Calling fine artists ! Advice for entering into a painting career

[prettywhiteguitar]

I have an art degree from 12 years ago never done much more than put up some paintings in cafes, have done that very year for the last few years though.....

I have been working my socks off since last summer when I had my second child and started doing portraits. I have always done abstract work so this was a bit of a hard slog. However people did comment on the ones I did of the children, so I did a few more and now have about eight paintings which are alright and possible to exhibit. So I feel as I'm now working much quicker and producing more work I need to step up with promoting.

My PR campaign so far is as follows....

I started by offering a small child's portrait for a raffle last November (went well lady really like it)

I have updated my blog samanthasnowdenartist.wordpress.com

Have ordered postcards with two portraits on advertising my portrait services which I will put up in town and local villages.

Joined the local art club for a laugh and also likeminded types.

Will join the professional artworkers society next month.

Now does anyone have any professional advice for what my next step is ? I am treating it like a career and paint everyday but i feel i need direction. Thanks for reading !

I saw a link on here actually for a good website which sells affordable art...there were many going like hotcakes...I will try to find it...I really love your abstract stuff...especially the oils.

I suppose it's a case of trying to get an exhibition at a "good" gallery next isn't it?

I also hear of people putting their art in hotels and offices....maybe you need an agent?

Your portraits are really strong but they don't take any prisoners do they? I mean they're not "pretty" which I wold have thought most people wanting a portrait of their child would desire...

Thank you AwkwardMary that is really helpful, they really don't take any prisoners ! I haven't put the commission of the little boy on my blog because I just could get a decent photo, that is much softer. I have just done one of my dad which is less harsh too, I think you're right in that I will do some more of the children in a nice soft way.

Thank you for replying it was really helpful, until I get the painting right there really is no point in approaching anyone to sell them.

Hi Prettywhiteguitar I like your portraits!! it looks like you are doing a fair bit of marketing .

i too am a fine artist and I treat my work as if I'm doing an art course and do a plan of what i need to do and how i'm going to achieve this - e.g. i do 2 life drawing classes - one taught and the other non taught - cause i love life drawing and need to keep it up; i do a class in oil painting because i need to get better at the technique and improve my use of composition. I have set myself a target of several finished pieces of work by easter - i try to build myself a network - its hard to know who at first and to avoid the hobby artists ( :) ) I also go to several weekend/day workshops as and when they come up. I try to develop my key signature and keep to certain themes e.g. for me its landscape/silhouettes/horizons or old houses and buildings

i tend to put work into open art exhibitions - you can usually put up to 3 pieces and there is a selection panel (what they select depends on what they interests are) the gallery takes a entry fee of about £5 per piece then takes a percentage if it gets sold.

There's also open art networks e.g. like an open house weekend or a few of you can share a venue.

if you can find a good art group (not the hobby type group who paint endless pictures of Staithes from postcards ( :) again) you may find people who you can share an exhibition with.

Hope this helps and good luck

Hi Prettywhiteguitar I like your portraits!! it looks like you are doing a fair bit of marketing .

i too am a fine artist and I treat my work as if I'm doing an art course and do a plan of what i need to do and how i'm going to achieve this - e.g. i do 2 life drawing classes - one taught and the other non taught - cause i love life drawing and need to keep it up; i do a class in oil painting because i need to get better at the technique and improve my use of composition. I have set myself a target of several finished pieces of work by easter - i try to build myself a network - its hard to know who at first and to avoid the hobby artists ( :) ) I also go to several weekend/day workshops as and when they come up. I try to develop my key signature and keep to certain themes e.g. for me its landscape/silhouettes/horizons or old houses and buildings

i tend to put work into open art exhibitions - you can usually put up to 3 pieces and there is a selection panel (what they select depends on what the judges interests are) the gallery takes a entry fee of about £5 per piece then takes a percentage if it gets sold.

There's also open art networks e.g. like an open house weekend or a few of you can share a venue.

if you can find a good art group (not the hobby type group who paint endless pictures of Staithes from postcards ( :) again) you may find people who you can share an exhibition with.

Hope this helps and good luck

Hi Prettywhiteguitar I like your portraits!! it looks like you are doing a fair bit of marketing .

i too am a fine artist and I treat my work as if I'm doing an art course and do a plan of what i need to do and how i'm going to achieve this - e.g. i do 2 life drawing classes - one taught and the other non taught - cause i love life drawing and need to keep it up; i do a class in oil painting because i need to get better at the technique and improve my use of composition. I have set myself a target of several finished pieces of work by easter - i try to build myself a network - its hard to know who at first and to avoid the hobby artists ( :) ) I also go to several weekend/day workshops as and when they come up. I try to develop my key signature and keep to certain themes e.g. for me its landscape/silhouettes/horizons or old houses and buildings

i tend to put work into open art exhibitions - you can usually put up to 3 pieces and there is a selection panel (what they select depends on what the judges interests are) the gallery takes a entry fee of about £5 per piece then takes a percentage if it gets sold.

There's also open art networks e.g. like an open house weekend or a few of you can share a venue.

if you can find a good art group (not the hobby type group who paint endless pictures of Staithes from postcards ( :) again) you may find people who you can share an exhibition with.

Hope this helps and good luck

looks like i've click the post button too many times. Sorry

looks like i've clicked the post button too many times. Sorry

Thank you crazynell thats really helpful, I appreciate the feedback. I'll take that on board and see how it goes. Just have to make the work now !