Markets, marketing and an Artist's Open Studio

A big challenge for an artist is getting your work seen, and building up contacts. In a new country it’s doubly difficult. Where to go? Which Exhibitions will work? What sort of work should you show? In the end it’s all trial and error.

Last Saturday I set up a small exhibition at a local market just up the road from where I live. Bridgeman Church has a great sense of community and the place was humming.

My aim there was to start to establish myself as an artist in the local community. My work was well received and enquires for both my art classes and for portrait commissions were encouraging. Hopefully, in the long term this interest will translate into sales. I loved being there chatting to people about my work and my love for what I do.

This week, almost a year since I held a similar event in South Africa before I packed to come here, I am again opening my studio to visitors.

I have been working on a series of small paintings, 8” x 8” oil on canvas - shells, seed pods and flowers. These echo the Artists Blocks that I have done previously. The paintings work well when grouped together. More of these can be seen in this album.

All work will be for sale. Portraits can also be commissioned – just in time to be a special Christmas gift.

More details about the Open Studio can be found by clicking on this link to my Facebook Page.

The Community of Artists

Artists need a community. Creating is a solitary experience, but we need to be able to bounce ideas off other artists, share inspirations, and help with the critical appraisal of our efforts.

Pascale's Orchids - oil on canvas - 380mm x 760mm 

© Carol Lee Beckx 2010

Painting in a studio of like-minded fellow artists is an enriching experience. I was really fortunate to have been able to spend one day each week in such a studio, learning and growing as an artist. The camaraderie is not easily replaced. Facing one’s work alone calls for stern self-appraisal and self-criticism. Often poor self-confidence undermines our rational assessment of our work. We need someone else to say – that’s OK you’re on the right path or – why not try this instead?

Thank you, Pascale, for the time I spent in your studio. I hope that I will also be able to create a studio environment where my students can grow in the same way.

Rock, sea and sand

Expressions 2011 is on show this coming weekend in Sandgate, Queensland. The painting below will be exhibited.

Rock, sea and sand - oil on canvas - 910mm x 910mm

© 2011 Carol Lee Beckx

This painting is a favourite of mine. The tactile quality of the massive rocks called for a different way of working with paint. Heavier impasto paint, layered and incised, glazes of colours and texture all contribute to the expression of monumentality and permanence.