WikiCompare live prices on paintings across Amazon, eBay, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, AliExpress, and curated Awin partner merchants. Paintings span original oils, acrylics, watercolors, and reproductions. For real original art, Saatchi Art and Tappan Collective sell from emerging artists ($200-2,000 entry point) with provenance. Etsy has thousands of independent artists at lower price points ($50-500). For reproductions of famous works, museum shops (Met, MoMA, Tate) sell licensed prints with excellent color fidelity. Avoid Amazon 'oil paintings' under $100 — they're mass-printed canvases with brushstroke texture overlays, not actual paintings. Frame matters as much as the artwork — float frames in maple or walnut elevate any canvas; thin black frames work for prints. Click any card to open the seller's product page; we earn a small affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.
Frequently asked questions about paintings
How can I tell if a painting is real?
Authentic paintings have visible brush strokes that vary in thickness, paint that's slightly raised, and signs of handwork (slight asymmetries, varied colors). Prints have uniform texture, dot patterns visible under magnification, and machine-perfect details. Check the back for handwritten artist signature, gallery labels, and certificate of authenticity.
What's the difference between oil and acrylic paintings?
Oil paintings — richer colors, smoother blending, slower drying time, more traditional, can last centuries. Acrylic — fast-drying, water-cleanup, more vibrant colors immediately, modern feel, lasts decades with UV protection. Oil paintings hold more resale value historically; acrylics are more accessible price-wise.
Where to buy original paintings online?
Saatchi Art (emerging artists, $200-2,000+). Tappan Collective (curated by editors). Singulart (international artists). Artsy (gallery represented). Etsy (most affordable, varies wildly in quality). Singulart and Saatchi authenticate artists and offer return periods.
How much does an original painting cost?
Emerging artists: $200-2,000. Mid-career: $2,000-15,000. Established gallery artists: $15,000-100,000+. Famous secondary market: $1M-100M+. Most home buyers spend $500-3,000 for original art they'll keep 20+ years. Buy what you love — investment art is a specialized field.
Are commissioned paintings worth the cost?
Yes for meaningful pieces (family portrait, wedding scene, specific landscape). Commissioned work runs 20-40% more than equivalent ready-made art. Use Etsy for affordable commissions ($200-800), Saatchi or local galleries for more refined work ($1,000-5,000+). Set clear expectations on style, dimensions, timeline.
How do I care for and clean a painting?
Dust gently with a soft, dry brush (sable or makeup brush). Never use water, sprays, or chemicals on oil/acrylic paintings. Hang away from direct sunlight (causes fading) and humid areas (bathrooms, kitchens cause cracking). For valuable pieces, hire a conservator every 10-15 years for professional cleaning.