Selling your first piece of art is a moment you never forget. It’s exciting, nerve-wracking, and surreal all at once.
For me, it was this triptych—not just one painting, but three! And the best part? The collector wasn’t just in my own country or even on my continent… they were all the way in Australia!
The Moment I Realized Someone Wanted My Art
I still remember getting the message that someone outside of my friends and family wanted to buy my work. My first reaction? Pure excitement. My second? Wait… someone wants to pay for my painting?
At the time, I didn’t know much about packing, shipping, or the logistics of selling art internationally. But I figured it out, did my best, and sent the paintings off with fingers crossed that they would arrive safely.
When I finally got a message from the collector saying they had arrived—and even better, pictures of them hanging in her home—I was overwhelmed. It was one of the best feelings ever.
Letting Go is Emotional (and That’s Okay!)
One thing that surprised me? The emotional side of selling art.
Of course, I felt pure joy knowing someone loved my work enough to invest in it. But I also felt doubt—was it really good enough? Would they still love it in person? And a little sadness—because once a painting leaves, it’s no longer mine.
And that’s something that still happens today. Every time I sell a painting, I feel that same mix of emotions.
What I Learned From My First Sale
That first sale taught me a lesson I still carry with me:
People don’t just buy art—they connect with it.
It’s not about perfection, or even about me. It’s about what the painting makes them feel, how it fits into their life, and the connection they build with it.
And honestly? That’s what makes selling art so special.
Final Thoughts
I’ll never forget the feeling of selling my first painting. And even now, after so many sales, that joy, doubt, and emotional attachment still come with every piece that finds a new home.
