Q: I've been painting for 20 years, have started selling within the past two and have so far made over $5000 marketing my art. I don't have a lot of confidence in myself, so I price my art pretty low. I've never taken any art courses and feel intimidated reading articles about art or going to art galleries. It seems like you can't be a true artist without going to art school, having years of fine arts college-level courses, and getting a degree. Any suggestions on what to do?

A: Most people feel just as intimidated as you do about the art world. They're afraid to do something as simple as set foot inside an art gallery. At the same time, however, the overwhelming majority of people like art and would own it if they found something nice that they felt comfortable about buying. This is where you come in. (You educated artists might learn a thing or two here also.)

In a way, you have an advantage over the "intimidating" aspects of the art community and formalities of art galleries because you're not intimidating, you know how to paint, and people like your art enough to buy it. You can't ask for much more than that. So far, you've made a modest amount of sales without having to travel among the "intimidators" and that's even better.

Your self-esteem, on the other hand, could use a boost. Understand that how you acquire your skills, what you choose to paint, what your art looks like, and how you market your art are entirely up to you. It's none of anyone else's business. There are no rules governing who is or who is not an artist, how or where to sell art, or how much your art is worth. You're good and people like your art and you sell and that means plenty.

For you to feel guilty about charging higher prices is ridiculous. Plenty of artists without formal training or educations experience high levels of success and charge plenty for their art. The only thing you should be concerned about is raising prices too high too fast for your biggest fans to afford. You know your market best, so you decide what you think those new levels should be.

As for increasing your sales, ask people why they like your art, why they buy it, and where they think you might be able to sell more of it. Find out what they like about you, and about the ways that you present you sell your art. Use this feedback to develop a basic marketing plan in order to attract new collectors. Ask for referrals to local businesses that might lend you wall space to show your work. Also check with local arts organizations to see whether you can participate in outdoor art fairs, open studios, group shows, and other opportunities to present your work.