Art Matters is an art show and fundraiser organized by the San Marino Art League at the Huntington Gardens . Last night I attended it and showed my artwork. It was the first time I was juried in . I wasn't sure what to expect so I was a bit surprised when I found out it was quite the swanky affair. Very good artists and art and lots of collectors.
Which brings me to the point of this post. It is hard sometimes to gauge what kind of art to present to different shows. Shows have "personalities"so to speak.
Naturally you always want to sell whatever you hang in a show and be proud of what you present no matter what the venue is. However, when I don't have all the facts, it is hard for me to decide on subject matter, size, even framing and price. For example, I was surprised to discover during Telluride Plein Air that most paintings sold at that event were not of the mountains or birches but of the actual town.
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| Art Matters. Cocktails. |
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| Art Matters. Dinner at the Huntington gardens. |
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| Art Matters. Gallery. |
So now that I actually entered Art Matters! I have much better idea of what kind of art to enter next time. Below two examples of pieces perfectly suited for this show -and many others- that Michael Obermeyer piece is splendid. This was a classy affair for a discerning moneyed public slanted to the conservative. It was a knowledgeable crowd that likes images of recognizable subject matter. The gallery itself was visually challenging with the lattice and the hanging by volunteers. So you are better off with bigger sizes and simplicity of design. Detail can be lost or crowded out. What I would not recommend is "paint for a show" but when you have several options, it really helps to know your venue.
Ok, so even if you don't sell anything the first time, it is invaluable to attend and have fun -after all, you were juried in- and pay attention to what flies off the walls. Crossing my fingers for tomorrows open-to-the-public showing.
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| Art Matters. Michael Obermeyer piece. Now. That's a "little gem". |
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| Debra Holaday expertly showing her pieces. |
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5 comments:
Interesting and well thought out post, Jose...
You never know though... perhaps tomorrow (today) there will be more sales.
You know your work is always terrific no matter what the venue.
Update It didn't go better today. :( However, I stand for what I said... and I am re-committed to do better next time.
The fact is you have to be able to present those paintings that perfect strangers *just* can't help but buying. The best way of knowing what those painting are is to keep showing in those shows the good painters attend. How else to compare? How else to feel you are in league or out of your league? I am critical with my pieces but never more critical than against the masters.
I think you have to be critical. At least until you are seventy years old. Then may be you can relax a little. But then you might lose the challenge part of it.
I'm sorry you didn't sell, Jose. But as you said, you have now learned and next year will be different. I KNOW it's not the quality of your work... perhaps only the choices of subject matter or size.
Yes... you always do need to be critical... Otherwise how do you grow???
Hope to see you somewhere soon.
Was the show outdoors in a patio setting? Those white cross board walls look super-cheesy indoors.
Jose, I agree with your thinking, and its probably healthy to be critical of your own work to an extent but don't forget that people have different tastes and buy for different reasons and many people are drawn to your work because it's beautiful. Congratulations in getting into the venue! Your work is great! Hope to see you soon-by the way are you going to Telluride this year?
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