The Cost of Art- a Realization

Here is part of a quote from my friend Kelly Moore, an artist in Santa Fe

art

an alchemical necessity 

medicine for the people 

a mass for the true fundamentalist 

a ritual of beauty 

thats not to be confused 

with home decor 

or a casual blasphemous 

shopping trip 

to hobby lobby 

for a framed poster 

true believers 

know what they want 

and they dont just want it now 

they needed it 

yesterday 

and yet 

there are some 

who would say

they want art 

they love art 

they need art 

but if you check their pulse 

they are DOA 

(DONT OWN ART)

I've realized that I've been selling my art too cheaply, just to make a sale.  I want so badly to paint full time that I've been marking down my prices just to sell something..  Some folks don't like my style. Fine. It's not for everyone. I'm not the world's greatest artist. Cool. I still enjoy making it.  Some people love my art, and I appreciate the kind comments and support. I personally don't care for paintings that are exact replicas that look like photos.  If I want something so precise and exact as a photo, I just TAKE a photo and I'm done.  My personal style is whimsical and that's what I like, so that's what I paint.  I've taken years of art lessons, I paint every day and it's my passion.  If I take into account my supplies and the time it takes to paint something, I'm currently making $5 an hour.  

If you own a business, and you spent years in school or training and effort to perfect your skills, do you now feel guilty when you charge money for your product or service?  No! You feel like you've earned the right to charge what you do. 

Recently, I've been attending art shows and seeing other artists with similar styles, selling their art quite successfully for more than double what I currently charge.  I recently sold a painting in town at a shop for $60 that I sell online for $45. My artist friends are selling the same size/type paintings for $80-$100. I could show you artists on Etsy who sell 8x8 paintings for $80.  Art is not my hobby.  ART is my LIFE.  Some people paint, to please the masses. Some people buy prints at Hobby Lobby to match their sofa.  If you want something that speaks to you or makes you happy, then support an artist (not just me, lol) who is trying to pay their bills and who share their souls through their art. I work full time, go home so tired I can barely think, but make myself create something every day because I'm serious about my art.

  Pricing is always a dilimma for me because I don't want to seem greedy and I sometimes feel I'm not good enough to charge more.  Well, I'm over that problem.  Art is my passion, but it's also my business.  It's how I help put food on the table.  I want to keep learning and growing as an artist, but need more money to invest in supplies, classes, prints and marketing.  

If there is something I really want, I save money to buy it and see it as an investment.  If someone's art speaks to you and you just have to have it, then do what you have to to own it.  

Therefore, next week I will be INCREASING my prices for original and commission paintings.  If you see something you want either on Etsy or on Facebook, let me know now.  September 14th everything will be increased by 30-50%. YAY!

Prayerful

Website: www.effiesue.com