A guide for artists! "Sell without selling: the secret to making your paintings loved"

   Many artists have difficulties when it comes to presenting their paintings at live exhibitions and communicating with buyers. How to arouse interest among potential buyers and make a sale? Most artists, both beginners and experienced, often get lost when presenting a painting and do not know what to say, because it seems that the painting should speak for itself. And wouldn’t it be immodest to praise your painting yourself? Wouldn’t it be better when an expert or art critic does it?
  Having sufficient experience in presenting my paintings and communicating with clients at exhibitions, I am ready to tell you that there is nothing more inspiring for a buyer than the story of the artist himself! And now I am ready to share my secrets and observations with you.
  Presenting a painting at an exhibition requires not only the correct demonstration of the work, but also the ability to talk about it in such a way as to arouse interest and desire to buy the painting!

Here are some recommendations:

1. Friendliness and sincerity.
   These are the two foundations on which any communication should be built. The first seconds of communication set the tone for the entire subsequent dialogue. A pleasant greeting and a slight smile will set the interlocutor in a friendly mood.
Be friendly and sincere in what you say! Remember that a potential buyer at the exhibition is a guest in your space. Make him feel comfortable.

2. Love and passion for your work.
Show the client your love and passion for your work. Talk about the painting with inspiration and a sparkle in your eyes so that you can infect him with your passion.
With your sincere enthusiasm, you can arouse interest in your work. Only a truly inspired person can inspire another!

3. Emotions.
   Be confidently and openly.
People love emotions! Due to their profession, artists spend a lot of time in solitude, alone with themselves and their canvases. However, despite this, the exhibition becomes your stage, where you must beautifully present all your hard work. When communicating with guests, remember that you are not only a painter, but also an artist in the full sense of the word! Be artistic, talk about the emotions that you felt while creating this or that plot, infect the viewer with them!

4. The history of the paintings and their idea.
   Tell the viewer the history of the creation of the painting, its meaning and idea, what inspired you.
For example, if the work has a philosophical meaning or social subtext, tell about it. The deeper the meaning, the more likely it is that someone will find something close to them in it. Point out any elements or symbols in the painting that emphasize or reflect the idea of ​​the painting. Constantly interact with the canvas and draw the client's attention to it.

5. Emotional connection between the painting and the viewer.
   Try to create an emotional connection between the client and the painting. Try to find out a little about the visitors and connect the painting with their personal experience. For example, if the painting depicts a sunset at sea, find out if the person likes sea voyages and tell them how this work can remind them of their favorite places and romantic moments.
Let the viewer have pleasant images in their imagination as you tell the story.
Make the painting come to life before the viewer’s eyes, becoming a bridge between the souls - the one that created it and the one that perceives it.
Be prepared to answer any questions from visitors. If someone has doubts or additional questions, answer them openly and, most importantly, honestly.

6. Technique and style.
  Tell about the style and technique of execution. If you used unique or rare techniques, this can emphasize the exclusivity of the work.
Mention the materials. For example, the use of expensive or environmentally friendly materials can attract attention.

7. Value and uniqueness.
    In the process of communication, try to find out and feel what will be most valuable for the buyer in purchasing a painting. These may be personal memories that are associated with the place depicted in the painting. It may also be the most suitable painting in terms of color for his new home. Perhaps the buyer wants the work of art to become a good investment for him.
Convince the viewer that this is a one-of-a-kind copy. Emphasize that this is an original work that has no analogues.

8. Justifying the price.
If you manage to present the painting correctly in accordance with the above points, then believe me, you will not have to justify the price of the painting!
Tell about your mission, your creative path, awards and recognition in the creative community.
However, in no case justify the price of the painting as the time spent on the work or expensive types of materials. Remember, you are not talking about materials, but about ART, with the help of which it was created. Art is a soul, it is an idea, it is a great mission, which is priceless!

9. Completing the sale.
   At this stage, more pragmatic issues need to be discussed. Now it is important for the buyer to imagine how the painting will look in his home. Pay attention to the frame, how well it will fit into the interior. Discuss which place in his home will be most suitable in terms of lighting.
If the painting needs to be ship by post, discuss the details of shipping and the safety of the packaging you provide. Show visual materials and photos that show your successful experience of shippping paintings by post. Reassure the client so that he feels the safety and reliability of your transaction.
Leave your contact information so that if necessary, you can be in touch and answer the necessary questions. This shows your care for the client and his purchase.

So, finally, the most important advice:
   Don't try to sell the painting! Make your communication a real treat for the customer! Just enjoy the moment, inspire the viewer and you will see how miracles happen!

I wish everyone good luck in everything! And let's make this world a more beautiful place together!

Best wishes, Ksenia!