Update from Linda

[Linda Nelson]

Hi All,

Just thought I'd pass on an update from here in Minnesota. I am finishing up the last two commissions I have to do at present. Since most clients want outdoor summer settings for their portraits, I'm not even calling to try to drum up business. Instead, I'm taking a few months to start a "fine art" vein of work.

I'm learning about Art Publishers and art trade shows, talking to galleries, and learning the economics of reproduction limited editions. Then there's also finding models, and most importantly the PAINTING!

I've been painting like a madman, and have done 6 paintings in 2 weeks. Some I will consider "studies" and redo, some are fine for sales, and one is good enough that I've shown it to two galleries and we've entered into agreement to sell a series of 50 limited edition canvas reproductions!. I'll post an image of the painting when I can (it's getting scanned at the photohouse as we speak)

Finances are very tight, but I hope to report later that this is working out. I hope that, with the portraiture AND fine art, it enables me to have a healthier revenue stream, and provide flexibility and interest at the easel.

Take care all!

[Janel Maples]

Linda,

This is so funny you posted this. I was just thinking about you and what you were up to. Ever since I became a member of the forum I've paid attention to your posts because I feel like I am on the same path that you are on. (only I am several miles behind you)

On the path I am still at the spot where I have to get use to the idea of answering "I am a portrait artist" if people ask what I do.

Keep leaving a trail for me to follow. : )

[Linda Nelson]

Hi Janel

I first discovered this site when I didn't even have ANY portraits painted. This place helped me realize that portraiture is alive and breathing as a career. From there is was then that first step of making that first peice, then putting a painting at an art show, then doing an actual booth at an art faiir, then having enough clients to go pro, and now the goal is to expand what I paint and get myself inserted into the fine art/gallery world. I 'm glad to here these posts are helpful. I hope these updates help people see the pathway for their own journey.

Good Luck Everyone!

[Michele Rushworth]

Hi Linda,

Good to "see you" online again. I'm particularly interested in your experiences selling fine art, expecially the reproduction end of things. It seems intuitive to me that that could be very lucrative. Keep us posted.!

[Linda Nelson]

I'll try to keep you posted as I learn the world of fine art. I can tell you at this stage , speaking from the artist 's viewpoint, the "start up" phase is about managing "opposing" issues on multiple levels -

1.) being completely confident of your talent and what you can offer as a distinctive "product", and recognizing the market is chock full of work out there already by very talented people

2.) deciiding what to paint .... Painting what you are drawn to, yet taking a serious look during the process to the viability of whether what you make is marketable. Out of the 6 paintings I've done, I'd say 1 is not viable (but will make for a good portraiture example) 3 could be sold as inexpensive fine art (two of the three I still see potential, so I'd sell them as "studies" with the idea to re-paint the composition) and 1 looks like it would have enough general appeal to sell it through limited edition reprodutions. When you're painting you have to put aside whether it's sellable. But you have to be open to knowing that it may not be worth much on the fine art market - and better to be proactive at that analysis than find yourself with a hundred painting that no one wants.

3.) Trusting your judgment .WHILE trusting others' advice.

4.) Learning to rely on others to help sell your work while being conscious that they are only good for you IF YOU ARE GOOD FOR THEM . Be conscious of it and see it as a good thing, but pick and choose who you work with as it seems there alot of way the artist can lose inthe equation.


It feels alot like like when I was a new mother - feel competent and totally inept at the same time - The struggle of being ok with either sentiment at any given moment.

[Geary Wootten]

I really appreciate your observations here Linda. Sounds as though you've also been given a gift of ideas for a book. This is a great outline for one.

And I must add, that analogy of being a mother feeling "competent and totally inept at the same time" makes all of your male counterparts here have a connection as to what motherhood is really all about. Because, creating a painting is like experiencing a birth. Of course without all the pain and cussing! Ok....maybe a little cussing.

~Gear

[Sharon Knettell]

Linda,

In case you were looking for some inspiration to keep your portrait business humming while the ponds are frozen, here is an idea done by a native Rhode Islander, Gilbert Stuart, called "The Skater". It is one of my favorite paintings and totally impressive in person.

By the way, good luck with your other ventures.

[Linda Nelson]

Wow that man is definitely not expecting to fall on the ice. That's one confident pose.

[Sharon Knettell]

Linda,

I think it could be a new Minnesota look for you!

[Tom Edgerton]

Linda--

Thanks for the news.... hang in there! The analogy to new motherhood is apt as I STILL feel competent and inept at the same time, even now.

Then there's this from the inimitable Sir Henry Raeburn.