Comments on: Why Artists Should Embrace Galleries

By: Duke Windsor

Fri, 15 Nov 2013 21:43:12 +0000

Hi,
I have had several problems with galleries. First of all they do not help the artist develop his/here carrier. They have too many in the stable to care about and not time is given for that. They deal with sales and that only. The Bottom line. My experience has been if the work isn’t selling they will focus on what is and ask you to come pick up your work. The only excuse I ever hear is no room in the inn.
I have sold many works for several years on my own and debated whether search for a gallery or I should do this my self. Since I’ve been with galleries and sales reps, I’ve sold maybe one painting in two years. Now don’t get me wrong, galleries are very important for the art world but maybe not beneficial for ALL artists.
I’ve mentioned opening a studio and sales gallery and asked for advice and was told “don’t do it” it isn’t worth the headache. Well neither is dragging around art work to galleries back and forth for nothing.
I’ve been at this for a long time with hundreds of quality works several museum shows and I am at my wit’s end with galleries. I’m lucky I have a professional to take care of my needs. I believe artist s should take more control now with so many artists out there every year and more galleries closing it time for a shift in the market. I think that;s the answer.
A Revolution for a resolution.
Duke

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By: Vacation Leads to Quadrupling Art Sales « Art Biz Blog

Fri, 11 Oct 2013 10:37:23 +0000

[…] 2006, I went on vacation, accidentally got into a new gallery while there, and wound up quadrupling my art […]

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By: Jenny Schu

Fri, 26 Jul 2013 16:40:29 +0000

In reply to Alyson Stanfield.

Alyson, per your request, here’s my ramblings on why I love the 4 galleries that represent me: http://jennyschu.blogspot.com/2013/07/gallery-representation.html

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By: Jenny Schu

Mon, 15 Jul 2013 19:01:00 +0000

In reply to Alyson Stanfield.

I will do that when I manage to pull it together. 🙂

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By: Kevin Aita

Sun, 14 Jul 2013 18:24:27 +0000

Phil & Norm have a point about galleries not looking for an original artist to come along. I think they are more interested in an artist that fits a style that they think will sell or that their customers are looking for. I just was turned away from a prominent Realist gallery who responded “While your work is intriguing, we currently have to limit our selection to work that fills a succinct void in our inventory.” Typically the galleries that I would consider a great fit for my work are full up with a stable of artist. I have one great gallery representing me presently and they have produced sales in the last year the other gallery produced nothing and insisted on 90 mile radius exclusive representation. the great gallery has no contract just consignment sheets and a handshake. I have thought that there must be a better way of marketing art outside of the two boxes we are discussing here. I will let you know if I happen to stumble upon it. Meanwhile the only choice is to keep painting and keep submitting to galleries. (I wish the galleries would come up with a better word than submission)

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By: Lauren

Sat, 13 Jul 2013 22:48:35 +0000

In reply to Phil Kendall.

Phil (and Norm): I do agree that you shouldn’t make art to fit the market (whatever that looks like). If you are true to your vision and chase the vision, the rest will come. But, eventually, you have to make a living.

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By: Alyson Stanfield

Fri, 12 Jul 2013 15:22:26 +0000

In reply to Norm Nelson.

Norm: I think what you describe is true for the center of the country. I don’t think it’s true for New York or LA galleries.

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By: Alyson Stanfield

Fri, 12 Jul 2013 15:20:55 +0000

In reply to Christine Marx.

Christine: Oh, this is an excellent point. Festivals do take a lot of physical stamina.
Gotta kiss the frogs!

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By: Phil Kendall

Fri, 12 Jul 2013 13:46:29 +0000

As Norman put it…” galleries are NOT hoping a new original artist will walk in. They are searching for the remote, FEW, exclusive, knowledgeable, tasteful, and value oriented BUYERS. A rare breed.
As artists we have to keep working and trying but today the gallery owners have a world to pick from and only a dribble of real buyers. Paint to paint and express yourself not to sell.”
I totally agree. Paint to express yourself. Paint for your own pleasure. Stop chasing the elusive sale, be an artist.

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