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!
I’m with you. Turning 70 in a couple of weeks. Like you art is part of us, in our blood. We paint for ourselves … win or lose we continue…thank you fellow traveller!
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!
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.
What an excellent article! Thank you for being so specific in so many places.
I was an equine bronze artist for 26 years (starting in my 40s), doing portrait bronzes, my own work and trophies for numerous shows and racetracks across the country and in Canada. During Covid, I learned to paint from online lessons. I have entered many shows over the years with my sculptures and won enough awards to keep me happy and encouraged in my work. I haven't entered my paintings in very many shows yet. When I have, I've been surprised at the ones that didn't jury in - to me, they were better quality paintings than the one they accepted.
As a painter, I paint mostly flowers, barns, horse portraits, koi - whatever suits my fancy. I first learned to do textured paintings, but my first love is more classical, realistic paintings. The textured ones sell really quickly though. I see all the things I wish I'd done better in my textured paintings (well, in all of them, really), but the texture catches people's eye.
At 75 now and living in a retirement community, I was invited to have a one-woman show in our Creative Arts center (the first one-person show since Covid - we've lived here a year and a half). I was warned to lower my prices and not expect any sales, but I have been shocked at how quickly my paintings are selling (16 so far). The bronzes (all horses) are getting a lot of attention - I don't expect those to sell in spite of lowering prices. But I'm thrilled to see people so happy with my work and buying it for their new homes here! Their interest has spurred me to get back to painting more hours a day and even doing some small paper clay sculptures to sell in our Christmas Craft Show. Having feedback, especially in person, is so helpful to my creative spirit. I'm also teaching occasional classes here, which is great fun.
I have been painting realistically in oils since I was a teenager and it remains by favorite medium. I paint what I love and what inspires me is the beauty in nature, the lighting, water in all its forms, including the reflections. I have always been a landscape/waterscape painter.
Fortunately for me, people love landscapes, and they always marvel that mine look like photographs (from farther away). The larger linen canvases like 24x30 and 30 x 30 are my favorite sizes to paint on, but I also know that many people only have so much room on their walls, so, I also enjoy painting 6x8" and up to 18 x 24" sizes also. There are plenty of places to sell the smaller ones.
I am lucky to have sold plenty of art and I also win awards. The competition these days is fierce with many jurors looking for the 'different', more exciting types of mixed media works to give awards to. Its important for artists to find out 'where we fit in best". I love the Lyme Art Association in Lyme, CT. It is a great place for me to show my work and make sales, especially as one of their "Elected Artists". They are all about realism and original paintings are what is shown here.
Portraits and figure paintings do win awards, but I continue to paint what inspires me, and I love what I do.
One other interesting fact I've found is that, wherever you go, people love to buy paintings from their location. Of course, that only pertains to landscape paintings.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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
I have managed to get to "Finalist" for 3 years running in the same , for Australia, a fairly big Art Comp. This year none of my paintings made the grade at all, and to say the least , I was astonished at the piece that won. The Competition organisers said they were looking for more "Representational" Art, which said to me, quite a bit more abstract than everyday paintings. I paint in Oils, from Landscape, to Animals, to Portraits. The Art Comp was centred around a great Australian Landscape Artist who had died some years ago, and his wife kept his legacy alive with an Art Comp in his name. I know he would turn over in his grave if he saw what was being painted, and winning in his namesake comp as he was a brilliant Landscape Artist.
However, it ended my placing my Paintings in further of his competitions. Simply because you seem to need to belong to the "Clique" today and its the Judges subjective likes and dislikes that eventually decide the winner. You can have a piece of Art that no one else likes, but if the judge loves it, it won't matter what the subject is, or how technically good it is, its got his/her vote.
I only paint what I feel . Usually its a place I have been, a person I have met, or a subject that means something to me When I put it on canvas, I want it to tell a story. I hope the viewer can connect with it and want to take it home. I used to sell a few, but as I got older I didn't chase the sales, and with social media, I rarely display my work. There is just so much more competition today and so many great Artists. Someone once said if you put a high price on your paintings it will sell. People buy what they like and what they can afford. And if your good at marketing, its sold.
