Selling non-commissioned portraits

[Thomasin Dewhurst]

How / where do you have success in selling non-commissioned portraits? Most of my paintings that are not commissioned are portraits or have the look of portraits and some galleries find it hard to sell these even though they might be appealing paintings in their own sense. Has anyone else had this problem? Or not had this problem?

[Tammy Moore]

I have been looking into the same thing myself lately. This is what I have concluded thus far; though, my reserach is far from complete.

Portrait/figure work does sell in galleries, but you have to look to find the ones that seem to lean toward it, Here is one. Don't miss seeing the works of Han Wu Shen while you are there. His Asian beauties are stunning!

Another good way to get a feel for the border between portrait and gallery/print works would be to look at Steve Hanks paintings. He is considered to be one of the top selling print artists in the US and his originals are carried by a gallery in Colorado (I think I am remembering that correctly). You can look at his works at the ARC Living Masters website here.

[Mischa Milosevic]

Thomasin, I have been here in Bad Homburg for a year or so now. There was much to learn, even still, about the culture of this area (mostly traditional, conservative) and the mentality of the people in general. It has been a slow winding road. I must admit I have been a bit slow in doing my assessment language difficulties, work in the studio to build a presentable collection and family. Still, the short story of it all that mite shed some light to your question is research the area where you wish to market, thoroughly. You can even make up a questioner for the local marts on the type of art in the area like and would buy. There is many ways to do this.

As for the galleries, sure by all means call them and negotiate. Until then set up a one person exhibit at the mall, in the library, talk to the owner of your favorite restaurant. There is much one can do, again depending what kind of money you are looking for.

Sure we are talking about figure and some nudes. Nudes are a touchy subject in some places in others not a problem. so put some clothes on, a G string, a toga on your subject. Give them the Greek look.

Example: There are a number of people giving art lessons in the area and the community has a well established arts and crafts section. Art club etc. I wanted to see if I can find students and maybe a commission or two. So, I found a long standing coffee and cake restaurant, the Old European kind tall sealing, big windows, went up to the owner and negotiated to exhibit my work there twice a year. I exhibited eight different peaces few figures, portraits, a landscape in charcoal and oil. After a week of exhibiting, I have two serious students.

In conclusion a few ideas but its up to you to be creative and when you find something that works let us know.

Your friend wishing you the best.

[Enzie Shahmiri]

Thomasin,

I go to an open studio and have noticed that one of the artist who attends a lot does nothing but Sanguine figure drawings. I have seen his drawings nicely framed in Matt Board and sealed in plastic for sale for around $60 a piece at the annual art show.

He must be doing a killing with them, since I see him twice a week and he is pretty much a regular. Maybe if you offer these paintings at a lower price than your commissioned work you can sell them at art shows as well.

[Thomasin Dewhurst]

Thank-you, Tammy - I'll take a look at your suggestions.

Mischa, thanks for all your suggestions too. They are good ideas.

Enzie, small figure drawings at a low price may be a very good idea. I'll do some and see what happens.