Letting Go...gulp!

Decide which has more value ... the meaning or the money. Only you can answer that.

Hiya Brooks,

I have never grown that attached to my originals that I wouldn't sell them. As long as I know that I can still paint and do another painting just as good, I would sell it. The only painting that made me think I shouldn't have sold it was "Double Trouble."

BGH,

If the money is "good" then sell it, but I would get a test print from FAA or some other site first and make sure you're happy with it,before the original "leaves the building!"

IF the money is REALLY good, then you can get a dupe made from people that do that for a living,people sorta like you!

Rich

Hang the "identical looking" canvas print on your wall, Brooks. - ... Yes, "gulp", but ...

That's a tough call. I'm not a painter but I would probably have a hard time letting it go too if it meant that much. Once it's gone, all you have are scans and copies. Good luck with your decision.

I ran into this recently and I ended up keeping the original. I told the person that I may be willing to give it up at a later date but at this time because of sentimental reasons I did not want to sell it. I told her prints were available and she never purchased one so I assume she is waiting until I change my mind.

If all she wants is the original obviously she thinks it has real monetary value and she must really like it!! Kudo's :)

As far as what should you do...no one can tell you that one but yourself.

you can always replace it. if you have a live customer that wants it, you can always make another one. can't hold emotion on these thing, if your in it to make money, then sell it. if they didn't ask the price, ask a lot for it, they may say no, or yes.

---Mike Savad
MikeSavad.com

I've sold around a hundred originals and out of those I regret selling about six of them. The money was nice but like Jennifer said once it's gone that's it, and if it means so much to you that you have it where you love seeing it every day, you just may regret it. I have around ten originals that I will never sell, they mean more to me than money does. But of course only you can decide what means more. Good luck!

time to let it go and allow it to bring pleasure and joy to someone else. it will clear a space in your brain to create something new.

All good replies, everyone. Have considered hanging the print myself & selling the original, but I would always know it was the 'fake'. Lol. Of course, yes, I could use the money, but what price would make giving it up hurt less! Couldn't say just yet, so, Frank, you are right...yours IS the question I must answer. Harold, good to see you; I love your 'Double Trouble', btw. Hi Rich, yes, I do have hi-quality, hi-res files that have translated into beautiful prints. However, this client only wants an original...and that particular one. If I didn't need the money, I probably wouldn't even think of selling it. Gabriele, it just may come to that...gulp. Jennifer, thanks for your comments...and the 'good luck'.
Here's the painting in question:

Make a print for yourself, and figure the cost of the print in with the price of the original?
Oh well, too slow or didn't read enough.

BGH,

Outside the Box! At our local art show here in Winter Park, one of the most successful artists,selling stuff ALL the time, is this guy that starts with a beautiful photo, big, like yours and then uses Oil or Acrylics to add a dimension to places in the print, flower petals, trees, grasses,etc. and YOU CANNOT TELL THIS WAS A PHOTOGRAPH!!!

Food for thought! Sell that sucker!!!

Rich

After seeing it, I wouldn't want to sell it either. There is a part of your soul on that canvas. I'd keep it and sell HER the copy, for less money of course.

Mike, you are right x two, making a living with the art & asking a price that I can live with. The other part about re-creating it is not something I can do. My work is intuitive, as in 'going with the flow', so each piece is unique unto itself...and, yes, I do get more emotionally connected with some. But, I get your drift; makes sense, as always.
Julie, of course, yes, in the end it's up to me. Sometimes, though, and rarely, I ask for a little input from others who've experienced a similar dilemma, like Lillian. Thanks for your comments, btw. Lillian, it is one of the ones I said I would keep for EVER, but the problem is we could use the money...and she has offered it. Unfortunately, even though I've tried to steer her to others, she is set on 'Dancing for Joy'. Hmm. Carolyn, you are right, too, and that is usually my mind-set when selling my work. But, this is a little different. Maybe, I'll come around?

Buy a print of your painting on canvas, ... sell the original, ... and then paint over the print with paint exactly those colors, replicating it in paint on the very copy of itself.

This will put you at the start of the path to financial freedom, as a forger of master paintings.

See you on the beaches of the world. [That's what people aspiring to great wealth say to one another -- multi-level marketing gurus and followers.]

I see you haven't put the original up for sale on FAA, so it's really up to you. If you are going to regret it then, maybe its not worth it.
Gorgeous work, BTW!

If you only had a crystal ball. Although I am not a painter, I can tell you this: I never stop thinking about things I valued that I sold for money. The money will be gone in no time, and so will your original. Frank is right, only you can answer this, and you can only take your best guess as to how you'll feel in the long run. I'm sure that after reading all the responses, you will do what you feel most comfortable with, weighing all the options (i.e, will the money enable you to purchase something you've been wanting and couldn't otherwise afford, etc.). It's good that we have this forum to help us think things through. Good luck!

