Admin and all that

I think when I decided to become a full time artist towards the beginning of last year, I had some sort of idealistic image of wafting into the studio (or, in those days, the corner of the study!) and producing masterpiece after masterpiece, without interruption.

The reality is pretty far from that, and I am very grateful for the business background I acquired during the previous 16 years of running my own interior and furniture design company.

Art needs to sell, and in the beginning, until one is able to reach the level where it is in such demand that it is sold before it is painted, (and if even Van Gogh never got to that point in his lifetime, there is no guarantee that it will ever happen! ) it takes a lot of effort. But the aspect that has surprised me is the degree of organisation that is required.

There are several galleries which organise open exhibitions on a regular basis, often with themes which are announced in advance, so that pictures can be prepared specifically for them. But one has to build relationships with the gallery owners, and keep in touch with them, in order to keep up with what is happening when and where.

Some offer solo exhibitions as well, which requires the preparation of a large body of new work, often in a limited time frame. There are a lot of logistics to consider, sometimes the galleries help with them, but often it is left to the artist to handle invitations (design, printing and posting, which means building up a mailing list of interested people) hanging the pictures (having arranged framing if necessary), catering, press releases etc.

Talking to the press at the opening of a recent exhibition

There is the internet, often these are international sales, and all the work sold in this way has to be carefully packaged, quotes need to be obtained for various modes of shipping, and foreign payment facilities need to be sorted out. There are commissions received via various sources. And I have found it necessary to create a catalogue of all my work on my computer, with photographs saved in 3 different sizes (high res, medium for my blog and tiny for e-mails and the SouthAfricanArtists.com website.)

And then there is the issue of pricing. Do I value my work too highly, or do I undervalue it compared to what clients perceive its worth to be? And as I get better known, do I get stuck in a rut of familiar prices, or do I keep escalating them, and by how much? How do I cope with the fact that different galleries require different commissions and hanging fees, and if I sell in foreign currency with different exchange rates, how do I deal with that?

With regard to this side of the art world, I am lucky to be married to an Excel boffin, who has set up a wonderful database for me. All I do is decide how much I want for a painting, and punch in the commission structure of the particular gallery or website that is selling it. Then it calculates the selling price for me, and converts it into US$, Euros and pounds. The main thing, when painting frantically and meeting tight deadlines is remembering to photograph and catalogue all works before dispatching them.

For me, my lack of any sense of time is the biggest handicap. When I am on a creative roll, I lose all track of the time, and often have the flimsiest idea of the date! But delivery dates and collection dates come and go relentlessly, and need to be kept track of. This gets complicated when there is work in several galleries simultaneously.

Creating art is a right brain activity, while the admin and organisation is a left brain function. I have found it necessary to develop the ability to switch between the two on a regular basis, but for me it works better if I dedicate a block of time to creating, and then a block to admin. I do not paint as well if I am interrupted by the real world frequently while trying to remain in my creative "zone".

empty easel and blank canvas, a sure sign that at the time these were taken, I was involved in running around sorting out admin, between creative bursts!

Sadly, not all galleries are as efficient as they should be, and I have also found that I need to keep tabs on who has what, and if it has been sold, did they remember to pay me for it. Because I am a fairly prolific painter, I have a big portfolio to keep track of, and in the beginning I found out the hard way that no-one is going to do it but me!

So the next time you see an artist and think dreamily that it must be wonderful living on cloud nine all the time, think again! Cloud nine often drops one back to earth with a bump. Still, I have not regretted the decision for a moment, and feel really blessed and privileged to be able to follow my heart like this.

Now, where did I put my camera?

plein air and other work.

On our Port Elizabeth Daily Photo blog, I recently did a post about the group of artists I have joined, tho go out on Thursday mornings to paint en plein air. I am delighted to have found them, because I have tried it on my own, and did not feel at all safe. Crime in this country is at such a level that you really do take a chance sitting out in the open on your own. But I am fully aware that depending too much on photos for reference is not ideal. Everyone is so free with their knowledge, so it was great, and I know I am going to learn a huge amount from this generous bunch of talented people.

