How should artists think about gallery relationships when they're primarily selling direct?

It’s possible to maintain gallery relationships while doing most of your business through direct sales and festivals—if the gallery understands and accepts that arrangement. Be transparent about where you make your living. Some galleries will appreciate having your work even if sales are occasional, especially if they value the quality and it fits their vision. However, understand that if you participate in major local art festivals, galleries in that area may not want to represent you because collectors will wait all year to buy directly from you at the show rather than through the gallery. One gallery owner noted that an artist who sells $200,000 at a local festival might only sell one piece through her gallery annually. Have honest conversations about these dynamics and find galleries that support your business model rather than conflict with it.

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Asked by a landscape painter discussing gallery representation · Answered by Terry Sauvé · art-marketing-podcast · 2025-12-10