Steven Schroeder
1. why I don't list prices on Artwork Archive...
For the past ten years, I've been talking about doing a gallery show in which I lean all the paintings I have available against the walls (and maybe hang a few), put a big pickle jar by the door (this part is inspired by the old Blessed Mary Cafe in Groom, Texas, where meals were free but there was a pickle jar for donations by the door), and invite everyone who shows up to take one painting and leave a donation in the jar. Life seems to have gotten in the way of actually making this happen, and I don't have a physical space in which to make it happen now or in the foreseeable future. So I've decided to "do with what I have," which in this case is a lot of virtual space where I can scatter images and set up a virtual pickle jar.
In lieu of paintings leaning against walls, here's a link to a portfolio of my work at Artwork Archive. (It's also embedded on my homepage, which you can reach by using the "home" button below.) If you see something you like, use the "inquire" button next to the painting. Let me know where you are located, and I'll calculate shipping costs and reply with one or more options. If you're willing to pay the shipping, I'll send you an invoice and get the painting on its way to you. In lieu of a pickle jar, I've included a donation option below.
2. how I determine prices when I do list them...
To give you an idea of how I typically determine the price of a painting. Here are examples for two sizes I often use:
For an unframed 14x20 inch painting (watercolor and/or acrylic) on 140 lb cold pressed paper, materials (including paint, paper, packing, and shipping) cost about $45.00. Time and labor are hard to quantify; but when I price a painting for a gallery show, I figure about $200.00. Galleries typically take a commision of 30-50% (and there is usually an entry fee for a juried show plus the cost of return shipping for paintings that don't sell). That brings the total to about $400.00. Paintings for a gallery show need to be framed, wired, and ready to hang. For a simple metal frame with a white mat (2" wide on all sides) and plexiglass glazing, the cost is about $100.00. That brings the total price to $500.00 (keeping in mind that shipping costs increase with the weight and size of the frame).
For an unframed 24x36 inch painting (acrylic or oil) on stretched canvas, materials (including paint, canvas, packing, and shipping) cost about $150. The time involved in this type of painting is usually longer (particularly for an oil painting). When I price a painting of this size for a gallery show, I figure about $600.00. With the commision, entry fee, and return shipping, the total would be about $1100.00. A simple metal frame for a painting this size would cost about $50.00 (with no glazing or backing board). The total price would be about $1200.00.
3. the point is to share art, not to monetize it...
If you have questions, send an email or a text message (or use the "inquire" button next to any of the paintings in my portfolio) and I'll get back to you asap. If you know anyone you think might be interested in this offer, please pass it on. My hope is to get this work into the hands (and on to the walls) of people who will enjoy it. The more the merrier. (And if you have a gallery and would like to help me make that in-person show I've been talking about a reality, please let me know!)
Peace,
Steve
