So.Much.Art.Work / by Carolyn Wright

Recently, a new acquaintance asked me: “Full-time artist--does that mean you get to paint all day, every day?”

I couldn’t answer at first, I was laughing too hard.

The answer to the question is: No, in fact, I spend at least as much time each week on other work that has to do with my art as I do actually painting.  There is a lot of art work that has nothing to do with painting.  That is, if you want to show and sell.

Finding shows to enter, finding work that fits those shows, entering the shows (which involves writing artist statements and descriptions of your work), preparing for the shows (matting, framing, label-making), delivering to shows, advertising shows, attending shows, picking up from shows…

What’s getting matted? What’s getting framed? It may look chaotic to the uninitiated, but I do know what I’m doing.

What’s getting matted? What’s getting framed? It may look chaotic to the uninitiated, but I do know what I’m doing.

And then there is the self promotion on social media--keeping up the website, writing blogs, having art professionally photographed, regularly posting on Instagram, on Facebook…

It’s a lot of work. 

These past two weeks, the focus has been on show preparation, which is ongoing.  I’m excited for the big days, please put them on your calendar and plan to attend at least one:

  • Art, Hope, Love 2: October 17, from 7 to 9:30, to benefit the Catherine Elizabeth Blair Foundation.  I have LOTS of work in this one, but TICKETS ARE REQUIRED! Here is the link for more info: https://www.blairfoundation.org/art-hope-love-2

  • Organica II: Opens October 19, runs through November 17, Falls Church Arts.  I have two pieces selected for this show about art that is inspired by or made with organic elements.  Opening reception on October 19 7:30 to 10, https://fallschurcharts.org/

  • Explorations in Watercolor, 2019 PVW St. Andrews Fall Art Show and Sale: November 9 & 10, at St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Arlington, VA.  Depending on what is left after the Art, Hope, Love 2 show, I will have a good amount of work showing here. https://www.potomacvalleywatercolorists.org/content.asp?contentid=407

And now, back to getting ready--I have a lot of labels to stick on today...