First Day at School

Not really. It sort of feels like it, but instead it is my first day working at Main Gallery. I don’t even know if it is called “Main Gallery” or “The Main Gallery”. There is no phone to answer, so I guess it doesn’t really matter. I’ve worked in more retail positions than I can list but never had my first day at a job without supervision! Guess I’ll put on my big girl pants and go after it. . . sometimes I love being a grown-up and other times I’d like to just let someone else step into that position. Today, the verdict is not in as to which attitude fits. Maybe if someone else would do the grocery shopping then I’d like the other parts of being a grownup. The best part of being a grown-up is doing whatever I want, which is sort of what happens while working in (the) Main Gallery. You know how at “real” jobs you have to act busy even when you aren’t? This “job” allows me to knit in between customers or work on my ‘puter or just sit. Maybe I do really like being a grownup today!

Thinking and planning and learning

In a perfect world, an artist would make art with her favorite medium of her favorite subjects when she felt like it. When it was almost finished, people would be clamoring to buy it, and she would rejoice in a sure sale. Dream on, Toots! In reality, if an artist wants to earn a living, she has to make art with the medium that sells best, choose subjects that people love, and be in touch with those people. In addition to making art, an artist has to be able to do a zillion other things. Want cards? Better learn what the best sizes are, where to have them printed, how many to order in quantities that might sell, how to package and where to find the materials, and how to price both resale and retail. Want to teach? Better be able to find, connect with and keep students. (Plus have a place, materials, a plan, and the flexibility of a pre-teen gymnast!) Need more than some paintings, cards and a few students? Better research the world of art and retail to find out what people are buying, gather seeds of information to create something new, practice like crazy, actually make art, and at the same time, learn how to market it. Need places to sell your work? Better get out there and discover shows, shops, galleries and other venues for promoting your work. Want commissions? Better meet people, listen to their wishes, have a price list, know how long it might take and have some samples to show.

Have a look at a recent commissioned piece:

This was fun to paint – new subject, new colors to mix, neat-o square shape, and a happy customer awaits!

From Dreary and Cold comes Bright and Cheerful

It was a very busy weekend. The opening at Main Gallery was very very well attended – it was hot, crowded, noisy and exciting.  First Saturday in Three Rivers was also exciting – I got blown away! Well, almost. Don, Paula, Leslie, Wendy and Kristi all came to my rescue and helped me secure my stuff. In addition, several paintings sold! Today is dreary and cold. Our propane tank is empty and the pilot lights in the workshop and studio are not lit. There is a fire in the woodstove in the house, and I have a laptop. Instead of using the excuse of cold and dark so I can justify sitting around and knitting, I have spent a large portion of the day learning about self-publishing, marketing, art business and self-promotion. I’m hoping the phone isn’t ringing off the hook in the studio (Wait a minute – I’m hoping it is and that the answering machine is full!!) and I’m still not convinced that Facebook is for me, but my excitement over writing, drawing and publishing a new book or two is growing! More will be revealed. . . or not, depending on how the ideas mature. Here, let’s look at something bright and cheerful:

Persimmon Leaf, 6×6″, oil on wrapped canvas, $40

Black Oak Leaf, 6×6″, oil on wrapped canvas, $40

Chinese Pistache Leaf, 6×6″, oil on wrapped canvas, $40

See how well I learned my lessons about marketing? Each painting has a Buy Now button conveniently located beneath it for your easy shopping pleasure. Please be impressed with my techie skills (and never mind the fact that I could have painted 12 pictures in the time it took to do this).

Peculiar Sights #11

In Three Rivers, it is common to watch the river. We cross over certain bridges, or take certain walks and always check out the river to see how it is changing with the seasons. When one frequents the same routes, one comes to accept the sights as normal. I’ve been walking across the Dinely Bridge regularly since January 1999, and I am used to the views. However, there is something rather curious there- it is this vase of flowers, regularly updated and replaced.

The story is that someone’s Mom’s ashes were scattered from the bridge, and her son keeps fresh flowers there in her memory.

Main Gallery!

I’ve joined a new art co-operative called Main Gallery at 209 West Main Street in Visalia! (For you locals, this is in the same block as Brown’s Shoes and Pacific Treasures) Our grand opening is Friday, November 5, 6-8:30 p.m. Have a look as it was being set up on Saturday:

This is where Cross-Horlock used to be.

I don’t remember Cross-Horlock having such a beautiful atrium (not that I even knew the word back when CH was open!)

It is a wonderfully large and well-lit space with room upstairs for workshops.

Customers may enter from Main Street or through the atrium doors.

My work is on screens and is visible from the atrium.

Expatiation:

There is something to be said in favor of working in one’s home town – the convenience, the casualness of getting to work and the familiarity are just a few of the benefits. On the other hand, there are several somethings to be said in favor of working in the largest town in the county, namely Visalia. The expanded population base means increased exposure, increased visitation and increased sales. In addition, there are 22 other artists with whom to interact and from whom to learn. Granted, Sierra Subs is not next door nor is there a river out back. When I feel the loss of those 2 things, I will simply remind myself that I am here to earn a living, not have a mini get-away!