Tales from a Gallery

15/7/2012

I spent a year marketing my art together with other artists through an art gallery. My experience through that period was invaluable. I had the pleasure of meeting different artists and collectors. I experienced the highs and lows of the art trade.

I have respect for hard working gallery owners. It is not an easy business. A good gallery owner will appreciate the artists who are true to their profession and will also treat customers with the respect they deserve. After a year it was time for me to devote my energy to creating both at the easel and through writing about art. Now I have the pleasure of meeting many good people through my online gallery (you may be next!).

Here are some of the highs and lows and a few lessons learnt during this time at a gallery:

Making the first sale of the week to a young couple on a Thursday afternoon just before closing time brought a lump to my throat. My spirit was restored, but I learnt that I cannot fix my emotions to the sale. An artist must create and let the sales take care of themselves.

To the ladies who came into the gallery to stare at and debate the merits of the wall colour before deciding that it would indeed look good in their lounge – I hope you discover that paintings on the walls will do far more for your décor!

To the gent who stood in the doorway staring into the gallery, with a smug look, and commented that “you guys must be struggling these days” then turned and walked away – no my friend, we leave the struggle to those who cannot see.

I had a laugh at one young lady who came in with her camera and asked if she could photograph a painting I did because she wanted to paint something like it for her house. Bless her, she didn't bat an eyelid and I did not have the heart to say no. After all I accepted the request as a compliment.

My favourite collector was a lady who knew what she wanted. She would regularly walk in and head directly for the large painting, point at it and declare “I will take this one!” Then whip out the credit card and the deal was done in five minutes. Brilliant!

The most pleasure comes from those sales that mean so much to the collector. The man who was moved to tears by a painting because the clouds reminded him of the day his mother passed away. Still gets to me.

Or the couple who saved up to buy their special painting and seeing their joy and excitement – priceless.

Or the tourists who went to the trouble of getting their paintings shipped to the UK because the paintings would remind them of their wonderful time in South Africa. I love you guys!

Another favourite collector would make regular visits and seldom left without a painting or at least an encouraging word to me. Always reminding me to keep at it and assuring me of greater success. He did not have to say those things, but art moved his soul. Thank you Dries.