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Question:
I have sent out HUNDREDS of slide packages and/or postcards to galleries across the country, big and small. What is going on here? Not to boast, but I am better than a lot of crap I see in galleries these days. Many of the artists that are represented by galleries today don't deserve to be there. I could understand being an actor or writer and no one giving me a chance because they don't know how good I am, but it only takes a glance to see my artwork. And, yes, I HAVE been sending my slides to galleries that feature similar work to mine.
Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:
Hmm... are you targeting the galleries you submit to, or are you just doing a shotgun approach? You have a very traditional style which fits some galleries, but would preclude most galleries focused on contemporary art.
Assuming you're submitting to galleries that would/should be interested in your art, you have to keep in mind that they probably get a lot of unsolicited portfolio submissions (I know some galleries get hundreds per month). You simply may not be catching their attention. I'd suggest trying to meet gallerists in-person. Go to their art openings, chat with them, etc.
I'm a bit hesitant to make this last suggestion, but what the heck. You might consider taking a more contemporary approach to your art. In the same way that an opera star who can also act is a valuable commodity, an artist that strong technical, traditional skills and can address art in a contemporary manner is a very powerful artist.
I know from some of your other questions that you dislike/suspect contemporary art, but its a pretty big tent and I'm sure you could find a spot for yourself if you cared to. You might want to read some of Donald Kuspit's writings. He's an art critic who is particularly interested in what he calls the "New Old Masters"--something that I suspect would be right up your alley.
The other thing that struck me looking at your website is that while I can see a consistent style, you seem to be a bit all over the place. I'd suggest when presenting your portfolio (including on your website), get rid of the studies and try to group like items together (i.e., still lifes together, portraits together, etc.). And actually you might want to drop the portraits from you gallery submissions, too... people prefer purchasing still lifes and landscapes over portraits of people they don't know (and gallerists prefer art that they can sell).