Working with Art Consultants

presented by Jean Warren
SCVWS Roundtable Discussion, April 5, 2003

Art Consultants operate on a free-lance basis representing artists to corporate, public and private collectors. They have the expertise to work with architects and corporate buyers and have formed relationships with these people who do not want to work directly with the artist. These buyers usually want to see a variety of work which the art consultant can provide.

The artist gives the art consultant the unframed work, slides or photos. As in a gallery situation, they like to have a body of work- many paintings that reflect your specific style--- so they can place your work in the appropriate venues. They are representing many artists- think how your work can stand out from the rest.

They work with your retail price - this price should be consistent with your usual pricing. The artist usually gets 50% and the art consultant has to take framing out of her 50%.

You may get commissions from the art consultant: working from specific ideas from the clients.

Contracts: Have your own if they don’t have one. Defines terms of payment, commission taken, etc. There are plenty of books that have sample contracts, see below for a sample consignment agreement.

Having your work placed in corporate and public collections is wonderful for your resume!

Below is a short list of local consultants. Call them first to ask if they would like to see your images before you send work.

Suzanne Frazer
A.R.T. Fine Arts
16 Lyndon Ave.
Los Gatos, CA 95030
408-354-3113

Jacque Smith Art Concepts
2121 N. California Blvd. #305
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
925-930-0157 x-13

Suzy R. Locke & Associates, Fine Art (mostly abstracts)
201 Estates Drive
Piedmont, CA 94611
510-547-5455

Sample Consignment Agreement

This agreement is made the_______day of________200__between:

Name: "the artist"

Address:

Phone:

and

Name: "the Art Consulting firm"

Address:

Phone:

The paintings on the attached list have been accepted on consignment by the consulting firm of ________________. The Consultant acknowledges receipt of the works described.

Title to the consigned work shall remain with the artist,__________.

(Artist is to retain full copyright)

The Consultant shall sell the consigned works at the retail price specified and the Consultant shall receive a commission of __% and the Artist __% of the stated retail price.

On outright sales, the Consultant shall pay the Artist’s share within 30 days after the date of sale. Name and address of purchaser will be given to the Artist after each sale.

On installment sales, the Consultant shall first apply the proceeds from the sale of the work to pay the Artist’s share. Payment shall be made within 30 days after the Consultant receipt of each installment.

The Consultant agrees to guarantee the credit of its customers and to assume full risk of non-payment by the purchaser.

The Consultant may not rent any consigned work without the prior written consent of the Artist.

As provided by California Law, the Consultant shall be responsible for loss of or damage to the consigned work from the date of delivery to the Consultant until the date of delivery to the purchaser or repossession by the Artist. The Consultant shall insure the consigned works to the benefit of the Artist against any and all loss in an amount equal to the Artist’s portion of the retail sales price.

No work may be reproduced by the Consultant without the prior written approval of the Artist.