Practical Palette

Using Acrylic Glass Bead Gel Medium

The idea of the acrylic glass bead gel medium was fascinating to me, but after purchasing it initially, it spent a few months on the shelf.  After thinking about it far too long, I finally jumped into the fray.  It was a good move because I just love it. 

When using the glass bead medium, there is a bit of a learning curve to maximize the effect of the reflected light.  The effect is subtle when viewed from a distance but properly done it can supply lovely textural, reflected light effects.

The gel dries clear so without adding color the glass beads just add a bit of texture and sparkle.  The learning comes in working with colors, such as, what underlying color and value best achieves the maximum effect.  Of course, adding a very transparent color in the glass bead gel or on top of the glass bead gel gives a more complex effect.  But use this color sparingly, as more color leads to diminishing reflections from the beads.  Of course the lovely textural effects remain even when the surface of the beads becomes opaque.

Experimentation is key with any new medium or color.  Have a little fun and try it out.

10 Hints for Success in Showing Art-- Hint #6 Kids, Candy, Flowers

Three important things to remember when planning to show your art are kids, candy and flowers. 

Kids and candy don't go together.  Many of us try to have a little food or take away at shows or openings.  Often one of the simplest is little candies or other sweet treats.  But it's important to understand your audience.  Will there be children?   Even the best behaved children will find a bowl of candy distracting.  At worst they may grab a handful and run around.  Or they may simply ask their parents or you if they can have some.  Being children, they may ask repeatedly or want to know "Why not?"  Save yourself and their parents a little trouble by putting out something less distracting.  It will leave you free to talk about your art and their parents a little more free to enjoy your work.

Don't forget flowers when you are planning your setup.  If at all possible, bring a bouquet.  It adds so much to the aesthetic atmosphere and can really set your display apart from the crowd.  The fresh cheerful look of flowers is refreshing and inviting, even if its black tulips to complement goth art.  Have fun with fresh flowers at your next show.  It's a little extra effort but a lot of fun.

10 Hints for Success in Showing Your Art--Hint#5 Plan the Space

It is sometimes so exciting to get a show, arrange all the publicity, get the artwork ready, that planning of the space can get short shrift.  Make planning for the hanging space an important item on your checklist.

Visit the location that you will hang.  Look for all the following items:

1. Nearby parking
2. Amount of wallspace (including limitations on width, ht)
3. Number of paintings that can hang and in what groupings
4. Type and stability of hangars
5. Labeling requirements or restrictions
6. Logistics for the day of, door key, etc
7. Who should you contact, what day or hour can you arrive
8. Will you need a second person to watch your stuff while unloading (help is always preferable)

Planning out your hangings will reduce the time it takes to hang.  It may prevent some critical errors in what you bring or your ability to get it hung. 

Look at your space and plan it out in your head or even better on paper.  Clearer thoughts and more preparation helps with the butterflies and reduces the unexpected problems.

Nance

10 Hints for Success in Showing Your Art--Hint #4 Dress

There are various schools of thought on how to dress for success at an art show.  Of course, some of it depends on where you are showing.  You want to accomplish 2 things with dress.  One- let everyone know that you are a serious artist.  Two- let people identify you as the artist.  For the second one- a name tag is probably sufficient. 

Somewhat surprisingly, many people make the identification aspect the most important.  They may dress outrageously or inappropriately.  I took a night class with one artist who showed up everyday in a white shirt and tie, but when he had an art opening, I was shocked to find him dressed like a hippie.  How you want to present yourself is a personal choice.  The important part is that my friend did not show up looking dirty and unkept, which might have put off potential customers. 

Another simple point that people often miss is just wearing a nametag, badge or ribbon to identify you as the artist.  There is nothing wrong with directly pointing out that you are the artist.  Serious patrons may appreciate not having to guess.  Another way is to have a picture on your bio or statement that people can recognize.  Keeping your appearance consistent is key, don't change your hair color or cut dramatically and expect people to recognize it.

Some artists subscribe to the theory that outrageous or inappropriate clothing will not only identify them as an artist but also legitimize their standing.  No doubt this has helped a few people.  However, for most it ends up detracting from the work.  The purpose of the show is to have people look at your work not your clothes.  As for inappropriate clothing, who wants to lose a sale because a collector found your clothing more ignorant than artistic? 

There is no reason to put a significant damper on your personal style when dressing for an art show.  But think of your dress as an accessory not as a main feature to the show.  You want it to compliment your art not overpower it. 

