Effective Strategies for Pricing Your Artwork

Dear fellow artists,
We are excited to present a topic of great importance to all creators - "Effective Strategies for Pricing Your Artwork." As artists, we know that we put our hearts, souls, and countless hours into our creations, and we must value our work appropriately and communicate that value to others.

 Pricing our artwork can be a complex process that requires careful consideration of various factors, including our skill level, experience, production costs, market trends, and the perceived value of our work. We must continually refine and adapt our pricing strategy as our careers evolve and the art market changes.

 This post will explore the key aspects of pricing your artwork effectively, from assessing your skill level and progress to navigating market trends and communicating your value to potential buyers. We will also discuss strategies for adapting your pricing as your career progresses, strategically using discounts, and enhancing your work's perceived value.

 Whether you are starting out on your artistic journey or are a seasoned professional, this post's insights and strategies will help you approach pricing confidently and clearly. By the end of this presentation, you will have a comprehensive toolkit to make informed decisions about pricing your artwork and building a sustainable career in the art world.

 So, let us dive in and unravel the mysteries of art pricing together. Your talent, dedication, and unique artistic voice deserve to be valued, and it all starts with understanding how to price your artwork effectively.

 Effective Strategies for Pricing Your Artwork

I. Assessing Your Art and Skill:
To price your artwork appropriately, it's important first to assess your artistic skills and compare them to those of others in the market. This section will help you evaluate your technical proficiency, creativity, and unique artistic style and compare your work against that of your peers.

•         Evaluate your technical proficiency, creativity, and unique artistic style.
•         Consider your educational background, awards, and recognition in the art community.
•         Reflect on the time and effort you invest in creating each piece of art.
•         Compare your work to other artists with similar skill levels and experience.
•         Track Your Progress: Maintain a portfolio and note key details of each piece.
•         Benchmarking: Compare prices with similar artists in your network.
•         Seek Professional Feedback: Regularly consult with mentors and peers.

 II. Pricing Adaptation as Career Progresses

Your pricing strategy should be flexible and adapt to your growth as an artist. Gradually increase prices based on milestones and communicate changes transparently.

•         As you gain more experience and recognition, gradually increase your prices.
•         Regularly review and adjust your pricing structure to reflect your growth as an artist.
•         Consider factors like the demand for your work, your target audience, and the perceived value of your art.
•         Gradual Price Increases: Raise prices based on career milestones.
•         Transparent Communication: Explain pricing changes to your audience.

 III. Production Costs and Additional Considerations

When you create art, you incur various costs, such as materials, studio rent, and utilities. This section will help you include these expenses in your pricing calculations and emphasize the significance of considering legal and tax implications.

•         Factor in the cost of materials, supplies, and any special equipment used in creating your artwork.
•         Consider the time and labor invested in each piece, including planning, sketching, and execution.
•         Include studio rent, utilities, and other overhead costs in your pricing calculations.
•         Be aware of applicable sales taxes, value-added taxes (VAT), or other legal requirements in your jurisdiction.
•         Consider consulting with a tax professional or attorney to ensure compliance with local regulations and to help structure your art business effectively.

 IV. Strategic Discounting

Discounts can be a great way to attract new customers and reward loyal ones. However, it is important to use them wisely to avoid undervaluing your work. In this section, we will discuss how to offer discounts strategically, establish clear policies, and maintain the perceived value of your artwork.

•         Be selective and purposeful when offering discounts to maintain the perceived value of your work.
•         Consider offering discounts for bulk purchases, loyal customers, or special promotions.
•         Avoid overusing discounts, as it may devalue your artwork in the long run.
•         Communicate the terms and duration of any discounts you offer.
•         Use Discounts Sparingly: Offer discounts on older works or in special promotions.
•         Loyalty Discounts: Reward repeat customers to encourage ongoing support.
•         Clear Policies: Maintain transparency to avoid devaluing your work.

