As far as I’m concerned, the more art I sell the better.  It puts some money in my pocket, and it gets my work out there for more eyes to see.  While I’m happy to part with my art, coming up with a price has always been problematic.  Lacking a solid system, I’m often gripped with panic when somebody asks “how much?”.

I sputter for a little while, “Gosh, well, lemme think.  Umm…”  I think about the last painting I sold and how much I sold it for.  I think about how much cash this person has to spare.  I think about how much I like the piece they’re after, how likely they are to buy another piece, and even how happy I am with the idea of this painting being owned by this person.  Not to mention consideration of size, medium, and support.

In my panic I often arrive at a figure that’s much too low, and for the next few hours I think how I should have gotten more, and how much I’m going to miss that darn painting, and how I’ll probably never make a painting that good again.

As of today, thankfully, my pricing problems are a thing of the past.  I proudly present the Gabe Roberts Art Pricing System:

Category One: Paintings on Canvas

Tier 1: $0.30 per square inch
Tier 2: $0.45 per square inch
Tier 3: $0.60 per square inch

Category Two: Works on Paper

Tier 1: $0.20 per square inch
Tier 2: $0.30 per square inch
Tier 3: $0.40 per square inch

All commissioned pieces: Tier 3

The two categories reflect a general rule in the art world: works on paper (e.g. charcoal drawings, watercolors) are generally less valuable.

The three-tiered pricing system allows for some subjectivity in an otherwise objective price-per-square-inch system.  Some pieces of art I’m very happy to part with.  These get the low Tier 1 price.  Other pieces I’m so freaking in love with that I really hate to see them go and I miss them dearly for months.  These get the Tier 3 price.  Commissioned pieces, which are invariably more time-consuming, also fall in Tier 3.  Everything else gets the Tier 2 price.  If your taste differs from mine, you may get a great deal.

I’ve also developed a framing fee and some discounts:

Hardwood Framing & Glazing: $75 Flat Fee
Friends & Paupers Discount: 30% off
Unframed/Unstretched Discount: 30% off
Gallery Discount: 25% off (before commission mark-up, usually 50%)
First-time Buyer Discount: 25% off

I’m very happy to have this system in place, and can now confidently and quickly price my art to sell.  I’ll soon be adding a “Shop” to my website, devoted exclusively to artwork for sale.  If you’re interested in commissioning a piece of art, please send me an email at gaberobertsart@gmail.com.

I want to extend a special thanks to all of you who have purchased art in the past.  I realize that the price you paid may not match the system above, and I apologize for any discrepancies.  Thanks for bearing with me and supporting my work.