Frequently Asked Questions
How much is my painting worth?
Answer:
Most people interested in art wonder how in the world artists establish their prices; what factors determine the worth of a painting, and what’s the best price to sell your paintings? There are at least six factors that can be easily identified:
Public demand for the artist’s work
Public identification with the artist’s name
Medium used (oil, watercolor, pencil, etc.)
Desirability of the subject matter
Size of the work
Quality of the art
Our artist, John Pototschnik wrote a great article on this topic. You can read the article here:
Why are oil paintings more valuable than other media?
Answer:
Oil paintings are often perceived as more valuable due to the durability and longevity of oil pigments. The richness, depth, and texture achieved with oils, along with their historical significance, contribute to their higher perceived value.
What determines the price of a painting?
Our artist, John Pototschnik, created a Youtube video to address this question.
What factors should I consider when evaluating a painting for purchase?
Answer:
Ensure that the artwork resonates with your personal taste and evokes a meaningful connection, as you'll be living with it on a daily basis.
The artist's reputation, career trajectory, and past sales records are a good way to gauge their standing in the art market.
Consistently high quality over a large body of work.
Market Trends and Demand: Stay informed about current art market trends and demand for similar works, as these factors can influence the painting's investment potential.
Consult with the galleries that represent the artist. Pose questions and seek direction from them. How do the sales of your favored artist compare with other artists in the gallery?
Can you afford the painting, including possible associated costs such reframing, shipping, and maybe insurance.
Think about the long-term vision for your art collection and how the painting fits into your broader aesthetic and investment objectives.
Before making a purchase, it's essential to take a thoughtful and informed approach, considering both personal preferences and practical considerations.
Consulting with art professionals and conducting thorough research can enhance the buying experience and contribute to a more satisfying acquisition.
Is art a good investment?
Answer:
It certainly can be, but it's very unpredictable and not something to count on. Many factors are involved in art becoming a good investment. The popularity and collectible history of the artists is of paramount importance. The most investible art seems to be with those well-known artists of the past that made their mark in history. The prices received by contemporary artists are the result of a carefully built reputation and limited supply of new works. One would think, upon the artist's passing, that prices would continue to increase because new output has ceased. Often that is not the case because collectors, wanting to sell and recoup their investment, flood the market with paintings... supply increases, prices drop.
Owning art can enrich your daily life by providing aesthetic pleasure and serving as a source of inspiration or reflection.
Art ownership enhances cultural awareness and intellectual engagement, fostering a deeper connection to the broader art world and creative expression.
Art has the power to evoke emotions and create a personal connection, offering a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction to the owner.
Building an art collection allows individuals to create a legacy and contribute to the preservation of a cultural heritage, passing down an appreciation for art through generations.
Owning art can be a multi-faceted experience that goes beyond financial considerations, offering a range of personal and cultural dividends. While the non-financial benefits are significant, it's important to approach art ownership with a clear understanding of personal preferences and objectives.
Why do people buy art?
Answer:
They like the subject; it stirs the emotions in deep, unexpected ways.
It's affordable.
It's of the correct size; it fits perfectly in their home.
The color pleases them.
It's a source of pride, a sign of success and culture, that can be shared with others.
It might be a good investment.
Why purchase art from a gallery?
Answer:
Galleries that are established continue to exist because they have created considerable trust and confidence among their clients. Their staff is knowledgeable, has been in the business a while, and know the artists they represent. Most galleries are bombarded by artists wanting representation, this enables galleries to select the best of the best, not only artists that fit perfectly within the gallery's focus, but also artists they know are trustworthy and dependable in supplying consistently high-quality work.
What steps should an artist take when seeking gallery representation?
Answer:
Develop a strong portfolio of your best work that showcases your technical skill, creativity and enthusiasm for your chosen subject, consistent quality, and dedication to excellence.
Thoroughly research galleries that align with your artistic style. If you are just starting out, it is a good idea to first seek local representation, then the state in which you live, and then expand from there. Don't spread yourself too thin that you can't supply the galleries that represent you with a significant body of work. One of the most important things...be honest about your work. Be completely aware of your strengths and weaknesses. Accurately assessing your work relative to the artists in each gallery you desire to approach for representation, will save you embarrassment and possible rejection. Make sure the quality of your work, subject matter, and price structure is in line with the gallery's primary focus.
