Post 603: Selling Your Art Part 3 - Sell the Artist

Selling Your Art Part 3 - Sell the Artist

How to sell your art online or in person is what nearly all artists ask about at some point. This blog post is part 3 of the 3 part series on Selling Your Art. 

See Selling Your Art Part 1 and Part 2 

Nitty Gritty on How to Sell Your Art 

NO ONE is searching for you or your art, your website, your art show.

YOU must be the one to get your art "out there" so that it can be seen and potentially purchased. No one else is. 

UNDERSTAND your niche and style of art to build your understanding toward who your potential clients are in order to get your art in front of them and to TALK about your art.

How to Sell Your Art: 4 Things Art Buyer Really Want... 

Now let's take a look at the actual how YOU can sell YOURSELF.

There are art spaces where your art must speak for itself - sort of. The art gallery or exhibit you have your art in is run by staff and you are not physically there except perhaps on the day of the art reception. In this regard, you will or should be actively promoting your art on display on social media, local event avenues, friends, family, art followers, etc.

Ask other artist where they were successful, what platforms they used, what art shows are good to attend, what typically sells at those shows and galleries. 

Then there are art shows, popup art shows, group art shows where you are on stage. Your vendor booth is when you are the person tapped to make the sale. Have a gander at this video:

 

Sales Tips for Live Art Shows by ArtsyShark Carolyn Edlund

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wi82l2w5Mw 

This is an excellent watch for ALL PWAS Members! 

Notice all the tips...

1. Greeting

2. Be prepared to engage

3. Listen to them

4. Ask questions

5. Place item in their hands (a little tougher with a painting, any ideas with this one?)

6. Include everyone in their party

7. Eye contact!

8. Child with party? Bubblewrap diversion

 

I would add to stand up when people come to your booth space. AND Stay off your phone. Create a script for yourself so you can reference it, memorize it. Many of us are not outgoing, so we need the help in speaking with people so we can make the sale. These tips work well with individual artist shows as well as art group shows.

See Lessons Learned at an Outdoor/Indoor Art Show 

"I certainly have not the talent which some people possess, of conversing easily  with those I have never seen before. I cannot catch their tone of conversation, or appear interested in their concerns, as I often see done." - Mr Darcy. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin

Important to Remember:  people do not always buy artwork because its the greatest artwork in existence. They may buy artwork because of the artist. The buyer and artist have built a relationship, a connection. 

 

 Budget-Friendly Art Market Tips & DIY Display Hacks for Art Panel Walls

From Cassie's Colorful Life

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jkFX8XbhdE 

 Some great tips all around - after all, the reason you are doing to show it to sell, right?

 

10 Rules to Selling Your Art at Art Fairs and Events by Dave Makes Things

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJanejEdsJI 

Art Ideas Toward Making Income

Although the artist's ultimate goal may be the creation and selling of the own original artworks, there are other ways for the artist to earn income to support their art career. The sale of original artwork is a one-by-one process but these other ideas may offer ways to generate income as well. Do remember, some of these ideas will require a LOT of traffic, followers, and extensive marketing, as always - do the research and find what will work for you and your skills.

• Teaching art classes and workshops.
• Create and sell online courses.
• Craft fairs, art markets, farmers markets, art festivals, art or gallery walks, art crawls - wherever you can connect with a variety of people, collect emails, get feedback, test products, and more.
• Streaming / livestreaming your art process. 
• Sell digital downloads and templates.
• Art commissions for pet portraits, family portraits, murals, and more. 
• Networking with someone writing a book that might need an illustrator, or write and sell your own art books, art guides, or e-books. Think book covers, cook books, children's books...
• Offer limited edition prints and/or look into print-on-demand products.
• Art merchandise customized with the artist's designs - mugs, tote bags, t-shirts, puzzles, and more.
• Have extra space? Rent out studio space to other artists. 
• Offer graphic design services. Create a logo for someone, business cards, or flyers for a fee.
• Offer private art lessons. 
• Be a live caricature artist, a face painter, a paint and sip artist. 
• Apply for artist residencies. 
• Licensing your artwork for commercial use - get royalties. 
• Sell NFTs or digital art tokens. 
• Build a membership site with a subscription fee presenting exclusive content. 
• Monetize your social media, newsletters, blog with sponsored content, affiliate links, ad revenue, and more.
• Crowdfunding 
• Apply for art grants for an art project. 
• Feature "art sales" shows with square foot shows which are 12x12 artworks, each artwork priced the same and market the show extensively. 
• Go to your local gift shops and boutiques, that may sell local art.
• Try selling at gallery gift stores, museums.
• Watercolor greeting cards
• Offering your artistic services such as:
• An art show or contest Juror or Judge.
• Art talks, event speaker or panelist. 
• A photographer - not only the weddings but think about offering your art group members professional photos of their artworks for a reasonable fee. Set up photo sessions on a scheduled basis for specific sizes, certain number of pieces - whatever works for you. Once you have the equipment set up, its a great way to move through the process before moving to the next size of artwork.

See more: 

10 Practical Networking Tips for Artists to Boost Career

16 Creative Ways to Make Money as an Artist (That Actually Pay the Bills)

Follow-up When Potential Buyers Show Interest

Another part of selling is following up when someone shows interest at a show, through email, through a DM.

