On the Boardwalk

Just recovering from a three week show-a-palooza that started with Art on the Grand in Farmington, MI, continued with the Flint Art Fair in Flint, MI, and then concluded with the Boardwalk Art Festival in Virginia Beach, VA.  In between these shows I had a lot of driving, a lot of listening to "The Pillars of the Earth" by Ken Follet, a lot of painting, and some tense moments while my father had surgery.

All shows were pleasant to do and had great people in attendance.  As far as sales go, Farmington was not bad, Flint was a disappointment, and Boardwalk was my best show ever.  I was quite nervous in that Boardwalk does not allow sales of reproductions, the bread and butter of artists in this recession.  But I sold nine paintings and five studies.  I had bare space on the walls when I tore down on Sunday night!

The very, very best moment of the last few weeks came on Friday, when I had set up my easel to do some painting in my tent.  I don't usually paint during a show, but I needed to replenish my inventory, plus I had a beautiful view of the ocean that I couldn't resist.  I was painting some small ocean scenes when two young artists stopped by to watch.  These young ladies were interested in art and had lots of good questions to ask about what I was doing.  They also had some good suggestions!  Their enthusiasm was catching and they reminded me of when I was their age.  Their mom came up and thanked me for talking to them.  She said most other artists wouldn't even give them the time of day.  Well, it was my pleasure to talk with two sweet and charming artists.  Frankly, any artist that wouldn't want to encourage a young person doesn't deserve to be an artist.  With funding for arts education becoming more and more endangered, it is important for us artists to pick up the slack and help the next generation of artists and art collectors whenever possible.  Besides, I learned a lot from these two young artists and several others that stopped by to chat! 

I was privileged that these two young ladies wanted to buy the paintings that they helped me create.  Here a picture of three very proud artists!  Maria and Kate, I will remember you for a long time!  I hope these paintings remind you of someone who wishes the very best for you.