When You Sell A Painting How Do You Feel About Letting It Go?

Question

Of course it’s always nice when someone loves your work enough to want to buy it.

But have you ever regretted letting one of your works pass into a stranger’s hands? Have you ever sold a painting that somehow seems like you’ve sold a piece of your soul? Have you let yourself ever become too personally attached to one or more of your paintings? Or do you simply try to emotionally detatch yourself from the work after it’s finished?

Cesar, thank you for the interesting article. The problem is, at least with many artists, that sometimes we sell paintings we would rather not because we need the money. The last painting I sold I did so because it allowed me to stock up on more canvases and allowed me to finally buy a decent SLR camera to take better photos of my art. Still, I only had the finished work in my life for less than a week to sit back and study and enjoy.

Answer 1

I used to do some artwork, mostly sculpture. I couldn't imagine putting them in a strangers hands!

I imagine selling your artwork must feel a bit like being a surrogate mother. Giving away your own baby to people who can't have their own.

Yeah, I know it's not the same but I think the analogy is fitting anyway.

Answer 2

I have no problem whatsoever parting with my work. To me, the purchase of it is the ego boost I need to keep going, to keep painting. It's not the money so much as the idea that the person likes my work enough that they will acually PAY for it!! I mean, friends and family can tell me it's good, but when someone is willing to put their money where their mouth is I really believe them and then I feel good about myself.
Plus, I am very prolific and I would be overwhelmed with my work if I didn't find homes for it!
I do keep my original pieces from my books for copyright reasons, and that has been a good thing for me, as I had to use them in copyright cases.

Answer 3

I just saw your question. I am a Professional Artist and Businesswoman. I create and specialize in Abstract, Wildlife and Custom Art. All my art that I create, I do on the pc, but I draw everything and paint with oil paints. I get all my works once I create them Professionally printed and framed and I sell them. I have them all saved on CD as well at the Library of Congress where all my copyrights are.

If you really get attach to your painting even if you do it on canvas you can always put it to print and that way you can have a copy for yourself.

Answer 4

Selling one of my paintings is almost like selling one of my children. But just as your children go out into the world so do your paintings. Sometimes you have to remember that the journey to the finished product was the most important part.

Answer 5

I never regretted selling a painted I liked..it's best to move on and not stick to the technique or thoughts I've done in the past..every good painting you sell will boost your value in the future..sentimental value will only hurt your chances for building your name...every painting is like a business card..think of it as one...

Answer 6

Most painters keep clue works with them.

From Leonardo to Picasso, they just don't sell the pieces they dont want to let go.

check the link for a nice article about it

Answer 7

It's a rum business.

I usually sell the best work, and yes, I regret it, because there is a chance element in the making of my work, despit my efforts to find a constancy and method.

IM me if you want to chat about this.

Yours

Tadeusz

Answer 8

never wanted 2 separate myself with my works.
i just almost never can stand when Sb byes my painting. (ofcourse i do it cause its the way u can make the next )

u know ,mostly ,my pictures are a part of not only ME but part of ......my soul ..........the things ill never tell, but always will paint. its kind of diary when Sb gets it u feel strange......

Answer 9

I never sell my works for that exact reason


I can't seem to let it go.

Answer 10

like loosing my right arm....even for the works I really don't care for...