 

How do you followup when someone sends an inquiry about your artwork? Do you have a process to followup with them?

 

Let's say someone emails or DMs you on how much your artwork is. Don't get nervous, don't panic, don't justify your prices. Don't say too much. No excuses like 'because of this or that'. If you panic, your potential buyer may go silent. You'll be listening to crickets.

 

Instead: Have a followup process where you will be calm-cool-clear-collected.

 

Step 1: You will confirm to the buyer that you received their inquiry. Confirm what they are asking about - which piece, which service, which size.

Step 2: Very calmly and very clearly give them the data they requested. 

Step 3: Now, you will add just one "trust detail". Say something like, "This piece is available now, and can be shipped within 2 weeks."

Step 4: And we can make the next step extra easy for them by saying, "Would you prefer local pickup or shipping?" 

Step 5: Finalize by closing the loop with, "I can send an invoice and hold it for 24 hours." 

 

Something like this gives you and the buyer a framework that is clear.

 

This video below, is a very straight forward look at art selling. 

 

10 Tested & Proven Ways to Sell Your Art as an Artist (Complete Guide & Honest Overview) by Contemporary Art Issue (CAI)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDFEXtoMOyU 

ART TIPS: 

• Dress to impress is as important as always even when its terribly hot. Look professional!
• Your attitude is so important. A happy artist with energy will help to sell. 
• I do suggest going down the rabbit hole for a period of time when researching how to sell art and your art business. There are so many great videos and art tip suggestions that you can learn so much from, and a ton of tips on this blog too! 

The Art of Selling Art, Selling You, Selling Higher Priced Art

Alternatively, there are schools of thought that say in order to sell your art and to sell it at a higher price for the professional and established artists is to: 

• Find your target audience by posting you with your artwork with high quality photos and videos TALKING ABOUT your art - NOT trying to SELL it. Speak directly to your ideal Buyer.
• Develop the script for each artwork saying WHO it may appeal to and why.
• Do NOT send potential Buyers to a website link. 
• Always answer your DMs when someone asks about the price. 
• Post at least 3 to 5 times per week on your social media. Be genuine.
• Build a communication line to the potential Buyers and a developing a relationship with them directly when they ask how much it is or what else you have. Be engaging. Ask what they love about your artwork. 
• Build perceived value by:
• NOT offering the art merchandise that many artists do.
• Don't offer any marked down pricing.
• Have at least several high priced artworks that are extra large, running $5000+ and pose them in a very clean, very professional environment with YOU in the pictures as well. Build trust.
• If a person says that those artworks at that level are unaffordable for them, show them the 'more affordable' pieces that you have, say 16x20 and 18x24 medium to large range that are under the 5K. Perceived value.
• Close the sale - learn the scripts and tactics to make the sale. 

Let's face it. If your followers and people commenting on your social media posts are all other artists, you are not selling to them. They are trying to sell their own artwork. Finding your Buyers and moving toward making them repeat Buyers is the beginning of your marketing plan. As with anything, its up to you to learn the process of selling in order to sell well.

For Further Reading

Selling your artwork is very hard, and yes - I heard that "Duh!" Each of us will need to find what works best for each of us, our families and obligations and the period of life we are in. Nonetheless, knowing what we are getting into before we spend too much money or become discouraged means to not only create the best possible artwork we can, but doing the homework to learn how to make the jump into the art world as wisely as we can.

14 Best Places to Sell Art to Make Money - Etsy, Redbubble, local, Saatchi Art, Zazzle, Artfinder, Soiety6, eBay, Shopify, gift shops, coffee shops, farmers' markets, social media

14 Best Websites to Sell Art Online | Commissions, Marketing, and More - marketplaces, print on demand platforms, ecommerce stores

Top 10 Tips On How To Sell Your Art - Your story, website, show sold art, new venues, cohesive brand, SEO, social media, local shows, prints, positivity.

The Art of Selling Art: 10 Ways to Sell Your Art: A Beginner's 2025 Guide -  Optimize Portfolio, Social Media, NFT & Digital, Print on Demand, Collaborate, AR, Participate, Email, Commissions, Voice & Visual Search

 

How to Sell Your Art - Six Successful Artists Share Their Tips 

18 Platforms for Artists to Sell Their Creative Work Online in 2025 

Art that Sells - Understanding What Makes Art Marketable - researching trends, target audience, more

Did you like this post? Learn something new? What tips do you have to share on selling your art? Drop a comment below and Follow this blog.

Selling Your Art - In Person Part 1

Selling Your Art - Online Part 2

Selling Your Art - Selling the Artist Part 3

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Author: Donna Liguria is the Blogmaster for the PWAS Artistry Spin Blog and Donna's Cave Paintings Blog, and an artist member of the Prince William Art Society (PWAS) in Woodbridge, Virginia. And she takes on the PWAS social media duties as well (help me!) Donna specializes in acrylic painting of landscapes, seascapes, historic locations, animals and many subjects. Visit her Website at DonnaLiguriaArt.com and her Donna's Esty site to shop her art. 

Local Art: The Prince William Art Society is a 50+-year-old non-profit art group in PWC for the appreciation of fine art throughout the county and Northern Virginia. Visit us at any of our local art shows or join us for our monthly meetings - held on the 4th Monday of the month at the Tall Oaks Community Center at 12298 Cotton Mill Dr, Woodbridge, VA at 7:30pm (typically, but check the website in case of any changes).

