Does anyone know how commercial galleries pay artists for the works that they sell?
Q. Are there some sort of standard terms which clarify the arrangement between the artist and the retail outlet about how the sale of paintings is divided?
Asked by jib362002 - Tue Nov 7 09:50:19 2006 - - 8 Answers - 0 Comments

A. The usual arrangement is the gallery will take commission on any sale. The ratio can be (most commonly) 50/50, but can also be 30/70 and 40/60. This should be determined during negotiation. Also, if a gallery offers a discount to a buyer in order to close a sale, it should be determined during negotiation if the gallery will absorb all the discount or if the artist and gallery will absorb the discount together. For instance: A painting is priced at $1000 with 50% commission. If the gallery offers a $100 discount, will the artist's take-home be reduced from $500 to $450? Or will the gallery's commission be reduced to $400 with the artist's take home remaining at $500? These are terms to be negotiated. A reputable gallery will pay an… [cont.]
Answered by Bleu Cerulean - Tue Nov 7 11:04:14 2006

How do art galleries compensate the artists they exhibit? Do the galleries purchase the art or consign it?
Q. I am interested in opening a gallery and am curious about the economics of the process. It would seem to me that either the galleries buy all the works they are going to show and then mark them up when they sell them to the public. Otherwise, I would assume that the artists consign the work to the galleries - but the economics of that seem worse for the artist - i.e. a guarantied sale is better. What are your thoughts?
Asked by jonathanolsson - Thu Jan 31 18:35:36 2008 - - 3 Answers - 0 Comments

A. If galleries only took 10% from the artists, as the old dog says they should, then I can't see how they could even stay open, therefore artists would have no galleries in which to sell. Galleries take 50% and can justify it because they have an established clientele. Most artists do not have this convenience. Galleries have advertising costs. Does old dog have an advertising budget??? Galleries have to pay their employees; they have to pay the electric bill, the heating bill, the water bill. They have taxes to pay. They have to pay for the upkeep of their buildings, computers, etc,...And on top of it, gallery owners need to pay for their mortgage. THey need to put food on their tables and pay for their health insurance. I have sold work… [cont.]
Answered by Mormonboy - Thu Jan 31 21:44:29 2008

Avante Garde Artists: Steps for approaching galleries and getting work "out there"?
Q. Avante Garde Artists: Steps for approaching galleries and getting work "out there"?
Asked by D L - Fri Nov 2 14:24:50 2007 - - 1 Answers - 0 Comments

A. that's about it.
Answered by dddbbb - Fri Nov 2 15:02:22 2007

how do artists live by making installation work and what do galleries get out of them.?
Q. I would like some feedback on how installation enters the gallery foodchain i just dont understand how artists get picked up by private galleries to display this kind of work and how they can make a living from it. i know this sounds desperately consumer but i would like some non-judgemental education on this. thank you.
Asked by thierrylatortoise - Fri Jun 5 08:33:09 2009 - - 2 Answers - 0 Comments

What questions to ask artists in a survey?
Q. If you are doing a survey on artist expectations when exhibiting their work, what would you ask? I want to know artist concerns with galleries and disappointments, great results and anything else that may apply.
Asked by diamond - Wed Feb 11 14:01:35 2009 - - 3 Answers - 0 Comments

A. you form the questions...here's what I look for in a dealer/rep: an established, recognized, reputable or, if new, at least highly recommended gallery a firm agreement in writing for sales and commissions full insurance coverage security system coverage of printing and postage for full color image invitation engaged staff available during the opening reception regular hours and staff for walk-in viewing a clean Better Business Bureau record and as always...a good box-wine and stale cheese for the reception!
Answered by JGinCowtown - Wed Feb 11 19:53:19 2009

If u r an artist, do galleries pay u for exhibiting ur art in them?
Q. and do they take care of the delivery of the paintings to the gallery and back?
Asked by lala - Mon Oct 1 06:13:35 2007 - - 5 Answers - 0 Comments

A. You normally have to pay them, everything else like insurance is negotiable. If you're in the UK you can subscribe to the Artists' Newsletter (Google search) and they can give you lots of information, and they publish factsheets and guides about exhibiting and all the financial stuff.
Answered by AnnOnnyMouse - Mon Oct 1 06:30:59 2007

What is a good program for web design that has artist gallery pages?
Q. I'm looking for a way to enhance my gallery page on my website. I want a slide show type page. I'd like to have thumbnails in a column and then the larger detailed photo next to it when you click on that image. Is there a program that has that sort of template or something? I use Yahoo Site Builder.
Asked by paintersamdotcom - Wed Apr 25 21:40:27 2007 - - 3 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Its too expensive for me but here it is adobe CS3 web premium there are more web designing products and informations here
Answered by demonhunter - Wed Apr 25 21:52:27 2007