 V. Market Awareness

To competitively price your artwork, it's crucial to stay informed about market trends, economic factors, and industry developments. This section provides strategies for researching prices, attending art events, and leveraging digital platforms to gather market insights.

•         Research the prices of similar artworks in your niche and adjust your pricing accordingly.
•         Monitor economic factors like inflation, market demand, and the overall art market climate.
•         Attend art events, exhibitions, and conferences to stay informed about industry trends and network with other artists.
•         Understand Market Trends: Stay informed about sales and trends in your niche.
•         Economic Sensitivity: Adjust offerings in response to economic changes.
•         Leverage Digital Platforms: Use online tools for real-time market data.

 VI. Pricing Communication and Documentation

Clear communication and proper documentation are essential to building trust with potential buyers and establishing a professional reputation. This section will discuss how to present your pricing structure transparently, include all relevant costs, and provide essential documentation, such as authenticity certificates and invoices.

•         Be transparent about your pricing and provide a clear breakdown of costs.
•         Include information about the materials used, artwork size, and unique features.
•         Communicate additional costs like framing, shipping, and insurance separately.
•         Provide payment options and terms to make purchasing straightforward and convenient for potential buyers.
•         Transparent Pricing Structure: List all costs involved in your artwork.
•         Include Hidden Costs: Factor in framing, shipping, and additional fees.
•         Provide Documentation: Offer authenticity certificates and detailed invoices.

 VII. Limited Editions, Reproductions, and Custom Work

Expanding your income streams and broadening your customer base is possible by offering limited editions, reproductions, and custom work. This guide will help you price and communicate the value of these unique offerings to potential buyers.

 •         If you offer limited-edition prints or reproductions, determine their prices based on factors such as the size of the edition, the quality of the printing, the paper, and the demand for your work.
•         Communicate the edition size and any signing or numbering details to collectors.
•         Establish a transparent pricing structure for commissioned pieces, considering the scope of the project, the client's requirements, and your time investment.
•         Provide a detailed contract outlining the terms of the commission, including payment schedules, revisions, and deadlines.

 VIII. Online Presence and E-commerce

In the current digital era, it is paramount for artists to have a robust e-commerce strategy and a formidable online presence. This section will guide you through the costs and considerations of selling your artwork online, from website upkeep to shipping and transaction fees.

 •         If you sell your artwork online, consider the costs of maintaining a website, online gallery, or e-commerce platform.
•         Factor in transaction fees, shipping, and packaging expenses when pricing your artwork for online sales.
•         Maintain a consistent pricing strategy across different sales channels, whether online, in galleries, or at art fairs.

 IX. Enhancing Perceived Value

In addition to your artwork's inherent value, there are several methods to increase its perceived worth among collectors. In this section, we will examine tactics such as providing value-added features, establishing exclusivity, and staying current with art marketing and economics.

•         Value-Added Features: Offer bundles or special packaging.
•         Exclusivity and Scarcity: Use scarcity strategies and offer exclusivity perks.
•         Continuous Learning: Engage in ongoing education about art marketing and economics.

 X. Flexible Pricing Models

Offering flexible pricing models can make your artwork more accessible to a wider range of buyers and help you close sales. This section will discuss options such as payment plans and rent-to-own agreements and the importance of being open to negotiation while maintaining clear price boundaries.

•         Be open to negotiation, but clearly understand your price boundaries and be prepared to walk away if necessary.
•         Payment Plans: Make art more accessible with installment options.
•         Rent-to-Own: Offer flexible purchasing options to hesitant buyers.

 XI. Record-keeping and Inventory Management

Effective record-keeping and inventory management are essential for tracking your artwork, monitoring sales performance, and making informed pricing decisions. This section will provide tips for keeping detailed records, maintaining an organized inventory system, and tracking key metrics.

•         Keep detailed artwork records, including production costs, sale prices, and buyer information.
•         Maintain an organized inventory system to track your available works, sold pieces, and any consigned artwork.

