Contacted by a gallery - what next?

[Fluellen]

I have been contacted by a local gallery whose manager saw some of my art online, and invited to bring some pieces in for them to look at.

I've never done this before, and I don't know what's expected. Most of the artwork hasn't been framed or matted yet. They are mostly small works on wrapped canvas or watercolor. Should I do this before bringing it in? How many pieces would be appropriate to bring in?

This gallery also in addition to selling paintings, commissions prints of artwork and sells them in-shop (as posters, cards, etc) and I'm wondering if anyone has experience with this kind of thing when it comes to galleries doing it.

[tytto]

I would frame a few pieces at least to show. You can buy ready made frames with a 3" width that looks good without a mat.

Plan on framing a few of them, but have your images printed and in a portfolio. If you have an iPad or similar, you can also put your images in a folder to show them digitally.

I've gone in with 4 framed pieces, and my portfolio on my iPad. (They said it looked like I was very organized, hahaha). I plan on creating a hard copy portfolio, complete with prices, statement and bio. I'm basically following this template I found on the internet...I'll find the link and post it.

I'm sure there are more seasoned artists that could provide more info. Good luck!

[Greg Long]

If the Gallery has seen the work online, they probably want to see it in actual detail. I wouldn't worry about framing or matting at this stage, particularly as the gallery may wish to have them framed in a particular way if they decide to show them. I'd take about ten canvases and ten watercolours as a start, those that you think are your best.
If the gallery like your work, then discuss framing requirements and preferences with them before spending lots of money on framing, and only frame those that are going into the gallery. Cheap frames make the art look cheap, so if you are framing work don't skimp on the frames.
Good luck with the gallery.