I recently applied to a local Co-op gallery with three pieces (two of which are on here in my Drawspace gallery). I was denied; they said there where to many works like mine already in the gallery. I was there the night before for a "First Friday Art Walk" - an even that happens every first Friday of the month with all the local galleries. There is nothing there like my work. Now I'll admit that some of my work is not exactly traditional, it is more counter culture, or modern, and I think that may be the reason why I was denied. One of the chair members is a friend of mine, but she didn't do any of the judging on my work for obvious reasons. And I for one didn't want to get in based on that! It's either based on my talent, or nothing.

While this was my first attempt in the five years I've been painting it was not the last. So with that in mind, I was curious how others got started selling their work? Even if you have just sold one painting. I think it would be great to hear the stories, and advice that you have to give. Any resources for selling online would also be great.

My dream is to become a professional artist. I'm starting late in life, and never attended art school.

Thanks,
Michael

I would love to see some of your work, but I don't see any images in your gallery.

Sorry about that, I didn't know it was private by default. Fixed now!

btw, I love your work. Simply amazing Frankenstein!

I am not saying this to be cruel, but rather to be helpful. I know many very talented artists who are not professionals, but wish they were. The world has room for only a precious few professional fine artists, and those who succeed, with few exceptions, are not only talented, hard workers, and not only lucky, but are also relentless self promoters. Rather than waste time stressing about one rejection, they'd be out there trying to collect a dozen rejections, or a hundred, in the hopes that they'd find one acceptance. You can't dwell on this one incident -- you'll never get anywhere that way.

Now, besides relentless self-promotion, you also need another ingredient: art that people want to buy. Most art that gets sold is sold because, at the end of the day, someone likes looking at it. You can work towards that end by improving your skills and especially by seeking out critiques from both knowledgeable artists (such as many of the folks you'll find here at Drawspace and at other communities like WetCanvas) and also from ordinary people, like friends who you can trust to be honest. You haven't asked for a critique of your work so I think one won't be forthcoming here, but if you want one, just ask. There are plenty of good people who can help you out.

I'm sorry you got rejected from the exhibition. Its something artists have to deal with constantly and learn to not take it personally as every gallery's genre for art is different.

Ernest is right. For each successful artist, there is an enormous amount of marketing and promotion behind those sales. While we'd all love to be in the studio painting or creating, art does not sell itself and no one will come knocking on your door no matter how good the quality of your work is.

I sell my art, which consists of a variety of subject matter, from portraits to prints, but each sale takes a tremendous amount of work. Yes, people seek me out and commission art, but it takes a long time and a lot of work to reach that point and even then I still market like crazy, network on every social media I can, join groups and associations, sit on boards of art groups, create, blog, teach, talk to other artists, enter juried competitions, and on and on. All to keep my name and work top of mind in the public eye.

The world of art collectors is a fickle one and what appeals to one, doesn't to another. If you have a particular style, you need to shop around galleries in your area (if a gallery is what you want to promote your art) and find a suitable one.

You need to do your research and find out who collects the style of art that you create and aim your marketing efforts there. Art means different things to different people, but 99% of sales are emotion driven. i.e. they provoke a feeling or emotion in the viewer or a memory that has some kind of relationship to the piece of art.

If you art is very unique, you may need to create your own niche. If you post some of your work, it would be easier to guide you further.

I appreciate the honesty. All to often I get to hear what I want, and that over time has gotten quite annoying. Thank you both for the advice, it is much appreciated, and much needed. It did take allot for me to apply at that gallery, I am my own worst critique, and never think my art is good enough. I am not really dwelling on the fact that I got rejected, I expect to receive quite a few, but it did bug me more then I had realized.

I would most definitely appreciate critique of my work, I have never had any that I feel was honest. Most everyone in my family are artists of some kind, and it's hard for them to be honest about my work. I have uploaded some more pictures to my gallery. I can post them here if need be (feel free to post them also).

Thanks again,
Michael

What everyone said is true. I started late in life also. You get rejected but you still go on. Research a gallery and the curator before you approach them. If you see something that is close to what you produce they maybe more accommodating. I don't critic any other artist work for me I feel that each has his own style and techniques. Try some of the online galleries also to sell your work. My rule is if I don't sell something within a certain time frame. I move on to another venue. There are several places to try to sell your art online. Boundless Gallery and Fine Art America, also register with your state's artist registry. That is how one gallery found me. Also most galleries want to see a series of your work. 12-15 pieces that are related. You can view my gallery it's photography but fine art. http://www.trinityconsult.com/FineArt/index.html

Hope this helps

Critiques of art are not done on subject content, but on technical expertise of the medium being used, colour use, composition, etc. Art is too subjective for anyone to comment on subject matter, even if we are influenced by it one way or the other.

If a critique is wanted, then I want information from the artist first. The medium, support and size of the piece. What the artist thinks is good or bad about it. What genre are they trying to depict realism, impressionism, abstract, etc. Is it purely for personal use or are there plans to exhibit or sell it? What is their level of art training or experience, how long have they been drawing or painting?

While some people believe that galleries are THE ultimate way to go for art sales, there are other opportunities out there. Galleries are fighting for their lives in the current economic climate. The ultimately want a product that sells to art collectors. They know what sells in the market and what doesn't. They need to know an artist can produce consistent quality bodies of work but you can pay up to 50% gallery fees (or more) for each piece taken. You do need that body of work 12- 15 pieces, and some past history of production/exhibition behind you ,before trying the gallery scene and being successful at it.