 XII. Regular Pricing Reviews

Pricing your artwork is an ongoing process that requires regular evaluation and adjustment. This section will emphasize the importance of conducting annual price reviews, seeking feedback from customers and industry professionals, and making data-driven adjustments to your pricing strategy.

•         Pricing your artwork is an ongoing process that requires regular evaluation and adjustment.
•         As you gain more experience, build your reputation, and navigate the ever-changing art market, you'll develop a keen sense of how to price your work effectively.
•         Annual Reevaluations: Adjust prices based on yearly sales reviews and market conditions.
•         Feedback and Data-Driven Adjustments: Refining prices require customer feedback and sales data.

 Remember, trust in the value of your artistic vision and the quality of your work. Pricing your artwork fairly and confidently will attract suitable collectors and help you build a sustainable career in the art world. Feel free to seek advice from experienced artists, gallerists, or art consultants who can provide valuable insights and guidance specific to your artistic niche.

Questions and Answers.

1.    "How can artists accurately evaluate their skill level and compare themselves with other artists in the market?"

Answer: Assessing your skill level objectively can be challenging, but there are several ways to gain a more accurate perspective. First, seek feedback from trusted mentors, art teachers, or experienced professionals in the field. Second, participate in art competitions, exhibitions, and critiques to gauge how others receive your work. Third, regularly attend art events and exhibitions to familiarize yourself with the work of other artists in your niche and observe how your work compares in terms of technique, style, and overall quality.

2. “What if an artist's prices are significantly higher or lower than the market average?” 


Answer: If an artist's prices are considerably higher or lower than the market average, it is essential to re-evaluate their pricing strategy. If prices are too high, the artist may struggle to find buyers, and their work may be perceived as overpriced. In this case, the artist should consider adjusting their prices to align with the market and skill level. If prices are too low, the artist may undervalue their work and not generate enough income to sustain their practice. In this situation, the artist should gradually increase their prices while communicating the value and quality of their work to collectors.

3.    "How can artists effectively communicate price increases to their existing collectors and customers?"

Answer: Artists should be discreet and transparent when communicating price increases to existing collectors and customers. They should explain the price increases, such as increased demand, recognition, or production costs. It is essential to emphasize the value and quality of the work and express gratitude for the continued support of their collectors. Moreover, artists can consider offering a loyalty program or special perks to long-time supporters to show appreciation and soften the impact of price increases. This way, they can keep their customers happy while maintaining a fair price for their artwork.

4. “What if an artist's work doesn't sell even after implementing these pricing strategies?” 


Answer: If an artist's work doesn't sell despite implementing pricing strategies, it is important to re-evaluate various factors. First, the artist should assess whether their pricing aligns with their skill level, the market, and the perceived value of their work. They may need to adjust prices accordingly. Additionally, the artist should consider whether marketing and promotion efforts effectively reach their target audience. They may need to invest more time building relationships with potential collectors, exhibiting their work in relevant venues, and leveraging online platforms to increase visibility. Finally, the artist should continuously seek feedback and be open to adapting their artistic style or subject matter to better resonate with their target market.

 Navigating the tension between pricing artwork for profitability and accessibility is a typical challenge artists face. One way to tackle this challenge is by offering a range of works at different price points, allowing collectors with varying budgets to acquire pieces. Artists can create smaller, more affordable works alongside their larger, more expensive pieces. They can also consider offering limited edition prints or reproductions at lower prices to make their work more accessible. Additionally, artists can explore alternative sales models, such as payment plans or rent-to-own options, to make their work more attainable for a wider audience while ensuring profitability.

 It's important to note that pricing artwork is an ongoing process that requires adaptability and continuous learning. Artists should regularly review and adjust their pricing strategies based on market feedback, sales performance, and evolving career goals. By staying attuned to the market, seeking feedback, and being open to adaptation, artists can navigate the complexities of pricing their work effectively and sustainably.

