The Question:
I know you are very busy and unable to answer all questions. If possible however I would like to know your feelings re: Putting a 2 or 3 sentence description of each image on a web site.
Thanks
John
My Response:
Thanks for the question, John. Including a few lines about a piece of artwork on your website or in your other collateral material is a great idea. I’ve found that as collectors are contemplating a piece of artwork, they want to learn everything they can about that artwork and about your inspiration as you created it. This additional knowledge adds to their experience and appreciation for the work.
I maintain that for most buyers, the decision to purchase a work of art is an emotional decision, and if their good feelings toward a work of artwork can be reinforced with a great story (or even a mediocre one, for that matter!) that emotional connection to the art is going to be enhanced.
A couple of things to keep in mind: There is a counterargument to my perspective, and that is that you should leave the interpretation of the artwork to the viewer. The logic goes that a viewer will put their own experience into the piece and assign their own meaning. I like the underlying idea here, and so I would suggest that in your description of your artwork you speak in fairly broad terms of the exact nature of the piece (no exact location for a landscape, for example, or the exact person in a figurative work) and instead talk in broad terms about your inspiration for the piece.
The second thing to keep in mind is that you should generally avoid becoming too political or spiritual in talking about your work – unless the statement you are making is the art. Politics and religion/spirituality are touchy issues – why offend a potential client who may not be on the same wavelength? If someone is of your same mindset, they will probably get the deeper meaning without the need to spell it out in your description.
Don’t worry if you haven’t been including descriptions up to now – you needn’t spend the next three weeks updating your website. Rather, I suggest you experiment with descriptions on new works you upload to your site or send to your galleries and find what works best, then commit to spend a little time with each work of art coming out of your studio creating a description.
Do You Agree?
Have you found it more effective to share your thoughts about your art or to leave clients to interpret it for themselves? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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Yes, I agree, I’m in the process of adding descriptions to my artwork for the reasons you talk about as well as SEO. The descriptions help Google and other search engines find your work. More exposure!
Oh yes ! I LOVE to read about the artist! The piece becomes even more exciting then .
Absolutely yes! A few sentences can make all the difference to clients contemplating a purchase. I usually talk about how the scene makes me feel.
In addition to my web site, I also print these artist comments on the price label posted beside my paintings on my studio gallery walls, and on the identifying label on the back of each painting, and I often copy and paste them from my web site onto social media posts about individual paintings. People just eat these stories up.
On my web site I always include a few lines or even paragraphs that tell more about the painting….a short version of the artwork statement I might send to a gallery. It’s possible someone will see my work only on line and never get to one of my galleries, so why hold back information that might help them?
I totally agree that adding a description to the work is valuable. It forges a connection which is so very important
you refer to the location/site of the painting, or the specific person in a figurative piece – all well and good for realistic, or even impressionist, work – for purely non-objective art? How much can one speak of color and energy and composition that’d appeal to a viewer? Don’t people drawn to abstract/non-objective art tend to find their own emotional connection? I purely abstract art, say of a orchard valley, is it wise to suggest to a viewer that s/he analyze whether s/he “sees” the original scene? Have you any suggestions about writing for non-objective work? I’ve written haiku for my most recent series, as a way to give words to a visual experience. Then I wonder whether poetry is as abstract as the art! On the other hand, nobody will even see the haiku if s/he’s not drawn to the work enough to click on it anyway . . . !! ?????!
I think you could write about the structural, compositional, color aspects of the painting. I find people find that interesting. Many people do not know how to analyze an abstract composition, so this would help.
I alway have a comment about the artwork. I usually identify the location, how I came across the subject, and what made me want to paint it.
Yes, I totally agree. A Charleston gallery had me write up a few lines of every painting they accepted of mine to enlighten the customer while discussing the piece. This proved very successful and makes art buying more interesting and inclusive.
I’ve been adding a couple sentences in the description of each image for quite a while now. In addition to what others have said, I think it’s also another way for the collector to hear the artist’s voice and increase understanding of the artist’s motivation for that piece.
I have have included a short description with paintings in the past, by putting it on the back of the painting, and I provide the gallery with the same information so they can convey it while talking to a potential client. I have made “flip books” (e-books) with the same descriptions. I don’t know why I never did it on my website. I will start. Thanks for the encouragement.
