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Dianne, the question is, was it profitable?
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Debra, I have to tell you I am just entering this business myself. In fact, I know you are well more advanced into the portrait business than I am. If I painted as well as you I probably would not be doing them.
This particular painting was profitable ($35 for 1/2 hour) however the festival I did it at was not. I was told it was an 'art' festival and instead it was a 'arts and crafts' festival. I don't like selling my work next to craftsman mostly because viewers fail to see the fine art aspect of it. That's why I decided to start doing quick sketch portraits the second day of the festival. Because my paintings were not selling and quick skethes are more of a craft than fine art. My paintings were way higher priced than what the public was willing to spend at this event. I won't be doing that festival again.
The Renaissance Faire is profitable for me now. I work hard with these little less than the best portraits but I show my good stuff alongside as well as my portfolio. Last year I was commissioned three larger portraits and some smaller ones. The difference with the Faire as opposed to the festival is that the people that come are different. They are all artists, whether they are in theatrics or performing arts or costume art or just have a love for the arts . They love to be surrounded by beautiful things. So they will spend money on good art. The quick sketches were appreciated as a token of the Faire, bringing some of the romance home with them.
I am certain that the time will come when I feel this kind of activity is lessening my reputation as an artist. However, I am not there yet. I have not apprenticed under any famous name nor do I have any degrees in art. I am working my way up the ladder slowly and its mostly by trial and error. I sold my first four digit painting in March and I was estatic. If that becomes a standard for me than quick sketches will become something only for family and open studio because I will be able to afford not to do them.
For now, I have many more quick sketches to do before I even come close enough to being good enough.
I feel the same about pet portraits too- That someday I won't have to accept them. I don't think they do my reputation well. But for now they are bread and butter.
Dianne
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