An artist wants to paint some of my images.

A local watercolor artist with her own gallery wants to copy/paint a couple of my images. These are two pieces that are not in my portfolio. Due to technical issues I would never print them bigger than 8x10 if at all. Still many people like them because the scenes are very nice. She would paint them and we would do a joint showing. So question: How should I approach such an arrangement? Should I even consider it?
Thanks!
John

For starters she deserves kudos for asking. I have heard of a lot of painters who just assume they are free to copy random photographs they run across.

I think the best arrangement is to agree on a percentage of the sale price. If she sells it, you get a proportional cut. This way she doesn't have to pay upfront, and you don't have to worry about pricing it proportionally.

Guy

Yes, I'll sure second that! That is, applaud the artist for asking you and being willing to work with you on a joint show! Tell her how much you appreciate it and work to make it a win-win situation by agreeing to promote each other's work even after the show. Sweet deal. Much better than my horror story of showing a print in a gallery and then having a painter bring in a show right after me who had painted a poor rendition of one of my most popular images. I was shocked and appalled! So shocked and appalled and such a newbie, I didn't know what to do about it. Still don't several years later! Much good luck!

Hi John,

Sounds like an interesting opportunity. If it were me I think if it required time on my part in getting the image to her I would charge a small flat fee just to cover the time--maybe $25/hr. After that I think a percentage deal on sales would be great. I would probably expect to negotiate a small percentage for myself since she would be the real selling point, ie., watercolor artists get far better fees for their work. I've had a few inquiries like this--not being included in a joint showing however--but so far no one seems to want to pay for use of my work. This includes well established, full time artists. Hmm... Randy

Thanks friends! She has done a similar thing before with the photographers permission but then found she could not show it a juried art show because she was not the copyright owner even though she had the photogs permission. But since she will be selling this work form her own gallery she need not worry about that. She has some very nice work. I think it will be some positive exposure for me as I get to know the art community in my area. I have work in two other galleries now. So we will talk somemore and see what we can work out.
Thanks for you kind comments!
John

What a compliment on your photo!
Sure, accept the great offer, and work cooperatively with her - many goofd things could come of it, for both of you!
Sandy

Thanks Sandy! They are pretty cool images just not quality photographs. I thought they were at first but almost a year later... NOT! Guess I am getting this digital thing figured out.
John