Studio Sessions

"Damn those are big! I thought you were painting LITTLE cutesy paintings"

That is the quoteable quote from my best friend Gabe, who popped into my studio yesterday to grab me for lunch. It was nice being rescued from the studio for a short while and seeing the outdoors and some pizza. I've been having to put myself in the mindset that I'm clocking into work just like I would if I were working for someone else. In fact I'm working for MYSELF so shouldn't I work even harder to bring my "A" Game to the table? Freelance art is not for the faint of heart or those who are used to the finer things in life.

I'm trying hard to finish this before Monday and yesterday was a nice full session. Lots of things were accomplished on the canvas.

I was reluctant to post a photo, I'm working with a whole new color palette and subjects.I'm liking the direction though and hope to crank out at least another 7 hours on it today. Fingers crossed.

Spent the morning making the title sheet for the show. I had to put prices on these things and that is hard. The gallery will take it's cut so you have to factor that in. Ive decided to include some of my smaller pieces as well if there is room somewhere- those will be affordable to someone who is wanting something under $200. Everything else is priced a little higher. There comes a time in your art career where you have to value yourself, your time, all the education, experience and learning, your tools and supplies and make a REAL HONEST assessment of what your work is worth. I think I have done that for this show. I think I do the records and small stuff for my friends, etc and the big stuff which takes so so so so much time- for whoever appreciates it and my time- and can afford it. 

I remember reading an interview with Ian Mackaye once apon a time...the interviewer had asked him about making money and he responded to the extent of ...if someone else is making money because of you (i.e. clubs, venues, labels) then you should always get your cut and not work for free. I think about this often when I see "opportunities" for artists to endlessly donate their work away, "volunteer" and never reap the reward of having their back scratched. I guess artists are saints or something. We live on magical spiritual food and don't need roofs over our head. That would be the life. But thats not the way it is. 

Work, work, work and more work. What's a weekend? But did I tell you? I love doing this oh so much and I'm having the time of my life. :)