I am 87 so I have had a lot of experience and disapointments. I tend to paint what I love. I enter shows and competitions and mostly get rejected. I have learned that jurors are complicated and most choose art that meets their own personal preferences. It's like playing rouleete. When you win, enjoy it and know you did your best - win or loose.
You are so right! It’s always a gamble. Especially since the pandemic, I feel like more and more people are creating great art (which is a fantastic thing) and it makes many contests even more competitive. I LOvE your attitude!
Dear Debra, I am just selling my artwork as I am doing fundraising for my own community and ChildFund International. I won't be doing any paintings larger than 14X 18 inches.I am also a writer and classical pianist.I sure do appreciate the breakdown of what sells and wins. I am not sure it will be the same but you really gave me some food for thought. Thanks so much. Jo Ann Koepke P.S I am still working to get my artist website set up. I had cancer and just went into remission in May so this is now an exciting time for me.
Thank you Jo Ann! Congratulations on this new chapter of your vibrant life. The art journey is such an adventure- there’s always something new to think about it seems!
Very interesting article and comments. The topic caught my attention as this seems to be my dilemma that you so well articulated. Decided that I need to stick to the true reason I paint, and in order to keep me happy, I paint what connects to me and moves me. Still early in my art journey and trying to figure things out. Good to know that others have a need to find a balance or choice to make a choice. Thanks for speaking about the elephant in the room.
Thank YOU Simone for reading and commenting. In some ways, being early in your art journey you have an advantage. You have no preconceptions and no bad habits. You are open to new ideas. It’s an exciting time and I love that you let me be a small part of it.
As much as I want to paint what resonates with me, in the back of my mind, I'm still thinking "Will someone like this enough to buy it?"....entering competitions is an after thought: I enter works that I am most proud of or think will stand out in a category - and it works (sometimes). www.karenxarchos.com
Debra, I appreciate your questioning and sharing self reflection on your practice. I do read the prospectus and try to figure out if there is something special they want in submissions. Sometimes I get a clue by who is the juror. Of interest to me is that what the people like doesnt correlate with what gets accepted into shows. What sells for me IS what has a story that the viewer can relate to, especially if they feel they have been there (landscapes). My awards have been primarily for landscapes because I have submitted very few figure/portrait. the size comments surprises me. People- professional and potential buyers say they are looking for bigger paintings and ask me for bigger paintings. Most of mine are 8x10-16x20. And I hear the "no more wall space " all the time.
Thanks so much for your comment Linda. I’m sure it’s different for everyone. I think it’s a combination of luck and circumstance that sent me down a small format and miniature art rabbit hole. I liked it, so I kept spending time there. I don’t know - If I’d connected with designers at the outset and gotten lots of hotel lobby commissions, I might be singing praises for art that is 10 feet or bigger. It’s a different story I think, depending on where the universe plants you
Ha!, one of my less proficient painting contacts just got a commission for a large (several feet) piece for a hotel. Just had to be there at the right time.
Debra thank you for sharing the wisdom of your experiences! I agree larger paintings are difficult to sell and pricing has to reflect the area in which you live. When I enter National exhibits I have to increase my prices so I don’t make the other artists feel like I’m undercutting them. Yet, those same paintings would never sell at those prices in our rural community. That is a problem I don’t like. I only paint things that are inspiring to me, unless it’s a commission. When entering contests, I try to enter paintings that can hopefully fit into their location.
So true… I literally just printed out some tags for lower priced drawings I plan to take with me when I teach in a location I know would not support paintings of my larger paintings. Yet, I am about to figure which pieces to send to a New York City venue, and I know the lower priced draw would be overlooked at that location. There’s so much that goes into considering what gives art the best chance at awards and sales
Thanks for writing about "to sell or to win awards". Your observations about price points and sizes are so appropriate for me in my current mental churning about my art business. Please check out my abstract art at www.KatyBishop.art.
Thank you for sharing... enjoyed your article, AND relate to it. Letting chips fall where they may, seems where this heart and art fall into line. Always thrilled and honored to be juried into a national show, let alone win an award. I get more rejections than acceptances it seems... but just enough 'yes' votes and awards to keep my membership up and entering. When younger, frankly could not afford to enter exhibits... so just painted. Then, simply thrilled and honored if a collector connected and adopted one of my babies. That remains the greatest honor! Many times in this season of life, I find myself only painting as the inspiration leads. Whether it sells or goes to an exhibit or or or... not the thought. Yes, some make it to the gallery to sell or for this heart, often hope they do not sell and I may simply keep them in my own collection. My plein air paintings I simply hold onto mostly to save them as not only personal post cards of travels, but also as accurate color notes for work later in the studio. We all as Artist's have seasons of our work... today I looked up a painting that I painted in 1998??? an illustration for an inspirational line of gifts. Ironically the original of the scene was a larger than 40x30", the art director saw it and asked for a 12x9 with a more solid background that type could be placed onto. To Sell or Win takes many forms in the life of an Artist. Illustration or Painting. The heart of the artist is often the story truly being told. When that heart comes through, do believe that is where you find that Artist's most winning paintings... just a thought
I love your thoughts! And yes, the season of life we are in plays a big role, for sure. I am so encouraged though that no matter the season, there is always a place for us on this journey.
