Buying Art Directly From the Artist vs Through a Gallery
By Ning Ma
When you buy from a gallery, a large share of the price goes to the gallery, commonly around half. When you buy from the artist directly, it doesn't. That's the main difference in money. It's worth knowing what a gallery does for its share, because sometimes it's worth paying for.
I've shown work in galleries and museum exhibitions, including TINT Gallery, Darkroom Gallery and ArtSpan's shows at SOMArts, and I also sell prints here. Both are reasonable ways to buy.
What a gallery gives you
- You see the work in person. Real size, real surface, good light. This is the biggest one.
- Someone has already chosen. A gallery's reputation depends on what it hangs.
- Help with big purchases. Delivery, installation, and at some galleries, payment plans.
- A record. A gallery sale can help if you ever resell.
- A relationship. A good gallerist will tell you when an artist you like has new work.
What buying direct gives you
- You talk to the person who made it. Where it was taken, how it's printed, whether another size is possible: you ask and get an answer from the source.
- More choice. A gallery shows a selection. An artist's own site shows everything that's available.
- The money goes to the artist.
Buying direct isn't always cheaper. Many artists keep their own prices the same as their gallery prices so they don't undercut the galleries that show them.
Check these either way
- The edition size, and whether it covers every size.
- The materials, by name.
- A certificate of authenticity for any limited edition.
- The return policy, especially for large pieces.
How to tell if a print is good quality goes through these in more detail.
Open studios
In San Francisco, ArtSpan runs SF Open Studios each fall, when artists across the city open their studios to the public. It's the closest thing to having both: you see the work in person and talk to whoever made it. Current shows are listed on the events page.
Serenity, Meiji Jingu, Tokyo, Japan.
Quick answers
- How much commission do art galleries take?
- Commonly around 50% of the sale price, though it varies by gallery and agreement.
- Is it cheaper to buy art directly from the artist?
- Not always. Many artists keep direct prices the same as gallery prices so they do not undercut the galleries that represent them.
- Is it safe to buy art online?
- From an established artist or seller, yes. Look for named materials, a clear edition policy, a certificate for limited editions and a return policy.