Choosing to sell art online

Before I begin. I love bricks and mortar galleries, I think they play an incredibly vital role in the arts industry, because of course there is nothing better than to walk into a building to see the textures and richness of colour in an artwork up close. Not only do galleries allow this but they also do the exhausting job of working through mountains of artists. They promote and select the work that best suits the demographic in which they are set.

My challenges and the reason it suits me best to sell my work online.

As a regional artist, at this stage of my life my hours are limited by family commitments (school hours) so with these limitations in mind, I can use my time most effectively communicating online and doing house chores at the same time.

I rarely apply to retail galleries beyond Western Australia, as not only do I have to consider whether my work is suited to the space (time does not allow me to visit galleries near and far) but I also have to take into consideration the dreaded shipping costs. I’m also not a point in my life where the overheads and time required to run my own gallery space are practical.

Over the last few years, I have been so fortunate to have the opportunity to hold solo exhibitions at art galleries within an hour of my home. To exhibit my work in a public space has been an incredible experience. The nature of showing an extensive collection in this environment allows me to meet collectors, its incredible to have one on one feedback and to share my own experience with others. The ability to see your own work hanging collectively. Its something that until you give it a go its hard to articulate the feeling. Accomplishment is certainly something that overcomes me when I step back to see months or years of hard work displayed in one space.

Nonetheless I have become distracted, however while I choose to work predominantly online I feel it is so very important to acknowledge the significance of traditional galleries.

With my limitations in mind I made the decision, scary at that, to create a comprehensive online art store. I had no experience with websites prior to 2021. None! And a fear of technology. This fear still exists everyday.

I have spent 3 years now learning the ins and outs of websites and I know without a doubt there is a lot more to learn. I make my best efforts to show photos that best represent my artwork, the rich colours and smooth textures. At times I know I am failing in this field, because so often I hear “it looks so much better in real life”. If ever you have any questions about the art pictured on my website, send me a message or an email I’m happy to make a little video of the work or answer any of your questions.

If you hate the artwork when it arrives (fortunately this has not been a concern at this stage) then we work that out accordingly, because I am not just the creator of this artwork, but your go to sales assistant and business owner. Truth be told I have the first hand knowledge about each and every one of these artworks. Until, I am old and losing my mind I will be able to share the stories of each piece, when and how it was created, the space and time that I created it in.

If you would like to see my work up close and personal my next solo exhibition in just around the corner, “Be Treatwise. Enjoy A Balanced Diet” is opening on 3rd May 2025 at The Collie Art Gallery. So please do come along to see the textures of my work and have a chat in real life.

Working from home, as we all know means my time is more flexible. My children eat breakfast while I pack your paintings to take to the post office after I drop them off to school. I have Disney on while I walk out to my studio to paint. I can pop to the computer during lunch time. I get a high five and a cheer from the kids when an artwork finds a new home. So its nice.

It is hard work. I will not leave that out. This has been no easy feat and it certainly comes with its own challenges. And like most artists I wish I was doing it all better. But for now, I will continue to do my best to bring you the best.

Overall the experience of choosing to sell online has been a great decision for my current circumstances and someday maybe I can own my own gallery or work with other bricks and mortar galleries, but for now this suits me best.