Want to turn your passion into profit? You’ve got the artistic talent, now it’s time to find the right online platform to showcase your masterpieces to the world (and make some serious cash).
This isn’t some fluffy “feel-good” art article. This is about getting your art seen and SOLD. We’re diving deep into the 11 best online marketplaces for Canadian artists, giving you the no-BS breakdown of each platform.
Ready to level up your art hustle? Let’s get started.
11 Best Places to Sell Paintings Online in Canada
1. Etsy
Etsy is the go-to platform for all things handmade, and that includes your unique paintings. Think of it as a massive online craft fair with a built-in audience of art lovers.
Why Etsy Rocks for Canadian Artists:
- Massive audience: Millions of buyers are already browsing Etsy for unique items.
- Easy to use: Setting up your shop is a breeze, even for tech-challenged artists.
- Strong community: Connect with fellow artists, get feedback, and learn from the best.
But here’s the catch: Etsy is a crowded marketplace. To stand out, you need to:
- Nail your SEO: Use relevant keywords in your listings (like “oil painting,” “landscape art,” or “abstract art Canada”).
- Take stunning photos: Showcase your work in the best possible light.
- Offer excellent customer service: Respond to inquiries promptly and go the extra mile for your buyers.
Pro Tip: Consider offering personalized paintings or custom orders to attract more buyers.
2. Fine Art America – Print-on-Demand
Fine Art America is a print-on-demand giant, perfect if you want to sell your art as prints, framed artwork, and even home decor items like mugs and phone cases.
Why Fine Art America is a Game-Changer:
- No inventory needed: They handle printing, shipping, and customer service. You just upload your art.
- Huge product catalog: Offer your art on a wide range of products to maximize your earning potential.
- Global reach: Tap into a worldwide market of art enthusiasts.
The downside? Fine Art America takes a commission on each sale. But the convenience and reach might be worth it, especially if you’re just starting.
Pro Tip: Promote your Fine Art America shop on social media and your website to drive traffic and boost sales.
3. Shopify
Want complete control over your brand and customer experience? Shopify lets you create your own online store. It’s like having your own personal art gallery on the internet.
Why Shopify is the Ultimate Power Move:
- Branding freedom: Customize your store to match your artistic style and vision.
- Direct customer relationship: Build a loyal following and own your customer data.
- Unlimited potential: Scale your business as you grow.
The challenge? You’re responsible for everything: marketing, customer service, and website maintenance. But the payoff can be huge.
Pro Tip: Invest in professional photography and website design to create a stunning online presence.
4. Singulart
Singulart is a curated online gallery that focuses on high-quality original art. If you’re confident in your artistic skills and want to reach a discerning audience, this platform is worth exploring.
Why Singulart is a Cut Above:
- Exclusive selection: Only a limited number of artists are accepted, giving your work more prestige.
- Dedicated art advisors: Get personalized support to promote your art and connect with collectors.
- Global shipping and insurance: Sell your art to buyers worldwide with peace of mind.
The trade-off? Singulart charges a commission on sales, and you need to apply and be accepted to join.
Pro Tip: Submit your best work and craft a compelling artist statement to increase your chances of getting accepted.
5. Amazon Handmade
Amazon Handmade is a dedicated section within Amazon for handcrafted goods, including art. Leverage the massive reach of Amazon to get your paintings in front of millions of potential buyers.
Why Amazon Handmade Can Be a Goldmine:
- Unmatched reach: Tap into Amazon’s massive customer base and global fulfillment network.
- Built-in trust: Buyers already trust Amazon, making them more likely to purchase from you.
- Easy integration: If you already sell on Amazon, adding your art to Handmade is a no-brainer.
The downside? Competition is fierce, and Amazon takes a commission on each sale.
Pro Tip: Optimize your product listings with relevant keywords and high-quality images to stand out in the crowded marketplace.
6. eBay
eBay might not be the first place you think of for selling art, but it can be a surprisingly effective platform, especially if you’re comfortable with auctions.
Why eBay Can Work for Artists:
- Diverse audience: Reach a wide range of buyers, from bargain hunters to serious collectors.
- Auction format: Generate excitement and potentially higher prices for your art.
- Established platform: Benefit from eBay’s trusted reputation and secure payment system.
The challenge? You need to be strategic with your starting bids and auction duration to maximize your profits.
Pro Tip: Offer a “Buy It Now” option alongside your auction to give buyers the flexibility to purchase immediately.
