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.