[Kimberly Dow]

Chris,

I wanted to clarify - I agree completely that we should educate our clients. I am referring to not educatinig (or to word it differently: selling) those that are just viewing the work. I guess I would look at those comments that Mike was asking about the same as I would if someone were to ask me "why do you paint so tight, why not loosen up?" If this were a potential client situation I wouldn't put much effort into trying to get them to 'like' my style. I always assume, and I do ask to make sure, that it is MY work someone wants when they are hiring me. There is a part of my contract that states something like "...hiring this artist for their particular style..." and more about being familiar with the artists style.

I may have taken Mike's question and twisted it. He wants to have a way to discuss this and make these types more valid to clients who don't get it ( I hope am am putting that close enough to what you meant) - and I kind of feel that if they dont get it, they cant be talked into it.

I'm curious Chris - when you say you want to know if they want work more like this artist or that one - do you show them samples of others work? I'm wondering why this is necessary if they have seen your work? I always assume that if we show them our work then they can see what their painting will be like. And if they didn't like our work they wouldn't be there... You have a distinctive style - I wouldn't hire you unless I loved that. It seems like common sense, but maybe I'm being too simplistic.