Expert: DJ Murphy - 12/27/2011

Question
I am 17 and I want to be an artist and have my work exhibited in galleries and also do commission work for others.
http://www.wix.com/princess_miaxo/artofprincessm#!
This is my work on a website I made. I use watercolor and pen for all my work.

I would really love some advice on how to sell my work and how to be able to get my work in exhibits.Also any tips about my art as well.Thank you!

Answer
Good for you to want to explore an avocation or vocation in the art world.

It is an uphill struggle for artists, but some do find success.  Best to explore "free" opportunities such as putting on your own exhibitions...say for a weekend at a local library community room, or a bank which allows people to use their meeting rooms.  Empty store fronts in downtown locations [or a mall] are possibilities too....if you can convince the landlord that you will provide liability insurance in case of problems encountered if someone files a law suit because they fell down during your exhibit [it happens!].

Other avenues would be eBay and Craigslist.....check out the artwork on each site to see how they do......take very good photos of your best work and illustrate them on these sites.

If you have a number of art galleries in your area....put together a simple portfolio of your work [8 x 10 color photos] with a brief artist statement and bio; and visit some galleries....but call first for an appointment...don't just "show up".

Best to you in continuing your work.

djv murphy

www.carpediemartgallery.com