Obligations to others, and Don't Look Back, daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Don't look Back, 2012, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on board, 5x7

 

 



As I strike out in a studio/gallery alone, I'm thinking about my obligations to others as an artist and a person?  What do I owe others? Writing down these thoughts helps me to focus, and gives me something to measure by.  Here's what I've come up with so far. 

For myself
     Make original work
     Make it as well as I can
     Strive to grow in skill and knowledge
     Give good value for the price of my work

For my collectors
     Make quality artwork that will last
     Make work that is unique and special
     Stand behind my  work
     Show them I appreciate their support

For my students
     Give the very best I can in each class
     Encourage all honest efforts and never give harsh critique
     Support growth through generous sharing of knowledge

Towards my fellow artists
     Make only original work--don't copy or steal
     Support always, encouraging their success,
     Attend shows and events
     Speak well of anther's work

 Can you think of otoher obligations or duties of the art world that should be on my list?  

Young art Collectors, Swamp Light daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Swamp Light, 2012, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on board, 7"x5"

 

Yes, young people are buying original art.  Only a small portion have the guts and money to go into a nuts and bolts gallery.  Besides, they really don't like anyone telling them what they should like, and many don't have the money for large, prestigious purchases.

 

They're finding their art in new ways, and often on the Internet.  In this no-man's land a new collector can browse at ease.  They can look at a piece again and again.  They can read a blog, learn about an artist, check out what's new and find something to love at a price they can see and know they can afford to spend.  All in relative anonymity.  

 

The savvy ones can leave a comment and see if the artist will answer in a way that speaks their language.  They might email back and forth about a piece to help them take the measure of an artist.  If they don't like the interaction, they can drop out before they have to commit.  

 

If a young person finds art to suit them, it's a win-win.  They've been exposed to a lot of different work in the hunt for their special piece.  Connections are being made in new ways, and as an artist, you've got to be out there, if only because that's where they are. 

Holiday Newsletter Excerpt - A word about Art Collectors

Below is an excerpt from my Holiday newsletter.  You can see the whole newsletter here and sign up to receive it from either my blog or my website.



Snowman #4, 2011, jo-Ann Sanborn
acrylic on canvas, 7"x5"

Collector 's Corner

YOU are special! People who buy original art are a special breed. They know that originals are special and unique.

While "something" for the walls can be purchased in many big box stores, meeting the artist, discussing your special requirements, and choosing the perfect piece to complement your life and your home is something that will be remembered and enjoyed for years to come.

You will own something one of a kind, and truly unique. It will say "quality" to the friends and family who visit your home. 

Box store paintings may fade over time, and be easily disposed of when your decor changes. After a while you don't even see them on the wall. 

An original artwork usually holds it's value, both in the cost you pay and in the joy it gives you over the years. 

It's such a pleasure for me when someone says "your paintings make us happy!" It completes the circle for the work I do. Thank you!!

Art Collectors, End of the Day daily painting by Everglades Artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

End of the Day, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on board, 7"x5"

 

Artists love someone who purchases original art and brings it into their home to be displayed, viewed and enjoyed.  A few years ago only one percent of the American population purchased original art.  That may be changing as more people find and purchase affordable original art over the Internet.  Still, only a small portion of our population knows and values original art.

Artists hope that once a person owns a piece of original art, they will become a collector. A collector is someone who completes the circle of art for the artist.  Because they value what the artist has created, and purchase it, the painting has done its job and touched someone. 

That artwork drew someone in, pleased them, made them think, or caused them to remember.  This, for most artists, completes a circle.  It supports us and allows us to continue, too!  Sometimes a collector wants to know more about the process or inspiration of the artist.  Other collectors have no interest in anything but the artwork.

