| January 26th, 2001
Dear Artist, Let's review what we've found out so far about the current state of selling art on the net. On December 26 we asked about on-line galleries (If you haven't seen the responses to that question you can go to http://www.painterskeys.com/clickbacks/online.htm and toward the ends of the clickbacks that follow.) The responses were mostly negative--even more pessimistic than when we conducted a poll the previous March 28. It was reported that art over $2000.00 is not generally selling from on-line galleries. A figure frequently mentioned was $500.00. Some prints, posters and Giclees are. Movie-star and novelty art is. Original, quality art isn't. On-line auctions show promise. At this time, on-line galleries are trying to "hold hands with brick-and-mortar galleries in an attempt to gain credibility and/or cash flow." In some cases they have schemes afoot to "sell dreams and charge fees to poor starving artists" in order to cover expenses. Others are "throwing the kitchen sink at the wall and seeing if it stays up there." Certainly consolidation and rationalizations are taking place. And yet some of us have made the net our own and a vital part of our commercial success. Not only for marketing and exposure, but for direct sales. Many of our brick-and-mortar galleries have seen the potential and are starting to use it effectively. Electronic packeting is a new secret weapon. If you care to write and share your systems and findings, please do. I'm at rgenn@saraphina.com This time we only want to hear about the successes we're having, and tips on how we're doing it. This information will be posted in the clickback next Tuesday. "Tips mucho bueno, senor." (The last thing said to me in Mexico) Best regards, PS: "My God! How terrible these money questions are for an artist!" (Paul Gauguin) Esoterica: "'rejection by mouse" is seen by the enormous divergence between hits and closings. "No one ever lost a buck by underestimating the taste of the American public," doesn't seem to be at work here. On-line galleries are currently losing money hand over fist." (Benjamin Lum--from "Mentoring" clickback, January 5) In the last letter, while still on sleepy lagoon, I asked that you write and tell about the spaces you work in. I was longing for my studio and my pockets were full of sand. If you would like to see some variations in studio routine, artistic personality, expectations, and work spaces, please go to http://www.painterskeys.com/clickbacks/beherenow.htm This letter and previous ones appear in French at www.painterskeys.com/fr |
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Robert Genn is one of Canada's most accomplished painters, having gained international recognition for his genre subjects on Canada's West Coast. He has painted in most parts of Canada, and in the United States, Central America, Europe and Asia. Born in Victoria, British Columbia in 1936, he attended Victoria College, The University of British Columbia and The Art Centre School in Los Angeles, California. |
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Bob carries on the tradition of the Canadian Landscape with fresh, painterly techniques and strong design, often and especially exhibiting his devotion to painting by reducing grand themes to small panels - painted in the wilderness he loves.
Visit his official site for more information on his art and books. Robert is a contributing editor to WetCanvas! and can be reached via email at rgenn@wetcanvas.com. Robert Genn's free twice-weekly letters can also be sent to you via email every Tuesday and Friday mornings by notifying him via e-mail at rgenn@wetcanvas.com. |
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