Total Art Soul - for artists

Good for you, Helen.

Unfortunately their overheads mean that they can only see it as a 'business'. They cannot afford to get sentimental over it. They have their clients and they need to cater to them. It makes it hard for us but sometimes if you happen to be lucky enough to find a gallery that your work fits into, then it can be a very good relationship.

Saying that, I've had several bad experiences with galleries myself and it has really put me off.

Hi Cathy, I agree with what you say but isn't it about time the galleries were more proactive and maybe they could try to encourage new possible clients to come into the gallery. Send out invites to local people, provide a bus service, offer wine and cheese or what ever and help educate the public - maybe then they will be glad to have a variety of artworks at affordable prices so that Joe Bloggs can buy an original piece and feel good about himself.

Thanks! Lacey is a little goofball

I wholeheartedly agree - galleries SHOULD display and promote a variety of styles. I personally think that they'd have higher SALES if that was the case because patrons aren't limited in the viewing and selection.

It really does come down to gallery owners' taste though, which is sad. A good gallery owner would have the ability to promote and sell any piece, regardless of whether it appeals to their own personal tastes.

One of the projects I am involved in is starting a local art coop which would promote ALL styles and types of art. I am really looking forward to getting this off the ground. Gallery owners be damned! The ARTISTS will be in charge!

Nice one Jen, you go for it and maybe you'll let me exhibit something one day. I don't believe the galleries deserve their commission half the time. What really galls me the most is the commission includes your canvas,paints,brushes,frame not to mention your artistic skill. They can't exist without us yet we let them rob us. At least Dick Turpin had the decency to wear a mask .
"Gallery owners be damned indeed.

Interesting topic, but your point is should an artist stick to a certain style? Cathy shows work that is a style of her own but maybe she does other work we have not seen that is very different.

When I started to paint again an artist friend said that she hoped I kept my style, and I had no idea what my style was!!! I am always trying out new ideas.

So if you are more established should you keep to a certain style?

I look forward to reading other peoples comments.