Start Your Art Collection: Rising UK Artists Whose Work You Can Buy For Under £500

Thinking about starting an art collection? You're not alone as a new generation of British buyers is actively entering the art market, with Gen Z investing in prints, sculptures, and paintings to personalise and beautify their homes. According to a recent survey, young collectors have a strong preference for pieces with entry-level price points, especially if they're made by up-and-coming talent. The poll, which was conducted in February 2024, shows that 89 percent of Generation Z are drawn to prints from emerging artists. What's more, there's a noticeable shift away from tradition as Gen Z treats collecting less as a  financial investment and more as a personal and pleasurable pursuit.

In the UK, price-sensitive young collectors typically source artworks from digital platforms, artists’ Instagram accounts, art fairs, independent galleries, and university art shows. Some of the most sought-after pieces come from new blood, and their works are not only accessible to beginners, but they also reflect real-life human experiences and cultural truths. If you're starting an art collection, check out these rising UK artists whose work you can buy for under £500.

Harlie Briggs

If you love art pieces that feature dreamy botanicals in soft, muted colours, consider Harlie Briggs’ artworks. The London-based artist's work has been featured in popular media outlets such as Vogue and House and Garden online, with experts and collectors praising her art's ability to evoke a feeling of peace and calm. Some of her most gorgeous yet affordable pieces include prints like “The Tulip Garden” which features bold brushstrokes and a sophisticated palette of soft pinks, deep greens, and muted reds and yellows. For only £45, you can purchase a copy of this print from Briggs’ website. Place the print in a custom frame to provide museum-grade preservation and ensure a tailored fit for the artwork. 

Looking for a piece that's perfect for your dining area? Check out Briggs’ “Breakfast for Two” painting, which depicts a breakfast scene which consists of a candelabra, a coffee pot and cups, assorted pastries and fruit, and a vase filled with flowers. Unlike her other pieces, this painting is a little more pricey as it's available for £1,950. However, it has the potential to be a classic as it features a neutral palette with inky blacks, ivory whites, and smudges of roasted coffee browns here and there. It's the perfect finishing touch for a minimalist or Scandinavian-themed room. 

Kelly Jay

Fans of playful art will love Kelly Jay's artworks as this artist and designer creates contemporary pieces inspired by the folklore and myths of her Caribbean and Indian heritage. Her preferred mediums are gouache, acrylics, and ink, and her work is featured in international and local galleries, as well as in initiatives like the Anthropologie x SOTA partnership, which was created to empower artists and champion budget-friendly art. Collectors can avail her drawings on paper, starting at £45, as well as her paintings on paper like “The Bird Dancer” for £95. If you need a conversation piece, check out “A Land of Paradise,” which depicts a man befriending a giant pink flamingo for £425.

Emmie Lou

Love whimsical and colourful art? You'll want to get a closer look at Emmie Lou's works as her quirky pieces are inspired by Italian road trips, French cinema, femininity, and human design. In an interview with Miller Harris, the British-Australian artist said that colour plays a major role in her art. “My aim is to make my pieces sing with colour,” she says, adding that she often decides on a base colour early on, and that dictates the flow of her entire palette. 

As her paintings have a cheerful and vibrant energy, they're the perfect choice to decorate hallways, living rooms, home offices, and even bedrooms. If you're looking for an art piece with blue as its base colour, check out her “Le Rose est de Retour” print. This is inspired by the idea of regaining one's inner fire, and it's available in three sizes, with prices ranging from £189.99 to £449.99. Meanwhile, those who want to infuse some Italian joie de vivre into their living spaces may want to have a “Balleremo x Paradiso” print, a piece that features joyful colours, gorgeous blooms, succulent fruits, and a bottle of Campari, widely known as an iconic Italian staple. Prices start at £249.99 for a 60cm x 80cm print. 

Go on an art spree without breaking the bank. Consider these emerging UK artists’ works for beautiful, affordable, and meaningful pieces to start your art collection, and see how they add joy and personality to your home. 

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