How to choose a painting - financing

In this session I want to speak about finances and financing. You’ve seen a work of art that’s caught your eye and captured your heart – but the price is over your budget.

What now? Don’t give up! There are several ways around this problem:
1. Speak with the gallery owner
2. Express your interest
3. Tell them what your budget is
4. Express your desire to own this piece of work. It sometimes helps the gallery owner if you say what attracts you

The gallery owner may introduce you to the ‘OWN ART SCHEME’, which is supported by the Arts Council. This is a scheme whereby you agree on monthly interest-free payments and have up to 12 months to pay for your chosen piece of work, usually by direct debit. The artist is paid immediately.

In my studio, when such a situation comes up I suggest paying with a series of post-dated cheques that works with your budget. This facility is interest free and, depending on the cost of the painting, you have up to 18 months to complete your payments.

Alternatively a potential patron and I will look at the budget they have available, negotiate on the price and meet each other half way. This is a very popular method because it brings the cost of the painting closer to my patron’s budget.

I am happy when one of my paintings goes to a good home with a happy patron, when both of us have reached our objective: the patron is able to buy the painting and I (as both artist and gallery owner) provide my painting with a good home.

I also offer another option: a patron who has bought several of my paintings can exchange them for either a larger or more up-to-date painting, making up any difference in price.

I am willing to investigate all possibilities to make the painting available. It pleases me a great deal to have a patron walk out of my studio with their choice of painting. I was given this opportunity when I started my own collection and feel it honours the gallery owner who allowed me to buy works I could previously have only dreamed of owning. I pass his generosity on to you.

One last word of advice: ASK! The reply might surprise you.
Warm regards,
Marie