Key takeaways
- Size is the single biggest driver of price for most working artists.
- Experience, exhibition history and demand raise prices over an artist's career.
- Buying direct from the artist usually means a lower price than a gallery.
- Excellent original paintings are available in the low hundreds of dollars.
"How much does original art cost?" has an honest answer: anywhere from under a hundred dollars to many millions. But for the kind of painting most people buy for their homes, the factors behind the price are simple, and once you understand them you can shop with real confidence.
The five factors that set a painting's price
1. Size
Most working artists price their paintings primarily by size, because larger canvases take more materials, more time and more studio space. Many use a simple formula (a rate per square inch, or set prices for standard canvas sizes) so that pricing is fair and consistent across their work.
2. The artist's experience and reputation
An artist with years of practice, exhibitions and a following of collectors can command higher prices than someone just starting out. Exhibition history, awards and press all play a role.
3. Materials and technique
Professional-grade paints with high lightfastness, quality stretched canvas, deep stretcher bars and a protective varnish all add cost, and all add longevity. Labor-intensive techniques such as thick impasto or dozens of transparent glazes take time.
4. Where you buy
Galleries offer curation and a beautiful space to view work, but they typically take a substantial commission. The same artist's work is usually more affordable when bought directly from the studio.
5. Demand
When an artist's work sells quickly, prices rise. That's simple economics, and it is one reason early collectors of an artist often get the best value.
Typical price ranges
Prices vary widely by region and artist, but as a rough orientation for original paintings:
| Where | What you'll typically find |
|---|---|
| Independent and emerging artists, bought direct | Often under $500 for small and medium canvases |
| Established regional artists and art fairs | Commonly from several hundred to a few thousand dollars |
| Commercial galleries | Usually from the low thousands upward |
| Blue-chip and auction | Tens of thousands of dollars and far beyond |
Svitlana Morhunov's pricing
Svitlana keeps pricing transparent and set by canvas size:
- 18 × 24 inches: $180
- 24 × 36 inches: $260
Every painting is original, signed on the back, varnished and painted on the sides so it's ready to hang. Pickup in Troy, Michigan is free; shipping is quoted at cost. For an artist with years of experience and gallery exhibitions across Eastern Europe, buying directly from the studio represents exceptional value.
Original paintingGolden ThresholdAcrylic on canvas, 24 × 36 in · $260View the painting →
Hidden costs to plan for
- Framing: works on paper usually need it. A gallery-wrapped canvas with painted sides does not.
- Shipping and insurance: ask for a quote up front.
- Hanging hardware: usually a few dollars. See how to hang a canvas painting.
How to get the best value
Buy what you love from an artist whose work you admire, buy directly when you can, and choose the right size for your wall the first time (our art size calculator helps). Then, a good painting gives back every day you live with it.
Continue with the complete guide to buying original art or browse the available paintings.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I spend on my first original painting?
Spend an amount that feels comfortable and lets you choose something you genuinely love. Many first-time collectors start in the low hundreds with work from independent artists.
Why do galleries charge more than artists?
Galleries provide exhibition space, promotion and sales staff, and they typically take a substantial commission on each sale. Buying directly from the artist avoids that markup.
How much do Svitlana Morhunov's paintings cost?
Her paintings are priced by canvas size: $180 for 18 × 24 inches and $260 for 24 × 36 inches. Pickup in Troy, Michigan is free; shipping is quoted at cost.
Is shipping included in the price?
Shipping is quoted separately at cost, based on your location and the painting's size, so local buyers who pick up never pay for shipping they don't use.
