Collecting art isn’t about having a mansion with a private gallery—it’s about choosing pieces that speak to you. Even a small print or postcard can hold deep meaning when it’s chosen with intention. & there are heaps of ways to start collecting art on a budget!
🫶🏽 Buy what you love, not what you think you should collect
🖼️ Start with one piece that lights you up—and build from there
👩🏽🎨 Remember: a meaningful collection is built slowly, over time
You don’t need to buy massive, one-of-a-kind paintings to own beautiful, handmade art. Many artists (myself included!) offer fine art giclée prints—museum-quality reproductions that are affordable, long-lasting, and often signed with a certificate of authenticity. you can see all my available prints in my shop, if your interested.
🤍 Look for giclée or archival prints—these are made to last
💸 Prints are more affordable than originals but still support the artist
🖼️ Framing a print thoughtfully makes it feel just as special
New and self-taught artists often offer beautiful work at approachable prices—because we’re still growing, learning, and building our audience. Buying from emerging artists means you’re not only collecting art—you’re encouraging someone’s creative journey.
👩🏽🎨 Browse local markets, small online shops, and artist-run websites
📱 Follow your favourite artists on social media and join their newsletters
💸 Consider pre-ordering or buying during exhibitions or special launches
If you’re on a budget, size matters—smaller pieces are often more affordable, easier to frame, and just as powerful. A mini painting or A5 print can add just as much charm as a large canvas (and takes up less wall space too!).
🤍 Look for small studies, sketches, or postcard-sized works
🤍 Create a gallery wall of small pieces for maximum impact
🤍 Smaller doesn’t mean less meaningful—it means more accessible
You don’t have to buy five artworks at once. In fact, it’s better if you don’t. A slow, thoughtful collection tells your story—each piece reminding you of a season in your life, a feeling you needed, or a moment that made you pause.
🕰️ Spread your purchases out over time
🫶🏽 Wait until you find a piece that truly resonates
📖 Keep a little journal about each piece you buy—where you got it, and why
Collecting art on a budget is not only possible—it can be deeply rewarding. When you’re collecting intentionally, each piece becomes part of your story. You’re not just decorating a space; you’re curating a reflection of your personality, values, and the things that inspire you. Here are a few extra tips to help you make the most of your budget:
🖼️ Frame smart – Framing doesn’t have to be expensive. Consider buying affordable ready-made frames from local shops or using vintage ones from op-shops. With a good mat board and clean presentation, even a small print can look gallery-worthy.
🧾 Set a collecting budget – Just like saving for anything else, setting aside a little each month for artwork allows you to plan and purchase without guilt. Even $10–20 a month adds up and makes spontaneous discoveries more manageable.
🔍 Look for artist sales and promotions – Many artists (like me!) occasionally offer discount codes, seasonal sales, or bundle deals. Signing up for their newsletters or following them on social media is a great way to stay in the loop.
💰 Support artists directly – Buying from the artist’s own website or at a local market ensures more of your money goes straight to the creator, instead of being split through galleries or third-party platforms.
🎁 Give art as a gift – Art makes a deeply thoughtful gift—and gifting smaller prints or framed postcards is both affordable and meaningful. It’s a lovely way to introduce others to the joy of collecting too.
📦 Store with care – If you don’t have space to hang everything straight away, store your pieces in acid-free sleeves or between clean sheets of paper in a portfolio folder. That way, your collection stays safe while it slowly grows.
🌱 Take your time – Remember, your collection doesn’t need to be built overnight. Part of the beauty is in the slowness—discovering artists, waiting for that one piece that speaks to you, and creating a home that evolves over time.
Affordable collecting isn’t about cutting corners—it’s about finding joy and connection in the process. When you buy with heart, even the smallest piece can become the most meaningful one on your wall.
I got you.
I love a simple natural oak frame with a white mat – you can nearly do no wrong. Otherwise a simple black frame usually does the trick.
You know I share all of my studio bits & bobs on my website. You can find everything I use here – from framing & decor to art supplies, studio organisation, books & tech. everything you need for your studio is right here & all available for you to purchase on amazon.
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If you’ve been dreaming of starting an art collection, here’s your sign:
🤍 Buy one piece you love, no matter how small
🤍 Follow and support your favourite independent artists
🤍 Explore giclée prints for affordable, high-quality work
🤍 Start curating your home with pieces that reflect you
And when you’re ready—my shop is always open with lovingly made, affordable watercolour prints, all printed locally and packaged by me (and Alys 🐶, of course). I’d love to be part of your collection 🤍
If you’re in the mood to keep reading, check out my article on how to start an art collection, or, the value of handmade original art in the era of mass production and AI. If neither of them interest you, you can browse all my articles to find something you love! 👩🏽🎨🌻✨
☼ Bayley, S. (2020). The value of art: How it enriches our lives. Thames & Hudson.
☼ McAndrew, C. (2021). The Art Market Report 2021. Art Basel & UBS.
☼ Winner, E. (2006). Development in the arts: Learning, creativity, and talent. In K.A. Renninger & I.E.
☼ How can I start collecting art without spending a lot?
☼ Are fine art prints a good option for collectors on a budget?
☼ Why is it worth supporting emerging artists?
☼ What makes a small or affordable piece meaningful?
☼ How can I build a personal collection over time?
☼ what are some tips for collecting art on a budget?
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hi, i’m sarah, an australian artist head-over-heels for watercolour & creative practice- it truely is good for your soul.
& this ↑, is my girl alys.
i am completely self-taught in all the mediums i use & i am here to share everything i know with you!
i write about all things creativity, watercolour, gouache, hand-made ceramics, collecting art, & my own artistic process. I have degrees in human psychology & veterinary medicine- so you might find some sporadic related facts in my writing.
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