Clients seem to appreciate the text that accompanies sculptures on my website; sometimes several paragraphs. Stories, especially about the process of creation, prompt questions, for example. Questions are invitation to dialogue, and as Jason keeps reminding us about gallery visitors, dialogue is what we want. I agree completely about avoiding politics and spirituality, and Jason’s point about text inviting people to view the work in a broad context is an excellent one. We don’t care whether clients view the work the way we ourselves do – – – we want them to view it in a way that triggers something personal for them, so they can tell us their own stories about it! It’s thrilling for me to hear strangers tell personal stories about my own sculptures!
great insights…and I realize I should probably stop mentioning the location of my mountains. It doesn’t mean anything to most people and may dissuade them from seeing the mountainscapes they want to see.
I love to add descriptions to my artworks. I leave it very general in the sense that nothing personal is revealed as to location etc? Instead I try to create a certain poetry to my descriptions. I don’t mean writing a poem, but adding a description that appeals to the senses of the onlooker that I hope will evoke their own personal memories and feelings.
I do a process post for each painting, and post to Instagram, too. People do seem to interact more when I do that, as opposed to just posting a finished painting at the end. On my blog I do that too (a process page), and link to it on the product page for each of the paintings at my website. But on my gallery/portfolio pages, I haven’t been putting much description other than the size and availability. I might try putting a sentence or two, but I’ll have to change the format of the gallery to do it.
As a watercolor painter of historical scenes (mostly in northern California) I usually write a narrative of what inspired me to paint a specific location, event, or landmark building, intermingled with some California history. I definitely agree that politics should be left out of written descriptions (unless, of course, my painting depicts a particular historical political event). As a former minister, I don’t wholeheartedly agree that spiritual statements be avoided – especially if a particular scene I come upon and feel the need to capture is partly inspired by my thoughts of a particular Bible verse recently read. I often include some/all the elements I describe above in “Certificates of Authenticity” that accompany the paintings I sell. In summary, I think each artist must be genuine in communicating what inspires him/her to produce unique pieces of art.
Yes, I agree that a brief comment about the artwork enhances a possible connection for the audience. I usually write a note about the inspiration point that led to my creation rather than any kind of interpretation. Usually, people are very interested to know more about the perspective of the artist.ist.
Because my portraiture artwork has evolved into that of polar bear portraiture, and the bears vulnerability to climate change, I always include the story behind the work. I hope that these stories are more than just “silent salesmen” (as I have heard them referred to as) , but help connect the viewer to the intelligence of the bear, the beauty of the north, the wonder of solitude, as well as provide some interesting polar bear facts, and why protecting the sea ice is so vital to us all. I post these stories on social media as well, and have been rewarded with people letting me know how much they love the stories, as well as with sales.
All good thoughts, Jason. Thank you for the reminders.
Yes! I always include a brief sentence or two with each new piece. I try to share feelings and impressions from the process of creating the work, not too technical and without “artspeak” as it were. I try to describe the creation of the painting in relaxed and common terminology in order to better “connect” with the viewer. Hopefully, I’m able to do so, anyway. LOL
Of course it’s a yes! People love to read the stories, it keeps them longer in my booth, in the gallery or on the site and it 100% helps sales.
being new to this blog…and any blog for that matter…..correct me if necessary…..I have a written statement that is posted a few times around a gallery where my art work is displayed…..should there be a “statement/description” with each title card?
Jason when you say “you should generally avoid becoming too political or spiritual in talking about your work – unless the statement you are making is the art.” I am wondering if you had any advice for me.
I make non-objective art inspired by Kandinsky and Hilma af Klint and other abstract expressionists who were very influenced by late 19th-century esoteric thinkers such as Madam Blavatsky and Rudolph Steiner. In fact, this cross-section of spirit and art is the very reason I have (temporarily?) stopped making representational art.
Is it wrong for me to mention this?
Using historical context to help describe and explain your work will help diffuse the difficulties that come with entering that territory. I suspect you will be okay, but it doesn’t hurt to monitor peoples’ response to your descriptions of the work, and if you feel the reaction is too strong and causing distraction from the art, experiment with toning it down.
