You’ve seen the posts lately here and on Social proclaiming new products! and special discount codes! (I added the links in case you are curious, shameless I know). The truth is, we are trying out different messaging to reach a larger audience. It takes both of us to pay the mortgage and utilities. And food! Who doesn’t feel that change? Now that Jack is full force committed to making a living as an oil painter, the art business needs to deliver. Read on if you want details on the messy day to day problems we are struggling through.

I have put off writing this blog post for a week or more maybe because I have too many other finishing tasks to do around the house, and mostly because I had no idea what to write.

Today, in the middle of making pancakes for the kids I decided to pull back the curtain and share some of the not so fancy parts of the business.

I’ve been thinking that if we want to level up, we need to already look the part. For us that means, have the SEO dialed, and drop all kinds of key words in this blog like modern painting and original oil paintings. Another super fun key word is post impressionism art. Using this one feels a bit big without a good artist statement from Jack. Does Jack describe his art this way?

(Here he is thinking about it. JK)

I want to pretend that I have an art history background and the language to describe Jack’s art within the context of the last 100 years of original oil paintings (see what I did there). My training is in biology and genetics with some writing experience connecting my thoughts for the world. I don’t really understand the word hue. It reminds me of my dad Hugh who would create a joke to keep most talking from turning into a conversation. Hugh is a colorful guy, trust me. I looked up the definition of hue, and it just means color. I really am a little surprised the definition is so simple. An example of how easy it can be to talk about art in a thoughtful way. We don’t need fancy training, or broader vocabulary, just some words that have meaning to the viewer and their emotions.

Elsewhere, we tried out our first painting auction. It didn’t sell as planned. The Apricot Mallow was first put up on Ebay for auction. Composing the description took days, and deciding on the length of time to bid took another day. Once completed, the item sat in an approval queue for 2 days, all while the clock was ticking down. Placing the original oil painting up on Ebay was a chance to reach a new audience. We are not sure who adds to their art collection from public auction, but they might be a match. Turns out, a previous collector from San Francisco is the right buyer, not someone new. This exercise taught Jack he needs to write more, and it seems we are not ready to find an audience on an auction site.

Growing our audience is a big focus now. I think I have Jack convinced we need to get out of the house and talk to people to do this. He is pushing aside his introvert, and following his extrovert wife out to meet other people and talk art. Twice a month we will attend an opening, or event with cards in our pockets and smiles on our faces.

Here’s to tackling our business with a new action item - talking to people.

If you could, where would you go to meet new people? We are looking for suggestions, send us an email: jack@jackwrayartist.com

Be well. Max