Stanka,

According to my accountant, my time is worth nothing (can you imagine that!). Therefore, if I produce a web site and the client never pays me, technically I cannot deduct that as a bad debt. Very interesting, since I have an hourly rate for web design...hmmmm, something in their logic escapes me here.

In another situation, I created a web site gratis for a local portrait society. The letter they gave me stating the value of the donation had to be redone so it said I had donated a web site, rather than that I had donated my services. The web site is considered to have value, but my time is not.

I'm for lobbying to change this one too. I have a number of bad debts that by rights I should be able to write off as a loss and cannot due to this ridiculous interpretation.

Stanka I think you are correct on this.

Karin,

To clarify, the amount raised for charity it all depends on the charity auction and what is donated.

I had a 9"x12" oil sketch that went for over $1000 on a Public television auction. This type of piece I seldom sell for more then $200-$500 (unframed of course) and it is only 2-3 hours to complete one. I even might do two or more of these of a client that I have no intention of selling before I do a large commission to work out colors and/or composition or to get a feel for the person I am painting. (and when doing illustrations I often submit a color sketch like this for approval before starting the finished piece.)

And the same for pieces I have given away to friends or relatives these are not large commissions like you are referring to. But I would not even have a problem giving a piece like that to a relative if it was a very special reason. And I felt like the gift would be appreciated.

And as for how I earn my living, yes it is from my art. Not all portraits but I have no other income except my Art. I am doing more portraits now but I also do commissioned illustration work and sell other paintings.

But...
I do not think it has anything to do with how you earn your living. If I was a plumber and a close relative needed some work done I would not charge them if it was within my means to help.

Like you said this is just another viewpoint.

If I were a plumber and I could help out a relative/friend with necessary work that they needed and it took a weekend of my time and (depending on need) some donated materials, I would probably do it. Indeed, "Habitat for Humanity" is one of my favorite charities...

But please understand my situation...I do not do "little sketches". If I spend weeks or months of my time (not earning money) and being "a good guy" by giving my paintings away to beloved relatives and my dearest friends...who in the heck will pay the college tuition for my children? Where will the money come from to pay my mortgage? Taxes? Medical insurance? There are those annoying little extras to consider also...i.e., food, car repair, etc.

Maybe, if/when I eventually get to "paint with the big boys in New York" and earn megabucks for my work, I'll be able to give a portion of my work away and not jeopardize the welfare of my immediate family.

But right now, what I "give away" is my knowlege about painting portraits to perfect strangers via this forum. I think that the world really needs better artists...(and it seems like a good use of my time when I need a studio break).

Right now I need ALL the income that I am able to earn by painting portraits. This is the first time in my life I have been able to "squeak by" doing what I want to do and I am loath to give it up.

Meanwhile, I really do admire your spirit of generosity :D and would like to think that you do not make a harsh judgement about mine....

No judgement made
 

Karin I did not mean to make any judgment about you or anyone. We all know you give of yourself on this forum. I was just sharing how I feel about giving it is not a judgment or to be take as a example for anyone else. We all must follow what is best for us.

Dear Michael,

What you have said is clearly NOT judgmental. I am not usually so darned thin-skinned. Sorry.

These past two weeks have been brutal for me business wise. I lost THREE portrait commisssions that I was counting on because of "the economy." It was a big financial hit, it surprised me and it hurt. Anyhow, I re-read all of our posts and I can see that I am overreacting.

Meekly yours,
Karin

Cash Donation
 

I annually donate a number of jewelry appraisals to a number of charity auctions. (In real-life I am a jewelry appraiser). According to my tax accountant this is the same as a cash donation.

If this is wrong I hope uncle Sam isn't a member of this forum!

How should I set up a donation?
 

I am planning to donate a portrait to a local peace and leadership organization. It's not a charity auction. The painting has already been completed.

I would like to get some exposure for my portrait business from this donation and I was wondering if anyone had suggestions as to how I should set this up. The leader of the foundation is well known in this city and has seen photographs of the painting and "loves it."

Any suggestions as to how I should proceed?

Michele,

Here are a couple suggestions.

How about inviting the press to be there for the official "handing over" of the portrait. Or if the press can't make it, have someone else take photos of you, the painting and the person it is being presented to and then mail the photos and press releases to all the local papers. At the very least, prior to the event take a photo of you with the painting and send that image with a press release to all the local papers.

Also, have brochures and business cards at the auction and try and attend if possible. If you overhear people discussing your work, try and enter the conversation and introduce yourself.

Hope this helps,
Mary Reilly

I donate a small still life to a charity auction each year. I believe in their cause and I see it as a way to use my advertising budget as a way to donate back into my community. I feel very happy about how I am now able to donate more to charity than I ever have in the past.