This month I had the opportunity to display eight paintings along with three other artists at Dick Blick Art Materials in my local town.
They had seen my work and asked me to display. At first I thought why would I do this when most people go there to buy art materials to make their own? It was then that my daughter reminded me, do it for your community!
Well it proved to be one of the most satisfying art experiences to date. My business cards were there so I could be contacted if I had an interested party.
Last week my cell phone rang and I was sitting in my studio kitchen (every room in my house is turning into a studio). The person that phoned me “I saw your art work at Dick Blick and I love one of the pieces. I love your work, I went to your web site too, I just love it!! I would like to take it home and hang it up for a couple days, would that be alright?” So after talking with her for a bit and getting her pertinent information, I agreed.
Study of John Singer Sargent Painting
by Chris Bolmeier 2003
She also said, “We have something in common, I love John Singer Sargent (see study above). When I turned 50 I had a portrait photo taken in a fabulous dress that I don’t own because where am I going? But I think it would make a fabulous painting. It wouldn’t even have to look like me, I want it to look painterly and loose. Would you feel comfortable with that? I wouldn’t want you to say yes if a commission is too structured for you.”
She called me on Memorial Day and said I have the painting hanging in my dining room and I spend a lot of time in there. I look at it all the time and I love it. So I asked her “does that mean you’re going to buy it?” “YES!!”
“I have to have it, when I see a painting it either strikes a certain emotion in me or it doesn’t… that’s my gage, that’s all that counts for me. It was love at first sight.”
She went on to say she didn’t want to know anything about the painting, the concept, the story etc because she wants to have her own fantasy about it. I thought this is so sweet because I have no problem with that, I’m not a big talker, the painting did it for me!!
She is mailing me a check for the full amount, Blick doesn’t take a commission. And she will call me later in the week so we can meet and discuss her possible commissioned portrait. Wow!! All I can say is YES YES YES.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Chris – haven’t seen you in the blogosphere for a while, what a wonderful story to catch up with you with. Congratulations! Always great to see artists selling.
Wonderful Cris! Life’s surprises:) Congratulations on this, love the story about the friendly and effortless contact.
And thanks for sending me the “for the girls”, made me smile…
Have a wonderful day, and “bon courage” for everything,
love
Andrea
I can’t believe I didn’t add a congratulations here: I thought I had. Keep us posted on this one, Chris. We are happy for you, and the person who commissioned you, and hope she will be agreeable to letting you show us her portrait when it is completed!
YES, the finest word in the english language. Congrats Chris, sounds like you are doing well..