The Ultimate Guide to Buying Local Art Online and Discovering Independent Artists

So you want to support local artists from the comfort of your sweatpants but don’t know where to start? Join the club.

Between factory-made prints pretending to be “handcrafted” (lies) and 37 tabs open on your browser (we counted), it’s chaos out there. But don’t worry—we’ve got you.

We did the digging so you don’t have to. That means:

• Scrolling through every “indie” art site that exists
• Stalking artists on Instagram and Facebook (in a totally healthy, non-creepy way, promise)
• Figuring out how to spot actual local art that isn’t mass-produced nonsense

By the end of this, you’ll know:

• Where to shop
• Who to trust
• And how to make your walls look like they belong in a dreamy little gallery in Portland—not a dentist’s office waiting room

Let’s make your walls unboring, shall we?

Where to Start: Online Art Marketplaces That Aren’t Total Chaos

These sites are basically the VIP lounges of the internet where real artists (not sketchy factories) hang out and sell their work.

Let’s go shopping!

Where the Cool Art Lives: A Quick Marketplace Cheat Sheet

Marketplace	Can You Shop Local?	Why You’ll Love It
Etsy	Yup — filter by location!	Handmade gems, custom vibes, budget-friendly
Saatchi Art	Sorta — country only	Fancy-ish, but full of future art stars
Artfinder	Yep — by country	Indie, curated, and zero mass-produced junk
Artsy	Heck yes — city filter FTW	Big gallery energy, straight from your couch

1. Etsy

Etsy is the OG for handmade everything — and yes, that includes art. Whether you’re into prints, custom paintings, sculptures, or original photography, Etsy’s packed with affordable finds that won’t kill your vibe or your budget.

Use the filters to narrow down the “shop location” and boom, you’re in business.

But a warning: Not every seller is a real artist. Some are just dropshipping mass-produced stuff from who-knows-where.

Pro Tip:

• Check their reviews (the more glowing ones, the better).
• Look for a profile pic that’s not a logo and a bio that doesn’t sound like it was written by a robot.
• When in doubt? Message them and ask, “Hey, did you make this?” Easy.

2. Saatchi Art

Saatchi Art sounds bougie — and, okay, it can be — but don’t bounce just yet.

While it’s home to some big-ticket investment pieces, it also has tons of prints and originals from up-and-coming artists (aka future stars).

Pro move: While Saatchi Art doesn’t offer a city filter (though it does let you filter by country), playing with keywords and browsing artist bios can help you sniff out hidden local gems before they blow up.

3. Artfinder

Think of this one as Etsy’s cooler, artsier sibling — Artfinder is more curated, which means less scrolling through weird stuff and more real art made by actual humans.

Each artist runs their own shop straight from their studio, and you can filter artwork by the artist’s country — great if you’re looking to support local talent.

There’s no city-level filter, though, so if you’re hoping to find someone nearby, you’ll need to browse artist profiles manually.

4. Artsy

Okay, this one’s for the serious art nerds (or future ones). Artsy’s connected to over 4,000 galleries worldwide, meaning you’ll find everything from up-and-comers to names you might’ve seen in an actual museum — so whether you’re hunting museum-level art or something fresh and exciting, there’s plenty to explore.

It’s more high-end, but if you’re feeling fancy or want to start collecting for real, this is the spot.

Bonus: You can filter by city and discover what’s hot in your local scene.

Buy Directly from Artists (a.k.a. Cut Out the Middleman)

Wanna make sure your cash goes straight to the person who actually made that gorgeous piece of art? Then skip the big stores and buy directly from artists themselves.

It’s like ordering cookies from a baker instead of a vending machine. Tastes better. Feels better.

Here’s how to do it like a pro (even if you’re totally new to this):

Instagram & Facebook: Your Pocket-Sized Art Hunt

Sure, Instagram is where you low-key stalk your ex’s vacation — but it’s also a goldmine for finding local artists.

Add Facebook to the mix, and you’ve got a full-blown virtual art walk happening 24/7.

Here’s how to use both like a pro:

Use Hashtags (on Instagram) & Keywords (on Facebook)

On Instagram:

Search:

• #localart
• #independentartist
• #art[YourCity] (think #artToronto, #artSeattle, etc.)