Are there any art galleries in the UK prepared to view an artists portfolio, like the work and take him on?
Q. Painting for years, countless work sold privately including to selebs and commercial buyers but no great ability at marketing and getting noticed wider afield. Would like representation in Uk and Europe. Portfolio on CD rom/DVD. Various styles and subjects - mostly realist - many works sold over the 1000 mark. Point me in the right direction. I`m a painter not a marketing man.
Asked by Silver Fox - Tue Sep 19 06:11:56 2006 - - 3 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Is your work aesthetically interesting, or is it merely approachable and not groundbreaking? If the latter, you may wish to continue as you have--it sounds as if you're already enjoying a degree of success that many artists don't. A lot of galleries want aesthetically-sophisticat ed, not more landscapes or what have you. On the other hand, there's always a gallery for any style. Consider yourself a marketing man. If you can't or don't want to, you might want to reconsider this plan. I can tell you from observing hundreds of artists at my old gallery that that's the way you have to go in order for it to work. Start by researching galleries online via a Yahoo! directory category or something similar. Look for places that show work similar… [cont.]
Answered by vanveen - Tue Sep 19 06:50:38 2006

What is the difference between Commercial Gallery, an Artist Gallery and a Public Gallery?
Q. What is the difference between Commercial Gallery, an Artist Gallery and a Public Gallery?
Asked by nameless75 - Mon Mar 22 18:11:16 2010 - - 1 Answers - 0 Comments

A. There are "coop galleries" which are usually made up of several artist's for a place to show their work. The artist's gallery (as I think of) is usually owned by the artist, which may not be open to the public but for private (or semiprivate) viewing; And if there are more artist's showing they are (usually) artists taken under the mentor's wing. A commercial gallery is open to the public, and may represent new, and/or seasoned artists.., and usually take a chunk of the price for consignment.
Answered by NoNameArtist - Mon Mar 22 19:00:18 2010

Anybody know art galleries in the Cleveland area currently looking for emerging artists?
Q. I'm a new painter, and just so you know from the start, I am very good. I'm represented by a gallery in Columbus, but I live on the West side of Cleveland. I know I could hoof it around with my portfolio, but I am agoraphobic and this is nearly impossible for me. If I know in advance that someone is open to emering artists, it would make my quest so much easier. If you have any suggestions, please let me know.
Asked by the diva - Sat Mar 17 12:29:46 2007 - - 1 Answers - 0 Comments

A. If you don't want to go to the actual galleries, call them. Ask them what their submission policy is, and then respond accordingly. This is not high-energy physics, pick up a phone.
Answered by farien3 - Sat Mar 17 12:38:37 2007

Museums or art galleries that also include artist live and work space?
Q. Looking for examples of places where an artists culture is created through providing a place to live, work and present work. Also places where the public can go to view art while giving the artists publicity and the visitors a chance to learn about how the art was created.
Asked by Caspari246 - Fri Dec 21 03:03:28 2007 - - 3 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Hi! There is a fantastic book out called, "The 100 Best Art Towns in America: A Guide to Galleries, Museums, Festivals, Lodging and Dining," Fourth Edition (Paperback) by John Villani (Author). It can be previewed and purchased on Amazon: I highly recommend this book as it has helped me find exactly where I will be relocating to next: Berea, Kentucky; the art capital of Kentucky. You might also try taking the free quiz at: Best wishes to you!
Answered by Ruth Boaz - Fri Dec 21 03:34:33 2007

what right do I have to write an art blog?
Q. I have a background in art, studied it (BA & MA level), but never really put it to any use. Now I am writing an art blog, doing reviews of art, artists and galleries where I live. My reviews have a personal feel about, I often just say how I feel rather than looking for any high-brow comments that may impress people. I hope my blog has a more 'user-friendly' feel to it that will attract art professionals as well as keen amateurs.
Asked by David - Fri May 14 22:25:31 2010 - - 4 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Ha! What right do I have to paint? We are all fraudsters, aren't we? I sometimes still feel like the geeky girl from grade seven who hated art class. But, here we are, with letters behind our names and brains perched precariously on our shoulders. You may be doing reviews, but the old adage applies: Write what you know. And what you know is how that canvas has made you feel and how that artist has made you think. Write simply and quickly, then step back and analyze it from a technical perspective. Some of the jargon may not sound so pretentious when used correctly and without pretense. Hint: Read Boing Boing every day. This will sharpen your sense of 'user-friendly cool' and give you a great perspective on what Gen X and Gen Y are… [cont.]
Answered by cjp - Fri May 14 22:33:50 2010

Anybody seen the Picasso exhibition at the National Gallery? Why do artists go weird?
Q. Seems to me that Picasso was a brilliant man and very aware of deep emotional chasms, but I would not hang one of his blue period paintings on my wall! It's like putting on a non stop Leonard Cohen record! And you'd have to sleep with a shotgun under your bed!
Asked by artstaristic - Mon Mar 16 20:53:19 2009 - - 8 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Art isn't always about 'expressing yourself'. Sometimes artists push us to view art and visualization itself in a different way through 'weird' techniques like Cubism.
Answered by l'etoile - Wed Mar 18 19:43:40 2009

