Fine Art Paintings and Reproductions - Am I Ready To TakeThat Step?

I don't want to be just a hobbyist you say, what is a business opportunity list some examples.

Fine Art Paintings and Reproductions or giclees in your art marketing future?

Knowing whether or not one has a marketable product takes some trial runs, at craft fairs, local galleries, stuff like that. Marketing fine art is a whole different ball game from just being a hobbyist. Ya gotta start with some caution, It you do well within the small picture, maybe you have your stuff together enough to spread your wings even farther. It is from those small efforts at first, that an artist is either rewarded with the knowledge that others resonate with their work, or not. It is from there that one can gain perspective on their work. You'll also be able to determine if you are ready for fine art paintings reproduction, known as gicless. Or is it makes sense to make greeting cards and/or art posters or prints.

I always say that, "Talent is DESIRE and the rest is practice." I don't believe in the notion that one is 'born with talent'.

If your 'talent' (talent if you want to describe it that way) is not perceived well locally then maybe more 'practice' is in order. That is what I tell myself anyway. I also tell myself that, "The second I think I have arrived? I am indeed finished."

Testing the market.

The best way to test the market, discover if your road to business opportunities for your artwork is sound and ready is at crafts fairs.

Why not galleries or local shops?

Because if you do not have a marketable product you don't want to leave a bitter pill in the gallery director or shop owners mind about you and your art. You want to walk in with a confidence knowing that the art you represent is highly marketable and will show them the money!

Why craft fairs?

Because you can hear first hand the opinions of shoppers. If you have art that stops traffic you are going to be rewarded by finding that out directly. If you have art that can be walked by without even the slightest hesitation? Its a bummer, oof, but you have to know that, if your goal it to market your work. Nothing is more difficult than being made to feel invisible when your are trying to feel noticed as an artist. Oh! It is just so darn sad! Keep in mind though, we have 'all' been there, we really have.

Every single person in every single thing had a beginning.

Take note and care of your heart however, that you should never rely on just one craft fair.. never ever! I have been to many a horrible craft fair in my day and know that sometimes they just stink and it has absolutely nothing to do with you. Be sure to base your critiques on several shows. Check the ratings of those shows as well, why waste you time at a bad craft faire?

What to do with that bitter pill?

If creating for yourself is all you aim for then 'who cares what they think?' But if your aim is to be a professional artist? That bitter pill of having people walk by your work as if it did not exist has to be considered very well.

What to do?

* Look around and see who is selling that resembles your style or energy and try to understand why that is. What IS selling in other words.

* Go back to the drawing table and consider the fact that maybe more practice is in order.

* One thing not mentioned about craft fairs by me so far is that you need to make sure your display is well done. This is your store in a sense so make it as beautiful as possible. Think of different levels of display too, don't just put a tablecloth on a card table. Having some fine art paintings and reproductions will help too, just don't overextend yourself till you are sure of your arts marketability.

It takes a lot of work but in the end it will be so worth it if you are really trying to fulfill your dreams and know the answer to what is a business opportunity and list some examples on your own.

About Kathy Ostman-Magnusen: I paint and sculpt female fantasy art and map faery tale adventures. I dream of beautiful women on canvas and art of exotic women. I have illustrated for Hay House Inc.,"Women Who Do Too Much" CARDS taken from Anne Wilson Schaef's book. I also illustrated for Neil Davidson, who was considered for the Pulitzer Prize in feature writing, and several other publications. My paintings are collected worldwide. For Original art, I am represented by:

Monkdogz Urban Art, Inc., 547 West 27th Street, 5th floor, New York, NY 10001http://www.monkdogz.com Giclee canvas art work, greeting cards & posters are available for sale on my website: http://www.kathysart.com. Sign up for my mailing list. Free art gifts, Drawings of whimsical angel pictures, legends of mermaids & fairies in art. Tiny angels & mermaids for shrink art, or coloring pages. Also a "Letter From the Tooth Fairy". Ya just never know when you might need one! Check out my Squidoo about creativity: Fantasy Art Woman|Beautiful Women Goddess Art: http://www.squidoo.com/kathysart.