How do I go about exhibiting my work in an Art Gallery?

Question

I have been painting for 2 years using mixed medium, mainly landscapes and seascapes. I will be attending college in September to gain a certificate OCN 1 as I feel this may open up opportunites to display my work. Do you think it will help? Also do you know of any good sites where others can view my paintings?

Answer 1

I have been involved with the art world for a few years locally (canada) and I have found very few outlets for someone without a major degree/accreditations in fine art. The OCN 1 can't hurt, and it will give you a basis for qualifying yourself to prospective gallery owners. check out Deviantart which is a good site (link below) for showing off your work. Making your own site would be the only other great suggestion I would have for you on that front.

As for showing your work locally, there are a few things you can do.
1) approach local coffee shops, artsy places and ask them if you can hang a few originals on their walls. Most places will love the free decorations and you may even sell a piece or two (don't forget to put up tags saying your name, contact info etc).
2) Approach a local dealer. If they like your work, they may put it on display for sale. They will also ask for a percentage if they sell a piece.
3) approach local galleries. Sometimes they put on local shows, but this is rare. They may be able to steer you in the right direction however. Ask them about local artist co-ops and such. Co-op studios usually have a gallery attached and gives you a great place to work / learn more from other artists. (small fee usually required)

Answer 2

If you have only been painting for two years and you are painting landscapes and seascapes the liklihood of a gallery putting you up on their pompous walls is slim, but.... If you approach galleries not as an artist but as someone representing an artist and you tell a story of a shut in artist who paints these places from memory of before they were 600 lbs, and how making this work is the only thing that keeps them alive, you might get more acceptance in certain circles. Otherwise, look at what's going on with art today and participate in the dialogue. Landscapes and seascapes are boring in this fast paced digital, consumption driven society..especially when war and fear are on in the media and on our minds constantly. Honestly (and I really don't mean to be rude) who cares about a landscape? How is that landscape relevant to the contemporary experience? Use your skills for this type of work to engage people now. A seascape with floating fish or some sort of indication that someone is afraid of something near the sea and running away. A degree will help to some extent like getting you access to meet someone who will look at your work, but if your work is stuck in the 19th century it don't mean squat. Read some books, read the paper, read comic books, or watch the T.V.... shoot walk around any city and you'll see that pretty pictures are over and done. We respond to provokation. If you really want to test your wings start with local coffee shops and cafe's. Good luck.

Answer 3

First let me tell you that while college may help in getting contacts it does not assure that you are going to get your work shown. My work was not shown cause I went to college it was shown cause I made it available. If you want to show your work you have to be willing to do the leg work.

1. Artist statements are very important. They tell the gallery owner what your work is about. The statement could make or break you.
2. Since you are just starting out there are some galleries that will hang your work if you pay them (they still have to like your work). They take care of invitations, press releases and advertisement. Cost is usally about 3,000.00.
3. You can set up a simple web site yourself to promote your work. It is something you can put on your list to the galleries and usually looks good to have a place they can view updates. While you can place your work on another web site. Nothing says professional like a site named for you. Also each time you have a show you can add a link on your site. That promotes your work more.
4. As for submitting your work. While most people are in the digital age, but many galleries still want slides. Some will take on-line submissions, but then you have to make sure you follow their guidelines. Be sure to ask a gallery what they prefer before submitting. (it is best to submit to at least 10 galleries).
5. There are some small local newspapers that will place a story about your work if you pay them. While this is not a gallery, people will not know you paid them, and it gets your work out there.

Answer 4

Take good photos of at least twelve of your favorite pieces. Make a nice looking portfolio. Make some business cards. Homemade is fine just make sure they reflect your professionalism. Make one or two of your pieces completely presentable. If you need to mount them on boards or frame them, do so.

Dress nicely and approach galleries where your art would be appropriate. You could say, "I'm looking for representation, would you have a moment to view my work? Any comments or just a point in the right direction would be great!"

Show them your portfolio. Say "I have a few pieces with me in the car if you would like to see them."

If they're interested they'll probably ask for a card. It also helps if your card has an image of your work on it.

Answer 5

The backyard is a spot that not all the residences can presume , If you want to make your own dream backyard then choose https://tr.im/rWIqq , Ideas 4 Landscaping for newcomers and specialists.
The Ideas 4 Landscaping is a full landscaping resource with in depth diagrams , complete with shade images and examples on many types of landscaping types. It is every thing you'll need to get began in producing the best outdoor so you don’t dream any longer and make it attainable.

Answer 6

An ( paintings gallery) is the position they could instruct new artist's paintings.and also different works. An (demonstrate) is the position they could instruct admired painters paintings Like Picasso or Salvador Dali etc. each and every now and then they vacation international showing the demonstrate.

Answer 7

Nothing simpler!
See that funny looking thing in your house that makes a ringing sound? pick it up and dial up the number of a local art gallery(you'll find the number in the yellow pages) and ask them if they'd be interested in exhibiting your work. They'll probably say no, but no worrys, try the next hundred (if you have to!) and eventually someone will wearily agree to exhibit your smallest painting in the darkest corner of his gallery, and you're on your way to fame and fortune! It's that easy!

Answer 8

if you had more time, an easy way to go about it is to display your art in a local cafe, restaurant, dentist office, etc. places like that are always looking for free art and you can put little cards beneath them, saying the price, title, whatever you want. I did this in high school myself. then you just put up flyers around, at school, grocery stores, telephone poles.

again, this is an easy, no pressure way, if that;s what you're going for.

Answer 9

And by all means, join a local art club. They often have group shows and almost always welcome newcomers. Networking with other artists is an important part of getting out there, and we constantly learn from our peers.

Answer 10

Start submitting your work to contests and juried exhibitions. And build your own website and list it on search engines. You can also have your work put on mugs and such at cafepress.com.