by bergina » Mon Jun 16, 2008 9:24 pm
SER,
Intersting question;
I side with DLKeur in some aspects. Take a digital shot of your work outdoors in mid tone light ( no sun) , copy it on disc and then focus on selling your original and hopefully make some art revenue as you will hopefully make many more as good or most likely,better. The good thing is that you will establish a “selling pattern” for your work . You want to be recognized as an artist who’s work is in demand. Sell all your work that you can part with but never give it away ( unless you follow my earlier path, not advised) . I have personally kept about 30 pieces, never for sale. Do you have an on line venue where people can see your work? If so, indicate “sold” when you sell something. I checked out your work on singular and understand your comment with reference to being somewhat of a perfectionalist and the time factor involved in finishing a piece of work. However, this is why your work is so darn good! Creating good paintings with realistic style is not for those who watch the clock. I personally just worry about what month it is ( don't want to miss any important dates such as Christmas, birthdays , anniversary’s etc. just kidding ) Anyone who pushes realism / detail doesn’t knock it of in a weekend. I don’t care what they say. But what is the work worth? That is a tough question. I guess it’s worth what someone wants to pay for it which doesn’t help much. You have to find the right person or persons who really appreciate the quality of your work and they are definitely out there for you. I can only refer to my own personal experience.
I can say that aside from my immediate and extended family, after some hard lessons, I now rarely part with a piece of art work, original or print, without feeling reasonably compensated but this did not come overnight. I initially gave away many of my earlier artworks to mostly friends who offered me , well an insulting fee. Not their fault, as they just had no idea the time I spent and the real value of the work. I didn’t know the real value either except I knew I produce what I thought was a great piece of art, spent all my spare time for weeks and they offered me $ 200.00
My response was “ Just take it”, no charge. I never took any money . It was much easier for me mentally to give it away than to establish myself as a $ 200.00 artist. I didn’t know what my art was worth but I knew I wasn’t that so – just take it , no charge ( knowing what I know, I would never do this now) .
Eventually during my Stone, Dog painting days I did a few art shows and this is where I found my specific market. People love their dogs. I told any potential customers, flat out $ 1000.00 to start. This was not easy but I had to be true to myself. I had done some what I considered really nice stone work and had it on display. I had more offers than I could handle and never did get caught up.
SO…
Size does matter as the larger the work, more time to produce, meaning higher price.
If you are represented by an established gallery, they will take between 40 and 60 % of the selling price. If they will work for you, this isn’t a bad deal, though it just seems like it. If you can. Find an established gallery who will honestly promote you.
It’s much better to start your prices low and then when you have some sales, put your prices up. Going the other way is not a good thing for you or your work.
Put a reasonable price and stick with it. You are not a flee market and
Never sell your work at a flee market!
Whatever you sell this year, bump it up by 7% -10% next year.
Most established professional artists take 30 or so years to see an honest consistent fair dollar for their time tallent and skill. I didn't answer you initial question but came as close as I could.
Hope this was of some help.
Al
