Wednesday, July 24, 2024

Post 480: Congratulations to Anna Gatling!

PWAS Member, Anna Gatling wins 3rd Place at FCCA Art Show

A big congratulations to Anna Gatling, a Prince William Art Society member, for her 3rd place win!

"Focus on Colors" All-Media National Juried Exhibition

Anna Gating was awarded as the 3rd place winner of the "Focus on Color" art show in Fredericksburg Center for the Creative Arts (FCCA) https://fccagallery.org/. FCCA is located at 813 Sophia Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401. And the "Focus on Colors" show has been running from June 29 until July 26, 2024. What an exciting day and a wonderful acknowledgement to Anna's great talent! 


Read more about the show at https://fccagallery.org/focus-on-colors/ and see the very interesting video below about the juror's thoughts and winning art works.


Congratulations Anna! Be sure and drop a congrats below in the comments. 

We LOVE hearing about PWAS member successes and acknowledgements - so let us know about yours too!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSoA7q9ZX5M&t=1s


Author: Donna Liguria
Artistry Spin Blogmaster and an artist member of PWAS in Woodbridge, VA, specializing in acrylic painting. She paints landscapes, seascapes, animals and many subjects. Visit her Website at DonnaLiguriaArt.com, her Donna's Esty site and her Blog at Donna’s Cave Paintings.

Photography/Video Credits: Anna Gatling and FCCA

Local Art: The Prince William Art Society is a 50+-year-old non-profit art group in PWC for the appreciation of fine art throughout the county and Northern Virginia. Visit us at any of our local art shows or join us for our monthly meetings - held on the 4th Monday of the month at the Tall Oaks Community Center at 12298 Cotton Mill Dr, Woodbridge, VA at 7:30pm

Want to join PWAS? Go to https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/membership

Have an idea for a blog post? Are you a writer and want to help with the blog? Let me know! Thank you for visiting, and remember to Share, Follow, and Comment!

Tuesday, July 23, 2024

Post 479: Elena Jochum Discusses Art Commissions with PWAS Members

Elena Jochum Discusses Art Commissions with PWAS Members

The Prince William Art Society (PWAS) art group met on Monday, July 22 at 7:30pm at the Tall Oaks Community Center on Cotton Mill Road in Woodbridge, VA. Our guest speaker was PWAS member, Elena Jochum who gave an engaging talk about art commissions, and how she markets her art using social media to gain more art business.

Art Business Commissions

The meeting opened with Emily Hawes, the PWAS Program Manager (on the left), introducing Elena Jochum (below).


The PWAS members asked Elena many questions and enjoyed this very interesting and a must-have topic for artists wanting to grow their art business through commissions.

Elena Jochum sent me the below outline with Q&A for anyone that missed the meeting in this all important art topic.

Commissioning Art

Ways to solicit commissions:

1. You are always promoting! Any social media post whether it’s on Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, email blasts etc. It is important to have consistency with posting on social media.

2. Events are great. Make sure to have a business card with your information. A QR code to a Linktree is a great idea.

3. When speaking to someone face to face, definitely mention that you offer commissions. List what you specialize in.

4. Word of mouth travels FAR.

5. Refer fellow artists if you don’t specialize in what they’re looking for! They WILL return the favor.

6. I like to post on local Facebook groups on days you’re allowed.

7. Email blasts through your website. If you don’t have a website, then just writing an email to all your business contacts once every couple of months with updates and reminder that you’re offering commissions.

One of our local artists once said that only very rarely does a commission inquiry eventually result in a commission. Do you think commission customers are different and if so, is it in some way that might guide the artist's choices?

It depends. I don’t count any interaction in person or online as a definitive, unless there’s a signed agreement. A lot of people are being nice when they say things like “I’d love to commission you for something”, but never do. I think following up once with a question about more information and an explanation of your services is sufficient.

How much should one show their prior commissions or is it better to refer clients to your non-commissioned work?

Having all works in one place is a good idea. I just have all my work up on my website. I refer people who are interested directly to it. They can see my entire portfolio of commissioned and non-commissioned fine art.

Are there privacy issues with showing prior commissions, or do you avoid that? Is there an option in the agreement to request permission to show it, or is it "your work is your work" even if the faces are private individuals' (in the case of portraits)? What about minors?

Most of my commissioned works are on my page. I do ask clients if they’re ok with that, and 99% are. I think this I a case by case basis. I would just have a straight line of communication with the customer in writing.

What are the differences in soliciting for commissions of portraiture and pet portraiture and landscapes or architectural (EG homes) depictions?

I personally promote clusters of images together: home, pet, family, landscape. Let the client decide what they wish to invest in and make part of their legacy.

What is a turn off, and are there things you've been told that prospective customers might consider red flags?

Lack of communication is #1.

