"You're not worth anyone's time, period!"

You are so ignorant and arrogant, I'm done. You're not worth anyone's time period, I'll never refer anyone to you or the gallery for sales.

Do not contact me again-
Deborah

This was how I ended my last correspondence with a gallery out in Laguna Beach. How on earth did this become so escalated? It truly appeared as though my work would fit there. In fact, it was a very eclectic gallery, much like the other two I'm in, one back home in AZ and the other in CO. One of the artists in the gallery, I exhibited with earlier this year in a national, annual, juried show. So I got the contact card of who to submit my work to and did that very night, introducing myself and asking for his thoughts and feedback.

The response was/is the most disrespectful and unprofessional I have ever received.

"not good enough for us. thx"

It's a good thing this is not my first rodeo....a few years ago that response would have completely crushed me, and put a dead halt on speaking to galleries. Only a coward too spineless/non creative to create his own work and hang on a wall for others to critique, hides behind selling another's work as his leverage to make this kind of statement. Somewhere in the process of selling art, he has deemed himself above it, like a judge passing law of what is acceptable, and what is not, what meets his criteria and personal tastes. It is not uncommon for your work to pass through this standard, salespeople sell what they like. It they don't like your work for whatever reason, the above response can happen. It does not matter if your work is good, and they will hold your entire self-image in the balance, if you let them. This was beyond a gallery just stating what works for them, what doesn't. I don't care who you are, or who you think you are - you don't treat people this way.

I responded the most diplomatic way possible, that "he was classless, rude, unprofessional and disrespectful". Like most arrogant people who do not see themselves, he dismissed it as nothing, responding below:

"sometimes we dont have the time to massage your feelings. our job is to sell not curry your favor. listen you asked me for my thoughts in your original email. I gave them to you now you are crying. Grow some skin in this business."

I returned: "Don't patronize me, the choice to show class takes no more time than being rude. Your job includes respect for everyone who comes through those doors, for current sales and future ones."

Truth is, if you listen to these people they can affect you going forward and creating. It's a good thing I believe in my work and know his statement is false. It is good enough for the gallery, but not good enough for him - that's the difference. And it never will be, for two reasons:

1) He was deconstructive in his opinion, no professional foundation to stand on, art-wise. I've rarely seen a situation jump from unprofessional to professional. He abused his power, meant to derail me with his arrogance and was all right with it.

2) I will not be altering my course or work or style to meet what this person considers to be good enough, nor ever have him represent me in the future, by choice.

Life is too short, do not waste your time on these unworthy, trying to prove to them you are. We're all at different levels in our craft, those that are respectful and professional are the only ones in this field worth working with, and representing your art. As for the the jerk above, I documented everything, passed it on the owner's son; they needed to know who it was representing them.

A few months later, my point was proven. He'd put me on their mailing list and sent a notice out of specials and sales happening in the gallery....many artists collect other artists' work. I shot a reminder back of our previous experience, not only will I never purchase from him - but everyone I know is advised to go elsewhere as well. Take me off your list. All this came from his choice to handle the matter in which he did.

Happy New Year

Improve Your Art Sales with these Seven Selling Points from Barney's Day Gig - Art Print Issues by Barney Davey

Improve Your Art Sales with these Seven Selling Points from Barney's Day Gig - Art Print Issues by Barney Davey

Holiday Greetings

I hope everyone is enjoying their holiday, New Year's is around the corner. I was fortunate enough to spend mine with family and put on a couple pounds due to some homemade butter cookies! LOTS of cookies.

I've been painting preparing for this show that begins in January:

http://www.celebrateart.com

It will be my first year exhibiting and I'm very excited. I was painting up till Christmas Eve, practically, still much to do. I'm working on a beautiful 40x30 Mountain Lion, the first of it's kind for me to do, the whole animal is in the frame and there's some more background in it than most. Halfway through I realized it was a snow scene, which I've been trying to avoid seeing we live in the desert and warm toned paintings sell better - but I just had to choose this piece because it was the most engaging story and the lighting blew the other options away. I hope others see it as I do. 

