Why am I a starving artist?

Question

I've been painting for over 10 years and have a huge portfolio. My artwork has been televised, and praised over and over. People love my work, but why don't they buy it? Why would someone rather spend $500 on a reproduction at a store, then buy original art? http://www.nadiart.com

By the way, "Starving Artist" is only an expression meaning ..not able to make a living at it. Doesn't really mean I'm going hungry...I do have a job!!! Would be great to be able to make a living at my painting..would be a dream come true. Live in a cabin and paint all day.

Answer 1

Your art work is truly beautiful. Perhaps you will need to make reproductions of your work and have them sold in stores to make your $500 per piece of work. Find joy in your talent and be glad for it.

Answer 2

Hm... Well, I've a few suggestions based on what I noticed. All of your work seems close to the same to me. The subject matter is either flowers or cute little streetscapes and most of them seem to be medium-small. I do enjoy some of it, mainly the ones that really glow (like 'Trilliums').

In your paintings I see life without many dynamics. A few have that still, quiet, serene kind of life that you just happen to see once in a while, but even in those it seems like you are always completely in control of your paint. What would happen if you were to loose that control and see where it takes you?

When I get in a bit of a rut I let it do wants it to, but I also have to have a few side projects that are different. The best way I've found to get out of one is to grab a few colors that I never use and a canvas size that I don't see too often and just see what happens. I'd like to see what you do with watercolors with a 3" wash brush and a 60"x72" piece of paper.

Oh, and to answer the last question - I have no idea why someone would spend $500 on a piece of paper. That's ridiculous. I can't bring myself to buy art unless I really love it (I make too much myself to have anything else in my house), but I'd rather have original than print any day.

You definitely add your own style to your work, but, for me at least, your subject matter is too...taupe. If you really enjoy painting flowers and that sort of thing, by all means, keep doing it! I only wonder if this is what you've chosen to paint since you began painting. If any of this rings true, grab an idea and go for it - or just go for it without an idea; I'm sure something would happen.

Answer 3

It may be because your perspective is off... people can sense that, even if they don't know anything about perspective. They may like the painting, but don't love it... and can't even explain why.

It looks as if you're painting "what you think you know" instead of what you see. There are lots of good books on the subject, and if you're going to stick to realism you'll need to learn perspective. It's important in florals and landscapes as much as with buildings.

Your watercolours look a little over-worked, perhaps from using too many colours in the same picture? Try using a more limited palette and more spontaneous brushwork.

Sorry to sound so critical, but... ten years is just the beginning! Keep painting, never stop learning.

Answer 4

Nadia,

You do indeed have much talent. As to why you can't seem to sell more of your art I suppose there may be more than one reason.

Your art is very pleasing, very decorative, to look at and very Americana. But even with my limited knowledge of art collecting I think I can say that most buyers who are willing to pay $500.00 or more for original art want art a little more bolder, a little more adventuresome and daring than what you create.

Everyone loves Americana and will praise 'cute' but few serious collectors ever buy it. Little old ladies, yes. But not too many serious collectors.

Try expanding your subject matters, adding a touch of surrealism perhaps or showing conflict or pain or inspiration. Try to always be as original as you can. Most of what you have on your web site looks too much like too many other paintings by too many other artists doing cute Americana.

Also, work as often as possible on larger canvases.

Answer 5

Hello ‘Nadi’
You are indeed an original painter. Great work, and do not feel frustrated.
Although few tips. I felt that you have more command over colors(painting). You can improve drawing more. I mean it is kind of inconsistent level of painting and drawing. For example your painting ‘Headin' Out’, if you look…you will find that there are some mistakes in drawing. ‘Eye level’ is not maintained in the perspective.
Check out expressionist ‘Alfred Sisley’. It was sometimes quite rapid work, but drawing perfection makes great impact.
Hope this tips helps…I don’t think people will stay away from your work for a long. :-)

