up grade the college poster with real art. You’ve done the home decor goods stores before but find them lacking in originality and emotional connection with you. What you are looking for is to add art that fits more with who you are instead of matching your sofa or wall color.
Buying art is personal and is an exciting experience. What if you have never shopped for “real” art before? Where do you begin your search in finding a painting that stirs your soul and is affordable?
Let’s put the obvious location aside for a moment: visiting a gallery. That might feel intimidating to you right now and this whole process is to be exhilarating! Of course if going to a gallery fulfills that adventurous feeling for you, then by all means support the gallery. I am going to share 3 places that you can find an affordable painting.
Facebook Marketplace:
This can be a hit or miss and you will need to scroll past the inundation of ads to really find the gem. You can set up notifications that will remind you when news listings meeting your criteria are available. Look for the juicy items and be sure to read the full description or contact the seller with any questions before purchasing. If the frame doesn’t resonate with you, remember reframing is always an option.
Antique / Thrift Stores:
The in person version of Facebook Marketplace requires frequent visit as the inventory is always in flux. This makes the hunt for a special meaningful painting a long term game. Keep an eye out at both locations for frames. These stores are treasure troves. *TIP Bring a tape measure with you because sizes are rarely written on the back of the painting. I also recommend having a idea of what you are looking for so not to get easily distracted. Some antique stores will give you a discount if you pay in cash.
Haven’t found the right painting for your space? Send me a message to begin your commission!
Local Shops:
I love discovering emerging artists while I am out and about my day. Be on the lookout while you are grabbing your favorite iced coffee at the café down the street- the artwork on the walls may change frequently. Look for a business card near the register or a QR code to scan under the painting. Often the local shop won’t sell the painting but direct you to the artist to make the sale. Connect with the artist on social media, join their mailing list or reach out directly to make the purchase. Other examples of local shops include the florist, gifts shops, restaurants, books shops, yoga studios, lobby of a bank or hotel, on a wall at the AirBnB you stayed in, and Welcome Centers.
*TIP This way of shopping for art requires you to be more aware of your surroundings. Put the phone down and have a good look around you when you are visiting local shops.
