Hello, I'll Be Your Waiter This Evening.......Even Though I Am A Highly Talented and Skilled Artist

The Soul Stirrers  Oil on canvas  30" x 40"

So........how to sustain oneself as an artist? Lots of ways.....you're an artist....get creative. Sure, there is always the gallery approach, which I have minimal experience with at this point, so somebody else feel free to write in about that. (It is a goal of mine...) I enter shows that are I think are appropriate venues for my paintings. Most recently, I was in the 115th Annual Open Exhibition at the Catherine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club in NYC, along with my colleague and friend, Lea Colie Wight, and an alumna of Incamminati, Diane Rappissi. The painting that I entered was an allegory entitled "The Soul Stirrers", which I painted totally free from thinking "Will This Sell?" (it hasn't so far...) , and I was in love with its process the entire time. Not to mention that I completely believe in this piece.

I am only speaking from my own personal experience, but every time that I have been totally gone on a painting, it has sold at one time or another. Also, I am not ashamed to mention that I have made a small fortune on Ebay...with works that I could let go of at very low prices.....but I sold a bunch! I held onto all my work, and discovered that when I would throw things out, people would invariably pick them out of the trash. Idea.....hmmmm.....why shouldn't I get some money for them? A business man/friend commented on what a great idea this was....you learn about marketing and selling, and you end up with cash in the pocket.......plus you can get rid of a lot of art school studies. Go ahead....look me up, I'm on there right now.....mind you will not find "The Soul Stirrers" on there. Prepare yourself for some work, though, which brings me to another point.

Work. work, work!!!! I have known Nelson Shanks for over twenty years, and have had the opportunity of observing him in action. The man works it. You gotta. Nowadays I say yes to every opportunity to sell, I can't afford not to. Need a portrait of your favorite pet that has been dead for five years? All you've got is the photo? You got it. Do the best that you can, and if all else fails put the skills learned and acquired to work. Maybe at best it is just practice, but it will probably beat waiting tables.....which I did for a decade.....quit one day right after I clocked in because the temperamental bartender snarled at me. Harvey Pekar chose to work in the USPostal Service because he liked the regular hours, the weekly paychecks, and the benefits. He would go home and do his real life's work at night.