What to do with all your artwork piling up in your house or studio?

All paintings below by Dennis Congdon

A musician friend once said,​ "The advantage of making music over art is that once you are finished performing your music, it goes away, but when you finish a painting, it just sits there, out in the world."
So what is an artist to do?

Keep it - Collect your own art.
I have paintings I did 40 years ago that I still love looking at. Not because I think highly of myself, but because I’m still amazed that I somehow managed to paint them. It's OK to be amazed by your accomplishments and fill your walls with them.

Recycle your art
Embrace an honest assessment of a painting and determine if it is really, really a keeper? If not, paint another painting over it with a clear conscience. (Cover the painting with a solid tint of color first, before painting on it.) This has been a practice by many great artists throughout art history, so you're in good company.

Give your art as a gift
Someone may not appreciate your thoughtful gift of a 10' x 10' (305 x 305 cm) painting, but they may be super excited to receive a smaller one.

Offer your art at auctions
Many organizations host fundraisers and are seeking items to auction off. Help their cause and bring happiness to those lucky people who buy your art.. (Caveat: your art must be your original creation, not a painted copy of another person’s photograph or painting.)

Art Galleries and coffee shops
If you are accomplished enough and consider yourself an artist, find art galleries, gift shops, or coffee shops that will display and sell your artwork. If no sales happen, at least people will see your amazing artwork. (Caveat: your art must be your original creation, not a printed copy of another person’s photograph or painting.)

Studio Sale
Once a year, have an art party and studio sale at your house. Bring out all of your paintings and spread them out everywhere, on the walls, on tables, leaning on furniture—everywhere! Make the whole place look like the studio of a mad artist. Then, invite all your friends to come over. Offer works for rock-bottom prices. Offer two paintings for the price of one. Refuse no offer!