Sell your oil paintings in order to turn your hobby into a money-making venture.
To be a successful artist, you must properly market your artwork in a variety of venues, and your success ultimately rests upon your artistic ability and drive. Because the art world is competitive, only those actively marketing their art in the right places and in the proper manner are able to consistently turn a profit.
Instructions
1. Make a portfolio. Every serious artist should keep a portfolio of his or her work. A portfolio illustrates your painting style and your body of work. Inside the portfolio, keep professional-quality photographic representations of all your oil paintings, including the ones you have already sold. The portfolio serves as an artist's showroom and resume. Also, be sure to have a digital version of your portfolio, making it easier to market your paintings on-line.
2. Paint on location. Choose an area with a high level of foot traffic, and set up your easel, canvas and palette in that location. Pick a subject to paint that is in your vicinity. As passers-by look on, they can gauge your talents by how well your painting represents the subject. Painting on location also gives you the opportunity to answer the questions of those interested in purchasing your artwork. Be sure to keep a few finished paintings nearby, as well as business cards to hand out to those interested in your work.
3. Display your work. Visit various establishments, such as coffee shops, fashion retailers and bookstores, to determine if your artwork would work well with the decor. If so, ask if it would be possible to hang your artwork inside these establishments, with a percentage of any sales going to the owners of the establishments. If the place of business declines, consider donating the piece to the business in an effort to place your work in public view. Depending on your work, you may be able to convince high-class clubs, hotels and restaurants to display your pieces, with or without a percentage of the profits going to them. Affluent art lovers are more likely to pay for original artwork. It even may be possible to display your pieces at your local city hall or public library. Be sure to enter your artwork into various local and regional art contests and art festivals. The more people who see your artwork, the better are your chances of selling it.
4. Donate some of your artwork for a cause. For example, donate a painting to a silent auction to benefit cancer research or to a library in your community for beautification purposes. You are not only doing good in your community, you are putting your artwork into public display. Also, keep in mind that artwork donations are tax deductible.
5. Sell your artwork on-line. Creating a website dedicated to marketing your oil paintings is an inventive way to put your artwork into public view. Do-it-yourself website services are available on-line for a fee. Your website should display your work and biographical information about you. The website also should function as a store, allowing consumers to easily purchase your oil paintings from the site.
If you are not Internet-savvy, sell your paintings through on-line art galleries. Numerous on-line galleries offer their services for a sales percentage. Often, sites will allow you to showcase as many oil paintings as you desire, usually with a free trial period before fees begin. A wide range of art genres and mediums can be found on these sites, and it is in the site's best interest to market your paintings properly. Fees are reasonable, and many art gallery sites boast high traffic volume.
