Tonight was an interesting "gig"! I did a demonstration for 1 1/2 hours at a restaurant that has some of my paintings on display. Along with some other fine artists, the work really dresses up the place. They have an enclosed patio area, so that is where I was set up. E-mails went out to a large data base about this event. It was an interesting idea to promote the art for sale in the restaurant, but a real shot in the dark as to how interested the clientele would be in the event. As I suspected, not a lot of interest. However, 3 or 4 people came with their children because the kids were interested in watching me paint and the parents were interested in fostering the art development of their kids. They were able to gather around the table and encouraged to ask questions. My best fan was a darling little girl named Leah who sat by my side most of the time and we chatted away about art as I painted. It was very enjoyable and I got a good start on a new painting.
I divided a half sheet into quadrants and managed to finish two of the sections. I had applied full strength clear gesso on the paper with a sponge roller. I was wanting to see if it would give me a specific texture. The answer is no! I started using the Hydrus liquid watercolor but was getting so much blooming and spreading that I added traditional tube paints with it and had much better control. I am hoping to have the other two sections done in the next day or two.
I am willing to try different events at least once. Something good always comes of it, often not what you expected at all. In the meantime I had fun, met some adorable future professional artists in the making, finished half a painting and had a delicious dinner at a really nice restaurant. Over all, an excellent evening.
Myrna, looks like you had a great time. You have such a positive attitude about every experience, that's why good things come of each one. I love the start you got on the painting. Wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI am doing Open Studios this weekend, so very busy.
Your portrait has such pensive attitudes. I really like that. It makes you delve in deeper to ask questions. And I'd say you did another angel-like thing with these girls and who knows how that bud will bloom and return to you in a full bouquet another time? Oh, happy happy May, to you and yours.
ReplyDeleteArtists at the gallery where I have my work are asked (required) to do demos twice a year, usually a Friday and Saturday. It's a mixed bag as far as interest goes. Sometimes it's quiet and not much going on, other times it's busy and you can't really paint. It's always fun, though, because there are usually 2 or 3 other artists there with different mediums and we are easily entertained. If you get lucky and sell something your working on, it's a bonus.
ReplyDeleteWhat a charming snap of you and the children! I am sure you have left a lasting impression with them.
ReplyDelete