Many new things are happening in my artistic life since I wrote last. I have started a series of paintings that explore the power of lines, blending what I like about abstract an figurative work. This is also the first time that I have been able to seriously stick with the execution of a series of paintings with any consistancy. Usually, I explore an idea and either I feel like I'm done with that idea, or I'm onto the next thing right away. With this new direction, I continue to be excited by the lines and soft palette of yellow ochre that I'm currently working with.
Recently, I have had some break through in the selling of my art as well. It has always puzzled me, as to the nature of fine art as a product, and how to sell it. It seems that the conventional approach to selling paintings is to try and get discovered by some one "important", and to try to sell the art to people with "a lot of money". Several things about this strategy never set well with me. Speaking generally, many of the people that really like my art, happen not to have a lot of money and specifically, I realized that someone in my earning situation actually cant afford my art. I have always had many compliments on my work and heard people say things like "some day when I get a bunch of extra money, I'll buy one of your paintings". It's always been the big question for me, how do I make my art affordable to my audience and still be able to pay the bills - make a living. So recently I came up with the answer while doing an experiment during my show in July at the Epic Cafe. I decided to offer my paintings for sale with the option of a $20 a month payment plan with nothing down. I've had a few takers and this is the perfect way to make my art affordable to anyone, while still giving me some income that can enable me to continue painting. With this new strategy I can honestly say that even I could afford to buy my own art, if the tables were turned. After all, my paintings don't do me any good stacking up in my studio.
We are taking a temporary break in the construction projects here at Crow House, but it will start up again in the near future.