Art baby? needs direction

Caoimh37

hey..I started painting again after many years, and enjoying it more than ever, but I'm wondering how do you get your paintings recognised? i.e do you need an arts agent etc? I have a few paintings that i feel could be put out there

I am completely oblivious to this world and would like to how I start about getting recognised as an artist? how to get into galleries and begin to make a name for myself? and actually become a credible(paid) artist one day?

Cheers.......

looksee

I don't know too much about exhibiting, but would you approach say your local library and ask if they will allow you to put up an exhibition, or look for an arts event and see if you can be included. If you really feel you are ready to run, go into a gallery and ask if they would like to see some of your pieces.

There are lots of tourist places that show a few pieces of work or put them into their shop.

Or you could talk nicely to someone with a closed-up shop and see if you could take over the window for a display until they manage to rent it. It would be to their advantage to have the window looking attractive rather than just empty.

ztoical

looksee wrote: »

go into a gallery and ask if they would like to see some of your pieces.

The majority of galleries have submission information on their website and don't take overly kindly to people arriving without contacting them first. Usually you would send them a copy of your artists cv, artists statement, and a few images of your work and/or link to your website. Take the time to research galleries and look for the ones that are selling work similar to yours. Galleries aren't like general shops that just sell "art" most have reps for selling a certain ascetic so if you just spam every gallery in your area without researching them first you won't get anywhere and also it's a very small scene and the gallery owners and directors talk to each other so annoy one and you may annoy them all.

Galleries aren't a good starting place if your only starting out. Your better starting with open group shows, check sites like the visual artists Ireland for information on upcoming shows with open submission or check arts festivals for open shows or several artists looking to exhibit together to save cost. Otherwise look to sell at smaller craft fairs or local cafes/businesses.

Dutchess

I would suggest joining one of the internet galleries and post your work there or even get your own website started up. Everyone uses the net and I think it's argely the way people get discovered nowadays. Then maybe post on forums and other websites related to your art form with links to your work. Maybe also have some business cards printed with a link to your website/profile and gallery on a website and network at exhibitions and such, giving out cards to interested people.

Good luck! I want to be an artist myself...

LickLickLick

Start a blog! That way you can promote yourself and come across anyway you like, and it is a good way to keep it touch with other artists and a good way to see whats going on around you! You can do anything you like on your own blog, sell, show people your process in doing your work,show inspirations etc.
www.blogspot.com
www.tumblr.com
These two are good places to start a blog!

Try find open spaces etc and get a few artists together and have an exhibition?
Not great advice but advice nonetheless

Caoimh37

Thanks to all