Why Am I Buying This Painting?

I just sold three paintings at my first art show!  I met so many nice folks and it made me think about the three people who bought my art.  It seems kind of obvious, but the first question you should ask yourself is, do you like the painting?  You'll undoubtedly notice that the artwork has a certain artistic style that's appealing.. It might be brush strokes, a repeated image or a particular color palate that speaks to you.  Now, I've just got to make a personal comment.  A painting doesn't have to match your decor or color scheme - really!  Mixing types of art, contemporary and traditional, is what makes a room interesting.  At an art show, you can usually talk to the artist.  Ask about the piece - what's the process, the inspiration, the back story?  You'll often get entertaining and enlightening answers which will make the artwork more meaningful to you.  I sold a painting of a Koi pond.  I took several photos at a lovely Japanese garden in Seattle.  I spied an interesting looking duck being followed by a beautiful fish and voila, a painting was born!  Ask yourself if you like the artist and if you like the price.  Walk around the show to see if the piece you want to buy is comparable to other similar art pieces.   A note about bargaining - prices are sometimes flexible, especially at an art show.  Be courteous and reasonable, sometimes it works.  I was thrilled to have a successful show!  I'm looking forward to my next one at the Foundry Art Centre.  The Big Red Box holiday art show will be held in St. Charles, Mo. on Dec. 2 from 4pm - 9pm & Dec. 3 from 10am - 5pm.  Join me if you're in the area, I'd love to meet you!

                                                        Here's my booth at CraftOutLoud!