by E. Melinda Morrison
24″ x 20″
Over the past few months, I worked hard at putting together 10-12 strong paintings for a two-person show at my gallery in Santa Fe. I did my best and felt proud of the work I presented all the while knowing that walking into a show right before a presidential election was unpredictable in sales outcome. While the show was well attended and many people handed out well-meaning compliments on the work, sales have been slow to come.
I suspect many artists feel embarrassed by the outcome of a poor sales show and struggle with the temptation to doubt their own artistic capability. Over the years, I discovered lack of sales does not name you as an artist. Quality does not always convert to sales. However, despite doing our best work, it is disconcerting when sales are low. Yes, it can be disappointing at first but then perspective comes to the rescue. I thought I would share some perspective I’ve gained from my process over the years for sluggish sales.
by E. Melinda Morrison
24″x24″
1. Don’t doubt yourself. It’s tempting to doubt your artistic capabilities when sales are slow. Many artists find themselves grappling with this. One of the buffers I have found against this is putting quality at the forefront for producing your work. Showing only quality work is a rock you can stand on and gain confidence as an artist.
2. It has happened to the best and worst of us. A well-known master painter, who is a close friend of mine, use to sell-out his one-man shows before the opening night. Years ago, when he had another solo show, a fraction of his paintings sold despite his beautiful work. While disappointed, he had great perspective and said “it happens and I did my best but the paintings will eventually sell.” And they did, it just took a while longer than the time frame of the show.
by E. Melinda Morrison
20″x24″
3. Change what is in your control. While there are things that are out of our control when selling our work, look at the things that are within your control. Having spent many years in advertising and marketing before my art career, I am well aware of the aspects of marketing that drive sales, and the hard work and effort to keep your name out in front of collectors. Staying connected to the art public means using the tools available to you: social media, print advertising, PR, email, blogs, and participation in credible regional, national and museum shows to build your brand. Lucky are those artists who do not have to do this work, but my experience is for most artists, even the most talented nowadays, it requires effort on both the part of the gallery and the artist to maintain exposure and visibility among collectors.
4. Let go of what you cannot control. Election years, stock market fluctuations, oil prices, downturn in the economy, violence in the world will always be with us in one degree or another. I’ve learned I cannot use the barometer of swaying winds in the art market to determine the outcome of who I am as an artist. I have to let that go and show up at the easel. The power of the easel can be the calm during a storm and my faith in God helps me to let go allowing the creative process to continue. Deep breathing, massages, exercise and a lot of prayer along with pep talks among artist friends helps too!
by E. Melinda Morrison
12″x12″
5. Use a negative as a fulcrum for a positive outcome. I am that kind of person if you say I can’t do something, I set my course for figuring out how to do it, i.e. prove myself over again as an artist, taking action to sharpen my mechanics. I explore, stretch my skills and experiment in my work, scrapping lots of paintings and tackling an area in my work that needs strengthening. I find inspiration where it can be found and I dive into that, but mostly, I just keep painting!
“Be like an oak tree that weathers a storm. It may loose some limbs and leaves, but it is mostly intact to live on and grow stronger,” from an unknown wise source.
Keep painting!
susie monzingo says
This was very inspirational Melinda, thank you.
Nancy Bea Miller says
Thanks for this honest and helpful perspective! My current solo show (up for another week) has sold very well, but not as spectacularly as my last solo show with the same gallery. I was embarrassed at first, and a little confused because the work is stronger than last show’s (my own feeling, an art critic’s opinion and many unsolicited comments and views from other folks.)
Knowing the work is strong, as you say, is definitely is a rock of solace. Hearing from other artists and businesses that there is currently a lull, a lack of buying confidence at the moment due to a variety of factors (I never knew that about election years!) is also helpful to hear. Thanks so much for sharing this! Your work is beautiful by the way!
CAROL DIAL says
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I found your insight very encouraging.
Rita Pacheco says
Beautiful work and thoughts! Thank you!
Julie Wende says
I was just covering some of this subject in an upcoming newsletter! I have had setbacks related to health issues but those tides turn too, when we are fortunate, and also have a plan for slow times. I did not know you had a gallery in Santa Fe! Very good for you. Can you tell me what is happening with the live model drawing classes in Fort Worth? My email is below. A topic I wish to explore further is the need for artists to ignore their inherent competitive spirit (which is a good and motivating thing) long enough to band together for support, including opportunities for critiquing. I have not been able to penetrate some of the cliqueish (sp) groups around here and it leaves me feeling very isolated.
Sharon Abshagen says
Well written and a thoughtful reminder to keep everything in perspective. I will add one more thought. As an older artist, all of my supportive collectors are no longer buying much art for all of the obvious reasons. But, they still stop in at the studio and encourage me to keep going. I am painting more than ever and my support team cheers me on even if I don’t sell out at those big shows. Can’t stop painting.
Ashlee Trcka says
Great inspirational blog, thank you for sharing with us!
Phyllis Tag says
This was a perspective I needed today as just came off a show that I put a lot of work and money into and sold nothing. I was over thinking it, yet cannot quit painting as that is a part of me. God gave me my painting and I will just pick up and explore new avenues. Thank you for the encouragement!
David Henderson says
In the broad spectrum of art and working artists it can be very difficult to find that tiny, narrow band that is you. I must have heard a thousand times that artwork an artist views as his best may not be what his buyers like the most. For me, I like working with a gallery, because a good gallery will help cultivate your best work and build a network of collectors for you. And this is not to say advice on what they sell well, but rather what work of yours is your strongest. Friends will give you loving critiques, but they aren’t your buyers.
Elaine Locati says
Thanks you, Melinda, very inspirational reflection on the trials and successes of all artists. Taking time to share used up a portion of your easel time, I appreciate you doing that. I’m sure others feel the same. God Bless
Linda Miller says
Great article by a great artist.
Andrew C Jackson says
All this sounds good until you have declining health as one gets older. Then it is all empty words that don’t apply ! Very good articles though .
Kathleen M Hutter says
Thank you for this perspective, it came at perfect timing. Sometimes, you feel like there’s something wrong with your art, and sometimes you think there’s something wrong with YOU! And sometimes, you realize, it’s just the way things are at the moment. And to keep looking for ways to sell your work, ways to get better and improve as an artist, and to find more ways to connect with people in general. The buyers will come. Never let a bad moment or a bad show, define who you are. God bless and thank you again for your uplifting words. 🙂
Sarvesh says
The article was absolutely fantastic!
Charlotte Olson Sr. says
Thank you for your uplifting words. 🙂
Louise Murphy says
Thank you for your words of wisdom and encouragement ! I’ll read them again and again to help keep a right perspective.