Christmas is coming, sales are soaring, mark II

I haven't been working (painting) in the studio since my last post. I have been busy with other things, like tidying up for a studio visit by a client. Getting my van serviced and certified (road worthiness) which has to be done annually. Then other odds and jobs took up quite a bit of time, a fishing competition last weekend.

With everything going on I am just not able to get down to painting. Although sales of work are going well, surprisingly considering the economy. I think it has a lot to do with the fact that at the moment investment in art is one of the safest options. Buying sensibly means that your investment should not lose value, as art is not as volatile as stocks and shares. The newspapers and journals have been full of articles saying as much for the last few weeks. Mainly driven by the major art auction houses I suppose, but it has had a good effect on my sales.

I may get some painting done next week, but it is getting close to the silly season, and I may find myself otherwise occupied.

muddy yellows.....

I have finally finished (sort of) my latest work. It is an atmospheric rendering of a Venitian canal scene. I will endeavour to upload a photo later.

Before I do that I have to send two works by courier tomorrow, deliver another six for an exhibition tomorrow evening, on thursday evening I have to be at an art sale I am taking part in, and I have another opening on Friday for another group show in which I am included (the six works I'm delivering tomorrow evening).

With all this going on I also need to arrange a studio viewing for a patron and arrange delivery or collection for two other works that need framing for Christmas.
I am told by one of my Galleries that there is a deposit paid on another work also, to be collected before Christmas.

With all the talk of World recession, it's very nice to be so busy. It just goes to prove, quality art will always sell, and in turbid times it is a realistic investment opportunity. I have however refrained from increasing my prices this year. Mainly because I feel in the current economic climate holding values is almost as good as increasing them. Although I absolutely refused to reduce them earlier on when some Galleries thought the economic downturn warranted lower prices. I believe I owe it to my collectors to protect their investments. Sadly I noticed recently some artists resorting to "half price sales" at an art fair, to the detriment of all the participants.
I am glad I was not taking part in the fair, for I feel all the participants, including high end galleries were tarred with the same brush, ie. Bargain basement art-works.

I am going to climb down off my soap-box now, and get back to work, I have been scrutinising the latest masterpiece, knowing there was a little something I wasn't happy with and I have just seen it. I need to adjust the tone slightly on the yellow, it is looking a little dirty/muddy, I overworked it during the mixing I think.