A true collector chooses works thoughtfully, and for more reasons than the colors of a piece match their current sofa.  A collector knows their own taste, and knows that the work they choose will fit into their space and their life and live happily there.  They will purchase directly from an artist, or from a gallery they can trust.  They know that the artwork they chose needs to withstand the test of time and they want to ensure good craftsmanship and good quality

At the end of the day, a collector knows that the journey of discovering and collecting art can be as creative as the work of the artists who create and that their collection will bring them lifelong pleasure.  If you’re reading this, you may be one of mine! 

Art Appreciators, Fun in the Sun daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Fun in the Sun, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on board, 7"x5"

Art appreciators fall into several categories.  I categorize them by what I see is their relationship to the art.  What's fun for you?

Spectator

Can't pass up an opportunity to walk through an Art Gallery or exhibition

Goes to Art Openings and outdoor art shows

Visits Art Museums at every opportunity

Reads press reviews and written materials about art

Communicator

Educates themselves about art through discussions with others

Loves meeting and talking with artists about painting

Attends art lectures and talks about the subject at the next dinner party

Likes art that provides opportunity for conversation

Seeker

Engages with art as a journey of self-discovery

Identifies with the deeper meaning of artworks

Learns about themselves from what they like and don't like

Enjoys art that brings memory and legacy

Collector

Chooses to purchase original art and bring it into their home

Knows that collecting art can be as creative as the work of the artist

Values the time spent in all of the above pursuits

May choose a theme or a focus for their collection

Loves the energy, mystery, creativity or peace that a new artwork can provide          

Hurricane tips for Collectors, The Light and the Water painting by Everglades Artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

The Light and the Water, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on canvas, 16"x20"

Red face!  I'm learning how to schedule my posts and hit the wrong button AGAIN.  Today is the time for this post! My apologies if you've gotten this twice.

As promised Wednesday, here are some tips for art collectors who may find their artwork threatened by hurricane. 

1. Even though you may have very good insurance on your home, fine art is not usually covered unless you have a separate insurance rider. If you have valuable art, call your insurance agent long before disaster strikes to ensure you have the financial protection you want.

2. At the beginning of Hurricane Season sort your collection to determine what you must take with you if you have to evacuate, and what must stay behind. MakeCandidates for taking will be those of high value, or the artist is no longer living, or paintings with sentimental value.

Make a list, and keep it with your disaster evacuation list.  If you don't have such a list, see Wednesday's post

3. Purchase the materials you will need to wrap and protect your paintings, and have them on hand before you need them. Also purchase water proof plastic containers for those that will stay behind.

4. Wrap the paintings going with you in brown paper or tissue, place in large plastic bag, wrap with bubble wrap and place in an upright carton in the car. An upright box is less likely to be punctured by something else as you pack, and you won’t put something too heavy on top, either. My experience is that packing tight leaves less room for trouble.

5. Wrap those that will stay as in #4, and place in plastic waterproof containers if small enough, and plastic again if not. Wrap so that water cannot penetrate your wrappings. Do not count on duct tape, it will seep if it gets wet.

6. Work toward placing paintings where they will not get punctured. Punctures can be repaired, but it's not easy! If you don't expect high water, inside the car you are leaving behind may provide protection from wind damage.

7. If the storm is bad enough, water could be in your home for several days. Place the paintings as high up in your home as possible to avoid water intrusion. Look for places away from windows and exterior walls.

My Everglades paintings are acrylic, strong and waterproof. I've had a couple go through hurricanes, get covered with bits of detritus, and washed off all to full recovery. If you have one of my paintings and have questions after a disaster, give me a call. Canvas tears can often be repaired and frames can be replaced.

Most important, stay safe first. The rest can all be dealt with!

Art Collectors, Outgoing personality by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Outgoing Personality, Jo-Ann Sanborn

Acrylic on Canvas, 24"x36"

Without collectors, there would be very little reason for me to make art.  I would, because I always have, but it is the connection to others who see my work, feel what I feel, and participate by purchase that make me love what I do.  

When a collector chooses a painting, is willing to pay for it and to live with it, a connection has been established between the collector and the artist whether it is openly recognized or not, and a valued partnership has been established.  As an artist the purchase of my work is the highest complement someone can give me. 

