The art festival was last Saturday and I am feeling much less stressed now. Despite some concerns about the weather and the set-up going smoothly, everything turned out great. The weather was perfect--by some miracle the forecast changed from 60% chance of thunderstorms to partly sunny all day! My booth set-up turned out pretty much exactly as I had planned and had a very cool look about it and I am glad to have not spent more money on a fancier set-up. The wire mesh I purchased to hang the paintings on created a very airy space and the paintings looked a little like they were floating in mid-air. The only piece of furniture in the booth was a small folding table which I placed in the middle of the tent. This created a very open, inviting space. I was pleased with this set-up and I think I will keep it the same for the next show. Check out the pictures of my booth below:
The most pleasant surprise of the day was that my booth won an honorable mention award! Of the 56 artists at the festival, I was one of eight who was recognized! And, I sold five paintings...can't forget to mention that! All in all it was a huge success. I am now more aware of what sells and what people like, so next time I can be better prepared with more small paintings for sale. I did find, however, that it is the big brightly colored paintings that draw people in to the booth. The giant pink rose and the field of poppies definitely received the most compliments so I will include them in future shows for sure.
NEXT SHOW: Salt Fork River Art Festival at Sleepy Creek Vineyards in Fairmount, IL. Sept 25 and 26.
Address:
Sleepy Creek Vineyards
8254 E 1425 North Road
Fairmount, IL 61841
http://www.sleepycreekvineyards.com/
This is a commissioned painting I completed back in March. The painting was an anniversary gift and the couple wanted it to feature yellow roses which were their wedding flower. I found the subject of yellow roses to be exceedingly difficult to paint! Yellow is such tricky color to work with, because the shadows so easily turn into a muddy brown color. Several times I had to scrape off a section of this painting because I felt it was turning into a brown rose painting. I'm convinced in the end they look like yellow roses. I also like the perspective of this painting--peering down at a bouquet. It captures all the intricate layering and depth of these beautiful flowers.
