How to Sell a Painting When the World is on Fire
This meme has been floating around the internet for years because it never stops being relevant. In a time of massive layoffs, tariff chaos, and societal upheaval, it can seem ridiculous, even impossible, to ask people to buy art. But I’m here to tell you that you can do it. I’ll also give you a few practical tips to help you navigate the bumpy terrain of 2025.
Let’s start with me! Every piece of art in this post is for sale on my website, at a very reasonable price, with free US shipping. Each one is a unique, science-inspired original painting in either watercolor or ink, that I painted with my own hands. If you buy my art, you’ll have something in your home or office that no one else in the world has, to contemplate and enjoy for many years. You can click any image in this post for a link to purchase.
See? You can do this. You are creating something of value. There should be zero shame in asking people to buy it. But that’s easier said than done, so if you’re feeling anxious about selling art at this interesting moment, I’ve rounded up some pointers from artists who have been through rocky times and lived to tell the tale.
1. Don’t lower your prices, but consider making some lower-priced work
This is not an original idea - it’s the standard advice that you will find in every article about selling art. I’m including it here because it’s (largely) true. Other people will tell you that you shouldn’t lower your prices because it will upset your collectors or depress your market. Personally, I don’t discount my paintings because my prices are already so low that lowering them even more makes me feel bad. But if you sense that price is a major stumbling-block for people who love your art, consider making some smaller or simpler artwork, or reproductions that you can sell at lower prices.
2. Keep getting your work in front of people, but don’t overspend
It’s tempting, in tough economic times, to decide in advance that people won’t buy, so what’s the point of exhibiting your work? I get it, but I think this is a mistake. You should always keep trying to get your work in front of new audiences. But! Do your best to avoid spending big money where you have uncertain prospects of making any. Maybe a show can have fewer paintings than you planned. Maybe you don’t have to frame everything. If you decide to try something totally new, like an outdoor festival or indie art fair, try to keep your upfront costs in check. For example, instead of buying everything new, borrow display equipment from the other artists you know until you’re sure you’ll be doing it again. You would be amazed at what’s hanging around in your friends’ studios and garages. Which brings me to another point:
3. Embrace Community
Making art is often a lonely pursuit. But please resist the temptation to hole up, painting or sculpting in solitude while telling yourself you’ll never sell anything. Embrace the power of the art community. Take advantage of online or IRL art organizations to find other artists in your area or medium and dive in. I mentioned that you can borrow or lend equipment, but you can also consider inviting other artists to share an open studio event or curate a show together. You can hold art supply swaps. And you should always cross-promote! One of the easiest and most effective things artists can do to boost their careers is to tell people about each other’s art.
4. Consider a residency
An artist residency can be a great opportunity to get the time, space, and facilities to create new work when things are slow on the sales or exhibition front. Some offer stipends, housing, studio space and exhibition opportunities, although the top residencies are highly competitive. If you can’t swing a “big” residency in a fabulous location, don’t overlook local residencies at colleges or art centers, which may offer longer-term studio space (think months rather than weeks) and valuable opportunities for networking. A friend of mine is doing this right now and loving it.
Finally, and this is the big one:
5. Don’t feel bad about trying to sell art
You might feel that, when things are rough for so many people, you shouldn’t be trying to sell them something they don’t “need.” I understand this feeling, but let’s be real, Sephora never stops trying to sell you another lipstick, and you don’t need that either.
Unless I am very wrong about my subscribers, rest assured that none of the tumult in the economy is in any way your fault. The only people who should feel bad are corrupt politicians and their billionaire pals, and you know they don’t, so neither should you.
And though you should be sensitive to the fact that some people are experiencing hardships, many others can still afford to eat out, take vacations, and buy art.
Feel good about the fact that, in a sea of interchangeable, manufactured stuff, you are providing something unique, handmade, long-lasting, and deeply personal.
So, anyone want to buy a painting from me?
If you’re in the DC area and want to shop in person, I have two upcoming events.
April 26, 9am-1pm, Arts at the Park at Cherry Hill Farmhouse in Falls Church, VA
May 3-4, 11am-6pm, Mosaic Spring Market at the Mosaic District in Fairfax, VA
For everyone else, there’s tons of new art in my online shop.
Absolutely loved this. Well written and needed post and it gave me a chance to see your very cool art. I’ll be sharing this with friends. 💕