I know the question in the title is a bit perplexing, but it's legit.  Well maybe there is a bit more to it then what do you think $200 is worth.  The real question is what do you think a silk screen by Andy Warhol of 200- one dollar bills is worth?  Art critics and auction houses believed the work to be worth 12 million dollars so you can imagine their surprise when the final bid was $43 Million Dollars.  Now I know Andy Warhol is a big deal, but the final auction price was 3-1/2 times the expected value...and someone paid it!

If you're looking to build your art business a good place to look are the trends in the auction houses.   They serve as a good barometer for what's selling and how the art is being sold.  The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) likes to talk about the auction houses, but they serve as a reminder that the same business principles can be used at every level of the socio-economic ladder.

One of the trends that collectors and auction houses are noticing in this economic climate is that works by famous artists are shifting from their paintings to the artist's drawings.  The collectors still want the artist's work, but are looking for better pricing.  Think about how that might translate to your own art.  During these times maybe a smaller piece, or something experimental may be a way to continue a revenue stream without having to abandon what you love.  Be creative in this process, think of how the trends in big art are translating to your own art business.  Don't use the Warhol piece as an example because it surprised even the best of art collectors and auction houses.

Look for the trends and then figure out how to translate them to your own world.  Learning from the masters at selling art shortens your learning curve and prevents you from having to reinvent the wheel.