Walmart Art

Aubergine

12x16

Sold

More reasons THEY are buying at Walmart continued from the last post!! Read it first.
3. Isn't everyone an artists? I can get Johnny (my child, my friend, myself) to do exactly the same thing for cheaper! The truth is that they never do get some else to do the art! Ignorance is bliss in this case...it takes skill, determination, guts and passion to put our art out there for the public to judge! If it were an easy thing we would all be artists and only originals would hang on walls. Another thing, self expression is a wonderful thing, but not necessarily art. Again Walmart has that covered ie: the craft/ art section of the store!

4.Buyers of original art want to share in the life of an artist by possessing a unique moment of the artist's life captured on canvas.
Does Walmart do this? They sell prints that are made to attract the lowest common denominator in art choices...something safe, everybody has it and it goes well with the sofa!
It is hard to wean people of this notion and present a whole different idea when it comes to buying original art. Is this really Good art?Galleries are wonderful because they select art they consider 'good/ valuable' so people don't have to try and figure it out. In our culture art is not nearly as prevalent as in others. Galleries are the front line for artists. They insure that the artists presents themselves as a professional. Select your gallery carefully...many are now not as stuffy as they once were. I have been to great openings with jazz in the background and cut up fudge for refreshments. Remember that a gallery will do what ever it takes to get a potential client through the doors to look at your work!

5. The value of a print goes up in time.....does an original painting do that? How do I know?
A good measuring gauge is to ask what has the artists done to further their career, technique and exposure. Once an artist is professional they will invest in their career and this will mean an increase in prices. Some artists are 'discovered' after many years of hard work, and it seems that their prices climb very fast. Luck are those supporting clients that bought before the big discovery!
All in all, Walmart has a role. Better to have some kind of art in a home that none at all! Better yet to have a unique piece you love than one that leaves you cold but looks good with the drapes!

Provence 8x10 SOLD

Art Marketing 101 Why THEY are only buying Walmart art

Good Company

14x18

Sold

Last class a student forlornly told me she knew many people who spent $1millions on their homes getting granite counter tops, the best hardwood floors available, the top of the line appliances BUT... went to Walmart or Homesense to buy art .

The six obstacles to buying original art I thought of are;

1.People redecorate with the next trend and don't want to invest in art, as it is an accessory to a room.

We're still in the era of the painting has to match the sofa! It's a hard lesson, but good quality doesn't go out of style. A painting defines the collector, not the home he lives in. The more interesting your personal story and the painting's story, the more symbolism or message you have in your art, helps to define your collector as more thoughtful, astute and intelligent.

Old China

9x9

$175.00

2. People don't know what is good value in original art...some new artist charge the same or more as recognized artists. There are no comparison price lists.If you can hit the canvas with the paint it is for sale!

Educating the public is our responsibly as artists. I am of the minority opinion that yes, Virginia there is BAD art! Sharing your education about art, justifying your choices and explaining your influences can give a collector motivation to buy. Just as you are motivated to paint , your collector wished to share in that complex process of creativity.


More on the next post!