Many of you love the land, and speak with enthusiasm about your love for the Everglades landscape I portray. Others find enjoyment in the colors I use or the bold forms. This year I'd like to do a better job of honoring this connection, offer opportunities for collector participation, do a better job of keeping in touch, and reach out to new collectors.

Here's how I'll start:

Better recognition for multiple purchases
     Communications special to people who own two or more paintings, 2x this year
     Develop testimonial page on website or blog?
     Continue to offer discount for second purchase and beyond.

Better gift and appreciation recognition
     Purchasers of Daily Paintings - send post card or book mark
     Purchasers of Studio Paintings - send a card or watercolor thank you

Mail 2 x yearly
     Send post card for solo show – early January (almost ready!)
     Mail yearly schedule in October

Reach out to Everglades community
     Participate in Friends of the Fakahatchee Safari – scheduled Feb 26th

I'm expecting that it will only take me two hours a week to fulfill these goals, little enough time for the lifeblood of my business.  To those of you who have purchased and are reading this THANK YOU!  I'm very appreciative of your part in my continued success!

Vistors, Sailing, and Thanksgiving

The studio was busy and full of visitors last week as we held our second painting party with the theme Mostly Monet.  The participants all exhibited great creative enthusiam and had a wonderful time. 

 Monetessori School came to visit and the children enjoyed painting a group painting.  Then they ffollowed clues to a scavenger hunt about the art.  They counted boats and found curlers, looked for an eagle and found feathers.  It was fun for all and the children were quite serious in their discussions about the art, except for one little boy who didn't want to see the paintings at all! 

Many people will sail away and leave the island for the holidays.  As much as they love Marco Island, they'll always call somewhere else home.  But for me, this is my home now, and I'm thankful to be sharing this Thanksgiving with family from afar. 

Sail Away

acrylic on canvas, 5x7

Along with the family and friends I hold dear to my heart, at Thanksgiving I'm always especially thankful for the people who have purchase and collect my paintings.  Some of you have collected my work since I first came to Marco Island and have seen my work change and grow I developed as a Florida landscape painter.  

Some of you have picked up my work because you also have a love of our endangered Everglades.  Some enjoy my work because of the strong forms and bold shapes.  Sometimes a color attracts you, or you just see a painting passage that you love.  When any of these things happen and you purchase the work, a bond is formed between you and the painting, and me.  

In every case I'm thankful for each connection, and for each sale.  As my work and career advance, I'm delighted to have you along for the ride.  You've watched my prices appreciate as I've gained skill and recognition.  Better still, you've brought your friends and your children into the circle.

So when I sit down to a delicious Thanksgiving feast this year thinking of the many things I'm grateful for in my life, you, my collectors, will be among them.  Thank you, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day!

It's not a new toaster, March Morning painting by Everglades artist JoAnn Sanborn

Marsh Morning

acrylic on canvas, 20"x20"

We haven't had much rain yet but the mornings have been lovely, and visiting the marshes early in the morning is a joy. There's peace and beauty in this Everglades march. Still, sometimes there's something in your mind that won't let go, so here goes!

Marketing art in this economy is not easy, and many artists have discovered that a combination of gallery representation and self representation is the best way to manage art sales. Pricing is always a big issue, and get a group of artists together and the pricing conversation can go on for hours. the goal is to get a decent wage for your work and for your level of professionalism and training, and yet to remain competitive in the marketplace.

Most artists know to never, ever, to set the price of a work differently for particular venue, or in that case, for the look of someones shoes. The price set should be the price, no matter where the work is seen, although it may rise as time goes on. An example of this would be a limited edition sculpture, where pieces rise as less are available, or if you sell a similar piece at a higher price.

Professional artists also know that if a gallery collector happens to make a studio visit and to purchase, the gallery is due its commission. This works for both sides if the gallery has willingly shared the names of your collectors it has sold to as it should. It's also wise to have a policy in place for sales through designers and decorators, ensuring that the final piece a client pays will be the same as if they had dealt directly with the artist.

