insideSUSSEX Magazine Issue 11 - January 2016 | Page 19

ARTS+ENTERTAINMENT ART ONLINE Art is one of those human endeavours that is always remarkable, always beautiful, always intricately fascinating. And it is something that, when placed perfectly in a home, really makes a room come alive. It’s a conversation piece. It’s a contemplation piece. Art is, in other words, essential. Art is also sometimes difficult to get hold of, especially if there is a specific style, artist, or design (or even piece of art itself) that you are looking for. It is just not practical to visit each and every gallery far and wide (although looking at local ones is hugely fun, and can turn up some gorgeous and unusual treasures) to find that one special painting, that one stunning object. There are literally hundreds, if not thousands of virtual art galleries popping up on the web, and here are just a few examples of what you can find when you start searching. That’s why the trend for online art galleries is growing, by as much as 20% every year. More art is sold online than in any other way, and more and more art collectors, experts, and people who simply want something lovely to decorate their homes with are turning to the internet to give them what they want. Rippingham Art www.theartonlinegallery.com Rippingham Art sells pieces that fall into various categories including painting, glassware, sculpture, ceramics, and photography. Every month they feature artists and give them a platform on the website to display their work and talk about what they do. For bargain hunters there is a sale area, and they even sell gift vouchers (from £5 to £1,000) for use on the site – a great gift for those who think they have everything. Online art galleries don’t have to worry about space, so they can take on new clients more easily, and give new artists a chance to show and sell their work. They can arrange online shows and send out invitations to those who have expressed an interest in the work – they can even host online auctions. And you can browse, buy, and enjoy from the comfort of your own armchair (over which you can hang your new acquisition when it arrives). Affordable British Art www.affordablebritishart.co.uk As the name suggests, this online gallery focuses on affordable British art. The website claims that buying art now is not only an investment for the future, it’s an investment in the future as well, allowing young and upcoming artists to continue their passion. And if you change your mind about your purchase there is a generous 14-day refund offer too. 19 DegreeArt www.degreeart.com One of the very first online galleries, DegreeArt is run by founding partners Isobel Beauchamp and Elinor Olisa whose aim is to make the highest quality, original art accessible and affordable for all. As well as selling, commissioning and renting the finest artwork created by the artists emerging from the most prestigious art establishments, DegreeArt.com runs an Artists' Residency and Exhibition program from its gallery. UGallery www.ugallery.com UGallery.com is a curated online art gallery for artists. The expert panel carefully selects each artist and piece so that you can purchase artwork with confidence. Buy paintings, photography, and sculpture and try them in your home for seven days, including free shipping.