 Competitive Advantages in Art Shows, Exhibitions, and Plein Air Events: Strategies for Effective Pricing

As an artist, you often find yourself in competitive environments such as art shows, exhibitions, and plein-air events. To thrive in these settings, it's crucial to balance competitive pricing with maintaining the integrity and value of your work. Focus on leveraging your unique competitive advantages and allowing the quality of your art to speak effectively to potential buyers.

Critical strategies for gaining a competitive edge include:

1. Develop a deep understanding of your target market and collectors.
2. Create a strong, cohesive body of work that showcases your unique artistic style, technique, and vision.
3. Use effective presentation and storytelling to create an immersive and memorable experience for potential buyers.
4. Communicate the inherent worth of your art through your pricing strategy, considering factors such as time, skill, materials, reputation, and market demand.
5. Build relationships, network, and engage with your audience through artist talks, workshops, collaborations, and active participation in the art community.

Remember, pricing alone does not guarantee success. Focus on the quality of your art, understanding your target market, and building genuine connections with your audience to create a compelling competitive advantage. Stay true to your artistic vision and communicate the value of your work through effective pricing and storytelling. Your success as an artist is rooted in your commitment to your craft, ability to connect with others, and unwavering belief in the value you bring to the world through your art.

2018 Holiday Card

Creating this year’s Holiday Card was very memorable indeed. The month of October brought many changes, not the least of which, Bobbie received a total new left knee on October 30. Her recovery has been miraculous. By Dec 1st her pain is now less than the pain she had before the surgery, and every day our pain is less and less.

On my breaks from home care that first week, I took the opportunity to walk into Busse Woods. Nature heals any weary soul, and this year, the golden leaves and amethyst trunks and branches were instructing me in how beautifully harmonizing complementary colors can be.

So this years palette for our Holiday cards is Quinophthalone Yellow, Transparent Orange, Burnt Sienna, and Amethyst Genuine, (all Danial Smith Watercolors by the way).

While the first wash was setting up to dry, a pinch of salt was added to create the small spirit-like anomalies in the mixtures of colors as the first wash drys.

Sample of 2018 Holiday Cards

We chose for this years passage a verse out of the song “It Came Upon A Midnight Clear” by Edmund Sears in 1849

“O ye, beneath life's crushing load,
Whose forms are bending low,
Who toil along the climbing way
With painful steps and slow,
Look now! for glad and golden hours
Come swiftly on the wing;
O rest beside the weary road
And hear the angels sing!”

Sample of 2018 Holiday Cards

We hope you enjoy this year’s cards and my you and your families have a blessed Christmas and a wonder-filled creative New Year!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Steve and Bobbie

#3 July 2017 - The Art of Business and the Business of Art

In this episode: 

• Updates on family and learning opportunities

• Lessons learned from an art teacher

• Right values adds value

Updates: Continuing the busy theme of last year. The month of March brought another two families together. My daughter Amanda married her college sweetheart Trey and the two are now living happily in Southern California.

More proud moments for this mom and dad. We couldn't be happier for these two. Marking three down. Triple Phew!!!

A proud papa and his beautiful daughter.

Wedding Day - Trey and Amanda

On Learning: As a faculty member at the Palette and Chisel Academy of Fine Art.  I'm helping students find enjoyable ways improving their creative eye and hand. If you are local to Chicago, I'd love to have you join our class. Sign up at the Palette and Chisel Website.

Chicago Botanic Garden will be our setting for learning the Art of Plein Air painting starting July 19. For more information and to reserve your spot, click here: http://www.steveputtrich.com/watercolor-workshops/plein-air

And for learning watercolor at the Barrington Library in August, click here:
http://www.steveputtrich.com/watercolor-workshops/4b5mop7cwoi07eupt7y1aywrqowz5s

On Painting: This past June brought what will be an annual event for Bobbie and me - The Cedarburg Plein Air event in Cedarburg Wisconsin. This magic historic town brought out some of the best painters in the area.
I was honored to have my watercolor selected as Best in Show and purchased by the Cedarburg Art Museum for their permanent art collection.

