Closeup of 'Amanda 2'

Michele Rushworth · 04-18-2004, 10:24 AM

Jimmie, your work in general has a power and substance that I believe many galleries would be delighted to show, especially in the New York area.

If I were you I would package the best ones up in a portfolio, tuck them under your arm and show them to a whole bunch of galleries. Carefully choose galleries that show representaional work with a bit of an edge, not the touristy ones that show pretty landscapes. These drawings will get (and should get) a lot of positive attention and sales. Go for it!

Jimmie Arroyo · 04-19-2004, 10:56 AM

Thanks Michele for the kind words and encouragement. Today is a beautiful day in Jersey, so I will be taking slides of my newer work and doing some research looking for galleries that I think my work may fit in. Thanks again.

Michele Rushworth · 04-19-2004, 03:42 PM

I don't know if you've worked with galleries before but there are a few excellent books on marketing art that have great tips on how to approach a gallery, what to show and how to present it, etc. Two that come to mind are entitled "Taking the Leap" and I think the other one is "Art Marketing 101" or something like that. Good luck!

Sharon Knettell · 04-19-2004, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michele Rushworth

Jimmie, your work in general has a power and substance that I believe many galleries would be delighted to show, especially in the New York area.

If I were you I would package the best ones up in a portfolio, tuck them under your arm and show them to a whole bunch of galleries. Carefully choose galleries that show representaional work with a bit of an edge, not the touristy ones that show pretty landscapes. These drawings will get (and should get) a lot of positive attention and sales. Go for it!

This drawing and the others are just gorgeous.

However, I would wonder if it would not be better to send slides or a disc, then make appointments.

Any comments on this, what has worked the best for others. Just walking in or sending materials first?

Jimmie Arroyo · 04-19-2004, 04:44 PM

I am going to be mailing slides, unless they are close by, then I will drop them off in the hopes of catching someone involved with the job of aquiring new artists. The few that I've found say they have "reviewing periods" and do not look at individual portfolios. I did get an immediate response from Arcadia gallery in NY, it was'nt good news but they said they liked the work, but did'nt need new artsits.

I know not having color in my portfolio is going to hurt my chances, and I would like to get at least one done before submitting again. I wish my home situation was better so I'd have the time and space to work on color. At least the weather is getting better, so I should be able to work in my attic again.

Thanks again.

Kimberly Dow · 04-19-2004, 05:34 PM

All the books say to never just walk into a gallery and expect to be seen - they consider it rude. But, if they are smaller you can feel them out. I've had great luck walking into galleries and asking if they'd like to see my work and then getting it out of the car. Never been turned down yet, BUT they were not NY city galleries - that is most-likely a whole different ball game.

Michele Rushworth · 04-19-2004, 05:46 PM

Quote:

I would package the best ones up in a portfolio, tuck them under your arm and show them to a whole bunch of galleries.

I was speaking metaphorically, not literally. Of course I would recommend calling first. Most galleries seem to want artists to send slides next, after the first phone contact, but at some point they'll want to see the real thing.

The book "Taking the Leap" says, "the secret is to choose the recipients of your slides carefully, create beautifully presented promotional materials (slides, business cards), and behave in a thoroughly professional manner."

Among many other tips, they also suggest asking other artists you may know who have gallery representation to recommend you. Newer galleries will be more likely to be interested in new artists than older more well established ones. The book also suggests going to the openings of the galleries who show work with a similar feel to yours, and getting to know the artists and the owner.

Keep us posted on how it goes, Jimmy!