~ “A picture Is worth a thousand words” – Hmmm! – A good example is – it sure is helpful to add the title on the book jacket in a selling point! ~
I recently interviewed Katie Samson from Philly Based Art-Reach- a non profit which seeks to make the Arts accessible to people with disabilities and people in the low income sector. She suggested that artists on their website be more descriptive of their works. Simple effective words “ Landscape oil painting depicting seaside cliffs of Dingle ,Ireland. Subtle shades of green in the fields and various shades of purples , blues and grays in the cliff side “
This communicates to people who are legally blind or have low vision. I’ve started incorporating that as well as a story
Yes, I agree with your analogy of storytelling and your finished artwork. I also agree with keeping out religion. Plus, keeping politics out of not only artwork descriptions but also social media and related communication outlets.
I too have been including statements about the art, mostly my inspiration, on my website for a long time. One of the galleries that represents my work also asks for a short description for their website. I often shorten what I have created for my site a bit more for the gallery. As others said, my online website may be the only location where many see my art so having a way to give some insight into my inspiration I the only words they see about the piece.
As an artist who does geometric non-objective art I say, “No”. My whole thought about non-objective is that the veiwer brings their perspective to the piece and therefore makes it contemporary for them. I even stay away from titles of my art so not to force a prespective upon the viewer. I use to name my art about the music I was listening to when I signed it. Either the title or lyrics in the song. Figured that was pretty random and meaningless. I finally gave that up when I named one ‘landslide’ and a couple viewers said they ‘could see it’. Definitely not my intent. So now no meaningful title just a number or a color.
I think the key is to be succinct.
I try to always write something about each piece I post on my website – sometimes just a few sentences, and sometimes, depending on the piece, a longer story. In many of my gallery shows I am allowed to display these thoughts with the paintings, which I find instrumental in encouraging sales.
I’ve had openings where people spend a great deal of time reading each story and then asking more questions of me before selecting their painting. I find this experience quickly establishes a personal relationship between myself and the viewer, which encourages sales and repeat purchases. Deeper understanding is always a good thing.
Hi, thank you for the conversation!
There are times I state a specific location, specifically when I am painting a destination location such as the “Sleeping Bear Dune National Park”, or a landmark building to my area.
Otherwise, I only describe my overall inspiration.
There was one specific time someone asked me if THEY were interpreting “right” (and very specific!) a painting of mine they’d recently bought.
My response was that I am delighted they’re moved by the painting!
They of course had something fairly different then what MY inner motivation was!
They felt good about it and I personally, was delighted they’d be inspired to engage and ask!
All so true.
Yesterday, I did an opening. I had 4 abstract pieces – one artwork for each season – where people were disagreeing on which one is summer and which one is spring. Given it is abstract work, I said that everyone is right as you see is yours! The points in this discussion were good.
I also had a piece which refers to the war in Ukraine. When I mentionned it to a visitor, it scared him away. Suddenly, he was in a hurry to go! No politics!
I keep a separate page on my website of my paintings where people can download individual PDFs of artwork statements of them.
Agree. I’m an amateur artist and had not done this until our local gallery asked for descriptions to post next to the paintings with the pricing. It has definitely created a sort of “hook” that enhanced the buyer’s interest in every case that I’ve had one sell- I’m at a dozen or so for the last 2-1/2 years since I began.
I never add anything to the basic description of my art. Being a non-objective artist I firmly believe that the art demands the viewer to interact with the piece and either find a connection or not. To influence the piece with a meaningful title or other detials interrupts the viewer to a bais that is not intended by me. I use to name my pieces by the song or a lyric I was listening to when I signed the piece. Many viewers were ‘bent’ determined to see that random title in the make-up of the totally non-objective piece. So now, nothing but a number or a color. I works better for me and hopefully for the viewer.
Great question!
