Clint, I totally agree with you.

Nice reminder. Thanks Clint!

Couldn't agree more. If you have been doing even some of it, stop packing paintings in your studio. Use a professional shipper, one that packs as well. Then, if they haven't already paid for it, don't forget to bill the client!

Glad to hear someone address all the marketing "shoulds" directed towards artists. Where's the conversation or blog that talks about painting as an expression of one's humanity, rather than just a commodity to sell?

Just what I like! No complicated explanations, just the simple truth...short and sweet!

It's funny - Keith and I seem to be on the same wavelength yesterday - this is very timely with yesterday's article - even though I actually wrote this two weeks ago.

That's what I've always told myself, to keep throwing mud on the wall (or paint on a canvas, and someday, some of it will stick.

We can get very impatient at times thinking that "the day" will never come, but I like to stay positive and keep telling myself that it will.

Thank you anonymous for that input; gives us more hope for representation

Hi Clint,

You're right on as usual...getting down to the real heart...thanks for reminding us that we've got to get our ideas and our art out!

Hopefully this isn't a totally silly question, but what's in a good portfolio? I know it's your best work, but is it just some nice prints of your work with your artists statement and bio? What else do you include? Anything special about the prints other then trying to get the best possible quality?

The other thing we can`t afford not to do, is to paint as many paintings as possible, to learn from each painting and to grow better and better everyday.
One more thing, Clint, you taught us this, to have conversations with people. Might I add that we need to listen to the other person talk and not make it all about us, that engages a real conversation instead of a narration or gloating talk about our art.
Clint, you were right about this.

Simple ... and yet, quite profound! Great reminder! Thanks.

Thanks Helen!

Dear anonymous,

Very unique idea. I don't think I ever
heard of anyone getting representation by
a gallery by email. Intriguing thought
and I congratulate you on it. Very
creative marketing.
Max Hulse

You are welcome George, hope it helped.

I, too, am represented by a gallery I contacted by e-mail. After the initial e-mail and the submission of some of my work with the e-mail I made an appointment to show them some of the work in person.

Seems to me that the one thing we can't afford NOT to do is create art!

Simple. True.

It also seems true to me that beautiful paintings unseen won't be enjoyed by anyone but the artist. You have to market your work one way or another. I agree with anonymous, the nicest portfolio won't do much for bad art.

Like most things in life, you have to work hard on many levels to be successful. A few get lucky with shortcuts or a break, but by in large, you have several activities to manage.

Quality is subjective to a point. Producing art that captures people's attention is certainly not one of the optional elements.

Love the list. And the brutal truth is PAINT! PAINT! PAINT!