Art on the Railings @ Stephen's Green
I had a really tough and interesting time selling my work at Stephen's Green last June. I met loads of people, got footsore, weary and too hot. On the plus side, I sold three paintings, (including the one below, and the still life that featured as the main image in my last e-letter) And, although footsore and weary, I learned that I liked it. I liked it so much I am retuning the the same side of the Green next weekend
. I will be on the north side, roughly opposite the Shelbourne Hotel, at Stand number 7
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Greetings!
One morning, not so long ago, I read Robert Genn's email, which is sent out to thousands of artists over the world.
He wrote that making art is "like buying a lottery ticket.... While we may play often, we may never hit the really big pot". And he asked what is it that keeps us re-investing?
Reading his letter made me realize that I have hit the jackpot, and that I hit it every day. So I responded to Robert Genn and his big world-wide community. I told everyone that I can honestly say that I never feel "It's all been done before," "Why bother?" or, "There I go-- failed again." Never. Not once. Ever. And I wonder why? So many people, artists and others, expect that the artist's life is one of waiting for a "muse" waiting to feel "in the mood" or some such accepted ritual. So, for me, I told them, it's different. My muse or mood never leaves me. I am always ready to paint and I nearly always paint in the open air.
I told them what you already know - that I have been painting for just over a thousand days and that I am making a living - just. (And of course, I told them I paint in a different way than most.) But did you know that I have been avoiding the life of the painter for decades? That I find it a challenge to deal with condescending comments, because of the traditional association of people like me with charity cards... the "foot & mouth painters." It is not uncommon for people to throw coins at me while I paint (never more than 50 cents, I add). For me, this requires an appropriate, measured response. It's hard to fault people - most mean to be kind, to make a connection. After decades of diversionary tactics and avoidance, especially to the question do I paint with my "foot or mouth?", I now nearly always respond with the Chinese saying, "One paints with one's eyes and heart." If this is not experienced by the questioner as me, the bitter and twisted cripple throwing down the gauntlet good and proper, as opposed to a great opening line, well then some real conversation might follow.
But it is hard. I do get fed up walking this tightrope between being a painter and doing it differently. And yes, after twenty years of avoiding painting, and a thousand days of doing it despite myself, I do realize that my battle is within. I got a nice and also quite a big response to my letter, and you can read it by clicking the link if you like.
In the meantime, I am off with some of my paintings to Stephen's Green again, next weekend, August 21st, 22nd & 23rd. I will be opposite the Shelbourne Hotel, at stand 7. Might see you there, ?
With every good wish,
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Share good news with friends and family- Save 15%
Bring the coupon below with you to the 'Green this Friday, Saturday or Sunday, and get 15% off the painting of your choice this weekend.
To avail of this coupon, you must be on my mailing list.If you are not already signed up, join now, or any time up until 3pm on Sunday.
Be sure to bring this coupon to the Green before Sunday, August 23rd at 5pm.
If you have already have a gift certificate, you may use the two together and get a really massive discount as a reward for your support, which is much appreciated.
Expiration Date August 23rd at 5pm.
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Save 15% |
Coupon
for Mailing List Members
To avail of this coupon, you must be on my mailing list. If this email was forwarded to you by a friends, and you are not already signed up, join now, or any time up until 3pm on Sunday.
Please note with Pleasure
If, as one of my One Thousand Days Collectors, you are already in receipt of a gift certificate, and you haven't yet used it, you may use the two together
and get a really massive discount as a reward for your support, which
is much appreciated.
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Offer Expires: August 23rd at 5pm.
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