Collective Wisdom: Finding Your Bread and Butter
In speaking with a number of artists who have built financially successful careers, I have observed that many of them have stabilized and strengthened their art business by creating a…
Hiawatha and Minnehaha – How Edmonia Lewis overcame prejudice to become a successful artist in the nineteenth century
Edmonia Lewis and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow There’s been a longstanding relationship between art and literature. From numerous works based on mythology to storybook illustrations to Millais’ Ophelia, artists have often…
Mastering the Art of Niche Marketing
I recently received an interesting query from an artist, Kendra, who is focused on wildlife art. “I am very interested in learning how to market specifically to people who love…
The Mechanisms of Art Sales
Some artists hate me. If you don’t believe me, just take a moment to look through the comments on my social media posts. In a comment left on a recent…
Video – Ask a Gallery Owner: How Quickly Do You Decide Whether to Include an Artist In your Gallery?
In this week’s session, I discuss whether or not it is necessary to tell galleries that you are approaching other galleries and how long it takes for a gallery owner…
Between Land and Sea: The Artistic Voyage of Kathleen Van Lieu
In the tapestry of contemporary art, Kathleen Van Lieu weaves a vivid narrative, one rooted in the intricate dance between the human spirit and the natural world. Her oeuvre serves…
How to Work with Difficult Customers
There are times when sales come easily. The stars align and you have the right piece for the right person at the right time and everything clicks together. You and…
The Mystery of Johannes Vermeer’s “Woman Reading a Letter”
Johannes Vermeer is best known for his paintings of serene domestic scenes, like “The Milkmaid” and “Girl with a Pearl Earring.” The paintings are excellent examples of the delicacy and…
Ask a Gallery Owner: Should Galleries Get 50% on Commissioned Art Projects?
What is a reasonable split on commissioned work? I’m all for the gallery receiving 50% on work in their regular inventory, as it takes up wall space and has likely been shown to several potential buyers and marketed by the gallery as well. However, I wonder if 50% to the gallery is justified on a commission, especially in the case where the artist has been put in direct contact with the buyer and essentially does all the leg work (apart from the initial introduction).
Video – Ask a Gallery Owner: What’s the Best Time of Year to Contact a Gallery?
In this week’s session, I answer a question from Alicia in Colorado about the best time to approach a gallery. I share my thoughts on the matter and provide some…