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Jane Evans, Co-ordinator of Cambridge Open Studios 99/00 replies: "Pricing is about what you want to charge - and no one else can decide this for you. Some artists, either through false modesty or because they look on their art as a part time activity, disclaim any desire to make money from it, they just want to cover the cost of materials and framing. However, many artists would be incensed by this attitude and feel if a work is worth displaying it is worth a proper price. The benchmark for art pieces should be set at a point that enables artists to earn a living from their labours. It may help to calculate the time you spend making a piece of work (at a reasonable hourly rate), the cost of materials and a proportion of your overheads (rent, insurance, heating, etc). This will help you appreciate owe much it actually costs you to create each piece of work. You then need to consider what price the market is likely to bear - by looking at prices charge for similar work by other artists and craftspeople. Except in the case of miniatures, size matters - charge more for larger pieces than for smaller ones. Also oil paintings usually command higher prices than watercolours. Once you start to sell, you cannot reduce your prices. It may be better not to sell a piece of work if there is a danger that you will let it go too cheaply - do not devalue your work! Good luck!"
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