Courtesy of www.artbusiness.com

Art Collecting: Are you an Art Target? Part II

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Ever wonder how "sales consultants" sell art at predatory commercial art galleries? What you are about to read is a firsthand account that was emailed toArtbusiness.com in response to the article Are You an Art Target? Predatory galleries typically operate in popular tourist destinations like Soho, Fisherman's Wharf, Honolulu, Laguna Beach, Carmel, and New Orleans. Characterized by aggressive sales consultants, lavish interiors, art by "modern masters" and "household names," and by staying open late, they can be found in most other major cities as well-- typically in "Old Towns," expensive shopping districts, upscale malls, restaurant and nightclub areas, at or near large hotels, and near scenic or tourist attractions. Some of these galleries use highly questionable tactics to sell art, tactics like those you're about to read. If you enjoy visiting these types of galleries, here's a little tale about what you may be getting yourself into...

I'm an artist, art collector, have represented artists for ten years, and once owned a gallery in Southern California for two years. The first time I visited Carmel, California (the Monterey Bay Area) was to find gallery representation for two artists, which I did. While there, I also sold three more paintings by three other artists to three different people. I had such a great time that I kept coming back. After a number of visits, I decided I liked the area so much that I made it my home.

One afternoon, I walked into a downtown Carmel gallery, looking for an artist friend, and found him talking about his art with a sales consultant. I joined in the conversation as I had a few minutes to spare. At one point, the sales consultant said, "See that $47,000.00 painting? How do you sell a $47,000 painting of cows?" I studied the painting for a few moments. I gave my opinion based on an artist's eye, an art collector's view, and a gallery owner's perspective. The consultant was so impressed that she arranged for me to talk with the gallery's director, thinking that maybe I could sell art there.