Sometimes, things just take time. This can be especially true when it comes to art whether it’s making it or selling it. Art sales take time, and, while we know that in theory, it can still feel disheartening when a piece you feel great about doesn’t sell straight away.
When you finish a piece you’re proud of — a piece that feels true to you — and put it out into the world, you naturally hope it will find its home quickly. Maybe it goes to a gallery, hangs in a coffee shop, or is shared across your social media. You wait. And sometimes, nothing happens.
It’s easy to start doubting at that point.
- Maybe it isn’t as good as I thought
- Maybe it’s not what people want
- Maybe there’s no audience for it
- Maybe I should change something
- Maybe I should withdraw it
But here’s the thing: art sales take time.
Art sales take time. Trust that your work will find its person.
Sometimes, the right person just hasn’t crossed its path yet. And then, out of the blue, they do!
I was recently reminded of this in the most lovely way. Two pieces from my Vertical Landscape series that I created over ten years ago — both of which I’ve always loved — finally found their persons.
Ten years!
Those pieces sat patiently, waiting for the right someone to connect with them. And when it finally happened, it was as if the painting had always been meant for them.
Art has a strange kind of timelessness. It doesn’t follow the rhythms of fast trends and instant results that the rest of our world currently seems obsessed with. It hums along at its own pace, patient, waiting for the right moment, the right heart. And that’s why it’s sooooo important to remember: art sales take time!
So if you’ve got pieces you believe in, keep putting them out there. Share them, hang them, send them into the world. Trust that they’ll find their people, even if it doesn’t happen right away.
Not every connection is instant. But when it comes, oh what a feeling!!
Have you experienced the magic of a painting finally finding its person? Have you felt the despondency that comes with a painting not selling? Please tell us about it below!
Waiting can feel hard, but it’s often part of the journey.
Until next time,
~ Gail
PS. A BIG thank you to Vivian at Peninsula Gallery for believing in me and my work!!
