Thanks for your feedback Karen. I certainly understand how other artists might get mad if a portrait artist was treated differently. But, my thinking has two parts and I'd love to get your feedback on it.

First, there is a huge price difference between the artists at the Gallery we are thinking of displaying Mara's work. Most of the work there are prints, prices ranging from $250-$700. There is 1 or two pieces at 1k and 1.5k. Mara's work starts at 1k - 4.5k. ideally, I wouldn't even want Mara to show in this gallery because of the price difference... but, I haven't found another one around here in that has pricing in her range.

Second, since Mara is a portrait artist and does not sell finished pieces, I was thinking that we could trade in 2 of the available wall spots she would be alotted in orde to get a floor display similar to what the potters are using. The artists are allowed 2-3 paintings on the wall per month. So, Mara would get floor space, but only one painting would be displayed.

What do you think? I agree though, it is very important to pay attention to the feelings of other artists. Its important to play fair and treat everyone's concerns with respect.

John

Karin, you wrote:

Sounds like a wonderful idea. Is this something you talk to your clients about at the time they commission you, that you'd like to borrow back the piece later to include in a show? Or do you show it publicly it before you deliver it?

Thanks!

First of all, don't discount the fact that other artists might eventually become your portrait clients or refer clients to you. I don't really know your setup, but if you ask for something that showcases your wife's work to better advantage than other painters you'll certainly generate bad feelings.

Because this is a co-op gallery, imagine one of those offended artists doing "gallery sitting" on a day when a client comes in looking for a portrait....you would probably NOT get a good recommendation no matter how spectacular your location. I really think that building good will is very important - especially in your situation.
When I am in most local shows there is a huge price difference between my work and many of the other artists....but so what?

My prices are very high compared to other artists in my hometown and this makes me a "big fish in a little pond."

When I go to Boston, compared to the prices of John Howard Sanden, Daniel Greene and the like, "I'm a little fish in a big pond" as my work is dirt cheap by comparison.
A free standing (propped up) painting? Sounds dangerously unstable...and do you really want people to walk around the backside of it? Paintings are meant to be looked at from the front...

If you really want something special, make sure that her work has a spotlight on it...if there aren't enough to go around in this gallery, it would be worth your while to purchase (at your own expense) and install one. Good lighting is the best showcase of all.

If possible, show two works rather than one...it will speak to the consistent quality of her work. The potential clients will have a better idea of what to expect when they order a portrait from her.

To sum it all up, I think that no matter where a work is hanging, it will be noticed for its quality, not its location or what it is hanging next to.