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I love fall!

It is by far my favorite season. It's hard not to look forward to spring in areas where winters are unforgiving. But you have to agree, spring is such a short experience and then summer hits! But even after a miserable heated summer, fall seems to silently creep in just when you need it and softly soothe the soul. The sultry hot mornings of summer are suddenly replaced by crisp early hours that remind you of apples, falling leaves and the urge to stay outside.

As an artist, Fall also motivates me! Big time! Sometimes in too many directions but that's just me. I begin by cleaning house in my studio/gallery/retail space. It's a cute but tiny house venue and I will admit, I initially make more of a mess than I do leeway. But after a summer of revolving tourist, in and out my doors, it's a relief when my little historic town has a breather in the fall. A quiet spell in-between events. That's when it's time to clean the cobwebs from the vaulted ceiling and corners. It's time to rehang the gallery, adding new paintings and adjusting others. By rearranging your gallery display you not only visually change the appearance of your space but the perception of your visitors. New interest is suddenly shown on various pictures that may have been overshadowed by another.  A gallery wall must be pleasing to the eye foremost. You do not have to have similar paintings --- sometimes that can be boring. But you do need to have paintings that play off of each other. They shouldn't fight for importance but share the wall space that can often be limited. You may very well have a few of those "stand alone" paintings, we all do. But consider placing them in their own little space --- on an adjoining wall, in an alcove that they can happily rule.

Fall for me is also a time to sit down and evaluate my business plan -- how did the gallery do this past calendar year. What sold best? Landscapes? Animals or still life's? Small paintings versus medium to large? Framed or not? I enjoy evaluating my galleries sales trend but I know from my brief experience in this retail field that the answer to what sold best does not necessarily mean that next year will follow. We all know art is personal and each patron brings his or her likes and dislikes through the door with them. But what does follow on the heels of reviewing my year to-date is a motivating urge to have a serious discussion between me, myself and I. Am I doing .  .  . whatever?  

Am I taking full advantage of the e-commerce opportunities out there for artist?  In this day and age, it is a viable consideration. But it is also an ongoing effort to keep up with the "how and where" the market is moving in that area. .

Am I aware of the upcoming shows and/or juried competitions in my area or my medium/specific genre? I come from a research background in my past career and I have always found that the best way to stay grounded and to attempt to prove that you are on the right track is to participate in venues where your peers evaluate your work. I find applying for juried shows a way of doing just that in the world of art.  As always, art is subjective, but if you don't attempt to put yourself out there and offer your work for evaluation by other artists, you have no yardstick to measure your progress.

 Are my paintings priced right or should I consider an increase. Pricing is so hard when you are living and exhibiting in an area where fine art is limited. But I believe in the theory that you must first trust in your own skills. I try to keep abreast of what other artist are selling their work for and how it relates (or doesn't) to mine. This means being aware of galleries in my area as well as trying to be exposed to artists elsewhere - thank goodness for online websites. In the end I have to go with my own opinion but an informed opinion helps. Pick what you think will work for you pricing-wise. Try it for a limited time. Re-evaluate your effort. Adjust your plans if need be. In the beginning, I was totally weak in the knees when a close friend or family offered to buy a painting. What should I charge this specific group of art patrons. My decision was this, and I still stand behind it --- I offer them a "first time purchase" discount of 20%. That makes them feel special (and they are); it alieves my "should" anxieties; and it clearly sets a boundary that outlines that after the first purchase I will be charging full price. Afterall I am in business to sell my art. I am not in business to give away my art to my relatives and close friends. And they understand.

Fall is a busy time! And again, I love it. The days are shorter but they are crammed with natural beauty and invigorating essence!
The sun often glows red as it rises as well as when it sets and the sky around it is encased in a spectrum that runs from orange to purple to pink. It's Fall. I am busy reorganizing my studio/gallery space and evaluating my business plan for 2018 and considering various upcoming competitions. And I am busy making registration and travel plans for workshops in 2018. I am sooooo looking forward to attending the Plein Air Convention in Santa Fe April 2018. Santa Fe has been my muse for years and years. And I'm looking forward to painting in the South of France in July 2018. Viva la France! And lastly, in between all this motivating and educational busy work, it's a beautiful time to be in my tiny hamlet of Arrow Rock MO. Plein air painting is a must on these fabulous fall days. And when those needed fall rains come - it's a cup of java, a paint brush and my playlist shuffling in my cozy little studio. I love fall!

Life is good and Fall is beautiful!