Sell your
artwork online or display it in a local gallery.
If you enjoy painting as a hobby, or if you aspire to become an artist, you might consider selling your work. Creating paintings for yourself or family and friends is wonderful, but nothing can compare to the satisfaction an artist receives when someone likes their work enough to purchase it. If you hope to sell your artwork, begin by preparing several paintings. Then, contact local art galleries about displaying your work. If you want to avoid galleries, you can always sell your work online.
Instructions
1. Select a subject for your painting and draw out a sketch on a sheet of drawing paper. Many artists choose subjects like landscapes, animals or people. Sketch out your subject the way you would like it to appear in the painting.
2. Choose and prepare a canvas, board or piece of paper for your painting. If you plan to use acrylic or oil paints, purchase a prepared canvas or coat an untreated canvas with two layers of a canvas medium like gesso. If you are using watercolor, use a piece of watercolor paper and mount it on a flat board, using masking tape.
3. Transfer your sketch to the canvas or paper. Use very light pencil strokes to convey the basic shapes in your sketch. You do not need to use as much detail as in the original sketch.
4. Mix your paint color using a palette and palette knife. When using oil paints it is best to use a flat surface like glass for a palette. Acrylic paints may require a palette than can be sealed or covered because these paints dry much more quickly than oil paints. Watercolor paints can be rewetted after drying.
5. Apply the first layer of paint to your painting. Begin with the lightest colors, filling in large areas of light, shadow and color. When using oil paints, thin your paint with mineral spirits so that the first coat is almost translucent. Allow your paint to dry - for acrylic and watercolors this could take up to several hours but oil paints may require 24 hours to dry.
6. Add detail and depth of color to your painting. Begin filling in the darker colors to create depth and shadows in your painting. Continue to work from light to dark, applying several thin coats of paint one atop the other. When using acrylic or watercolor paints, you may want to let the paint dry between coats, but oil paints can be applied wet to wet or wet to dry.
7. Allow your finished painting to dry completely. This process could take several days for oil paints. Gently test the paint by touching your finger to the bottom corner of the canvas. If it comes away clean and the paint feels cool and hard, it is dry.
8. Determine the means by which you would prefer to sell your painting. Many artists display their work in galleries while others list theirs online. If you live in an urban area, you may be able to find a local gallery willing to display your work for a cut of the selling price. Coffee shops and restaurants may also be willing to display your work along with a selling price and your contact info.
9. Set a price for your painting. View local galleries and research your competition to see what artists with similar credentials and experience are charging. Be sure to include the cost of materials in your price.
10. Display your piece, along with the pricing and your contact information, in the gallery of your choice or list it online. Once your work has been made available, spread the word to family and friends or advertise on your personal website.