Customers: Are there red flags on who is going to be troublesome, and how do you deal with those? Do you ever turn down customers, and how do you do it so you don’t create hard feelings or bad reviews?

Referring clients to another artist is the absolute best wait to avoid issues. You’re still giving them what they want – a product. Just with someone more suitable than you. Being an artist is being part of a very unique community, and it’s important to work together. Getting fine art on the radar in general – will create more sales! There’s a great soda machine experiment to represent this marketing strategy.


What precautions do you need to take before entering an agreement, and do you have sample commission agreements, or pointers for agreements? Are special requests such as colors or pose or mood or "props" best included in a written agreement?

1. Request a 50% nonrefundable deposit and 50% when finished.

2. Have a written commission agreement you and the client sign.

3. My only issue comes up when a customer wants changes with the work as it’s already in progress. That happened maybe twice in the past 2 years. I tell clients in advance – if they want any changes to the photo, it’s an additional $55 fee per change. Sometimes, if it’s a very small change, I give them a discount and do it for free. It’s a win win, because they just saved $55.

Do you recommend accepting a "turn down" when a customer does not wish to accept a finished work and should there be a clause releasing the work for other sale even if it's a personal subject (even if this has never happened to you, interacting with customers has likely given you insights into how it would play out and what are good parameters)? A non-refundable down payment to cover materials and a minimum or time, or a full payment either way or a full refund?

1. 50% nonrefundable deposit is a must.

2. Maybe see what could be done to the painting more to their liking. Depends on what the issue is. If it’s funds, then I suggest a monthly payment option.

3. You created the commission; I see zero issues selling if customer doesn’t want to pay.

4. It does get a little legal-y. Having contact information for a good attorney is not a bad idea in general, so you could ask them these questions.

Scams as opposed to just difficult customers, and what do you watch out for?

If they don’t want to sign the commission agreement – then 99% chance, it’s a scam.

How often and at what point in the process of a work do you check in with the customer? Does it vary, and how much reworking are you willing to do, is there a cut off point at which you feel the relationship is not working or no longer going to be financially acceptable? Is there a way to figure this objectively by usual time on a commission and price, or is it entirely subjective as in some commissions are emotionally more rewarding (and possibly artistically challenging) for the artist?

1. I check in every time I make noticeable progress. Clients love to watch the process.

2. Zero reworking unless they pay me. That also varies on your style of work etc. I specialize in realistic watercolor portraiture. With nature scenes it might be different.

3. Just being up front with the client is important. If you let them know at the beginning that you will rework something, but for a fee. Then there should be no surprises. This type of transparency weeds out any unwanted customers from the beginning! Don’t be afraid to set your rules. This is YOUR business and your art!

Other: Framing? Delivery? Insurance? One avoids paying gallery commissions – how does that interact with direct commission prices? Pure profit or not?

1. Framing is always included with mine. Standard mat board and frame. If they want custom, I either will do it at cost – if more than $750, or send them to Hobby Lobby.

2. Delivery is an additional $60 flat fee for 11”x17”. That includes bubble wrap, protective plastic wrap, box etc.

3. Insurance, sometimes. If going overseas, I will add up to $1000.

4. Definitely not pure profit. I see it as excellent service. Not fun. But excellent. I go above and beyond for my clients.

Is there anything else most people don't realize about offering and providing commissioned work? This could be anything from a hard lesson to surprising emotional or challenge and skill rewards.

Commissions are different for everyone, everywhere. My art was very popular on Okinawa. Only to come to NOVA on my high horse with people not being able to afford anything. I only recently was able to book a small commission with someone in Virginia this month. There are very few and far in between. I still don’t fully understand why there’s such a huge difference. One thing I learned is that it will take time. Post every day, every week. Consistency is key. Maybe if people are seeing more input from other local artists on the pages I use, they will be more used to the idea of investing in fine art. Just think about how often you see photographers promoting their businesses. And even going back to the soda vending machine example. You place two soda vending machines next to each other, one Coke and one Pepsi. They’re direct competitors. But the consumer will be way more likely to buy a soda from one or the other, than not at all.

Elena also showed us her template for an Art Commission Agreement Form for others to create their own, so check that out at

 

We certainly enjoyed Elena's program and thank her profusely for covering this topic!

More About Commissions

For more about commissions found on Artistry Spin, please see https://artistryspin.blogspot.com/p/commissions.html


Author: Elena Jochum
 
Author: Donna Liguria
Artistry Spin Blogmaster and an artist member of PWAS in Woodbridge, VA, specializing in acrylic painting. She paints landscapes, seascapes, animals and many subjects. Visit her Website at DonnaLiguriaArt.com, her Donna's Esty site and her Blog at Donna’s Cave Paintings.