Yes, no regrets is the optimal outcome re a sale, Jessica. Absolutely need it to be a 'feel good' experience. I don't have the original for sale on FAA, you're right. The framed canvas reproduction is hanging in a gallery...and the client wanted to see the original, if I still had it, which is how this all started.
Robert, that's a thought...and a good one! Thanks for the 'gorgeous', btw.
Hi, John. Sweet of YOU to say so. Appreciate the comments.
Lol, Rich! You do make some good points about adding the extra touches, though.
Gregory, we must've been posting at the same time!
Patricia, wise words. I am probably more attached to the painting than the money it will bring. The money, the money, it goes so quickly. Is it worth it to me to pay off a few bills & have some extra to play with that will be gone in no time [live for today]...or better to enjoy an original work of art I created and pass it on to my heirs one day?

That is a beautiful painting! I would want the original also if I were her ;)

I consider all my artwork a part of ME. It wasn't until I had so many that they were propped against the walls of my two bedroom apartment and the walls already had others hanging on them and I needed to come up with money for a down-payment on a house that I made up my mind to let them go.

My "general" suggestion is if you have something that means so much to you that you can't make up your mind to sell it, then either don't make it available for sale, OR make it so expensive that if it ever sold, you would be thrilled!!!

That may not help you in this current situation but if there's any consolation, you can paint another one and most likely even better than the original.

I guess I'm not a very sentimental person, I never have a problem letting go. Not that I never miss a painting that's "left the building". The last painting I sold was hanging in my cubicle at work for months, I liked it a lot and I got used to it hanging there. I put it in a show though and someone saw it and wanted it. I won't say they wanted it more than I did because it wasn't really that much money, but my goal is to become a professional artist, I can't do that if I get so attached to my paintings I'm reluctant to let them go, I'm sure I'll paint another one I'll love just as much, and another after that one and so on.

Why not just paint a copy?
I do many a redux as needed

Make the money right so that you have enough greens to dry the tears ;) Then paint a new copy for yourself.

The first mistake of any artist - who wants to make money at it - they fall in love with their work - or an individual work. I would have already taken the money and I wouldn't hang a copy on the wall.

Brooks, spectacular painting!!! If the money isn't enough to be life changing then keep the painting. The painting is worth keeping. My wife says that no amount of shoes, purses or jewelry could get her to part with your beautiful painting.

No need to be sorry, TC. Appreciate the thought & reminder. Have a wonderful weekend.

have a beautiful canvas print done for yourself...sell the original to her hang it right back where it was , it is your thought of the image.

That's a beautiful piece, Brooks! I see why you're torn. I agree with the suggestion that you create another similar piece. You could do a series! If you're getting a fair price for it, I think you should sell it. Maybe she'll buy the next one in the series! And maybe she has friends who will see it and want to buy their own Brooks Garten Hauschild original. Next thing you know, you have a following!

Hi Julia! Thanks so much for your kind words. I've actually been painting & creating works of art for more years than I'd like to mention. Have been fortunate to have exhibited for most of that time, which means I've sold quite a few originals...and lots of prints, both art & photography. I did manage to hang on to several pieces that meant more to me than others, 'Dancing for Joy' being one.
I regretted selling a canvas from that same grouping of paintings some years ago...and swore I wouldn't do it again. Like Abbie mentioned earlier, I wish I could buy it at least one of those back, and would, if only I knew where the client was! Yes, I have 'similar' pieces, but, no, I could never repeat it as each is unique unto itself. I could however, at some point, I guess, be content with hanging the 'almost identical' reproduction in its place; it is the same size w/the same frame, which would work.

Good to see you Tom. It's definitely something to consider!

Received some recent emails asking, so wanted to let you all know the latest. My client has [finally] 'decided' that the almost-identical stretched & framed canvas print will suffice. Yay.

We made a verbal agreement stating that if I'm willing to sell the original within the next 5 years, she will have first dibs at her current offer, which is more than fair! A win-win situation...and I'm content to have more time to enjoy 'Dancing for Joy'!

Thanks SO much for your kind comments & support, everyone. It really helped.

Brooks, that is great! I'm very pleased for you !:-)

Appreciate that, Maggie. It was definitely 'a process', to say the least, and I'm glad we were able to make an agreement we both can [happily] live with. Good to hear from you.

Great solution, Brooks! Good for you both!

Brooks, that is one of my favorite paintings, I visit it periodically. It is gorgeous and inspiring; I can understand why you have difficulty parting with it. I'm so happy for you that your client decided to purchase the canvas print.

Thanks, Marlene & Jim! Good to see you two. Great outcome for the both of us, yes. Appreciate your feedback. Thanks a million for the kind words, Jim!

Our creations are like our children in many ways. We have a very hard time letting go regardless of the circumstances. The price we are asked to part with something that we hold so near and dear really has little bearing on our willingness to let go. You will know when you are ready to let go and for what price. Search your heart, only you know the depths this painting has touched you.

Whew! Brooks, I was getting stressed and indecisive for you, reading through this! Glad you have a happy outcome for the beautiful work!

