Paddles Up! My Santa Monica Auction Throwback ( 2013)

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 My Auction Debut: A Unique Experience 


I'm dipping my toes into the world of selling vintage and art, and it got me thinking about my own early experiences with the art market. Here's a throwback to my first (and only!) auction. This post was originally in Spanish. You can find the original here: [ Dagugli & drop-in artist bologspot

A Fascinating Experience at the Galerie Michael

If you love art, the Galerie Michael is an event you absolutely shouldn't miss. Be sure your bank account is healthy, because you'll be tempted to join the lucky few who snag a "bargain!" during one of their auctions. Hopefully, the flurry of numbered paddles didn't drive the price up too high, and you can take home a great piece of art at a fantastic price!



Everything moves quickly. They project the artwork, and if you're lucky, assistants will bring it to the center of the room to showcase it up close. A prior visit is highly recommended. All the pieces are on display beforehand, allowing you to browse at your leisure and mark your favorites in the gallery's catalog, which includes a photo, details about the piece, its estimated value, and the auction's starting bid.

The auction begins. The numbers on the paddles climb rapidly, adding excitement to the moment. You can't help but feel the urge to raise your own paddle (after registering beforehand, of course) and be the one everyone stares at when the auctioneer points and shouts "Sold!" Finally, you can smile proudly, the owner of a work you might just hang above your fireplace. If you're short on funds, I suggest sitting on your paddle, or, like me, simply sketching the scene to resist the temptation of becoming a long-term debtor!


Important Note: Remember that the final price includes a 17.5% commission plus 8% tax. You can also add a percentage for a chosen charity (a win-win!).

There are breaks and a lunch provided. These offer a chance to mingle with other buyers and chat about the art with fellow attendees.

During the break, I met Sara, an auction regular who wasn't having much luck that day. She tried to bid several times, but the gallery wouldn't sell, even when she was the only bidder. Why? Because the gallery sets a starting price, but if they feel the bidding doesn't reach their desired value, they reserve the right not to sell. Sara and I both agreed it's a bit disheartening to discover the minimum bid is more of a starting point than a firm floor – a bit of a dream-crusher that quickly brings you back to the realities of the art business.

Sara and other visitors...

This gallery specializes in established artists like Miró, Picasso, and Dalí. They also have engravings byChagall, Rembrandt, and Calder (especially engravings by these artists). There are few paintings, and those they do have are mostly from the Romantic period (I believe) and Realism from Corot's era.

I hope you enjoyed this glimpse into the world of art auctions. And a special thanks to my brother, whose brilliant idea it was to go and explore this experience. I'd love to be an art buyer someday! But I'm also proud to say that back in my student days, I was fortunate enough to buy and trade art with emerging artists whose work means just as much to me as any Dalí.

Oh, and they had some Goyas "intervened" by Dalí that didn't sell and were going for a good price... I don't get it! I actually saw these pieces at a Canal Foundation exhibition called "The Paper Dreams of Salvador Dalí."

Drawing on catalogue art list

Sara and other visitors


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