Here Evie sits at her easel while Bev starts to clear up. And this is the view, although the cows moved around maddeningly fast, so i had to rely on photos to add them in later!

The result of the first outing.... lots to learn but it was great fun!

Title: Dawson's Farm

Size: 400 x 300mm

Title: Treeline

Size 150x150mm

I also did a little canvas of a group of trees. I am not altogether happy with the colour of the sky, i think i will lighten it, but as a quick oil sketch, it was great fun.

And finally, this is a commissioned work of the delightful home where I was invited to take part in a recent exhibition.

Title: Hannalise's Haven

Size 600x300mm

2 more in Africa series

SOLD

Title: The Food Drop has arrived 1 and 2

Size 400 x 400

These two were on the Unsigned, same size, same price exhibition at Cuyler Street Gallery, but I did not get a chance to photograph them before they went there. Luckily they had still not been collected by the buyer when I was there today, so I was able to get a record of them before they disappear!

feast or famine

Having had a nice rest after the last painting frenzy, I am fired up and on the go again.... so there are quite a few new paintings rolling off the easels in the new studio. It is a pleasure to work out there, the lighting and ambience are just right, and i have really enjoyed "nesting" in there, writing odd notes on the walls, splashing paint around and generally getting comfortable with it.

Although I know I have not finished with the Africa Series, and have many more ideas to explore, I had to change gears for two exhibitions that had set themes. Firstly there was one at a private home, and I was asked to do some of my historic buildings for that. It was in a recently built stunning house that really lends itself to being used as a gallery. The house is a modern farmhouse, built in contemporary African style. It has earthy textures and colours, but wonderful open uncluttered spaces, high ceilings, extra tall doors, and great lighting. The owner invited 5 painters and a ceramicist to exhibit, and I was delighted to be one of them, as I love the work of the others, and our work goes so well together. In addition, she has taken a musician under her wing, because he does not have enough money to continue his studies at University, but is really talented. So on Friday and Saturday evenings, she combined the art exhibition with a music recital, as a benefit concert for this young man. We had dinner by candlelight, next to a blazing log fire, and listened to him performing Classical Guitar works, with some of his fellow students. It was a magical evening. Sales were good, and I felt really privileged to be part of this stylish event!

Here are some of the new works I did for that exhibition:

Title: Provincial Fisheries, Walmer

Size: 400 x 300 mm

This is a historic landmark in PE, where you can get lovely fresh fish. It is for sale, and I really hope some developer is not going to trash this lovely old part of our heritage!

SOLD

Title: Looking across the bay from Richmond Hill

Size 2000 x 500mm

One of the things I adore about living in the old historic Richmond Hill area is the panoramic views across the bay, usually with interesting little cottages in the foreground.

Title: 78 St Phillips St

Size 400 x 400 mm

SOLD

I have painted this house before but it is one of my favourites so I did a bigger version of it.

SOLD

Title: Cora Terrace 2

Size: 400 x 400 mm

Another one that I decided to do again on a larger canvas. (The curls at the bottom are from the holder at the exhibition)

Title: Rainy Day in Central

Size: 800 x 900 mm

SOLD

Looking down Lawrence Street in Central, across Russell Road towards Richmond Hill, I was attracted by the reflections on the rainwashed streets.

SOLD

Title: Looking across Russell Road

Size 700x950 mm

Another view from Central towards Richmond Hill, looking across the Russell road graveyard to the Dutch Reformed Church in Edward Street.


Then on Friday, an exhibition entitled "Beacons" opens at the Khune Boekkooi Gallery. It is a nice topic and I have had fun interpreting it in different ways. Some of the Africa series are for this one, (beacon of hope) and a couple of churches (beacon of light!) as well as the more obvious lighthouses, I have a thing for them anyway so I enjoyed doing a few of my favourite one at Seal Point and some straight from the recesses of my strange mind!

