Top 10 Places to Buy Affordable Art
By Alice Yoo (from My Modern Met) on July 20, 2011
With the rise of the Internet came a whole new way that artists and art enthusiasts could connect. We can now find new and emerging art from all around the world in all sorts of different disciplines. To bridge the gap, online art stores have begun to emerge. While some are curated by prestigious galleries or cultural institutions, others accept works from a wide variety of artists. Today, we bring you ten sites that stand out for their distinct style. Check these out to find art that speaks to you or to just discover new artists whose work we guarantee will awaken your creative spirit.1. 20x200

20x200 was started by NY gallery proprietor Jen Bekman who had one mission in mind: to make art available for everyone. The site introduces at least two new edition a week: one photo and one work on paper. Every print is delivered with a numbered certificate of authenticity that is signed by the artist. The smallest print is usually available for $20 and is limited to 200 prints. (Hence, the name.) Recently, 20x200 rolled out a custom framing options for all their prints.
Tip: Be the first one to find out about new editions by signing up to "Jen's newsletter." Some of the prints sell out fast, so if you want to scoop up one up before it's gone, this is how you'll do it.
2. Society6

If you're looking to find some of the coolest, currently trending art and illustrations around, stop by Society6. This company works with thousands of artists from around the world, bringing some amazingly creative works to the forefront. With prints generally priced between $20 and $50, Society6 makes it easy for you to start your own art collection.
Tip: If you follow art and culture blogs such as, Cool Hunting, Design Milk, and Flavorpill, you'll want to check out their curated Society6's collections. It's where the people behind those blogs hand-pick their favorite Society6 art and illustrations.
3. Gallery Nucleus

With a focus on exhibition, Gallery Nucleus is both an art gallery and an art store that showcases work from both local artists and those abroad. What sets them nicely apart is that they sell works by contemporary illustrators who've been employed at such companies as Pixar and Dreamworks. Look to Gallery Nucleus for a wonderful collection of narrative fine art that often centers around some of their most popular exhibitions like Edward Scissorhands or even Harry Potter!
Tip: Want to buy art for a good cause? Check out their Power in Numbers section to find original artwork at affordable prices. Proceeds from each sale go toward the artists' chosen charity.
4. ArtSpace

By working with curators from top museums, galleries and cultural institutions, ArtSpace separates itself out from the pack. This newly launched store partners with everyone from the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts and the Guggenheim to the The Studio Museum in Harlem. With art that ranges in price from $200 to $10,000, there's truly something for everyone.
Tip: Become a member at ArtSpace for free and enjoy benefits such as access to weekly private sales, special member-only pricing and credits toward your own art collection by inviting others to join.
5. Eye Buy Art

Fine art photography at affordable prices? Yes, you can find this at Eye Buy Art. The online art gallery represents some of the most exciting photographers from Canada, the US and the UK who are just coming up in their careers as selected by a jury of professionals. Starting at $25, these limited edition photographic prints are a steal of a deal.
Tip: Two new images are released every two weeks, so sign up for their email newsletter to be the first in the know - even before the news goes public.
6. Saatchi Online

In 2006, Saatchi Gallery in London started Saatchi Online so that artists had a platform to show their work to an international audience. Called a "social marketplace," this online shop not only has over a million pieces of original art, photography, and prints, they also make it easy for artists to connect to one another. Come here to see up-and-coming fine art from all around the world.
Tip: Build your own collection and share the art you love with your friends. Or, find an artist you love and then seek out their collection to see what kind of art they appreciate the most.
7. ClickforArt

If the names Amy Sol, James Jean, Luke Chueh or Sylvia Ji sound familiar, then you'll more than likely love this store. Started in 2007, ClickforArt sells limited edition prints and more - like pillows, bags and ceramics - to the the person who loves seeing a new type of pop art everywhere. Though the company is UK based, they work with 50 international artist and design studios. They also ship all over the world.
Tip: If you're looking to find a quick housewarming gift, why not buy some artistic pillows?
8. Poster Cabaret

If you appreciate beautifully designed posters (and bikes), check out Poster Cabaret. The online shop is run by Sebastian Foster who also owns a studio in Austin, Texas. Originally started as a place to sell underground gig posters, the website now features over 2000 posters and art prints by over 75 artists from around the globe. Simply designed and easy to navigate, this website makes it a breeze for you to find exactly what you're looking for.
Tip: To celebrate National Bike Month in May, Poster Cabaret curates a wonderful collection of bicycle-inspired art that's both on display at their gallery and sold online. Make sure to follow Poster Cabaret on Facebook to be reminded of this fantastically inspiring event.
9. ArtWeLove

Focusing on artists whose work can be found in top galleries and museums, it's hard to believe that ArtWeLove sells prints that start at just $15. Get to know an artist on a personal level, by checking out their short video interviews. Come here to find a whole range of unique themes such as eco-conscious, heritage, post-pop, whimsical and more.
Tip: If you're new to the website, make sure to sign up for their newsletter to receive $5 off your first purchase.
10. Tiny Showcase

Started in November 2004, Tiny Showcase picks out a new piece of art each week and turns into a limited-run print, which means that when the print is sold out, it's gone. The highly curated site doesn't have thousands of prints, like the other sites, but that doesn't mean it's not full of rich art. As a nice touch, each run is printed on archival Hahnemühle German Printmaking Paper which is specially treated and sprayed, giving it an archival lifespan of over 60 years.
Tip: Buy a piece of artwork from here and you're helping those in need. A percentage of the money from each print sold is donated to the charity of the artist's choice so that the artist doesn't just benefit from the sale, others less-fortunate will, too.
Which of these sites do you visit?
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Alice Yoo is the founder and editor in chief of My Modern Metropolis, a place where trendspotters and art enthusiasts come to connect over creative ideas. After graduating from UCLA with a Bachelor's in Economics, Alice received her MBA, worked in advertising for MTV and Outdoor Channel and then started My Modern Met in 2008. With over 2.5 million page views per month, My Modern Met has become an art, culture and lifestyle destination for the modern man and woman.







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