Sell Your Artwork

Get help pricing and finding the right buyer

From valuation to recommended selling channels, we give you a clear path from “I have this artwork” to “I’ve sold it.”

Why selling artwork feels confusing

Opaque pricing

Prices can seem arbitrary across marketplaces.

Different rules

Auctions, galleries, and online platforms each have their own terms.

Fees and commissions

Costs vary and can be confusing without guidance.

Trust factor

Knowing who to trust is key. We clarify the logic based on artist, originality, condition, and demand.

With a clear value range and selling path, you can make informed decisions and avoid underpricing.

Who this service is for

Inherited artwork

Prefer money over storage.

Found or purchased pieces

Want to realize value from discoveries.

Collectors

Rotate pieces or free up capital.

Decluttering or downsizing

Simplify and reduce storage.

Sitting on value

Suspect a piece may be worth more.

If you’re just curious, start with Value My Artwork. If you’re comparing originals vs prints, see Original vs Print Artwork.

Step 1: Understand what you’re selling

Know whether it’s original or print, the artist, condition, and how it compares to similar works. Your free valuation provides a realistic range and market position.

What we look at

Front and back photos, signature/monogram, labels or edition numbers, texture and medium, visible condition issues.

Why it matters

These details shape price, authenticity, and the best selling channel.

Step 2: Choose the right selling channel

Auctions

Best for recognizable, high-value, or competitive works.

Pros: Competitive bidding, built-in buyers, fast timelines.

Cons: Seller fees, no guaranteed sale, hammer price may vary.

Gallery consignment

Best for mid- to high-value pieces needing curatorial context.

Pros: Professional presentation, collector access, pricing advice.

Cons: Longer timelines, higher commissions, selective intake.

Private sale

Best for high-value works or when discretion matters.

Pros: Negotiated terms, potential higher prices, discretion.

Cons: Requires trusted buyers, may take time to match.

Online marketplaces

Best for lower-to-mid range, decorative, or unsigned pieces.

Pros: Large audience, control over listing/pricing, flexible timing.

Cons: You handle shipping and listings; buyers may negotiate hard.

Donation

Best when value is modest but you want to support institutions.

Pros: Potential tax deductions, support causes.

Cons: No payout; may require paperwork/appraisal.

Step 3: Set a smart price strategy

Market fit

Recent sale prices, artist demand, condition adjustments, local vs global markets.

Urgency

How quickly you want to sell influences pricing targets.

Channel alignment

Align asking prices to gallery, private sale, or auction norms.

Example: A $2,000–$3,000 piece might list closer to $3,000 in a gallery, $2,500–$2,800 privately, and land midrange at auction depending on demand.

Step 4: Prepare your artwork for sale

Photos for selling

Full front/back, signature and label close-ups, texture/damage details—build buyer trust and reduce questions.

Framing and presentation

Consider reframing if the piece is valuable and the frame is dated or damaged; skip costly framing for mid-range decor.

Honest condition notes

Disclose cracks, scratches, yellowing, restorations, tears, patches, or prior work. Transparency prevents disputes.

How it works

1

Get your artwork valued

Upload photos to receive a free, research-backed value range—your baseline for selling.

2

Review your selling options

Decide among auctions, consignment, private sale, online listing, or donation based on your goals.

3

Prepare and list

Use your valuation for pricing, descriptions, photography, and framing decisions to present accurately.

4

Sell with confidence

Enter buyer conversations knowing what you have, what it’s worth, and the outcomes that make sense for you.

When selling makes sense vs. when keeping does

Selling makes sense when

You don’t connect with the piece, storage is a burden, cash is preferred, demand is clear, or funds can support other goals.

Keeping makes sense when

The piece is deeply sentimental, a family heirloom, or market value isn’t compelling enough to outweigh emotional value.

A valuation informs the decision; it doesn’t force one.

FAQ: Selling your artwork

We focus on helping you understand value and choose the right selling path. Direct purchase depends on the piece and available channels.

Yes. The value range guides pricing across auctions, galleries, and private sales.

It varies by demand, pricing, and channel—some sell fast, others take weeks or months.

Many pieces are decorative. You can still sell, donate, or keep them—your valuation will clarify options.

Usually no. Formal appraisals are for insurance, estate, or tax needs—not everyday sales.

Yes. Start with a valuation to prioritize which inherited pieces to consider selling.

You can adjust price, switch platforms, or keep/donate. Knowing real value helps each choice.

Ready to explore selling your artwork?

Start with a clear, research-backed valuation and a simple plan for where and how to sell.