Photography/Video Credits: Donna Liguria

Local Art: The Prince William Art Society is a 50+-year-old non-profit art group in PWC for the appreciation of fine art throughout the county and Northern Virginia. Visit us at any of our local art shows or join us for our monthly meetings - held on the 4th Monday of the month at the Tall Oaks Community Center at 12298 Cotton Mill Dr, Woodbridge, VA at 7:30pm

Want to join PWAS? Go to https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/membership

Have an idea for a blog post? Are you a writer and want to help with the blog? Let me know! Thank you for visiting, and remember to Share, Follow, and Comment!

Monday, July 15, 2024

Post 478: Elena Jochum is the Guest Speaker at the July PWAS Meeting

Elena Jochum is the Guest Speaker at the July PWAS Meeting

Prince William Art Society will meet at the Tall Oaks Community Center at 12298 Cotton Mill Drive, Woodbridge, VA, 22192 at 7:30 pm on July 22nd 2024. We will open with a program by member Elena Jochum, a 3rd generation artist, on the topic of art commissions.

About Elena Jochum

Elena has been painting her entire life and went to Maryland Institute College of Art for a degree in Fine Art in addition to a BS in Psychology from Towson University. She has been working as a graphic designer for companies like National Geographic and Disney for over 16 years.

Elena Jochum recently showcased her watercolor “Subject or Matter” at a juried exhibition through Virginia Watercolor Society at the Academy Center of the Arts. She also showcased her work at Fairfax Spotlight on the Arts, Native Plants of Virginia Symposium at George Mason University, Winery at Sunshine Ridge Farm and a booth for her new business, Tidewater Trove, at the Manassas Bee Festival.

Elena Jochum prepared information on how to get started or improve your outcomes in booking an art commission with clients. We will go over promoting your work, bulletproofing your written agreements and payment methods. This will improve your outcome when being commissioned now and in the future.





PWAS Meets Once A Month

The Prince William Art Society meets on the 4th Monday of every month (except in December). Programs are free and open to the public, who are cordially invited to attend:  https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/


Authors: Emily Hawes and Elena Jochum
 
Author: Donna Liguria
Artistry Spin Blogmaster and an artist member of PWAS in Woodbridge, VA, specializing in acrylic painting. She paints landscapes, seascapes, animals and many subjects. Visit her Website at DonnaLiguriaArt.com, her Donna's Esty site and her Blog at Donna’s Cave Paintings.

Local Art: The Prince William Art Society is a 50+-year-old non-profit art group in PWC for the appreciation of fine art throughout the county and Northern Virginia. Visit us at any of our local art shows or join us for our monthly meetings - held on the 4th Monday of the month at the Tall Oaks Community Center at 12298 Cotton Mill Dr, Woodbridge, VA at 7:30pm

Want to join PWAS? Go to https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/membership

Have an idea for a blog post? Are you a writer and want to help with the blog? Let me know! Thank you for visiting, and remember to Share, Follow, and Comment!

Saturday, July 13, 2024

Post 477: PWAS Online Art Gallery Store

PWAS Online Art Gallery Store

The Prince William Art Society is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization made up of local artists living in and around Prince William County, Virginia. PWAS is the oldest art group in PWC with currently over 70+ members. Our website features an online Art Store with art showing from some of our members.

PWAS History

The art group began in 1971, beginning as the Woodbridge Art Guild (WAG) and later changing their name to the Prince William Art Society, and called PWAS for short. 

A brief history is found here:

https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/aboutus

And for a more in depth, full history on PWAS is found on this blog, here:

https://artistryspin.blogspot.com/2021/08/post-1-about-pwas-history-of-prince.html

The PWAS website is a great place to find out much more about our art group, news and events, art classes and registration, our scholarship program and much more at https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/

The Prince William Art Society has had a busy year thus far. Here is a list of some of the art events and shows we've been a part of so far in 2024:

  • PW Native Plant Symposium in Feb
  • Manassas Bee Festival in June
  • The Winery at Sunshine Ridge Farm Art Show in Gainsville in March-May
  • Bluebell Festival at Merrimac Farm in Nokesville in April
  • Artist Inventory Sale in Manassas in April
  • Spring Tall Oaks Art Show in May in Lakeridge
  • Started offering free and various art classes
  • Started the PWAS Plein Air Posse Group who were recently in Occoquan and Nokesville
  • Awarded 2 Scholarships to high school students going to pursue art studies in May
  • Offered PWAS members the use of our online Art Store found here https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/category/all-products
  • And that's only the first half of the year!

Support Your Local Artists

The artist members of the Prince William Art Society are all local and talented artists that are very diverse in mediums used as well as areas of interest and art subjects. If you've been to any of the art shows listed above in Lakeridge, Manassas, Nokesville, Gainsville, and Occoquan, you may very well have seen some artwork created by some of the PWAS artists. The PWAS Art Store is ever growing, so check out the art found there as the store grows.

