Comments on: Being Authentic: When Being Real Can Hurt Your Art

By: Gail Sibley

Gail Sibley — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 05:09:29 +0000

In reply to Nancy Tanner. This is sooooooo wonderful to hear Nancy!! Thank you so much for sharing your own experience of selling your work and advice to others for doing so!!

By: Gail Sibley

Gail Sibley — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 14:52:08 +0000

In reply to Barb.

Thanks Barb!
Getting “negative” feedback from others can be hard to hear. If we ask for it, then we need to be open to hearing it. As hard as it can be, we must remember we are in a learning mode. And as you say, it may indeed be a good point!

By: Barb

Barb — Sun, 18 Aug 2024 19:40:59 +0000

In reply to Glenys Forbes.

Great blog, thank you!
If I show one of my pastels, I usually like it and have done my critique at home.
Now if someone else critiques it, I may deflate a litte, but know I’ve done my best. And it may be a good point.
Important to know.

By: Gail Sibley

Gail Sibley — Thu, 15 Aug 2024 20:52:36 +0000

In reply to Lori. Yay Lori! Both to sharing the WHY behind your work to potential buyers and also for painting what YOU love!!! And thanks for sharing the other side of the fence, you as a buyer.

By: Lori

Lori — Tue, 13 Aug 2024 17:36:11 +0000

When I first started pasteling, I kept being told that landscapes was what I should focus on, but I LOVE animals – especially farm animals, so that’s what I paint. My farm animal paintings keep finding new homes and seem to bring a lot of joy to my clients. That fills my heart. Like you wrote, when asked I always try to explain the “why” behind the work – it often resonates with the client. Conversely, for me as the buyer, when I understand what the artist is looking to convey, I often then “see it” and sometimes their works go home with me!

By: David Treleavan

David Treleavan — Sun, 11 Aug 2024 21:30:48 +0000

In reply to Veronica D Runge. Catholic School?

By: Nancy Tanner

Nancy Tanner — Sun, 11 Aug 2024 15:54:59 +0000

Thank you for this great article, Gail! I have been painting with pastels for 4 years (after watercolors and oils) and absolutely love them (where have they been all my life?) Recently, a local art club with which I am affiliated had a large, heavily attended show in conjunction with a 3 week long music festival (symphony and more). As a participating artist, I had a beautiful space with 12 paintings for sale. Throughout the show, I sold 4 paintings, and wonderfully, I happened to be there to talk to all 4 buyers. I loved talking about where I was, what inspired me (the dappled light, the soothing river, etc.) why I paint, and other anecdotes. As an intrinsically shy person, it was a delight. One young man told me he loved everything about my painting and told me this was his first purchase of original artwork. Another lady who bought a painting from me last year emailed me so she could be sure to catch me to chat when she came to buy her second piece.
My point is this: let your passion, excitement, and love for your art fuel your discussions with admirers! Never pushy, but real.

By: Gail Sibley

Gail Sibley — Sun, 11 Aug 2024 02:12:12 +0000

In reply to Michele. I hear ya Michele! I think most of us lean towards Option 1. The more you become aware of it, the more you can pause, rethink, and say something positive about the piece!

By: Gail Sibley

Gail Sibley — Sun, 11 Aug 2024 02:08:01 +0000

In reply to Margot Ardourel. That's fantastic to hear Margot! People want to know all the ins and outs, the background story, the why. And super you have a sales background! Let us know how it goes on Wednesday!

By: Margot Ardourel

Margot Ardourel — Sat, 10 Aug 2024 23:59:36 +0000

I am currently in a show that is surrounded by excellent other pastels. I was able to see mine measured up. I am working the show on Wednesday and will be very aware to share my why. I also have sales background.