5 places to buy affordable original art online for under $500

There’s nothing wrong with owning prints but there’s also nothing like hanging a piece of original, one-off art on your wall at home. And guess what? It doesn’t have to break the bank. We tracked down five entry level places for you to find an original online for under $500. We find we can never win when we write about art so we’ll also point out (before someone jumps in) that you can’t beat seeing art in the flesh before you purchase, so consider visiting exhibitions by local artists starting out.

Art Pharmacy: As one of Australia’s biggest online dispensaries of visual art, you’re bound to find something for all tastes. Spanning paintings to mixed media and everything in-between, there are more than 600 original works by emerging Australian artists. And prices start from as low as $80!

StateoftheART Gallery: Focusing on early career graduate artists, the online gallery features works that are contemporary, unique, of high quality, affordable (from $150-to-$900) and with the real potential for increasing in value.

Lisa Madigan: Lisa Madigan’s artworks are normally beyond the reach of the everyday Aussie, however her 12×12 inch nature-inspired oil on canvas beauties are $440 a pop. They are also the perfect first purchase for those wanting to enter the world of original art ownership. Lisa is a favourite local artist of Jen’s.

Bluethumb: With over 1,000 artists listed in their online art gallery, all Bluethumb’s art is original and comes with free shipping nationwide; they even have a 7-day money back guarantee if you decide your piece doesn’t look perfect in your home. Prices start from $55.

Brigitte May: These whimsical and original illustrations are a personal favourite of mine. Created with watercolour, ink and pencil, prices start from $100. Brigitte is also happy to take on special requests.

Where do you buy affordable art?

Check out our art section.