How I Use Storytelling to Sell Art

What does it mean that this is a negative print?” asked a lithe, dark-complected woman who I later learned was named Jackie. This was my first big art show, and I was having a blast sharing the stories behind my photographs.

I explained that when working on this piece I had really liked the composition, but I wasn’t in love with the colors. By reversing the colors (essentially making the print look like an old-fashioned negative), I turned the warm colors cool and the dark areas light. What had been muted browns and yellows were now vibrant blues. I explained my process of taking a slow exposure giving the foam on the river time to swirl and make patterns.

“See here, where the reflection of the trees is almost white?” I pointed to the framed canvas that I had printed, sealed, mounted and framed myself.

“Oh! I didn’t even see the trees! It’s exquisite!”

Jackie bought the piece.

She asked if she could see the original, not negative, piece on my website. I assured her she could.

“I’ll be in touch,” she said as we parted. “I may want the original, so I can have them side by side.”