Answer 6

You are like many of us weekend warrior artists that in our spare time we create in hopes that maybe one day we can sustain ourselves by doing what we love most. Unfortunately more than 1/2 the population is NOT doing or making a living at what they love. The people that ARE making a living at it are slave drivers...they eat, breathe and sell themselves like hookers. It's tremendously hard work and will at a point feel like the life has been sucked out of you.
We live in a world today that art is not appreciated as it use to be. They don't understand the work, love and dedication that goes into it and that it is not created within a few minutes. Many today would rather go pay $15 for a picture at wal-mart that thousands of others have instead of wanting to hang something unique in their home.
However, I will say something else. You will also have to bring a very unique style to the table in order for more success. So if someone spots a painting in the window or on a wall that they do not have to look at the name to know who has done it.
This is meant with no offense whatsoever, but I had a look at your paintings and you do a wonderful job...but in all honesty it brings nothing unique to the table...those type of pictures are a dime a dozen and I myself would not think twice about them if I were passing by. I'm an avid artist lover as well as an artist and I can appreciate the beauty you paint and the work that goes into it, but I myself would not buy a print or an original of flowers or still life....too common if you ask me. You might try and dig really deep within yourself, think outside the box, try different styles and push yourself into realms you would otherwise not think about.
In the end you have to be true to yourself and very realistic about why and how we get the name "Starving Artist". Do it because you love it and nothing more and if you want to make a living at it, then you have a very very long road ahead of you to where you will have to pound the pavement and make your knuckles raw from banging on doors and constantly show your work at art fairs. Then you have to consider people are always looking for a bargain and will not reach deep in their pocket for a painting to hang on their wall unless it is something that is stellar, unique and speaks to them in a special way.
I have many artist friends, colleagues that paint extraordinary pieces and they themselves struggle even when they work day and night to sell themselves and what they've created. I wish it were different, but sadly it is not. For the appreciation of art seems to be a dying breed.
Then you have the world of Digital Art that is squeezing the life out of traditional works. Even traditional artists are taking the leap to digital. Not only is it less expensive, but it also makes the works affordable for those that can't afford to spend hundreds of dollars on originals. Just a thought.
I do wish you all the best and as I said....we create because of our passion and love of it and nothing more...when you pass from this world, your work will live on and be remembered in a way that money can never buy.
Just my two cents worth.

P.S.
Here is an example of a very successful traditional painter that has had her works published on books and in them, sold in galleries, for video games and off her site. The prints are extremely reasonable but the originals can become quite expensive. This seems to be the type of work that has more success than any I've ever seen....fantasy. She has a very unmistakable style and this is what can make or break an artists success in the "money" category.

http://www.shadowscapes.com/main.shtml

Answer 7

You need to get out and sell who you are and your art to framing stores and galleries. Find a local agent and being willing to give 10 to 40 % of the sale price away to your agent.

The poster biz is great, but you have to front the money to have them made during your early years.

Find a food pantry and use them until your famous, then give them some art for helping you.

Never be embarrassed about accepting help as long as you keep on working on your art work.

Answer 8

i wish i could answer this question but i can't. i am also an artist that loves to draw. i came to the conclusion that art is something that i love to do. sure it would be great to make living at it and make lots of money, but there are so many artist out there today that it's almost like winning the lottery. i draw for myself these days and i love it. i do work for people here and there but that's about it. you never know, keep your head up because you might be the next person in line to win the lottery so don't give up hope.

Answer 9

Your work is great and original! On your site you mention the Ottawa Fine Arts Festival, have you shown your work at other festivals? Seems to me that at art festivals is where you find the most people looking for original works who will also pay money for those works. I enjoy going to the Cherry Creek Arts Festival (http://www.cherryarts.org/users/) every year here in Colorado, maybe going to different art festivals will give you the exposure you need to make your dream come true.

Answer 10

This is the problem with entering a field where the supply vastly outstrips the demand.

If you love what you do, you'll stick with it, and good for you. But if you're fed up, it's never too late to go into something a little less competitive.