"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.