The other day someone asked what is a professional artist. I like to think that I am. I have made my living from my art for 55 years. I also think knowing my business helps makes me a professional.
Why do I think of myself as a professional Fine Artist? I very seldom take commissions. I do not have a boss to report to or deadlines to meet. If I want, I can sleep in for a day or two - or even a week, though sometimes doing so makes it rough paying the bills. So I am in the studio every day painting or preparing canvas and panels. I keep my studio full of the materials I need, or may need ,to work. That means ordering paints, canvas, stretcher bars and all the things that go into creating paintings. Several bars of lava soap, Dawn dish soap, and paper towels are there for cleaning up at the end of each day. I am the CEO, the finance officer, maintenance man, and business advisor.
The other day I found myself explaining the relationship I have with my galleries to someone I know in the corporate world. I had to explain the different laws there are in different states dealing with galleries and artists.
I have to know about galleries, who their clientele are, and what types of art they can sell. Who are the other artists they represent? Should another artist's work fall apart, it reflects on the others being represented in that gallery.
On the creative side, I think about how I want my works to look. What size canvas the subject needs to be on? How much detail do I want? With the creative part of my work I am only interested in pleasing myself. It is only when I put the brush down, that I put on those other hats of being CEO and advisor and what not. When painting I am pulling out feelings and memories and the likes to express myself. Being a professional artist is unlike other professions.
