Well, 2008 is over. It was shaping up to be a mediocre year business wise, and I thought with the state of the economy during the last quarter that sales for that quarter would probably be close to flat. I was somewhat surprised as by Nov. 1 I did not have a single order for portraits for the Christmas season. I am usually very busy. I thought this strange, but sometimes God knows when you need to be busy and when you don’t.
However, the week before Thanksgiving, it hit. Three pastel portraits before Christmas! Two were farm scenes with the animals, barns, etc. and the other was a donkey. No problem, right? The donkey got moved back to a birthday for January 12. The farm scenes on the other hand, were rather interesting. No one seemed to be able to decide on the compositions. Finally, each party agreed on their piece, and I finished the first one the second week of December. The second one was finalized one week before Christmas. My husband was a nervous wreck byChristmas Eve, because we also had all of the usual Christmas gatherings, as well as preparations, gift buying, etc. Plus, we also had the added excitement of the printer quitting in the early stages of trying to print out our Christmas cards. Hence my excuse for not having posted anything on this blog for eons as well.
On Christmas Eve morning, the client came for final proofing. They liked, I framed, and out the door it went! I likewise finished the donkey in under a week. (They are all viewable at the website, www.CustomPastelPortraits.com).
The best thing about the entire experience is the fact that I learned many lessons from it. First, I learned that I can deal with clients changing their minds (frequently, I might add) better than I thought I could. Second, I am able to kick it into high gear when necessary and still produce the quality of art I am seeking. Third, I am a more successful artist than I previously gave myself credit for.
I am grateful for all of my clients, and the wonderful compositions they come up with. I love that they push me farther than I might otherwise seek to take myself. I love that with every painting I learn something new, as I will research what I need to complete the painting. I am also looking forward to a fascinating 2009. So many paintings and other wonderful things to do. I wish you a splendid New Year and may God bless you in ways you never thought possible!
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