AGGV Art Rental and Sales gallery program

Eminence - oil on canvas - 36 x 30"

I'm excited to say I got my painting 'Eminence' accepted into the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria Art Rental and Sales Program.  Happy about that!  I love the venue that they have at the Victoria Airport;  a unique and eye catching display for all travellers to enjoy when passing through our airport.  

The rental and sales gallery is a great program.  It allows people to rent first class contemporary original local artworks for a minimum monthly fee.  That's nice because it means people can live with an artwork for a while, its especially good if they are contemplating purchasing it.  Or if they like they can rent it for a few months and then take it back to the gallery.  This allows them to rent another artwork to enjoy for a while.  

I love how Victoria is sooooo supportive of the arts.  And I'm tickled pink to have my work accepted into the AGGV art rental and sales program:)

APPROACHING GALLERIES

Moss & Arbutus - 8x10 en plein air- oil panel

Finding the right fit in a gallery is an important thing.  But it does take time.  You need time to look around at suitable galleries and to have an idea about what sort of work the gallery shows.  It helps to visit the gallery and pay attention to how the work is displayed, how often it is refreshed and what the price points are in comparison to work that you make. 

When all of these things seem in alignment, a request in person or by email on whether or not the gallery is currently seeking new artists is a good idea. In person a gallery owner may say upfront they are or are not seeking new art, and often will explain how to submit if they are. 
Email is less personal, and often an email request to a gallery goes unanswered.  Don't take it personally; but do understand, some things can be learned from no reply: 
1.  They are busy.  Who isn't?  
2.  They don't think they can sell it
3.  They are not seeking new artists at this time. 

In my opinion, no reply to a simple email request tells me something else too:   It tells me that I probably don't really want to do business with that gallery anyway.  Think about it... Would you do business with someone who wasn't available or accessible about business matters?  A professional gallery has the courtesy to at least reply even a standard:  "...at this time we are not currently seeking submissions..."   

An important thing I want from a gallery is a professional gallery / artist relationship.  Make no mistake about it, artists provide a gallery their inventory, in exchange I expect a clear contract and a business approach. 

NEW ABSTRACTED DIRECTIONS FOR ME

Clover Point - 30 x 24 inch -oil on wood - $1000 CAD.

"I'm so excited, and I just can't hide it...." 

I feel like perseverance has slowly begun to cultivate a new direction in my studio work. It's a good feeling.  For several months now I've been pushing my larger work into more resounding abstract sensibilities;  experimenting with different oil media and ways of working with it.  Most of all I've been conscious of simplifying and reducing elements to arrive at a clearer concept of my intentions.
One thing I've learned; you have to show up and push on through the uncomfortable middle bits. There are sure plenty of those! It means taking risks, not being precious, allowing time to hear your inner voice.