lessons learned

I was thrilled when at my reception at Athan's, a woman who came said that she was going to buy "Retired Racer" (above). I had my friend John take care of sales and emails. She wrote the email on a list and now when I'm writing to tell her that the show is over and the piece is ready for her, the email bounces back. I have no other way of communicating with this person :(. I have posted on my Facebook page and have contacted other people that I new were at the reception, but no one seems to know who she is. She did take my card and information and I'm really hoping that she gets back in touch with me. I feel so embarassed and unprofessional. This like this shouldn't happen.

Please please please get in touch with me, CarolynWhoBoughtRetiredRacer! I wouldn't want you to think that I swindled you!!!!

Well, this is exciting!

I got the letter in the mail on Saturday that these 2 pieces were accepted into the "Art Show at the Dog Show" which is a huge canine event that happens in Wichita, Kansas!

"BW Tibetan Terrier"

5"x7" black watercolor

"Retired Racer"

5"x7" watercolor & Prismacolor pencils

I had submitted 4 pieces all together and I have to be honest, I didn't think that any would make it in. Why so pessimistic? Well, could be that commissions are way down or the last 2 shows I tried to get into I was declined? Yes, I think so. But it just goes to show you that if you keep plugging away something is bound to get through.
So from what I understand the show is judged kind of like a dog show. You bring in your dog, let's say the "Retired Racer", would compete against other paintings of greyhounds. If yours wins, then you continue to best Sporting Group and if you win that then you compete for Best of Show. All pieces are for sale and the winners of the categories will win a purse of anywhere from $50 to $1,250! I'm not thinking of the money, per say. I just think that this is going to be some great exposure for my work! So needless to say, this totally made my weekend. Now I have to get them to the framer and mailed to Kansas by the 25th of February. Once I know exactly which gallery they'll be in, I'll post it here. If you're in that area, be sure to check these and more wonderful canine artists!

I can sense it in the air.....

It's the holiday season. Because I've been having dreams of sugarplum fairies in my head. No, not really. My dreams are way weirder than that, but lets not go there.

The commissions are starting to come in. Ebay sales are picking up. I love those folks who realize that Christmas comes every year, and it happens pretty much the same time during the year. Actually the last time I checked it was the 25th of December. (sarcasm?) But this is great for me. I love not only the painting, the shows and the stories that people share with me about their pets, but there's something about knowing that when that day arrives that people are opening up their presents and there's their beloved pet.... in a watercolor.... by me. It gives me that warm and fuzzy feeling that I believe that's what the holidays are all about.

"Retired Racer"

5"x7" watercolor

Above, is a small painting that I did of a greyhound. I took the reference photo at the Bay Colony dog show that happens every year, usually the first weekend of December. They used to have it at the Bay State Expo Center in Quincy, but just found out that it's moved to Providence RI expo center. http://baycolonydogshow.com/ Anyway, this cutie was hanging in front of a Greyhound rescue table. I chose to leave the pillow and the background white because to me it gives a more "airy" effect. Especially when you normally see pictures and photos of greyhounds, they're running on air - not sleeping on it.

So a busy schedule ahead:

November 13th & 14th Allston Open Studios http://www.allstonarts.org/

November 13th through December 13th the Allston Art expo at the Honan Library in Allston http://http//www.allstonarts.org/ Reception is Saturday November 13th. (I will not be at this opening as I will be working at the Allston Open Studios. If I could be in 2 places at the same time I would, but I learned a long time ago on Three's Company that this is impossible.)

November 18th New England Arts for Animals Members Show. Opening reception from 5pm to 8pm in the Fernwood Gallery (430 Washington Street Norwell MA ) The show will run until December 31st.

December 4th First Church of Jamaica Plain Christmas Show. http://http//www.firstchurchjp.org/index.asp

I hope to see you at least one of these events!!