Comment by Ev McTaggart on February 3, 2013 at 2:56pm

I suppose the rubber gloves (which have those raised dots) would leave ridges in the varnish? When I spread paint with my hands for a heavy "wash", I use the disposable plastic gloves, but they always leak and I end up with paint on my hands anyway.

 

Comment by Suzanne Vadnais Monson on February 3, 2013 at 3:05pm

What a great idea! Have a blast hanging your show Ev. I know you'll take pictures and I can't wait to see them. Three cheers to you for another successful showing of your work!

Comment by Ev McTaggart on February 3, 2013 at 3:22pm

Su, two of the six paintings are now sold. The buyers have nicely allowed me to keep them in the show. At this rate, I'll have no paintings for the show at my friend's winery in the fall. I suppose I could ask for them for that show, too, but that might be pushing my luck! Guess I'd better get me to the studio.

Comment by Suzanne Vadnais Monson on February 3, 2013 at 3:36pm

Exactly...what a delightful motivation to get into the studio Ev! How exciting. I love it when things come together and the art finds its niche. This is so cool! ; >

Comment by Ev McTaggart on February 3, 2013 at 4:00pm

I think I've mentioned I was a marketing person in a previous life. In order to not be a starving artist, artists need to be constantly marketing. I believe that's something most artists are  not good at, but it's something they should learn as much as possible about.

I sold "Love Me Alone" to one of my network on Facebook. She posted a photo of all her Valentine's decor that she'd just hauled out to her house for February. I commented something like, "Wow! You need my LOVE painting!" I was only half-kidding.

"LOVE painting, Ev? Do tell," she replied.

I sent her a link to the painting and she wrote back asking for the price! A few minutes later, the deal was made.  If I hadn't taken the time to notice her Facebook post and add a comment, I'd have not made a sale. We have to be ALWAYS selling--in a nice, non-pushy manner--but selling. If selling is a bad word for artists, good luck to them. It's been my experience that it's not always the best product/art that sells, but the best marketed, even if the artists have to promote themselves first before their product. From this lady, I not only got a sale, but lovely remarks to add to my promo materials and coverage to her social network because our main discussion took place on her wall. Then I went to my FB art page and posted a photo of the painting with the word SOLD. She commented "And it's MINE, woo hoo!" More promo! When she finally gets her painting after the show, I'll get a photo of her with it. More promo.

 

Comment by Suzanne Vadnais Monson on February 3, 2013 at 5:21pm

Ev I whole-heartedly share your enthusiasm for what I call "organic" marketing. I also have a solid background in marketing and promotion. I managed a mid-sized multi-media production company and did similar work for a large corporation. Today I am working on managing the marketing and promotional material for the Cargill Midwest Division.

Here's what is true of this work on all levels: solid promo work begin with relationship building. What you did to reach out on Facebook and make a friendly comment is the most natural or "organic" way to do this. It isn't a hard sell, it is a friendly comment. In my experience it always gets the ball rolling.

How fabulous that in your case it also closed a sale! Thanks for sharing this story Ev!

Comment by Ev McTaggart on February 4, 2013 at 11:02am

I would assume, Ruth, that the house is for out-of-town visiting executives. I know many companies that have such houses and/or suites in condo buildings near their offices. And maybe I misread, but I think Su works for a production company that does marketing/advertising pieces for Cargill.

Comment by Ev McTaggart on February 4, 2013 at 1:06pm

Cheaper in the long run than putting them up in hotels, maybe, or more like a home atmosphere rather than a sterile hotel. Also, if a city is busy because of a big convention, hotels are often sold out.

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