10 Hints for Success in Showing Your Art - Hint #3 Entertainment

Hint #3  Entertainment

Make some early decisions on what you want to do with entertainment.  Remember people come to be entertained and you don't have to limit that to just viewing your artwork. 

Questions to ask yourself: 

Do you want to have a large opening night event?  Some shows don't have events associated with the show since some venues don't allow for it.  Others consist only of the one night and so must be maximized.  Whatever the case for your show, you need to make some decisions early enough to be able to get the maximum benefit.

Will there be an opening night party?  Will there be liquor served?  This requires a permit in most locations.  Can you get a sponsor to provide the alcohol?  Do you need event insurance?  Will the party have a theme?  If so, it should augment the atmosphere of your art.

Will there be refreshments?  If so, what kind?  You can spend a great deal on this but there are many simple and enjoyable refreshments that don't cost an arm and a leg. 

Do you plan to have decorations?  I don't recommend much in the way of decorations unless you are having a theme night for your opening.   

Have you thought of favors or literature handouts?  Do you want people to walk away with a little memento of the night, preferably with your name and contact info, such as a website.  Also, when someone buys, do you want to offer them a little bonus?  Everyone loves a gift.

What about music?  I feel nothing sets the mood like music.  If you can't afford live music or even a DJ, a nice portable music system can set the mood.  Remember, you just want background ambiance but nothing to hinder sales or prevent discussion of your art. 

The opening event can be as large or as small as you wish.  Remember your goal is to show and sell your work.  A casual party with a friendly atmosphere can very effective, and so can a blowout theme party, so feel free to suit your personality.

10 Hints for Success in Showing Your Art--Hint#2

Hint #2 Publicity

The List - your list of prospective collectors - is actually a subset of the larger topic of Publicity.  However, I like to separate the two topics out, thinking of the List as people you know, and Publicity as people you don't know. 

Typically the List consists of people you have met through previous exhibits or subscribed or you know from a social context.  While Publicity has to do with informing and inviting people that you don't know (yet).  So in this category there are media invitations, announcements, posters, handbills, etc.  Of course, the people you know will receive announcements, but attracting and gaining the attention of people you don't know is a key part of growing your List and therefore your collector base.

Before spending money on postcards or sending out emails, take a moment to decide what you want to say about your art.  Put it down in words.  Then redo it, to make in more concise.  Then decide if it is something that would interest you.  If it isn't, try again.  If it is, you just might have something!

Decide what your budget can afford, how you will distribute and what is likely to be the most effective for your event.  Don't forget to consider how much time you have, so starting this process early is certainly an advantage.

If you feel a little overwhelmed, don't give up.  Start small.  Pick one thing you know you can do and do it.  Once you do that you may find yourself so invigorated you can move on to another.  A little publicity is always better that none, and you will find that the second time is easier.  Over time if you keep adding, you may become a publicity master!

10 Hints for Success in Showing Your Art-- Hint#1

My heart was pounding, breathing seemed difficult, was it a heart attack?  No, I had just found out my first art show had been scheduled.  Finally there was an opportunity to show my paintings.  But, I wasn't just excited, I was scared!  All this time, my concentration had been on improving my artwork, and then on finding opportunities to exhibit.  Now that it had happened, there was a bit of panic.  I realized there were many things to know about doing the exhibit itself.

Experience is a great teacher and I'd like to share a few things to help make your shows a success:

Hint #1  The List

This may be the most important part, besides your art, of every show.  This is the list you will build adn maintain throughout your career.  These are the people you will invite to the exhibit.  For artists just starting out, this will be your friends and family. 

From experience, I can say, don't wait until your first big exhibit to start building your list.  Start now and keep working on it as you progress in your work.  When you are talking with people, let them know you are an artist.  If they express interest, ask if they want to receive an email with your upcoming shows or events.  Don't have a gallery show?  No problem, announce the opening of your website, or shows at the local art fairs or whatever you are doing.  People don't want to be inundated with junk mail, but if they have asked for the info, a polite notice of your upcoming event will be welcomed.  Art is fun, art is exciting, most people want to share in the excitement with you.

Of course, a subsection of The List will be media.  You will want to get the word out to the local media.  This means compiling the contact info for your local publications.  This is not complicated but takes time and will need to be maintained frequently. 

But what about other areas of your life?  Do you belong to a social group?  Would they like to know about your upcoming show?  Perhaps they would enjoy getting a short announcement for their newsletter.  Finding new and easy ways to expand your list will help you maintain contact with your collectors and potential collectors.