hosting a solo show, part 3

this is the final section in a series of three.  you can check the previous two
posts to read other aspects of hosting a showing of your work.

paperwork...

 create a numbered inventory list for each show

listing the title, media, price with a photo of the work so the person

taking the money can easily recognize the painting.   one list is kept 

at the check out.  i also print out wall tags to be put along side

of the painting with this same information (your have seen this in galleries), 

including the number of the painting so it can be matched with the list.

mistakes to be avoided....

have all your work ready to go well in advance of the show.  this 

includes signatures, final finishes, arrangement for hanging

and photographs.  i have created unnecessary stress for myself

by deciding i wanted to paint fresh new paintings at the last minute.

there is enough work to be done before a show without this.  i have done it 

both ways.  you will enjoy your show much more if you are relaxed 

and not adding backings, etc. at the last minute.  something always goes 

wrong and then you are in a bind. 

invite people, tell folks what you are up to.  art is a great equalizer,

people of all ages and backgrounds can appreciate it.

it is fun, beautiful, colorful and people like to see it in a relaxed

environment.  for my first two shows i did not send out my own

mailers until the very last minute.  i didn't want to 'bother' people or 

make them feel obligated.  this is not the case.  people want to know

and want to support you and want to see your latest work but 

they won't know about it unless you tell them.  think of all the 

people who have asked you about your art.  include them. 

i have met many new people and have heard first hand responses

to my art.  it is encouraging and exciting beyond what i have ever imagined. 

pricing...

its personal.  people tell me i should charge more.  my answer is that i will

when i am ready.  i have had people want to give be a business lesson so that 

i will make more from my art. 

i love that people can afford and enjoy my art.  close to one hundred of my paintings 

are in homes throughout the world.  that makes  me feel very good.  

 i am prolific, i paint daily. i don't want my paintings stored forever. 

i want them out and hanging.  each artists needs to make their own decision on this.

there are no rights or wrongs, no comparing, it does not make your art

better because the price tag is higher.  i talked to a young gentleman who 

bought two of my piece yesterday.  he was mentored by an art

collector.  while some art was out of his price dance,

 he was grateful he could afford to have my art in his home. 

i like knowing this.

putting your art out in the world...

i cannot believe that i am writing this.  although i have been painting for 

less than four years, it has taken a lifetime for me

to feel comfortable putting myself and now my art out into the world.

i have discovered that while it is difficult, it has many rewards.

i have met many new people some of whom have started to collect

my work.  i have heard personal stories through art, have been

surprised at what my art has meant personally to people.  i don't think

is is personal to me.  i believe if you put your heartfelt work, 

whatever it may be out, the response will surprise and delight you.

(in my opinion)


do not second guess yourself or what other people might like.
i could have sold the painting that my least favorite five
times over.  it surprised me.  i would have left it home but
i decided at the last minute to take it.  you never know
what touches another.  another example is a set of three
sketches i took to my last show in august.  the person hosting
the show did not like it so it took it home.  sunday, i sold
the set and took orders for several duplicates.


i hope you are encouraged to try this means of showing
your beautiful art.  i would love to hear about it if you do.


happy paint party friday to all.  thank you, 
kristin and ava for hosting this creative group.