Want to join PWAS? Go to https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/membership

Have an idea for a blog post? Are you a writer and want to help with the blog? Let me know! Thank you for visiting, and remember to Share, Follow, and Comment (below)! ...Remember, comments are monitored so they will not show up immediately.

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Post 600: Selling Your Art Part 2 - Online

Selling Your Art Part 2 - Online

How to sell your art online or in person is what nearly all artists ask about at some point. This is the second in a three part series on the multiple ways for artists to find art opportunities for getting their art seen and sold.

 

Art Show photo by Ken Meardon (a past Prince William Art Society member) 

See Part 1 of Selling Your Art here and Part 3 is next Monday.

Selling Art Online 

Here is where doing the research seriously comes into play. There are plenty of people that have success with various art selling platforms and there are probably even more artists that do not. Any of these platforms can get quite expensive if you launch into something head first and don't know what you are getting into.

With the increasing turn to selling art online, the internet has become a very busy place. There are tons of fine artists, craft artists, painters, photographers, sculptors, and digital artists in every nook and cranny at every career stage and every style and genre.You'll need to clearly articulate where and what you do to find your best fit.

Hard work? Yes. There are some ways to make life easier like scheduling posts, so research art tips, tricks, hacks, money saving ideas and suggestions to make what you can easier but as always, being consistent is key. 

A Professional Website

Do you need a website? It is generally considered that a professional artist should have one. This is your personal store front, your main source where people go to learn more about you. Keep it clean, keep it simple, clearly show your artwork.

About quality images for your website:

• Show your art straight on (NO background, trim the image)
• Show from different angles
• Take close up shots of the art showing details
• Have shots of YOU with the art
• Show the are in a different room or two so that the viewer can imagine it in their own environment. 

It is important to remember that on the internet Content is King. Content Matters. Keywords and Key phrases are how you find information online AND how people find information about YOU. An image without TEXT is a dead end. Thus, you must provide text as well as images.

On Social Media 

Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, X / Twitter, TikTok, and perhaps YouTube

Artists might use Facebook Marketplace to sell art or via their own website. Some artists use social media as a feedback platform and places to post upcoming events. Involve your viewers in what you do so that people get to know you and always provide links to your main storefront, for whichever platform you may use.

Create a consistent plan that you can stick to and manage when posting content. Create a schedule and post with purpose. 

See Getting Your Art Out There: Social Media, the Internet, Your Art and Your Art Group 

Online Shopping Platforms 

There are many of them with a variety of services, pricing, ease of use - you name it. Ask around what other artists are using, their opinions, and success rates. As always, updating and working your information is a daily, if not several times weekly, hands-on art task toward selling your art. Here are some choices:

Amazon, Etsy, Shopify, Fine Art America, Saatchi Art, eBay, ArtPal, Artfinder, Society6, Redbubble, Artsy, Singulart, DeviantArt, Artplode, ArtStation, 1stDibs, ArtSpace, Kooness, Artistics, Artsper, UGallery, Pictoclub, Rise Art, Zatista, Artmajeur, OpenSea, SuperRare, Mintable ... to name a few.

New ones come in and some fade away. As always, do the Research, research, re.... 

Have a Newsletter 

Create and send out a periodic newsletter. Collect emails and schedule your time frame (at least quarterly, if not monthly). Your fans can opt-in to receive your content and opt-out if they change their mind. The potential is toward building a loyal and supportive community fan base that want to learn more about you.

Be genuine, start simply, offer exclusive content.

About Blogging

Talk about what you are doing, how you are doing it, what you have new, what you are working on. Write about your inspirations, your studio, your tools, your upcoming projects and shows. The blog is a subset, a link on your website. Share your blog with your social media to help promote content. See Tech Series 4: The Blogging Story

Being Online

Consistency is a MUST, you will need to do something everyday to promote your art online, some how, in some way, even if in only a small way.

Look into QR Codes perhaps vs. Business Cards. Personally, I like have a card with a QR Code AND using QR Codes as well. See Artist Documents - What Do I Need?

Remember that online on social media, the algorithms change. This means that although you may find your art sales may be going well at some point, when the website platform makes a change, you may see a shift in your sales one way or the other which might then trigger adjustments. Nature of this terrible beast.

 

How to Actually Sell Your Art Online : FREE Strategy for Artists - Studio Wildlife

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZZikagTGvQ 

I highly recommend this video 

Obviously, becoming an artist and trying to sell your artwork can be looked at as a daunting, if not expensive path to take. Start off small (if need be) and look for so called "free" or less expensive art opportunities, have a budget, and build your career. Talk to more experienced artists, follow blogs like this and always be learning.

For Further Reading (Listening)

Tech Series 1: Instagram for Artists 

Tech Series 2: Are You Reeling on Instagram? 

Tech Series 3 How to Be Pinteresting

Tech Series 4 The Blogging Story 

Tech Series 5 Who Art Thou?

How to Build a Professional Facebook Page as an Artist (2026 Update)

 

Mastering Facebook for Artists - From Zero to Sold Out

From Market Your Art (Podcast)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4IcfucRTfk 

Did you like this post? Learn something new? What tips do you have to share on selling your art? Drop a comment below. 