On Location "A River Runs Through Cedarburg" Watercolor 13 x 20

“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.”
— Pablo Picasso

"It is not enough to know your craft - you have to have feeling. Science is all very well, but for us imagination is worth far more." — Édouard Manet

"Life beats down and crushes your soul, art reminds you that you have one." — Stella Adler

Lessons learned from an art teacher
Don't just look for the good subjects to paint, look for the good in your subjects to paint. Your art's story is important, not because it is yours, but because, if you paint it right, the chances are others will recognize, that in many ways, it is their story too.
In Business, the same is true. Don't just see your Brand as good, But really look for the good IN your Brand. Your Brand is your promise of service or performance of your product to meet your customers need or to relieve their "pain". Your Brand's story is important, not because it is yours, but because if you tell it right, the chances are others will recognize, that in many ways, it is their story too.

On Values: They say if you get your values right any color will work to make your painting work. I've also heard value does the work while color get the glory.
Both these lessons were reaffirmed the other day when Bobbie was describing a scene to me and the play of light shapes and dark shapes were astonishing. All she said was "Remember Steve, the light parts in the shade and shadows are still darker than the dark parts in light. Don't mix them up!" She had to say it three times to get it to sunk in. Wise words from my beautiful bride.

Or in other words...Right value adds value.
As in business, the same is true for art.

Title: Lilacs in a Glass
In the final days of Édouard Manet's life, he was homebound with illness. Friends would bring him fresh flowers as gifts. He would in turn paint these flowers in various still life's in glass vases This is my ode to Édouard Manet's and his flowers.
Medium: Oil on Canvas
Size: 12" x 16"
Status: Dry and ready for your frame.

That's all for this month! Thanks, as always!

Steve Puttrich

www.steveputtrich.com

#2 The Art of Business and the Business of Art

In this episode: 

• Updates on family and teaching opportunities.
• Art and artists are natural connectors of people. Add vulnerability to the mix and it brings amazing opportunities. 
• An old elevator provides life lessons for deep adventure.

Updates:

Continuing the busy theme of last Summer, this Fall and Winter have been equally busy as well. December brought two more families together as our son John married his collage sweetheart Jenna. 

Bobbie and I also had the pleasure of a road trip to deliver wedding presents and supplies out to their new home in Philadelphia.

Proud moment for this dad. I couldn't be happier for these two. Marking, two down and one to go. In March, Amanda and Trey (on the right) will be getting married. Double Phew!

On Teaching: I'm now a faculty member at the Palette and Chisel Academy of Fine Art.  If you're looking for an enjoyable way to improve your creative eye, and are local to Chicago, I'd love to have you join our class. 

I'm excited to not just share what I've learned, but learn equally from each of my students.

Sign up here: 

https://reg126.imperisoft.com/PaletteAndChisel/ProgramDetail/3331333635/Registration.aspx

Classes in May, June and July are soon in the works.

“Fine art is knowledge made visible.” — Gustave Courbet

"The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance."— Aristotle

“Art is the stored honey of the human soul.”— Theodore Dreiser

The Power of Connection

Artists often set up on locations where people can gather and watch. Recently, while painting at Lincoln Park Conservatory, everyone was enjoying the warmth and sweet smells of moist soil. Some folks were very busy, some paused to stop and look, while others paused slower still too say “nice picture” or good job”. Young children look first at the painting and then they look straight into the eyes to see whose painting. The older generation look straight into the eyes first and then maybe or maybe not at the painting. One particular gentleman, Lou was his name, with piercing blue eyes caught my gaze and held it for a good two minutes, we talked about such things as age, life in general and the “old country”. Not sure if he even looked at the painting.

                   Serenity

As artists, whenever we paint on location, we put our art and ourselves out there for all to see.  I would challenge other Plein Air painters to never miss an opportunity to look into the eyes of the people we meet. The eyes tell amazing stories. The eyes help us meet people where they are at in life. The eyes offer bids for connection, and if met with an equally open vulnerable heart, they help connect us at a deeper level. And isn’t that what artists are always looking for anyway, that deeper connection in our art and life?

