Shows, the ups and downs

I recently participated in an art show and sale. The St. Albert Painters Guild Fall Art Show and Sale is a recurring event that attracts many potential buyers. It is a very popular event and the participating artists get excited about showing their latest creations and have high hopes of selling a painting or two.

Inevitably, there are artists who are happy at the end of the weekend and some who are disappointed, disheartened and discouraged. Where do you fit in?

One time, while sitting at a market where I was feeling discouraged I wrote a poem.

The Show

All the public gather round

Paintings in all styles abound

What to buy? What to buy?

From place to place the people fly

Why don't they stop and look at mine?

I think my art looks more than fine!

My heart sinks as more pass on by

I feel deflated, I may just cry

There goes another piece of art

Not from me did it depart

It's not a spectacular poem. I just wrote what I was feeling at the time.

Selling your art may not be so important to you. However, when someone likes your work enough to purchase it for real cash, it validates what you are doing as an artist! It feels good to know that someone feels the same way as you do when looking at your creation.

Don't get discouraged if you go through several shows without a sale. Remember the time that you did sell something however small. Continue to enjoy the creative process. It's about expression and fulfillment, not sell, sell, sell. There is no understanding why one person's art sells and another does not. It is like buying clothes. Imagine that you are shopping for a new shirt or blouse. Visiting many stores you may find something you love, but not in your size. Or it is perfect for you but a bit pricey. You may also just be window shopping and find something you really like but you were not intending on buying anything that day. However, you may remember it later and go back to get it.

Art is kind of like that. You need to remember that everyone has a different style in mind, different wall space or a certain color scheme in their home. People can love your art, appreciate it, but it does not mean that they will buy it.

So just keep creating and the right circumstances will bring a buyer your way.