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How to search for artworks on Bluethumb?

How to narrow your search to buy art online on Bluethumb?

Written by Kate Revill

We understand there is a lot of art on our site, with over 22,000+ registered artists it can be a little overwhelming looking through the site. So we have tried to make searching the site as easy as possible allowing you to search for what you want.

On the home page you will see the ability in the top navigation to search via Style, Size & Budget, under each of these are some pre-filled options or you can choose to search yourself.

If you have a custom or specific search you would like to action (e.g. a specifi artist name) you can click the "search for something instead" box at the bottom which will allow you to write a custom search.


Refine the Search

As such we have helped create some handy filtering tools to help narrow down your search, below are some tips and tricks we recommend.


Cost

Again we understand the cost of the work is a big factor when considering a purchase.

Again you can choose the generic set filters (e.g. under $500, $500-$1000) or you can specify a specific range, using the slide bar to set a minimum and a maximum price. This again will then only show you works that meet the requirements you stipulate.

NOTE: Framing cost may not be included in this search filter alone, if you want to see work in this price range that are already filtered you will need to ensure you toggle on "Show Price Including frame", shown in the above screen shot, to only show works that are framed. For works that are unframed framing costs will be additonal (if applicable).


Medium

Medium refers to the material the artist uses to create the artwork. You may be open to what medium is used or you may have a specific medium you are looking for. If you are looking for a specific medium you can now select this from the filters, and only works that artist have listed as this medium will show.


Size

You may have a specific space or area you are looking to hang an artwork, which may mean you have a rough size you need the artwork to be.

You can now enter a range of width and height to refine your search of artworks that will fit your requirements. You can either choose pre-set generic sizes (e.g. Small, Medium, Large) or you can specify a specific size range from the smallest to the biggest size.

These filters will then only show work that meets the size requirements you have listed.


Orientation

The direction of the artwork may also be a factor, again you can choose the orientation you prefer and this way only works that meet that search criteria will show.


Style

Style can be a little more complex, but if you do know of a specific style that you are looking for (e.g. Pop Art, Impressionism, Abstract) you again can use this filter to search work that falls under this style.

NOTE: This one is a little more subjective depending on what that artist believes their artwork to be. Artist are the ones who tag what style their work is, so you may see a variety of work.


Subject

If you have a specific subject you wish the artwork to be of, you can select this also. E.g. if your wanting a beach or seascape, portrait, still life etc.

NOTE: Again similar to style above the subject is determined by the artist when listing the work, so depending on what they stipulate here will determine what shows.


Colour

You can search by colours, this is limited to two colours, and please note when searching two colours the filter will look for both colours in the work. So for example if you select pink and green it will show works that have both the colours in the work, it will not show you pink OR green artworks.

NOTE: Again the colours are selected by the artists when listing the work.


Location

Some collectors like to purchase works from an artist thats from a specific location, or they may be looking to hand collect a work quickly. You can search artist location by state in the filters.


Display & Sort By

The bottom two filters are a bit more specific. The Display section is defaulted to hide sold works. But here you can also refine your search to only show work that is ready to hang (so has hanging fixtures attached) or just the artist you follow.

The Sort By section is more of a general filter for all the art. If your using any of the above filters we recommend not using these in conjunction with this filter. You can use these filters purely on their own to rearrange how all the art is displayed to you.


Art Advisory

If you have tried using all the above filters, and your still struggling to find the right work you my want to explore our Art Advisory service.

We have an in house Art Advisory team who with a brief from you, can search the site for works that meet your requirements and pull together a curation of works for you to brows. For more information on the Art Advisory service we offer please head to the dedicated page. This complimentary service is designed to connect you with our art experts who specialize in curating selections of original pieces or limited-edition prints from contemporary living artists. It is important to note that exact reproductions of famous works are not available, but our advisors will assist in finding alternatives that match your preferred style, mood, or theme.


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