SOLD

Title: Seal Point Lighthouse

Size 300 x 600 mm

Title: Seal Point Sunrise

Size 300 x 400 mm

Sometimes at Cape St Francis, when there is a very high tide accompanied by strong winds, the waves go much higher up the beach than usual. When this happens, they leave lagoons on the beach, and if the wind has dropped the following morning, these become amazing mirror like surfaces which reflect the dunes and the sunrise colours in the sky. I have seen this a few times over the years and it never fails to captivate me with the wonderful atmosphere it creates.

Title: Seal Point Sunrise 2

Size 400 x 300 mm

SOLD

SOLD

Title: Seal Point Sunrise 3

Size 150 x 200 mm

I started these two paintings while sitting on the beach at Cape St Francis one morning in March, at sunrise. I completed them yesterday.

Title: Beware of the rocks

Size 200mm x 700 mm

Pure fun and fantasy

Title: When you go down, I'll still be here

Size 700 x 950 mm

SOLD

more fun and fantasy! A painting like this, which evolves from no pre-conceived idea is the perfect example of the words written by Sandy Carlson, that are on my side bar....

"Colors that bleed don't, actually,

But might if they were living things.

Rather, they go outside the lines

On purpose or by accident

Creating an effect you may not have hoped for

When you placed them there

Or when you showed up to watch:

Sharp clarity, a gentle blurring, a mess?

It is what it is.

Colors bleed."

More in the Africa series

Title: Africa weeps for her children

Size: 400 x 400 mm

SOLD

Title: Beacon of Hope: Food aid arrives

Size: 1500 x 1000 mm

SOLD

Title: Here comes the food drop

Size: 400 x 400 mm

I guess with kids in Sudan right now, recently under attack, and my sister in Zimbabwe, on the knife edge of botched elections and a mad dictator exacting revenge from anyone who might have voted for the opposition, it is only natural to be a bit pre-occupied about what is happening in Africa.

It is such a place of contradictions, and I love it deeply, with its wonderful vibrancy and warmth, and its stunning richness of scenery, cultures, wildlife etc. But it would be naive to see it totally through rose coloured spectacles and fail to acknowledge the deep problems in the continent............ (mmmmmm, just realised that must make our state president, Thabo "there is no crisis in Zimbabwe" Mbeki VERY naive!!)

This concern seems to be expressing itself on canvas, and I have been doing a series lately, expressing something of the hopelessness of so many in Africa, particularly the women and children, and refugees, and those who depend on outsiders to drop food for their survival.

filling in the gaps

The new exhibition is up and getting good reviews, so I now have a little breathing space to upload all the paintings that have been done recently but not posted yet. One drawback of painting fast and furiously is that the admin involved in naming, pricing, keeping track of sales and which webpage they are posted to is quite daunting at times. So I have spent the last 2 days trying to sort out my database and South African Artists webpage.

The first batch is from the current exhibition..............

Title: Farewell Homeland, Where now?

Size: 600x900 mm

SOLD

This is based on photos taken by a family member while working with refugees in Sudan. The effects of the endless war-mongering seem to leave the women and children particularly vulnerable. One wonders what the future could possibly hold for these kids.

Title: Fleeing Dafur
Size: 900x600 mm

SOLD

Same comments as above.

Title: Pete's Country Path
Size: 400x400 mm

This is based on a photo I saw on a blog, and fell in love with. It was taken by Pete Parrott. He is a very talented photographer who roams around the area of Hyde, UK, taking marvelous photos and sharing them on his blog. He kindly gave permission for me to use one as inspiration for this painting.

................and the next batch is from last month's Historic Port Elizabeth Exhibition.

with frame

Title: Ivy Terrace
Size: 350x450 mm (plus frame)

This is a quaint and attractive block of flats built on a plot in historic Central with a very acute angle between two roads.