Follow this blog and watch for Part 3 of Selling Your Art on Monday, January 26, 2026.

Selling Your Art - In Person Part 1

Selling Your Art - Online Part 2

Selling Your Art - Selling the Artist Part 3

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Author: Donna Liguria is the Blogmaster for the PWAS Artistry Spin Blog and Donna's Cave Paintings Blog, and an artist member of the Prince William Art Society (PWAS) in Woodbridge, Virginia. And she takes on the PWAS social media duties as well (help me!) Donna specializes in acrylic painting of landscapes, seascapes, historic locations, animals and many subjects. Visit her Website at DonnaLiguriaArt.com and her Donna's Esty site to shop her art. 

Local Art: The Prince William Art Society is a 50+-year-old non-profit art group in PWC for the appreciation of fine art throughout the county and Northern Virginia. Visit us at any of our local art shows or join us for our monthly meetings - held on the 4th Monday of the month at the Tall Oaks Community Center at 12298 Cotton Mill Dr, Woodbridge, VA at 7:30pm (typically, but check the website in case of any changes).

Want to join PWAS? Go to https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/membership

Have an idea for a blog post? Are you a writer and want to help with the blog? Let me know! Thank you for visiting, and remember to Share, Follow, and Comment (below)! ...Remember, comments are monitored so they will not show up immediately.

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Post 598: Selling Your Art Part 1 - In Person

Selling Your Art Part 1 - In Person

How to sell your art online or in person is what nearly all artists ask about at some point. There are artists that want to make a living or to earn extra money. And some artists that are of the attitude "if it sells, it sells". And there are artists that perhaps are more private about their artworks - holding on to their works and barely showing what they do. Let's lean more in the direction with this post of putting what you create out on a shingle.

This is a three-part series on Selling Your Art that will be published on Mondays, January 12, 19, and 26, 2026. Please follow this blog so you don't miss any art tips! 

 

Prince William Art Society at Arts Alive 2021, Hylton Performing Arts Center, Manassas, Virginia - Photo by Donna Liguria 

Where and How to Sell Your Art

Doesn't it all begin with research and discovering what may work for you, your budget, your goals, and how much work you may want to put into your art career? We could probably also include the title "How to Sell More Art" as there may be ideas that haven't been implemented in our repertoire too.

• You can sell in person. 
• You can sell in a gallery.
• You can sell online.

OK, but that's just the beginning of the research you need to do. And tell you what, you are not going to walk up to any gallery space, artwork in hand, and thinking your art is going up right then and there. (You name it, we've seen it.)

• You will need to have the art inventory to substantiate what and where you can have your art hung.
• You will need great quality photographs of all your artworks - to show your body of work and to submit art to shows.
• You need to have your art reasonably priced (for the level of career you are at) so that it can sell.
• You will need to have shipping materials on hand if you are going nationally or internationally with your sales - to get it to them. 

If you are just getting off the ground, you have a lot to learn, but the point is - begin. 

Selling Art in Person

Artists can sell as an individual artist on their own and/or they might sell their artwork being a member of an art group. And no one says to only join one art group.

• Art can sell at craft and art fairs, festivals, vendor shows, farmers' markets, exhibitions, fundraisers for churches or community fairs. 
• Art may sell via an open studio - hosting your own art event.
• Artists might partner with an interior designer, a hotel, a hospital to show art. 
• Sell art at a gallery, an artist-run gallery (Co-Op), non-profit gallery/exhibition space. See Art Shows, Art Galleries - Showing Your Art.  
• Some libraries, wineries, restaurants, coffee shops, gift shops, area businesses allow for local art to hang for a period of time. Be aware of spaces where your art is more free decor for them than promotion for you.
• Sign up to volunteer to help at the art space as a docent, artist-on-duty. Actually, THIS is one great way to sell to the art show or gallery visitors.  Well, let's say, 'sell without pushing the sale'. Once you identify yourself as one of the artists showing, they always ask "where is your art?"
• Enter Calls for Art, Calls for Artists. See Call for Art
• Engage in local community business meetings, local community groups for opportunities. Networking with other people/artists around you has potential for collaboration or brilliant ideas!
• Cold Callings - Email Targets - Find who your direct contact person is for your proposed art show. Find ways to get people excited about your upcoming projects and present them with ideas - to benefit them as well as you.

There are options and decisions to make for selling your artwork, but many of your best options will not be free. There are entry fees to enter art shows, join art festivals or fairs, and commission fees when artwork does sell, as an individual artist or as part of an art group. 

Art Festival Fees - vendor booth space can vary greatly for the typical 10x10 foot space. 

• Local small fairs can be $0 - $100 for a spot (a table) or space
• Community Shows $25 - $300 for a weekend space
• Mid-Range Art Events can run $2,000 - $8,000
• Major City Art Fairs $10,000 and UP 

Art Call Entry Fees to submit artwork can be $10 -$20 per piece, or $25 - $50 for 3-5 artworks. Every show is different and it is imperative to follow each show's requirement directions or themes.

Research the internet for "Calls for Art near me". Search for and follow various Facebook art groups, galleries, etc to find the local art events in your area and get on their email notifications.