On Facebook:

Use the search bar to find:

• “Local artists near me”
• “Art for sale [YourCity]”
• “Makers markets” or “art fairs [YourCity]”

You’ll uncover everything from personal artist pages to event listings and local art groups.

Let the Algorithm Work Its Magic

On Instagram:

Like, save, and comment on art you love. The algorithm will start spoon-feeding you more of the good stuff.

On Facebook:

Join local art groups and RSVP to art events. Your feed will start to reflect your inner art collector.

Check the Tags & Groups

On Instagram:

Peep the tagged accounts in posts from:

• Art fairs
• Indie galleries
• Pop-up markets

On Facebook:

Join or browse:

• Local buy/sell art groups
• Artist collectives
• Event pages for upcoming art shows

It’s like wandering through a weekend street fair — minus the crowds and sunburn.

Artist Websites: Your New Favorite Bookmark

Once you find an artist you love (thank you, Instagram), chances are they’ll have a link in their bio that takes you to their website or online shop.

Most artists build their sites using platforms like:

• Squarespace
• Wix
• Shopify

These aren’t sketchy sites — they’re the Etsy alternatives that give artists more control over how they sell and price their work.

Plus, they usually include:

• Secure payment options
• Shipping info
• Contact pages so you can ask questions without feeling weird

Snagging art straight from an artist’s site is the most direct way to support them — no middleman, no weird fees, no algorithm getting in the way.

Local Galleries & Online Exhibitions: Your Neighborhood Art Goldmine

Want to find amazing local art but not sure where to start? Think of your local art galleries as places full of unique, authentic pieces just waiting for you to discover.

Here’s how to tap into this goldmine without leaving your couch:

Step 1: Google “Art Galleries Near Me”

Seriously, just pop your city name into Google with “art gallery” and watch the magic happen.

You’ll get a list of galleries nearby — many of which now have online exhibitions or virtual storefronts you can browse anytime, anywhere.

No fancy outfit required.

Why Buy Through Local Galleries?

… because they’ve got your back!

• They vet the artists — meaning they check that the art is legit before selling it. No scams, no fakes. Just real-deal creativity.
• You’re supporting your local creative scene — not just an artist but the whole community of makers, curators, and art lovers around you.
• They make buying easy — many galleries now offer contactless payment options, delivery right to your door, and even virtual consultations if you want to chat about a piece before buying.

How to Spot a Real Artist Online (And Avoid the Fakes)

Buying art online is awesome — but with so many options, how do you know the artist is the real deal? Don’t worry, we’ve got your back.

Here’s your beginner’s checklist to make sure your new art crush is legit:

Check Their Online Vibes

• Consistent branding: Real artists usually keep their style, photos, and info consistent across Instagram, websites, and anywhere else they hang out online. If it looks like they put in effort, that’s a great sign.
• Behind-the-scenes content: Look for videos or pics showing the making of the art — sketches, work-in-progress shots, or studio peeks. Artists love sharing these, and it means they’re proud of their craft.

Read What Other Buyers Say

Platforms like Etsy or Artfinder let customers leave reviews. Scan a few to see if people had good experiences — fast shipping, quality work, great communication? If yes, you’re on the right track.

Slide Into Their DMs (Politely!)

Got questions? Don’t be shy!

Message the artist and ask about how they create their pieces or how prints are made. Genuine artists will usually be happy to chat — it’s a great way to build trust and get to know the story behind your future art.

Practical Stuff to Keep in Mind

• Shipping & pickup: Some local artists might offer free local pickup or cheaper shipping. Others might use print-on-demand services to send prints straight to you. Always check before buying!
• Price points: Art can be anywhere from $15 for a cute print to thousands for jaw-dropping originals. Many artists offer options at different price levels, so don’t hesitate to ask what fits your budget.
• Return policy: Buying art online can feel like a gamble, so always check if the artist accepts returns or offers refunds. Most will be upfront about this on their site or if you ask.

Final Thought:

Whether it’s your first art buy or you’re a seasoned collector, the internet’s got endless ways to help you discover talent in your own backyard — from scrolling Instagram feeds to clicking through virtual galleries.

So next time your walls feel a little meh, skip the generic prints and dive into the world of real artists doing cool stuff near you. Your space (and their bank account) will thank you.