The price of an artwork
The price of an artwork is never based on a single factor.
I weigh several elements together. First, format and material. Oil paint, wood, canvas, or mixed techniques each come with their own costs and technical demands.
Then there is time and attention. This is not only about visible working hours, but also about the process surrounding the work: preparation, concept development, and finishing. The position of a work within a series also matters. Is it a study, an autonomous piece, or part of a larger whole?
consistency
Finally, I look at consistency. Prices need to make sense within my overall body of work and relate logically to earlier works and comparable formats. When my work is shown through a gallery, I maintain the same prices there as through other sales channels. This avoids price differences and keeps the value of the work clear and reliable for collectors.
formula
This way of working is not unique. Within the art world, there are various methods used to determine prices in a consistent and transparent way. There is no universal formula, but there are commonly used approaches, such as:
- Surface area (cm² or inch²)
Height × width, multiplied by a rate that fits the phase of an artist’s practice. (This is one I also take into account.) - Linear measurement
Sometimes used for works that are strongly built in one direction. - Hourly rate + material costs
Mainly used for commissioned or applied work, and sometimes as a baseline.
In addition, the duration and visibility of an artist’s practice are taken into account: years of professional activity, exhibitions, sales, and the development of a consistent body of work.
These methods are not fixed rules, but tools. They help create coherence between formats, works, and years, and prevent arbitrariness within a practice.
It is a lot of work. Just like archiving my series. All of it is necessary, and it brings a welcome sense of clarity.