Thoughtful comments. My subjects can be wildlife or people--all story driven. What moves me to paint is the emotion I felt in the moment. I want the leopard I watched for thirty mins to pull the viewer in, just like he did me. When I thought about entering a juried exhibit recently,it stopped me cold. I was thinking about what might sell, not what I love. I decided to not enter. www.Vickiehenderson.com
Thanks for reaching out, would love to have you use my art. I started a BLOG several years ago, called “Roadmap To A Painting” to showcase some of the wonderful locales where I paint out doors. www.jackmcgowan-Artist.com
I paint what I love to paint and am very happy when I make a sale. I have so many paintings that I do a happy dance when someone takes one home. I have painted a few things specifically for juried shows that haven't gotten in. I have submitted a piece to a juried show that won an award elsewhere but didn't get in. Art is very subjective and not every piece is for everyone. Just need the right buyer to come along. Sometimes it can take a while. In the meantime I get to enjoy my own art that's on my walls everywhere: in my studio, in the basement, in the cupboard in the spare room etc. etc. etc.
You are so right. Difference types of art sell differently--especially in situations where the demographic of the audience is different. I tell my students "Decide the primary purpose that drives you to paint." And if you can make a secondary purpose work for you, go for it. But don't consistently paint to a theme or for a particular show, you will destroy your artistic life. Keep challenging yourself to grow; so trying new things is good and wise, but do what you enjoy so at the end of life you have more good memories than regret over poor choices. https://www.ArtByLinden.com
Thanks for writing about "to sell or to win awards". Your observations about price points and sizes are so appropriate for me in my current mental churning about my art business. Please check out my abstract art at www.KatyBishop.art.
I am 87 so I have had a lot of experience and disapointments. I tend to paint what I love. I enter shows and competitions and mostly get rejected. I have learned that jurors are complicated and most choose art that meets their own personal preferences. It's like playing rouleete. When you win, enjoy it and know you did your best - win or loose.
You are so right! It’s always a gamble. Especially since the pandemic, I feel like more and more people are creating great art (which is a fantastic thing) and it makes many contests even more competitive. I LOvE your attitude!
Dear Debra, I am just selling my artwork as I am doing fundraising for my own community and ChildFund International. I won't be doing any paintings larger than 14X 18 inches.I am also a writer and classical pianist.I sure do appreciate the breakdown of what sells and wins. I am not sure it will be the same but you really gave me some food for thought. Thanks so much. Jo Ann Koepke P.S I am still working to get my artist website set up. I had cancer and just went into remission in May so this is now an exciting time for me.
Thank you Jo Ann! Congratulations on this new chapter of your vibrant life. The art journey is such an adventure- there’s always something new to think about it seems!
Very interesting article and comments. The topic caught my attention as this seems to be my dilemma that you so well articulated. Decided that I need to stick to the true reason I paint, and in order to keep me happy, I paint what connects to me and moves me. Still early in my art journey and trying to figure things out. Good to know that others have a need to find a balance or choice to make a choice. Thanks for speaking about the elephant in the room.
Thank YOU Simone for reading and commenting. In some ways, being early in your art journey you have an advantage. You have no preconceptions and no bad habits. You are open to new ideas. It’s an exciting time and I love that you let me be a small part of it.
As much as I want to paint what resonates with me, in the back of my mind, I'm still thinking "Will someone like this enough to buy it?"....entering competitions is an after thought: I enter works that I am most proud of or think will stand out in a category - and it works (sometimes). www.karenxarchos.com
Well said! I think we all have these same thoughts Karen. Thanks for sharing
Debra, I appreciate your questioning and sharing self reflection on your practice. I do read the prospectus and try to figure out if there is something special they want in submissions. Sometimes I get a clue by who is the juror. Of interest to me is that what the people like doesnt correlate with what gets accepted into shows. What sells for me IS what has a story that the viewer can relate to, especially if they feel they have been there (landscapes). My awards have been primarily for landscapes because I have submitted very few figure/portrait. the size comments surprises me. People- professional and potential buyers say they are looking for bigger paintings and ask me for bigger paintings. Most of mine are 8x10-16x20. And I hear the "no more wall space " all the time.
