Comments on: Deep Thought Thursday: Your art seems expensive

By: David Rivers

David Rivers — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 01:28:47 +0000

Collecting art should be something that you do with your heart and eyes not your wallet and ears. Many people fall into the trap of “hype”. I recently found out about a site called http://www.CollegeArtOnline.com They sell affordable art from young students who are making art because it truly is their passion. I enjoyed browsing through the art and seeing what could possibly be the future of the artworld.

By: Marcory Thermilus

Marcory Thermilus — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 02:12:39 +0000

Is there a rule for pricing art or do you put what ever price you want?

By: Sean

Sean — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 16:41:30 +0000

When somone asks how long a piece took to create I just tell them, “35 years” my age. If thy doesn’t put them in check then I follow up with the fact that art value is notmdetermined by how long it takes to create it. We are not making widgets, and creativity can not be produced on demand.

By: Sari Grove

Sari Grove — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 17:02:06 +0000

I say ‘hey, prices are negotiable…’,then I sell them a painting, at whatever they have to spend…(the gallery still gets a commission …)

By: Suzette Fram

Suzette Fram — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 03:32:54 +0000

Here’s what I’m going to say next time I hear this comment.

Matisse used to say that he always tried to hide his efforts and wished his works to have the light joyousness of springtime, and never let anyone suspect the labor it had cost him.

When I consider all the time that goes into the business of making art, from learning, planning, executing, to showing and marketing, and then the costs for supplies, studio rent, show fees, etc., the price doesn’t seem so high anymore. It’s in fact very reasonable compared to a lot of other professions.

By: Maureen Sharkey

Maureen Sharkey — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 16:37:32 +0000

When, “You’re work is so expensive”, jokes are good,like, “I know, I can’t afford my own work!How about a giclee’?”

By: Acrista

Acrista — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 17:38:26 +0000

Hi everybody,

Thank you for this thread, I find it very useful. I am a self-taught pastel artist living in Bulgaria, Europe. I do hear “the expensive” line from time to time, and I think it is a matter of education of the art audience. 1. I would ask Expensive? Compared to what? and 2. I would say: It is a simple business rule: the market defines the price. I sell well to a lot of people, so it’s obviously expensive only for you.

And I totally agree with “Expensive? The passion and devotion I have invested in that work of art is priceless which made you interested at my piece” and the words of Daniel Sroka.

Thanks once again!

By: Lynne Oakes

Lynne Oakes — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 20:36:40 +0000

One might ask (before launching into an explanation of any kind) “Would you like to know what went into making it?” I have done that and the person just wrote me a check on the spot. (that only happened once!).

Also, one might ask such a person if they have bought original art before. I’m guessing they haven’t and are basically uneducated.

By: bigbludog

bigbludog — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 18:45:48 +0000

I agree with the idea of not “dissing” the potential client by sarcastic comments I offer payments if they “love it but can’t afford it” give them a card and tell them I do commissions and leave it up to them, everybody and “his uncle” is a potential buyer just be interested, kind and respectful it really does pay off. If you get that question a lot your prices are probably too high….my questions are mostly process questions which are great cause I could go on forever……

By: Lucinda

Lucinda — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 17:03:39 +0000

I agree with Nicole. It’s all about education and the understanding of your process as an artist. It’s important to never put them on the defense by taking an approach of you versus the cost of a housekeeper, or any other service. Educate them. In my case most of my work is custom to their needs – so I can use that approach when I’m funneling them through my sales cycle.