Cost and value are two very different things when it comes to artwork — so how do you price your artwork and realize its value? It’s a universal truth that an artwork’s value is in the eye of the beholder. Some artists can make a few marks on a canvas or cheap bit of cardboard and their work sells for thousands and more. For others it feels impossible to get even the cost of the materials back, let alone a price that reflects your training and your talent. Pricing your work can be a difficult business. Price it too high and buyers can’t afford it. Or price it too low and the buyer will th ..read more

Winning a painting competition can earn you recognition within your field. Professional artists know that one of the quickest ways to gain fame and (sometimes) fortune is through awards and prizes. Although many prizes are highly competitive, the competitions are often open to all – and often choose works by relatively unknown artists. This means that even the most humble of painters should consider entering competitions. Here’s our pick of the best annual painting competitions. Before you enter, we have a whole host of advice on choosing the right art competition for you. Jackson’s Art Prize ..read more

Drawing is often overlooked as a simple starting point for creating a final artwork, but drawing competitions are among the most prestigious of all art competitions. What is drawing? Drawing is simply making marks — using charcoal, pencils, graphite sticks, chalks, pastels and even oil pastels. The good news is that most artists do some kind of drawing or sketching. And these might well be worth more attention than simple studies for major works. Some of Leonardo da Vinci’s most revered works are drawings, while Impressionist Degas created stunning drawings with pencil and chalk with his studi ..read more

The categories for photography competitions come in all shapes and sizes from wildlife and nature, to portraiture, landscape, and even astronomy and abstraction. Artists working in photography may avoid competitions as they’re seen as too commercial, but an award can bring your work to an international audience and offer a welcome cash prize. Explore our advice on how to win art competitions. Fine Art Photo Award This long-running photography competition is firmly in the Fine Art category, claiming to be the only photography award of its kind. It’s open to a wide range of styles and skill leve ..read more

A group show can kickstart your art career by bringing together like-minded artists and pooling precious resources. So what are the dos and don’ts of a successful group show? What is a group art show? A group show can be anything from a handful of artists putting on a small show at a community venue to a large exhibition at a museum or gallery. Photo by iStock.com/vector_s The artists in your group may be completely different from one another.Who is in the group? Ideally, a group show will have a single element that brings the works together. That element could me the medium or subject. Or it ..read more

Art competitions are a great way for artists to promote themselves and their artwork with the chance for coverage, exhibitions and even some cash prizes. There are thousands of art competitions every year, from painting competitions, textiles, ceramics, photography and sculpture. Some competitions can attract a huge number of entries, but your work could be just what they are looking for. So how do you give yourself the best chance for success? Here are seven tips to help you win an art competition. 1. Pick the right competition There are literally thousands of art competitions out there ..read more

Alongside the many hundreds of high-profile global art competitions are dozens of smaller monthly art competitions that can help artists build a reputation while having far more opportunities to win. Many regular art competitions take place online or are linked to specialist art magazines. The prize is often little more than a feature or free publicity – but being able to add a title or a feature in a national (online) magazine will impress gallerists and potential collectors alike. Photo by Adobe Stock Magazines are the best place to find regular competitions.Tips for success Winning a compe ..read more

Every artist knows that a big part of the job is looking at art — and where better than at 2024’s biggest gallery exhibitions. Exhibitions are more than a pleasant way for art lovers to spend the afternoon. They also offer inspiration and can be great for spotting art trends that can help you market your own art work. For a taste of what’s coming up in 2024, here’s Artweb’s pick of international art exhibitions. Remember you don’t have to see them all; many offer virtual online tours or catalogues that can be equally inspirational. Women to Watch 2024 Photo by Jennifer Hughes Collection galle ..read more

After the (hopefully) busy holiday rush of sales and commissions, all artists, whatever discipline or level of practice, should get creative with a plan for the year ahead. There’s plenty to arrange, sign up for, or design months in advance. And with some exhibitions, it can even be years in advance, but we will stick with plans to strive for in 2024! Plan your visits to exhibitions Photo by Adobe Stock No artist should go without visiting exhibitions. It might be the big star attractions in major cities and museums, but it could also be local shows where you can meet your peer group and see ..read more

The landscape has always held a unique fascination for artists. The miles of uninterrupted horizons where endless variations of light and weather conditions play across an almost endless vista have drawn painters to the countryside for centuries. Just writing that sentence makes me want to head outside with an easel and paints under arm. History offers endless examples — from van Gogh’s wheat fields to Monet’s flora and fauna and Constable’s English rolling countryside. Add to this forests, wetlands and deserts and there are enough views to challenge even the pickiest of painters. Every artist ..read more