SOLD

Title: 24-26 Callington Street

Size: 300x300mm

Cute old semi detached houses on the steep street.

with frame

Title: 16 Raleigh Street after restoration
Size: 350x450 (plus frame)

This house has recently been beautifully renovated and turned into a wonderful bakery and coffee shop. They bake bread using organic stone ground flours, and people come from all over town to buy it, and sit on the patio sipping their great coffee! We are lucky that they are just a couple of blocks from us!

with frame

SOLD
Title: Castle Hill
Size: 500x250 mm (excluding frame)

This is one of the oldest streets in PE, and has a lovely variety of interesting buildings, and a view over the harbour.

SOLD

Title: NG Church from Russell Rd Cemetary
Size: 250x500 excluding frame

Sorry about the terrible photo, somehow this one slipped through the cracks, and I only snapped it once it was hanging in the gallery. It sold at the exhibition, so I won't get a chance to get a better one.

Title: 11 Raleigh Street

Size 150x150mm

SOLD

another of the popular little 6 inch square paintings of cute houses.

Title: Central from across Russell Road

Size: 800x400 mm

SOLD

I just love the streetscapes in this area, the variety of rooftops, spires, etc make for interesting groupings.

That's it for now, soon I'll post some older pictures which were done before I started this blog.

it's all go go go .........

I must admit that, when it comes to time management, I am not a disciplined artist. I tend to work in feverish bursts, when I just pour out ideas and energy onto the canvas. These bursts are followed by periods of distraction and procrastination, where it seems as if I just can't motivate myself to pick up a brush.


However, over the years, I have recognised that this is just the pattern of my energy, and not something to fret over or try to change. If I try and plug away a bit every day, I dilute the creativity, and it becomes lacklustre. And luckily there is usually a balance, the creative bursts do not last so long that I burn out, and the recovery periods do not last so long that productivity is compromised! And I am apparently working busily sub-consciously during the recovery phases, because with no apparent thought I launch into the next creative phase, and all the new ideas are ready and neatly lined up waiting for expression.


The other day, Imperfect Nerd commented:
Paint, dear one, paint! I know what distractions are like, because I write and have just begun a new tale, "Michelle in Hell". So far the hellish part is trying to stay at it!....


For me distractions are very welcome during a recovery phase, but where I find it hellish is when they happen in the middle of a creative outburst.... I literally chafe to get to work, and find any interruptions incredibly frustrating.


At the moment I am having a wonderful time exploring mixed media, and the painting is on a roll, but I also have builders crawling all over the place, creating the usual revolting mess, choas and endless interruptions and demands for this or that. I have mixed feelings about all this.


Usually I would be having a bit of a humour failure over being pulled out of my "zone" every few minutes, but the end result of this project is making it easier to bear. Because they are building an extension to a tiny storeroom we have in our back courtyard, and creating a wonderful light airy studio for me, YAY yippee yay!!


So, soon I will be out there, splashing the walls and floor with gay abandon, and no longer cluttering up (and splashing paint on) every surface in our little cottage! I will have to repaint the study and lounge/dining room, which have borne the brunt of the work over the last few years, and remove the study carpet, which has gone from cream to multicoloured speckles and blobs in one corner. But it is going to be amazing being able to sit at the dining room table for a meal without getting blue or red blobs on one's clothes, and ingesting the food through a haze of turpentine fumes.


Anyway, to the results of the latest energy burst........... as well as a few I did recently for but did not get a chance to post.
Starting with the new ones, I am exploring mixed media, using sculptors wax and silver leaf on canvas with oils, I adore the transparency and layering that can be achieved.

landscape 6 900x900mm

in the lake 1100x900mm

SOLD

seascape 8 700x900mm

seascape 4 900x900mm

SOLD

whale tale 900x800mm

landscape 7 and 8 600x500mm

SOLD

heather blushed hills 900x1100mm

Seascape 5 and 6, 500x500mm

SOLD

Seascape 7 400x400mm

These are two which I forgot to photograph before sending them off for an exhibition.

Contemplation 2 Martie's Garden

The others of the Historic PE ones will be posted after I have had a chance to go to the gallery and confirm which have sold.