Selling Paintings
To sell a painting to a gallery, research prices of other artists. Browse gallery websites for price lists. Then plan pricing accordingly. Galleries sell art on commission, usually 50%. They may take 10% to 50% commissions on sold artworks.
Selling without Galleries
To boost art sales without galleries, use social media. Register on online sites to upload and sell art directly. Buyers place orders and pay artists directly.
Tips for Approaching Galleries
- Send art not already exhibited
- Research galleries to find ones that pay artists promptly and offer payment guarantees
- Once a gallery is selected, promote your work
Price items fairly by calculating hours spent and charging $15 per hour. Sell at fairs or in galleries. Realism and abstract art can have equally high prices. Large acrylic paintings sell for $1700 to $7000. Smaller acrylic paintings and pourings sell for less.
Can you sell paintings to a gallery?
Can you sell paintings to a gallery? There are two ways that art can be sold through a gallery: on commission or upfront purchase. Galleries take commissions between 10% to 50% on sold artworks.
What does a 50% commission mean? Most galleries take around 50% commission on pieces sold. Some take 40%, but rarely over 50%.
What determines acrylic painting prices? According to online galleries, acrylic paintings sell from $30 to $65,000 depending on size, materials and fame. Large acrylics on canvas sell for $1,700-$7,000. Smaller acrylics and pourings sell for less.
How do I sell paintings locally? Market locally by holding exhibits, approaching cafes and stores about displaying art, sharing work on community boards, and networking in-person.
How do I sell paintings online? Post portfolios on online marketplaces like Etsy, eBay or Saatchi Art. Take quality images, give descriptions and price works fairly by factoring in time and materials.
Selling skills allow connecting with buyers to share your vision. Learning this makes art a rewarding career.