What are specific recommendations when approaching a gallery for representation?
Answer
Many galleries provide direction, on their websites, how artists are to submit their work for representation. Follow their protocol exactly. Do not show up at a gallery unannounced, without an appointment, and expect them to drop everything and look at your work. Be professional.
If you don't know the gallery director's name, and it's not listed on their website, call the gallery. When communicating with a gallery, you need to know who you're communicating with. Everyone seems to communicate by email these days, maybe it would be better to be different from others and instead send a well-written letter explaining why you'd like the gallery to represent you and why you believe you'd be a good fit for them. Include a bio, resume, a few printed samples of your best work, and contact information, addressed to the gallery director. Kindly give the gallery time to respond, they are normally bombarded with representation requests. If no response after a period of time, reconnect with them.
How do I price my artwork?
Answer:
Pricing artwork involves considering various factors. Evaluate your artistic experience, the complexity of the piece, time invested, materials used, and the current art market. Research comparable artists and their pricing for works of similar size and quality. Additionally, factor in your reputation, demand for your art, and the overall economic climate. Seek advice from art professionals, galleries, and consider starting with a pricing structure that aligns with your career stage while remaining open to adjustments as your artistic journey evolves. Additionally, consider the cost of framing, gallery commissions, and shipping of the price.
Ultimately, when pricing your work, it's the art market itself that will help you determine an acceptable price for your work. If most of your work sells, that will be a good indication that your price can be raised. If nothing is selling, it's possible your price is not in line with what the market has determined to be its real worth. That's a generalization, of course, because economic conditions at the time can have a real impact on sales and have little to do with your established price structure.
FAQs: Quick Answers
How do you become a professional artist?
Answer:
To become a professional artist, it's important to have the mindset of a professional, that means view what you do as a profession. You must be all in, focused. and persistent. Study to make yourself approved. Hone your skills through education and practice, build a consistent body of work, establish an online presence, participate and become involved in local art organizations, enter exhibitions, network with other artists, and seek gallery representation.
What is Plein Air?
Answer:
Plein Air refers to the practice of painting outdoors, in the open air. Painting landscapes directly from nature is considerably different than painting from photos. Artists working in natural light quickly realize the difference. Painting from nature directly is the surest way to grow quickly as a landscape painter and to help in understanding lighting affects and nature's various moods.
Is AI Going to Replace Artists?
Answer:
While AI can assist in certain aspects of the creative process, such as generating ideas, enhancing design, or automating repetitive tasks, the essence of artistic expression, emotion, and unique human perspectives remains irreplaceable. The relationship between AI and artists is more likely to be one of collaboration and augmentation, with human creativity at the forefront.
Should I paint for collectors or myself?
Answer:
Striking a balance between personal expression and considering your audience is essential. While creating art that resonates with you is crucial, understanding your audience, including collectors, can enhance the marketability and impact of your work.
How do you define success as an artist?
Answer:
Success as an artist is subjective and varies for each individual. It may involve personal fulfillment, artistic growth, recognition within the art community, financial stability through art sales, or achieving specific artistic goals.
What is ala prima?
Answer:
Ala prima, also known as "direct painting," is a painting technique where the artist completes the entire artwork in one sitting. This approach is characterized by its spontaneity and immediate response to the subject.
How important are art titles to a painting?
Answer:
Art titles can significantly impact the viewer's interpretation and connection to a painting. Thoughtful and evocative titles can enhance the overall experience and convey the artist's intended message.
Can I use images from your site?
Answer:
All of our images are the property of our artists. We use them with permission from our artists. Use of the images on our website is only allowed with written permission from our artists. Use for promotion of events, magazine articles, and blogs also require written permission from our artists.
Are your paintings limited edition prints or original artwork?
Answer:
All of our paintings are original works of art by our artists. Some of our artists do offer limited edition prints and giclee’s through galleries or their websites
What is a Giclee?
Answer:
Giclee is a French term meaning “to spray”, referring to how an inkjet printer works and how giclee prints are usually produced. These large format inkjet printers use small spraying devices that can both match color and apply ink precisely, giving artists a high-quality print of their original art explains
Where can I get prints of your paintings?
Answer:
Some of our artists are represented by Art Legends, Inc., a wholesale distributor of fine art reproductions. Visit artlegendsinc.com to find a list of galleries that carry their work.