Thanks to everyone who came out last 4th Friday night. It was a slow night, but it was beautiful out, so who can blame anyone for indulging in drinks on the patio instead? Here are a couple of photos of the newly updated and clean studio.
On another topic:
I make no secret of the fact that I spend most of April and May painting and prepping for the shows I attend. I suspend my classes for a month. Commission work isn't set aside, but it isn't my priority for that period of time. I basically reverse my usual tactics - I work on new pieces for show and do the commissions between drying times and to change up what I'm seeing. Typically it's the other way round - commission work first, other work as fill-in.
I suspect some may question why I do shows if I have a backlog of commissions to do. Well, it's for the income. Also, because painting for fun is what attracted most of my clients to my work in the first place. I enjoy doing the shows, meeting people and the pets they bring, and selling my work. If I didn't love it and it wasn't a significant part of my income, I would give it up. ( well, the show part; I'd still be painting.)
It may be difficult to believe, but even though they contribute to my income, commissions aren't what brings in the cash. Notecard sales and show sales do. Commissions take longer and are more difficult, as I'm pleasing more than just me. Or attempting to do so, anyway.
So why do the commissions? Because people request them. Because I enjoy the challenge. Because making someone happy with a painting that captures their furkid is a joy.
So, these past two weeks I have been crazy painting every day, including finishing up a commission begun quite a very long time ago. It was a productive ( and tiring) period. I've spent the last two days in the "office" doing the busy work that I must to prepare for the shows. Printing business cards, postcards, notecards and small images; checking inventory, labels, supplies; reviewing the wait list to see who I might see that is on there and getting my books up to date. Oh, and a shopping trip for some new attire, too. yippee!
Like most artists, I am a one-woman operation who runs her business AND her household. I wish I could just paint and had someone to do everything else for me and keep me straight.
But, alas and again, like most artists and really like most working people, I do not. Which is why I continually thank my waiting clients for their patience. I also understand the frustration, so I do understand when anyone tires of waiting, for whatever reason. If I could paint faster, and maintain the quality, I would.
To end my ramble, I'm loving this weather and hoping we have many nice weekends to come.