7. Society6
Society6 is another print-on-demand platform, but with a focus on trendy and lifestyle-oriented products. If your art has a contemporary vibe, this platform could be a perfect fit.
Why Society6 is Hip and Happening:
- Trendy products: Showcase your art on phone cases, tote bags, tapestries, and more.
- Young audience: Reach a younger demographic that’s active on social media.
- Artist community: Connect with other artists and participate in design challenges.
The catch? Like other print-on-demand platforms, Society6 takes a commission on each sale.
Pro Tip: Create eye-catching designs that resonate with Society6’s target audience.
8. Saatchi Art
Saatchi Art aims to connect artists with art lovers worldwide. They offer a curated selection of original art and prints, making it a great option for established and emerging artists.
Why Saatchi Art Can Elevate Your Career:
- Global reach: Sell to collectors in over 100 countries.
- Professional presentation: Showcase your art in a sleek and modern online gallery.
- Marketing support: Saatchi Art promotes artists through email campaigns and social media.
The trade-off? Saatchi Art charges a commission on sales, but they also offer various services to help you succeed.
Pro Tip: Participate in Saatchi Art’s online exhibitions and contests to gain exposure and attract new buyers.
9. ArtPal
ArtPal is a popular platform that allows artists to sell their work without any membership fees or commission. It’s a great option for artists who want to maximize their profits and retain control over their pricing.
Why ArtPal is a Breath of Fresh Air:
- No commission: Keep 100% of your earnings.
- Easy setup: Create your online gallery in minutes.
- Variety of features: Sell original art, prints, and even offer custom framing options.
The challenge? You’ll need to put in more effort to market your art and drive traffic to your ArtPal gallery.
Pro Tip: Actively promote your ArtPal profile on social media and your website to reach a wider audience.
10. Social Media
Don’t underestimate the power of social media to sell your art. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest can be incredibly effective for showcasing your work and connecting with potential buyers.
Why Social Media is a Must for Artists:
- Direct connection: Build relationships with your followers and engage with them directly.
- Visual platform: Showcase your art in a visually appealing way.
- Free marketing: Reach a large audience organically or through paid advertising.
The key? Consistency is crucial. Regularly post high-quality images of your art, engage with your followers, and use relevant hashtags to reach a wider audience.
Pro Tip: Use Instagram Stories and Reels to give your followers a behind-the-scenes look at your creative process.
11. Your Own Website
While online marketplaces are great for exposure, having your own website gives you ultimate control over your brand and customer experience.
Why Your Own Website is Non-Negotiable:
- Professionalism: A website adds credibility and legitimacy to your art business.
- Branding: Create a unique online presence that reflects your artistic style.
- Direct sales: Sell your art directly to collectors without paying commissions.
The downside? Building and maintaining a website takes time and effort. But it’s an investment that can pay off big time in the long run.
Pro Tip: Use a website builder like Squarespace or Wix to easily create a stunning website without any coding knowledge.
Choosing the Right Platform for YOU
Feeling overwhelmed?
Don’t be.
Platform | Fees/Commission | Pros | Cons | Best For |
Etsy | Listing fees, transaction fees, payment processing fees | Massive audience, easy to use, strong community | Crowded marketplace, need strong SEO and marketing | Handmade and unique art, artists comfortable with marketing and SEO |
Fine Art America | Commission on sales | Print-on-demand, huge product catalog, global reach | Less control over branding, commission on each sale | Artists wanting passive income, selling prints and merchandise |
Shopify | Monthly subscription, transaction fees, payment processing fees | Complete control, branding freedom, direct customer relationship | Requires website setup and maintenance, more marketing effort required | Established artists, artists wanting to build a brand |
Singulart | Commission on sales | Curated selection, dedicated art advisors, global shipping and insurance | Application process, commission on sales | Serious artists seeking a high-end platform and global reach |
Amazon Handmade | Commission on sales | Unmatched reach, built-in trust, easy integration with existing Amazon account | High competition, commission on each sale | Artists already selling on Amazon, comfortable with Amazon’s ecosystem |
eBay | Listing fees, final value fees | Diverse audience, auction format, established platform | Need to be strategic with auctions, potential for lower prices | Artists comfortable with auctions, selling a variety of art styles |
Society6 | Commission on sales | Trendy products, young audience, artist community | Commission on each sale, focus on specific product types | Artists with contemporary styles, selling art on lifestyle products |
Saatchi Art | Commission on sales | Global reach, professional presentation, marketing support | Commission on sales, curated selection | Established and emerging artists seeking a global audience |
ArtPal | No commission | No commission fees, easy setup, variety of features | Requires more self-promotion, less brand recognition | Artists who want to maximize profits and control pricing |
Social Media | Usually free | Direct connection with audience, visual platform, free marketing | Requires consistent effort, algorithm dependent | Artists comfortable with social media, building a following |
Your Own Website | Website hosting and domain costs | Professionalism, branding control, direct sales | Requires website setup and maintenance, more marketing effort required | Established artists, artists wanting full control over their brand |
The best platform for you depends on your specific goals and preferences.
