Valuable learning lesson today. (Gone are the days of working until the work is finished in plein air) Must downsize the canvas when doing 6 hour plein for sale shortly after that timeframe. *chops (artist's small works) would be just right.
Many of the talented members from the Tipp City Arts Council and Ohio Plein Air Society sold their pieces today to the crowd that waited for them back on Main Street.
Will be returning after 2:00 tomorrow to finish the piece. Question was asked about the work on pricing. Easier to discuss it here. Most artists don't price by emotional attachment; the price reflects the materials and time and value of "previous sold work". Would have loved for quick sale but also realize that the work is viewed as a whole (past and present). The clients who have purchased the previous work (an investment) must be honored and not under-cut. This has been a hot topic on the "boards" for artists in todays economy. Do we lower the price of the work just to make a sale? Hopefully not too many folks were "turned" off by the work without knowing the full assessment. This is the business part of the field that we would just love to steer clear of. Because of the market and economy....we no longer have the luxury of artist's advocates that handle all the financial decisions. Do offer the lay away process if you would rather acquire work over a 3month period. The work is offered through Pay-Pal. But if you contact me through email will accept payments for up to 3 months. Drop me a line if this is an option for you and the work will be removed from display (The Cannery, various shows that participate in); boxed professionally and waiting on it's new home. If you are local-will deliver upon final payment.
From Robert Genn's Twice-weekly newsletter came this:
But there's a wider question. Are we, like the local baker, simply making a line of tarts for popular consumption, or are we engaged in something more lofty and significant? Many would say the difference is passion, and while there are undoubtedly passionate bakers, our painterly productivity needs to be based on a noble drive and not on calculated reasoning and bare commerce. With the chimera of making a living online, artists may be in for downstream distress. Quality develops when an artist falls in love with an often complex and personal process on the way to a distinctive style and a unique vision. Blinded by the possibilities of tiny cash flow, which may not occur anyway, passion is subjugated by price points.
Many years ago there were several of us that painted in Missouri area out and about. Long for that time in life so it feels right to return. The love of the experience and returning to the "painterly " style made the day FLY by. Beautiful area (even had couple folks in canoes float past).
Definitely joining the Tipp City Arts Council. Very organized and excellent organization; still can't believe this was their first PAINT OUT.
Note, Russ-if your reading this; would be an honor to give you a print of this piece please get hold of me if don't run into you BEFORE the next meeting in Tipp City. (Russ had come by to "check on the artist and see if they had needed anything. He found me a bit distressed and in need of "additional color tube" that had left at home on table. Didn't this man go and picked up the tube that needed; nearest art store was Huber Heights! He was my HERO!)
Breaking away from the studio work to do some plein air on what promises to be a beautiful day (71degrees w/sun) tomorrow.
Somewhere in back of mind, infiltrating the dreams, work that have responded to visually or simply a message trying to get through-this image comes to me.
day two of plein aire piece. Getting a late start-resisted the urge to work on the piece in studio. No rain, chilly but doable weather to paint in.
When painting on site, lighting influences more than the painting. Always lay down the composition as quickly as can. Try to add shadow and light areas in the beginning. Take an image (of the actual area) before drawing and shortly after the concept is down to check these areas when laying in the paint. With the sun moving quickly in the fall air your window of opportunity closes quickly.