This is good business because it builds trust with others, who are then free to promote your work for compensation, and with clients, because the value of the work they purchase is solid. At the international level, prices paid for high-end art work has reached the ridiculous, but on the local level there's a lot of talk about discounting artwork because the economy has affected so many incomes.

To me, thoughtless discounting of artwork is a betrayal of the client who purchased equal work at a higher level. While it may serve to bring in immediate income in the long run the work is devalued. Still, it's important to reward those who are repeat collectors, and care about you and your work. Artwork is not like purchasing a new toaster, and shouldn't be treated as such.

When you tell me that you love my work and want one of my paintings, I want to help you to own it. If you don't have the means to make a large purchase, choose one of my smaller works to get started, or for something larger we can work out a payment plan that meets your needs. Then the sale will please both of us.

Art Collectors, Out in the Glades daily painting by Everglades artist JoAnn Sanborn

Out in the Glades
7" x 5"

acrylic on Panel
$150 with FREE shipping and handling in the US

Many of you who read this blog own one or more of my paintings. Some of you have told me that you love living with your artwork, and almost 35% of you have come back for a second piece. I suspect that you have followed your heart, and chosen something that touches you emotionally in some way. When we speak, it’s obvious that your love for my work goes deep.

It’s so wonderful for me to have my work resonates with you. If you purchase, we’ve created a special bond. Your special choice has made you happy, provides original and unique decoration for your home, has monetary value for you, and helps support me. That’s special.

Whether it’s my choice of subject, the beloved Everglades, or the manner in which I work, I’m grateful to all who take the time to view and comment and purchase my work. I’ll be making a special column in my newsletter called Collector Corner. There’ll be something there each month about collecting art that I hope will be useful and helpful to you.

I’ve got something special for those who attend my presentation at the Ladies Luncheon at the Yacht Club on Wednesday, too! Hope to see you there.

Investing in Art, Watching Ike, Daily Painting by Jo-Ann Sanborn

Yesterday's Naples Daily News article Artful Investing discusses whether art is a financial opportunity in these challenging economic times. Certainly if you have certain French Impressionists works in your collection, you have seen the prices rise to astronomical heights. The prices of many American artists are also seeing a nice return. The international art market is growing, and many dealers feel the Russian art market is both hot and affordable. However art as an investment can be just as risky as any other investment. There's a great deal of satisfaction in looking at a painting you love, but any return can only be realized if you part with the work. If your budget puts you below the "blue chip" art market, then emerging artists is the way to go. The painting can bring you much pleasure, is affordable, the artist will be grateful, and just like any speculative stock can be fun to watch.

Watching Ike
7" x 5"

Sold

Art Market, By the Gulf Daily Painting

As money tightens and our middle America customers are spending more on necessities, the purchase of art is one thing that can be denied or delayed. As a result, many artists are realizing reduced sales in the current economy.

Partly because prices have risen over the years and partly in response to this economy, my practice for the last year or so has been to do at least three small daily paintings a week, The small paintings can a miniature of a larger painting, but never exactly the same, a study for a larger painting, or just playing with the paints and colors for the pure joy of it. Since I don't do copies of my paintings (some call these "prints",) these small paintings are ideal for beginning collectors, for people with small spaces or small art budgets, or as gifts. I sell them framed in a lovely gold fame and they've been quite popular.

These small, "dailies" can be inspired by the morning sunrise, the moon over the palms, a walk on the beach, just about anythng. They're fun to do and are definatley helping me to grow as an artist. Because my name is on them, I want each and every one to be the best it can be and be able to stand alone. That's why you're seeing this painting that was sold to a dear colllector as a gift last week instead of the one I painted yesterday. It needs another pass or two with the brush before it's ready to be out in public!

By the Gulf
7" x 5"

acrylic on board
Sold