Ask yourself these questions:
- What type of art do you sell? Original paintings, prints, or both?
- What’s your budget? Are you willing to pay commission fees or invest in your own website?
- How much time can you dedicate to marketing and promotion?
- What kind of audience are you trying to reach?
Once you have a clear understanding of your needs, you can choose the platform that best aligns with your goals.
Pricing Your Paintings
So you’ve created a masterpiece. Now the big question: how much do you charge?
Pricing your art isn’t just about slapping a random number on it and hoping for the best. It’s a strategic process that can make or break your art business.
Here’s the truth: underpricing your work devalues your talent and leaves money on the table. Overpricing can scare away potential buyers.
This guide gives you the no-BS framework for pricing your paintings like a pro.
1. Cost-Plus Pricing: Covering Your Bases (and Then Some)
This is the foundation. Calculate your costs, then add your desired profit margin.
Here’s the formula:
- Materials: Canvas, paints, brushes, etc.
- Time: Hourly rate x hours spent
- Overhead: Studio rent, website costs, marketing expenses (even a portion of your Netflix subscription if you paint while watching!)
- Profit Margin: This is where you get paid! Start with 20-30% and adjust as you gain experience.
Example:
- Materials: $50
- Time: $25/hour x 20 hours = $500
- Overhead: $100
- Profit Margin: 25% ($750 x 0.25 = $187.50)
Total Price = $937.50
2. Market Value Pricing: What’s Everyone Else Doing?
Don’t price in a vacuum. Research what other artists with similar styles and experience are charging.
Where to look:
- Online marketplaces: Etsy, Saatchi Art, etc.
- Art galleries: Visit local galleries and see what’s selling (and for how much).
- Art fairs and exhibitions: Talk to other artists and observe price points.
Example:
You notice that artists with similar styles and experience are selling 12×16 inch oil paintings for $800-$1200. This gives you a benchmark for your own pricing.
3. Perceived Value Pricing: The “Wow” Factor
This is where things get interesting. Perceived value is about the emotional connection buyers have with your art.
Factors that influence perceived value:
- Your reputation: Awards, exhibitions, and press coverage increase your perceived value.
- The story behind your art: A compelling narrative adds depth and intrigue.
- The presentation: Professional framing and high-quality photography elevate your work.
Example:
You create a series of paintings inspired by your travels to the Canadian Rockies. You share the story behind each piece on social media and in your artist statement. This creates a deeper connection with potential buyers and justifies a higher price point.
4. Pricing by Size: Keep It Simple
This is a common approach, especially for artists selling similar types of work.
Example:
- Small paintings (under 12 inches): $200-$500
- Medium paintings (12-24 inches): $500-$1500
- Large paintings (over 24 inches): $1500+
Pro Tip: Create a pricing chart based on size and medium to streamline your process.
5. Don’t Forget the “Feel Good” Factor
Ultimately, pricing your art is a balance of art and science. Don’t be afraid to adjust your prices based on your gut feeling and the specific piece you’re selling.
Here’s a final checklist:
- Does the price reflect the time, effort, and skill involved?
- Are you comfortable with the price?
- Would you buy your own art at that price?
If the answer is yes to all three, you’re on the right track.
Bonus Tip: Diversify Your Sales Channels
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Diversify your online presence by using a combination of platforms to reach a wider audience and maximize your sales potential.
For example, you could:
- Sell original paintings on your own website and Saatchi Art.
- Offer prints on Fine Art America and Society6.
- Promote your art on Instagram and Facebook.
Now Go Sell Some Art!
You’ve got the knowledge, you’ve got the talent, now it’s time to take action. Choose the right platform(s) for you and start selling your art online today!
Remember: Success doesn’t happen overnight. Be patient, persistent, and keep creating amazing art. The world is waiting to see what you’ve got.
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