Thank you so much Denise! 💗

It’s tough. I’ve been an Art Therapist for almost 30 years and stepped into my identity as a professional artist about 17 years ago. I founded an amazing gallery for several years. I’ve acted as a juror, curated exhibitions, won awards.. and I still have seldom let anyone see my work or offered it for sale. I had been making tons of art when I finally showed a local director of an art department my work and he suggested to me that there were people selling paintings for 10k and highly encouraged me to work larger and get studio space. (I’m in Lou, KY.) Later, I spoke with an Art consultant that said I should consider NY or Europe. I’ve been so private and non-commercial in my own process, I know my work shouldn’t sell for 2-300 in a coffee shop, but it’s hard to imagine getting something that feels fair- given the time, energy put into highly original work that I struggle to give away. So… I just don’t put it for sale and have stacks. I’ve never even done a solo show. The price thing is a deterrent. I have considered selling prints, but the originals I am reluctant unless I could get prices that make it feel worth it. To be clear, I wouldn’t expect 10k-20k plus as someone with an unconventional background, and unknown in the art world, but I’ve spent thousands of dollars in quality materials, and thousands of hours… if I couldn’t make thousands vs hundreds I will probably just not offer the work for sale. (And of course, I’ve gotten enough feedback that the work is very good… winning grants based on my portfolio, etc). It’s amazing how much we need and enjoy art but how little support most artists get. I make 160/hr currently as an Art Therapist and creative coach, but that is actually low considering I have a Master’s degree and decades experience. So much of what we get paid has less to do with the actual value and much more with how much people are willing to pay or can afford in our market. The last two times someone approached me for a commission I had to say no, because there was such a disconnect from what was asked and the budget. My last time to participate in a group show, I donated my time to paint a large-scale portrait for a non-profit. Hmmm… not sure what I’m trying to communicate. I didn’t mean to vent and complain. Just thought you might like another artist’s perspective. :). So, in short, I’ve made money as an artist through teaching and coaching, -my work has given me credibility-but I’ve not made money through direct sales.

Hahaha. I totally get it. Ask me what it's like making art for other people and my answer will be different depending on the day 🥰 Thanks for stopping by and sharing your experience! Hope making art for you is proving to be as relaxing and fulfilling as it sounds! ❤️

@SquishyChameleon ~ You are not alone. I am terrible at promoting/marketing myself and what I create. I was a professional musician and singer for a number of years which was okay because I only had to show up and do my thing. Once I started composing music I would sing my songs onstage but couldn't bring myself to take it further. Same with writing poetry. Same with my artwork. Like you, I have always needed a buffer between my creativity and marketing what I create. It's okay, though - maybe someday my children or grandchildren will benefit. 🤣

Thank you so much for watching and for your comment. And yes! No matter what your creative skill, it's so easy to say "ok" when someone asks you to make something for them. People take creative work for granted. The comeback to "will you make X for me" should be "ok but first I want you to come over to my house and spend a week reorganizing my garage and then take me to dinner afterwards and I'll make whatever you want" 😜

@@Pointebrush I do that with bread and pasta that I make homemade. I got to the point I was running out of ingredients quicker than when I was making it for myself. I finally found the courage to tell them, if they want me to make it for them they'd have to bring me flour, yeast, eggs or whatever I needed. I used to sweat just thinking about asking people for that. Now it's 2nd nature. Paintings not so much, I shy away from showing people or telling them. its my secret.

Hi Sarah and congrats on having your art on other people's wall! That's a huge deal and the ultimate compliment! You'll get more confident and more traction as you stick with it. Glad the video was helpful! Xo!

Start small! It can get overwhelming when you look at the whole mountain you want to climb. Sell your first piece or trade it for a fair barter! Baby steps!

@Pointebrush Thank you. That was very wise advice.💕

Hi shadowguard! Honestly, it's even helpful for anyone asking you to do anything for them for free (unless it's a bestie or close family of course). You want me to knit you a scarf? Sure! What's in it for me? 😜

​@@PointebrushI feel this as a crocheter

Oh I know this feeling so well! Give yourself permission to value yourself as much as other artists you respect. You are worth it.

@@Pointebrush thank you so much for talking about this, it’s so important. ❤️

You're so welcome! Glad it helped! ❤️

Glad you enjoyed it!

My pleasure!

Thank you so much and it makes me happy to know these videos are motivating! xo!

I mean it! 😘

Thank you so much for your kind words. It means the world to me 🥹

@@Pointebrush ❤️ Also soooo excited for the M. Graham video. I own quite a few and they are so enjoyable to paint with. So easy and just fun. I love them and can't wait to hear what you think. I put some in a pallette and they still haven't set 🤣 which I knew better but just call me stubborn.

Thank you so much and wishing you continued success with your business! It takes a lot to own your own business so kudos to that! Xo!

Hi Amirah! 👋😘

@@Pointebrush 💖hi there!!

You're very welcome Lynne! ❤️

Hi Crystal and thank you so much for your kind words. What a great topic too! You’re right that watercolor doesn’t carry the same caché as oil or acrylics. I’ve been able to sell (albeit large format) acrylics for upwards of 6k but I very much feel like 1k is hard to get above for a watercolor (for me at least). I think historically a lot of the reservations with watercolors have been because they were less lightfast and paper is less durable than canvas. Because the watercolor pigments are diluted, they will definitely be less durable and lightfast than oils + acrylics so that’s always been a problem. Granted nowadays materials have been engineered to be more durable but the “lowbrow rep” of it and fear of degrading still remains. When I go to big art fairs in New York like the Armory or Frieze, it’s pretty rare to come upon watercolors and if you do, they are priced much lower than any other counterpart. Frustrating for sure! Not sure if anyone else has thoughts on this but I welcome the discussion.

@@Pointebrush Thanks for your insights Margot! So sad about the low brow rep of watercolours. :( I guess its our job to raise it's profile and start pricing our work for what it's worth like you said. Love the beautiful sequins you embellished on your painting. So special. Those little ballerinas are gonna love it.

Usually I find several sources as I don’t like to take from a single source. So I might look at the texture of scales from one image and the pose from another and then I’ll incorporate my own touches to make it original. That’s for things like dragons. For ballerinas where I’m more experienced, I can just draw them from my memory and imagination.

If you’re looking for good quality synthetic brushes I would point you straight to Princeton’s Aqua Elite line. I think you’ll be really happy. The neptunes are better for large wash areas as they soak up a ton of water like a mop. But I wouldn’t use then for smaller or detail areas as they’re too soft like you mentioned 👍

@@Pointebrush thank you so much!! That’s so helpful! I appreciate it so much. Upgrading my brushes was the last thing I needed.

That's so kind of you to say. It would be an honor 🥹

Thank you so much! I sent them the original along with a digital file to use for some of their marketing :)

That's good to know, thank you!

Hi there! 👋

I’m happy for you and that your career was able to sustain your family and living expenses the way it did. That’s wonderful! But your path is not the only path (nor is mine for that matter). What takes front seat in any good career is grit, patience, perseverance and above all a good business sense. You mentioned that 5x7 sized en plein air paintings go for up to $2700? That might be what you charge but I know artists who charge significantly higher and artists who charge less than a third of that. No one size fits all. I know I charge about $1000 for a 5x7 sized landscape but I never sell my originals or the perpetual usage rights unless it’s a negotiated buyout and in that case it’s significantly higher. As for KZfaq, it doesn’t pay the bills. My art business does and I consider KZfaq more of a teaching gig. Like I said, every path is different.

You're so sweet. Thank you! ❤️❤️❤️

Anywhere there’s talent, there’s someone who wants to get it for free.. I mean “exposure”