Prince William Art Society's Online Art Gallery Store

All of the PWAS artists are asked to send one art piece with all the pertinent info to Store@PrinceWilliamArtSociety.com to be included in the store. It's easy to help promote and to purchase the art pieces there, click on the image and notice the WhatsApp, Facebook, X/Twitter and Pinterest are clickable to create posts to those social sites. Be logged in to your account to make it even easier.

To purchase art, simply click on "Add to Cart" button and the store works much like any other online store that you purchase things from. An email verification is sent to the Buyer for print out and the artist is notified that their artwork has sold and he or she will contact the Buyer to arrange pickup or drop off. Get a picture with the artist too at handoff! (Note the pieces already sold!)

Check out the PWAS website to learn more about the art group and to shop local - supporting the artists in Prince William County.


Author: Donna Liguria
Artistry Spin Blogmaster and an artist member of PWAS in Woodbridge, VA, specializing in acrylic painting. She paints landscapes, seascapes, animals and many subjects. Visit her Website at DonnaLiguriaArt.com, her Donna's Esty site and her Blog at Donna’s Cave Paintings.

Local Art: The Prince William Art Society is a 50+-year-old non-profit art group in PWC for the appreciation of fine art throughout the county and Northern Virginia. Visit us at any of our local art shows or join us for our monthly meetings - held on the 4th Monday of the month at the Tall Oaks Community Center at 12298 Cotton Mill Dr, Woodbridge, VA at 7:30pm

Want to join PWAS? Go to https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/membership

Have an idea for a blog post? Are you a writer and want to help with the blog? Let me know! Thank you for visiting, and remember to Share, Follow, and Comment!

Thursday, July 11, 2024

Post 476: Pen and Ink Drawing with Elizabeth Stathis Jul 27, 2024

Pen and Ink Drawing with Elizabeth Stathis Jul 27, 2024

The Prince William Art Society (PWAS) would like to announce the next free art workshop scheduled for Saturday, July 27, 2024 at the Haymarket Gainesville Library 14870 Lightner Rd, Haymarket, VA 20169 from 12 to 4 pm.

Pen and Ink Drawing

How about a FREE art class?

The Prince William Art Society (PWAS) is offering art workshops in a variety of mediums, free and open to the public in community centers, libraries, and other locations around the county. Check them out online!!!

Pen & Ink Drawing with Elizabeth Stathis - July 27, 2024

This drawing workshop is for beginners in the use of pen and ink to create light and shadow, texture, and values. Elizabeth will demonstrate core techniques for hatching, cross hatching, stippling, and random lines to create the illusion of a light source. Paper and pens will be provided but feel free to bring your own pen & ink supplies and a photograph for a portrait or landscape reference. This workshop will be held at the Haymarket-Gainesville library in Haymarket, VA. Participation is free, but spots are limited. Registration Opens on July 1st. Register to attend Prince William Art Society events at: https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/register

Art Supplies

Paper and pens will be provided but feel free to bring your own pen and ink supplies. You may wish to bring a photograph of a portrait or landscape as a reference. Elizabeth will coach and help you get started with your drawing.

Prince William Art Society Event Registration

Keep an eye open for the upcoming news, events, and workshops you might want to take on the Prince William Art Society website at 

https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com

Many of the workshops have limited seating - but only sign up if you really want to take it. 

We do allow registration to continue after the cap has been hit. People can be wait-listed and we have filled in with those people when we are notified that a signup could not attend. But what a shame it is when someone just does not show up!

PWAS Register: https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/register 

PWAS News and Events: https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/news-events
 
Free with support from the Prince William Arts Council and the Prince William Parks and Recreation
#gainesvilleva #haymarketva #manassasva #HaymarketGainesvilleCommunityLibrary #PWAS #PrinceWilliamArtSociety #PWCArtClass #PWASArtClasses

Author: Donna Liguria
Artistry Spin Blogmaster and an artist member of PWAS in Woodbridge, VA, specializing in acrylic painting. She paints landscapes, seascapes, animals and many subjects. Visit her Website at DonnaLiguriaArt.com, her Donna's Esty site and her Blog at Donna’s Cave Paintings.

Local Art: The Prince William Art Society is a 50+-year-old non-profit art group in PWC for the appreciation of fine art throughout the county and Northern Virginia. Visit us at any of our local art shows or join us for our monthly meetings - held on the 4th Monday of the month at the Tall Oaks Community Center at 12298 Cotton Mill Dr, Woodbridge, VA at 7:30pm

Want to join PWAS? Go to https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/membership

Have an idea for a blog post? Are you a writer and want to help with the blog? Let me know! Thank you for visiting, and remember to Share, Follow, and Comment!