Artists face the challenge of marketing their work. There is no point trying to avoid this unless the artist does not want to sell art. Many methods of marketing exist including the traditional gallery exhibits.
I spent a year marketing my art, together with other artists, through an art gallery. My experience through this period has been invaluable. I had the pleasure of meeting many people including dedicated collectors, artists and other interesting folk. I experienced the highs and lows of the art trade at the meeting point between artist and the public. I have respect for hardworking gallery owners. It is not an easy business. A good gallery owner will appreciate the artists who are true to their profession and will also treat customers with the respect they deserve. I have also met and continue to meet many good people through my online gallery. You may be next, but there is still an important role to play for traditional galleries.
Here are some of the highs and lows and a few lessons learnt during this time:
- Making the first sale of the week to a young couple on a Thursday afternoon just before closing time brought a lump to my throat. My spirit was restored, but I learnt that I cannot fix my emotions to the sale. An artist must create art first and foremost and let the selling take care of itself.
- To the ladies who came into the gallery to stare at and debate the merits of the wall color before deciding that it would indeed look good in their lounge - I hope you discover that paintings on the walls will do far more for your décor!
- To the gent who stood in the doorway staring into the gallery, with a smug look, and commented that: "You guys must be struggling these days," then walked away. No my friend, we leave the struggle to those who cannot see.
- I had a laugh at one young lady who came in with her camera and asked if she could photograph one of my paintings, because she wanted to paint something like it for her house. Bless her, she didn't bat an eyelid and I did not have the heart to say no. After all I accepted the request as a compliment.
- My favorite collector was a lady who knew what she wanted. She would walk in and head directly for the large painting, point at it and declare: "I will take this one!" Then whip out the credit card and the deal was done. Brilliant!
- The most pleasure comes from those sales that mean so much to the collector. The man who was moved to tears by a painting because the clouds reminded him of the day his mother passed away. Still gets to me.
- Or the couple who saved up to buy their special painting and seeing their joy and excitement. Priceless.
- Or the tourists who went to the trouble of getting their paintings shipped to the UK because the paintings would remind them of their wonderful time in South Africa. I love you guys!
- Another favorite collector would make regular visits and seldom left without a painting or at least an encouraging word to me. Always reminding me to keep at it and assuring me a greater success. He did not have to say those things, but art moved his soul. I thank you too.
- Phoning an artist to tell them that their painting has sold and sharing their joy. This is always special.
- To those folk who would say thank you just because they could look at some original art. It is always a pleasure. Thank you!
