Chris Callahan 18 May 2012

NOOO! Don't quit! Do it for yourself if nothing else. If you are just starting out, you aren't going to get big prices for everything. Draw and paint for yourself first, think of sales later. To me it is a shame when artists give up themselves.

marlene burns 18 May 2012

if you are going to quit, find a legitimate reason..and to be honest, as a career artist, i cannot think of a one. comparing yourself and your work to others is nonsense...don't buy into that one, hon! xo

Tim Lincoln 19 May 2012

The moment I start thinking about MONEY,the more my soul recedes.My real job is landscape design and contracting and then I paint in between.I knew a long time ago art would never be my primary income or I would be homeless.

I definitely like selling my pieces because it covers my expenses and I particularly enjoy selling to someone I know.That has special meaning.

I started abstract about two years ago and it's been an incredible journey.I like what I'm doing,I get good responses on it but I don't expect to be rolling in cash anytime soon.

I bet those people who sold their work for thousands of dollars didn';t do it right away.They have been practicing their craft for years.

My input....Hang in there!Something inside of you is telling you to paint.Don't ever compare your insides with someone's outsides.

Mary Adams 19 May 2012

Thank you all so much. I am grateful I won't give up my art it has been a part of me for to long. I guess I had the blues. I started another one so now I am over it. I will take your advice and forget about selling. I haven't sold before I have given some as presents to special people to enjoy. I really like the looks on their faces when they received them.

Thanks again for the advice.

marlene burns 20 May 2012

tim, no, we didn't ;)

Kimberly Garvey 24 May 2012

I've felt that way before many times and did quit many times. Somehow I'd come back.

I've been on a roll now for over a year of constant painting. The reason was that I finally got over the feeling of - if it doesn't sell why am I doing it? It's hard to overcome and it's HARD to sell your own art.

I know what you are struggling with. Keep painting, charge what YOU think it's worth and keep promoting yourself in any way you can find. Don't worry if it doesn't sell. Keep it up.

Doing art is good for you.

Melissa Davies 24 May 2012

tim that was well put, I know I dream of being a professional artist, spend my days painting shipping paintings running a website going to gallerys but instead i am in aviation. I did my first good piece at 3 years old well good for a 3yr old and I have loved art my whole life. It makes me happy, I do pressure myself but when I get to high strung about being better or selling then I put the brush down for a month or so and let myself catch the bug again. As an artist you cant quit. Its in you, it doesnt stop.

Lajo Cymbalski 25 May 2012

It's like hotel California, you can check out but you can never leave.

Mary Adams 25 May 2012

I like that Lajo. I love that song to it fits me like a glove at times.

BizzyBzzz Lindholm 25 May 2012

Hello everyone, I am new here and do not know a lot about how to increase sales of tangible art. What I do know is that there is a market for digital artwork, especially illustrative. The internet has provided a way to do this. Your artwork tells a story when I look at it. Seems it may be a possibility that your style would work well in illustrations for books. There are so many people self publishing who are looking for artists to illustrate their books. Positive thinking is the first step, imagine and believe...

Yul Tolbert 26 May 2012

Yes, I've thought about quitting. Because out of a population of 7 billion, I should be able to find at least a few customers. I would find it easier to do art if I didn't have so many financial needs that have to be dealt with. But since that's not the case, I can't afford to do art for free.

Brenda Cumming 14 Jun 2012

I think you just have to believe in yourself...keep displaying your work and keep going.....I went through stages of thinking my work was no good.....but art is something that is in the eye of the beholder...everyone likes different things, so it is a case or matching up with the person who loves what you do..... After continual listing I have now sold over 200 paintings this year...on etsy, ebay and folksy (the UK etsy)..... Have faith......your work looks good to me... Brenda

Brenda Cumming 14 Jun 2012

sorry..forgot to say....a very talented and successful artist gave me one piece of advice... "Love what you do and others will love it too!"

Melissa Davies 14 Jun 2012

And that is the best advice, if you love it and believe it others will too

Terry Jelcick 21 Jun 2012

just, quit No discussion. Just Quit. Stop Cease what you atre doing. Do not spend (waste) one more minute on it. Quit. Quietly walk away. Throw a towel over it all, just so it doesn't get dusty, and quit. Not a problem. Go for it. You can do it. (Rob Schnieder - Waterboy)

Lucien van Oosten 24 Jun 2012

A famous painter once told me Milford Zorres was his name: “...love what you do. Be the best at what you can, perfect the technique, your understanding of the media, the subjects you love and let the others be the ones to call you an artist...” I have lived by that phrase every since I heard it, it is true, be the best you can be, learn and grow and the rest will follow. Have great day and cheers!!! Lucien

cindy kelly 24 Jul 2012

Mary, Your heart won,t let you quit because you are an artist. I think we all feel that way one time or another. If you think your prices are to low then raise them a bit keep painting and don,t give up. And your art work is beautiful.

Marty Yokawonis 25 Jul 2012

Check out a book in the library called "The Artist's Way." You have a crazy maker in your life confusing you - it might even be you - time to sort out the piles and decide what goes and what stays.................

Melissa Davies 25 Jul 2012

I have that book, I had a hard time with it due to religous stuff, I am not so god but it did help alot in clearing space in your busy head to make room for art. Hmmmm I should re read it Nikki Sixx from motley crue swears by the book

Mary Adams 26 Jul 2012

Thank you all for all of the advice. You are right I can't give it up art has been a major part of me for as long as I can remember. I was going through a very blue time. I am past it now. I am currently working on a new painting of Moths of all things. I have three different photos I took of three Moths and night flower I found it on the internet. I am trying to figure out how to get a glitter effect and make it pop.