Have you read this FAQ?
It answers a lot of questions many people have about the resale market for paintings I did years ago. In RARE cases, I am sometimes able to find investors and/or lovers of my work who are willing to do deals. Due to this world-wide recession, the seller usually ends up with the short end on the stick. If you really wand to devote time and money toward helping you sell your piece, please provide a reasonably good photographic image along with your criteria; I won't bother my "short list" without complete information.
Where are you?
I am currently living in the western highlands of Guatemala. I live here because here I can have a roof over my head and food in my stomach; I would be just another old homeless guy If I was in the U.S.
Why aren't you rich?
All of the money Mary and I saved has been earmarked for her treatment (Alzheimer's.)
Will you buy your painting(s) from me?
No. I am now a poor man with no home of my own, and I cannot afford to buy paintings of any sort, whether they be Mary's, mine, or those of your very talented niece. If I coul afford to buy my paintings, I would not sell them. Besides, all that I own fits into three small suitcases. I carry from place to place but one piece of art: a small sculpture by Steve Murray, my best friend.
Can you tell me where I can sell one or more of your works?
No. I have been out of touch with the art world for years now and have not a clue as to where you could successfully market work. Three of the galleries at which I've shown in recent years have had to close their doors due to a absence of art buyers. It's the economy, you know.
I found a painting of yours at a yard sale/auction/on Ebay/in my parents' Estate/at GoodWill. What is it worth?
Beats me. If you want to confirm that it is an original Lee, please email me two photos: one of the painting in its entirety, and also a closeup of the signature. With this information, I should be able to confirm or deny.
Are you still painting?
No.
Do you plan to start painting the shamanistic images again?
No.
Do you have any paintings or sculptures for sale?
Yes. Call Steve Murray (Gallery Owner and friend) in Tucson at 520-405-5800. He will be able to arrange a showing of all currently available works.
Will this guy Murray buy or sell your work on consignment?
I doubt it, but you can always ask.
Why did you write this FAQ?
I provide this material because the number of emails I receive weekly dealing with these subjects has become overwhelming. Lots of folks other than I are down on their luck and look, naturally, to unload an expensive piece of art in order to help their financial situation. Few understand that the art business is a business and everyone wants to make a profit. That's why consignment galleries will charge you 50% or more if they make a sale for you. If I had a choice of keeping or selling a Lee original or Mom's old diamond rings, I'd keep the Lee. But I'm biased.
Why do you sound so negative?
I suffer Dysthymic Bi-polar Disorder. Most of the time, I'm depressed, which tends to give me a negative view of things. And, no, St. John's Wort, sunlight, exercise, thinking happy thoughts, and eating large quantities of cucumbers with salt do nothing to help. There are two treatments which seem to work right now: lithium and electro-convulsive therapy. Lithium has side effects that are simply too much for me to bear, and I can no longer afford ECT. This, I have come to realize, is, for me, as good as it gets. I was mortally emotionally wounded when Mary was first diagnosed with Alzheimer's; it is just taking me way too long to die from the wound.