Regional Art Sells Best When Depicting Local Scenes, Artists and Gallerists Report

Art that resonates with its local environment tends to sell better. Walter Gonske's paintings of the American Southwest did not perform well in California and Hilton Head, whereas his California coastal scenes found success in Hilton Head. Annually, he produces around 100 pieces, split evenly between Santa Fe and Vail, targeting tourists and those with second homes. Galleries like Arthur Rogers' in New Orleans rely heavily on visitors. The San Francisco Chamber of Commerce facilitates gallery tours for convention-goers. Shirley Rabe Masinter captures the essence of New Orleans cemeteries, while Ed Dwight's sculptures of jazz musicians draw in tourists. Local themes are often commissioned by second-home buyers, with art prices generally peaking at about $5,000. This article by Daniel Grant is featured in the May/June 2026 issue of Artists Magazine.