When charity auctions go wrong

Stanka Kordic · 12-01-2008, 11:45 AM

Amanda,

Hang in there. I know its hard not to be discouraged. This economy is really tough, especially when you're trying to get started. I've been painting like a fiend, but they are not commissions. In some ways, I'm happier just pleasing myself. So, that's what's happening now. It could mean a 'change is in the air' for my world too...

Anyway..

I guess the answer is there are no surefire ways to 'break into' the portrait market. Results will always be different for everyone. Keep trying, and stay open to new opportunities.

Gift certificates..I usually say that they need to contact me to schedule within 6 months. Time frame to begin can be negotiated..

All the best,
Stanka

Joan Breckwoldt · 12-23-2008, 02:37 PM

Hi Amanda,

I just found this interesting thread. I'll just share my auction experience. Our church has a silent auction every year, I have donated a landscape every year for 4 years. That goes well. Last year I decided to donate a portrait, as you did, in exchange for "advertising". I painted a beautiful demo to hang of a 3/4 ballerina, one of my daughters' friends modelled for me. The bidding started at $1000 and I got a number of bidders, you could almost call it a bidding war, BUT, here is where the mistake was, I think the bid increment was $10 or $25. All that furious filling in the blanks and by the end of the 2 hour auction period the bid was only up to something like $1175. That was disappointing to me. Of course I was glad to raise the money for our church but disappointed it was only $1175.

My husband was sure that I would get lots of calls after the auction and after many people saw my portrait. Not a one! I just don't think that many people saw the painting and there was no light on it, next time I suppose I need to supply my own light.

And before anyone says . . .oh, it was a church group. . . .this is one of the wealthiest churches in Houston and the members give millions each year to the church. It's the same church where I had a show and almost sold out - but these were landscapes, still lifes and figuratives. Actually, I got 2 commissions from the show just because people saw my figuratives.

The good news about that silent auction last year was that I sold the my portrait sample (of the ballerina) to her parents for full price. But still . . .

So, I won't be donating a portrait commission again. In 2009 I am going to PAY dearly for a booth at some of the holiday shows at the best country clubs in town. I'll display 3 or 4 portrait sample (which I haven't painted yet

) just to get my name out there. We'll see how that goes.

I will comment on how commissions are going with respect to the economy. I just sold a gift certificate for a double portrait, it will be a Christmas gift for someone. Things are actually busier than they've been, but I'm fairly new at portraiture, only doing 3 or 4 a year, right now I have a waiting list of 7. Not sure how that compares to someone who paints portraits full time, but for me it's the busiest I've ever been. A lot of it is by word of mouth and it makes sense that each year I get more commission, but word of mouth does take time. I also sold more paintings (landscapes and figuratives) in this last year than I ever had.

Hope this is encouraging, it just takes time.
Joan

Michele Rushworth · 12-23-2008, 03:29 PM

You might want to try a private school auction. Most artists I know have had the best results from them.

Joan Breckwoldt · 12-23-2008, 07:20 PM

Hi Michele,

Thank you for your suggestion. My kids go to a private school here in Houston and we don't have an auction, I guess maybe that's why it's not something that comes to mind immediately. Too bad, if I were going to donate a portrait I would want the $$ to go to my kids' school. Something to think about,

Joan

Patricia Joyce · 11-03-2009, 12:45 PM

It has been good for me to reread this thread on auctions. I am always trying to fine tune my "circuit". Historically, I have been fairly lucky with auctions. I auction off a head and shoulder drawing, valued at $$. The Certificate states that they may use it for a single subject head and shoulder drawing or they may apply the full value toward a multiple subject drawing or an oil painting, etc. I also state in the Certificate that they must contact the Artist within 30 days.

This past year I have had a fortunate rash of families winning the portrait who have more than one child so I have been busy and making money. Unfortunately, I have had a recent run of auctions where the winner only uses the certificate for the single head and shoulder, thereby leaving me with empty pockets and out a mat and frame! Ouch!

I am thinking of changing my format and offering a Certificate of a DISCOUNT towards portrait artwork of their choice (i.e. drawing, painting, multiple subjects, etc) I'm trying to find a clear way to state exactly what they are bidding on.

Anybody have any suggestions?

I still believe donating at auctions is a great way for your art to be seen in public. To date, it has been almost the only way I have gotten any business. I did get one commisison from a framer handing out my card when a customer asked if she knew a portrait artist. And I have had one commission from my website, but that is all.

Tough economy, tough times...

Debra Jones · 11-03-2009, 06:39 PM

I do a lot of animals. This weekend alone is a dog rescue and a zookeepers association. I have been doing miniature portrait specials before the holidays. 5x7" under $100 which I do whip out, but so far very little success.

So I offer a mini certificate of $25 or $50 TOWARD a painting, in the grab bag gift baskets. Some events get misc. donations and throw a pedicure, a dinner and hair products,etc. in group prizes for raffles. I do my small (8x10" watercolor or pastel) donation in the silent auction and ALWAYS be sure I get to demo at the event. And I demo a piece twice the size of my auction piece.

It is good for them to see me at work, and imagine their image in my painting. A small painting that they want is fine advertising, but I have a chance to meet so many potential clients, it is my only real advertising.
dj*

Patricia Joyce · 11-03-2009, 07:10 PM

Debra,
You are amazing because you have gotten so comfortable painting in public. I am so private with my work that it is hard just to attend the auction much less "perform". I'm really impressed with your work, too!

Chris Saper · 11-03-2009, 07:53 PM

Hi Patty,

Think about offering a ceritficate worth a certain amount toward a portrait. The least expensive option you offer.

I have found that some auctions won't be interested in anything other than a complete "product" but some are willing to go with the "x toward" concept.

Stanka Kordic · 11-04-2009, 09:57 AM

Hi Patty-

Sounds like you're doing well!

I totally echo what Chris suggested. Please be sure the verbage is clear enough... That they are bidding on the discount certificate only, and that your prices are considerably more. People start drinking and there's all kinds of confusion.