Secrets to Selling Art — The Business of Art Podcast with Joe Kronenberg
Table of Contents
0:00 – Joe's Artistic Journey Begins
2:22 – Style Evolution Over Time
8:04 – Galleries: Pros, Cons & Lessons
15:15 – COVID-19's Unexpected Business Upside
19:38 – Selling Art: Mindset & Strategy
29:09 – How to Handle Commissions
32:24 – Pricing Art with Confidence
35:01 – Quoting Without Hesitation
35:49 – Conversations That Lead to Sales
39:34 – Focus on Relationships, Not Just Selling
43:27 – Creating a Comfortable Buying Experience
46:54 – Art as a Visual Solution
52:46 – Staying True to Your Creative Vision
58:59 – The Natural Evolution of Style
1:00:24 – Building a Productive Routine
1:01:13 – Managing Time and Creative Energy
1:06:36 – Selling Prints vs. Originals
1:14:27 – What Real Artistic Success Looks Like
1:22:06 – Joe's Advice for Emerging Artists
If you have ever felt that the business side of art is a world apart from the creative side, this episode is going to change your perspective in the best possible way. Professional wildlife and western painter Joe Kronenberg sits down with host Mark McKenna on The Business of Art Podcast to share a lifetime of hard-won wisdom about selling your work, building collector relationships, and growing a sustainable art career — all while staying completely true to your creative voice.
From Pastels to Oils: Trusting Your Artistic Evolution
Joe's journey is a beautiful reminder that your style is allowed to grow. He began his career working in pastels before transitioning to oils, and that shift opened up an entirely new world of expression and opportunity. For painters who feel uncertain about evolving their work, Joe's story is deeply encouraging — change is not a betrayal of who you are as an artist, it is often the very thing that takes you to the next level.
What Galleries Taught Him (and What They Didn't)
Joe shares a candid and balanced look at his experience with galleries — the doors they opened, the lessons they taught, and the limitations they imposed. One of the most powerful insights in this section is how the COVID-19 pandemic, as difficult as it was, actually pushed Joe to take more direct control of his sales and collector relationships. What felt like a setback turned into one of the most transformative periods of his career.
The Mindset Behind Selling Art with Confidence
This is where the episode really shines. Joe breaks down the mental game of selling — why hesitation when quoting a price can cost you the sale, how to build genuine trust with collectors, and why every conversation is an opportunity to create a comfortable buying experience. His approach is not about being pushy or salesy; it is about being prepared, confident, and genuinely invested in connecting the right collector with the right piece.
Prints, Originals, and Building Long-Term Income
Joe also dives into the strategic value of prints and reproductions — not as a compromise, but as a smart way to expand your reach and build prestige for your originals. He talks openly about time management, daily discipline, and how structure in the studio translates directly into more sales and a more fulfilling creative life.
A Practical Takeaway for Your Art Business
Whether you are just starting out or have been selling your work for years, this episode will leave you feeling more equipped and more inspired. Joe's advice is practical, warm, and grounded in real experience. The next time someone asks about your pricing, take a breath, know your value, and quote it with confidence. Your collectors are waiting — and they want to say yes.