Where do i go to start displaying and selling my own art?

Question

Would people buy from an unqualified artist?

Answer 1

Art is a very personal choice, and I believe that most people (including some art collectors) buy art that appeals to them - including work from unqualified artists. How much is paid for it depends on how desirable or well known the painting and/or artist is.

Getting a captive audience is ideal. You could try to get your paintings hanging on walls where people need to stand around or wait for someone e.g. doctors' rooms, office receptions, lifts, etc.

Another idea is to get a virtual gallery. If you can't afford a professional website, why not try a free blog? And then of course tell EVERYONE you know about it and ask them to link to it if they have a website. Best of luck!

Answer 2

There are several places an artist can display and sell work. I have used each of the following with success: libraries, gift shops, galleries, restaurants, church. Also, to qualify as an artist all that is needed is your creations...nothing more. And people buy art for various reasons especially art collectors who believe a young artist has potential. Sounds like you are just starting out in the art world. You may benefit from reading a book written by a professional artist named JoAnn DePolo called Making It As An Artist. Good info for artists in all areas and stages of the art profession. You can do this...stay teachable and learn from your experiences. Hope this helps.

Answer 3

Hmm I wouldn't agree totally with trying to sell your work on ebay as other people have suggested! I tried this a couple of times and had no luck! It really depends on what type of work you do-if your a traditional oil painter you will have more chance. I think you need to get your work out there by setting up a website(Myspace is free and you can get all your work on there). It is a good idea to get postcards made of your work with a statement on the back about your work.Also include your name, email address etc etc. People WILL buy from an unqualified artist-they like what they like no matter who you are. Get a portfolio together with pictures and statements about your work. Contact your local Arts Council and find out about funding that can help you buy materials and then eventually put on shows. This is the way to get known, meet other artists and SELL YOUR WORK!

Answer 4

What exactly do you mean by unqualified?There are no formal qualifications for being a fine artist .If you mean unknown then yes some may buy your work but likely it will not fetch a lot of money unless it's percieved as very different and or very good .Try local art assotiations, public art galleries and commercial ones too.The sooner you start showing the sooner you will become known.Try reading some art marketing books for more detailed info and ideas . Good luck!

Answer 5

Yes They do buy paintings from amateur artist ( I have just sold 2 paintings) but don't be greedy and over price your work.
Join and Art Society in your area or approach galleries or public place to see if they will display your work. Remember they do take a commission which should be taken into account when costing your pictures.
Another thing to remember is that artist usually have to struggle to make all their living from painting. Wishing you Good Luck

Answer 6

where are you based... some areas such as Brighton have Artist's Open House's see http://www.brightonfestivalfringe.org.uk/listings/openhouses/?dt=0&et=4&q=&go=Go

otherwise many restaurants and bars display artwork of up and coming artists on their walls, otherwise approach galleries in your area, some charge, some take a commision when work is sold.

A portfolio website is helpful and some online companies like vistaprint are currently offering free postcard printing service so you can get promotional postcards of your work printed out .
This will give you a bit more cred when you approach a gallery space

good luck

Answer 7

Why not approach a local business such as a restaurant or coffee shop. They sometimes display and sell unknown artists' work for a percentage of the sale and it means that they have a constantly changing and interesting decor.

Answer 8

It all depends on what kind of artwork you do. If you are into portraits (animals and/or people) you will never be out of work, as you will find out by placing a small ad in newspapers or magazines! If you do land/seascapes that would appeal to tourists, you need to locate to a tourist area and approach galleries there. If you're into modern art, then art colleges, modern art galleries and the likes are the places to go, if only to speak to folks in the know there and get their advice.

If you really want to hit the headlines, you might need to enter art competitions (e.g. The Mail on Sunday annual comp.) Go to your local library and pick their brains / computers / shelves for info on that. Either that, or set up your stall at an event frequented by Royalty or 'stars' or 'celebrities' and if one of them buys your work - bingo!

Unfortunately, artists are notoriously bad at promoting themselves, so it might be a good idea to contact art agents and see if one of them could give you a low rate of commission for touting your works on his/her rounds. So work on your portfolio, produce, produce, produce, and eventually word should get out that you're getting better and better!

Answer 9

Ebay...but you may have to accept less that you would like...l show once a year at a local show..its great fun and not too demanding, l think the line between trained and untrained is blurred these days....if you have the compulsion to paint as a way of artistic expression then you can get satisfaction and a little dough as well..its important though to realise that the art is the imortant part...though the dosh is nice too..best of luck...if we don't do it no one will.....

Answer 10

Try Ebay or other auction sites, dont take this the wrong way but people will buy anything if they think its worth something, if you place the starting bid at say £75 people will think that its worth a lot more. Someone once sold a 1p on there for about 2 pound. Good luck