As an artist, I’ve learned that creating a painting and sharing it are two very different parts of the journey. Painting feels natural to me—it’s where I find peace, joy, and connection with my God-given passion for creating. Marketing, on the other hand, once felt intimidating. But over time, I’ve come to see that sharing my art doesn’t have to feel salesy—it can simply be an extension of sharing the joy of the creation process!
But first, if you are new here, my name is Emily Winslow and i've been creating watercolor paintings since 2021! I went FULL-TIME with my art this past February, and let me tell you, I could not be more thankful to be doing what I love!
Here are some ways I’ve found to share artwork in a way that feels authentic and life-giving:
1. Share the Story Behind Your Work
Every painting has a story. Maybe it was inspired by a golden sunset that made you feel at peace, or a quiet moment looking at the beach waves during a morning walk. I’ve noticed that when I share those stories, people connect more deeply and see more than just colors on paper. I am often inspired by nature, and as a Christian, I love to bring my faith into paintings by representing God's creation in the form of my artwork and point people to the peace that He gives even if just through a beautiful sky.
The painting below titled "The Sound of Summer" was inspired when I was outside one night in June and saw an unusual amount of fireflies out and about. It reminded me of those warm nights around a smoky fire where you can still see the warm glow of light inside the houses and hear the crickets and cicadas. I wanted to create something that brought back that nostalgic feeling.
Not every painting has to have a super specific inspiration like this one, if that were the case I think I would get into a creative block often! Sometimes I create a piece because I saw a pretty shaped cloud, and for me that's enough backstory!
2. Let People Into the Process
Yes, there is a time and place to just show people a finished piece of artwork, but I also like to bring others into the creation process! There are a few ways I like to do this—
- A short video of how the painting was created, and what inspired the painting. This allows you to put a meaning behind your work and get others invested!
- A quick tutorial on how other's can paint too. These are fun to watch and also inspires others to pick up a paint brush and continue to follow along with you.
- A day in the life video. I often do this for art fairs, wedding paintings, or just random days! These can be uncomfy for me to make, but, it really pulls your audience into your life as an artist and it also allows them to get to know you— and in the long run, be more likely to engage or purchase your artwork.
Keep up with my process videos on Instagram at @EmilyWinslowArt or YouTube!
3. Create a Home for Your Art
Social media is wonderful for connection, but it’s important to also have a space that truly belongs to you. For me, that’s my website and email list. It’s like opening the doors to my studio and welcoming people in. An email feels more personal than a scroll, and it helps me build lasting connections with collectors and friends of my work.
Besides, if my social media got hacked or went away one day, I still want a way to communicate with my customer base!
You can find my online home at emilywinslowart.com!
4. Be Present in Your Local Community
Some of my most meaningful moments have come from local art fairs, coffee shops, and conversations with customers who stop by my booth. Sharing art face-to-face brings a special joy that can’t always be captured online!
Find a way to bring art to your community! For me, I have made it a habit to go to coffee shops or restaurants to paint a small watercolor of my drink, food, or the atmosphere, and then gift the painting to the owner. Although this does not result in direct income as I often do this for free, it is a marketing tactic to collaborate on a social media post and get my work seen to people who may not have had the opportunity to see my art before.
Check out my YouTube video on more behind the scenes on how I go about this!
5. Offer Art at Different Price Points
I love the thought of my paintings bringing joy into homes of all kinds, but the reality is, not everyone is ready to invest in an original. Prints and smaller works allow more people to experience that joy! Often, these smaller pieces open the door to collectors who later choose an original.
On average, I set my print prices around $25-30, which is something most people can spend money on. Prints fly off the shelves at art fairs for this reason! And small originals under 5x5 inch are typically also set under $100.
My originals may range somewhere from $150-$2,000 depending on size, a much larger investment! But because originals are one of a kind, it is necessary to price them higher and to not sell yourself short (something i'm still learning!)
6. Stay Consistent, Even in Small Steps
I’ve found that consistency matters more than perfection. Whether it’s posting once a week, sending a monthly email, or showing up at a seasonal art fair, those steady rhythms build trust and connection over time! I have a handful of collectors who don't fail to show up, and it's relationships like those that i'm striving to curate in my art business!
There are times when social media can feel difficult to continue. When engagement is low, it may feel like people don't care to see your art or your work isn't good enough—something I struggle with sometimes! But what always grounds me, is to remember my mission and why I am doing art. I do art because I love it, and to bring beautiful pieces into people's homes that remind them of our Creator's handiwork. And this is what keeps me consistent! So my question back to you is: What will keep you consistent?
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I hope at least one of these six tips about marketing your artwork resonated with you! Comment below which point you felt was most helpful, and what other tips you have! Let's all support each other as fellow creatives!
Love you all,
Emily Winslow