I have been sensitive to this economy and incorporated smaller sized works into my paintings, though everything I've read points to artists working larger, increasing their prices considerably, and having favorable responses because of it! I guess have a price that suits all, variety in sizes is the safest way to go here. And for those who like your work but can't afford an original, have some print options. Happy Painting and much success in 2010!

Commission exchanged for Advertising!

So sorry for the delay in my posting here, December is ALWAYS is the busiest month! Not only are we in the middle of holidays and birthdays, but this will be my 4th year exhibiting in an annual national juried show  - only 3 weeks left to paint and get ready!

Not that I haven't had time to paint all year, mind you, but it always seems the best ideas come later in the year....so if I had everything ready - I'd wind up changing things and still be as busy at this time. 

Back to the commission, my dear friend Evelyn invited me to hang my artwork in her Dr.'s office earlier this year. She'd not accept any portion of any sales; so I decided it'd be only right to paint something for her she could not refuse - a portrait of her beloved pet, Sara. Just finished her and delivered her today, Evelyn loves her! Trade is always a great business card and at the same time, you can give a friend something priceless.

Telluride November trip

Greetings!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving, I sure did!

Telluride was beautiful, peaceful and charming. Everything one would want in a mountain town. There's money there, no doubt. The restored tiny Victorian homes at the base of the mountain run $1,000,000...and up.

The gallery I'd contacted before I left had turned to only an online presence; the remaining "galleries" in town were not so much art galleries with paintings and sculpture - but rather boots and western ware, antique shops, photography, etc. The oldest and most successful gallery in town featured mixed media art, very modern. My best contact in town was the owner of the Western Goods' shop, whose wife is an interior designer. Together they service up to 70% of the interior design for high end custom homes being built in the area.

Telluride is a destination for the recreation, and that's mainly it. It was good to finally see it and be able to compare to it's big brother, Aspen. This year I've learned that true markets are not only a destination, but the art itself is part of the experience, a draw as well. When a handful of galleries popped up doing internet research for Telluride, I thought it was because the town is tiny. Going there you see the bigger picture; and learn what the place is all about.

Very fun to visit and take in the snow! - And the dogs - 1 in 4 people owned dogs and were out & about with them.

Aspen November 2009

We're in Colorado, it was time to see my gallery here and swap some inventory. We make the trip each year, sometimes twice, usually in the spring and again in winter. With things as slow as they've been, we only made it once.

Unfortunately, the majority of paintings I dropped off last year did not get any hits or sell; the good news is that they're going back in my inventory for either exhibition at shows or other galleries. It's so strange, you try and find a pattern of why something sells and other's don't, it's practically impossible. I have no answers, except they just weren't right for this gallery at this time; the same paintings could sell somewhere else or even again at this gallery in the future. In fact that's happened; one piece in particular, showed at the gallery for months, it didn't get much attention - I brought it back to AZ and it sold a few months later. Art sales are like matchmaking; it takes just the right person at the right time. In reality you're trying to market yourself to multiple persons, while being true to your vision, and yet, many of us don't view it that way. When something doesn't sell, we tend to take it inwards as if something is wrong with the work; either in subject, colors, sizes or all of the above. Try not to throw yourself under the bus.

They say bad news comes in 3's; I'm not superstitous though this formula does tend to ring true. Upon arrival, we learn our main contact is in the hospital; literally admitted the night before for surgery. There are a handful of great guys that sell for the gallery; I asked about the new young guy I met the year before who was learning the ropes of the business, his name was Ben. Very soft but frank, they answered: "he's dead, overdosed this summer". It took a few seconds to digest that, these guys are usually joking....but they weren't this time, said the "aspen life caught up with him". Could this trip get any darker??

Today we leave for Telluride, 9 hours or so to get there. They have some galleries there and I corresponded with a couple before we left. Until next time....

