Earthbound Artist

Articles tagged as Buying Art (view all)

How I Sold This Painting to a Middle East Buyer

31 October, 2018 6 comments Leave a comment

Holding On by Karen Richardson

It all started with a Facebook post I made last week, about a painting that was accepted into a local juried art show.

'Holding On' (pictured above), a large watercolour in my Lake Superior Series, was one of 65 paintings selected from 181 entries in PineRidge Arts Council's Annual Juried Show. The accepted works are on display at the McLean Community Centre in Ajax from October 23 until November 24, 2018.

I posted this announcement on Facebook one evening last week, along with the photo. The next morning, I was delighted to receive this message: "Dear Karen, hope you are well! I love the painting Holding On and would like to buy it. 🙂 please do let me know if it is for sale, I could transfer the funds to you through the Internet. I am now working for UNICEF in Kabul Afghanistan! Hopefully I will be home for Christmas. All the best." The sender was a long-time friend and former co-worker from my years at Hubbell Canada.

I thanked her and sent her the price of $2000 and my email address, and a few hours later received the funds via bank transfer. I advised the arts council of the sale and sent them their commission cheque. 'Holding On' will remain on display in Ajax for the duration of the show and then I will store it until the buyer can pick it up.

After the sale, she commented: "As soon as I saw you post the painting it just spoke to me and I had to have it! It is serene, calming, beautiful, and for me represents success despite all the odds! :) I look forward to enjoying it for year's to come! It will definitely have a forever home! 💖"

To see the creation story of 'Holding On', including a time-lapse video, click here.

This sale marks the 20th country from which collectors have acquired my paintings, and is the first sale of my work to the Middle East.

Caught in the Rain by Karen Richardson

This year, several other paintings have found homes outside of Canada. 'Caught in the Rain' (shown above), went to a buyer from Boca Raton, Florida.

'Clarity' and 'Listen to the Lake' (shown below) were acquired by collectors from Boston, Massachusetts.

Clarity by Karen Richardson    Listen to the Lake by Karen Richardson

The acquisition of my paintings by like-minded people all over the world, through galleries, art shows, open studios, and social media, provides profound encouragement, and tangible support, for a sustainable, art-centred life. I send a heartfelt 'Thank You' to the many fine folk who have welcomed over 600 of my paintings into their homes and hearts over the past three decades.

Your comments are welcome. Please use the 'Leave a Comment' button at the top of this post.

Subscribe to Karen's Newsletter for exclusive early access to new work, studio news updates, travel tales, painting tips, and notices of upcoming exhibitions.

A Lifetime of Enjoyment

20 July, 2016 4 comments Leave a comment

I spend a lot of time reading articles about the creation of art as well as the marketing side of the art business. I adore working creatively, but I also want to share my art with the world, rather than just keep it as a solitary pursuit. I recognize the fact that I need to find good homes for my art.

Wild Wonders - Lynx (Private Collection)

Recently, I came across a blog post by McKenna Hallett, directed at artists who are reluctant to act as their own 'salesperson' at art festivals. I think almost all artists, natural introverts, have faced this hurdle. The article grabbed my attention with this statement:  "You are not selling art. You are giving collectors the exclusive rights to a lifetime of personal enjoyment." That puts things in a new perspective.

'Rivers in Time' and 'Featherstone' (Private Collection)
Later, the article went on to say "Your art nurtures the creative soul in all who view it and forever enriches the lives of those who own it", making the case that artists are doing the world a favour by helping collectors find and purchase art.

'Desert Compadres' (Private Collection)
These statements resonate with me, especially when I think back about all the appreciative comments I have heard over the years, from previous buyers of my paintings. This lead to the creation of my tagline "Making the World a Happier Place... One Painting at a Time."

'Give Me Shelter' (Private Collection)

I have started collecting photos taken by some of these wonderful patrons, showing my artwork hanging in their homes or offices, in places where the paintings can be enjoyed on a daily basis. I plan to create a web page of this 'In Situ' art, to let people see my art where it enriches lives.

'Lunenburg Light' (Private Collection

The photos in this article are all from clients who have expressed appreciation for the joy my art brings to them. I thank you all.

If you are a collector of my work, I would love to hear your comments about how my art has made your life better in some way. If you could send me a photo showing my art in your decor I would be most grateful. 

Subscribe to Karen's Newsletter for exclusive early access to new work, studio news updates, travel tales, painting tips, and notices of upcoming exhibitions.

Subscribe to our feed