How to buy original art online

Buying original art online can feel risky. You cannot touch the piece, the words "original" and "print" get mixed up, and it is hard to know if the price is fair. This guide walks you through it step by step, so you can buy with confidence. At VanArtHub every piece is an original, signed by the artist, and it ships with a Certificate of Authenticity. For the longer version, with sources and more detail on each step, read how to buy original paintings online in Canada.

1. Original art vs prints

An original is a one-of-a-kind painting made by hand. A print is a machine copy, and there can be hundreds of the same image. Originals carry the texture of real brushwork and they hold their value far better than prints. Everything on VanArtHub is an original. We do not sell prints or reproductions of any kind. If value and resale matter to your decision, see our guide to art as an investment, including a closer look at why originals and prints hold value so differently.

2. Set a budget that works for you

Original art comes in a wide price range, so decide what feels comfortable before you shop. A clear budget makes the choice easier and stops you from second-guessing. It helps to browse by price:

• Original art under $700
• Original art under $1000
• Statement pieces above $1000

Remember that an original is a single object made by one artist. Even at the lower end, you are getting something no one else has.

Most galleries do not publish prices at all, so comparing on budget is harder than it should be. We checked thirteen Vancouver galleries and wrote down what each one shows before you contact them: compare VanArtHub with Vancouver galleries.

3. Find a style you love

Do not overthink this. The best piece is the one you keep wanting to look at. Still, it helps to know the main styles so you can search faster:

• Abstract art works with almost any room and adds colour without a fixed subject.
• Figurative and portrait art brings a human focus to a space.
• Nature and landscape art feels calm and grounding.
• Oil paintings give rich texture and depth.

Still not sure where to start? Answer two quick questions in the Find Your Style quiz and we will point you to a shortlist that matches your taste.

4. Measure your wall and pick the right size

Size is where most people go wrong. A painting that looks big on screen can feel small on a wall. A simple rule: the art should fill about two thirds of the wall or the furniture below it. Measure the width of the wall or sofa, then aim for a piece around two thirds of that width.

5. Check authenticity

Before you buy, make sure the piece is a true original. Look for three things: a clear statement that the work is original and hand-painted, the artist's signature, and a Certificate of Authenticity. Every VanArtHub painting has all three. The certificate is signed and dated, and it names the artist and the work.

6. Shipping, returns, and your guarantee

Good sellers make returns easy, because they know you are buying without seeing the piece in person. Here is how it works with us. Shipping is free to the United States, Canada, and the UAE. Each painting is packed by hand, and larger works ship in custom crates.

You also get a 14-day return. Buy the painting, hang it, and live with it. If you do not love it, send it back within 14 days for a full refund, and we pay the return shipping. For more, see our Help Center.

7. Commission a custom painting

If you cannot find the exact piece, you can have one made. Tell us the size, colours, and style you want, and we brief the right artist. This is a good option when you have a specific wall or colour scheme in mind. Start on our commission a Vancouver artist page, or read our full commissioning guide for the whole process, from brief to delivery. Not sure whether to commission or buy ready-made? See our cost and timeline comparison.

Common questions