Alika Cooper | Eric Reynolds | online art sites | Jenna Schnuer

There’s no need to drop big bucks or swill subpar gallery-opening wine in your search for that next big work of art. Instead, slip into your comfies, crack open a bottle of the good stuff, and tour some online art sites. You can find a gem of a piece by an up-and-coming artist (or just satisfy a momentary craving for something new) without having to consult your financial manager first.
— Jenna Schnuer

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A Perfect Fold
Don’t let the sweet look and name of Little Paper Planes fool you — they’ve got the goods, including signed limited-edition prints. Looking for a gift for your favorite hipster? You can do no wrong with one of the site’s artist-made T-shirts or pieces of jewelry. www.littlepaperplanes.com
Pictured: Business as Usual by Rachell Sumpter



Pocketful of Art

Forget leather. Stick some art in your pocket. Poketo wallets feature artwork — from the whimsical (gorillas driving go-karts) to the sublime (Alika Cooper’s stark portraits) — on the inside and outside of each piece. Have changeable moods? Feel free to stock up; they’re just $20 a pop. www.poketo.com
Pictured: wallet by Alika Cooper

Wee Works of Wonder
Turn every Tuesday evening into an event. Tiny Showcase puts one new print up every week — and each one will run you just $20. Sign up for the site’s e-mail reminder about the weekly sale — and show up on time if you plan to buy: They print only 100 of each. www.tinyshowcase.com
Pictured: The Ape and the Buffalo’s Ghost by Alec Thibodeau

Funny Pages
Focus on the artistic merit of modern comics at Comic Art Collective, which lists more than 40 artists ready and willing to sell their work. Don’t miss galleries featuring Eric Reynolds, Jordan Crane, and Steven Weissman, who should all be committed for selling their art so cheap. www.comicart collective.com
Pictured: Aussie Rocker by Eric Reynolds

Ditch the Third Wheel
One of the easiest inroads to discovering loads of new talent is Etsy.com, where artists can set up shop and sell their wares — no middleman (or snooty gallery owner) necessary. When your artist of choice makes it big, you can say you bought them way back when. www.etsy.com
Pictured: Empty by Suzanne Clements, Sunday Morning by Magicjelly