I sold this watercolor last week for seventy five dollars including shipping, (sixty five clear). I mentioned the sale to a friend. She wanted to know how much--and then, why so little? I told her: it was sitting in a file drawer taking up time and space; the buyer saw it in my Picasa Albums and thought it would be perfect for some invitations; I thought why not?
Since then, I've been looking at my Picasa Albums. I had forgotten all about them and certainly never thought anyone else was leafing through. A hodpodge, they need cleaning out and straightening up. You never know who's looking--I could also use a business PayPal account. Waiting for his check to arrive snail-mail and clear seemed unnecessary time spent and isn't patron friendly.
Oh! And during his wait, the patron wanted an HD photo of the work. My camera doesn't have this feature. I ignored his request, but thought about watermarks and copywrites and signatures. I've been too sloppy. Out of the blue, this upright fellow came along and did me quite the favor.
I often wonder how artists arrive at a price... Many I have bought from, I have always thought they underestimated... Then again, I suppose its whatever the artist is comfortable w/?... as far as copyright- from reading from various artist blogs, I've read the frustration, angst, etc... whenever they've discovered their work has been stolen.. even the copyrighted ones have it stolen.. that's the problem w/the internet-- too many folks too lazy to come up w/their own creativity... or rather its sad.. "cheaters never prosper' as my grandma told me...
ReplyDeleteBetween you, me and the door post. Copywrites means nothing on the Internet--and actually, just because a piece is marked doesn't mean the artist has filed the copywrite forms with the office, I think it's just meant as a deterrent, a sign to think twice, a guilt trip if ignored. The hUndreds of little drawings/paintings done quickly more for practice than expression just sit around. How precious are they to the artist who got what they wanted from the exercise? Why not price them for another's enjoyment? (Bear in mind, that this is being said by someone who is sitting comfortably economically. If I wasn't, all my stuff might be regarded as "gold" and priced accordingly).
DeleteHeel intensive Linda Lieve groetjes Danielle
ReplyDeleteDANIELLE thank you.
DeleteBeautiful! And congratulations on the sale! Be carefull to delete from your Picasa Webalbum(s), because the images are linked to your blog. If you delete one they will not show on your blog anymore.
ReplyDeleteThanks, good to know. So, does that apply to all the albums or just the ones with the bog name? These albums have always confused me.
DeleteSounds like you have work to do! My personal feeling is that if you put stuff out there you cannot be too precious about it. If someone copied my stuff I might be flattered, (or not!) but how would I know? I am smallfry, and insignificant, but I can however see how David Kassan, or Jonathan Yeo, or Damian Hirst, for instance , might get in a tizzy. You put yourself in the public domain, wanting attention.....don't complain if you get it.
ReplyDeleteOops, congrats on sale, it would make a brilliant invite card, it is pretty.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations is for people who actually do something tobe congratulated for. I was just sitting here coughing. :-)). I'm not doing anything. I just know what ought to be done to market ones work. These days, I deserve congratulations for finding us something to eat for lunch and dinner. We're pretty sick of Chinese food. I do think PayPalis something to do just in case.mit makes the transaction easier on everybody.
DeleteDon't agree......you painted the thing in the first place................otherwise there would be nothing to take his interest, or get his money out for!
DeleteOh wow, what a great boost !
ReplyDeleteIt was surprising. It never occurred to me that people actually look through our work. If he saw the drawing at my house,mi probably would give it to him with my best wishes. The work always comes first. Marketing makes the work a job. It is nice to be appreciated though
DeleteCongrats on the sale.
ReplyDeleteBTW, there is no need to file anything in a special office with copyright.
Also, selling someone a piece of art does not automatically give that buyer the right to reproduce the artwork. That is a separate right, which the artist can sell separately or retain herself.
Ops. Who knew? I did say he could use it for his invites. I do think I own the right to reproduce it should I care to.
DeleteIt was a long time since I read the copywrite laws, but when I did, I seem to recall having seven years to register a piece with the office. Of course laws change. All of this rigmarole doesn't concern me. As Sharon said, how would I find out? Besides, who has the time to tangle with lawyers and the means to take on a court battle?
I'm glad your lively watercolor found collector.
ReplyDeleteIt's always nice that someone appreciates what an artist creates and he wants to buy.
I sold three flowers online in a similar way.
My "customer" was a fan of Iris, he found my Irises in Google image search.The peculiar thing is that he wanted high-resolution files for use Iris, as the logo of its activities and two iris to make decorative panels, with the right to reproduction , but he did not want the original watercolors that I still own.
We have to trust in Picasa and Google search !!!
I sold the original. I didn't even think about reproduction rights. This all strikes me as paranoia. I took his check and cashed it. It paid a portion of a bracelet I bought on vacation. I'm happy. He's happy. End of story. As Sharon said, the drawing isn't that precious to get in a tither over. I own reproduction rights.
Delete