Sherri, art mentoring student selling her art at Friday night art walk (she sold 7 that night)

Last week, I received a heartfelt response to my email on building confidence as an artist that I thought you might relate to:

“I am not alone in feeling that the paintings are not up to standards that would sell… Not having the confidence in my work is what holds me back. I keep thinking I would like to have a local art judge look at them. I love some of my paintings, they hang on my walls, I have even given some to my friends as gifts… Not knowing a price they may be worth holds me back. Courage is not my strong point when it comes to my work…”

Does this sound familiar? I’m guessing you may be nodding your head` right now.

You Are Not Alone

First, let me assure you, you are not alone. Almost every artist I’ve mentored or met at my retreats has expressed these kinds of doubts. That voice questioning whether your work is “good enough” to sell isn’t just for beginners—it follows many artists throughout their entire careers.

The External Validation Trap

This artist mentioned wanting to have a local art judge evaluate her work. It’s tempting to want to ask others what they think of your work –  to have someone “qualified” tell us our art is worthy. But here’s what I’ve learned through years of creating and teaching:

Art isn’t “good” or “bad.” It’s about you expressing yourself.  

This is really important: Good or bad is just an individual opinion. Just like your friend might have a different shower curtain than you. It doesn’t mean your shower curtain is less attractive than your friend’s. It means this is your taste, and we all have different taste.  What resonates with you might not connect with someone else, and vice versa.

Your First Collector Should Be YOU

The most powerful sign that your art is ready to sell is that YOU love it. If you love your paintings enough to hang them on your own walls, that’s your guiding light.

And here’s the most important part: When you are loyal to yourself, and create art that brings YOU joy, you will attract your truest fans.

Sharon, art mentoring student, with her beautiful art on the wall of her studio

It’s okay to not appeal to everyone.

When you make work that truly reflects who you are – your perspective, your voice, your taste – that’s when your art becomes magnetic to others! People want to see YOU in your art. Your individuality is what makes your art fascinating. (We’ll talk more about this in April.) Not what you THINK they will like.

Imagine reaching the last years of your life and looking back with regret at all the art that stayed locked inside you. Your unique creative voice matters. The world needs the beauty that only you can bring to it. Trust yourself enough to share your creativity with the world – your future self will thank you for being brave today.

Tune in next week when I talk about Practical Steps Toward Selling Your Art

If this inspired you, scroll down and leave a comment, I love hearing from you. (it makes my day!).

With love and creativity,
Kellie

PS. We still have a few spots left in my fall Colorado Painting Retreat. Read about it here.