Saturday, March 15, 2014

AM I AN ARTIST OR NOT?

I paint when inspired, without thinking whether the end product will sell or not.  But sometimes, one needs some kind of validation from others, either through a sale, an invitation to exhibit, or some positive feedback to carry on.  Not that I would stop, though. 

So, if I sell, get an inquiry about a painting, or receive compliments about my art, something close to elation fills my spirits.  And I continue doing what I love, knowing that some people do appreciate my kind of art.

Sunday, March 09, 2014

TO PRICE OR NOT TO PRICE?

I have been struggling with a common artist dilemma for years.  When I had my website converted from Microsoft Office Live to WordPress, I did not indicate the prices of my paintings.  People would contact me through email if they are interested in a piece.

About a year ago, I received advice from an artist who successfully sells her art through her website.  I carefully considered it and decided to have a "store" created within my website where one can buy my art and pay through PayPal.  Unfortunately, not one has purchased anything from my site except my husband who was just testing if the process actually works.  It does!  But so far, my sales, though slow and few, have been made through my studio - not the website.

I started wondering.  Does indicating the price cheapen my art?  I thought it would save a prospective buyer time to know how much a piece costs.  My prices are lower than most in the area; so does this give the buyer the message that my art is not good enough?  Was it a mistake to indicate the prices in my website?  Should I get rid of them?

Any suggestions?  Thoughts?