Sometimes I think I’m really just a connector of people cleverly disguised as a Plein Air artist… Come to think of it, that’s not too bad a thing.

The act of creating art is a vulnerable process and then creating art in a public space is another act of vulnerability. And as Brene Brown puts it, "vulnerability creates opportunity for connection!" As artists, that's what we do best.

This following story was part of my toast to John and Jenna on their wedding day. I think it's a good story to share and remember.

"The human heart is deeply designed for an adventure to live. 

When we had our condo in the city, the century-old elevator had an array of floor buttons, and at the bottom was a bright red alarm button.

          Our Red Button

At least once a week, maybe more, we would hear those elevator alarm bells ring for just a second. It's sound carried throughout the building. We always would wonder who was ringing that bell, and why were they consistently asking for help? It was a mystery and even got annoying, until one day, while Bobbie and I were waiting for the elevator to arrive, we heard the alarm bell go off again. Soon, the doors opened to reveal the cause of these bells. There were two small boys, ages maybe 2 and 5, and the limit of their reach allowed them only to push that bright red alarm button. As soon as we saw their excited faces, Bobbie asked them, "Are you two going on an adventure?" Their smiles announced loud and clear, they were! 

We were fortunate enough to ride down to the lobby with them and fascinated by their spirit for adventure.

We told this to their worried / relieved mother awaiting their arrival.

Now, since that moment, every time we'd hear a bell or an alarm, Bobbie and I look at each other and say the word "Adventure!!!" And we instantly remember that story. 

The greatest moment of life is now, and may you frequently push the "red button" to make some noise, reminding us all that life is indeed...deeply designed for adventure."

Title: Messina

Medium: Watercolor on Hand-made Paper

One of our more adventurous Parsons projects was the Straits of Messina Bridge project. I had the privilege to spend some time in Italy and Sicily meeting with the warm local people and some of our partners, all the while recording reference materials for this winning proposal. Inspiration for this painting came from the deck of the water ferry as we crossed the Straits and entered the Port of Messina. The hills behind Messina just glowed in the afternoon light. This Italian sunlight is so spectacular it actually played a creative prominent roll in our proposal itself.

Size: 13" x 20"

Status: Currently Available

http://www.steveputtrich.com/new-products-1/messina

That's all for this month!

Thanks for reading!

Steve Puttrich

www.steveputtrich.com

November 2016 Issue

The Art of Business and the Business of Art

Welcome,
This newsletter is an effort to bring value and offer new innovative ways creativity adds value to your business and life. After working 35 years in the marketing, creative, leadership and innovation business, I can assure you, I have a few best practices and lessons learned that I will safely share with you. I will also include personal updates on new paintings, events and opportunities to grow your own creative skills and marketing ability.

Update
The summer had been a busy time. September was especially challenging in that I committed to produce a painting a day for the entire 30 days. This challenge paid off in a big way, not just in sales, but mainly in experience. What was learned during these 30 days will now be carried forward adding to every future project. I highly recommend a 30 day challenge in any area you want to see improvement and serious growth.
Click here to see my September results:
October 10th brought two families together on the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean. Emilie Puttrich, our oldest daughter, and Jonathan Hertel shared wedding vows on a beautiful sunny afternoon. Proud moment for this dad. I couldn't be happier for these two. Marking, one down, two to go. In December and March, John and Amanda, our two other children, are also getting married. Phew!

On Teaching: I'm enjoying leading watercolor workshops and will do so more formally in January / February at the Palette and Chisel Academy of Fine Art.  If you're looking for a fun and enjoyable way to improve your creative skills, stay tuned for a sign up link.

