There are four main reasons for choosing the subjects I do: 1. Someone pays me. 2. This will most likely sell. 3. A show is coming. 4. OH! How Beautiful!
Someone Pays Me: this is called a commission. It is good to please people, to create for them with their input. It is almost a guarantee of happiness all the way around, and that is too good to turn down. Besides, I love to draw and paint, and if you have been reading my blog, you know that I would rather draw something ugly than be a secretary or waitress!
(No, this is not ugly!!)
This Might Sell: oranges are the best example I have. Since learning to oil paint, I have painted at least 34 still life orange pictures! This makes me wonder if all the practice at painting oranges has caused them to be better than any other subject, which increases the sales, which provides more practice, around and around and around.
There’s Nothing Like A Navel, oil, 18×24, framed, $495
A Show Is Coming: People like to have choices, like to see new inventory, and like to do business with businesses that are successful (i.e. selling!). We all like to see variety in colors, styles and prices. I know that the little things sell, but I also know that the big things make my displays look more impressive. This means I have to paint like a machine to create all these choices. I can do this.
These 3 oil paintings are patiently waiting for me to continue, now that The Mural is finished!
OH! How Beautiful!: Almost everywhere I go, I take my camera. There is beauty everywhere, and I have learned (the hard way, of course) that if something is looks good, TAKE THE PHOTO NOW! These aren’t always subjects that sell, but they are irresistible to me.
