The Daily Spectrum - Gallery Wall Talks #26

As I was going through some digital photographs of my past works, I came across a piece that was a little different than what I usually do. Yes, it's a floral, and while the size is a "smallish for me" 8"x10" on Masonite board, the fact that an oil done vertically makes it a stand-out in my smaller works.

A day or two ago, I was remembering when I painted this lily - it was done quickly in early summer. Then I got to thinking about warm summer days and everything else that goes along with that time of year. Then I thought, "Typical human nature - the past few blogs I've been touting about how marvelous it is that Spring is finally arriving, and I get to thinking about Summer..."

That also got me to thinking when I held outdoor art shows at my former residence in Thomaston during the summer months, which got me to thinking about supporting the arts. Now, before you email me stating that I think too much, let me share a story.

At a particular art show, I had the purple lily painting for sale, unframed, for $100 dollars. I knew it was worth more, but I was trying to clear some space out of my studio at the time. A woman walked under one of my tents, stopped, and looked at this painting as well as several others.
"You're only asking $100 for these?" she questioned. "These are beautiful!"
"Yes", I replied. "And thank you. Just trying to move some of my smaller works. Is there something in particular you're looking for? Are you partial to florals?"
"In Virginia they'd sell for $800." she responded
This is good, I thought. Because of my pricing, she will purchase more than one. She obviously liked what she saw.

After some what I thought was engaging conversation about she liked about the work, she left a few minutes later, and purchased nothing. This leads me to the next part of this blog - what it truly means to support the arts -
1). Actually buy art! We all have an entertainment budget regardless of our social class. We can plan for this. But do yourself and your fellow artisan a favor - don't argue about the price and don't put their work down in some fashion. The only person you're hurting is yourself.

2). Buy art you actually love! Don't buy stuff simply to support the arts. The novelty of that work you purchased just to "people please" will wear off quickly. Support artisan's whose work you enjoy and collect more it over the years.

3). Support the Indie-artist. The selling of art is moving away from the traditional gallery. Step out of your comfort zone - buy an independent artists' work. There is a great deal of amazing, original, and quality work out there. Plus, indie work may fit your budget more, because you're not dealing with a "middle man".

Until next time,
The Happy Painter,
Jill