Get your work out there!
Last month I had the chance to show my work at Art Santa Fe in New Mexico, and honestly, it was a wonderful experience. Talking with people who stopped by—some curious, some quiet, some deeply moved—reminded me why sharing our art publicly is so important.
Galleries are incredible, and I’m grateful for the ones that represent me, but when your work is only hanging on their walls, you don’t always get the direct feedback that helps you understand how your art is being received. Being present at an art fair is a whole different experience. Your mind starts doing gymnastics: What if no one likes my work? What if everyone just walks by? What if they look but never buy?
But the opposite is also possible: What if someone connects deeply with a piece? What if your work stops someone in their tracks? What if a complete stranger decides your art belongs in their home?
All of it—every reaction, every comment, every quiet moment of connection—is valuable information.
Of course, selling work feels amazing. There’s something validating about a complete stranger investing in something you created. But just as meaningful is hearing why people are drawn to certain images. One visitor, Mimi, told me my work made her feel calm. She imagined a piece with two horses watching over her at night. Despite loving bold, colorful art, she realized she was craving pieces that felt peaceful.
Another collector, Stephanie, had just finished reading a book, and one of my tree images brought her right back into the emotional landscape of that story. And then there was Martha—a volunteer at the show—who kept returning to my booth. She didn’t say much, but she stood there for long stretches of time, completely absorbed in the work. Sometimes silence is the biggest compliment.
I also learned which pieces didn’t resonate. Four horse images received zero comments. Not one. And while that might sound discouraging, it’s actually incredibly useful information.
By the end of the show, I knew exactly which images connected with people and which ones didn’t. That kind of insight is priceless. It allowed me to understand my audience better—to see who they are, what they respond to, and why certain pieces speak to them. Not everyone bought something, but even the conversations and emotional reactions are forms of validation. They tell me I’m on the right path.
Too often we rely on family, friends, or colleagues for feedback, and while well-meaning, they aren’t our buyers or collectors. To truly understand how your work lands, you have to put it into the world. It doesn’t need to be a major art fair. Even one piece in a small group show can teach you something. Talk to people. Ask questions. Listen to what they see in your work.
Every bit of feedback—positive, neutral, or quiet—is information that can help guide your creative journey forward.
I’m curious to know, what has been your experience when showing your work? Would love to hear from you in the comments below.
Be well….be creative,
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Thanks for this timely reminder for getting our work out there and especially viewer feedback.
I think it’s also important to visit markets and galleries exhibiting other peoples work.
I’ve been minding several gallery open exhibitions, and artists work at the markets this year, all with a diverse array of styles and media. The feedback I listen to from viewers as they wander through the exhibitions and talk to artists or others at their stalls about the works and also the judges comments, has been extremely valuable to me as an artist.
I think it is so vital to our artistic journey to listen to viewer comments on how they do or don’t connect to works even if they are not our own works. It allows us to refocus and refine what we are working on and the direction we might like to go. I found it quite empowering!
Great blog Clare.
Thanks for your comments Jenni….always good to hear feedback from other artists:)
Excellent advice Clare. I’ll be showing work next month and this reminds me to not just stand back and watch, but to engage! A challenge for an introvert…
Thanks. Gail
Yes, challenging indeed for an introvert…..but oh so important to find the way you are comfortable interacting with those who connect with your work. Good luck Gail!
Saturday I was wandering through an art and book show in Hackensack, MN and noticed a booth with some very nice encaustic prints. I stopped and talked with Lisa and Randy Lee from Wisconsin. I asked Lisa if she knew Clare O’Neill. I have taken her online class she said. They have a nice web site called TinCatStudio.com. When I read your blog this morning I was reminded that this young couple are not afraid to put their work up for all to see.
That is fabulous Don. I love hearing these stories. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Clare for posting this, this morning. I think it takes great courage to put yourself out there for the world and hear what others have to say or don’t say. My question for you is, the 3 pieces that no one looked at, when you were working on them, if you remember, did you get a sense that you were connecting with the 3 or when you were creating them, did you struggle more with them, then the others? When you were done, did you sense something within that made you “feel” really good about them or did you “feel” that something was missing? Those that people commented on or returned too, did you sense that feeling as well or were you surprised? I ask because although I have never done what you are doing, maybe someday I will do so and I am curious. Your work from what I can tell online is amazing. Thank you for your time today.! Raemi
Hi Raemi, I always know the pieces I resonate with and they are usually the ones that others resonate with as well. But sometimes people resonate with ones that are a little less for me, so I brought them with me to really pay attention to what the market was telling me. Several that resonate didn’t sell, but I know they will. Several that were a little short for me will be reworked. My timeline on getting e work done was tight and I learned a lot from that lesson as well!
I show a lot, in and outside of galleries, and I’ve noticed that I often feel a bit let down afterward even when overall the show is successful. It is so classic that we focus on the pieces they didn’t respond to. We want folks to love all our babies as we do.
Another thing I’ve noticed is that if you have many pieces with similar presentation and subject matter, your horses for example, people will pick their favorite and sometimes their least favorite. Those neglected horses presented in a different group with a variety of subjects might really appeal to someone when not part of a larger herd. When I was there I saw how people right away selected between your horses and your landscapes. If they had only one horse in a group the right person might well choose that one.
I traveled to see your show in Santa Fe, though I have followed you for years and know your subject matter well, because photographs do not do justice to your textures, colors and overall depth of your wax work. Truly, you are a master in your style. Horses or not, I’m guessing that some people were having an emotional response to the beauty, complexity and richness of your wax. Your work has real presence but sometimes people have to see something more than once, (which is the advantage of a gallery.) It was a privilege to see such work and I hope you’ll come back to the SW.
Thank you Carol for your kind words regarding my work.
I don’t have a problem when people don’t like my work or focus on some pieces rather than others. I see it as a huge opportunity to learn. I know the pieces that don’t resonate as well with me as the ones that do. Every time we put ourselves and our work out there it’s a learning experience…..and I’m grateful I get the opportunity to do it:)
I am just now trying to find places to show and sell my work. Taking that jump is hard but I am trying to figure those options out. Thanks for sharing and I hope your time in Ireland is awesome. I just got back from a trip there and love it. My new work includes photos from there and hope to find a place to show it. Thanks, Vicki
Glad to hear you had a great time in Ireland Vicki. It’s such a magical place…..and people tend to resonate with the landscape here…..I’m sure your images will find plenty of admirers.
Hello Clare,
So wonderful to read this— I wish I could see the images you had in your booth!! Would be fun to almost be with you live. Your work is unique and special. Have fun on your trip and thanks for the good advice.
Kathy
Hi Kathy,
Thanks for your comment. You can see most of the images in the photo above in the blog….or you can go online at http://www.ClareONeill.com to see my new work!
With all good wishes……
Thank you, Clare, for putting out this kind of information that I rarely see any other artist writing about. I have learned so much from showing my work, but never really was able to articulate as you have and gain the kind of understanding that you describe. I’m not shy about talking to others except when it comes to talking about my work, but it is worthwhile to move way outside my comfort zone and listen proactively to what others have to say, and also, as you point out, just to watch which images draw and hold the eye of total strangers. It’s almost a religious experience. Thank you again for another insightful piece.
Hi Nancy, I get it…..and thanks for sharing your experience. So many of us find it hard to talk about our work, but it’s oh so important as you know to get feedback:)