I can’t speak on behalf of being an artist, because I’m not one. However, as a gallerist, any information provided to me about a piece will help me sell your artwork. The artists that provide me with added details about their piece, stories about the location of a plein air landscape, meanings behind the art, or if it’s a local animal in the artwork with a story behind it (we have big demand for paintings of roadrunners, quail, and other desert birds), I’ve found that their is a higher chance of closing the sale. Even better, if your work is in galleries, and the gallery is open to the idea, I have found when my artists pay a visit to our gallery and connect with potential buyers and tell their story about themselves and their art in person, there is a greater chance of making a sale than if the artist is not present. I have one artist that comes in almost weekly. Since we’re also a frame shop, I will introduce the artist to a client that’s either framing or there for a pick-up. The majority of people will ask the artist, “What pieces are yours?” This one artist in particular is witty and has a great sense of humor. Within a few minutes, the client is chatting and laughing with the artist. Never has the client not left with one of their works. I truly believe it’s the emotional connection that closes the sale. And when an artist isn’t present, and potential buyers are interested, a story about the piece or artist works well too.
In the past when my paintings where hanging in a show, I would have a description printed a 5 x 6 postcard.
Letting the audience know what inspired me. If the art piece or photograph was from a certain location, I would mention the location.
I agree we should add a little inspiration story to the work. It adds value. When I do that in our local gallery, people spend twice as much time hanging around it and reading it again, as well as getting their friends/family to come over and look. I believe it is what sells the piece.
On board with NOT getting political/spiritual about the work. Jonny Carson said he kept politics out of his monologues and avoided heated political discussions with his guests so as not to alienate half his audience.
As far as an artist adding a description or some interesting perspective regarding the artwork, that seems to be a good thing as the comments to this blog indicate.
Your posts, and responses by other artists, are always timely, informative, and helpful. Thank you.
Agree with adding descriptive content. I find it fun to share!
I always write a short piece about my artwork and to my amusement I’ve had several collectors read my story and then make up their own connection or story. My words actually seem to help them get started on the personal thought process to formulate their own story and make their own connection.
I’ve always included a few sentences about the specific piece, sometimes relating it to other works in the series. I have just started using Theobot.ai when I have to come up with a longer description. I am amazed at the skill and insights – and this is something I have been very skeptical about. Read what “theobot” wrote (with a little help) about my newest painting: https://www.lhpost.com/portfolio-new-paintings
I also had to narrate a 2–3-minute description of a piece in a museum show. One of those shows where there is a click/link to the description while you are looking at the art. They also have it listenable online. I went back and forth with theobot, and came up with this: https://tour.dam.yourcultureconnect.com/e/danforth-annual-juried-exhibition-2024/post
If I had done it myself, it would have taken at least a day. This took less than half an hour. I am a convert.
I use Fine Art America. That is because I have not been prepared to spend for a full website launch. I want to build a small audience first and achieve a few more awards and recognition. FAA provides free AI descriptions, an instagram ad, and I can present my work framed, and my art prints can be easily purchased. I am working on becoming an exhibiting member of my local art league. I also have my own website there on their Pixels site.
I find that the FAA descriptions are rather plain and I will add to it to make it custom by adding a location where I took the scene from or what made me interested in painting it.
All of my paintings are done to create a feeling of serenity and relaxation. Some of my favorite galleries were in Jackson Hole, and that kind of art is my goal.
Any piece that I have ever sold at an art event was sold because when the potential buyer became drawn to the piece I ask them, why? Usually their “why” was along the same lines which I created the work in the first place so I expand on the story a little and help them to understand their “ why” also from my point of view. It feels like kindred spirits… like someone else understands them.
I can’t imagine posting images without my commentary, whether it’s on my website, social media, or an online retailer like Saatchi. It helps the viewer, but it also helps me understand the work.
Good suggestions. If I ever decide to sell again, I will incorporate a commentary.
Recommend against naming locations of landscapes unless it is really obvious: Over the decades, I have done 6 paintings from a thumbnail sketch I did 60 years ago. I painted them because I loved that spot. Every buyer stated “That is where I grew up!”. They didn’t…but it doesn’t matter. It is, for each of them, a wonderful memory just as it is for me. If I had stated the location of that scene, the buyers probably would have skipped the memories because it wasn’t “theirs”.
What is this issue of written description of artwork that USA is obsessed about?… Artwork is to be experienced with the senses no intellectualized. I understand that art statement are needed in this country as it is structured that way, but to go as far as explain -even if it is one or two sentences- a piece of artwork is stealing the opportunity of the viewer to connect with the work based on where there are in life.