Source: https://artcareconservation.com/new-york/

Navigating the art market can sometimes be intimidating, particularly when wondering where to buy paintings. With a plethora of both online and in-person options available, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and consequently, avoid engaging with the whole process of searching for new paintings and other art. In this guide, we’ll dive into various ways of purchasing paintings in Singapore and, additionally, cover some tips to make your art search as smooth as possible! Buying art can indeed be a rewarding and enriching experience that allows you to customize your home and bring beauty into your life.

Galleries : A classic way to find curated art selections

Why go with a gallery? 

Art galleries, indeed, are a great traditional, well-established option for finding and purchasing paintings. Shopping in person, moreover, lets you see the paintings hung and get a feel for how they might look in your space. Another positive of the gallery route, furthermore, is that staff members or sometimes even the artists themselves are close by, allowing for easier communication and clarification on any questions you might have.

Source: Photograph by Elimende Inagella (https://unsplash.com/photos/H8nxvtKbzdA)

Tips for buying from galleries:

• Visit multiple galleries to get a sense of the available artworks and their respective price ranges!
• Ask questions: if you have questions about pieces or the concepts behind them, you can ask a staff member/guide!
• Plan ahead for transportation of the artworks before making a final purchase.

Events & Fairs : An exciting option for buying art and meeting new people!

What are fairs and events like?

In Singapore, there are numerous art events and fairs to explore, including MeetArts’s own Art In Action carnival, which was notably hosted in June of this year! While these events and fairs do vary greatly in their structures and themes, they typically share some common elements. For instance, attendees can expect to find artworks available for purchase, engage in themed activities, and seize opportunities for connection and/or gather more information about the art and artists involved.

Ways to find events/fairs:

• Check out websites like Eventbrite for local art-related events and gatherings
• Follow art organizations on social media or check out their websites for upcoming events
• Word of mouth (check with friends who also enjoy buying art to see if they have any favorite events to buy at)
• Check out our events page (https://www.meetarts.org/events-exhibitions.html) for art exhibitions

Artist Queenie Kou sharing about her paintings at #MeetArts Art in Action.

Benefits of buying from events/fairs:

• Accessibility: temporary popup events like these are likely to drop into multiple locales, making it easier to find and make time 
• Events and fairs provide opportunities to speak to artists who may be present in a less formal setting than a gallery
• At an event or an art fair, you can gather contact information and social media in case you’d like to see more future work from a new artist you discover!

Some notable events/fairs:

• Singapore Biennale
• Singapore Arts Week
• Silver Arts 
• Arts In Your Neighborhood
• PAssionArts
• Singapore International Festival of Arts

Online Platforms : Taking advantage of the changing online world

Benefits of buying online:

• Online platforms allow for flexibility in shopping by bringing the art selection to you, on your own schedule
• Easy navigation of the website allows you to focus on specific requirements of your choice such as specific artist, price range, modern or contemporary art pieces. 
• Close up shots of the pieces allow you to look into the details of the pieces closely.
• Comparison of prices / art pieces is also made easier online.
• The centralized structure of an online platform like MeetArts makes it easy to navigate the work of many artists and find what you’re looking for!
• Reliable art platforms such as MeetArts sell only genuine and authentic artworks.
• There is also explanation/background of the art pieces to allow you to understand the artists better, their inspiration drawn and availability of other works.

Our selection of artworks for sale. Source: https://www.meetarts.org/artworks.html.

Tips for buying art online:

• Be sure to check the details before buying (dimensions, medium, etc.) and make sure they match what you’re looking for
• Keep an eye out for online sales or special offers!
• Check refund policies and customer support information in case you need to get in contact with the seller
• Look at reviews or ratings to gauge the reliability of the artist

Independent Artists : Supporting artists while finding great new pieces!

Benefits of buying from independent artists & studios

• Supporting smaller local art businesses and individual artists means that more of the profits go directly to the artists, which helps foster an equitable, creative environment and a strong local art economy.
• Independent artists and studios are great options that allow you to connect more personally with the individual artists and collectives that create the art.
• Rising and independent artists often have more creative freedom and can produce innovative paintings not found elsewhere in the art market. 

Source: Photograph by Tim Mossholder (https://unsplash.com/photos/hrm0hf8pCdU)

Finding independent artists:

• Social media
• Open studios/art walks
• Local art schools and painting workshops

Tips for buying from independent artists:

• Connect with the artist - you can get a better feel for their work and forge a positive business relationship by reaching out in person or online.
• Clarify their selling prices and evaluate with your budget - every artist and studio has their own system of pricing, and if prices aren’t posted in a consistent way it never hurts to ask!
• Some emerging artists don’t have set prices and negotiate sales on a more case-by-case basis. You can always make an offer that’s within your budget for a piece and go from there.

Conclusion

Whether it’s through an event, a gallery, or online, Singapore indeed has a lot to offer when it comes to art. Firstly, some general rules of thumb include exploring your options, asking lots of questions, and effectively using the resources available to you. This means asking gallery or event staff, talking to artists, doing your own research, and reaching out to customer support or sales staff through online platforms. Consequently, finding art you love doesn’t have to be an arduous or intimidating project. Ultimately, we hope this guide can assist you on your journey to discovering buying methods that best suit your needs!

Contact us at [email protected] or visit our website www.meetarts.org for more information on our artworks.