Log In

Reset Password

Marketing art effectively online

From time to time, when reviewing various art exhibitions, I have on occasion mentioned the difficulties art dealers have in marketing art in Bermuda. I have also written about how some enterprising art lovers have sought other venues for marketing art, such as restaurants and other businesses.

It is well known in the Bermuda art community that high overhead has been the primary cause for the demise of art dealer galleries in Hamilton.

Several dealers, as well as artists have sought to promote themselves or their business by means of the Internet. I have often wondered about the effectiveness of this approach. I have had an art website for a number of years and from that experience, I can say that I know of no increase in contacts or sales. That is not to say that art websites cannot be effective, but it probably requires additional methods of promotion. An art website is basically an online gallery to which you can refer individuals who may be interested in what you are marketing.

One such website that is notably informative is Nicholas Lusher Antiques & Fine Art. Even if you are not now buying art, it is worth a visit, just for what you will learn about Bermuda made art. That is the dealer's speciality. I note also that this art dealer is advertising in the newspapers. This affirms what I have already suggested about the necessity of additional promotion. The web address is: www.NicholasLusher.com

I have just visited this website and note the large inventory and accompanying detailed commentary. I also note the wide range of items, from oil paintings, watercolours, drawings. etchings, sculpture, photographs, rare books, antique furniture, Bermuda made silver and much more. I can also write that the quality of his inventory is of the highest. One oil painting of special, historical interest is a portrait of Bermuda Governor, Sir Stephen Remnant Chapman, who was appointed to this position, especially to oversee the implementation of the Slavery Emancipation Act on the 1st of August, 1834. The actual portrait was painted by a follower of Sir Thomas Lawrence, the well known 19th century English painter and president of the Royal Academy.

If you have a few minutes or more, spend some time looking at the pictures and reading the comments in this website. It is highly informative, and also entertaining. I recommend it.