The model for the seniors.

Debra Jones · 05-04-2010, 08:39 PM

I have been teaching a class called Art Coach at a local Senior Center. I am avoiding a real hard core portrait class, because I did one last year and found these people are generally pretty good, but would rather work from photos than understand form, and they have less time than kids, so I just help make better paintings.

I like to do a demo every week for an hour and then we work on their problems. As an inspiration, I really wanted to show them how I work from life. It was a really odd experience with people sort of critiquing as I went! This woman worked for the Center and I approached it as sort of a narration, not a finished piece. BUT the model asked "How much?"

I was stymied. She was sinking fast. The other woman who was sketching her did a charcoal and took $17 (!) for it. I told her I would give her a deal this week and snapped a quick photo.

Hopefully she will appreciate that this is a real portrait. I will charge her half my regular rate, but I must say, I am pretty proud of a one hour from life and hour and half at home!

Carlos Ygoa · 05-05-2010, 04:55 AM

You SHOULD be proud of this, Debra...wonderful piece. Very clean, very spontaneous-looking and very well-captured expression.

I also liked visiting your dog-a-day blog---nice work! Will be visiting more often......

Debra Jones · 05-06-2010, 01:04 PM

Thank you Carlos!

This is one of those too difficult to deal with situations. I know the retirees are mostly volunteers because they like the company. I presented it finished and offered it for under my rate (because I can use the money, not the stack of finished paintings that are filling my home) and her reply was that she was not sure she could afford it. It depended on "Whether one of my kids will take it after I die." These are the sort of statements that can spin your brain!

I am emailing it to her so she can send it to see if any of the kids want it. Sigh.

BUT I have a renewed enthusiasm, as one of our art leagues had a really inspirational speaker discussing marketing. It was refreshing to not have people keep telling you how to worship galleries, but get out on your own and make a market. So that is my next direction.

My blog is sort of simmering. I have to actively recruit by being visible and painting in public spaces. I have been working so hard trying to get back into humans, I don't seem to make the time. However it is certain that when I get an excited client, they ask about dogs!

dj*

Mary Sparrow · 05-06-2010, 04:55 PM

So fresh and painterly! Very nice.

Alexandra Tyng · 05-07-2010, 10:26 AM

Debra, I love this! You captured so much personality. I hope one of her kids has the sense to want it!

Sara Lasso Lopez · 05-10-2010, 06:36 AM

Have you offered her a monthly easy payment option? With that kind of deal she may be able to afford it.

Do they realize that original art, beyond decorate a wall, is an investment that increases its value? That do to the special circunstances, they have the unique oportunity to collect it for 50% of the current market price?

Good luck Debra. I hope you get the most of the situation.

Patricia Joyce · 05-11-2010, 05:10 PM

So fresh appealing. It makes her appear vibrant and probably younger than she is. Love it.