Expert: DJ Murphy - 10/10/2005

Question
A gallery wants to represent me, and the owner wants me to call him to arrange a meeting.

I don't have much experience with galleries (I am a beginning artist) and need advice on how to proceed. For example, how should I price my paintings? etc.  

Answer
Hello Jim,

This is the age old question......pricing.  

But first let's focus on the gallery representation.  Prior to meeting.....draw up a simple contract spelling out the terms.  The area's needing clarification are.....the commission on sold art work to you and the gallery [usually 50/50]......the timing of you being paid once a painting is sold [usually withing ten days of the close of the month that the work is sold]...how long your art will be exhibited [make sure it isn't permanent...but two to three months is OK] Who pays for promotion [usually the gallery].  How much commission the gallery should receive if you are given a referral by them for another piece of art work which is not included in the current exhibition[usually 20 to 30 percent].

These are the basics.  

When you meet with the gallery.....have a portfolio [showing samples] of your available works...not ones that you have already sold.  Also bring along a bio and if you have one...an artist statement [what moves you to do your work...and/or how you do it].

Ok, pricing.  Before you meet with the gallery owner...check out various galleries and see what other artists are asking for their works. Remember that the norm is a 50/50 split, so you use this as a guide.

Price your work to sell...but don't make it too low or potential buyers won't think much of it.  I am sure the gallery owner will give you some help in this area.

Best to you,

dj murphy