Kingsbridge

A new website has launched aiming to bring fine art to the living room of your average household.

With a portfolio of more than 50,000 artworks at the outset, Arty Prints aims to make fine art accessible to all, instead of a pleasure reserved for a select few.

Described as a one-stop shop for high quality art prints, Arty Prints brings together some of the world's leading artists, and makes their work accessible globally, from £5 to £500 in its online 'art supermarket'.

From original paintings, fine art Giclée prints, posters, art prints and limited editions, to lightbox, aluminium and foamboard art, the selection here covers a wide spectrum, with a mission of bringing art to the masses.

Arty Prints sources work from prestigious contemporary artists, emerging artists and photographers, exclusive private collections and world renowned art galleries and museums. There is an emphasis on fine art, which Arty Prints define as: "Art produced or intended primarily for beauty rather than utility."

An additional feature, Photos 2 Art, allows you to turn your favourite pictures into personalised artwork on paper or canvas, which are perfect for gifts. Arty Prints also offers Andy Warhol and Georgia O'Keefe prints for under a fiver, while there are also Disney favourites and comic characters for the younger generations.

But the question has been raised as to whether this move undervalues art, or indeed whether it is a gift in making art accessible for more people to enjoy.

Arty Prints founder Catriona Nason, also owner of www.visionary-art.org and an artist agent, said of her decision to bring art to the masses:

"It is nothing new to take something that previously has been reserved for a select audience, and transfer it to a mass market, indeed it has happened with many other forms of art, but it has always seemed fine art was still just that little bit out of reach for many."

"With www.artyprints.co.uk we have created affordable and inspiring original art and prints, alongside many other forms of art, and all our artists featured are delighted to be involved."

One such artist is newly graduated William E.Rochfort, from Kingston University, whose work has been exhibited at Christies in London. He has just signed up to be Arty Prints first published Limited Edition figurative artist.

William said: "I saw this as a fantastic opportunity to open my work up to a large audience really easily and don’t see selling my art online as remotely derogatory – in fact it amazes me that some people still think like this. Art, in my eyes, should be enjoyed by all, and I think the commitment of Arty Prints to support emerging new talent is fantastic."

The range of art on offer at Arty Prints covers striking land and seascapes, abstract and photographic art pieces as well as cartoon prints for kids. The site allows you to search for art by colour or medium, or simply browse the galleries.

The article Art 'supermarket' opens up accessibility originally appeared on 999 Today