Two Paintings, Two Painters: One Artist Sells for £5000, the Other for 10 Times As Much … Why?

Introduction

How much is a painting really worth? We've all marveled at the exorbitant prices a Picasso can fetch at an auction. But what about a painting priced at £10,000? We often assume it must be worth that amount because it is displayed in a gallery and considered art. However, the art market is a complex arena where factors such as fashion, luck, and talent all play a significant role. In this article, we will explore the fortunes and varying prices of Scottish artists from a quarter of a century ago to gain insight into the forces at play in this curious marketplace.

The New Glasgow Boys

In June 1982, a Glasgow School of Art degree show featured the work of painters Ken Currie, Adrian Wiszniewski, and Steven Campbell, alongside Peter Howson and Stephen Conroy. This group would later come to be known as the New Glasgow Boys, a moniker that reflected their bold figurative work and the attention they received. Today, paintings by these artists sell for thousands of pounds, with prices ranging from £4,000 to £40,000.

The Unrecognized Artists

While artists like Ken Currie and Peter Howson have achieved significant recognition and high prices for their work, there are other art school graduates from the same era who haven't seen the same level of success. Artists such as Alison Harper, Rosemary Beaton, Jacqueline Orr, and Lesley Burr, who were equally talented, have been less able to command high prices for their artwork. This raises the question: what factors influence the price an artist can command in the art market? Is it self-promotion, luck, or mere location?

The Role of Reputation and Promotion

Artists like Alison Harper have found that their prices have remained stagnant for years, especially in Scotland. To break through to a higher price bracket, artists often need a higher public profile and the support of agents or galleries that can push their work and create a buzz around their name. Prizes, reputation, and even celebrity culture can all play a role in raising an artist's profile and increasing the value of their work in the market.

The Influence of Critics and Galleries

In the art world, critics and galleries hold significant power in shaping an artist's career. However, art criticism tends to focus on cutting-edge and conceptual work, leaving established painters and those not chasing fashion with fewer opportunities for exposure. While positive reviews can boost an artist's reputation, they don't always translate into higher sales. On the other hand, some artists, like Jack Vettriano, who receive negative reviews, may still command high prices due to their popularity.

The Glasgow Art Fair and the Changing Art Market

The Glasgow Art Fair, now in its 12th year, has democratized the art market by providing a space for people who wouldn't normally visit galleries to experience and purchase art. The fair has seen a rise in average sale prices, indicating increased interest in buying art. However, even at this level, artists like Rosemary Beaton and Lesley Burr still face challenges in getting fair prices for their work. The market remains fickle, and an artist's talent alone does not guarantee success.

Hotels and the Art Market

Hotels, which often serve as venues for art exhibitions and events, play a crucial role in the art market. They provide a space where artists can showcase their work to a diverse audience, including potential buyers and collectors. Hotels with a reputation for supporting the arts create opportunities for artists to gain exposure and increase their chances of selling their work at higher prices. Additionally, art-themed hotels attract art enthusiasts and collectors, creating a conducive environment for artists to sell their work.