Compliments on your Art?

Question

OK. I'm at the point right now where I'm starting to get quite a collection of drawings and paintings. When people compliment them or go into depth how much they like them and that they want to "buy" them, I secretly get really happy inside that its touching them in such away that they would actually want to buy them... but unfortunately I'm totally unprofessional in how to deal with the compliments. I kinda just brush it off like its not a big deal. I don't know it just makes me uncomfortable. Maybe deep down its because I just don't feel like I could even part with them at this point because they are so much a part of my recovery and so on...I don't know. Anyone else have this problem? I mean, they are almost all sitting unframed in the storage room...but does that mean I'm a mad lady for locking them up and not sending them out into the world?????

Answer 1

When I first started making art I couldn't imagine parting with my pieces. And not only did I have trouble taking compliments, but sometimes I thought people were just complimenting me because they thought they had to. Over time my collection, as well as my confidence have built up. I found that there were pieces that really meant a lot to me and I had to keep, and pieces that weren't as important and I started giving them away and selling them when possible.

At first I only gave/sold art to friends and family so I could see it if I ever needed to. Now I just take a really good digital image of my artwork and I save it on my computer. I also keep track of who has which piece and if I sold it, how much I sold it for. That way I can always find it again, but I also have the Image to look at anytime I need inspiration or need to relearn a life lesson.

I like that sometimes I go to my grandparent's house, or a friend's house and see my art on their wall. It means more to me than when it hides in the back of my closet and I forget about it for months at a time.


I think you should hold on to your art until you are ready to part with it. And there is nothing wrong with keeping stuff hidden away if you need it for reference but can't take seeing it everyday.

Also, when people compliment your art just say exactly what you wrote... Thank them. Say it makes you happy that they like your work and that it touches them as it touches you. Let them know that you appreciate that they took the time to look at your work. It's the same way when you compliment someone on a good meal, a good story, a good game. You're not doing it hoping they'll make a huge fuss, just a "thanks for the compliment, I appreciate you took the time to notice."

Hope this helps!
-Rach

Answer 2

No, you're not a mad woman, (Although if you do art you can't be completely sane either) most artists feel that way . Our little works of art are like our kids and you wouldn't sell your kids would you? I think part of it is that when you did it it was more for you than the public and thats why you don't want them gone. It's a different mindset when you know the piece you're working on isn't going to stick around, (Like a commisioned piece.) If someone wanted something I didn't want gone bad enough I've offered to do something like what they liked or if they wanted it bad enough put a pricetag on it that I could live with, (And most times they couldn't.)They say everyone has their price.

As far as compliments go I do know what you're saying. I've never taken them well. I guess to me it's just what I do and I never looked at it as something special so when someone said something nice I'd just kinda throw out a thanks and blow it off. It makes you feel good inside like you said but at the same time it's always made me feel uncomfortable. I've gotten better at it though and sometimes I joke about it or add something else like I appreciate it or something along those lines but I still feel weird about it after 30 years.

I guess what it comes down to is some of us that do art do it because we love it and not for the praise of others. Some of us don't need our ego stroked to the point that that's what we live for. It's doing the work that matters not what others think.

I don't know how long you've done this but after a while it does get easier to deal with. They're still your kids but eventually your kids grow up and move out.

Hope this helps

Answer 3

Being professional about compliments? Er... how do you figure that should be? It is like hearing your kids are the nicest, friendliest kids someone has ever seen. Of course you will feel that if you care about your work. How you react to that is a personal thing. I always have viewed art as a personal thing (three ways: me and the painting, me and the viewer, the viewer and the painting) and after 20 years still have problems being professional about my 'kids'.

Letting go is very hard. Separation anxiety is a normal stage you go through.

Never ever sell painting you really do not want to sell. It will eat your soul if you do even if you got a million for it. Not that I ever got a million for it but I just HAD to buy a painting back that just made me sick being away from.

Answer 4

Its quite normal, I was very humble when I started getting compliments and still am. It took me a while to learn the grace of accepting compliments but not letting them go to your head, getting in the way of growth in the work. It is definitely important to tell people that you are very appreciative of your compliments and that you just aren't comfortable parting with the work yet. I sold my first paintings this summer, and it was quite a difficult thing to watch them go home with someone else. I've been painting for about 8 years now and have just started being able to put prices on things. One of my fellow painters likened the experience of painting to raising a child. You watch it grow and develop and its completely your own creation, sending it off into the world is hard. (Although sending a painting off is much less difficult than a person by far!) As time goes and your collection grows I think it will be easier for you to part with them, better to sell them than to have to throw them out because of a lack of space! Even still I will not part with my first paintings, and I probably never will :)

Answer 5

I have that problem too. Every drawing I do, no matter what it is, I pour my heart and soul into it. Because everything I do takes time, and there's certain things going on in my life when I draw them, so they have some kind of special meaning to me. When I look at them I remember what was going on, and who said what about it. They're milestones in my life.

It feels weird when someone wants something like that from me. When you draw, you draw it for you, what's on your mind, what you're going through, personal things, a way to express yourself (feelings, thoughts... a relief system, ya know).

You don't draw for the people who like it, so it's weird when they want it, because it wasn't meant for them: to you it means a lot more that just a pretty picture, there's memories that they can't see.
There will be a time when you might consider selling them, and you might not even sell them then, but once you get to the point where they don't mean as much to you or you've come to terms with them and are ready to part you'll know.

...Talk about memory lane when you go through them to find what you can part with.

Answer 6

You aren't mad. Lots of artists have trouble giving up their pieces. Artwork is a type of connection to you, and an expression of your thoughts and feelings. It's okay if you don't want to give them up just yet, if it isn't your plan to make a living off your work. When people compliment you, you can thank them and tell them a little of what's behind that certain piece if you like, and if they offer to buy it, smile and say "I'm flattered that you want to buy this piece, but I'm not selling any of my work right now. I'll let you know when I am".

Answer 7

nope. my paintings, photographs and sculptures are not dear to me. I enjoy working on them but feel they do me no good stacked in my studio. Art should be appreciated. However people make art for different reasons. I make art as self exploration and in order to present ideas and interpretations of my environment. For me not to sell my work or to show in galleries, donate, etc. would be a waste because no one would be able to see the work. Some artist do art for the sake of self therapy. It is enough for them to create a piece and never have anyone see it. I also believe my ego enjoys the boost it gets from the compliments given by art enthusiast

Answer 8

Hi there,

Other's have shared their experiences and have given good advice.
I don't know if anyone said this before since I just skimmed through the answers, but you could see this through a different perspective : you paint to give sensations to people and when you sell , you give the oportunity to them to take those sensations and even share with others.

Kind regards,

José

Answer 9

honestly if your art is really that good you should be willing and want to be recognized for art that is not shown shall never be fully enjoyed accept by you which is really sad

Answer 10

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