“Great art picks up where nature ends.”
~ Marc Chagall

"Hard pressed on my right. My center is yielding. Impossible to maneuver. Situation excellent. I shall attack."
~ Ferdinand Foch

"Be grateful for everything and entitled to nothing."
~ Jack Clark Fmr Head Coach of U.S. Rugby

The Power of Creativity
A strong painting speaks volumes, more than any photo can communicate. As the designer and artist in all of us, we owe it to our clients to connect beyond just the visual, we must aim to connect the heart. 
In my 3.5 decades working in the creativity business, I've seen first hand how creativity is used to build common ground for better understanding of complex designs and challenging projects. By using attributes of beauty, uniqueness and story, deep connections can be made, compelling the heart to connect even deeper. Never underestimate the value creativity brings to your projects. Never miss an opportunity to improve your project's story with creativity.

A few weeks ago I attended a paid marketing focus group. The client, a major shipping company I'll just call FX, did a good job of collecting a diverse set of individuals. Among my fellow panelists were three other creative types, all by chance sitting on one side of the table, and four others I'll call less aware folks, on the other side of the table. The moderator had her hands full instilling curiosity and awareness from this lesser engaged group. The creatives, on the other side of the table, offered freely our feelings and deep concerns about what was right and what was wrong with FX's marketing message. The creatives fed off each other's energy and engagement. We knew the value we could add and made great suggestions and recommendations to improve FX's marketing message. I did walk away with a few best practices.
Best practices
1. The one attribute creatives bring is a curiosity to know why. Businesses full of curious creative minds are far better equipped to thrive, not to just survive.
2. If you're paying for creatives already, engage them and use them. The value they bring is priceless.
3. If you don't have one, get a creative or two on your team and ask for their viewpoints and perspective. That diversity and inclusion is like kerosene on smoldering embers.
4. Awareness and reflection are two more attributes most creatives possess. Foster and grow these skills in yourself and your team and solutions will show up.

Most artists see the difficulty in each scene. Few artists see the scene filled with opportunity for connection.
Be counted among the few.
Finish well!

Title: Rocky Mountain Courage
Medium Oil, Size 12"x16"
Rocky Mountain National Park is filled with little corners where light plays the lead character. It’s where, in this sanctuary, Story reveals her true beauty. I was intrigued by the courage of these young trees choosing to take root away from the safety of the shadows, and yet thriving in the open elements, where sunshine is strong and the inclusion of its neighbors, the boulders, offers support for strong growth. Life always finds a way.
Status: Currently Available

Thanks for reading.

Steve Puttrich

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Painting 30 Paintings in 30 Days

I love and thrive in and with competition. I know this about myself and I use any and all competition as much as possible. Mostly I compete with my yesterday, and to make today even better. 

For those starting a 30 day challenge, below are a few lessons learned I gleamed from last month's challenge.

Things I wished I knew before starting the 30 paintings in 30 days challenge.

1. Commit: Make up your mind and commit to yourself and others you will finish. Tell your family and friend to help hold you accountable. Facebook friends helped here immensely.
2. Resources: Have your supplies, plus extra, ready to go. A. more panels in different sizes all ready to go. B. Secure more paint than you think you'll need. C. Printed out photos you've always wanted to paint. D. Sets of good, clean brushes.
3. Start small and get ready to grow daily.
4. Have fun: Enjoy the moments and share as much as is comfortable for you.
5. Give yourself every opportunity to succeed. Turn off the TV. Limit social media, turn off the devises. Clean your supplies at the end of the day so that you're ready to go in the morning.
6. Schedule: Get ahead of schedule. When you paint, paint with passion. Paint, paint and paint some more. Have 4-5 paintings going at various stages. Paint 2-3 per day. Some may not work, most will.
7. Don't stop when you're tired. Stop when you're done. Work hard, even when no one is watching.
8. Give yourself rewards at the end of the day, week and month. It doesn't have to cost anything, for me, a quiet moment reading a good book does it.
9. Expect exponential growth in skills and confidence to risk more challenging work.

This 30 day challenge worked well. I think this is something I'll do a few times a year.