ART INSIGHTS: Hidden costs the viewer or consumer may not be aware of

"Why’s it so pricey? This artist sure thinks a lot of his work!"

Well … he may just make a few dollars an hour. Yes, we keep our day jobs! Great Renaissance masters had wealthy benefactors, such as the church or a ruling family. They had to produce under command and duress.

If you want to be shocked, go online and look up the list of most expensive paintings. Dutch painter Vincent Van Gogh (1853-1890) may have sold, for little money, only two works in his lifetime. Suffering poverty and mental illness, he killed himself at age 37. He is credited for doing 759 oils in less than 10 years. Early works were lost, or peddled for pennies. One turned up, covered with wallpaper, on the back of a shed door. His portrait of Dr. Gachet sold at auction in 1990 for $82.5 million. The current record is Leonardo da Vinci’s "Salvator Mundi," which sold (including commission) for $450.3 million.

A piece of artwork is worth what someone, or some investment group, will pay for it!

Here’s a school math problem for you (cringe). An artist sells an original painting for $500. The venue takes 50%, the custom frame costs $100, and supplies are low-balled at $30. How much does the artist really make? One hundred and 20 dollars, yes! But wait … he has 25 hours into this piece. How much does he make an hour? Yes, $4.80! Do you see? That is not considering many other costs, including travel and set-up time, studio space, furnishings and income tax.

Some artists can work quickly, and some, like me, labor over minute details for days. Consider planning and “scouting” time. I take photos through an RV window, begging my husband to slow down. Supplies … a 2-ounce tube of paint may cost over $5. Brushes are costly. Mats, glass and frames are exorbitant! It’s like buying that pair of eyeglasses and wondering why that small amount of glass and plastic costs you over $400, after insurance! Most artists don’t care for the bookkeeping, and promotional aspects of being an artist — an affront on our happy time.

Finding venues is difficult, and you feel lucky to sell anything. You want your work to be affordable, while not underselling yourself. It’s a conundrum. The price you command for a piece is somewhat determined by your previous sales. Galleries have their overhead, and most will take 50% of your selling price. Community and nonprofit organization shows may just take 20%.

We artists really appreciate it when one of our original works grabs you! That’s what it’s all about. When there is so much artwork available online, affordable photo printing and attractive reproductions everywhere, I will speak for all artists when I say, “Thank you!”

    Connie Casey's "In Full Regalia" won the vote as the viewers' favorite at the Coeur d'Alene Art Association's annual Artists' Showcase this spring.
  

    Barron