British Web site draws artists and buyers

LONDON, April 30 (UPI) -- An online London art gallery is allowing collectors and artists to save money by cutting out the middleman -- getting them together on a Web site.

Launched by British art mogul Charles Saatchi, the Web site gives collectors and galleries around the world an opportunity to view new talent and buy works directly from the artists instead of going through a dealer.

More than 500 artists have posted their work in the "Your Gallery" section of the Saatchi Gallery web side, according to a report by the CBC News.

"The viability and relevance of the project might also impact on the way that much business is conducted within the art world in the future," Saatchi said in a statement.

As one of the biggest art patrons in the world, Saatchi is reported to have a modern art collection valued at more than $450 million.