Bookmark sites like: 

• ArtCall.org 
• ArtConnect, 
• Artwork Archive  
• Cafe (Call for Entry)
• Artenda

Art Groups charge a fee to join, even if they are non-profit art groups. Prices vary and some may allow you to check them out in person at their meetings before you commit to joining. See about Art Groups. 

Art groups go by various names and the most typical keywords to look for are:

• art society 
• art league 
• artists alliance
• art club
• art group
• art guild
• arts council
• photo club
• art network
• women artists
• watercolorists 

Commission Fees are often 30-35% but can range up to 60% at an exclusive gallery. Commissions are charged when your art sells and is deducted from the price of your art before you get the remaining amount. So if your art is $1000 and the exhibit charges 35% commission, your check for the artwork sold is $650.

As you can see, the price you charge for your artwork, is greatly effected by not only the cost of creating your art, but where and how you are selling it. See Art Pricing.

There must be a side note here: Submitting art to an art show does not always mean that you are accepted and granted the opportunity to show, whether you paid a fee or not. Read about Art Show Judge and Jury here. And I must include the link to Artwork Rejection.

For individual artists entering art fairs and displaying their art, that artist will need to have the right equipment for the particular event to show your art and to make sales. See How to Art Show.

• Tent, display walls, tables, a chair. 
• Point of Sale system (POS)  

A person can do plenty on their own to sell their artwork, but I would recommend researching your local art groups or organizations near you and find an active and lively group of artists you like, then join and become a participating member. Joining an art group gives you opportunities that as an individual you might not have had. Your participation could allow your entry to a gallery or show, or give a less expensive entry point to be a part of the art event, as well as access to the necessary art equipment. That doesn't include the potential learning experience offered by your fellow artists in the group. 

The main thing is to show your artwork so that it will sell, and that starts with: 

Step 1: Build your art inventory. You will need a body of work to show (online and offline). This is on top of any art development artworks created while developing your style.

Step 2: Build a web presence. This can include an artist website (a shop window), your social media, an art group showcase or art gallery listing on the art group's website.

Step 3: Plan how you will have people find and know about your Step 1 and 2. This is marketing and promoting. Sharing your work, defining your target audience, having realistic goals, building a strong online presence, exploring platforms - are all a part of the puzzle pieces. 

Step 4: Jump in - after you've learned more about what you are specifically jumping into. 

Selling Art Prints

Selling prints of your original artworks is often the bread and butter in art sales. Don't overlook this selling point! Not everyone can afford a $500 or a $1000 artwork, so a $25-$50 art print of your artwork still gives the Buyer a way to support you. See Prints and Framing

What's Your Story?  

An engaging story about your artwork is interesting to the people that you want to sell to. They want to know why you created it, the story behind the canvas. What was your art process, what are your values, what were you feeling, thinking, and more. Potential clients want to get to know you and you'll need to build their trust so that they will want to buy from you.

And the story is a major part of the content, the keywords to help you be found on the internet. Artwork title, size, medium, framed or not, price, are all well and good but it is not enough. Build your art story and post it. And be ready to tell it.

From Prince William Art Society Member Zee Berrios on Selling Art

Advice to help sell art work

• There are many ways to price artwork. The one I use is hours invested X amount of price per hour + materials.
• For most of us, painting is a pleasure, a therapy, a healing process, a way to relax, a hobby, something we like (or love) to do... it is not a burden, it is not a "got to do", but rather a "get to do". For others it is a need, a way to survive, (they might want or have to do). This also may affect the way you price your work.
• Some people even price their work by size, (height X length). And, even some suggest to sell for how much would it take to divorce yourself from the piece you have just created.
• Only in one exception did I sell something for "How much would it take to divorce me from a piece." (It is a piece I would actually like to buy back).
• Photographing your art and publicity lets the world know it is available. Getting into as many shows possible is a must, but it requires to loose profit or add the commission payment to the exhibit venue.
• When working on commissioned art, ask for half of what you think the final cost of the art piece will be. (many of us have been burned by not doing this). If the buyer bails, out you won't loose your investment.
• Keep the unsold work packed and ready to deliver if there is interest in buying the piece afterwards.

 

From Zee Berrios 

Titled Ilukunya. ("jump" in Maasai), it is part of the "Dance" series.

Its price is $1,350.00. It is 20" X 24", acrylic on canvas.

Things I see artist do that I would advise they should not do

• The number 1, for me, would be .. don't frame your work if it is work on canvas. Many times, the buyer will throw away the frame because it doesn't match their furniture or decor. Your investment is lost.
• The second would be to commit to a commissioned painting without getting a 50% down payment of your estimated cost.

For Further Important Reading:

Volunteering - about art groups, volunteering and gallery worker training

Display - learn how artwork is expected to be prepared for hanging

Art Inventory and Tips - keep track of your art inventory

Did you like this post? Learn something new? What tips do you have to share on selling your art? Drop a comment below. 

Follow this blog and watch for Part 2 of Selling Your Art Online on Monday, January 19, 2026.

Selling Your Art - In Person Part 1

Selling Your Art - Online Part 2

Selling Your Art - Selling the Artist Part 3 

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Author: Donna Liguria is the Blogmaster for the PWAS Artistry Spin Blog and Donna's Cave Paintings Blog, and an artist member of the Prince William Art Society (PWAS) in Woodbridge, Virginia. And she takes on the PWAS social media duties as well (help me!) Donna specializes in acrylic painting of landscapes, seascapes, historic locations, animals and many subjects. Visit her Website at DonnaLiguriaArt.com and her Donna's Esty site to shop her art. 

