Despite efforts to welcome the public, art lovers may still be intimidated by the gallery snobbery myth.
Saturated art markets can be confusing for consumers on where & how to buy.
A trust factor needs to be established for most consumers to feel comfortable making a purchase, even if they feel passionate about the work.
Online perusing can be difficult too. Computer monitors often distort colour, the size of work shown in a thumbnail image is difficult to convey. View Boreal Sunset and The Mountain below in their true scale with cropped images.

With more Artists than Art buyers, Artists, Consultants and Dealers are becoming creative in how they do business.

Some Art Consultants have closed their gallery doors to open small offices. After discussing a client’s needs/ budget, they bring Art to the client’s space.
Several galleries cater to a client’s needs in this manner.
Mary Weimer at the Assiniboia Gallery suggested to me years ago it is a fun part of the many services they offer at the Gallery.

The Shurniak Gallery offers relaxed atmosphere among world famous work. The venue hosts comfortable couches, cozy corners to enjoy the work, and a pretty little café.
William Shurniak, founder and avid art collector says in an interview
“I want the gallery to be a place where people will feel free to visit frequently; a place they will be able to linger, relax, and enjoy the paintings. Art is to be appreciated by people of all walks of life.”
You won’t find pressure to buy at his gallery, but you may discover businessmen or children settled on a couch with book or laptop. I did.

Artists struggling to find representation may entertain options to take their work portably into the community.
‘Traveling studios’ is a magazine focused on artists who take their studios on the road. Literally.
Pop UP galleries host one day events, from their van, trailer or in a rental space.
Offering to bring Art directly to collectors, may help ease any pretention.

Andy Nulman of the Huffington Post says in his article “ Real Artists Sell”
“For without being sold, art is merely the silent tree falling in the forest. Art is only fully completed when seen outside the solitary confines of an artist’s studio.”

Here are a few tips when visiting a Gallery or Artist studio:

1) Art knowledge isn’t a requirement to visit a gallery, museum or Art studio.

2) Ask the stupid question. It is the host’s job to educate you on the work and Artists they represent. Most are passionate about what they do, and happy to share what they know. There is no stupid question.

3) Make up your own story. Don’t engage in dialogue about the work if you don’t want to. I have generic titles for this reason, and refrain from storytelling about the pieces. Once they are painted, they become your stories.

4) Ask the gallery about their services, some offer rent to own, flexible payment plans, consulting, or transporting work to your home/ office to try.

5) Don’t feel pressured to buy. I can guarantee you, no passionate artist desires a customer to walk away regretting a purchase. We pour too much heart into the work, it should be loved and savoured.

The purpose of art is not a rarified, intellectual distillate – it is life, intensified, brilliant life.~ Alain Arias-Mission
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NEW in the Studio this week~
8×10 Original Oil ~ Fireweed