As a self-represented artist, I often find myself thinking about new ways to make an impact in the art market. Much of this revolves around visibility—finding creative ways to reach new collectors and building meaningful relationships with people who are deeply immersed in the art world. With so many artists competing for attention online, standing out has become essential. Today, it’s no longer enough to simply exist as an artist; you have to differentiate yourself in a way that is memorable and authentic. Some artists achieve this directly through provocative or unconventional artworks—bold gestures that capture immediate attention. While I…
Author: Blair
Sometimes, in the middle of a painting—whether abstract or figurative—I’ll make a brushstroke or a mark that wasn’t anticipated or planned. In those moments, I often choose to let small discrepancies remain. An eye meant to be brown might appear blue because of a single, impulsive stroke. What began as an accident quietly becomes part of the work’s identity. This happens more often than one might think. It can be something as subtle as a stray brush bristle embedded in the paint or a slight imbalance that wasn’t corrected. Although these details were never intentional, I’ve found they can add…
Pricing artwork as a self-represented artist is often a gray area—one that many artists struggle to navigate. Ultimately, however, pricing comes down to supply and demand. The greater the demand for your work, the higher the price you can realistically command. Your typical collector base also plays a significant role in determining appropriate price points. If your clientele is generally lower-income, or if your work is primarily sold at art fairs and events where collectors expect work to fall within a familiar price range, positioning yourself as a dramatic outlier may not be effective. In those cases, aligning your prices…
For many decades, particularly before the rise of the Internet, artists were largely at the mercy of galleries. Without representation by a major blue-chip gallery in New York, London, or Paris, recognition in the art world—and even notice from serious collectors—was often out of reach. Today, however, the landscape is shifting in favor of the artist. Modern technology and direct communication have empowered artists to connect with collectors, patrons, and institutions independently. No longer must we rely solely on galleries, whose primary focus is often financial: many openly discourage unsolicited submissions, leaving emerging artists with few opportunities to be seen.…
In 2025, I began working on a new series of figurative paintings centered on the female form. I’m not certain how many works the series will ultimately include, or how long I will continue exploring this approach, but I have always enjoyed working across multiple styles and I’m pleased with the direction these new pieces are taking. The original concept was to render the figures in a minimalist manner, using a black outline reminiscent of line-and-wash watercolor paintings, though executed on a much larger scale. My initial plan was to complete the works in oil, beginning with a base layer…
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Discover the creative process of figurative artist Blair Russell and how his work resonates with art enthusiasts.