When I started painting, I just shoved things in frames and attempted to sell them. Sometimes to my surprise, this worked and the paintings went off to new homes. Encouraged I shoved more things in frames and displayed them in more places. This gung ho attitude was, of course, doomed to failure. I began to forget which paintings went where, and begun to feel sad that I couldn't look at the ones that had sold anymore.
So, systems were put in place; reference numbers, delivery notes, and out came my camera (not a very good one) to photograph the paintings before they sold. More recently in addition to being photographed, my work is professionally scanned, enabling me to turn it into a limited edition print, a card, tea towel or anything I have the time and money to arrange.
I have often said that if I painted beach huts from morning to night I would be a rich person, their popularity never wanes, and the image at the top of the page gets top views on any site I put it on. Sadly though, the low definition image is not good enough to use for prints, and the original painting sold through a gallery in Bury St Edmunds a couple of years ago.
So, business being rather slow this time of year, I decided to unleash the power of beach huts, and revisit the subject of Southwold:
My modest amount of facebook followers seem to like this new painting, but boyfriend, wandering into the studio said "It's not as good as the other one". He is a constant source of encouragement in my life and has unwavering faith in my abilities, unfortunately he is also a man of absolute truth. You ask him "Does my bum look big in this?" at your own risk, because he simply doesn't understand that women do not want a careful assesment and honest answer to this question.
Whether it is better or worse than the first one is hard to say, I could fall back on that old chestnut; 'all art is subjective', but at the end of the day I am fairly happy with it, and not one to repeat stupid mistakes, it is off to my printers for a high definition scan tomorrow.
After that I shall wait to see if the desire of the buying public for all things beach-hutty is still as strong as ever!
I actually prefer the second one, like you say, each to their own. Good luck with the sale of it, I am sure it will be snapped up.
ReplyDeleteI totally get the fascination with beach huts and love both these paintings. If I had to chose my favourite...? I couldn't!
ReplyDeleteAnd know what you mean about the importance of keeping a record of original pieces of art before they're lost to the big wide world...
I don't think one is better than the other- they're so different. The first one is more dynamic, with the bird's-eye view and the action of the surf, while the second is calmer and more intimate. I would have a hard time choosing between the two.
ReplyDeleteI like it. I have done a couple of beach huts but never get that seaside feel that people seem to want, so have given up for now. I don't think its fair to compare them as they as completely different but I do think the new one has a more interesting composition.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about regrets, I am starting to pay more to frame and print images. I have always photographed my work but as you say the quality is not always good enough to print from.
They are both wonderful paintings Michelle ......
ReplyDeleteHazel
good
ReplyDeleteI really like the second one. I saw it when I googled beach huts, and thats what drew me to your blog. Theres something very cheerful about a row of beach huts.
ReplyDeleteThank you Hannah, I am glad you like the painting! Michele.
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