Hi Barbara, thank you so much for writing such a detailed letter of your experiences in art marketing and shows.  It was helpful to me to hear your experiences and also to be able to relate to them, as I have had similar ones.  i haven't been on for a couple of days so sorry for the delay in responding.  i'll have to check the forums for your subject on marketing...I have always just concentrated on local shows but would like to venture out a little and do more retail like you.

 Kara

Hi Barbara,
Thanks for sharing your comments and thoughts. In answer to your question, I am always open to talking about the marketing aspect of things. We should probably jump over to the forums and see if there are some threads there. If not start, one up. I havent been there in a few weeks. The next couple weeks, things are going to be a little crazy but after that I will be able to participate a bit more in the discussion. Thanks again! BTW, I love the blue mountain painting up above. Lovely. Cheers!

Hi Barbara, Experimenting with oils, boy have I been there too. My wife is allergic to solvents, my studio is in the house and I work most of the day. So I ended up painting with regular artist grade oil colors. I use Maroger medium, and clean my brushes at the end of the day using walnut oil and 'The Masters' brush cleaner with water. During my painting sessions I just wipe my brush off using David Leffel's technique instead of using solvent or walnut oil. If I need a bit cleaner brush I use a little Maroger then wipe. Because the Maroger is mostly solid and the solvent has mostly 'boiled' off (you still smell the mastic resin), it doesn't bother my wife. Happy painting.

Warm Regards, David 

Barbara that is an interesting perspective...a small canvas makes you feel free....but then as I thought about it... a large canvas can be overwhelming.  sometimes I have such a clear vision of what I want to create and I often see the exact results on a small canvas but I tend to become unfocused and the vision changes as I go with the larger canvas.. maybe this is also what you experience.  The daunting nature of filling a large canvas with your dream may stop the flow..where a smaller canvas is more secure and safe....It is interesting how the creative mind works!

Kara

Hi Barbara, Thank you for visiting my profile and your kind words about looking forward to seeing more of my work. I like the very bold color and strong brushwork of your paintings. What acrylics do you use? A few years ago I went through an experimentation period looking for the best acrylic paint for me. I ended up with Daniel Smith colors; they're terrific. Thanks again.

Warm Regards, David