Art talk.......members please read

[Former_Member]

Good morning artist. Hope all are having a very creative day.
I notice that when summer comes our chit chat seems to drop. I totally understand.
So if you have question, a tip, an art show coming up, want to introduce yourself, etc.
Please post here.
Lets just have this thread and our new listings thread.
Maybe we can gets more dialog going.

Thanks, donnarose

[AfricanGranny]

Hi Donnarose and fellow artists. Thanks so much for approving my membership. I belong to a number of other teams – some very active and others very quiet. I particularly wanted to join your team to be able to participate in your artistic discussions, challenges and to be able to glean knowledge from all of you. In turn I trust I will be able to add a little something as well.
I have been painting for about 12 years and use mainly acrylics. I love using texture and trying different mediums to create effects. My great love is with abstracts for which I get the most wow factor but find myself mostly doing projects for friends i.e. painting from their holiday photos etc.
I find marketing myself commercially the most difficult factor in art and usually only exhibit if approached – occasionally I put myself out there and always have positive feedback. I hate chasing money from galleries as it really chips me off that they don’t pay you unless you hound them. I note that art in the US seems to sell a little cheaper than here in South Africa. I realise that to sell in the US market I should probably lower my prices on Etsy because postage is so over the top here but would need to adjust all my pricing throughout other sites and other online galleries. Will need to think about that.
I have become addicted to Etsy . . . I continue to make treasuries and always try to include a few art pieces in each one. I have done a number of art treasuries (with occasional photography added).
https://www.etsy.com/treasury/MjQ2NzYxODV8MjcyMTU0ODM2MQ/bold-and-beautiful?index=44&atr_uid=
https://www.etsy.com/treasury/MjQ2NzYxODV8MjcyMTYyMDE0Mw/whiter-shade-of-pale?index=39&atr_uid=
https://www.etsy.com/treasury/MjQ2NzYxODV8MjcyMTY0NzAyMQ/the-art-of-sunset?index=38&atr_uid=
https://www.etsy.com/treasury/MjQ2NzYxODV8MjcyNDIxNzkyOA/i-tawt-i-taw-a-puddy-tat-in-the-tart?index=...
I try to add one item to my shop each day and of course I cant keep up with painting an item a day so have posted some of my extensive photography.
I know I said the most difficult thing is marketing but actually putting that first dab of paint on a new canvas is one of my most procrastinating problems. Working on that. Looking forward to getting to know you all through our common interests.

[Former_Member]

Welcome Nora
Looked on the treasuries you posted.....you have quite the knack for making treasuries

[AfricanGranny]

Tanks Donna . . . I love collecting items for my treasuries.

[sherischart]

Nora, lovely photography and all. Welcome Nora. You'll find Donnarose as others in this team are wonderful company. Best to you and I'll be looking for your new listings of your paintings. :)

[Former_Member]

Good day everyone
Behind in my painting and posting
Hope all is well

[Former_Member]

Please remember to post all posts here except new lstings

[Former_Member]

Went to art in the park today. Then farmers market and daly days. Then I drove around looking for the lavender fields I came across one day. Did not find them. I so want to take photos for painting reference

[inHIShandsart]

Hi all,been ages since I visited. Too many things to do on top of working part time. Thought I was going to be able to retire, and then the people who were going to buy our old house backed out. Anyone want to buy a gorgeous house in the country??? We now live in a renovated house in town.

I'll have to come back and read up on all the interesting threads.

Oh, here's our country house, it's fun to look at.

http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/169-Waterman-Rd_Worcester_NY_12197_M37901-39114?row...

[Former_Member]

Welcome Nora, You are in a good group of people here. Beautiful work!! I have been busy this summer, and my Etsy shop has fallen behind. I've been painting like crazy, just not listing them in my shop. I've decided to only list small paintings, glassware, and smaller wood items due to shipping.

I have learned that actual shipping charges almost always turns out to be more than I charged for. Ouch!

Even tho, I've been painting, they are large paintings that I don't want to have to ship.

(sigh) One of these days I will get my act together and get some smaller stuff done to re-stock my shop.

Of course, ALL of my work is posted on my facebook page at www.facebook.com/MountainGirlCreates. I use it for a mini-blog. Have a great day everyone!!

[Former_Member]

Lovely house,,,,,,why would you want to sell it abbey?

Trish you have been busy
I enjoy our chats on FB

Going to go list a new collage

[BingArt]

I have Definitely not been keeping up like I should :/ The new Google algorithm update had me spending any spare time on reworking my SEO and during the summertime my house becomes kid-central! I'm not really sure how I've gotten any painting done haha!

Nora, I am like you! I do NOT approach galleries or publishers or whomever. I wait for them to come to me. It seems to work for now, so I'm keeping that rule :)

I've been seriously struggling with how to ship my large (18x24 and 24x36) paintings overseas affordably. I know people say to roll, but I really hate the idea of doing that. It will now cost over $600 to ship a 24x36 to Australia whereas last year it only cost me $70-$100. Ahh!! I sell a LOT overseas and am at a loss.

