The Creative Edge by Karla Pearce

The Creative Edge by Karla Pearce

The Value of Paintings

One of the common questions I receive as a gallery owner is “how much is this painting worth”? Lots of people have bought paintings or received them from family members and feel that they own something of great value and want to cash in.  We hear stories of lost paintings found in attics going to auctions and bringing in millions of dollars. It’s a nice dream but you have a better chance at winning the 649 than finding a lost Picasso.

So how do you find out what Great Aunt Matilda’s painting is worth?

One of the ways to get an accurate value of a painting is to take it to an appraiser like Lindland & Associates located in Calgary where they will give you a professional appraisal of the work for around $500.00. If you’re unwilling to go through that hassle the internet is your best resource.

The first thing I do is google the name of the artist under images and see what comes up. If a number of the artist’s paintings pop up on the screen right away, you’re in luck. From there it’s just a matter of following the links to the artist’s art dealers and finding a painting of similar quality that is for sale. Bingo! You have found the painting’s approximate market value.

Another way to asses the worth of a painting, is to look up the artist on the web and see if you can find out anything about the artist’s history. The worth of a painting doesn’t always have to do with the artist’s artistic merit, more often than not it has to do with branding. That means did the artist receive professional training and where? Have they had any big shows like at the Vancouver Art Gallery? Does Arnold Schwarzenegger own one of their pieces? Does the artist have any art dealers? Or did the artist recently die in a plane crash? All of these things can really push up the value of a painting.

If your search on the web turns up nothing then the dollar value of the paintings is worth whatever it sells for. Generally, I discourage people from selling off their family heirlooms, in stead sharing the artwork with a close friend or another family member is a much better way to go if you absolutely must let go of the piece. Often museums will take and care for donations of artwork because their historical importance. 

I personally feel the value of a painting goes much further than it’s monetary worth. I have many paintings in my home that are not my own and I absolutely love them. My art collection started when I was around 17 and I came home to visit my parents while they were getting ready for one of their many garage sales. I rescued two oil paintings out of the garbage done by my great, great Uncle Peter dated 1912. I still have the paintings today, they are not really worth anything, but to me they are priceless!

 

The Creative Edge – By Karla Pearce

 

Artist’s Block

From time to time it happens to all artists; we walk into a creative block and feel as if we have lost our inspiration. I’ve had periods in my life where I stopped painting for months, once for a whole year. It’s not that I lost my artistic ability; it just happened that the act of living got in the way of the art of living. Once I picked up a pencil and started drawing again it was as if I had never stopped. Here are a few tips to over come artist’s block.

1.      Get over the fear: Sometimes just being afraid of not being able to do something or failing at something can be paralysing. Suck it up and approach your painting as if it were a job and just do it.

 

2.      Set a goal: If you force your self to paint a number of paintings in a certain frame time, it will get you working again. Who cares about the subject matter, paint your shoes, the furniture, your kitchen, your yard… a half devoured apple makes a remarkably interesting subject matter, particularly if you’re the one eating the fruit.

 

3.      Change your media: Sometimes moving out of your comfort zone will do it. If you’re painting in acrylic, move to watercolour, if you’re bored of watercolour try sculpture and so on…

 

4.      Look at art: Go to art galleries, look on line or buy some art books. Generally you will find something inspirational that will make you think, “I like that, I wonder what would happen if I did it this way?”

 

5.      Go explore: Going for a walk somewhere you have never been with a sketchpad and a camera can do wonders. Painting out doors is one of my greatest joys. It’s not the painting that matters but the experience.

 

6.      Keep a journal: Writing down ideas or collecting doodles and short sketches can be instructive on how our mind works. It can come in handy later when looking for ideas or personal language.

 

7.      Take an art class: If all else fails take an art class. Working in a structured environment with other artists will guarantee to move you forward. Along with that you generally will learn at a much faster rate than working alone, which in its self can be incredibly inspiring.

How to Approach a Commercial Gallery

So, you’ve spent the last ten years developing a hard earned skill of painting. Your work is polished, original and you have 20 paintings in your studio that you want to sell. The time is right and you think you’re ready to show in a commercial gallery. How do you go about this?

