Marcus Chen
If you have old paintings lying around that you no longer want, there are several options to consider before throwing them away. You can rework old paintings by adding different colours, accents, characters, or movement to turn them into something new. Alternatively, you can donate your paintings to charity auctions, give them to friends and family, or sell them online or at non-gallery locations such as laundromats. If you're looking for a unique way to declutter, you can offer your paintings to local elementary schools or restaurants for display, or even use them for mulching in your garden.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reworking | Reworking old paintings can be time-consuming and may not be the best practice for longevity. However, it can give a new context to the artwork and make it more appealing to buyers. |
| Storing | Storing old paintings can be challenging due to limited space, but it allows artists to reflect on their progress and use them as a reference for new creations. |
| Selling | Selling platforms like websites, Shopify, or Etsy can be used to sell unwanted paintings professionally. Selling art can be a way to make money and clear up space, but it may not be suitable for those who create art purely for creativity and joy. |
| Gifting | Gifting paintings to friends, family, or admirers of one's artistic ability can be a way to find a home for unwanted paintings. However, it may reach a point where friends and family no longer want more artwork. |
| Donating | Donating artwork to charities, fundraising auctions, schools, or communities can be a way to give back and raise money for a good cause. It can also inspire future artists and brighten up spaces like classrooms or hospitals. |
| Destroying | Some artists choose to destroy their unwanted paintings during studio clearouts or by repurposing the canvas for new paintings. This can be done by scraping, sanding, or painting over the existing artwork. |
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What You'll Learn
Donate to charity auctions
Donating your paintings to charity auctions is a great way to support a cause that is important to you. Many charities rely on donations from artists for their fundraising events, and your contribution can make a significant impact on their success.
When choosing a charity to support, select one that aligns with your values and interests. You may want to research different organisations and learn about the work they do before deciding where to donate your artwork. It is also beneficial to pick a charity that has an audience that will appreciate your art style. For example, if you paint abstract art, look for charities with donors who collect abstract art. This increases the likelihood of your painting being sold and raises more funds for the charity.
Before donating, it is important to be aware of the potential challenges. Artists who donate their work can only deduct the direct costs, such as materials, from their taxes. Additionally, some artists have expressed concerns about the impact of charity auctions on the prices their artwork fetches at gallery sales. To avoid this, you may want to follow the advice of one artist who suggested having a supporter of the charity purchase the artwork from you, and then donate it to the auction. This ensures the artist receives some compensation for their work, and the charity still benefits from the donation.
If you are donating artwork to a charity auction, there are a few things you can do to increase the chances of your painting being sold. Firstly, ensure the charity has an audience that will appreciate your style of artwork. Secondly, consider donating smaller pieces that are less expensive and less time-consuming to create. Finally, you may want to suggest to the charity that they invite potential bidders who are likely to be interested in your artwork to the auction.
Donating your unwanted paintings to charity auctions is a wonderful way to support worthwhile causes while also gaining exposure for your artwork.
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Gift to friends and family
If you have paintings that you no longer want, one option is to gift them to friends and family. This is a great way to declutter your space while also showing your loved ones that you care. Here are some tips to consider when gifting paintings to friends and family:
Choose the right recipient
Before gifting a painting, consider the recipient's taste and preferences. If you know that a particular friend or family member appreciates your style of art, they may be more likely to cherish the painting. Additionally, some people may be more open to receiving art as a gift than others.
Offer a choice
Instead of giving a specific painting to a friend or family member, consider letting them choose from a selection of your works. This way, you can ensure that they receive a piece that resonates with them and that they will truly appreciate.
Customise the artwork
To make the gift more special, consider customising the painting to suit the recipient's taste or to mark a special occasion. For example, you could add their favourite colours or a personalised message.
Consider the occasion
Paintings can make thoughtful gifts for holidays, birthdays, housewarmings, or other special occasions. If you have a significant event coming up for a friend or family member, consider gifting them a unique, one-of-a-kind artwork.
Don't overwhelm your friends and family
While your loved ones may appreciate receiving artwork from you, be mindful of not overwhelming them with too many pieces. Offer your paintings as gifts on special occasions or when you sense a genuine interest from the recipient.
Gifting paintings to friends and family can be a wonderful way to share your creativity and show your appreciation. By considering the recipient's tastes and preferences, offering a choice, and customising the artwork, you can make the gift even more meaningful and cherished.
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Repurpose the canvas
If you have unwanted paintings, you can repurpose the canvas in several ways. Firstly, you can sand the paint off the canvas using sandpaper or coarse production paper. You can then repaint on the blank canvas. Alternatively, you can coat the painting with a dark-coloured paint or primer and paint something new on top.
