Galleries & works under glass

Lori Woodward wrote

on 28 Jan 2010 1:26 PM

I just started a new thread on the watermedia forum to re-describe how I varnish my watercolor paintings.

About 12 years ago, I began varnishing my watercolors and framing them like oils without glass. What got me started was that sales for works under glass at my galleries fell sharply. Giclee prints became popular at about the same time. Not only was I asked to leave 2 galleries or else paint in oil, my own sales fell off at outdoor shows for my framed originals - because I also sold framed giclee prints and collectors couldn't tell the difference.

When I began varnishing my watercolors, my market for originals ramped back up. People could tell the difference now because my originals were never framed under glass - while my reproductions were.

OK, but here's the question - yeah it takes me awhile to get to my point

Has anyone else experienced a reluctance from galleries to show their works under glass. Do you feel forced to paint in oil, or are you selling pastel, watercolor, or acrylic without any problem?

I don't think the reluctance stems from the collectors since most of my collectors like my watercolors better than my oils. But gallery dealers are not wanting me to paint in either watercolor or acrylic. I want to change this trend and bring watermedia back to the forefront. Many gallery owners have told me that works under glass are a hard sell.