Pricing your art

[Richard Monro]

For purposes of definition "a good artist starting out" is one that any of our established forum professionals would say is well skilled in his/her craft, has a recognizable style, and has some wow or retinal burn factor in his/her work.

I have just returned from visiting the Laguna (California) galleries where I was hoping to see some fine art work. Crushing disappointment! Most of the work on the walls was hack work (99+%) with deservedly low prices. A few good pieces in one gallery saved the day. However, I won't be revisiting the majority if these galleries anytime soon.

It seems that more and more art in galleries these days is wall art not fine art. That is OK with me...decorators need something to hang on the wall. However, wall art falls in the lower portion of my lowest quartile in price per square inch...which is where it should be.

[Enzie Shahmiri]

Richard, you have been in my neighborhood! Yep, totally agree with you, all that is offered fore sale here are sea scapes with very muted colors or the touristy stuff, that makes you wonder: "Who on earth is going to buy that?!" Every now and then you come across a good quality work, but you have to search for it.

I am glad that finally someone who isn't a landscape artist, agrees that the art here leaves a lot to be desired.

I hope that you enjoyed the scenery though!

[Richard Monro]

Enzie,

I didn't think to see if any forum artists lived out there. Next time I will let you know when I am coming out. Maybe we can get together and talk shop.

While I am now a confirmed "desert rat", I did spend the first 25 years of my life by and on the sea. So each year my wife and I spend some time at the sea shore to give me my annual salt water fix. We plan to visit Newport, Laguna and Dana Point annually as we love the area, so I will let you know when I make my next pilgrimage.

[Enzie Shahmiri]

Sounds great! I would love to meet you and your wife, so make sure to let me know when you guys are back in town.