Debra, thanks for the timely reflection. Last year I had 6 major shows (4 solo, 2 small group wich required 14 paintings each) plus the usual member association shows that I try to do annually . It was exhausting to shuffle all those paintings around and do the other work related to shows and still have time to paint new pieces. And I see my annual output of new paintings decrease.
This year I vowed to do less. But here it is January and I have 3 hows currently (one solo) and already plans for March and April.
I like your idea of the annual calendar. However not all my associations give annual notice of date and theme. I like your idea of assigning them tiers and preserving the new work to tier one while other work can go to Tier 2 shows
Thank you for sharing. Yes, it becomes a puzzle, doesn't it? I think that between deciding to cut back and actually doing it, there are about 50 configurations to consider for how to ... so complicated! And the general public thinks all we do is relax and paint all day. LOL.
Carefully manage expectations... and then beat them. My mantra in every business I have run. I know from my experience running galleries and shows, it is incredibly refreshing to artwork available in time for magazines, press releases, social media, newsletters, website promotions... And that often required having a painting ready to go 60 days in advance to take full advantage of all of that.
So true Scott on the long lead time. Great advice! It's so good to have a gallery owner comment on here. I have learned to plan 6 months ahead for any gallery show. I also need to order my frames months ahead as well. Besides, I don't work well in panic mode.
I've always found it fascinating how different people react and perform with deadlines. No different with artists. Some need to procrastinate a bit to perform well. They work well under pressure and long hours. Others need to have their best work in the closet months in advance waiting for the appropriate show. I know I certainly treated artists differently in the deadline dates I gave them...lol.
It's good that you understood how people have different approaches to deadlines. I always worked well under pressure at the last minute for writing and painting for art publications. Now that I'm older, I don't like the stress of it. I take on less. Thanks for the chat Scott - hope you're doing well and enjoying your work and travels.
Thanks for reading and commenting Scott. I have had the pleasure of so much wisdom from you over the years, and you bring up another excellent point. Thank you again sir!
You’re welcome! Love it. You know, we’ve featured hundreds of paintings in such a way over the past year and I believe you are the first artist to publicly say “thank you” to us. So thank you.
This article resonated greatly with me. I've been chatting with a couple of artists who, while successful, reached burn out this past year. I think just seeing the number of opportunities that flash before me or land in my inbox is astounding. Debra, I have to tell you that recently, I mentioned to my favorite gallery owner that I'm seeing friends who have recently gained signature status in art organizations - I asked if collectors cared about that. Both the owner and his manager immediately said, "No - they buy what they like and signature status doesn't mean anything to them."
I have dropped several art organizations because they are too costly for me. I haven't sold anything at their shows, and I don't really need bragging rights. I'm happy just selling through a gallery that I can drive my pantings to. I'm not all that prolific and am putting quality first.
I agree - Some things on resumes used to matter more than they do now. In fact, the whole prioritization of what is most important - signature status, getting into exhibitions, having gallery representation, being in museum shows, having solo shows - all these things seem to be like the Pantone color of the year. Their value changes in a fashion that seems very subjective. So in the end, like you said Lori - it only matters if your venues and their collectors say it does. Right?
I loved your advice and am going to step up to a more organized reach out. I will place call dates on my calendar for the rest of the year that speak to me not because they are there!
OMG!! That makes so much sense!! Yes, I have felt the pain of trying to create for too many shows. This really puts it in prospective!! Thanks for sharing!!
Great advice, I feel I am painting slower and slower but hopefully better quality too and it is a treadmill if we try to enter everything. I have been entering less overseas competitions because shipping is expensive and complex from Australia. This is a great reminder to prioritise
Exactly! Thanks for your perspective Vicki. I too have been entering locally. There are some great miniature shows overseas, and that is not as cost prohibitive.
Good information. Things I have been figuring out but nice to see it communicated in an organized fashion—I hadn’t got that far!
Thanks so much Sally!!!
Debra, thanks for the timely reflection. Last year I had 6 major shows (4 solo, 2 small group wich required 14 paintings each) plus the usual member association shows that I try to do annually . It was exhausting to shuffle all those paintings around and do the other work related to shows and still have time to paint new pieces. And I see my annual output of new paintings decrease.
This year I vowed to do less. But here it is January and I have 3 hows currently (one solo) and already plans for March and April.
I like your idea of the annual calendar. However not all my associations give annual notice of date and theme. I like your idea of assigning them tiers and preserving the new work to tier one while other work can go to Tier 2 shows
As always, Debra, your insights are helpful.