How do you get work in art galleries?
Q. I'm a graduate award-winning designer who's looking to get into the art gallery scene. Having a permanent exhibition in London has wet my appetite and I was wondering if anyone could offer any advice on how I can establish myself as an artist who exhibits in galleries. I've heard of the saying "It's not what you know, it's who you know". How do you get the connections?
Asked by Barco - Mon Apr 27 07:27:09 2009 - - 1 Answers - 0 Comments

A. looking for open calls (calls for artwork from non-member artists) for galleries is a good start. talk to other artists. they will recommend which galleries to look at. do not be afraid to exhibit at places such as coffee houses or book stores that run art shows-it matters the work is being seen, not that it is being seen right up at the guggenheim. go to artist receptions and network with artists, patrons and gallery owners. have an internet presence featuring your artwork-visibility is always a good thing. be certain though to research shows and galleries-not all galleries are open to non-member artists and they may specifically shows one media or type of concept or genre.
Answered by jerseydevil67 - Mon Apr 27 08:36:36 2009

An art gallery displays paintings for artists and receives a commission from the artist when a painting is sol?
Q. An art gallery displays paintings for artists and receives a commission from the artist when a painting is sold. What is the commission rate if a gallery received $114.70 when a painting was sold for $620?
Asked by ross - Fri Mar 12 20:54:01 2010 - - 1 Answers - 0 Comments

A. commission = rate * price 114.70 = r * 620 0.185 = r 0.185 = 18.5%, the commission rate
Answered by Baffled Son - Fri Mar 12 21:08:05 2010

How to approach London galleries to sell artwork?
Q. I have not been through art school so I would like some advice as to how I could develop contacts in the art world, and whether it is advisable to begin with group shows with these contacts, or by emailing/visiting galleries as an individual artist. both very informative and helpful answers- thank you very much.
Asked by PrecociousPickles - Thu Oct 9 12:50:28 2008 - - 4 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Bring a portfolio into a few galleries and ask what the procedure is for doing business with them or if they could recommend another gallery that may be more suitable for your work.
Answered by Harbinger - Thu Oct 9 12:57:53 2008

Anyone know any Digital artists and a gallery of them?
Q. This for my art project... Aaaargh!!!
Asked by dracometeor - Sun Jun 15 01:34:59 2008 - - 1 Answers - 0 Comments

A. do you mean "photographers" or "photoshoppers"?
Answered by CF_ - Sun Jun 15 09:51:31 2008

How much of the profit of a published book is kept by others from the author?
Q. I want to be an author when I grow up and I m just interested to know this already so I know what I m up for. I know the galleries of artists keep around 50% of the money. It would be nice if you had a site source, or a book to back up your answer or an experience
Asked by A6i - Sat Dec 27 09:48:00 2008 - - 3 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Publishing is like any other business that produces a product. Most of what appears to be profit really isn't. If you take a $20 book, for instance, the store gets 25% to 50% of that (depending on the deal they made), out of which they have to pay overhead costs like salaries, utilities, property (the building, shelves, etc), maintenance, advertising, and what's left is profit (might be as much as $3 a book, but is often closer to $1). Let's say that leaves $10, out of which the publisher has to pay his overhead expenses, which can be 60% to 80%. This includes the cost of printing the book, the cost of property and taxes, salaries for all the people involved from editorial staff right down to the custodian, utilities, advertising,… [cont.]
Answered by Bolt - Sat Dec 27 15:05:03 2008

Artist question digital pictures?
Q. A friend told me I take amazing pictures and I should post them online in a artist gallery site but, he did not have any ideas what site I can. So can you guys help me find a site for amt. digital pictures?
Asked by Bt E - Sat Sep 12 13:36:27 2009 - - 2 Answers - 0 Comments

Hi Could you compose a letter for Art galleries?
Q. Hi I would like to send Galleries a letter on behalf of an artist. Basically I own quite a lot of the artist's work. and I would like to introduce this new artist to People through those galleries. I've got all contact person and e-mail address etc..what sort of letter (e-mail) would it be the best? Please kindly advise with some example. Thanks
Asked by johns - Sun Jul 26 18:19:21 2009 - - 1 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Maybe you should advise the artist to get an agent or if you wish, begin to act as the agent. However that said - does the artist agree to you sending letters to galleries on thier behalf. The galleries would need examples of the artist's work to display. Do you mean Galleries that sell work or galleries that display work. If the latter then you could right offering a loan of works. In this case write to the curator - Dear As I have many works by *** I would be interested in bringing his/her work to a wider audience and as such wonder if you would be interested in a loan of works to display. That said Your letter should include a short bio of the artist and cite awards and previous shows this is best on a seperate sheet. A typed… [cont.]
Answered by Rocket - Sun Jul 26 18:57:29 2009