I must be having a very philosophical day; so many things made me pause for thought about what painting is meaning to me now compared to when I started.
Drawing and painting has always been a big part of my life, it was just something that constantly called me, saying "Just do it! Doodle! Cartoon! Just pick up a pencil and get it moving!" The thought of people buying my art someday sounded really attractive and maybe out of my reach. One day -years later-joy!- someone bought my first notecards which were made up into little zip-lock Baggies from the grocery store. That was fun, but what about the framed originals? Why don't more people buy those? I need money to pay for this hobby and more would be nice. I was constantly pricing and re-pricing, trying to save money framing, anything to make it price friendly enough for people to buy. Now, it is a few more years later, and now I sell prints and notecards, and originals as well at a few shows and galleries. I'm still under the radar with a website in mind, but what means the most to me now is that the people buying the artwork really love it and it makes them feel good. They can feel whatever emotion and joy I put into the piece. They're not buying it because it goes with their couch in the living room. Nothing is more satisfying than that.
When I went to my painting group today, my favorite muse artist came and worded precisely what I've been feeling but hadn't put into words yet. It was something her son had said to her; "Mom, your painting is your worship". Bing! Suddenly it all makes sense. The paintings that others like are the ones where I barely remember moving the brush. Call it a zone, a higher power, or whatever you like, but it's your talent and desire and hours of practice that have led to these moments of zen-like action. I hope it lasts forever. The money may come as a result, but the emotion must always be there first.
Below is a link to a great article with many ideas that convey the whole picture of art and what needs to be thought about first, if indeed you would like to sell your art.
http://www.redlemonclub.com/brand-you/why-no-one-likes-your-art-26-reasons/
6 comments:
Love you owl and the look on his face is perfect! It's interesting to read your post. I very rarely sell a painting but I feel that selling a painting is a bonus, just seeing the world through an artists eyes is amazing.
Me gusta mucho como pinto este buho, las manchas tan libres y los colores armoniosos, un hermoso trabajo
What a wonderful owl! Love your colorful pieces.
Thank you Beatriz!
Hi Polly, thank you. We are lucky to see the world this way!
thank you Sherry! I love your work too!
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