Being a gallery owner for over a year now, I can say that I have seen all kinds of approaches. And most of them are not good. This is not just a Kootenay thing. I’ve had long conversations with other commercial gallery owners about the trials and tribulations of dealing with artists. To make matters worse there is a dirge of bad advice on the net. Here’s one I pulled from a blog. I call it a recipe for failure.

Here’s what not to do:

“The best approach is the ‘old-fashioned way’, that's to say: door to door selling. You must be aggressive like the old insurance guys used to be, in other words, make a nuisance of yourself. Make a list of local galleries, and find out who the head honcho is in each one, don't deal with the underlings, they love to make you sweat, as they try to make themselves look important. Dress the part also, they love their artists to ‘look the part’, so dress flamboyant Above all, be confident, and talk up a good sales pitch, because you are the ‘product’ that you have to sell!” -- Painter

In my experience I would say 80% of artists naively follow this approach. The result is constant rejection from galleries (which often has nothing to do with the work it self) launching the artists into a self defeating round of depression and/or anger and resentment towards the gallery owners. This can lead to a spiral of artistic and professional suicide where the artist will blame everyone else for their perceived lack of success.

The thing is… this can all be easily averted if the artist approaches the gallery properly. That is, treating the gallery owner with the dignity and respect that they them selves would like to be treated with.

Here are a few tips that should help you get in the door:

1)     1)  Scope out the space – Look up the gallery on line to see if it is something that you are interested in, and if it is possible go have a look at it in person. Pose as a client; ask questions about the space and what kind of relationship the gallery has with its artists. If you are speaking with the gallery director they will figure out that you’re an artist very quickly. No matter what the temptation, do not try to sell your work at this time. You are a professional artist shopping around for a gallery that is right for you. Never appear too eager.

2)     2)  Open lines of communication – Call the gallery director and ask questions, be polite and tell them that you have seen their space and think it is wonderful. At this point you can ask if they would like to see examples of your work. If they say yes, send those images immediately with a link to your web site.

3)     3)  Make an appointment – If the gallery has not contacted you back within a week then call them and try to make an appointment to show your work. Be as flexible and accommodating as you can. It leaves a professional impression.

4)     4)  Let the paintings speak - At this point you’ve got their attention. Bring in original finished gallery ready paintings for the director to look at. Dress professionally; gallery owners do not want to do business with someone that looks like a clown. The Gallery director will ask you questions about your work. Do not offer any extra personal or esoteric information about your self. Keep your ego in check. No one likes a narcissist.

5)     5)  Close the deal – If you have done it all correctly then you will most likely be offered a contract on the spot. Read it all carefully. Make sure that this is the right deal for you. It’s ok to take it home overnight or even get a second opinion to make sure it’s going to work for you.

6)     6) Stay in touch - Now you’re showing your work in your dream gallery make sure that you maintain a good working relationship with the gallery. Show up for openings, provide paintings when you’re asked for them and never do quick sales out of your studio for less. Gallery directors do talk to one another and if you damage your name in one gallery it will get around. On the other hand, if you present your self and your work in a professional manor and it sells, then your work can become a valuable commodity sought out by other galleries on a national or even an international level.

Karla Pearce is an Artist, Teacher and is the Owner and Director of the Creative Edge Gallery located in downtown Castlegar. For more info call 250-365-2032 or www.creativeedgegallery.net

 

Why Buy Local art?

As the director of the Creative Edge Gallery I get to work in an environment filled with beautiful locally made artwork. It gives me a slightly different perspective on the notion of quality. Mass produced items that are shipped in from other countries may be inexpensive but ultimately have no long term value. On the other hand a hand made object from a local artist can be passed along in the family and has the potential to have long term sentimental value and will often increase in monetary value as well. Here are a few other reasons to support your local artists.

1. Artists’ generally make things one at a time. It’s great to have or give as a gift that is one of a kind.

2. Artists take personal pride in their hand-made work. I have yet to meet an artist who was not passionate about their art. This high quality artwork work can last lifetimes.  How many things can you say that about in our society today?

3. Buying directly from the artist or their local retailer can most often cost less than buying some mass produced item from a department store. There are reduced transportation costs, no middle men and low advertising all help to keep costs down.

