Owning Artwork doesn't have to break the bank

At this time of year, money can be tight! But buying artwork that you love doesn't have to break the bank.

Instead of selling purely original artwork for a steep amount, many artists are also taking into consideration the other 99%. Websites such as Society6 offer you artwork at a fraction of the price of the original. So if you're not concerned with an investment piece, and would gladly settle for a print—this is the direction for you! And just because it's a print doesn't mean it needs to look like it. A lot of fine art publishers are now offering art printed on canvas. So what is the incentive for an artist to sell prints? Although 100% of the proceeds don't go directly to the artist, it is a way to make art accessible to the masses... and I think worth the pay cut.

Selling out? or becoming successful?

close up of Hosta leaves in oil;
a work in progress...

Today I spent the day working on an oil painting series which I am hoping to take to a fine art publisher. When painting for this sort of market, it's important that the content appeals to the masses. The more prints sold = the more royalties you'll make. Of course this sort of income is limited since it'll take about 3,000 prints to make you $300. That's why it's also a good idea to think about a theme that is broad enough that you can continue to pump out fine art to add to the collection.
I must warn you though, there are people out there that will tell you that artists who paint for this purpose "sell out". I know because I've seen this sort of attitude in my prior studies when I was in a liberal arts program. However, I'm here to argue that without making money – you're not really in the industry are you? Money is what fuels our jobs (ANY job really). It's a reality. When art isn't a hobby, it's important to remember this. So be courageous and ignore the nay-sayers.