Post 103: Transporting Art to Art Events, How Do You Roll?

Transporting Art to Art Events, How Do You Roll?

One thing you learn VERY quickly at your first art show, is that you must have a 'system' in place for ease of transport to and from your events and carrying all the items you need without killing yourself. 

 

by Otis Stanley

 

by Donna Liguria

 

by Kelly Haneklau

Questions to ask yourself:

1. What do I need to carry to this art show?

Good question and it pays to be thorough. Consider first and foremost, what ALL you need to carry. Very import are the sizes of your art pieces you wish to display. What you will use to "carry" everything? Be aware of the total weight, ease of use, and how much space you have in your vehicle. Please see Art Show Check List

2. How do you transport unframed art canvases?

Consider shipping supplies - boxes, tape, etc, acid free.  What if you do sell the item, how will you package it for the customer as well?

Another suggestion is to use is white cotton gloves when handling any and all of the artwork itself. Especially if you ate Cheetos on the way to the show.

3. How do you transport framed art?

Glass front items, think bubble wrap to protect the frame and glass.

4. How do you transport art prints?

Depending on the size of the prints, an appropriately sized art portfolio(s) would protect these, or sturdy boxes. Also, do you have the appropriate print stands to display your prints? The typical options are table top or standing print stands.

5. Will you be painting AT the event?

You'll need a portable easel, which usually come with an art supplies drawer area. You'll need a painting surface: art board, canvas and also consider how you will transport a still-wet canvas home. Another consideration is at least a hat if not an attachable umbrella to protect yourself from the sun and glare.

6. Can you carry it all in one trip?

What are some ways to get your artwork, art prints and art merchandise to your art event quickly and easily without breaking your back OR ruining the art? How will you get it from your door to car, to the art event AND if it doesn't sell, reverse transport?

I'm sure many artists can relate that some art events are easier to access than others. Although the Occoquan Arts and Crafts Fair in Occoquan, Virginia is typically an AWESOME place to set up your tent (literally), the getting to and out of the area is the challenge that comes to mind here.

Whether you are in an art group and sharing a booth and/or tent or you are a solo artist, you will need a way to get EVERYTHING you need to that show from tent and artwork to merchandise displays.

BEWARE the HEAT

Hot Cars: Be careful of leaving artwork in a hot car. 

To, from, and during transport protect the artwork to avoid sliding, marking, and ANY damage to your work. Also, be aware that you must protect artwork in a hot car - acrylic paintings or other artwork with a varnish can be damaged in the heat if they are butted face-to-face. Art that sticks to another surface is NOT good. Normally, when packing art in say, your studio, you can package the artwork (of the same size) face-to-face, but add heat to that when transporting, be much more careful. Also, avoid most plastics and non-acid free surfaces, especially in the heat.

BEWARE the BOUNCE

Even in the car or a cart, ensure your artwork, merchandise and displays aren't bouncing, shifting or sliding around without some support or packing material around it.

BEWARE the RAIN

Well that sucks, it started raining. Keep an ear to the weather reports and be prepared for the 'just-in-cases'. As you well know, water and most artwork don't mix. Wind is also another terror. A tarp, plastic trash bags - something must be ready, sometimes in a hurry, to keep the water off. Or bungee cords to anchor and/or strap anything down prone to fly-away.

Some Purchased Ways to Transport Art

Consider the size of the artwork you need to transport before you purchase, as well as the weight of everything you'll need to carry. The big questions are: can you do it in one trip and will you have some muscle (help)?

• Collapsible Art Carts (wheels)
  
• Collapsible Art Wagons, Utility Carts (wheels)
  
• Portfolios
  
• Milk Crates  

  

Some Creative Ideas for the Transport of Art

I'd love to see other people's suggestions for how they effectively move their art without breaking the bank too! Here are a few things I've come across when watching fellow art group members:

• Used Amazon bubble envelopes for smaller works
  
• Craft felt, cut and sewn into various sized "pillow cases"
  
• Sturdy boxes (even Amazon boxes), assorted sizes to fit items
  
• Blankets, towels, pillow cases
• Luggage with wheels
• Various totes, backpack, shoulder straps are beneficial
  

Art Event Must Haves

A great idea at an art event is to have what I call a "Go Kit". In the Go Kit are essential items you wish you had remembered to bring. Please be sure and see Art Shows Check List for what to include in a Go Kit.

Then the Art Show Ends...

We wish we could have sold it all so that there is less to pack back up!

 

Very typically, after a long day at an art show, everyone is ready to just go home. Amazing how fast it will come down as opposed to how long it took to set up sometimes. It is a good idea at this point to have a great way to quickly, yet safely, repack your unsold items. Again, you do not want items to rub against each other or shift while transporting.