Local Art: The Prince William Art Society is a 50+-year-old non-profit art group in PWC for the appreciation of fine art throughout the county and Northern Virginia. Visit us at any of our local art shows or join us for our monthly meetings - held on the 4th Monday of the month at the Tall Oaks Community Center at 12298 Cotton Mill Dr, Woodbridge, VA at 7:30pm (typically, but check the website in case of any changes).

Want to join PWAS? Go to https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/membership

Have an idea for a blog post? Are you a writer and want to help with the blog? Let me know! Thank you for visiting, and remember to Share, Follow, and Comment (below)! ...Remember, comments are monitored so they will not show up immediately.

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Post 537: PWAS Wants a Gallery Space

PWAS Wants a Gallery Space

Updated as of February 18, 2025

The Prince William Art Society (PWAS) is an art group in Virginia, that began in 1971 in Prince William County. The group is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization of artists from in and all around the county. The art group meets monthly, hosts and attends art events, arranges workshops, occasionally has a field trip, has members that get together and paint outdoors, and promotes art throughout the area. There's one thing missing in their repertoire. An art gallery home.

PWAS History

PWAS has an interesting history that you can read about here. As events have happened, this post has been updated to show some major milestones. See

Post 1: About PWAS - A History of a Prince William County Art Group  

Editorial What I Would Like to See at PWAS - thoughts from some PWAS members about the future of the art group.

The Arts

One thing that PWAS has seen over the years in Prince William County is the lower emphasis in the visual arts in the area. The Arts is a huge subject much like an English muffin with LOTS of nooks and crannies.

Have a look at Britannica's description of The Arts: "...modes of expression that use skill or imagination in the creation of aesthetic objects, environments, or experiences that can be shared with others.

Traditional categories within the arts include literature (including poetry, drama, story, and so on), the visual arts (painting, drawing, sculpture, etc.), the graphic arts (painting, drawing, design, and other forms expressed on flat surfaces), the plastic arts (sculpture, modeling), the decorative arts (enamelwork, furniture design, mosaic, etc.), the performing arts (theatre, dance, music), music (as composition), and architecture (often including interior design)."

It seems that more attention is put in the direction of the performing arts of music, dance and theatre in Prince William County than is placed on the visual side. Yet, on the walls in most people's homes, what do we find on our walls where we live? Artwork we love. And where do you go to find artwork created by local artists? Good question here in Woodbridge, Virginia.

The Prince William Art Society wants an art gallery. Our artist members are creating art every day that we want to share with you. We want an art space to call our own, preferably on a long-term basis. And by 'our own' I mean not only the art group, but the we the people of Prince William County.

What Makes a Great Spot for an Art Gallery?

There are various business models for art galleries such as a Nonprofit Gallery, a Commercial Gallery, Artist Cooperatives, a Pop-up Gallery, and there are Online Galleries. PWAS understands the need for their niche in a nonprofit gallery focusing on local visual artists with a target market for art buyers needing a supply of art sources in Prince William County.

Art Audience - will include individuals and tourists, art collectors and investors, designers and architects, schools and educational institutions, corporate entities and hospitals looking for art decor, and the possibility of businesses searching for beautiful spaces for their corporate events. 

• How about going for a walk with a date and visiting an art gallery?
• What about having an art event for your business with great art set as your background?
  

Location - an art gallery is a building to house the art within, to the extent and degree of all The Arts that it can hold and the administrators of that space can manage under one roof. There is a question of a free standing space 'out somewhere' as opposed to a space with a lot of visibility within or near other businesses. We live here in Northern Virginia - where all real estate is expensive.There could be pros and cons with any space or building, but find it we must. A compromise of some sort is more than likely where we will end up.

• Might the location consider allowances for a 501(c)3 non-profit organization?
• Will the location be a temporary popup art show space for a set limited time?
• Can the art group negotiate a permanent location as an art gallery?
• Does the location have room for growth? 
• Can a building fund be engaged for a gallery?
  

Access and Exposure - ease of getting in and out of the area is a consideration as well as if you can see it from the road or main traffic areas.

Parking - the availability of having space to park plenty of vehicles is needed for a good gallery space to hold art receptions and events, meetings, have classes and workshops, have the possibility to be multi functional, so that artists and art lovers have plenty of parking.

Foot Traffic - ideally, having pedestrians walking around to shop, go out to eat, and just do all the things that draw people to a location helps a gallery to promote itself.

Growth - having an art space that can grow and expand with the artistic needs of the art group and the county would be an amazing thing. Being able to host annual art competitions, evolving art exhibits and more creatives, well you know creative people see beyond limitations.

The Prince William Art Society wants enough space for growth to:

• Hang monthly art shows, and even overlapping art shows and competitions as well as large exhibits and mixed media.
• Give art classes, workshops, and demos - if not daily, at least weekly with decent class sizes. 
• Have art merchandise for sale along with the art on the walls, maybe even art supplies for recycling.
• Hold art meetings, have space for rental purposes for other organizations.
• Hold art receptions, meet the artists, and other activities for the public or private groups. 
• Schedule visits from local student group field trips to tour our gallery space and more.
• Storage space for PWAS art equipment for shows like our gridwalls, tents, etc.
  
