ETSY - and Selling Art

At the end of March, I opened a new ETSY Store called JJJacobsArt, and this morning I made my very first sale in the new store!!  My painting "Roller Coaster" is now making its way to Australia where it will land in a new art collector's home.  I couldn't be happier.

"Roller Coaster" - SOLD

 

 

Over the past few years I have had several ETSY stores (selling fused glass, mixed media items, vintage, etc.) and decided to close them all to concentrate on a new store which specializes in selling my smaller paintings, works on papers, studies and maybe one day some prints of my larger works.   I really truly hope this turns out to be a viable outlet to sell my small originals, but time will tell. 

What I am absolutely amazed at is the number of fine artists and illustrators who are doing very, very well on ETSY.  Granted many of them started 5+ years ago when ETSY was a newbie site for the arts, but I'm hopeful it will work for me.

A long time ago one of my mentors told me in order to be a really great artist, one needed to paint 100 paintings.  Recently I heard a great artist needs to paint at least 1000 paintings before they are "seasoned" and collectible. 


What's the magic number?  How many paintings do I need to create before I'm considered "collectible?"  How long do I need to be painting/marketing before I'm known as an artist who is going to be around for awhile?  Let's face it -- I've been painting since I was a kid, and I don't think there are any hopes or plans that I'm going to stop soon......I know I've easily painted 750+ paintings and probably double that.   The reality is I CAN'T STOP.  Whether it's painting on canvas, cardboard, wood or paper, I need to spread paint around like it's butter on toast.  It's who I am and it's how I roll.

My biggest problem is I'm surrounded by my work, and I need to get it out of here so I have room to make more art (my house is only 842 s.f.).   While I'm happy to say my work is in hundreds of collector's homes and offices,  I'm always looking for more homes for my babies!

I've learned to let go of the emotions attached to my art.  I'd say 95% to 98% of my work is available for sale once I declare it's done.  And if someone falls in love with one of my pieces - I will find a way for that person to get that piece, as I truly believe my art belongs with a person who has that gut connection.  Sometimes it's the design; other times it's the title or the colors that makes someone tell me "I just have to have it!"  I will make it happen one way or another, and I am content knowing my art has found a loving home.


I'm glad I opened my ETSY store, and I look forward to selling more works to collectors from all over the world.  I wish there were a button to push that would publish the work for sale after I've finished painting it, but that hasn't been invented quite yet.  

Hmm.....I can easily see me becoming an inventor in my next life.......