Blog

Does that sound rather crass to you, to talk about Selling art? Swallow hard anyhow, fellow artists, and read on to see what this artist has learned as one of the Artists in Residence in Blowing Rock, NC. I was the artist in residence for two weeks at the Edgewood Cottage in Blowing Rock in July of 2021. Edgewood Cottage, by the way, is the first of three homes the nationally known artist Elliot Daingerfield built in Blowing Rock in the early 1900s. During my two weeks at the cottage 67 of my paintings found homes, from California to Ohio to Florida. Yes, it was a record for the program. It set me thinking as to why so many of my paintings were purchased. Of course, there are many reasons why a person purchases a particular piece of art. But as I analyzed my sales, certain things stood out. So let me share them with you fellow artists. Before we begin, lest I be chastised for seeming to ignore the creative aspect of art, I want to say that to be happy the artist needs a vision of what he wants the painting to convey; a personal vision. But going beyond that . . .

First let me say that word of mouth is the very best way to get your art out there, hands down. A satisfied client and friend will keep buying your art, and will tell others about you and your work. But you know that. However, as to selling your art in an exhibit, or an art-in-the-park event, etc. I have concluded that the following ideas help your sales. These ideas are not in any order of importance.

Be Friendly. Some artists seem to ignore folks who come into the gallery/tent/etc. Speak to people, get them talking about themselves and what they like about the painting(s) they are looking at. Tell them the painting’s story and perhaps a bit about yourself. You make a friend and they are more inclined to purchase your art. This might be the most important part of selling paintings.  

Put a brief description along with the price below your painting. Folks like to hear the story behind the painting. A short printed description of a couple sentences may well start a meaningful conversation about the piece.

Subject matter. I focus on painting here in the Blue Ridge and in national parks. Some folks want a local scene, so keep that in mind. How often have I heard, “Oh, I know where that scene is . . .” Others may be drawn to an iconic scene in a national park or some national landmark. If you have some particular interest, share it in paintings and folks will identify with you.

Bright colors. I hate to say it, but folks so often purchase art based on the color of their walls, etc. So remember that your paintings are interpretations of a scene, not a photograph of the scene. Have fun with the colors!  

And finally, keep in touch with your collectors. There are free computer programs out there that let you keep a record of who purchased what, and you will soon notice that some folks make multiple purchases. I send out a newsletter perhaps four times a year to my collectors, telling of recent paintings and including three or four photos of recent work.

And last, price. Sure, I know, I know—your work and mine is worth much, much more than these folks think (or so we think). But if you are not a professional artist earning your daily bread by art alone, then hear me. We who are part-time artists need to price our art with our market in view. My work in the cottage and on my web site is priced less than half what it sells for in galleries which carry my work. Folks who are visiting Blowing Rock, a popular tourist destination in the summer, are often looking for a souvenir, a remembrance of their visit or vacation. Yes, I sold a lot of paintings to folks who are decorating a home, etc. But I priced my paintings with the tourist in mind. Do keep your market in mind.

So there you have it. Let’s keep on painting—and finding homes for our work. And maybe the above suggestions will keep your wife from telling you to either sell some of those paintings that clutter up the house, or she will get rid of them for you!