Thank you for sharing. Yes, it becomes a puzzle, doesn't it? I think that between deciding to cut back and actually doing it, there are about 50 configurations to consider for how to ... so complicated! And the general public thinks all we do is relax and paint all day. LOL.
Carefully manage expectations... and then beat them. My mantra in every business I have run. I know from my experience running galleries and shows, it is incredibly refreshing to artwork available in time for magazines, press releases, social media, newsletters, website promotions... And that often required having a painting ready to go 60 days in advance to take full advantage of all of that.
So true Scott on the long lead time. Great advice! It's so good to have a gallery owner comment on here. I have learned to plan 6 months ahead for any gallery show. I also need to order my frames months ahead as well. Besides, I don't work well in panic mode.
I've always found it fascinating how different people react and perform with deadlines. No different with artists. Some need to procrastinate a bit to perform well. They work well under pressure and long hours. Others need to have their best work in the closet months in advance waiting for the appropriate show. I know I certainly treated artists differently in the deadline dates I gave them...lol.
It's good that you understood how people have different approaches to deadlines. I always worked well under pressure at the last minute for writing and painting for art publications. Now that I'm older, I don't like the stress of it. I take on less. Thanks for the chat Scott - hope you're doing well and enjoying your work and travels.
Thanks for reading and commenting Scott. I have had the pleasure of so much wisdom from you over the years, and you bring up another excellent point. Thank you again sir!
You shared some great advice. Those special shows deserve your very best. I've seen a lot of careers elevated by one painting.
Thanks again Scott!
Great article. I've been feeling under pressure to produce lately so this helps. I'll focus my efforts only on certain opportunities going forward.
Sounds like a good plan. Thx for reading!
Thank you FASO for promoting my painting “Dubrovnik, Croatia” and some great advice as well!
You’re welcome! Love it. You know, we’ve featured hundreds of paintings in such a way over the past year and I believe you are the first artist to publicly say “thank you” to us. So thank you.
Great tips. Thank you!
Thanks for reading Frances!
Great strategy! I am evaluating my goals as well as my focus right now and this article is very helpful.
thank you Amy! wishing you the very best!
Great advice! Thanks for sharing your wisdom.
Thank YOU Jill!
This article resonated greatly with me. I've been chatting with a couple of artists who, while successful, reached burn out this past year. I think just seeing the number of opportunities that flash before me or land in my inbox is astounding. Debra, I have to tell you that recently, I mentioned to my favorite gallery owner that I'm seeing friends who have recently gained signature status in art organizations - I asked if collectors cared about that. Both the owner and his manager immediately said, "No - they buy what they like and signature status doesn't mean anything to them."
I have dropped several art organizations because they are too costly for me. I haven't sold anything at their shows, and I don't really need bragging rights. I'm happy just selling through a gallery that I can drive my pantings to. I'm not all that prolific and am putting quality first.
I agree - Some things on resumes used to matter more than they do now. In fact, the whole prioritization of what is most important - signature status, getting into exhibitions, having gallery representation, being in museum shows, having solo shows - all these things seem to be like the Pantone color of the year. Their value changes in a fashion that seems very subjective. So in the end, like you said Lori - it only matters if your venues and their collectors say it does. Right?
Pantone color of the year. Well said Debra.
Some great tips! Thanks for sharing! 👩🏼🎨
Thanks for reading and commenting Jennifer!
I loved your advice and am going to step up to a more organized reach out. I will place call dates on my calendar for the rest of the year that speak to me not because they are there!
It has really helped me so much. I love the automaticity of just doing what is on my calendar.
Very interesting article , but at my age of 81, you are on a merry-go-round that I will stay off ...ha !
LOL! I am no spring chicken either. But there is a lot to be said for avoiding the rides that make you woozy!! Thanks for the giggle Andy.
OMG!! That makes so much sense!! Yes, I have felt the pain of trying to create for too many shows. This really puts it in prospective!! Thanks for sharing!!
Thank you Vic! I am so glad you found it helpful!
Great advice, I feel I am painting slower and slower but hopefully better quality too and it is a treadmill if we try to enter everything. I have been entering less overseas competitions because shipping is expensive and complex from Australia. This is a great reminder to prioritise
Exactly! Thanks for your perspective Vicki. I too have been entering locally. There are some great miniature shows overseas, and that is not as cost prohibitive.