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Painting Finished... Now What?!
As a painter, you most likely want to show your work to the world. Where does one begin, and what benefits and setbacks might you face along the way?
The Way of Tradition
The most common form of representation is through a gallery. The basic setup: you display your catalog of paintings and invite guests to view, discuss and potentially purchase your masterpieces. There are two ways to go about exhibiting in a gallery. The first is the submission route, where the artist contacts a local gallery's curator. This person runs the gallery's operations and coordinates the art direction of the show. Most of the time they're also funding the entire enterprise, so understand that they call all the shots; they're providing you their private space and the platform to exhibit.
Depending on their perception of art, some curators will be very selective. Your work will most likely need to fit a certain vision or criteria that they decide subjectively. That is the basic trade-off: the curator provides the gallery, and the artist adapts to meet a standard in order to display. A fee may be involved as well.
Breaking Away from Tradition Through Innovation
What if I don't agree with, or don't want to adapt to, a curator's standards for my work? Then you have the option of becoming the curator! Yes, that's right. No one can stop you from organizing your very own gallery on your own terms. Personally, I find that far more rewarding than premiering under someone else's name or sharing the spotlight (unless that's your thing).
Understand, however, that you'll have to work a lot harder and find a new level of patience to truly execute it from beginning to end. You cannot half-ass an art gallery. I speak from experience. A lame show can and will ruin your reputation. To avoid that, I always suggest humbling yourself first. Be open to information and new knowledge, but be wary of too many opinions and too much “advice.” You'll meet naysayers who question your ability to take on a gallery. It's just human nature that some people are subconsciously intimidated by the reminder that you're making moves and they aren't.
Once you get past that, you'll need a space whose owner lets you run the gallery the way it needs to be run. In other words, rent a space that is strictly that: an open space! Most owners aren't concerned with the type of event you host, as long as you don't damage the property and the space is cleared by a certain hour. Though it costs more than submitting to a gallery, it not only buys you the creative freedom to bypass a curator's mold; it also lets you make your money back, plus a profit, if you tailor your show properly.
Do What's Best for You
Whichever way you choose to represent yourself is entirely up to you. Both have their benefits and drawbacks, so in the end, much like art itself, it's subjective. It all depends on how you want to work as an artist and how you see your career. Regardless, I'd say the key to success is to stay consistent and keep active. You're sure to fail if you don't try at all, and you're sure to sleep well at night knowing you gave it your all.