Trying to find the time to spend quality time in my studio has always been a slight challenge for me. I wonder if other artists have the same dilemma? Five years ago, I moved to a new city, in a new state, leaving behind my art followers. I did not think of the ramifications of the move at the time. I showed my work in an Interior Design Studio in the city, and sold a couple large abstracts each month from that location. I had a large studio, so plenty of space to work on large canvases. I have a smaller space now and am enjoying making smaller art. The one below is just 8″ x 10″. With the smaller venue I can finish a piece in a couple of days, and I don’t seem to use as much paint. Finding the days is the problem. Cooking dinner, doing laundry and keeping up the house seem to get in the way. I often wonder if other artists experience the same challenge?
When I get back from the gym in the morning, I think I am going directly to my studio. Then I stop and have to consider what I can pull together for dinner. I would eat the same thing several nights in a row, especially if I really liked it. Unfortunately that does not go over well in my household. I ordered “Hello Fresh” for a while. They seemed to have too much repetition in the recipes, and they used a lot of ground meat.
When I try to have a schedule of which days I’m in the studio, something often comes up. When I was younger, I was more of a morning person, so would get up early to paint. When I was single, I would paint late into the night. Middle of the day seems the only time that works for me.
Finding places to sell art is more challenging where I live, as the clients that used to buy my work live a couple of states away. I post on Facebook and Instagram, but that does not seem to sell art. I did a few Art Fairs. For the amount of money spent on equipment and the time it takes to set up and take down, I was not making enough money to make it worthwhile. It was fun talking to people, but where I live people would rather spend $25 on a crafty item, than on fine art.
I have done a few commissions, and often donate my art which I have always done. It’s fun, but not particularly satisfying. The Rooster was painted as a Christmas gift for my best friend. It is only 8″ x 10″. I next painted the children of my Personal Trainer for another Christmas gift, and then a portrait of my best friend’s son, Ethan for another Christmas gift. They are all 8″ x 10″
A family member lost their beloved dog, Ziggy, right before Christmas, so they asked if I would do a portrait. It is only 12″ x 16″, but I understand it was much loved and appreciated. That is always a good feeling!
I put this together from several photos they gave me. I called it “Looking Back at Life”. Ziggy, as a puppy is looking at Ziggy with Yellowstone in the background.
I would love to know where you share your artwork and what are your best selling techniques.
