"Buying Art Online Isn't Safe" — Why That's Just Not True Anymore

Have you ever found the perfect piece of art online—something that made you stop scrolling, sparked your imagination, felt like it was meant for your wall—but then you didn't buy it because you weren't sure if you could trust the purchase?

Maybe you've had some ill-fated online purchases already. Or maybe it just feels risky to buy something you haven't seen in person. I understand your hesitancy completely.

But here's what I've learned after 20+ years as a working artist: buying art online today isn't just safe—it's often the best way to discover pieces that truly speak to you.

More and more artists are creating reliable, personal, and transparent ways for you to get to know both the work and the artist before you ever hit "buy." When you let go of outdated fears about online art shopping, you open up access to unique, original artwork from artists you might never have discovered otherwise.

What You'll Discover in This Post

• Why the "unsafe online art shopping" myth became so widespread

• What you're actually missing by believing it

• The reality of buying directly from artists online today

• Simple, low-risk ways to start collecting art with confidence

First, Your Skepticism Makes Complete Sense

We've all seen the horror stories: people spending money online only to receive nothing, or something completely different than expected. I've had disappointing online experiences myself buying other things. It's frustrating and makes you cautious—especially with art, which feels so personal and important.

Add to that the rise of scammy platforms, low-quality print sites, and faceless art marketplaces with zero transparency, and of course you'd think twice about clicking "buy now."

Your caution is smart. But here's what's changed: the landscape of online art buying has completely transformed.

What This Belief Actually Costs You

If you've stopped yourself from buying artwork online despite loving it, you've probably felt this frustration:

"I want something meaningful for my space... but how do I know I can trust it'll be right?"

That hesitation means you're missing out on discovering art that genuinely resonates with you. Not mass-produced prints. Not just "good enough" pieces from big-box stores. I'm talking about art with real stories behind it—pieces that make your space feel authentically yours.

As an artist, I know there are people who would connect deeply with my work if they felt safe enough to try. That's exactly why I've built my online presence to be transparent and trustworthy. And I'm not alone—countless artists today are doing the same.

If you've been hesitating, you're definitely not alone. But you also don't have to stay stuck settling for generic wall decor.

The New Reality: Personal, Transparent, and Secure

Today's working artists run professional online shops using established platforms like Shopify, with built-in security, clear policies, and direct communication. We're not hiding behind third-party marketplaces—we're right here, sharing our process, telling our stories, and standing behind our work quality.

Here's what you can actually expect:

• Get to know the artist through About pages, blog posts, and social media

• See the process through behind-the-scenes content and studio updates

• Ask questions directly—most of us love when people reach out

• Review clear policies for returns, shipping, and guarantees

• Start small before committing to larger pieces

I personally offer a range of choices in my shop so you can start wherever feels comfortable. Try a print, notecard set, or smaller original piece first. See how it feels to receive real art made by someone who cares about your entire experience.

When it goes well—and it usually does—it feels incredible. You've supported a working artist, added genuine meaning to your home, and made a decision you can feel proud of.

Your Action Plan for Confident Online Art Buying

Here's how to move from hesitation to confidence:

1. Start Small to Build Trust

Try a notecard set or fine art print first. This lets you experience the quality, shipping care, and attention to detail without a major investment. While my shop features a full range of work, I do offer some wonderful lower-cost options for getting started.

2. Get to Know the Artist

Read the About page. Follow their social media or sign up for their newsletter. Artists regularly share the stories behind their work—you might find yourself connecting in ways you never expected. I share my creative process, thoughts, and studio moments so you know exactly who you're supporting.

3. Use Available Security Features

Look for clear return policies, shipping timelines, and FAQ sections. Don't hesitate to reach out with questions—we want you to feel informed. These policies should be easily accessible on any professional artist's website.

4. Think Beyond Physical Limitations

Unlike physical galleries with limited wall space, online shops let you see an artist's full range. You can compare pieces, colors, sizes, and styles at your own pace. You gain access to artists and artwork from anywhere in the world.

5. Embrace the Collecting Journey

There's no pressure to find the "perfect" piece immediately. Building a meaningful art collection happens over time, reflecting different seasons, moods, and growth in your life.

Collecting art is like collecting experiences—with friends, through travel, in places you love. You can't have all those moments at once, and meaningful art takes time to discover. It can appear in the most unexpected places.

Like the tiny shop in Dingle, Ireland I wandered into, filled   with miniature watercolor and pencil renderings of the Irish landscape. I still remember that shop because of the art. The art and the experience go hand in hand.  

And I've also found artists online that I've followed for years. One in particular creates regular YouTube videos of her small gouache paintings. After watching for a while, I discovered she had her own website—with a whole collection I hadn't seen on elsewhere. That direct connection made all the difference.

Inside My Shop: How I Ensure Your Confidence

Here's specifically how I make online buying easier and safer:

• I personally package and fulfill each original art order with care

• I partner with a trusted local print service I communicate with directly

• I use Shopify's secure payment processing for smooth, protected checkout

• I provide transparent return and shipping policies

• I'm personally available if anything goes wrong—and committed to making it right

Even though my shop is still growing, I'm deeply invested in earning your trust. Every satisfied customer and positive experience means everything to me as a working artist.

I'm not a faceless company. I'm a working artist with a real investment in your experience.

A Story: From Hesitant to Happy Collector

One of my collectors first discovered my work through a flamenco painting featured on a show announcement she kept on her refrigerator. She told me repeatedly how much she loved it.

She'd check in occasionally to see new work. That original painting had sold, and I had since shifted to creating smaller pieces while balancing studio time with my children's school schedules.

Eventually, she was ready. She commissioned a flamenco piece created just for her.

"But What If Something Goes Wrong?"

I can't speak for every artist's website, but I can speak for mine: I own it, built it, and run it personally.

It's not a profile on some massive platform—it's my dedicated corner of the internet, and I'm completely invested in it running smoothly.

If something's wrong with your order, I'll do everything possible to make it right. I care deeply about your experience because I know trust develops over time. I'm building that trust one customer at a time.

You're Ready for This—and I'm Here to Help

Here's what we've uncovered:

✓ The "unsafe online art buying" myth is outdated
✓ You can purchase confidently when you know what to look for
✓ Artists like me work hard to make the experience personal and meaningful
✓ Starting small removes pressure while building confidence

When you take that first step, you open the door to art that genuinely reflects you, your space, and your story.

Ready to See What's Possible?

Come explore my shop and see how different online art buying can feel. Start with a print, notecard set, or whatever catches your attention.

Browse my store → [Link to shop]

Check out my About page. Read my other blog posts. Send me a message with questions.

Your next favorite piece of art might be waiting for you online—and I'll be right here to make sure the experience exceeds your expectations.