Frustrations ...

I don't get it. Working on a painting, framing it, & then selling for $100 or less? No thanks. My time is worth more than that. 


I should elaborate. My small quick sketch paintings start at close to $100 unframed (I give most away though). My full framed pieces are much higher, and I can't see the logic in going lower in price. Yes, I could sell more, but at what cost to my value as an artist? I was selling paintings for $500+ right out of school. I can't bring myself to lower the prices by 80% 20 years later.  Some of the artists in the local gallery sell paintings and are very proud. As they should be, their work is good. But they're putting an entire weekend into the painting, and then framing it at a cost of $25 or so. When it sells for $100 and then the gallery takes it share ... what is that saying about your worth as an artist?


Go all out in one direction or another.  Price your paintings higher.  Selling one piece for at the same price as five is much more satisfying and allows your clients/fans to value you far more highly.  And donate some more work.  If you're not making money anyway, go ahead and give it away to the right people/charities.  It gets your name out there!