And I am back from a four week break - a little time by the water, a lot of prepping for Long’s Park Art Festival, zero sketchbook work. I recently bought some new tools, and the sketchbook is the perfect place to give them a whirl. I bought 2 Princeton Catalyst Blades.
To the question about selling work: I’m on the fence. On one hand, I have heaps of work piling up. I can’t keep it all but it’s good work. Maybe I should sell it... but I’m afraid to put that sort of pressure on my art. I’m afraid I’ll offer it for sale, no one will buy it, and I’ll feel crumby. I’m planning my first studio clear out sale for October, so we shall see...
Selling can feel like such a trap! For emotional and practical reasons. I find I really enjoy talking to people about my work. Hearing their experiences with art. Understanding what they respond to in my work. And when someone really gets it - that is an amazing experience of being seen!
I have started thinking of the events I do as opportunities to SHOW the work rather than opportunities to SELL the work. Takes some of the pressure off.
They can be so fun. They can also be disappointing. There is a lot of value in managing expectations and understanding that so much of the experience is outside of your control and thus: not a reflection of you, your art, or your worth.
It's good to try events. I've exhibited locally, most recently in a juried show. There were easily 150 paintings at the most recent show, and lots of people in attendance, but fewer than 10 paintings sold. It was a lot of work to haul my big easels and big paintings, and nice to have it under my belt, but if I participate again, it will be with a table easel and a smaller painting :) I expect you'll have lots to share with us during, and after, the Long’s Park Fine Art Festival. I'm excited for you!
To the question about selling work: I’m on the fence. On one hand, I have heaps of work piling up. I can’t keep it all but it’s good work. Maybe I should sell it... but I’m afraid to put that sort of pressure on my art. I’m afraid I’ll offer it for sale, no one will buy it, and I’ll feel crumby. I’m planning my first studio clear out sale for October, so we shall see...
Selling can feel like such a trap! For emotional and practical reasons. I find I really enjoy talking to people about my work. Hearing their experiences with art. Understanding what they respond to in my work. And when someone really gets it - that is an amazing experience of being seen!
I have started thinking of the events I do as opportunities to SHOW the work rather than opportunities to SELL the work. Takes some of the pressure off.
I like it! I haven’t yet done any events, but 5-year plan tells me it’s time to start thinking about it.
They can be so fun. They can also be disappointing. There is a lot of value in managing expectations and understanding that so much of the experience is outside of your control and thus: not a reflection of you, your art, or your worth.
It's good to try events. I've exhibited locally, most recently in a juried show. There were easily 150 paintings at the most recent show, and lots of people in attendance, but fewer than 10 paintings sold. It was a lot of work to haul my big easels and big paintings, and nice to have it under my belt, but if I participate again, it will be with a table easel and a smaller painting :) I expect you'll have lots to share with us during, and after, the Long’s Park Fine Art Festival. I'm excited for you!
Oh you know I will share! Thank you for sharing my excitement!