"Do You Sell Your Artwork?"

Recently, I had a question asked of me that had me thinking about some misconceptions concerning what I do.  I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to consider those misconceptions and unpack the myths around my art career.

MISCONCEPTIONS:
1.  Not a hobby
 The question - do I sell my artwork?  Yes, I do.  I love sending my works of art off to a new home and I am absolutely thrilled when someone connects to a painting.  Since I have retired from teaching, it is easy to see why some may think I’m a retiree who is doing art as a hobby and each work is too precious to turn loose.   There’s nothing wrong with doing art as a hobby and there are a few pieces I'll never let go of; however, art is my profession.  ​

​2.  No work and all play
Some may think that doing art is all play.  Don’t get me wrong.  There’s definitely play that takes place, but there’s also work like meeting deadlines, marketing, packaging, and moving art to different locations.

3.  Only work when inspired
I keep a pretty consistent work schedule.  I show up in the studio five days a week whether I’m feeling inspired or not. I’m a believer in Picasso’s quote, “Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working.”

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4.  Lettering - Ugh!
I can draw and I can paint, but that does not mean I can or want to do hand lettering. When you see paintings in which I do incorporate lettering, it’s my own script which is far less impressive than the beautiful hand lettering done by others.

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5.  No pet portraits
There are tons of great artists who do great pet portraits.  I’d love to connect you with one of them.  Check out these two artists whom I personally know both with unique styles. 

Karin Thompson https://www.karinthompsonartist.com/pet-portraits

Kim Valentine of Valentine Fine Art
 https://www.valentinefineart.com/collections/192790

6.  I don’t do people (portraits)
I don’t do people, well portraits that is.  In the same way pet portraits are not my thing, neither are portraits of people.  There are many awesome portrait painters out there. One in particular is my studio neighbor H. Rivers https://hannah-rivers.square.site/ 

7.  I don’t teach art classes
I'm in no hurry to return to teaching; although, I do make a few exceptions.  I have led creative sessions at women’s events like Zoweh’s Deepening Weekend https://www.zoweh.org/the-deepening-weekend-event-information  These types of events are my favorite.  I love being able to encourage women through creativity.  We’re all creatives, after all.  If you have a group who would be interested in a creative session, please feel free to reach out to me.

This list of misconceptions will change from time to time becoming longer or shorter with some things being removed all together.  I’m sure I’ll elaborate more on these misconceptions sometime in the future, but these are the main ones in a nutshell.  ​