• This list can grow too!
  

What Can You Do to Help PWAS Find a Home?

One thing that you can do while traveling, shopping, visiting, and wandering around Prince William County is keep your eyes open. As a PWAS member, we ask that you let the PWAS Board know if you see a building or a space for lease or rent. Please do this:

• Take pictures (of the front, the area)
  
• Get the phone number!
• Get the address, shopping center, location!
  
• Get the leasing agent name, company (snap a pic of the signage)
  

If you are able to actually look in the windows, describe what you see. Although art galleries need walls to hang said art, depending on the space, there are ways to create temporary walls that may work as an alternative to lots of windows, small rooms, or other challenges.

Alternatively, if you know someone who knows someone that knows someplace, let us know. 

board@PrinceWilliamArtSociety.com

Send the information to the PWAS Admin and they will take the info from there and do the work of making contact and exploring the potential spot.

For Further Reading:

How to Start an Art Gallery

How to Set Up a Pop-Up Art Gallery in 7 Steps

Let us know what you think and please, let us know if you see a potential spot!

AND join us if you want to help make the arts even more visible right here where we live! https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/membership

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Author: Donna Liguria
Artistry Spin Blogmaster and an artist member of PWAS in Woodbridge, VA, specializing in acrylic painting. She paints landscapes, seascapes, animals and many subjects. Visit her Website at DonnaLiguriaArt.com, her Donna's Esty site and her Blog at Donna’s Cave Paintings.

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Local Art: The Prince William Art Society is a 50+-year-old non-profit art group in PWC for the appreciation of fine art throughout the county and Northern Virginia. Visit us at any of our local art shows or join us for our monthly meetings - held on the 4th Monday of the month at the Tall Oaks Community Center at 12298 Cotton Mill Dr, Woodbridge, VA at 7:30pm

Want to join PWAS? Go to https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/membership

Have an idea for a blog post? Are you a writer and want to help with the blog? Let me know! Thank you for visiting, and remember to Share, Follow, and Comment (below)! ...Remember, comments are monitored so they will not show up immediately.

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Post 428: The Art of Artist Etiquette

The Art of Artist Etiquette

There comes a time when an artist must understand the Art of Artist Etiquette while in a gallery, at an art event, or getting their art to or from an event. Artists have a responsibility to be on time and always be professional - to the gallery, art group, art show, and to their fellow artists to know and show good manners. That is what it all comes down to, right?

Art Do's and Art Do Nots, and No, You Di'int

There are do's and do nots for everything, I suppose. As they say, people are people are people...and artists are artists are artists that are people. Occasionally artists are very different people, but that could be another blog post. I look at that as we are all human; people are gonna do what people are gonna do; we all make mistakes - but we can all learn from our mistakes. 

I am going to hash out some of the often nonspoken, Artist Etiquette here (and hopefully in a mildly humorously way) because on occasion, we all forget the unwritten rules, including me. You may not feel like you should have to say some of these, but yeah, you do.

 

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash 

Check and Recheck Your Art for the Show

Make sure your art is hung the way the show expects it to be hung. The Calls for Art sends or has guidelines, and those are very important. While checking in art at various shows over time, I do believe we've seen it all. 

• No wire? How are we supposed to hang it? We aren't setting it on the floor.
  
• No, it is not up to the show people to wire it for you. Seriously.
  
• Didn't create a label or sign your artwork? That's on you, you mysterious artist, you. I wonder who will get the check if it sells?
• Forgot your inventory list or other expected documents? Oops, get to writing.
  
• Didn't finish the edges? I guess someone missed reading the directions. 
• Be very aware of copyright infringement. <- That's a very serious and important one folks.
  

Art Pickup and Art Drop Off

When the dates are set for art pickup and drop off, the show will send those dates and times out along with a reminder just prior to them. It is up to the artist to abide by those dates and times, mark their calendars, create an alert or to contact a friend or family member to help them if they cannot do that date or time PRIOR to the schedule. Most venues typically suggest that if the artist has no one else to handle the incoming or outgoing art and to sign in or out that art, to let the volunteers that are handling the event know - or contact one of your fellow artists and make arrangements with them PRIOR to that date.

• Most galleries and art groups state in their documents that if a time or day do not work for you, to contact them in advance and they would be happy to accomodate you.
  

When artwork is juried into a show - especially with limited space - the coordinators for that show are EXPECTING your work to be there, possibly even having measured a layout for your art to fit a space. If the venue knows they can only accept X amount of art and yours was selected to show, and you don't show up...you have potentially blocked someone else from being in that show.

If you have a change of mind about showing, let the coordinators know PRIOR to the event. Someone may already have created labels or other expectations in your art's acceptance.

• Several times, I've been on hanging committees and we started or had the art pretty far along (OR have left for the day) in the hanging process and an artist shows up to drop off art HOURS after the deadline. Not cool. Not acceptable.
  

Volunteers are often helping to coordinate the art on display and they are doing this FOR the art group, art venue, and each every artist in that show. Even more often, they do not get paid for the time and effort they are putting in. From email announcements, blog posts, website updates, Facebook posts, creating art labels, to using their vehicles to drive to the space, spending HOURS at the space, and on and on - so the expectation is that our fellow artists to have the decency to cooperate with set times and dates - no matter where you are potentially showing your art.

