Tuesday 27 May 2008

Maybe I passed some magic on somewhere

Well as far as the exhibition went I could say that it wasn't much of a success, in that I didn't sell a painting and overall the whole exhibition didn't sell alot. But the lack of sales was perhaps to be expected because people are tightening their belts due to the cost of everything going up at the moment. And I know I don't sell well at exhibition, for some reason (I still haven't fully worked out why even now, after many years trying!). So, a lot of hard work and time put into something that hasn't reaped a return.......

Or has it? Yes, I think it has actually. I may not have made any sales, and I might be financially worse off for it, but i think there has been a lot of good to come out of it. I've spent the weekend with my artist friends, I've seen their artwork, as they have seen mine. I've seen some beautiful paintings, and admired them. And I've had some nice comments from the people who've admired mine. And someone emailed me regarding my paintings -I'm still not sure who she is who emailed me, but she seems to think she knows me, and maybe I've met her at an exhibition before, its an enigma at the moment, but she took the time to get in touch with me, which was lovely, and she particularly liked my unicorn paintings, and has told me of some books it reminds her of, which I want to search further into. So, that was beneficial. And I had a long chat with an artist friend this morning, who also exhibited over the weekend, and we dissected the exhibition, as people are wont to do, and in passing she mentioned a guy I don't know who she said knows my artwork very well, and when she mentioned my name to him, he knew of me. So, again, I'm getting my name known, and that will help in the future. Somehow. And that's the funny thing about exhibitions, I go and show my artwork and think that if I've not made a sale, its been a failure. But it hasn't. its done a lot of good. Tis all positive stuff.

So, what now? Well, I've got the dog commissions to do. I've done one, and that's proved so much of a success that I've been given another commission to do. So that's really exciting. And I much prefer commissions to exhibitions. Because people tell me what they want, and that's what I paint. With an exhibition, I have to guess what people are going to like, as well as painting something I like too. Its far more hit and miss.

So, back to the dogs...............

12 comments:

Spiky Zora Jones said...

that is fab, your name is spoken from mouth to ear and they are recognizing your art work. S

Sweetie...book is right. have you thought of putting together your painting and making an art book.

I love to buy books that show artist and their artwork. You would have a wondeful book. The enery of your words...you exicite people with your enthusiasm. That along with photos of your art...you have a wonderful book...call it "Passing magic somewhere." I'd buy it babes and proudly put it with my library of fave books.

think about it babes...Ciao

Jackie Adshead said...

Spiky - Wow, funny you should mention that - yes, I have been thinking a lot recently of writing an art book about my life as an artist, how my art has evolved and featuring my many paintings. I love the idea of passing on magic, through words and pictures!

Vi said...

It's all about networking. Eventually all the effort you put into these things will show.

Jackie Adshead said...

Vi - Yeh, its about networking with like minded people. And the effort I put into my art is starting to show already by the interest I'm continuing to receive.

Nicey said...

I feel for ya, your doing all the right things and making the effort it must be so frustrating not being able to find the people that like your work, they are out there.
Keep on doing what ya keep on doing

Nicey

Jackie Adshead said...

Nicey - Thanks! It can be frustrating, but I try to be philosophical about it. I think they're out there, and I'll continue to do what I do, and maybe they'll find me, or I'll find them, one way or another!

Anonymous said...

Love the book idea Jackie.
As for the networking, well, these things take time but I can understand how frustrating things like that can be!

Jackie Adshead said...

Racy redhead - Yeh, I like the book idea too!

I try not to get frustrated, and count it as all to the greater good (somewhere, and somehow!).

Indi said...

Go for it... the book that is! I had some 'magic' at the weekend, may blog about at some point..

Jackie Adshead said...

Indigo - Yeh, I'm really keen on the book idea.

Your "magic" sounds interesting. I look forward to reading your blog if you decide to write about it.

nitebyrd said...

Jackie, sometimes you benefit even if not financially. You definitely seem to have a really good perspective on looking for the good instead of the bad!

Jackie Adshead said...

Nitebyrd - Yep, not all benefits are financial. And I always look for the good in everything.