Hi Cliff & Barbie! Thanks for checking in. Thoughtful words, Cliff...and Barbie, appreciate your empathy. I was very happy to find a workable solution. Hope you all have a good morning!

I'd let it go :-)

Everything in my life except my dog and my kids and maybe my wife has a price.

You want my dad's rifle that he got as a retirement gift when he got out of the Navy? Sure, it will cost you a million but there is a price on it somewhere in my head....

I dont let anything go. Except'n things made from digital files.

I do not let the digital files go.

Brooks nice win/win situation, congrats on your sale.

Dave

I'm glad you got to work it out in a way that works for both of you. I have a few pieces that I'm hanging onto for my private collection.

Next time someone asks if an original is available or not and you don't want to sell it, tell them it is already in a private collection and offer them a museum quality print. Up sell it by telling them how beautiful the prints are. If local, tell them that you'll sign it and deliver it personally.
This is especially good tactics for someone who you know wouldn't spend your original price.

The most important thing here though is that you've developed a relationship with a collector. She may buy something else from you. Contact her when you make new originals that she may like.

Thanks, Jani! Good advice. Happily, I am on top of these sorts of things, as a rule. This client was/is already a 'fan', as I've been painting for more years than I'd like to mention...and fortunate to have exhibited for most of that time! Actually, the 36 x 48 print she bought was the best quality of this particular painting [local printer] that I've ever seen. Even I could barely tell the dif! So, it turned out well for both of us. And, if I end up selling her the original, she can 'give' me my print back!

Hi David! Thanks so much for checking in & for the 'congrats'. Really appreciate it. Have a great day!

Lol, JC! Wish I was more like you in the 'letting go' department. Perhaps, I will try to emulate at some point in the near future? Actually, I'm NOT at all attached to most 'things', just certain works of art that I either thoroughly enjoyed creating or that took me for EVER to complete. So, it's sorta like 'what's the price I'm willing to take for a piece of my heart'?

Bea, I've let SO much go in my life already, but there are a handful of treasures that I can scarcely put a number on...or wish to part with. Like I said, at some point that may change. And, if it does in the next 5 years, I've got a buyer who will purchase "Dancing for Joy' and love it ALMOST as much as me.

Thanks, everyone! The sun is finally out, which means I can escape to go work in the garden. Work, work, work, everywhere I go.

I offer hand embellished prints all of the time. Some people really go for them. Hand signed. Hand embellished. It makes the print more special. I charge a fee for this.

Hi Sharon.Thanks for the feedback. I do know some artists who offer hand-embellished prints...and charge a fee. I've done it myself only a few times, but not recently. Too busy! May I ask, what sort of mark-up you add? It's definitely a good idea. I know one local artist who makes each print a little different from the next, so each is somewhat an 'original' of the original. Good to hear from you!

David B: Yup, you digital artists / photographers have it good. You can have your cake & eat it, too.... or sell your art and keep it, too...

Every time we painters sell an original, it's gone, baby, gone...

Sometimes you find out what happened to the painting. I did one that's kind of like my avatar, but with a horse in it instead of a road. I don't generally try to make prints out of my watercolor landscapes. They look ok as thumbnails, but they would never reproduce well as prints. So when those landscapes are gone... they're really gone.

Anyway... the buyer gave it to a little girl as a present. It's on the wall in her room. The little girl named the horse after a locally famous & beloved horse that she adores. I can't think of a better "home" for the painting...

You didn't paint it to sell, or to make money. You painted for yourself. It was an expression of something that's inside you. It's personal. So many people think money is the priority, but with art that is not always the case. I think you already know deep down that it will break your heart to part with it, and you will regret it. Money comes and goes but there is only one original. You may need the money now, but it will be gone as soon as you make it, and once the money is gone then what? You will still need money. Only then you won't have your painting either. We all always need money.. But money is replaceable and you will have more sales in the future of pieces that you made with the intention to sell. Go with your heart and what you know you can live with. I would keep it.

Hi,

If you love it and don't want to part with it then don't. Offer a print of it and if she won't buy that then just say it isn't for sale.
I have a few paintings that I am holding onto for when I am more well known and famous,( wink wink,) they should increase in value.

Good luck,
Gay

Wise words, Shana. Thanks so much for your comments. In one of my recent posts above I shared that the client decided to buy the framed canvas print after all. It worked out well in the end.

Good to hear from you, as well, Cheryl. Yep, a print is just not the same as an original, our blood, sweat and, sometimes, tears 'in the flesh' for all to see.

Gay, hi! Same as what I said to Shana. Check my post several replies above to see the latest about the recent sale. You & I are on the same page [wink, wink] re hanging onto a few paintings that may [have already!] increased in value...and who knows how far that may go, right! Thanks for your input.

Sell it, then create something better. Ask yourself if you intend to continue producing art and expect to continue improving your skills. You are quite capable of of creating many more great things and letting go of past work is strong inspiration and motivation.

A K, check the posts above yours to see the result!