Blog

Hi and welcome to Olivia's Blog.
There have been some major happenings in my Art Career lately, one being the set up of my home based Studio with a small Gallery area. Like most other artists I started out using the kitchen table to paint on, gradually progressing to a bedroom, then a garage. Finally, I have a self -contained Studio with lots of natural light and views of Lake Illawarra. It only took me 30 years to get here!

My husband and I bought the house basically because it had a self -contained granny flat at the rear. It was quite run down, but new carpet, paint and lights have brought it to life.
I chose a green/blue paint in a value 8 for the walls. It doesn't reflect on to the artworks when I'm painting and is a nice, peaceful colour.
There are windows on each wall but I still have enough wall space to install a professional hanging system for displaying my works. A bedroom off the studio is also to be converted to hanging space/library.

In the past eight years, since deciding to be a 'professional' artist, I have mainly relied on Art Galleries and Exhibitions to sell my works   This hasn't been a particularly satisfactory experience.
My experience so far has been galleries 'over promising' and 'under delivering'. I guess it takes time to find the 'right' gallery for each individuals artworks and I will continue to explore this area .
Pricing has also been an issue.What with the cost of commission, GST, framing and materials it can be hard to be competitive in a slow market.
Hence the decision to set up from home.
I'm currently awaiting the arrival of a sign for the front gate and car doors. Then I will explore the world of advertising! Then of course there's the issue of insurance. That's another subject!
Anyway, time will tell if selling from a 'home based' studio works for me. I still feel Galleries have their place in an artist's career and it is important to have your art out in the public, exhibitions are also good for this reason.
What are your thoughts and experiences on this subject?
Have you set up your own studio or gallery?
I would love to hear from you.
Cheers for now
Liv