Samples I've been working on - no. 1

[Kimberly Dow]

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

[Julie Deane]

Thanks, Kim -

I appreciate your kind comments.

[Terri Ficenec]

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?

[Julie Deane]

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! ).

[Linda Brandon]

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?

[Terri Ficenec]

Originally Posted by Julie Deane

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.

. . . 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! ).

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

[Julie Deane]

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.