***Display Note: share screen presentation (art shown) has a "blown out" look to it. This problem is only when recorded (not live, nor visible to me during presentation) so it's difficult to troubleshoot despite my efforts. Just to let viewers know it's NOT YOUR COMPUTER. ***
After you create a painting what is next? Which way should you present your work? What goals can you work towards? Whether you are just showing your work in your home, or aspire to sell your work... we will discuss the best way forward. Student website submissions encouraged for critique/review of presentation. Email your website url to lashleystudio@yahoo.com in advance of our zoom meeting.
Program Flow: Taking photos of art and online 'look' of art online. Art's visual impact online, limitations, and "small bandwidth" of viewer. Single images and art groupings. Style of art. Contests, galleries and ads... what is good and how do you decide what is a priority? Program participant website review, Instagram review. Prices.
Mentioned in program: Oil Painters of America, FASO websites/Bold Brush contest, Principle gallery website. AIS (American Impressionist Show).
See Assignment tab for more Q/A
Q: I was wondering if its normal for a gallery owner to favor some artists over others, like promoting some and not other artists? And when do you know you need to pull your work out or look for another gallery?
A: Yes, there is favoritism, but this is appropriate as to business. It's (mostly) not personal. (I suppose there might be an exception here and there.) And it can work both ways. Gallery/artist.
Art is a product to be sold/merchandise. This is why most galleries don't carry watercolor: less popular with patrons and per square inch of wall space sold at a lesser price point. Then again there should be variety for patrons, a mix of prices, media, and styles, all within the scope of the gallery's aesthetic.
If you are selling (almost) faster than you can create, your price point is good and the gallery is good. If your work lingers in the gallery it might not be the best fit for you and/or the gallery.
A gallery is going to feature and promote artists who sell the most, attract attention to the gallery, and have the least amount of work for the gallery to do (work is delivered as promised, frames are nice, good hi-res images of art, maintain inventory, show up for events, engage with patrons, provide collateral material, advertise, etc.)
Galleries can change over time, so it might be time to re-evaluate if it's working for you or not.
A good gallery will augment an artist's career and it will be a symbiotic relationship.
It's good to 'prove yourself' to the gallery by exceeding all expectations. It's great if the gallery also exceeds YOUR expectations! This is also great business practice in general. I've had good and bad gallery experiences. The worst was not getting paid, inappropriate expectations, price fluctuation. The best was brisk sales, paid promptly, and a staff that fosters my creativity, knows all about my work, and loves what I do.