Let’s start with the awkward truth, most artists hate writing descriptions about their own artwork. It feels unnatural, forced, and frankly a bit cringe.
But good descriptions help sell your work, whether online or face to face. They are not an optional extra, far from it, they are a key part of your presentation, and you need to get it right.
In this post, I will show you how to write short, honest descriptions that sound like you, help people connect with your art, and actually make a difference to your sales.
Why Bother Writing Descriptions?
People want more than just the image. They want a story, a feeling, a reason to care.
A well written blurb makes your art more memorable. It builds trust and shows there is a real person behind the work. It adds a sense of authenticity and helps people feel more connected.
Think of your descriptions as gentle teasers. They are not there to explain everything, just to encourage a reaction. Something that makes people pause, relate, or feel curious enough to keep looking or ask a question..
Don’t believe me? What’s the first thing people do in an art gallery? They read the caption. They want to know who painted it, what it’s called, and something about the image. We all do it. It’s part of how we engage with art.
So how do you write a good description? Let’s cover that next.
Very closely related: How to Name Your Artwork: Find a Title That Sells
Keep It Short, Clear, and Personal
You’re not writing an essay, and you’re not entering a writing competition. The goal is to connect people/buyers with your art, not to impress them.
Keep it simple.
Three to five sentences is usually enough. tell a short story, what inspired it, point out something they didn’t notice, or say something unexpected that brings it to life. That’s all you need.
I can tell you from long experience, people won’t commit to reading long captions. The attention span just isn’t there. You’ve got a second or two to grab them with something short and snappy.
If you get it right, they’ll move on to the next caption, and the next. That’s how you keep someone standing at your display and attract others to come over; and remember, the best captions are a sales hook.
Most importantly, don’t forget to write in the first and second person. This is your voice, not a gallery label. Avoid anything that sounds like it’s been copied from a catalogue. Use words you’d actually say.
The grammar is less important than the spelling.Using coloquial English is fine, but people will pick up on the spelling and typos.
Imagine you’re chatting to someone at your art booth. That’s the tone you want. Casual and friendly.
Ditch the Art-Speak
Nobody talks likes a smart-arse, so you shouldn’t write like one either. Phrases like “exploring the tension between form and space” or “a visual dialogue between the viewer and subject” doesn’t mean anything to the average person standing at your art booth.
This is pretentious garbage and the public will either be intimidated or groan. Either way, they’ll walk, you’ve already lost them.
Write in plain English, about 8th grade level (young teens). I’d say this is especially true if you are selling abstract or expressionist art.
Instead of saying something like, “This piece is an expression of fleeting memory,” just say, “This reminded me of how fast the light changes in the evening.” That’s the kind of sentence that feels real. It’s easy to understand and sounds like something you’d actually say out loud.
You don’t need fancy words to sound thoughtful. Say what you mean and let the work speak for itself.
Real Captions That Actually Work
The best way to understand how to write a good description is to read one. Not a made up example, but a real caption that actually helped sell a print.
Here’s one I use for my bestseller called “Jumbo Family”
“Visiting Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is one of the highlights of Sri Lanka. I don’t know how many Jumbos there are, 40 or so I’d guess. It’s great fun and you can follow the herd as they walk down to the river and watch them play. As usual, I took a series of bad photos, but never mind, I had all the info I needed. I drew Mum from one photo and her calf from another. I raised the youngster’s trunk to add intimacy, and finished off by giving Mum a flapping ear.”
It is casual and tells a story. Nothing grand or poetic, just the truth in my own words. It gives people something to relate to, and often gets a smile or a follow up question. That is exactly what a good caption should do. Spark interest and make people feel something.
Here is another one that gets a good reaction, “Eyes to the Right”
“Our love affair with meerkats shows no signs of abating and for good reason, they’re comical reflections of ourselves. Perhaps we shouldn’t project human characteristics onto animals but with meerkats how do you stop yourself? It’s impossible. Take these five for instance. Superficially they look alike but it was apparent when I drew them that each meerkat was slightly different, five individuals, five personalities, but one family. The parallels are obvious.”
It works because it is light and familiar. You’re not just describing the picture, you’re adding warmth and mentioning the family. Never underestimate the selling power of family bonds.
Then there’s this one, “Backstroke”. It makes people laugh.
“I am constantly amazed when people assume that I must be meditating while I work. There seems to be this myth going round that artwork is in some way relaxing. Well I am sorry, but let me put the record straight, this drawing took me three weeks and did my bleedin’ head in.”
It’s funny because it is honest and unexpected. People laugh. That moment of shared humour is exactly what makes a connection and makes them remember you, and your work. It’s a brilliant ice-breaker.
Don’t try too hard. Just say what really happened, a thought, or how you felt. Let it be human.
Think Like a Buyer
When someone is looking at your work, they are not just seeing the drawing. They are imagining where it might go, how it might feel in their home, and whether they can justify the spend. Your description can help tip the balance in your favor.
That means including practical stuff, not just the backstory.
As I only sell unframed prints, I always show the framing size under the title. That means if someone asks whether it’s easy to frame, they’re interested. It’s a good sign. They’re already picturing it in their home.
You don’t need to write a full explanation. Just give them the basics. A clear title, a short story, and the dimensions. That’s enough to start a chat and open the door to a sale.
You must know your own product backwards so you can answer any question with confidence.
Edit Ruthlessly
Once you’ve written a description, leave it for a bit. Come back later with fresh eyes and cut out anything you don’t need. If it sounds too clever, too long, or just a bit forced, take it out.
Most of the time, you’ll spot things that repeat or feel clunky. Keep the part that sounds like you and ditch the waffle. You only need a few lines that feel real and are easy to read.
I mentioned it before, but it’s worth repeating, check for typos and spelling. These things matter more to casual readers than correct grammar.
Say what you mean, then stop. Less is nearly always better.
How to Write a Good Art Description: Final Thoughts
Your art doesn’t speak for itself, that’s a myth, you have to speak for it. That’s what a good description does.
- It opens the door,
- Gives people a way in, and…
- Creates an easy chance to start a conversation.
Think of your captions as a prop, not a pitch. You need just enough to catch someone’s attention and get them to stop and talk. That’s all you need. It’s up to you to follow through.
If you found this article useful, you’ll this and more in my guide. It’s all based on my experience selling my wildlife art face-to-face for over 20 years
Here are a few related posts for you to read:
- Pricing Art For Beginners: Originals, Art Prints, and Formulas
- What Kind of Art Sells Best? All The Secrets Revealed
- You Must Find an Art Niche: How and Why
- How to Present Your Art Prints for Sale in Markets
- Artist Business Cards: 6 Tips For Artists – From a Pro
- How to Negotiate the Price of Your Art: Prints and Originals
- How to Talk About Your Art Without Feeling Like a Fraud
- How to Prepare For an Outdoor Art Fair: Tips for Success
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Hi, I’m Kevin Hayler
I’ve been selling my wildlife art and traveling the world for over 20 years, and if that sounds too good to be true, I’ve done it all without social media, art school, or galleries!
I can show you how to do it. You’ll find a wealth of info on my site, about selling art, drawing tips, lifestyle, reviews, travel, my portfolio, and more. Enjoy