Small Works

Been busy with more painting; earlier this month I became a member of a local art league. It's very economical and you get on the mailing list of all their yearly events. 

I decided to enter their Holiday Small Works show; the submissions can only be "5 x 7" paintings and they exhibit for the entire month of December. My goodness, that is one tiny canvas!! Don't blink, you'll miss it! 

Since smaller paintings are more challenging to paint for me, I knew I couldn't over think it, just keep it simple. I really enjoyed the new color palette, they were very fun to do. 

In addition, I'm wrapping up a 30"x40" Equine painting for my aspen gallery, we leave next week to drop off inventory.

They sell my horses, but this year I'm giving them wildlife work as well; good way to test what response they'll have. 

Chapter of Happiness

Recently I saw an elderly couple on their copper Goldwing. What a sight; she was on the back grinning and they were both wearing matching orange T-shirts coordinating with the bike. No doubt her idea though he was happy to oblige. They were lost in their world; living in their own little chapter of happiness.

Ever feel like you're waiting for happiness only to discover later some of the best moments flew right by you? This journey through art for me, has been interludes of accomplishments and quiet reflection through even the most troubling times. I don't know if there will be a place that I arrive to and feel "there". The more I learn, the less I know, which opens up the heart to learn more. Truly, a never ending circle.

The pressure is on now more than ever; all this time I've handled another career on the side in graphics/advertising - to fuel my fine art. It was not a healthy climate; not only was my creativity extinguished, the boss was a dishonest tyrant....after 7 long years it has finally ended. Why did I stay? Why does anyone abused stay? You get used to it. It paid for art expenses, somehow no matter how bad things got, I felt if I deserted it, I'd also be deserting my dream.

Sometime in the past 2 weeks I altered that course, & decided I don't need to sacrifice to that degree - and the dream will still happen.

I must be insane!!

Dear Deborah:

 

Thank you for your correspondence and your interest in our Gallery.   At the moment we are not seeking any new representation and are in a mode of trying to downsize the number of artists we represent.  

 

Currently we represent 32 artists full time, and in a perfect world I would prefer less allowing me to better promote the ones I have.  So, when I look at new artists work, I have to ask myself  “who would I take down that I have sold before, so that I can see if I can sell this new work, or new look in the gallery?” 

 

Your work is very good and I thank you again for letting me review it. 

This particular gallery above is in Texas. Like the others, I thanked him for his time and reviewing my works. This process lets me know I'm taking my work in the right direction. In such an economy, and the future uncertain, no doubt this is probably one of the hardest times many artists have experienced...

I have recently learned that 90% of the sales from my Aspen gallery, are for clients visiting from Texas, Florida, and the Eastern Upper states.....could I be any further away from my market? I think not! But it is time to get creative and visible in those places, the most economical way possible!! 

Sign of the Times

Some strange things within the art circles started happening earlier this year due to the economy; it's only getting worse. 

First, artists that have been known to do "very well" that I exhibit with at an annual, juried art show made 1/2 of their normal sales - and those were the lucky ones, with many years of experience doing the show. Artists that continued on the art show circuit afterwards, had hit/miss sales. I couldn't justify this path; it's expensive and in this economy, I didn't see favorable odds for myself. To further this complication, many artists that have not had to depend upon these shows for sales, are now popping up left & right, we all know what happens in the law of supply and demand......too much supply.......slows down demand. 

I got my own firsthand experience; a show I locally applied for had 2 jury processes; I exhibit with some of the artists in this show. It's not a new show, just new for me and my first time applying. I passed the first jury process; not the 2nd. The letter I received stated how they had over 100 extra applicants apply and over 1,500 pieces of art to jury in. Thankfully this only cost me $25 to enter my submissions.

It's a good year to polish up those painting skills and work on inventory. I am preparing for the annual juried show a few months away, same one I spoke about above. It's local, good exposure, and the most economical show for me to do, averaging the cost and the number of days exhibiting - it's over 70 days long.

