variety of subjects for fine art fair-

katz · #1 07-12-2007, 12:11 PM

Hi,

I am sharing a booth(with 2 other arists) at a higher end art fair, meaning -the tickets to attend include great food from area restaurants, wine and beer, and also a jazz ensamble.
Just one evening for 4 hours.

Anyway, I will have 1/3 of the 10' area of grid walls.
I paint a variety of subjects. Should I put samples of each subject in my area? Seeing my space is limited, I thought at least one or two from each subject may be a good idea.
I did paint a few small canvases with still life,(so I can offer less expensive paintings) but I also paint sunsets, beaches, wildlife, and do pet portraits. But I also sell larger works that are framed.
I do have business cards with my website url on them, so people can view my body of work, and the different types of paintings that I create.

I am not accepting credit cards, this is the only fair I will be in this year. So that may effect if I sell any of my larger paintings.
But, if anyone is interested in one of my larger paintings, they can contact or email me from my website also.

Another question, how would you put a price, size, medium tag on paintings that are gallery wrap canvases? I wouldn't want to put a sticker on the canvas area.

Thanks for answers.

Gay

formerlyunknownart · #2 07-12-2007, 12:51 PM

HI Gay,

Just do what feels right. There is NO WAY of telling what a buyer will be interested in so just bring what you feel is your BEST work, no matter what the subject matter. If you think you can fit it in, I would bring one big paitning because they are attention getters and will bring people over to your booth, as they can be seen from "across the lawn" and people will remember you by "the woman with the big...." lol.

I have a large 30X36 painting of candy apples and they were the talk of the show. People were coming up to me saying "I heard about these big candy apples" lol. Likewise another guy there had "big zebra paintings" and they were also the talk of the show. BIG things stick in people's minds, so that would be my advice at least.

Do you accept cheques? Maybe take a cash deposit on the large painting with a cheque. You'd be surprised what people come up with money wise these days. I've never offered Visa either and sold a $600 painting (by cheque) so you never know, don't worry about it, if someone wants it bad enough you can work out something with them... payment plan... something!!

Its a good idea too to have a book with price lists of your work or just a portfolio to show people.

Good luck!

Azure Wings · #3 07-13-2007, 04:07 AM

Gay, in such a small space, having a smattering of your different kinds of work won't make an impact. If it were me, I'd pick one body of work. I think Melanie's got the right idea in having something large and stunning to make an impression - and then smaller pieces that might be more likely to sell - but all in the same vein. You could have your portfolio with you showing all the other work you do, so that if, in the course of conversation with a viewer they express interest in some other type of artwork, you can show them more of what you do.

Wishing you much good luck with it,
Karen

katz · #4 07-17-2007, 10:02 AM

Melanie, Karen, thanks so much for your thoughts and the good luck.
I may have the booth to myself, as the other 2 may not be attending, that would give me much more room!

Regards,
Gay

M Douglas · #5 07-17-2007, 10:22 AM

I just spent the last two weekends in an outdoor art fair on 3 acres so imagine the competition. There was so much art that people were suffering from sensory overload. I found that it was easier to view work that was consistent and had a nice flow to it. I sold 3 paintings but more important than that was the wonderfull feedback I got about the presentation and consistency of my art, how it all flowed so well together. Oh by the way cards were good sellers too.

Good luck with your show!

Melodie

katz · #6 07-20-2007, 11:32 AM

Thanks for your thoughts Melodie.

Gay

john22 · #7 07-21-2007, 03:39 PM

I am much more impressioned by an artist who shows work of a specific subject matter at an art fair. If they have too many subject matters or style going, it seems that they must be new starting out or seem less professional than an artist that show a single or just couple of subject matters. Just my opinion but hope it helps you out.

katz · #8 07-24-2007, 10:18 AM

Thanks John.
I will probably put 2 subjects in the fair, my sunset-beach and still life paintings. I had to donate a painting for the silent auction, and it is a small still life, so I feel I have to include more still life paintings in my booth also.
I will have business cards that have my website address on them, so there
is a way for clients to view all my works.
It will be a learning experience, I'm sure.

Gay

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