I sold several paintings before the show opened and the meet-the-artists reception is next Saturday, the 9th.
The guest books from the last two shows were used as a mailing list (along with the museum's list). Unfortunately, lots of guests didn't leave their addresses--just their names--and many people have P.O. boxes, so I'm taking a cue from the book, Freakonomics, and its discussion of incentives. I framed the small watercolor "What Chicken?," and it will be a giveaway--place name & address in a vase; I will mail the work to the winner of the drawing. I'll let you know how that works.
I included the painting below, "1963," in the exhibit only after she had a purpose. She was propped against the wall for several months while I wondered why I had spent time on it. I added a plastic cape--she's being groomed for all the careers open to women in the early 60s. It will give viewers something to discuss (after they've discussed "He Beat His Mules" which was retitled "The Spell").
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Hallie, The gallery with all your glorious work is fabulous! It all looks SO GOOD!!! YEAH!!!!
ReplyDelete"1963" is wonderful. I really love the addition of the plastic cape. Being groomed indeed.
Your idea of the giveaway in return for a name and address is fantastic. Yes- I know you read it in the book, but you came up with the incentive.
I sure wish I could come and participate. Terry's pieces look stunning too.
I'm just in awe Hallie. You are such a revelation and an inspiration. I really, really look up to you.
Congratulations on a successful showing and sales. All of your hard work is evident.
Hey Hallie! Congratulations on your show (and sales)--I was pleased to see work that I've seen in your blog. It is like seeing old friends. I like your giveaway idea...a clever way to renew a mailing list. I know that if I had a show like this mine would look like a group too...because I have no standard size and I don't paint in "series". It is more interesting to paint what occurs to us when it occurs to us. I feel a little sorry for the artists who must paint in predictable thematic ways. and wait. A nap is a good substitute for a straight shot of Jack Daniels? Really?
ReplyDeleteThanks Pam. I think I actually enjoy designing and printing the announcements (everyone liked the painting Rain Bonnet on the announcement--one that sold) printing cards, and setting up the shows--the final part. I cussed a lot, though; my printer and computer are different brands and don't seem to get along. Hopefully, you're inspired by some organized people, too. Freakonomics is a great book, and I follow their blog.
ReplyDeleteHi Celeste. All except one of these paintings has been on my blog, and they've been done during the last year or so. (I don't know whether blogging or having a show scheduled sped me up--I usually paint about five a year). Since I was never able to even pick one silverware or china pattern, there is little chance that I'll ever come up with a theme in painting. Yep--a nap sometimes tops a shot of Jack Daniels; especially when the previous night was spent making lists--and not sleeping.
ReplyDeleteThe show looks great!
ReplyDeleteI recognize a few paintings from your posts.
You must be very proud of your efforts.
great job
Your work looks exciting, what a job hanging a show. You may not have the same theme, but it has the common theme of your artistic style of expression. I have been told using email and mailing out digital announcements is another effective option but I love your give-away idea. Please let me know how it goes. Is the woman in 1963 any one you know or a generic woman-of-the-60's? love the plastic cape addition!
ReplyDeleteThank you, JB. I've visited your blog several times and seem to recognize some of the strange places you paint. Good work.
ReplyDeleteHi Robin. I have read that email is effective but I live in an area where not everyone uses a computer. The woman in 1963 is based on a photograph of me; I always feel these old photos are of someone else (another life maybe). I blogged about her in my June 12 entry--Celeste Inspires--I had considered covering her with blue and painting a cursor over her mouth.
Congrats on the show. It looks great! It's neat to see the size of the paintings on the wall compared to seeing them online. The idea of the give away is a good one. I wish I had thought of that when I had shows. Here's to celebrating a successful show and a bottle of Champagne!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Hallie, on getting everything ready, getting in a nap, having a great show, and making so many sales! You are an inspiration.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad that the lovely lady featured in "1963" chose the HW Farber career path. We're all better for it.