Bad Economy

Everyone is hurting; it's hard to feel sorry for yourself that the art field is slow when you know there are people who have lost their jobs, struggling to pay their bills. These are great times to really get creative, do what you can to keep your art in the forefront. Don't disappear.

Supplemental income is always welcome; art can be feast or famine. Back in my animation days it was all about getting signed on to a green light project, artists may have work for 6 months, then nothing. The lucky ones got at least a one year contract and up, more of a permanent-type hire. The fine art has also proven to have highs and lows. Keep that part-time 2nd job, or even full-time job - if nothing else, to pay for supplies and expenses. We spent close to $20,000 in such before I sold my first painting; I'd not be financially ready for the opportunities the art world was going to throw me - if I didn't have this supplemental income. There will be sacrifices in your heart & wallet - hold on to everything you can.

One way to stretch that dollar and get your work in front of people is art competitions. They can run from $0 to just over a $100, depending on which one. At the very least, you'll get your work in front of someone and if you win - hey - now you really have a payoff. Not only recognition, but they buy the original work.

Criticism III

Every gallery owner/director seems to be as different as artists themselves. Many owners are artists as well! It's good to have many qualified people view your works; don't get held up on just a few. I contacted another reputable gallery while away and she had a very different response:

Dear Deborah,

 

Thank you very much for your submission of work.  It is, indeed, lovely; however, at this time we are not seeking new artists. 

 

Thank you for considering our gallery.  I wish you the very best in your career and invite you to visit our galleries in Jackson, Sedona and Cody.

 

Best Regards,

Pamela, Director

Though they're not looking for artists now, things can change as the economy turns around. The next time I do contact her, it will be a warm connection, as oppose to this cold first one. It's one step closer than before and I got the opportunity to get my work in front of her, and the chance for feedback. This process alone can move you milestones in growth. 

Criticism II

Sorry for the delay here, I've been on travel. It's so fitting this entry follows the last post. Since my recent work has expanded into wildlife, I decided to follow up with a gallery I've had my eye on for awhile. It's one of the top galleries in town, very reputable. Not only do they feature high-end art, they have the clients to follow and they're very good to their artists. They have a reputation of paying when the work sells. (This topic is another blog post! I'll come back to it, promise) A little backstory here, my last correspondence was 2 years ago;  it's good, when possible not to burn your bridges, you never know when you'll need them again. An artist currently in the gallery suggested I contact them when I showed him my horses back in 2007.

So I emailed this contact with examples of my work, (all horses - I was fairly new at them, experiencing with a looser, impressionistic style). He thanked me and had problems with my rendering of their anatomy. Well to be honest, he ripped my work up one side and down the other.....I was beginning to wonder why my artist friend had referred me.....but I thanked this contact for his time and asked if I may follow up in the future, which he welcomed. 

But inside I was fuming!!

Confused, defeated, but knowing I still had talent and needed to continue, I set this experience aside - keeping a critical eye on my anatomy of horses.

And now, a few years later with wildlife subjects added, I decided to follow up. I'm going to paste his response below:

Deborah,

Thank you for your email and photos.  You have some very nice paintings in this group.  My main concern is the backgrounds of the paintings.  Not very exciting.  I know, you want to focus on the animal(s) but there still needs to be some interest there.  Also, the separation between your subject and the background is not evident.  The wolf painting is a good example of this.  I like how you executed the wolf but the background seems to be right on top of him/her.

I hope this information is helpful to you.

Though my work may not be "there" for him just yet, this response and critique is much improved from our last.  He likes my animals and has no problem with the anatomy, and this time it's a selection of multiple species. His concern is backgrounds; which is a relief. Honestly, backgrounds do baffle me, they're not the focus of my work - the animal is. I have some ideas for experimentation in my next series of works.

