Painting exhibition: putting on your first painting exhibition

You have a few paintings to your credit. Canvases are piling up in your studio. And in the back of your mind you have this little idea: what if I had an exhibition of my paintings?

Immediately, the second little voice gallops in: you’re not ready for your first exhibition! You don’t have enough paintings, so you’re not legitimate! What’s more, you’re not famous, blah, blah, blah… 😝

🛑 STOP!

No one but you can decide when to hold your first painting exhibition!

If you’re thinking about it, it’s because you want to. So go for it!

But not just any old way. You have to prepare for an exhibition!

Setting up an exhibition: the advantages

Painting for oneself is a good thing. Many people take up acrylic painting for a variety of reasons. As a hobby, for relaxation, out of passion or to communicate emotions…

Whether you’re an abstract painter or a figurative artist, a hobbyist or an aspiring professional, you can create unique works of art.

At some point, you’re going to want to share your work with more people than just your close friends and family. And that’s a great idea 💡!

Why exhibit your paintings?

✅ First of all, to get outside opinions from people who don’t know you. You’ll get comments on your paintings, and don’t worry, they’re always friendly. You’ll be able to talk about your paintings and how they were created. You’ll describe your technique or how you came to choose this particular style. You’ll be able to tell the story of your journey. Passion is contagious, and you’re going to make a lot of people happy, believe me!

✅ Secondly, exhibiting allows you to meet other artists, painters or otherwise. Exchanging with other amateurs or professionals is very enriching. Some, like you perhaps, are still wary of the idea of feeling legitimate in the art world. Together, you can talk about your fears and coach each other. Others will already have taken this step, and will be able to give you motivation and valuable advice!

✅ Last but not least, you’ll be exhibiting in a variety of venues, bringing your business to the attention of a wide range of people.

Being a painter often means working alone in your studio. Socially, an exhibition also enables you to keep in touch with the outside world 🙂.

Painter, me 😲???

Let me tell you about impostor syndrome 💪.

Imposter syndrome

🖌️ When someone congratulates you on a painting, you feel obliged to justify yourself. “Ah yes, that day I was lucky, I was inspired”. “Oh, sure, there’s good light and that makes it brighter” etc….

🖌️ You don’t deserve success: you didn’t even go to art school, you’re self-taught…

🖌️ You don’t give yourself the right to “sell” your painting, or you set a derisory price. You sell your work so you don’t feel like a swindler…

🛑 STOP!

Your work simply pleases. Accept the praise! Talent doesn’t require a diploma. It takes courage and self-confidence. As you progress in your life as a painter (amateur or professional), you’ll see that you have a place in the art world. Everyone has a place, and that’s why there’s variety. As the saying goes: there’s something for everyone!

Preparing your first exhibition: tips and tricks

Stress, anxiety… To limit all this, prepare your first exhibition well in advance!

📌 Visit the exhibition space: what are the walls like, how many paintings can you fit? Can they be pierced with a nail? Are there picture rails? Are easels required?

📌 Choose a few paintings: a dozen or so that you really like. You’ll feel more comfortable talking about them to the public. Try to choose paintings that have a certain coherence between them. This way, there’ll be a common thread, and the public will recognize a style: your style.

📌 Frame format: choose paintings that will stand out well in relation to the size of the room, and of similar format.

📌 Check your canvases: they should be undamaged, well finished, with painted edges and impeccable varnish. Have you signed your painting?

📌 Wrap your canvases in protective bubble wrap for transport. In your car, place the paintings side by side rather than stacked on top of each other. The weight can cause the canvases to warp.

📌 Prepare the price tags to stick on your paintings. Yes, they’re on sale 😉!

📌 Don’t forget to bring a snack or a few drinks. It’s a convivial moment that will make your audience feel welcome and expected! You can also provide some background music 🎶.

📌 Take your business cards with you! You may not have time to give out your contact details: make your business cards available!

Don’t forget to leave a visitors’ book: all the messages from visitors will reinforce the idea that you did the right thing in launching your first exhibition!