Slight Slant, 2007, Oil on Panel, 14x18So naturally, the very day that I started to feel very full of myself about how well the art thing has been going lately, I had a bit of a reality check. One of my galleries is sending back all of the recent flower paintings I did in August because they have not generated any interest. They were originally painted for a local group show, ahem, where none of them sold either.
I am choosing to see the good in this situation though-the gallery was willing to try new imagery by me, which is always a plus and another gallery I work with has requested flower paintings, so I can send the work off to them (third time is the charm?). I know that the markets are all different and that what sells in one market may not sell in another. I go through that all of the time with the barns.
But that said, it does still sting a bit to get them back, knowing that they didn't appeal to this gallery's visitors. Kind of dashed my fantasies about an immediate sell out of inventory, ya know?! I admit to secretly hoping for that every time I deliver new work to a gallery.
And for now anyway, it's taken a bit of the wind out of my sails, concerning the four flower underpaintings in my studio that are waiting for their color.
PS. If you'd like to see the flower paintings, they can be seen in the blog archives in late July and early August.
10 comments:
Tracy, I think the flower paintings are absolutely beautiful (I went back and took another look) but different strokes for different folks. I had the same situation with a gallery I was with. Sent them somewhere new and sold all but one.
Yeah, I know how you feel. Sometimes it takes more than three times. I just sold a large painting I'd always liked...but no one bought since 2000. Now it's new home with be in Tokyo.
I get anxious if too much work is in the storage closet or not enough...right now there isn't a lot so I'm got to get painting lots more.
What's fantastic with me right now is all the galleries are wanting different works....so great instead of all wanting the same ones.
That's what makes being an artist so great Tracy. You always have to be on your toes and keep an eye to what is currently there. Don't get discouraged though, pieces naturally find the best home for themselves. Best of luck with the third try.
That's a real shame about the flower paintings - they were one of the first paintings when I'd just discovered your blog and I think they are stunning.... good luck with the third attempt!
I LOVE your flower paintings. You have to know they will sell to the right people/gallery. Flowers sell well in Chicago. Ever have a gallery in the midwest?
Also, your husband's honey looks delicious. When do you folks sleep? You have so much going on!
I remember your flower ... I thought they are refreshing and looks great.... I had no idea gallery sent back painting to artist so fast...only a bit more then a month.
but I liked them!
Thanks all, for the compliments regarding the flower paintings. And for the reassurance. I like these pieces too and think they will probably sell somewhere else. Gotta go with the flow...
Well to be honest I love all your work but the florals seem a little less simplified, which is a trait that a love about your structures. Maybe the subject is less familioar to you yet Don't quit painting them though , follow your intuition :))))
Amber, you are right, the flowers are a subject that I am still getting to know. And they seem much more difficult to simplify for me, so far anyway.
I think this group was pretty successful, but of course, it is a journey.
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