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How to Sell Your Art

You might find this to be a strange blog topic from a fine art gallery in the business of selling art, but if we had a nickel for each time we’re asked this very question…

Rarely a week goes by without someone calling us or bringing us a piece of art they want to sell.

Either they have downsized and their art no longer fits (I can relate), they have remodeled and their old art no longer looks good in the new surroundings or they are having financial difficulties and need some quick cash.

In any and all cases, the most important step in trying to sell your art is to KNOW WHAT YOU HAVE. Quite often people think they have a valuable piece of art only to find out it has no value (other than sentimental). Then there was the couple who thought they had a worthless canvas and gave it to GoodWill only to find out later it was worth a small fortune. (See blog KNOW WHAT YOU HAVE). https://artshopnc.com/blog/2012/09/28/art-evaluation-know-what-you-have/

You can research the artist on line or bring it in to have Andy look at it.  (There’s no charge for him to tell you if it’s an original, a serigraph, a lithograph, etc. There would be a small charge if he has to do any research to determine value.)

Here are some options for selling your art:

Consignment Shops

If you are trying to sell a poster or something with little monetary value, this can be an option as long as you are not expecting to make very much money.  I was in a big hurry to get rid of some pieces when we were getting ready to put our house on the market, so I took them to a local consignment shop.  What I made didn’t even cover the cost of the glass.  I’d have been better off donating them to GoodWill or Habitat and getting a tax deduction. (Check the fine print on your contract. The shop lost one of my pieces and the fine print said they were not responsible for lost items. Needless to say, I won’t ever take anything there to sell again.)

Craigslist

This works better for artists with a more local appeal (Timberlake, Mangum, etc.).  The downside is having to deal with strangers in your home, but it is free, so you can price your art without having to give anyone a commission.

Ebay

This also works better for known artists, but you will have to deal with packing and shipping and possible damage.  You will also pay a small percentage for using the site.

Garage Sales/Estate Sales

As in selling through a consignment shop, don’t expect to make much selling through a garage or estate sale.  Garage sale shoppers especially are looking for bargains, so you won’t make very much.  You are not paying any commission (unless you hire a company to help with an estate sale), so whatever you sell, you keep.  You have to deal with people coming to your home as you would with Craigslist, so that is a downside as well.

Art Brokerage.com

If you have an original or a limited-edition piece of some value, this might be a very good option for you. Based in Las Vegas, they have been selling art via the internet since 1995. Listing is free and commissions are on a sliding scale based on value of the art – 25% for $2,000 and up, 25% for $5,000 and up, etc.

The Art Shop

Last, but certainly not least, The Art Shop may be your preferred option for selling your art.  If you are selling a piece by an artist we represent, and we believe we will be able to successfully place your art, we can take it in on consignment. If you are a collector who has purchased a piece from us in the past, we are always happy to try and assist you in finding a new home for your piece.

Click Here for more information about selling your artwork through The Art Shop.

6 thoughts on “How to Sell Your Art

  1. Hello!

    I am attempting to sell some paintings that I own. They are Michael Godard’s “Hearts of Hope” and Bernard Louedin’s “Le Mont Saint-Michel.”

    The Godard is a one of a kind, and I’ve gotten it appraised at $7,000. The Louedin is a print and I’ve gotten it appraised at $2,850.

    I was wondering if these are items you would be interested in putting on consignment. Do you think these are items that would sell well, and would consignment be the best option?

    Thank you,
    Ashley

  2. I have some English Hunting Prints. One is a Henry Alken print “The Leap” part of the 1828 S&J Fuller Series. Christies in 2012 sold one for over $2,000.

    I have 2 other items – not sure if they are prints or paint. They are framed with Museum quality framing. One has a signature “Turner 1842”. The other has a signature I believe is Heywood Hardy “The Meet”. Hardy is a 19th Century artist, but I suspect y’all know that already.

    I want to sell them all. I live in Charlotte, and came across your name online. May I bring them in so you can give me some guidance? I am an older disabled vet. Thank you in advance.

  3. I have several signed and numbered, framed prints by Iztchak Tarkay and a few by other artists. Is this something you would consider for consignment?

  4. I have an original Charlene Mitchell painting. Her signature Exedra are on it the reason I know its original is because I know her well her daughter was married to my son. The art was a gift unfortunately right now I have stage 4 cancer and I really need to part with it cuz financially it would help me can you give me some advice

  5. I bought a Lucy lithograph and have author verification it is his work and his signature along with a drawing he sent me in the mail is it valuable or well known

  6. Hello I have a Virginia Smith lithograph of Good old summertime signed #115 of 500. I wanted to known if it were worth anything?

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