What Are Your Real 'Motives' When You Sell A Painting?

Question

I sold one today. It was a painting I only finished two days ago. A painting I really didn’t get a chance to sit back and look at and savor. All I have now is photographic copies of it:

http://pics.livejournal.com/unmired/pic/0004x1tx/g11

I sold this for many reasons. The sale will help me restock a supply of canvases, brushes and paints. It also seems to validate the artist’s efforts to sell a painting now and then, doesn’t it?

So, when someone offers to buy one your works what is your honest, realistic reasons for selling your art? Validation? You need the money? You hope it will lead to fame and fortune? You hope somehow it will get you laid?

Be honest.

You can click on the image it enlarge it. The canvas size is 24 "x 48". You want to know how much it sold for? I didn't get rich off it but it was enough to make an average car payment.

There are no wrong answers here and so many honest, sincere replies. I thank you all. And Karen, I really like your art, your style,your use of bright, vivid colors!

Answer 1

If I didn't sell them, I wouldn't be able to walk around my house because I make too many. I'd end up throwing them away if I didn't sell them. If I sell high, and someone buys, I feel pride and personal satisfaction, plus the satisfaction of a wallet that contains more than family photos.
So to put it simply:
-Waste not,
-Cash, &
-Pride

Answer 2

I paint because it is a driving need and I communicate much better with colour than I ever have with the English language. I never started my career thinking about the money, but it came anyways...I think that's the key to knowing you are doing what is right for you.
I admit, I like to live with my paintings a bit before they are sold, but sometimes that's not an option...So it does feel good that someone, somewhere is admiring my work in their home. I sold 2 last Friday at a show, and I suppose it felt good to have the validation, but that's not why I paint.
If I was painting strictlyfor prestige, or for the money, I'd give it up.

Answer 3

My daughter is majoring in graphic design. She had to take a class in sculpture as part of her curriculum. The college had an art show a couple of weeks ago. Not all of their work was displayed, but a mobile she made was one of her works that was selected for the show. When she went to class the following week, her professor told her that someone wanted to buy her mobile. Needless to say, she was thrilled, and I was very proud of her. I think in this case, she sold it because of the recognition and flattery that she felt. She didn't even realize that someone could buy the items exhibited. It was a real boost to her ego, a kind of validation if you will. She said it made her feel like a "real artist" for the first time.

I looked at your paintings, and they are beautiful. Keep it up. You have a lot of talent. Be grateful for it and use it to make the world a more beautiful place.

Answer 4

There is only so much you can paint for your self or family or gifts. The pleasure of selling - the fact that a complete stranger is willing to buy - it's hard to describe, but the confidence boost is worth more than the money.

Answer 5

my dear you just beginner in art, do not worry so much to sale your painting do for what you like which is painting , good artist never thinks to hold price on own work's don't thinks like those commercial painter ...there is most problem's to day we have art dealers and art gallery run by the non professional people, in past 25 years I sold many painting in my home land after Iand in Canada I never had any chance to sale or display my art work's
do not give up do painting because you like to be artist, don't care about money, care about what you create

Answer 6

What brings long term happiness?

Have ever knowticed that the things we buy at stores(products), are not built to last? They all look the same...made to thrown away with out thought. Made cheaply and as fast as possible? Ever knowtice that the things we buy as a society dose not bring long-term happiness?...and you need to buy another new thing to make you happy again,..and again, again?

What brings long term happiness?

This is my motive,..to make a express ideas which influence long-term happiness. A painting I create and sell my be a product and be seen as something of temporary happiness but It is what I wish to escape. I want people to escape "again, and again, again." I want long term happiness through many generations, not just one.

This is what am in pursuit of and what I feel I have achieved to a degree. I wish to have long-term relationships with people who have my -Original Paintings-. Prints are selling. Long term happiness is what drives me and is what I am in pursuit of. Selling is a tool to achieve this perhaps.

.

Answer 7

get money.