LONDON — The Internet has changed the way we buy art, according to the renowned painter of cityscapes, Robert E Wells. Traditionally, artists sold their work through galleries but Mr Wells believes that this relationship is slowly eroding due to technological and economic pressures. “Artists used to be nurtured by galleries,” he says. “There was a longstanding commitment in the days of David Wolfers at the New Grafton. Nowadays, because of the market downturn they tend to focus more on quick turnover to cover their expensive rents. Today, art has become a commodity. The dynamics of the marketplace have all changed. Customers prefer to browse the internet than visit the high streets.” Galleries have embraced technology though “but too much”, he says. “From my experience they put images of my work on their sites and do not actually stock the physical painting. This results in over exposure and actually puts customers off buying because they don't know which gallery to go to.” In the future he predicts that savvy artists, armed with mailing lists of clients will hire their own venues and produce their own catalogues. “The artist does a far better job at selling their own work. Artists are now capable of taking their own photos, desktop publishing, and of course they don't pay a hefty 50 per cent commission. Admittedly it's a scary prospect to hire a venue and produce an expensive catalogue for mailing but when a group of artists does it the risk is spread. The rewards are far greater.” A professional artist for the past 15 years Robert studied interior design and his first job was with an architectural practice where “people latched on to the fact that I could draw”. Robert's work can be found in the private collections of Mann Group, London and Pannett Gallery, Whitby. In 2012 he won the Howard De Walden painting prize at Thompson's Gallery, London. Private collectors include Sir Chris Patten, the last Governor of British Hong Kong, Roman Abramovich, owner of Chelsea Football Club and the actress Felicity Kendal.
