Rome has lured the best artists from all around the world for thousands of years. When surrounded by so much incredible inspiration, the works up and coming artists create while in Rome are naturally amazing. Should you want to snap up a local piece, indulge in a little art collecting, you can easily do so and it won't break the bank either.
Oil Paintings, Watercolors, traditional 'fine art', contemporary pieces, portraits and even caricatures are all drawn, painted and sold on the streets of Rome. No traipsing round private galleries and extortionate prices here in Rome, it's literally on your doorsteps.
A great alternative to a typical souvenir, a painting bought on the streets of Rome makes a fantastic gift, for either yourself or the people back home. Its guaranteed to be unique, and it can sit on your wall, pride of place, as a permanent reminder of your experience in the Eternal City. Who knows, you may even stumble across a future Michelangelo!
The best places to buy such paintings are well entrenched on the tourists trail - but don't let this put you off. These areas are just as popular with locals as they are with tourists, artists like to sell in popular places as they can't survive on art alone.
The Piazza Navona is where you'll find many artists selling watercolors and oil paintings of the views, sights and daily life in Rome. Prices are very reasonable, and everything is negotiable. Generally speaking, watercolors are cheaper than oils, and the larger the painting the more expensive. You can pick up an amazing watercolor, big enough to hang on a wall, but small enough to fit in your luggage, for around €8. Oil Paintings can be significantly more expensive, in the region of €30 to €75. Don't be put off by the asking price - which can be more that €100, you're expected and encouraged to negotiate and haggle. You'll be buying direct from the artist and should you buy more than one painting from the same artist you can get an even bigger discount.
At the top of the Spanish Steps you'll find many a local artist working the canvas. Here, like at the Piazza Navona, you'll find oils and watercolors of many sights and views of Rome. But you'll also find artists prepared to draw or paint your portrait - or caricature should you fancy a laugh! Prices again depend on size and materials used, larger equals more expensive and you have several options regarding materials. From a charcoal drawing, to a watercolor. Colour portraits are more expensive, paints are more expensive that pastels and so on. Negotiate is again encouraged, but if you want a portrait of yourself, haggle before you sit down.
A painting by a local roman artist is a great alternative to your typical souvenirs or postcard. A unique item, you'll be buying direct from the artist so you can assured your money is going to support a talented artist. Take your time, find something you like, and be prepared to negotiate and you'll walk away with a great work of art.