-Don
Hallie, congratulations on a beautifully hung show. I love that I know these paintings already. Your style and subject matter are so unique that they unify your show. I do think that blogging keeps me painting, so perhaps that does play into why you were so productive this year. Also, I am in awe that you've already sold several pieces. I look forward to more posts about the show.
ReplyDeleteHi Don. I haven't made a lot of sales; just a few. We'll wait and see. As for the career path, it was long and winding. First portrait painting class at the Smithsonian in 1962, first sculpture class in 1967--jobs as secretary, wife and mother, editor at NIH, learned belly dancing & palm reading while working p/t at P.O.; then program analyst at FEMA. During all those jobs & interests, I sculpted. Back to painting in 2000. I would not recommend my career path, but I learned something from every job and class.
ReplyDeleteHi Mary. Thanks. I guess the paintings would fit under the title "quirky." I'm going with that. I think a few sold because my pieces just hang around in closets until there is a show--it takes me forever to declare them finished and takes even longer for me to come up with a price (I need a deadline). The sales part is really hard for me, but it's gratifying when people appreciate them enough to buy.
Congratulations on a fabulous show!! I wish I could attend. Your work is so content rich that viewing this exhibit must be a special treat. It's no wonder that your work sells and is appreciated. Kudos!
ReplyDeleteEva--somehow I failed to publish your comment yesterday. I'm guessing you want me to drink champagne and swing on a chandelier--in my house we only have ceiling fans and that could be dangerous.
ReplyDeleteKathy. What a nice comment. Thank you. From my blog, I put together a small book of stories behind the paintings--the last page is the digital photo of my upside-down head in a tangerine bag, with accompanying explanation.
Hallie, Congrats on the show. You have such an interesting point of view and a sublime way of mixing the surreal and, well, words, letters etc. Must be a great show. Wonderful that you have pieces that sold. I would like to hear how your "incentive" goes for you! I'm doing an artwalk soon; may have to do something similar!
ReplyDeleteWow, Peggy. An art walk! Your studio has to be neat for that, doesn't it? I'm hoping people will write their complete address--not just the town. I'm guilty of doing the same thing. We'll see.
ReplyDeleteHi Hallie, I'm going to hang out in a wine shoppe for the art walk. I'll have a few paintings on hand, have some work for demonstration and discussion, and cookies. My husband and I decided we didn't want to do an open studio at our house. Neatness in the studio...that would be hard to achieve for more than five minutes!
ReplyDeletePeggy, that's a smart move.
ReplyDeleteBeen too busy and too late - missed the show. (Actually I think I peeked at it and had to rush away without commenting) Anyway--congratulations! This is so wonderful. I would love to see many of your works together - they are always so interesting and thought provoking. Bet it was something to see!
ReplyDeleteHi Dan and thanks. The reception is tomorrow night. I'll take a camera and let you know how it goes. I think there will be a few comments and at least a bit of laughter. Here in SOVA, we're not as quiet and serious as the galleries in D.C. and MD.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your latest exhibition! I'm glad your works are out there for all to admire. I'd go if I wasn't on the other side of the planet!
ReplyDeleteThank you, MM. South Africa is on the other side of the planet--I'll look for you next time.
ReplyDeleteA good time was had by all.
ReplyDeleteI ran into one of the guests the next day and she said "Weren't you at Hallies reception"? I felt hip right then and there, here in southside Virginia of all places.
Hi Hallie!
ReplyDeleteWow, looks great! Hope you had a great opening and LOTS of sales.
~ Kathleen
Thanks, Southern Plenty. I think you brought hipness with you.
ReplyDeleteKathleen, thank you. It was a great reception; I think a few sales will follow. Good luck with ALL your shows--such beautiful jewelry. I drool when I look at your blog.
A wonderful exhibit and well attended for a talented artist,I did find a purse that was left there.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous--thank you. I saw a man at the reception--he sat on the bench outside and there was a beige purse next to him. I thought he was suspicious; maybe he was just honest and looking for its owner.
ReplyDelete