Art Rules: What Every Artist Needs to Know

Ever wonder why some works just click and others fall flat? It usually comes down to a few simple rules most artists follow without even thinking about them. Below you’ll find the most useful guidelines that can boost your confidence, improve your art, and help you sell more pieces.

Rule #1 – Master the Basics Before Going Fancy

Before you experiment with AI‑generated textures or avant‑garde concepts, get comfortable with the core skills. Sketching, color mixing, and basic composition are the foundation. Try a quick 10‑minute daily warm‑up: draw a simple object from three angles, mix a limited palette, and arrange a basic composition using the rule of thirds. When those basics feel natural, you’ll notice your more experimental work looks stronger.

Rule #2 – Treat Pricing Like a Math Problem, Not a Guess

Pricing a painting or sculpture shouldn’t feel like pulling numbers out of thin air. Start with your material costs, add the hours you spent (most artists charge $30‑$60 per hour), then factor in a profit margin of 20‑30%. For sculptures, include foundry fees or casting costs, and remember to add taxes if you sell in Australia. Use a simple spreadsheet to keep track – it saves you from undercharging or scaring buyers with unrealistic prices.

Another tip: research what similar works sell for in your local market or online platforms. If a 16×20 oil painting by an artist at your level goes for $800, you have a reference point. Adjust up or down based on size, medium, and uniqueness.

Now that you’ve set a price, communicate it clearly. List the price on your website, include a short note about what’s covered (materials, labor, shipping), and be ready to answer questions about the calculation. Transparency builds trust and often leads to quicker sales.

Rule #3 – Light, Space, and Placement Make or Break a Piece

Whether you’re showing a sculpture in a gallery or hanging a canvas at home, lighting is a game‑changer. Use three‑point lighting for portraits and sculptures: a key light, a fill light, and a back light. The key light creates the main shadows, the fill light softens harsh edges, and the back light separates the piece from the background. Even a simple desk lamp can work if you position it right.

Don’t forget the viewing angle. Place sculptures on a platform that lets viewers walk around them. For wall art, keep the eye level around 57‑60 inches from the floor – that’s the standard gallery height. Small adjustments can make a piece feel more inviting.

Rule #4 – Keep Your Mediums Fresh but Safe

If you work with oils, know how to activate the paint properly. Traditional solvents like turpentine work, but modern, low‑odor alternatives are safer for indoor studios. Mix a small amount of medium into your paint, test the consistency on a scrap board, and adjust until the paint flows without being too runny. The same principle applies to watercolors: use quality paper, clean water, and avoid over‑watering to prevent blotchy results.

When you try new mediums – think acrylics or digital brushes – start with a mini project. A small canvas or a quick digital sketch lets you learn the quirks without wasting time or money.

Rule #5 – Share Your Work Where It Counts

Posting art online isn’t enough; you need to be where collectors and fans hang out. Instagram works for visuals, but platforms like Behance, ArtStation, and dedicated art forums attract serious buyers. When you post, use clear titles, concise descriptions, and relevant tags like "abstract art" or "landscape painting". Engage with comments, answer questions, and post updates on progress – people love seeing the journey.

Finally, don’t ignore offline opportunities. Local galleries, coffee shops, and pop‑up shows give you a chance to meet buyers face‑to‑face. Bring business cards with a QR code linking to your online portfolio; it makes follow‑up easy.

Follow these art rules, and you’ll find yourself creating better work, pricing it smarter, and getting more eyes on your pieces. Keep experimenting, but always loop back to these fundamentals – they’re the safety net that lets your creativity shine without the guesswork.