Artists must remember that it is not the gallery or the showing space's responsibility to store your artwork after the show (there may not even be space for it), nor is it the responsibility of the volunteers that are spending their time and effort to handle your art any more than they are already volunteering time to hang or take down your art. We have lives the same as you.

• Besides, that monster canvas of yours will not fit in my car or in my house!
  

There is also a consideration of "abandoned art" if art is left for a period of time and not picked up. I've seen this one happen where MONTHS went by without hearing from the artist. The gallery or group can just sell or donate art at a certain point, with no regard of a cut to the artist. The other part of this is your art could potentially be ruined when its abandoned because of someone having to shove the abandoned art in a corner somewhere. And don't expect the venue to wrap it up for you.

It is about respect - for yourself, your work, and your fellow artists.

At an Exhibit, Art Reception or Art Show

• If you know an art exhibit coming up and one of your fellow artists would be a great fit for it, share the knowledge. 
• It is not a competition, even if it is a competition. What I mean is that you aren't competing with other artists even though a juror may be judging a specific art show and handing out ribbons or cash prizes. That part is out of your hands really. Just as someone may purchase one painting of the Washington Monument but not the one you did. Your job is to create YOUR art, the best it can be, and presenting it correctly.
  
• Think about it, if you are in an echo-y gallery, maybe at an art reception and someone is talking loudly or negatively about a piece of art - or even about YOUR art. Gasp!! Not cool. But you stay cool. And the loud speaker needs to tone it down some notches. This is the place to use your "indoor voice" and be respectful of everyone's art.
• If it isn't your event, you shouldn't be promoting your stuff.
  
• Divas are a pain in everyone's butt. It usually is not all about YOU, especially if you're in a group's art show - or even if it is your solo show. 
  
• Know if the gallery allows nudes, political, or controversial" art or not. It might be very well done art, but family friendly isn't expecting their child to see it all hanging out there.
  
• It is always a good idea to ASK before taking photos at an event (unless you are the photographer for the event).
• Make sure access ways are not blocked by you or your fan club, I mean, the people that are talking to you. This is something you see happen at group art shows when multiple artists are showing in a tent, and someone is blocking the aisle to get through. Which means that a fellow artist's work was prevented from being seen. (Insert here, "STAY OUT OF THE TENT!")
  
• Sold something, AWESOME! Well, I certainly hope you know that the gallery or show venue is taking their cut first before they send you the check. KNOW what the venue's cut is too! Most of the galleries around Northern Virginia that I have seen take 25% to 35% of the sale, but it CAN be higher. As they say, know before you go and I hope you priced it accordingly. Also, understand the time frame of when checks are sent out as it is usually in writing somewhere.
  
• I've had and seen this happen: I'm speaking to someone that is asking ME about my art, and another artist nearby hears a keyword and butts in and says, "I've got some artwork with that!" And leads my potential client/fan away to show that piece. Grrrrr.....I did consider biting the artist's ankle.
  
• Learn, grow, get a book, take a class - never stop learning, especially when it comes to art basics and fundamentals. Correct Proportions in art work is a pet peeve...unless its done intentionally.
  
• Keep your pricing consistent offline and online.
  
• There is no space for negativity or self-doubt about your own art. Don't talk your own artwork down. Be proud, be bold.
• If you say you are going to do something, DO IT.
• If you join an art group, actually BE a part of the art group. Join a committee. Be active. You'll be in the KNOW and be able to help others when they have questions. The rewards are worth it.
  
• Dress appropriately for the venue and occasion.
  
• Do be professional, that is paramount.
  

Do you have other ideas for the Art of Artist Etiquette or stories to add? Drop a comment below. 

For further reading:

Dos and Don'ts for Artists and Photographers

The Artist Statement: 5 Dos and Don'ts

The Do's and Don'ts of Gallery and Art Show Etiquette

Art Need to Know Etiquette Posts

Email Etiquette and Organizing - There are definitely do's and don'ts when it comes to email! Everyone needs to learn the proper use of emails.

Artist Etiquette - Art show do's and don'ts, pickup and drop off and more.

Not Necessarily Art Notes, but... - Art Etiquette for emails, art shows, volunteering and more.

Lessons Learned at an Outdoor Art Show Exhibit - Some great advice and what was learned while at an art show. A good read for BEFORE you go to a show.

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Author: Donna Liguria
Artistry Spin Blogmaster and an artist member of PWAS in Woodbridge, VA, specializing in acrylic painting. She paints landscapes, seascapes, animals and many subjects. Visit her Website at DonnaLiguriaArt.com, her Donna's Esty site and her Blog at Donna’s Cave Paintings.

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Local Art: The Prince William Art Society is a 50+-year-old non-profit art group in PWC for the appreciation of fine art throughout the county and Northern Virginia. Visit us at any of our local art shows or join us for our monthly meetings - held on the 4th Monday of the month at the Tall Oaks Community Center at 12298 Cotton Mill Dr, Woodbridge, VA at 7:30pm

Want to join PWAS? Go to https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/membership

Have an idea for a blog post? Are you a writer and want to help with the blog? Let me know! Thank you for visiting, and remember to Share, Follow, and Comment!