A very cool story I will remember always and worthy of sharing.
I was painting in my booth yesterday when a young family came in to view my art. Mom and daughter when right in while Dad and brother cautiously watched from the main aisle (sidelines). I greeted them and continued working, giving them the space they needed to look.
The daughter went right over to the Petite Series display; (miniature framed art) and says: "I like the top one Mom, I'll pay for it with my money!! It's $55". My little art collector has spoken.
She couldn't reach the top shelf for she was only about 7 years old and under 4 ft, so I went to get it for her so she could see it up close and hold it. Mom goes over to Dad, "She really wants it and wants to spend her money on it, but her purse is in the car."
Mom checks with me that the prices includes the frame and everything and I look at the little one, "This piece is called Faces of the Rodeo, I photograph these horses in Prescott every year." She smiles and slightly rocks back and forth on her feet, holding the piece close to her heart. I ask her: "Is this your very first piece of art?" She shyly shakes her head yes and smiles. I tell her I'm honored by that and how wonderful it is to meet her.
I've always loved children and sometimes connect with them more than adults. How awesome it is that we're two strangers decades apart in age but truly connected with our love for horses. It's what I love about art; the walls come down. Strangers become friends. I will always look back on this unique, beautiful moment.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
"Do you collect art?"
That is the question of the day. Or week, month, I should say. It's a very reasonable question to ask every patron who visits this show, who is interested in my work.
I shouldn't be embarrassed by it, everyone coming through the doors knows the show is full of artists selling their art; it's not a museum. I've done all but ask this question and have received my answers from body language the majority of the time. A few kind souls were gracious enough to share that they were only looking, not art buyers at all and they understood respectfully my position. That is rare. Art can be enjoyed by all, whether they're collectors or not. At the same time, this is my livlihood and I have every right to know who I'm communicating with. I'm patiently waiting for my buyers, and like matchmaking, I'm sure I'll know them when I see them. We are exactly 1/2 way through this show.
The public venue is very colorful, to put it lightly. 97% of the people are very kind in their critique of your work. I have run into a few, however, that, for whatever reason, just choose to be insulting. Maybe they had a quarrel before the show, maybe you represent something they never tried and for the moment, you have a bullseye on your back, kinda like that bully from gradeschool. Somehow you find it in yourself to be diplomatic because truly, their problem doesn't need to become yours.
I think the sweetest comments I've had involve what I've achieved while young. Funny, in art I tend to see the skills people have, age doesn't enter in at all. Heart and passion can bend time, speed it up or slow it down depending on your will. I will share that while exhibiting in the show, I always do my best work. The artists and new friends you make push you in ways you don't even realize may be your strengths. It's like one huge workshop! Until next time-
I shouldn't be embarrassed by it, everyone coming through the doors knows the show is full of artists selling their art; it's not a museum. I've done all but ask this question and have received my answers from body language the majority of the time. A few kind souls were gracious enough to share that they were only looking, not art buyers at all and they understood respectfully my position. That is rare. Art can be enjoyed by all, whether they're collectors or not. At the same time, this is my livlihood and I have every right to know who I'm communicating with. I'm patiently waiting for my buyers, and like matchmaking, I'm sure I'll know them when I see them. We are exactly 1/2 way through this show.
The public venue is very colorful, to put it lightly. 97% of the people are very kind in their critique of your work. I have run into a few, however, that, for whatever reason, just choose to be insulting. Maybe they had a quarrel before the show, maybe you represent something they never tried and for the moment, you have a bullseye on your back, kinda like that bully from gradeschool. Somehow you find it in yourself to be diplomatic because truly, their problem doesn't need to become yours.
I think the sweetest comments I've had involve what I've achieved while young. Funny, in art I tend to see the skills people have, age doesn't enter in at all. Heart and passion can bend time, speed it up or slow it down depending on your will. I will share that while exhibiting in the show, I always do my best work. The artists and new friends you make push you in ways you don't even realize may be your strengths. It's like one huge workshop! Until next time-
Monday, February 1, 2010
Going in to week 3!
It's nearly 9pm and I'm exhausted!! In a good way! I'm entering my 3rd week at the Celebration of Fine Art in Scottsdale. Despite the colder weather and even rain, there has been great traffic at the show and success.
I'm very pleased to share that I've had some sales and added a dozen new clients to my mailing list who have shared an eager interest in my work. The Big Cats and Deer have especially been getting lots of attention, as much as my horses - which is fun because they are a passion I wanted to paint and people are responding to it, truly in the way I'd hoped. My Snow Leopard has been referred to as the "Mona Lisa" of cat paintings because the eyes follow you from every direction. I'm seeing the connection people have with the work; they admire the technical side, softness of brush strokes and playful color palette - but most importantly they love the story - these animals are "real" and speaking to them, which is that 4th wall I like to push and engage the mind. Very exciting stuff!
I was also introduced to a couple of new clients for another realm altogether: potential licensing - also very exciting. They were particularly interested in my water lillies. I have to say, the fella that introduced me - great guy. And everyone in this show has really made me feel welcome as a new artist. Like a big family.
With that, I'm signing off so I'm refreshed and rested! The time is flying, hope all is well in your world!
Until next time-
Happy Painting
I'm very pleased to share that I've had some sales and added a dozen new clients to my mailing list who have shared an eager interest in my work. The Big Cats and Deer have especially been getting lots of attention, as much as my horses - which is fun because they are a passion I wanted to paint and people are responding to it, truly in the way I'd hoped. My Snow Leopard has been referred to as the "Mona Lisa" of cat paintings because the eyes follow you from every direction. I'm seeing the connection people have with the work; they admire the technical side, softness of brush strokes and playful color palette - but most importantly they love the story - these animals are "real" and speaking to them, which is that 4th wall I like to push and engage the mind. Very exciting stuff!
I was also introduced to a couple of new clients for another realm altogether: potential licensing - also very exciting. They were particularly interested in my water lillies. I have to say, the fella that introduced me - great guy. And everyone in this show has really made me feel welcome as a new artist. Like a big family.
With that, I'm signing off so I'm refreshed and rested! The time is flying, hope all is well in your world!
Until next time-
Happy Painting
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