 

I have watched in horror -gasp- and seen artists just stack their artwork up and shove it in a bag! Yikes!

 

Photo by Mason Kimbarovsky on Unsplash 

Anyway, I would LOVE to hear your tips, suggestions, ideas or stories about transporting your stuff to the show too!

 

A good read: https://fineartviews.com/blog/20870/art-display-systems-for-art-festivals

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Local Art: Visit us at Clearbrook Center of the Arts at Tackett's Mill in Lake Ridge, VA on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 4 – it’s free to see the artwork! Want to join PWAS? Go to https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/membership

Thank you for visiting, and remember to Share, Follow, and Comment!

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

Post 102: Painting What Sells?

Painting What Sells?

Do you paint only what you want without a thought to the work being sold? How's your attitude toward your artwork - "if it sells, it sells" or do you paint with SELLING as your ultimate goal?

Do You Paint for the Purpose of Selling?

I do believe creative people just HAVE to BE creative, somehow and some way, just for the love of it. They just have to. 

I was wondering though, how many of you do your artwork with the subject, theme, perhaps the colors, with the intention of making a sale with what you create?

Definitely, I've met artist that are both ways. Some are trying to make a living being an artist - which means of course, getting out there and pushing, pushing, pushing toward getting their artwork seen and getting those sales.

But I see it as do you paint (or create) what you love and try to sell it or do you intentionally select what you create so that it appeals to specific audiences (clients) that you show it to?

Favorite Themes that Sell

I went in search of "what sells" when it comes to art. 

 

Although you never know what might strike someone's fancy when it comes to art, there are generalized art themes that are said to sell. There is no set formula. The uniqueness, the quality of the work and the cost all effect the sale-ability and probably a LOT more, including:

• the person's decor
• the size of artwork
• colors used in the artwork
• the person's budget
  

Obviously, there is a lot we have no control over as the artist. Also a beneficial influence is that people do enjoy meeting the artist and getting to know them, albeit even online, which familiarizes the appeal for that person's art. It puts a familiarity and personal "relationship" with the artist.

There ARE things that do sell more than others and this list is basically in order:

 

• Traditional Landscapes and Local Views - from tranquil mountain, field and forest scenes and farmlands to your local-to-you hot spots and historical spots. I found that while in Occoquan, have artwork OF Occoquan.
  
• Modern and Abstract Landscapes
  
• Seascapes, Beach Scenes, Harbors - these remind many potential buyers of a great vacation and dreams of "where they wanna be".
  
• Abstracts - probably includes paint pours. Emotion, mood, color, size all must appeal to the viewer.
  
• Dogs - You know people and their pets, dogs in particular. Dog and Cat pet portraits done well at good prices, that is pay dirt in my opinion.
  
• Wildlife - Lions and tigers and bears, oh my. I've seen a lot of sales of sea turtles and birds, so sort of knowing what favorite critters are, and cute depictions of various critters, and larger than life animal life paintings have appeal.
  
• Impressionistic Landscapes
  
• Figure Studies and Nudes - these appeal to a lot of people because people like looking at other people -with and without their clothes. Frankly, I admire the artists that are good at painting the human form.
  

What Size of Paintings Sell?

Some artists only work on a large scale big-butt canvases, while others may work on a mixture of sizes. Some artists can work in miniatures and small sizes with great detail, while another artist may find that too confining a space to work in.

The big as a couch, over-the-couch paintings, diptychs, triptychs - the multi-panel paintings, are considerations for the buyer as focal point walls, which also means that the color(s) plays an important part when people decorate their homes. 

Much harder to tote around huge paintings for art shows - for you and the potential buyer, these impressive pieces do have impact, eye-catching effect. Delivery and or shipping, pickup - all have to be considered, perhaps by both.

I think the artist has to analyze when displaying and showing his artwork what will most likely sell AT that art event. This past year I started the "3x4 mini painting with easel" trend for my own artwork. A good price point, a good gift, easy to find a space for it in a home or office, they do sell. And the animal ones seem to sell the best.

A question I have asked at some of our Prince William Art Society events is "What has sold best in the past at this event?" Often, it has been the smaller paintings for the reason of price and carrying the purchase around. 

Some may see it as I can sell one large piece for big bucks as opposed to nickle and dimes for many small paintings - well, maybe if you are already a successful artist. Your opinion needed on this one...

 

What Media Sells the Best?

Prints - obviously because they are generally less expensive than the original artwork. People can support the arts without buying that original piece and the most popular sellers are the limited-edition prints - from offset-litho and giclee prints.

Oil and acrylic paintings are still the next selling media, with watercolors coming next.

Next thought is how well mixed media does - I'm interested in how well these trends are as I see many artists in our group producing some fascinating work in mixed media.

