I want to start selling my paintings, how can I go about getting a decent price for them?

Question

I'd preffer not to go through an official gallery as they charge 40% commision.

Answer 1

The art establishment is a largely closed shop. They have a vested interest in maintaining the idea that "Art" is something we mere mortals cannot produce.

Formerly, the accepted approach to becoming a saleable artist was:
1. Go to art school. The swankier the better.
2. Learn how to talk none-sense about your artworks. For instance...... This darkly brooding sculpture conveys masculinity through it's bold use of colour and defines it's own space with unrepentant naturalism.
3. Starve for three years.
4. Pull a media stunt and sell out to the tabloid gutter-press.

Nowadays eBay has made saleable artists of just about anyone.

Making a living selling your art is a different matter. Expect a hard slog, plenty of rejections and criticism, the odd attack from the art establishment vainly clinging to the hope that people will take them seriously again and bottom-feeding rip-off merchants who want to make a fortune off your hard work.

Bitter ??..... no.

After all, they treated Van Gough just as badly.....

Answer 2

Sounds like you need to be in an art group or mix with other artists. They are always getting together to exhibit and also the group leaders often have contacts in the art trade so know what fairs and exhibitions are and when. E-bay can be a hard bullet to bite...but it's good for toughening anyone up. If it's going to sell it will sell on e-bay, though you do pay commision as you would in a private gallery. It sounds like you haven't made a catalogue of your work and sent it to different Galleries in your area.. Many local galleries are interested in representing local talent and i don't think you would need to pay as much as 40% this is negotiable. One word of warning beware when putting paintings in restaurants, bars and cafes...they can get a sticky film of grease and cigarette smoke on them..Good luck

Answer 3

You can hit art fairs, and also rent space and set up a gallery showing of your work (make sure to advertise, and invite art dealers.) If you incorporate your business (takes a few hours at IRS building) You are more likely to draw higher paying clients because they feel like they are buy from a reputable company.
Stuff that isn't selling so well at fairs, and such throw on eBay or other on-line galleries. You can get a feel for how well your art is liked by putting it on consignment at an established gallery.

Answer 4

I am an artist myself with the same problem and the answers have been helpful, but i was also thinking of my own web sight which that would hit a wider audience worldwide, and you could put any price that you felt was right, because only you know how much work and effort you put in.

Answer 5

hi my advices would be go and visit the nearest art gallery to you and take along some of your work and ask them what they think they maybe able to display your work for you for a reasonable price that way you get a big cut and they get only 10 percent of the profit

Answer 6

In my local area, artists display work in cafes, theatre foyers, etc with little price tags on, so I guess you could approach your local coffee house/arts venue to see if they would be willing to do that.

Ebay is another good suggestion.

Answer 7

I dont know where in the world you are, but my friend is an artist and has many exhibitions, here's his website so feel free to contact him, I know he wont mind.

http://www.philipbrooks.co.uk/

Answer 8

oh, well i was going to say, go to ur local artist district in ur town. they might give u a break, tell them u can volunteer for them once or twice a week too.
good luck

Answer 9

flea market, private gallery

Answer 10

IT DEPENDS ON HOW U PAINTED IT.. THE EFFORT.. I THINK ABOUT 45-50$ MAYBE.. GOOD LUCK