by B. B. James

Created on: January 18, 2007   Last Updated: May 08, 2007

Some ideas from an art buyer's perspective.

I love going into restaurants and coffee shops that have artwork by locals on the wall that's for sale. I have purchased a couple of items for my office that I saw in restaurants. I like the casual atmosphere, the informal setting, and the idea that there's no snooty art dealer hovering in the background.

The personal touch is so important on something that's as personal as art. That's why I prefer artists who provide short biographical information and meaningful titles to their works. In today's world, that also means having a Website that includes quality reproductions of some of your work. Same thing about blogs. The artist on this comment list who said he has a blog is definitely the kind of person I'd feel I would want to know.

If you want to get really personal, host an art show at your home (or ask a friend if he/she has a better living room). I have been to several home shows by professional artists, and they have been low-key, friendly events at which I didn't feel any pressure to buy. They were basically open-house parties, but with an built-in topic of conversation - the art on the walls.

Finally, artists should support the artistic community in which they live and work. This means volunteering to set up or monitor community art displays; being a judge at children's art contests; and things like that. Not only are these an important part of supporting the arts, but the effort will put you in contact with arts and arts patrons who will be eager to find out about your work, and help you reach your audience.

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