Another option is to soak the canvas in rubbing alcohol for about an hour to loosen the paint. You can then scrape the paint off and reuse the canvas. If you want to keep the canvas but change the artwork, you can add different colours, accents, characters, or movement to the existing painting. You can also use mixed media to incorporate the old painting into a new artwork.
If you don't want to keep the canvas, you can cut it up and use it for DIY projects. You can also use the canvas as a support for other art projects. For example, you can glue the canvas to a thinner material, such as watercolour paper, and paint on that. This saves space and reduces waste.
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Store for reflection
Keeping old paintings stored away can be useful for reflecting on your progress as an artist. While it may be tempting to throw out or destroy old artwork, storing it away can allow you to look back and analyse your progress and development as an artist. Keeping old artwork can also help you identify patterns in your work and recurring themes that you may not have noticed before.
One way to store old paintings is to flatten them inside a portfolio with plastic inserts, albums, or binders with C-Thru plastic inserts. This method helps to preserve the artwork and makes it easy to flip through and reflect on your progress. Alternatively, if you have limited storage space, you can consider storing digital copies of your artwork instead. Take photos or scan your artwork and create a digital archive that you can easily access and reflect on whenever you want.
Storing old paintings can also be a way to preserve your memories and emotions from a particular period in your life. Artwork can be a reflection of your thoughts, feelings, and experiences at the time of creation. Looking back at old paintings can trigger memories and emotions, providing a unique perspective on your personal journey.
Additionally, storing old paintings can be a source of inspiration for new creations. You may find that you can rework old paintings by adding new elements, colours, or accents to turn them into something fresh and exciting. Old paintings can provide a foundation or starting point for new ideas, allowing you to build upon them and take your artwork in new directions.
Finally, storing old paintings can be a way to track your technical progress and improvements. By comparing older and newer pieces, you can see how your skills and techniques have evolved over time. This can boost your confidence, validate your hard work, and motivate you to continue refining your artistic abilities.
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Sell online
If you're looking to sell your unwanted paintings online, there are several platforms and strategies you can use to reach potential buyers. Here are some detailed steps to guide you through the process:
Choose an Online Platform
Select an appropriate online platform that suits your needs and preferences. You can choose to sell your paintings on dedicated art-selling platforms such as ArtPal, Fine Art America, or Etsy. These platforms provide a specific audience interested in purchasing art and often offer additional services like printing, shipping, and framing options.
Alternatively, you can create your own website to sell your artwork directly to buyers. This option gives you more control over the selling process and branding but may require more time and effort to set up and market your website effectively.
Prepare Your Paintings for Sale
Ensure your paintings are in good condition and consider enhancing their presentation. You may want to invest in professional framing or add a fresh coat of varnish to protect and enhance the colours of your artwork.
High-Quality Images and Descriptions
Take high-quality, well-lit photos of your paintings to showcase them in the best light. Use photo editing software, such as Photoshop, to enhance the contrast and sharpness of your images. Ensure you crop the photos to focus on the painting itself, excluding any surrounding elements. Write detailed and engaging descriptions for each painting, highlighting its unique qualities, medium, size, and any interesting backstory or inspiration behind the piece.
Set Competitive Prices
Research the market to set competitive prices for your paintings. Consider the cost of materials, the time and skill invested in creating the artwork, and the demand for similar pieces. You can also offer different sizes of prints at varying price points to appeal to a wider range of buyers.
Market Your Artwork
Utilize social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook to promote your paintings and engage with potential buyers. Regularly post images of your artwork, share behind-the-scenes content, and interact with other artists and art enthusiasts. Additionally, consider joining online art communities and groups, such as the Fine Art America social network, to connect with other artists and potential buyers.
Explore Print-on-Demand Options
Print-on-demand services, such as Fine Art America, Prodigi, or Printful, allow you to upload your artwork designs and create prints, canvases, and other products featuring your paintings. These services handle the printing, manufacturing, and shipping processes, making it easier to sell your artwork on various merchandise.
By following these steps and strategies, you can effectively sell your unwanted paintings online, reaching a global audience of art enthusiasts and collectors.
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Frequently asked questions
If you have old paintings that you don't want, you could give them to friends or family, donate them to charity, or repurpose the canvas and paint over it.
To repurpose a canvas, you can sand it down and either turn it upside down and repaint on it or give it a coat of white oil primer. Alternatively, you can vamp it up by adding different colours, accents, characters, or movement.
You can donate your old paintings to local charities, schools, hospitals, or nursing homes. Alternatively, you can put them up for auction or give them away for free.
If you want to keep your old paintings, you can store them in a portfolio with plastic inserts, albums, or binders with C-Thru plastic inserts. You can also hang them on the wall or stack them in a pile with glassine in between.
