The Nasty Things That Keep Us From Painting

The Nasty Things That Keep Us From Painting 1
Jeff Fioravanti

We all say “I just want to paint” but handling the business end of your artistic pursuits can be just as critical as the creative and artistic pursuits. Unless you have a spouse, significant other, family member or dear friend to handle all the business aspects of being an artist… you are it!

Pastel painting of boat rigging attached to the harbour wall.
Lifelines, by Jeff Fioravanti

Even if you are fortunate to have somebody else to handle the business end of your creativity, you still need to be involved. It may be a weekly meeting, at the minimum, with that person so you know where you are, regarding upcoming shows, money coming in, going out, gallery communications, publicity, demos or workshops you may be giving, etc.

Soft pastel painting of a ship's mast looking up to the bird's nest, by Jeff Fioravanti.
Rigging, USS Constitution by Jeff Fioravanti

One time I was asked to speak to a high school class of future artists. The first thing I told them, besides how to understand my “Bahston” (Boston) accent, was when they enter college in the Fall, they should study a minor in business.

Why? Because, while you can hire an accountant, a lawyer, a marketer, a family member or friend to run your business, it is important that you ‘the artist’ have at least a basic knowledge of what the lawyer, accountant, etc. is saying or showing you.

In addition, understanding the business end helps you better work with galleries, entering shows, publicity, keeping track of which shows you’ve entered, your inventory, keeping up with collectors and just where your art is at all times, and not forgetting the importance of sending ‘thank you’ notes and being in touch with those important people who purchase and promote your art.

Soft pastel painting of a bay in the evening, by Jeff Fioravanti.
Sunset On The Saugus, by Jeff Fioravanti

So remember, it’s your art! It’s you that is out there, putting yourself out there, and part of that is following good business practices to ensure you get the most out of your creative efforts towards a long, successful and happy career as an artist!

Soft pastel painting of waves crashing against the rocky shoreline, by Jeff Fioravanti.
To Touch Your Shore, by Jeff Fioravanti.

Exploration

The dictionary defines a journey as an act of traveling from one place to another. This would seem to imply a start and an endpoint. For me, as an artist, there really is no ending to my travels.

Announcing New Associate Artists!

In May we held a recruitment exercise for new Associate Artists and we were overwhelmed with the number of applications. So much so we will have 2 groups of new artists. Our 2nd group will be announced in August 2020.

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3 Responses

  1. To Jeff Fioravanti, enjoyed your Saugus river paintings. I am still an amateur pastel painter. Used to work next to the Saugus river.

  2. Thank you so much Melanie! Glad you found value in the info in my post!

    Don, you still work / live in the Saugus area? You are always welcome to join our plein air group. You can contact me through my website for further info if interested. https://www.fioravantifineart.com I will be giving a free demo for the Winthrop Art Association on June 4th too!

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