Remember to sign your work - or not

Red Feather, 20 x 30, oil on linen
I've been known to ship a painting to a gallery without a signature. Yep, I've done it more than once. Last week I shipped a painting. The next day, I got The Call. I had forgotten to sign it. I told the gallery "ship it back and I will sign it, or sell it and then ship it back for a signature". Well, they decided to sell it first, which they did yesterday. Hmmm, I wonder if I forget to sign all my paintings they will all sell that fast!

Setting a Limit

Summerfall, 36 x 30, oil on canvas


One of my galleries just sent an email asking for new paintings. I'm always happy to send out new work. In fact I don't keep many paintings on hand at the studio. What's the point of that? Nobody sees them here.

The problem with this gallery's request is that they don't want to send back the paintings that they have. Most of my paintings are on the large size: 24x30 - 30x40. I think 6 pieces make a good display. More than that can be over whelming. (I also do smaller paintings, 8 x 10, and don't always include those in my "count")

The other reason is for my own protection. I've had galleries go bankrupt. A friend of mine had work in a gallery that was destroyed by a natural gas explosion. Limiting the number of paintings protects me from huge losses. When a painting sells I replace it with a new one as quickly as I can.

Of course, there are some exceptions. In case of a show, or if a gallery has a long track record with me I'll send more work.

What are your thoughts on this?

Spring!

I try not to veer off the subject of art on my blogs but it's been a long hard winter and today I'm celebrating the first signs of spring!

Oklahoma Friendly National Juried Show

Silver City Marshal, oil on canvas

I just got notified that I have work accepted into the National Juried Show, "Oklahoma Friendly 2011". Of the 782 paintings entered, only 20% were selected for the show. I entered 3 pieces and I don't know which painting(s) was accepted. I'll find out soon.

This year's show will be on display at IAO Gallery, 706 W. Sheridan in Oklahoma City. The opening party and celebration will include great Oklahoma music (Buffalofitz), and Oklahoma food (Big Truck Tacos), as well as outstanding National art

The show dates are March 18-April 9, 2011 with an opening reception on March 18th.

More info to follow as it becomes available.