Thanks for your insights
Thanks so much for your comment Linda. I’m sure it’s different for everyone. I think it’s a combination of luck and circumstance that sent me down a small format and miniature art rabbit hole. I liked it, so I kept spending time there. I don’t know - If I’d connected with designers at the outset and gotten lots of hotel lobby commissions, I might be singing praises for art that is 10 feet or bigger. It’s a different story I think, depending on where the universe plants you
Ha!, one of my less proficient painting contacts just got a commission for a large (several feet) piece for a hotel. Just had to be there at the right time.
Debra thank you for sharing the wisdom of your experiences! I agree larger paintings are difficult to sell and pricing has to reflect the area in which you live. When I enter National exhibits I have to increase my prices so I don’t make the other artists feel like I’m undercutting them. Yet, those same paintings would never sell at those prices in our rural community. That is a problem I don’t like. I only paint things that are inspiring to me, unless it’s a commission. When entering contests, I try to enter paintings that can hopefully fit into their location.
So true… I literally just printed out some tags for lower priced drawings I plan to take with me when I teach in a location I know would not support paintings of my larger paintings. Yet, I am about to figure which pieces to send to a New York City venue, and I know the lower priced draw would be overlooked at that location. There’s so much that goes into considering what gives art the best chance at awards and sales
Thanks for writing about "to sell or to win awards". Your observations about price points and sizes are so appropriate for me in my current mental churning about my art business. Please check out my abstract art at www.KatyBishop.art.
Thanks again, Katy
Thank you for sharing... enjoyed your article, AND relate to it. Letting chips fall where they may, seems where this heart and art fall into line. Always thrilled and honored to be juried into a national show, let alone win an award. I get more rejections than acceptances it seems... but just enough 'yes' votes and awards to keep my membership up and entering. When younger, frankly could not afford to enter exhibits... so just painted. Then, simply thrilled and honored if a collector connected and adopted one of my babies. That remains the greatest honor! Many times in this season of life, I find myself only painting as the inspiration leads. Whether it sells or goes to an exhibit or or or... not the thought. Yes, some make it to the gallery to sell or for this heart, often hope they do not sell and I may simply keep them in my own collection. My plein air paintings I simply hold onto mostly to save them as not only personal post cards of travels, but also as accurate color notes for work later in the studio. We all as Artist's have seasons of our work... today I looked up a painting that I painted in 1998??? an illustration for an inspirational line of gifts. Ironically the original of the scene was a larger than 40x30", the art director saw it and asked for a 12x9 with a more solid background that type could be placed onto. To Sell or Win takes many forms in the life of an Artist. Illustration or Painting. The heart of the artist is often the story truly being told. When that heart comes through, do believe that is where you find that Artist's most winning paintings... just a thought
I love your thoughts! And yes, the season of life we are in plays a big role, for sure. I am so encouraged though that no matter the season, there is always a place for us on this journey.
Thoughtful comments. My subjects can be wildlife or people--all story driven. What moves me to paint is the emotion I felt in the moment. I want the leopard I watched for thirty mins to pull the viewer in, just like he did me. When I thought about entering a juried exhibit recently,it stopped me cold. I was thinking about what might sell, not what I love. I decided to not enter. www.Vickiehenderson.com
That sounds like a very wise and pragmatic decision Vickie. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for reaching out, would love to have you use my art. I started a BLOG several years ago, called “Roadmap To A Painting” to showcase some of the wonderful locales where I paint out doors. www.jackmcgowan-Artist.com
I paint what I love to paint and am very happy when I make a sale. I have so many paintings that I do a happy dance when someone takes one home. I have painted a few things specifically for juried shows that haven't gotten in. I have submitted a piece to a juried show that won an award elsewhere but didn't get in. Art is very subjective and not every piece is for everyone. Just need the right buyer to come along. Sometimes it can take a while. In the meantime I get to enjoy my own art that's on my walls everywhere: in my studio, in the basement, in the cupboard in the spare room etc. etc. etc.
You are so right. Difference types of art sell differently--especially in situations where the demographic of the audience is different. I tell my students "Decide the primary purpose that drives you to paint." And if you can make a secondary purpose work for you, go for it. But don't consistently paint to a theme or for a particular show, you will destroy your artistic life. Keep challenging yourself to grow; so trying new things is good and wise, but do what you enjoy so at the end of life you have more good memories than regret over poor choices. https://www.ArtByLinden.com
Thanks for writing about "to sell or to win awards". Your observations about price points and sizes are so appropriate for me in my current mental churning about my art business. Please check out my abstract art at www.KatyBishop.art.
Thanks again, Katy
Thanks for commenting Katy! I think we are all in this, churning, as you say!
I would be honored for you to feature my artwork inspired by the sweeter things in life… DESSERT!
www.jkb-art.com
I would for my art to be featured in BoldBrush Letter. I always love reading them and seeing new art. www.jasonbaileyfineart.com
Thanks ~ Jason
I would love to be featured. https://rosiepenning.com/