Samples I've been working on - no. 1
 

I've been trying to get samples for flyers to start selling my work locally.
Here's one. Vine charcoal on charcoal paper, about 11 x 14.

And another
 

I couldn't get the camera to focus totally clearly, but you get the idea.

Julie, these are lovely. I love the one of the little girl, her pose, expression. It's very fresh, the way you've handled it. Beautiful!

Thanks
 

Thanks, David -

I don't consider these as more than simple poses done the best I can at the moment. Any time I start feeling like I'm "getting it", all I have to do is look at other work on this site and see how much farther I have to go.

I think part of being an artist is realizing your present limitations, and going ahead anyway. Because you can't help it......

Julie -
These are very appealing! The second one is my favorite - handsome with character.

Thanks
 

Thanks, Kim -

I appreciate your kind comments.

Hi Julie--
These are well done, I like the expression and the candidness of the little girl's pose... but somehow prefer the one of the boy--it has so much character.

Don't remember seeing you post work in charcoal before, only oils. So, I was surprised on opening this thread to see that you were putting together sample pieces in charcoal-- generally what's in your portfolio/samples tends to drive what you'll sell. Are the charcoal drawings something new you're offering?

Variety
 

Hi Terri -

Next year, I am planning on working four days a week instead of five, and am trying to market myself more in preparation for that time.

To that end I am trying to offer a variety of options. I've printed a flyer that shows one main oil and a variety of charcoal pieces, along with pricing at three levels: charcoal, pastel, oils. When I get some pastel pieces done, then they will also be represented in the flyer.

Because of time constraints for a private school auction coming up, I'm current working in pastel rather than oils. I plan to show it and a charcoal piece as samples. I wish I had an oil to bring too, but the only sample I would want to show at the moment is at a gallery in a town nearby (yes! I have representation now! :) ).

Hi Julie,

I like these very much, they are soft and fresh. I've been doing a lot of charcoals myself lately and I think that they are a good marketing move to attract those who don't have the budget for an oil painting. I find that I am also attracting people with a more minimalist decorating philosophy - people who just don't want a lot of color on the walls (or maybe those who prefer black and white photography to color). When I do them I try to get the subjects to sit for me and that way I get a "free" life model as a bonus.

Have you tried black Nupastel, by the way?

That's great news, Julie! (on both counts)

Nervous Nellie
 

Thanks, Linda and Terri -

Linda, you are brave to do the life sessions with a paying client. It's funny, because I have done plenty of profile portraits with no trouble, but when they're looking in my direction, I begin to get self-conscious and nervous. Especially when I have to look closely at their eyes. But I'm okay in life classes with models.

No, I've never tried black Nupastels, but I'm getting an assortment in any day now, so may give it a shot.