Art Fair Advice- Seller to Attendees
Things Artists Hear at Art Festivals (And What We’re Actually Thinking)
After years of selling artwork at art fairs and festivals, there are a few comments I hear over and over again. Some are flattering. Some are awkward. Some make artists quietly question their life choices while standing in a tent during a thunderstorm warning.
Here are a few of the classics.
“Your work is AI generated, right?”
No. It is not.
Click here to purchase original painting/fine art prints
This question has become dramatically more common over the last year or two, which honestly says more about the internet than it does about artists.
My paintings are real watercolor paintings created using actual pigment, water, paper, and years of practice. There is no “generate image” button involved. I also use techniques like watercolor pouring, mouth atomizing, and batik, which would probably confuse AI anyway.
The only digital part of my process is scanning finished paintings so I can make prints.
Unfortunately, we are now living in a time where:
- people are suspicious of actual artwork,
- fake AI “artists” flood social media,
- and everyone apparently has six fingers in profile photos now.
So yes, artists occasionally get mistaken for computers.
You can see numerous examples of real-life me creating paintings on my YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@RyanFox
“Why does this cost so much?”
Because art fairs are basically small business survival competitions disguised as pleasant outdoor events.
People see a finished painting hanging nicely on a wall and assume the price is based entirely on the amount of paint used. If that were true, watercolor paintings would cost approximately $4.37.
What people do not see:
- booth fees,
- framing,
- display walls,
- insurance,
- hotels,
- gas,
- replacement tent parts after wind tries to kill us,
- years of failed paintings,
- taxes,
- website costs,
- printing costs,
- and the emotional support coffee required to function at 6:00 AM during setup.
Artists are usually:
- creating the work,
- running the website,
- handling social media,
- transporting inventory,
- answering emails,
- processing payments,
- and pretending not to panic when weather radar turns red.
Also, watercolor is hard.
A painting that looks loose and effortless often takes years of experience to make look that way. Watercolor has a special ability to go from “masterpiece” to “absolute disaster” in approximately four seconds.
Click here to purchase original painting/fine art prints
“I wish I had more wall space…”
This is actually one of my favorite comments because it usually means:
“I really like your work, but I am trying to behave like a financially responsible adult.”
Completely understandable.
Most people do not have infinite wall space unless they live in a museum, abandoned shopping mall, or possibly a castle in Europe.
That said, artwork changes how a room feels. People spend huge amounts of money on furniture, televisions, and kitchen gadgets they replace every few years, but original artwork tends to stay with people much longer.
I cannot count the number of times collectors have told me:
- “I still love this painting years later,”
- “This reminds me of our trip,”
- or “This was the first original piece we ever bought.”
Nobody says that about a microwave. So if you don’t actually have wall space… Maybe don’t attend a two-day art fair?
“I love your work” or “Your work is beautiful”
Not everyone buys artwork, and honestly, that is okay. Art fairs are expensive and life is expensive. Most artists understand that.
This will be the most controversial- I know. I understand people want to be nice. I get it. But if you truly want to compliment the artist- buy the art. That truly tells the artist that their work is appreciated and is beautiful.
You do not get into these highly competitive shows with ugly, poorly executed art.
The best compliment- the one where you don’t have to say anything, is to walk away as a proud owner of an original painting (or even prints or more affordable cards). That makes all the hard work worth it.
Ok. Rant over.
If you would love to have a pleasant conversation about art, learn the stories behind the pictures, or possibly learn about my upcoming watercolor classes, please visit me at booth B-61 betweem Davie and Martin St. this weekend. 11-7pm on Saturday, and 10-6 on Sunday.
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Ryan Fox Painting
(919) 645-8345