According to Stephen O'Driscoll, Managing Director of The Street On-line gallery, "art buyers who use the net have a richer and wider selection to choose from. With one click you can find thousands of works of art, in all price ranges, in all mediums by hundreds of artists from all over the world 24/7." However it is crucial to check out the credentials of the on-line gallery and to look for authentication, i. e. most artworks are signed (and numbered, in case of printed editions) by the artist. If it's not signed, look for an authenticity statement. "Buy from a reputable on-line gallery. Look for on-line galleries that also command physical space and not just a virtual space.

It is important to research the art as well as the website store. Be sure there's an actual person on the other end of the computer!" he adds. "Get a feel for the website when first visiting them.

Pay particular attention to factual details, testimonials, customer service and return policies. You need proof that you've come to the right site.

The key is finding a site that sells good quality art and backs it up. Once you've established a positive and secure buying platform, it's time to start letting the art speak to you, " he says.

Of course viewing a thumb-nail sized image of a piece of art is hardly going to do the piece justice, and can never show the true essence of a piece of work. However, most good online sites will give you the option of enlarging it on your computer screen so you can study the piece in detail. Some sites allow users to view art with life-like tools, such as "View to Scale" and "Try Wall Colour." A good quality image will give you a better insight into the painting, but no matter how much technology advances, no computer screen can ever replace the true essence of the physical painting. "Good art websites are very conscious of this situation and are very much prepared to help you to see an art piece in a variety of ways. This is where website details such as money-back guarantees and return policies come into play. The more return options, the more reassured you'll be when purchasing your art" he says. So are there any pitfalls in purchasing art on-line?

O'Driscoll explains "The same pitfalls relate to art that do with any other purchase you are making online, especially in auction sites, where buyers' emotions may lead them to making costly mistakes. There are many websites looking for your business so you need to learn the art of filtering through the junk before moving towards the payment stage.

Be sure you know the return policy of the website you're dealing with, and by all means return any item that doesn't meet your satisfaction. A reasonable return period is usual one week with no questions asked."

Popular websites for buying art online: www.Artnet. com www.TheStreetGallery. com (For Irish Artists) www. guild. com www.Galleryworldwide. com