The last few months have been full of lessons, some hard and some easy. Growing pains is an understatement really -- it's been more like breaking bones in some cases.
One such case: I completely ruined my raven painting in April at the varnishing end-stage. The foil I used tarnished because of the varnish and I had to re-do the painting. You know what, though? The second painting was EVEN BETTER than the first! I am so proud of it, and know I will never make that mistake again. I can't wait to see it in its new home in the US soon.
But the most difficult lesson this month was going from my first art market, which was a fantastic success, to my second market which was a total flop. I'm sure you can guess how I felt afterward. I was completely dejected. I felt like I failed, and I let myself wallow in that for the rest of the day. But then, you know what? I got over it.
Everyone in business goes through trying periods. Everyone has successes and less-than-spectacular days. But my value as an artist isn't defined by what one (or ten) people bought or didn't buy at a market that had a lot of different styles and price-points. My value is in the skill, pride, and expertise I take every day in my oil paintings, and I know that that shows through.
So similar to the ruined painting, my last art market might not have sold many items and I don't know what my future holds, but I know it will be EVEN BETTER than this. I have faith, and I can't wait to see what happens. My Feather of Hope represents that.