[JBeaudetStudios]

Wow! $600 for shipping! I noticed the shipping prices went up for shipping across the country too. I paid $70 to ship a painting the other day. That's the most I've paid yet.
I shipped a painting to Australia a few years back and it was pretty reasonable but I didn't insure it because that increased the costs too much. We took our chances.
After hearing about your experience, Rachel, I'm thinking I should not even offer shipping to Australia and maybe other countries as well. Shipping kills me every time! I never charge enough.
On another subject- Has anyone noticed a drastic drop in views starting yesterday (Thursday)?

[BingArt]

That's kind of where I'm at with it, Jennifer! The most I've spent to ship a piece was $150 and I don't intend to spend over that! My problem is I have a lot of Australian clients and overseas clients and I'm afraid this will cause issue. I hate not being able to offer international clients larger paintings. The only other thing I can think of to get around it is to do triptych type paintings. Just not ideal, though..

As for the drop in views, my understanding was that Etsy was penalized by Google for certain things (duplicate content, low quality content) and now Etsy's ranking has been affected. I've heard it will come back but it will take a while. Although I think that started back in May or June.

[Former_Member]

Interesting
I know of one person from Australia that will not ship to the US because of the cost. I may just offer large paintings (when I paint them) to buyers in the US. And maybe to Canada. Smaller ones under 16x20 will ship worldwide.
I would love it if a gallery would ask to represent me.......kind of like a dream to me.

[Former_Member]

I don't even want to ship larger paintings because of the cost! Recently I paid $27 to ship a 16x20 from here to Florida!!

Donnarose, we are a lot alike. I would love it if a gallery approached me.... but I'm terrified to approach them! Which is why I will probably never be represented by a gallery. Lol

[AfricanGranny]

Thanks everyone for the compliments and great welcome . . . I have been away for the last 10 days . . My daughter-in-law was ill . . . Vertigo and my son wa committed to being away so hubby and I travelled to Jhb to help with the grand children. I still haven't had opportunity to visit all your shops but will do so soon. My favourite paintings are really large so don't hold out much hope of ever shipping out of Soith Africa which is why I list more photos than art. My latest art listing is so heavy . . . My style is thick impasto and it weighs a ton. . . Although it featured in the latest newsletter of SA Artist newsletter I'm afraid it seems destined to live out its days on my garage wall. That's the wortst about using large canvases if they are not a commission. Oh for a gallery invite. . . .

[Former_Member]

I have REALLY got to get busy and re-stock my shop. It's looking pretty empty and sad.
Even though I love Summer here, I'm about ready for Fall so that I can slow down and paint more.
I have orders to fill (from facebook), a 16x29 commission painting to do...and of course, my Etsy shop, and the brick and mortor shop.
Starting to feel a little overwhelmed.
Nora, I love your work.

[AfricanGranny]

Thanks Trish. . I'm busy compiling a treasury and will include items from our active members. I have chosen one of your beautiful sunsets. I have briefly browsed your shops and am just loving the inspiration . . Playing golf today but can't wait to get paintbrush in hand tomorrow . . Busy with Venetian scene.

[Former_Member]

I'm working on a large canvas of a lavender field. I like to paint alla prima but my 12 year older granddaughter came lover so had to stop. Hope to finish it today.
Trish we need an agent.

[JBeaudetStudios]

I think triptychs are kind of cool. I think other artists also roll the canvas but, like you, Rachel, I don't like that idea. And the client would have to pay to stretch it when it arrives, so they'd end up paying in the end, anyway.
Interesting about the Google scolding thing. I only noticed the drastic drop in views a few days ago though. And now I'm getting action on some old listings instead of newer ones that I've renewed.

Your Venetian scene sounds nice Nora!

I think I'm going to paint another rooster and maybe some other barn animals for a change.:)

[Former_Member]

Jennifer Beaudet, My views are WAY down, but it's my own fault. I haven't added anything new in months!!
I also have a thing for roosters and hens. I haven't painted any.... but, I would like to someday.

Donna Rose encouraged me to try Collage, so I did a bohemian piece, once it's framed, I'll get it listed. It was a Hit on my facebook! Maybe I'll do more... not sure how well it'll sell though. Just never know.

[Former_Member]

And Trish did a beautiful job.

[Former_Member]

I don't know why but I'm just not very good setting up a still life to paint. I see people paintings that have great selections of items. I'm sure I have things that would look great in a painting around my house but just can't seem to get them together. Anyone else have that problem????????

[Former_Member]

Donnarose, I don't set things up. But, why not just gather up things that you love and arrange them in a manner that appeals to you? Tall, medium, and flat. I think it really just comes from what makes us happy. There is always someone who agrees with us?