Years ago, I wrote an article attempting to explain why art costs what it does, for anyone who may not know what goes on behind the pricing of the paintings you see in an art gallery or on an artist’s website.
I mostly wrote this because I am lazy. Whenever the question comes up, I can just direct people to my article rather than having to articulate the same answer again. My approach to art pricing continues to evolve over time, but the basic underlying factors remain the same. I’ve just posted my latest revision, adding a few new details.
Keep in mind: the numbers in this explanation are all hypothetical and are subject to individual variance in real life. Art, artists, and pricing methods come in infinite variations. This breakdown is given just to illustrate the general concept of a typical art pricing strategy.
Read my answer to this burning question: Why is art is expensive? If what I say makes sense to you, feel free to share the article with others.
In the studio this week, I am playing around with very thick paint! Here, the painting experience crosses into the realm of sculpture as three-dimensional forms rising off the canvas are created out of paint.
Close-up of work in progress by Cedar Lee
This is a sneak peek at a close-up of my current work in progress.
