help! Painting pricing?

[TarasArtHouse]

I recently had two paintings accepted into a gallery exhibit at a local art center. It is going to be a big exhibit with art from all different people. I have never had paintings in an exhibit before, & am unsure of how to price my paintings. They are 16x20 inches, acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas. Any estimate or ballpark range of what that size should go for? I know each artist is different, & well known artist tend to charge a good bit more. I'm just curious about what a starting out artist should sell them for. I don't want to look ignorant when I take my pieces up there!

[Former_Member]

Congratulations! Why not go to a few galleries in your area & check out similar works? Also, no one knows that you're an emerging artist - price your work for what it's worth. Too many artists price their work too low. Perception is everything - a higher price leads people to think your work is special.

[sherischart]

Great advice Susie.
Congrats Tara on your exhibit. How very exciting.
Use the old formula as to your material cost, how much per hour pay for your labors (tough call isn't it?!) + exhibition/gallery fees/commission + just enough to make yourself grimace and question and make yourself feel a wee bit uncomfortable in asking the price.
Do I practice this? I did in my gallery shows and it works. Do I find it difficult yes. Easy to tell you how to price and sale other artwork - Easy! Hah! That's being an artist. (giggles) Definitely research the gallery's past exhibits and sales. Have some fun! I must visit your work again. Thanks for your post.
artfully,
sheri

[sherischart]

Adore your elephants! And post in your bio and/or shop about your gallery exhibit. Possibly in your listing as well.

[TarasArtHouse]

Thank you guys, that is very helpful. And your right Sheri, it does make me grimace. I have this underlying fear of people looking at my paintings and thinking, "She wants HOW much for these?.' I know those are just self conscious thoughts I need to get over but it's hard! I appreciate you two taking the time to share your advice!