Make Art That Collectors Notice

You are one of hundreds of artists who wants to sell your work to one buyer who walks into a gallery or is shopping online. How do you grab that person's attention?

First, step back and take a look at your image from across a room. What does it look like from 20 feet away? I am always amazed at artists who sit when they paint. I can't do that. I have to be up and walking around, stepping in and back to see my work from every vantage point. Why? To make sure I like how it looks at every distance. I check to see if the composition is strong. Do I understand immediately what I'm looking at? The colors must be attractive, clear and in balance. The shapes should be interesting, with varied sizes. Is there drama with lighting, negative shapes and contrast?

Did you know that seascapes are the number one image bought by collectors? Images that immediately draw everyone's attention are not that difficult to understand. They are things we love, they contain dynamic color, and they trigger an emotion.

ESSENTIALS FROM ACROSS THE ROOM

Composition: The theory of thirds, point of interest, field of view

Drama: Negative space, contrast, shapes

Color Harmony: Balance, complements, clarity

So far, so good. You've attracted the collector and he's committed to a closer look. That's a big step, but from four feet away what does the buyer see? Will the reaction be ahhh! or yikes!?

Keeping the buyer interested is your next task. You can WOW him with a color that emerges from the shadows, a detail discovered as he gets closer, a surprise fully revealed. These subtle treatments flirt with your buyers senses. Mistakes will likely result in the buyer walking away, so make sure the perspective is correct, shadows are consistent and everything looks right. I have often placed a painting aside because I knew something just wasn't right, but I was unable to identify the problem. The next time I took it out, I immediately saw my mistake and was able to fix it. Sometimes you have to leave something for a few days, weeks, or even months to get that needed distance.

WATCH FOR THIS AT 4 FEET AWAY

Design: No mistakes, good perspective

Character: Your unique point of view translates to interest

Fun Factor: Color complements, lively shadows, hidden details

Now it comes down to the details. The buyer is intrigued, they step even closer and examine your technique. They want to see how you created this masterpiece. What colors did you use to achieve the luminous light, how bold is that brushstroke, who IS the artist? The collector sees your character in the details and if you were timid when you applied the paint, it will show. If you were uncertain about which color to use, it will be right there for them to see. Your confidence, or lack of it, will be evident in the details. So always paint without fear, paint from your heart and be open to change.

IMPORTANT UP CLOSE

Texture: Brush work, paint application

Confidence: Avoid the fear factor, your personality will show

Interest: Color, even in the shadows

Understanding how a collector views your work, helps you make choices which will greatly increase your success. The result: the buyer is in love and a sale is made. What a great moment! The buyer feels as if they have found a treasure; something unique, a part of the artist that they now own.

Every time I sell a painting it is an incredible rush. I feel validated, my art accepted and admired. It is a fantastic experience for both the artist and the collector.

Digital cameras allow everyone to try their skills at taking great photos. I realize that the principles used in painting translate into great tips for photographers. This growing resource list will help all those photographers out there too.

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Sunset on the Seashore

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