#1: Location. Even being in a good gallery often won't make a sale. The painting has to be well-lit and where it can be seen without distractions no matter what the venue. The venue should also be user-friendly.
#2: Marketing. A good gallery markets its artists and artwork by advertising and having a web presence. It may also have a good reputation in the area from past marketing and word-of-mouth.
#3: Education. The potential collector sometimes needs more information about the piece, such as the artist's biography, etc. A good gallery or venue recognizes this and is able to impart that information without being "pushy", etc.
#4: Presentation. The piece should be well-framed. Sculpture should be on quality bases.
#5: Pricing. This is a very gray area. Some paintings sell because they are expensive, others because they are a good value. Some collectors purchase on the basis of that alone...if it is expensive, then they are flaunting their wealth. Some are real bargain hunters.
#6: Connection: The artwork speaks to the buyer in spite of all the above reasons. This is the magic factor...and why I paint. It is also the one factor that is out of our control.
#7: Decorator Logic: The collector is adding the art to decorate a space and is relying on color, frame, etc., to complete a look.
Complicated isn't it?
