I know the basic rule, look around, find comparable artists that are selling and so forth.
However, this is hard for me, because I always assume everyone is better than me if they have a big price tag. I truly don't know how to be objective about it.
I started doing these pastels a few months ago. Because I had never done them before I basically solicited my friends as guinea pigs and gave them to them for VERY nominal fees so that I could practice. In the meantime I have looked at every pastel artist's price list I could find and there is a HUGE range of prices, some I agree with and some I don't.
The one thing I have noticed is that the pastels are generally a whole lot less than the oils, almost by half. Why is that? It seems to take me just as long and really the difference in the cost of supplies isn't THAT different. I also have noticed the people expect the pastels to be less.
I really need some help here. Is there ANYONE, that is willing to help me figure out what would be a realistic price to put on my pastels? I know other artists are hesitant to do such a thing, but I'M TRULY asking for some help here.
For example in this portrait of Laiken, her head is approximately life size. Would starting out at $250 be enough, too much, selling myself short? If anyone is willing to give me an honest answer, but hesitant to post on a public forum, please let me know.
Im braced for any sort of answer, even if it is "girl, put your stuff away, you shouldn't be doing this.
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