I agree totally with your piece "To Sell Or Win" Its an honour if either happens, but I think most Artists have a room full of Canvas's stacked up against the wall. Maybe someday, someone will pull them out of a dusty attic and suddenly the name in the bottom corner will become famous. Who knows?
I just read NJ's comment and pretty much feel the same way. I have found over the years that the work that I love best acts like a souvenir of gratitude. I like to circle back to the adventures and explorations of the places I've been. I absolutely LOVE IT when my work sells because someone else resonates with those same feelings.
I had a long-time teacher once tell me that I was fortunate that I don't HAVE to sell my work to eat.... It's true that selling isn't needed to feed my body -- it just helps feed my artistic soul.
I have been seriously creating art for several months after taking a long break to focus on family so I am still early in my journey, but I feel I have been pretty prolific in that short span of time. As for the question: I am painting things that I want to paint, I love emotive portraiture and figurative art. I also have been enjoying painting things that bring me joy on our little homestead and am currently working on a 24x36 painting of our ducks in the pond. Haha I'll let you know if it sells being as big as it is. I think awards are very fickle and really depend of the juror. I see awards given to still life, landscapes, and figurative or portraiture in the pastel world. There is also someone who paints cats who is very popular and wins often (well deserved. Her paintings are inspired). I have been awarded an honorable mention and members' choice award for a figure painting called "The Aftermath". It is a very emotive piece that I created to honor those who were affected by the wildfires. I am hoping to eventually win something for one of my animal paintings. I do agree that more people are more likely to purchase animal or landscape art as opposed to portraiture, but it isn't going to stop me from creating my portraits. Thank you for this article. It brought up things that I hadn't really stopped to think about.
I would love to have my art featured in a newsletter. lindyblosser.com
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
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!
I’m with you. Turning 70 in a couple of weeks. Like you art is part of us, in our blood. We paint for ourselves … win or lose we continue…thank you fellow traveller!
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!
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.
What an excellent article! Thank you for being so specific in so many places.
I was an equine bronze artist for 26 years (starting in my 40s), doing portrait bronzes, my own work and trophies for numerous shows and racetracks across the country and in Canada. During Covid, I learned to paint from online lessons. I have entered many shows over the years with my sculptures and won enough awards to keep me happy and encouraged in my work. I haven't entered my paintings in very many shows yet. When I have, I've been surprised at the ones that didn't jury in - to me, they were better quality paintings than the one they accepted.
As a painter, I paint mostly flowers, barns, horse portraits, koi - whatever suits my fancy. I first learned to do textured paintings, but my first love is more classical, realistic paintings. The textured ones sell really quickly though. I see all the things I wish I'd done better in my textured paintings (well, in all of them, really), but the texture catches people's eye.
At 75 now and living in a retirement community, I was invited to have a one-woman show in our Creative Arts center (the first one-person show since Covid - we've lived here a year and a half). I was warned to lower my prices and not expect any sales, but I have been shocked at how quickly my paintings are selling (16 so far). The bronzes (all horses) are getting a lot of attention - I don't expect those to sell in spite of lowering prices. But I'm thrilled to see people so happy with my work and buying it for their new homes here! Their interest has spurred me to get back to painting more hours a day and even doing some small paper clay sculptures to sell in our Christmas Craft Show. Having feedback, especially in person, is so helpful to my creative spirit. I'm also teaching occasional classes here, which is great fun.
I'd be happy to have my art shared on BoldBrush. My website is www.LyndaSappington.com
Please keep such good articles coming. I really benefitted from this one. Thank you.
Lynda Sappington
Thank you Lynda, and congratulations on your sure successful show!!!!
I have been painting realistically in oils since I was a teenager and it remains by favorite medium. I paint what I love and what inspires me is the beauty in nature, the lighting, water in all its forms, including the reflections. I have always been a landscape/waterscape painter.
Fortunately for me, people love landscapes, and they always marvel that mine look like photographs (from farther away). The larger linen canvases like 24x30 and 30 x 30 are my favorite sizes to paint on, but I also know that many people only have so much room on their walls, so, I also enjoy painting 6x8" and up to 18 x 24" sizes also. There are plenty of places to sell the smaller ones.
