Without art, man is barren. There can be neither sensibilities nor aesthetic thought without art. Therefore, it can be no exaggeration to say that art is the lifeblood of a man’s soul. Seeing this utmost demand for art, the pandemic proved to deal a devastating blow to both art enthusiasts and the potential paying connoisseurs of art who wanted to buy the displayed original paintings for sale.

However, as they say, with every hardship comes an opportunity knocking. Virtual art galleries in that aspect have managed to capitalize on the ‘online’ mode of life. And ensure that the hard-working artist is properly able to present their work to the paying customer. 

To that end, many global stalwarts and the crème de la crème of the art industry have already successfully managed to port. Some of their collections and galleries displaying original paintings for sale or simple viewing. 

What are virtual art galleries?

To accurately grasp their utility to artists and their customers, one must know what virtual art galleries exactly are in the first place. 

A virtual or online art gallery is a website that displays artworks against a backdrop. Or wall to attract buyers for sale or simply viewing purposes. In some cases, the artworks can also be interactive, allowing you to obtain an even closer look. Unlike real galleries, there are no fixed opening or closing timings to view the artworks, allowing one to view them as comfortably as possible.

Besides artworks and paintings, these virtual art galleries not only feature photographs for sale but also satisfy those looking for a sculpture for sale. These sculptures are hand-crafted by expert craftsmen as well as by independent talents.

The virtues of the virtual mode are endless. Among the many ways it has helped both the contemporary sellers and enthusiastic customers. Some are briefly discussed in the following section.

Benefits of virtual art galleries in the present scenario

Virtual art galleries can encompass both simple online art galleries and 3D interactive art galleries. While in online art galleries, you might have to visit a website. And browse through the exhibits in place – often categorized, the 3D interactive art galleries have taken the world by storm as you can spend an entire day in the art gallery from the confines of your room!

You need to put on your AR/VR glasses, sync them to the web address of those virtual art galleries or enter the applications via a barcode or RFID scanner. And instantly, you are in for an immersive time within thousands of curated art pieces exhibited all around you. 

While sitting from the comforts of your home, you can move about, read and even touch the modern art on display and the sculpture for sale. 

Apart from the obvious benefits of providing you with a rich experience of browsing through art online. While staying at home and maintaining social distancing, there is a slew of advantages too. Some of the benefits common to both are. 

Provides longer exposure

In the case of online or virtual art galleries, there is no pick-up or drop-off time, meaning that your artwork is there for potential clientele to examine and consider for purchase in their leisure thoroughly. 

A more profound sense of familiarity would arise in the viewers’ minds with repeated viewings. Allowing them to identify your artform and its idiosyncrasies anywhere and everywhere easily. Putting up your artworks for the exhibition can help you create your own ‘brand image’ or ‘signature’ by repeated association.

Convenience

Besides promoting artworks for eventual sale, art galleries also operate while prioritizing the tenets of convenience to the utmost limit. There is no set timing where both parties have to meet to be able to showcase or view the exhibited artworks. Once put up in the virtual art gallery, it would stay there and viewed anytime from anywhere.

Being part of an online exhibition, the artist can simultaneously submit their work to various virtual art galleries to facilitate even greater interaction and reach on his artworks. 

The requirement of traveling to a physical place to survey the artworks or paintings is also eliminated as all can view the same from the comfort of their homes.

Ease in business

When an artwork is present in a legible and sometimes format, it becomes exceedingly easy to sell them. It is better if the context and exact details of the painting are included. 

It is always a good idea to frame your narrative in a way that flows naturally into your painting. Initiate a conversation that only your painting would answer. Many do not contextualize their art which could lead to reduced involvement. Virtual art galleries can provide that much-needed space to present. Or describe your artwork to make it more intriguing and appealing for the masses.

Variety

Unlike in specialized offline art galleries, physical space problems are entirely solve online. Allowing for artforms of all kinds, such as paintings, sculptures, photographs, and other memorabilia, have sold under the same address. 

Therefore, the virtual art gallery becomes the main hub of procuring art, be it buying a rare sculpture for sale or a vintage photograph to adorn walls with. Something or the other that would attract an art enthusiast. 

This involvement would cause prospective buyers to shop for more of that particular niche. Increasing click time on the site, which would increase the number of new artists featured and brought on, giving rise to a mutually beneficial ecosystem.

Perfect for online or digital art

With the advent of online virtual galleries or online art sites in general. There has been a popularisation of a new form of art, i.e., digital art. 

Many other subforms such as 3d art, pixel art, fractal/algorithmic art, dynamic art, etc., are steadily gaining ground. It is impossible to showcase these artforms offline. Hence, virtual art galleries have become the perfect and the only place for digital artists to showcase their talents.

After the pandemic, many digital artists and designers have made a substantial number of e-sales of their work. Which would have been impossible if not for the existence of online or virtual galleries.

Popular virtual galleries

Virtual galleries or online galleries are of many types. Some can only offer viewership of the artwork online as a promotional endeavor on the part of the artist, who is looking to gather recognition. Others can be e-commerce sites where artists offer their paintings, photographs, or sculptures for sale.

Virtual galleries such as riseart.com, ugallery.com, saatchionline.com are competent global online galleries. While eBay and Amazon are the leading venues to buy a painting. However, to find a website where you can buy paintings online India, you would have to dig a little deeper.

One such excellent website that is user-friendly in terms of its interface, affordable in pricing, and offers transparent information is Artshoppy.com. 

With its excellent ‘shop by category’ tab, you can select if you want to buy a painting, photograph, sculpture, or print. If you are looking to buy paintings online India, this emerges as one of the leading websites as it clearly demarcates the artists under ‘masters’ and ‘contemporary.’ 

You can buy any painting from the ‘Masters’ tab if you want high-quality professional artwork. On the other hand, you can buy one of their paintings. If you want to support contemporary artists and their humble endeavors. Artshoppy has therefore greatly championed the cause of the upcoming generation of artists by this endeavor, transforming many lives in the process.

Final thoughts

Virtual art galleries have made an indelible mark on the psyche of art enthusiasts with the sheer amount of options it has provided them with. Virtual art galleries have brought people closer through the power of art, reminding one of Salvadore Dali’s immortal lines: “A true artist is not one who is inspired but one who inspires others.”

If you are looking to buy paintings online India, the land where art and religion commingle, would not disappoint you. As you steadily lose yourself to the strokes of a brush held by the upcoming. And young hands full of promise and hope.