4. Local artists are available to repair, alter, clean or replace your purchase. They are interested to help if there is ever a problem. No irritating Customer Service lines.

5. Many artists will custom make work to your specification. You can be apart of the creative process. 

6.  Shopping locally helps your local economy, by supporting local artists it keeps money in the community and ensures that hard learned skills are alive for future generations.

7. Local arts & crafts produce a minimal carbon footprint, little transportation is involved. Much of what local artists use is recycled.

8. A locally handmade gift reflects the community and region in which it was created. It has greater relevance for the person who purchased it or the person to whom the gift is given.

Karla Pearce is the owner and director of the Creative Edge Gallery located 1249 3^rd Street Castlegar, where you can find an abundance of local art and take art classes.  For more info call the Creative Edge Gallery at 250-365-2032.

 Photo- Local artists Karla Pearce,painting,Raya Kelson,ceramic and Pat Field,sculpture are just a few artists showing in "Multiversal" at the Creative Edge Gallery until May 2011.

The Creative Edge By Karla Pearce

How to teach Kids Art

In my experience all children are fascinated by art and love to experience it for them selves. It is known that participating in art can not only help children have a greater appreciation for the world around them but it can also boost self esteem and intelligence. Art enables children to cultivate self-expression, imagination and creativity as well as critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.

How to get going:

1.     Kids like to see that grown ups make art too. Show them as much art as you can. It can be from family members, local galleries, illustrated books or even famous works of art throughout history. In order for children to understand and appreciate art, it is important that they are exposed to a variety of art styles.

 

2.     Talk to your kids about art. Let them tell you how art makes them feel. Allow them to voice the things that they like and even dislike in artwork that they have seen. There are no wrong answers or opinions in this, just open dialog.

 

3.     Expose your kids to lots of art techniques. You can try drawing, painting, and sculpture to start. This is a good opportunity to hang out with your kids and have some quality play time.  Find a space in the house that you can use as a messy room.

 

4.     Give the kids lots of art materials to work with. Given the time, space and opportunity children will often explore their creativity all on their own. Sometimes it’s helpful to give the kids some kind of visual aid, like a painting or photograph to copy or pull ideas from. It helps to get the creative juices going.

 

5.     Stay positive and encouraging. Well meaning criticisms can come off as rejection in a child’s eyes and can turn them off art for years. In stead, display your child’s artwork. The refrigerator is the most common spot, but sometimes popping it in a frame and putting it in the living room can do amazing things for a child’s self esteem.  

 

Karla Pearce is an Artist, Teacher and is the Director of the Creative Edge Gallery located in downtown Castlegar.

The Creative Edge By Karla Pearce

Tips for Landscape Painting

 The Kootenays are like a treasure chest full of spectacular landscapes that are just begging to be painted. It is always wonderful to be able to create a landscape painting that generates emotion for not only me but the viewer as well. Here are some tips to help you with your next landscape painting.

 1. Don't Put Everything In

The first thing you need to do is edit down all the information into simple shapes. Don’t even try to include everything that you see in the landscape. It might make a good photograph but it won’t make a good painting. Be selective; include the strong elements that characterize that particular landscape.

 2. Capture the Essence of the Scene

Have a look at the composition. If you need to move a tree or rock to make a better painting then do it.  You are in control of the painting. An artists job is to interpret the world not copy it

 3. Find a Point of Interest

Figure out what area of the painting is your star and focus a little more on that area. Don't paint the whole landscape to the same degree of detail. The difference in detail also helps draw the viewer's eye into the main focus of the landscape painting.

 4. Mix Your Colours

The variety and intensity of colours that occur in nature is quite awesome. When mixing a green, use the fact that green have either a blue or a yellow bias as the starting point in determining the proportions you mix. Each different blue/yellow combination will give a different green, plus the variations from the proportions of each you mix. Also don’t be afraid to substitute your colours. Try pink skies, violet mountains and red hillsides. Local colour might be fun but a subjective pallet can speak even louder.

 5. Do a Series

Don't think that because you've painted a particular landscape once, you're done. Try looking at it again in different light, seasons, and moods. You will find that each time you paint it you  find something else that becomes a point of interest.