I am a new artist. How can I get my paintings in a gallery or at least shown somewhere?

Question

Friends love my work, but I've had no luck getting the paintings in anywhere.

Answer 1

Look for your local community's version of a "First Friday" art walk. (It could be Thursday or Saturday, everywhere's different) Check for venues that are looking for more business, like cofffee shops and furniture galleries and resturants that have extra wall space. These places are easier to get into than an established "Gallery" (like where I work) and they like to stay open during these "art walks" because they get NEW customers and you get a show. Its a symbotic relationship. They advertise with the galleries and it garners a lot of community enthusiasm.

(First friday means -the first friday of every month, the public knows to expect new art from each participating venue. Usually written up in the ARTS section of the local newspaper.)

G o o d L u c k!!!!!

Also-----www.artcrawl.com sets up online galleries for new artists, no commission, by membership. Not as fun as First Friday!

Answer 2

where is it that you live?
there is a very good magazine for art exhibitions called "Art Times" in the Conn and NY area. However if you want to progressed you have to participate on gallery exhibitions a lot, and if you hit the spot you'll get someone to sponsor you, and Beulah!
you'll get your own exhibition!

you must work with your community as well, sometimes a little sacrifice does wonder. Work on portraits? then focus on some friends...make your own business card, it might sound fancy but it really isn't and you can do it yourself.
Create your own business cards and let people knows you, use recognizable signs, and make adds and work on your publicity to be known.

Answer 3

It's hard getting into galleries. I started out showing in resturants and coffee shops. Just go around to places and ask to talk to the manager. Normally all you have to do is get on the waiting list to hang your stuff on a wall in the venue. No portfolio or anything.

Answer 4

You need a portfolio. Have professional photos of your paintings taken and put them in a notebook. Make sure to show your best work, and also show variety, if possible. Take this notebook to galleries....and show anyone who will look. Good luck to you.

Answer 5

Check out all art galleries, tourist places, etc. I sold mine at a garage sale and my friend told someone at an art show (the same day) They said "tell her not to sell anymore" she is selling too cheap, bring her paintings here.

Answer 6

If you have tried and failed, I suspect that you have not made a professional portfolio. You could have A4 GOOD laser copies of your work with titles, medium and dimensions for ease of viewing. You will also need GOOD slides. And a website wouldn't hurt either, or maybe a disc of your work.
Also a cv. And never cold-call, always ring for an appointment.
Good Luck. Ans if it doesn't work, just do more work and try again!!

Answer 7

There is a website called deviantart.com where any artist can set up an online gallery for free. It's a good place for exposure.

Answer 8

Take 2 0r 3 of your best works and go to galleries and introduce yourself and your work. Pound the pavement. That's how I got started.

Answer 9

What is your usual subject for paintings? There are several specialized online galleries.

Answer 10

I have my paintings have hung in libraries. My mom went there and asked if she could hang my pictures up for about a month. the librarians asked what size and stuff like that my mom told them so they said ok. lots of people saw my paintings because they were in the reading room. everyone loved them. maybe you can try somthing like that.
good luck and i hope i helped