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I did a demo once a couple of months back in the annual art and crafts show in my town. I've done this show in Great Neck three times and in other venues three times as well.
The first time I did the show it resulted in the commission of the painting seen below. Beginner's luck, as it turned out. My client, Steve, keeps me very busy with both new commissions for himself, as well as bringing me new clients. He's truly the client from heaven and has become a good friend.
The other shows I've done have resulted in numerous commissions that never come to fruition. Being sandwiched between canon laser prints of lighthouses and day-glo luggage tags is an inappropriate venue for the prices I charge.
At the last show I did, I decided to do a demo to see what would happen. I decided to offer potential patrons the option of having an informal alla prima portrait option for a more affordable price since it takes me much less time to do, and it's done entirely from life (the most fun!). So essentially, I was giving people an opportunity to watch one evolve during the course a day.
This was an experiment to see how the local yokels would react to lower prices. What I discovered was, in that venue, there is no such thing as a low enough price.
However I did a painting I really was proud of. The subject was one of my students, Katie, that I have wanted to paint for both her inner and outer beauty. I did attract a big crowd but not one that was interested in purchasing portraits (big surprise). However, I did have a great time!
This weekend the local museum is sponsoring their first ever outdoor Art (no crafts) Show. Once again I'm giving it a shot hoping that some people are coming to buy quality art (fingers crossed!!!).
I've had very nice conversations with people at each fair I've done and I usually dispense 100-200 cards. I have about a year's worth of commissions so it's not like I'm desperate for work. However one never knows when these planted seeds will start to sprout.
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