I am lucky to have sold plenty of art and I also win awards. The competition these days is fierce with many jurors looking for the 'different', more exciting types of mixed media works to give awards to. Its important for artists to find out 'where we fit in best". I love the Lyme Art Association in Lyme, CT. It is a great place for me to show my work and make sales, especially as one of their "Elected Artists". They are all about realism and original paintings are what is shown here.
Portraits and figure paintings do win awards, but I continue to paint what inspires me, and I love what I do.
One other interesting fact I've found is that, wherever you go, people love to buy paintings from their location. Of course, that only pertains to landscape paintings.
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.
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.
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.
Thanks so much for your comment Doreen. It sounds like you e found a perfect balance that works for you!
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 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
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!
I have managed to get to "Finalist" for 3 years running in the same , for Australia, a fairly big Art Comp. This year none of my paintings made the grade at all, and to say the least , I was astonished at the piece that won. The Competition organisers said they were looking for more "Representational" Art, which said to me, quite a bit more abstract than everyday paintings. I paint in Oils, from Landscape, to Animals, to Portraits. The Art Comp was centred around a great Australian Landscape Artist who had died some years ago, and his wife kept his legacy alive with an Art Comp in his name. I know he would turn over in his grave if he saw what was being painted, and winning in his namesake comp as he was a brilliant Landscape Artist.
However, it ended my placing my Paintings in further of his competitions. Simply because you seem to need to belong to the "Clique" today and its the Judges subjective likes and dislikes that eventually decide the winner. You can have a piece of Art that no one else likes, but if the judge loves it, it won't matter what the subject is, or how technically good it is, its got his/her vote.
I only paint what I feel . Usually its a place I have been, a person I have met, or a subject that means something to me When I put it on canvas, I want it to tell a story. I hope the viewer can connect with it and want to take it home. I used to sell a few, but as I got older I didn't chase the sales, and with social media, I rarely display my work. There is just so much more competition today and so many great Artists. Someone once said if you put a high price on your paintings it will sell. People buy what they like and what they can afford. And if your good at marketing, its sold.
I agree totally with your piece "To Sell Or Win" Its an honour if either happens, but I think most Artists have a room full of Canvas's stacked up against the wall. Maybe someday, someone will pull them out of a dusty attic and suddenly the name in the bottom corner will become famous. Who knows?
Well said! I agree completely. Thanks for reading and commenting.
I just read NJ's comment and pretty much feel the same way. I have found over the years that the work that I love best acts like a souvenir of gratitude. I like to circle back to the adventures and explorations of the places I've been. I absolutely LOVE IT when my work sells because someone else resonates with those same feelings.
I had a long-time teacher once tell me that I was fortunate that I don't HAVE to sell my work to eat.... It's true that selling isn't needed to feed my body -- it just helps feed my artistic soul.
Best to all of you.
Yes, we all have to prioritize why we create, but in the end, it never works if it doesn't bring us joy, right?
I have been seriously creating art for several months after taking a long break to focus on family so I am still early in my journey, but I feel I have been pretty prolific in that short span of time. As for the question: I am painting things that I want to paint, I love emotive portraiture and figurative art. I also have been enjoying painting things that bring me joy on our little homestead and am currently working on a 24x36 painting of our ducks in the pond. Haha I'll let you know if it sells being as big as it is. I think awards are very fickle and really depend of the juror. I see awards given to still life, landscapes, and figurative or portraiture in the pastel world. There is also someone who paints cats who is very popular and wins often (well deserved. Her paintings are inspired). I have been awarded an honorable mention and members' choice award for a figure painting called "The Aftermath". It is a very emotive piece that I created to honor those who were affected by the wildfires. I am hoping to eventually win something for one of my animal paintings. I do agree that more people are more likely to purchase animal or landscape art as opposed to portraiture, but it isn't going to stop me from creating my portraits. Thank you for this article. It brought up things that I hadn't really stopped to think about.
I would love to have my art featured in a newsletter. lindyblosser.com
Thanks for reading and sharing Lindy. I'm so happy for your awards and continuing to paint what makes you happy!
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
Great advice Linden!