Interesting new art online?

September 12, 2005 7:51 PM

I like to look at and buy relatively cheap new art... What am I missing?

My limit is about $1,000, but much cheaper is good. I like photography, limited addition prints, original comic art and illustrations. I like stuff like Tiny Showcase (although a lot of their stuff is too 'cute' for me) and Comic Art Collective (sorry, I can't see how to link). I'm not trying to invest, just looking for art that is unusual and beautiful, although it's kind of fun to feel 'in the know' about someone great who's new. I'm looking for online sources (I know about student shows etc) and anywhere that will ship to the UK or the US is fine. So what do you like? What am I missing?

posted by crabintheocean to media & arts (21 comments total)

Are you calling for MeFi artists? See my profile! ;)
posted by loquacious at 8:48 PM on September 12, 2005

some suggestions in this old thread. you might also try hangart.com or nextmonet.com, though you may not get that great "in the know" feeling there.

many galleries have prints in the < $1000 range. the jack hanley gallery, in san francisco, represents a wide range of established and emerging artists, including some comic artists.

crown point press has gorgeous work by more established artists (slightly out of your price range but great work). you might also try the list of galleries here and see if any particular artists catch your eye - you probably can't purchase works directly online from most of the galleries, but you could email them for purchase details.
posted by judith at 8:54 PM on September 12, 2005

Ha! what can I say? I think it's time for some sleep!
posted by crabintheocean at 9:18 PM on September 12, 2005

I love the work from Feric. I bought my boyfriend a piece for Christmas, framed it with a gorgeous simple, square frame and a fairly wide mat, and it draws many compliments [from art students!] to this day.
posted by fionab at 9:25 PM on September 12, 2005

kinda a self link in ways, my wife's work is at Redrabbitriversmith. Posters, originals and Giclees can be ordered.
posted by edgeways at 9:52 PM on September 12, 2005

where do you live? Buying locally is always nice, and you can definitely get some nice work from some unknowns for under $1000 if you live in any kind of city.

Sacramento, for example, is large enough to see some really great and mature work, most of which is available pretty cheaply because several of the artists haven't quite made it to a bigger scene. The UltraMega art collective website has a pretty good cross section of the sort of juxtapoz style work that's happening here. Personally I'm a big fan of Skinner and Jay Howell's work in particular.
posted by fishfucker at 9:53 PM on September 12, 2005

Chris Onstad often offers cheap original art. Sometimes on eBay, sometimes not. It's usually advertised right above the strip, as it is right now.
posted by evariste at 9:53 PM on September 12, 2005

Everyone has great ideas. Thanks. I live in DC.
posted by crabintheocean at 10:14 PM on September 12, 2005

Buy my crap! I'm the intern at crown point press (or i'll resume beinng so when a broken arm heals), which is kind of funny that theyre mentioned. Small world.
posted by atom128 at 10:21 PM on September 12, 2005

Pardon my typos. I blame the one handed typing and pain meds.
posted by atom128 at 10:22 PM on September 12, 2005

There are also many artists selling original stuff through eBay. An artist buddy of mine does that. He used to sell all of his paintings through galleries and exhibitions. But apparently the galleries take like 50%, so even a low bid on eBay usually ends up being a better deal for him.
posted by nakedcodemonkey at 10:26 PM on September 12, 2005

This guy's watercolors are great, but they're only prints. Click on areas of the paintings for more detail. He used to offer originals, but I can't find the link on the site anymore.
posted by wsg at 12:52 AM on September 13, 2005

This guy really impressed me, but then I am not so into the comic book/illustration type of thing. He used to sell them for $100 each (incredibly good value IMO,) but is auctioning them now.
posted by fire&wings at 1:55 AM on September 13, 2005

Stuff turns up at Lambiek.
posted by IndigoJones at 4:49 AM on September 13, 2005

Why don't you check out the local arts and crafts markets. I'm an artist who shows out of Eastern Market on Capitol Hill every weekend. On October 1st there's Art on the Avenue in Alexandria which is a pretty big deal. There's something on the 22nd up near Dupont. There are also monthly shows in Reston, VA, and Bethesda, plus another market that's working on becoming a staple in Adams Morgen. There are a lot of fantastic artists working out of DC that make all sorts of amazing things. I'd suggest you try local first.
posted by princelyfox at 5:38 AM on September 13, 2005

Anyone got similar recommendations in the UK? I've got a blank wall that needs a-beautifyin'
posted by Pericles at 9:13 AM on September 13, 2005

Also, there's a photography site with a number (50?) as part of the URL, but I can't find it. I think it's UK based. Anyone?
posted by crabintheocean at 10:48 AM on September 13, 2005

Care for a SHAG anyone? Or is that too obvious? Regardless, I'm a huge fan, so that's my contribution for now.

Cheers. :)
posted by mrzer0 at 12:39 PM on September 13, 2005

You’re welcome to visit MY site and drop me note if anything there calls your name.

[e-mail]
posted by dpcoffin at 6:33 PM on September 13, 2005

www.barnbaum.com - His photography is my favorite.
posted by prodevel at 1:58 AM on September 14, 2005

http://www.stevekeene.com
posted by armacy at 9:52 AM on September 14, 2005