He knows his gallery and clients, and what sells. Playing with some background changes does not compromise my artistic integrity or alter the focus of my works. Some artists think any suggestion of change means to forfeit their vision and to them I ask: Is it really? Though I may come from an emotionally invested angle with my work, he views it as commodity; it's a product. The difference between art as a livelihood vs. art as a hobby, comes down to this:

Is the work sellable? 

Criticism

Touchy subject. To take criticism means to accept rejection, that your status quo isn't quite cutting it. Not fun! Which is why I will always come back to the form of criticism itself, is it constructive? 

I only accept the constructive version, have no ear for the other. Not that it hasn't found me. It's my belief that people who can constructively give criticism, have your best interest at heart. The other, is too self-absorbed to extend an interest beyond themselves....which is why they don't care how the criticism is received. It means more to their ego to use some temporary authority and power than to actually help.  

Ask yourself at least these 2 questions during criticism:

Is it constructive?

If so, are they qualified to be giving you advice?

Be open to things that can improve your work, be critical of yourself, but also be true to yourself, your vision.

Serengeti Sun 24"x36" oil on canvas

A word about Charities....

With a struggling economy, this year has been about finding ways to expose my work either for little cost or free. I've started entering national competitions, and working with animal rescues and charities. I decided to donate a painting to a very well-known charity. Black tie event, women in cocktail dresses, and dinner for $250 ea. 500 of the wealthiest names in Scottsdale, all in one place.

Getting in front of a qualified audience is always key - and a hard thing to do! Public art show attendees include everyone from art students to art collectors, can't always tell who you're talking to, and yet you need to know before you can sell your art. I was excited because with this charity, that obstacle was eliminated. A business owner I know donates every year, good cause and exposure for his business - this was the same place I was coming from.

My donation painting was $3,000 and minimum bids would start at $500. It's hard enough to "give" work away but I'm willing to do so for a good cause and the right exposure. I knew going in, there was a chance that someone could walk away with it well under it's value; that's part of the risk. There were 60 items in the silent auction; everything from vacation travels to jewelry, even trips to celebrity talk shows. 

The auction started at 6:30 pm and people dressed to the nine start coming through. It's open bar, drinks were free. As the room got more and more crowded we noted that no one was really paying attention to the silent auction items. I glanced at my associate's donation item, which was nice but not extravagant or the higher priced items from his store. While I'm here, I'm also going to share that those running the event, did not bother to make their way over to Ben and I, thanking us for our donation. A potential sale of $3,000 going to their cause- that is a lot of money for us. Too bad class didn't come with their wealth.

The painting did get noticed and people picked up my cards, though no bids were placed. One soul tried to bid on it for $150, so I clarified to her that the min. bid was $500, increments were $100. She assured me, "Oh! Well if you decide to sell the painting for cheaper, let me know!" Unbelievable. Walking around I noted that only about 6 of the 60 items were bid on, and the current bids were sitting about 1/3 of the item's value. By the time the auction was over, I was relieved no one had bid on my work and I could have it back in my inventory! This was just the wrong situation.

We learned that night what my contact reiterated the day after: there are 2 types of charities: those that are serious about raising money for a cause, and those that need an excuse to throw a party. He never donated expensive items to this one for that reason. I learned a lot here, and thankfully, I'm out nothing but my time and won't be back. The trick now is finding which charities truly to be involved with?

A Successful Art Career: Clear as mud?

This is my quest: to become the preeminent contemporary wildlife painter in this country and abroad.  I wish to share with others because no one was/is there to guide me, you have to learn to play the game in which there are no rules.  It's easy to find successful artists; as well as the starving ones. Among the successful, no two stories are alike. One is left with trying everything, find what works for them though the good, bad and near impossible. I'm going to share my experiences on this journey, some conventional, some more innovative. This is truly my life story about the pursuit of happiness, and a dream I've had since I was 10. I could do nothing without my supportive husband Ben, who has always believed in me, and been supportive through thick & thin.