Oak Grove Bridge II, oil, wrapped canvas, 11×14, SOLD
People ask from time to time, “Is it hard to sell your work?” My first smart-alecky response is, “It’s only hard to sell the ugly ones”. However, I don’t think that is the answer anyone is looking for. They are asking about an emotional attachment to a personal creation, something akin to separation anxiety. When my students ask if they should sell their work, my answer is, “Always, and as often as possible!” Often, a result of growth is that we quickly become ashamed of (or even disgusted by) our earlier efforts. (My Oh-So-Wise Dad said, “Simply refer to those as your Primitive Era.”) So, if one has $50 to buy more supplies or another month of lessons instead of owning a piece of work that she now finds embarrassing, then she has come out ahead! The more work I sell, the more I paint and draw and thus, my abilities are refined through more experience. The more work I sell, the more space I have for more work. The more work I sell, the more my confidence grows, enabling me to say “YES I CAN!!” The more work I sell, the less inclined I am to believe that I should hone my job hunting/resume writing skills.
4 Comments
Mom & I looked at your mural and it looks great! Today is Sat. Sept. 13 and Marilyn’s in Visalia hanging out with Ora Kay and showing her your blog!
Such pretty colors in this one.
Thanks, Sharon! This was painted a second time on the recommendation of a visitor to my Redbud Booth. She never responded to my phone messages to have “first crack” at the painting, and this a.m. someone else said she’ll take it! On another subject, would you consider yourself a “Process crocheter” or a “Project crocheter”? I have never decided which type of artist I am – I love it both, except for a few boring parts that last toooo long (i.e. bricks!)
Oh, I LIKE this one! Talk about “character” . . . I just love this bridge. I just might have to purchase this painting. 🙂 Let me know if it’s still available.
And I know what you mean about selling your work. I have the same “dilemma” when it comes to my crocheted afghans. Even if I worked at minimum wage, I would have to price them way too high, and so I give them away as gifts and to charities. And the few that I have made on commission, I’ve been happy with whatever price was offered, because the joy for me is in the process.
“Sometimes the journey is more rewarding than the destination.”
Comments are closed for this article!