lLead/Graphite Pencil Drawings Market

[MrsLinoge]

Can someone please tell me how I can find the pencil drawings market. I live in Florida and was told the markets are New York, Wisconsin and Washington State. Why just those states? Does humidity have something to do with it? But if the drawings are behind glass, what difference would humidity make? My pencil drawings are photo-realistic and I would like to make a living at drawing. Is this possible, or is everyong stuck on color? Also, how do you determine what to charge for a drawing or a painting? Also, does anyone know what the long term effects are on a drawing if you do or don't spray it with a fixative? Thank you for whatever information you can give me. Galleries here really can't help me because they only want to carry oils and/or acrylics, or anything in color. Thank you again. All info will be appreciated.

[BRIGHTON]

I really would suggest using a fixative, I find they often enhance the picture. I wish I could respond as to markets, but i have no info. People do seem to prefer color. Have you tried color pencil, you can mix them with lead and have some really beautiful work. You have to work with them a while to get the hang of them. Lots of books on how to use them. If you are dead set on pencil you will need to develop your own market, local landmarks, portraits, pets, local events, contact historical societies there may be a source that would appreciate the non
color work. prices hmmmm..... I personnaly always get that wrong. I always under qoute or under bid, arts and crafts books recommend
estimate your time between 10-15 dollars per hour + materials. As you get better known start raising your rate. I started doing pet portrait at $25 for an 8x10 color pencil, about a year ago, Im now up to $75.
My work is better and i am getting a reputation locally. I am asking $200 for acrylic. find artist who advertise doing what it is you think you want to specialize in and check their rates. Good luck, If you want it bad enough you can do it!!!!

[anitaarts]

Drawings huh..Unfortunately I think this medium is underated..I'm not sure about the drawing market..I'd contact Art Papers,the magazine and see if they can offer any info..They seem to be into diversity...I do know a few things about drawing on newsprint..I was told oh no not on newprint.but I did a pencil portrait of a little girl this way and continue to get kind regards about it because they like the way the paper yellowed..I don't remember putting fixitive on it..I did it 13 years ago..I have done oher pencil drawings and thye have held up well.. I agree if you want to persue drawing ,go to it!Many people are attracted to it because it's not color..I've been told by an art marketing expert"There's a market for everything"

[Drew Davis]

>I was told oh no not on newprint.but I did
>a pencil portrait of a little girl this way
>and continue to get kind regards about it
>because they like the way the paper >yellowed..

It may well be attractive. Unfortunately, people won't be able to enjoy it much longer. The problem with newsprint is just that it is very acid, and has a neglible rag content, so it eats itself up over time. Yellowing is just the start, as the paper gets brittle and falls apart. This may or may not matter to you -- some artists have been known to prefer their work to be ephermeral -- but to me, it's a shame to lose something that can please so many people.

If you like the look and want the work to last, it might be better to do a yellow wash on paper with better archival properties. Heroic conservation measures can save just about anything, but the general wisdom is to give the conservators a hand by creating with relatively stable materials.

[anitaarts]

Just a word of encouragement."Never be afraid to go beyond what is safe." These were spoken by an art teacher tonight who judged a national art contest. I thought you might be interested in knowing about a beautiful pencil drawing that made it into the exhibit.It was quality work done very expressively..You would have really appreciated it..


Drew,thanks for the advice.You're right I forgot about the getting brittle element..I should do something to save further deteriaton.

[anita Stewart]

Well
I unearthed , I mean opened up the fragile drawing on newsprint.Here's what we found..The cardboard backing behind the piece was the culprit for the yellowing.Wherever it touched the newsprint the yellowing was bad.There was little diference where it didn't touch the paper. I'm having it put under special glass to keep out harmful UVF rays adn have been advised not to use a hot press mount ever..So hope others will learn from this experience

[robinsn]

There is a spray that you can spray on acidic papers to take the acidity out of it. I had some drawings on paper that were yellowing over the years, and have sprayed them (not long ago, so I can't swear it works) to prevent deterioration. It's called, "Archival Mist." Apparently the library of congress uses it for preservation too.

-Randy

[bruin70]

you can draw with and on anything you want...cheap paper will turn and get brittle quickly. as for the market. i have ZERO idea about washington and wisconsin. i never thought of them as good markets for any art, though there may be pockets in well-to-do areas. there's probably a market in more "liberal" areas. like nyc or LA. the drawing market is thin and made so by the clients who buy. people want "substantial artwork". that's why oils are #1. they're "meatier".
having said all that,,,,the market is what you make it. if you touch a truth or soul with your drawings ,,,the market will be there.

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"he who thinks he know all and knows nothing is king in a kingdom of one,,,,,or a critic" - the kobe

[Talmadge Moose]

Concerning the market for pencil drawings. I think you must first build a reputation in your area. This is done nby exhibiting whre you can, and selling your works for as little as possible for a while. If you can do portrait drawings, people will generally buy these. Everyone wants a picture of their kid, or a loved one that has passed away. As you create a demand for your work you can charge more for your drawings. My drawing prices start at $250 for a small 8 x 10 portrait drawing from a furnished photo. These take less than two hours, so the pay is not bad. There are artists who charge 1200 to 1500 dollars for small pencil drawings. But you must work up to it...there is no market, as such...again you will have to create your market.