 

What Color Sells the Best?

I'm not sure how true it is but I am reading that the color red helps a sale. If landscapes and seascapes are so high up on the list of what sells, wouldn't that mean that blue sky, blue water, and green landscapes are big sellers? 

Every year the fashion and decor folks come up with "color of the year". I'm wondering if there is any influence with that choice?

Where Do You Sell the Most Artwork?

Do you sell more online or offline? Where online? Do you do well at local art shows, art galleries, libraries, art events?

Do you sell more locally or internationally?

Maybe a lesser question is do you find a better time of year to sell your artwork?

"Seasonal" Art?

Holiday, snow scenes, pumpkins - there is definitely artwork for certain times of year, but do you leave it up all year? Do you leave a snow scene or a Santa Claus painting hanging in its spot throughout the year? Or do you cycle your artwork out depending on season?

 

And Before I Put the Paintbrush Down...

I do have a few more questions.

Being absolutely unique in style - definitely more eye-catching and quite often very interesting, is it harder or easier to sell?

Still life - do they still sell well? 

Is there a price point that sells best - not only for prints but size of painting?

There is absolutely no right or wrong when an artist is being creative. I'm not saying that. And I do believe the "starving artist" thing isn't necessarily true these days, but you do what you have to do to keep food on the table. Just DO what you are good at. But I do see it as having multiple price points available to appeal to more potential clients.

I recently sold a painting called "Just Look Up" and hearing from the new owner, she said, "Whenever I look at my new painting, it makes me happy." As the poet Robert Frost said, "And that has made all the difference."

 

By Donna Liguria "Just Look Up" 16x20 Acrylic on Canvas (SOLD)

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Local Art: Visit us at Clearbrook Center of the Arts at Tackett's Mill in Lake Ridge, VA on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 4 – it’s free to see the artwork! Want to join PWAS? Go to https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/membership

Thank you for visiting, and remember to Share, Follow, and Comment!

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

 

 

Photography/Video Credits: 

Donna Liguria

Post 101: The Artwork of Bettie Sperty, a PWAS Member

The Artwork of Bettie Sperty, a PWAS Member

Bettie Sperty is a local, Virginia artist who enjoys working with a variety of mediums. Her painting style runs from fun, colorful and whimsical to the fine detail of photo realism. Her pieces - paintings and pottery - are quite often enhanced with metallic foils, iridescent paints or other sparkling accents. 

Ladies and Gentlemen, the artwork of Bettie Sperty...

 

 

"Golden Nest" 24”x24” Acrylic on canvas, w/metallic and sparkling accents

 

 

"DragonFly" 10” x 12" Acrylic, micro beads, silver leaf, more shiny stuff on canvas

 

 

"Sneak Peek" 16”x16” Acrylic on canvas w/ sparkling stars (SOLD)

"Blue Bird of Happiness" approx 6”x7”x2”deep - wall hanging. Fired pottery, glazes, acrylic paint

 

 

"Thinking of Home" Approx 6”x5”x2”deep - wall hanging. Fired pottery. glazes, acrylics

"Two winged vases" - Tall one is 10”x2’, small one is 4”x2” Fired and glazed pottery, acrylic paint

The Art Gallery - Clearbrook Center of the Arts...

The members of the Prince William Art Society display their artwork at Clearbrook Center of the Arts in Lake Ridge, Virginia which is typically open every Saturday and Sunday. But because of the ongoing health issues plaguing the country (AND big piles of SNOW AND threats of more snow...it IS January!), Clearbrook is closed for the month of January unfortunately.

You can still enjoy seeing the art of the PWAS members here on Artistry Spin, the PWAS Blog! We have some ongoing Art Gallery posts for other members, see: The Artwork of Otis Stanley, John Hartt, Scott McDonald and Donna Liguria.

Contact

Bettie Sperty

bsperty@comcast.net

https://www.bsperty.com/ B Sperty Art & Stuff

She can be found on Facebook and Instagram:

https://www.facebook.com/BettieSpertyArt

https://www.instagram.com/bettiesperty/ 

 

You are welcome to leave a comment below - we would love to hear what you think!

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Local Art: Visit us at Clearbrook Center of the Arts at Tackett's Mill in Lake Ridge, VA on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 4 – it’s free to see the artwork! Want to join PWAS? Go to https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/membership

Thank you for visiting, and remember to Share, Follow, and Comment!

---

Author: Donna Liguria
An artist member of PWAS in Woodbridge, VA specializing in acrylic painting. She paints landscapes, seascapes, animals and many subjects. Visit her Website at https://DonnaLiguriaArt.com & her Blog at https://donnascavepainting.blogspot.com/.

 

 

Photography/Video Credits: 

Bettie Sperty