Hello from Toledo

[Amanda Grosjean]

Sounds like you have a great system Patricia! I really appreciate all those ideas.

I have no problem doing free portraits. In fact, I was considering doing one for free for our local congresswoman (I have a friend who works in her office). I became very concerned that that would be frowned upon (amongst artistic communities) since I didn't earn it or was selected through some committee. Is this a faux pas?
I'd love for some of you to weigh in on that. I think that it would be such a great addition to my portfolio.
Also, has anyone written directly to a country club or organization with an offer for a free painting for advertising purposes?
I know there is a market in my area for my business. There are some definite upscale neighborhoods and country clubs in my area, I just have to get in!
I have plans to go to my friend's Kiwanis club to do a little talk in a week or so..not really sure what I am going to say but I know this will have more of an impression than her handing out my business cards.

[Patricia Joyce]

My suggestion would be to search out charitable organizations, particularly national ones who have a chapter in Toledo. Private school fundraisers are great because all the parents want what one person has won!

Last November I walked through the Bay Village preschool PTA annual tour of centennial homes, all decorated for Christmas. Vendors from the area offer food, drink, they decorate the walls, put up the trees and Christmas regalia (sp?). I contacted them and they are very happy to have me do a portrait for one home and then it will hang on their wall and some of my other work with hang throughout the house. Hundreds of people walk through these home, it is a very popular home tour on the west side of Cleveland. See if there is something like that in Toledo.

Back to the easel
Happy Painting!
Patty