Two Nights At The 2nd Story Gallery Show

I did it. I took a step forward on a quest to become a little bit better known artist and after two jittery nights I made it through! However, when I got home I crashed and more or less slept 8 hours, something I never do and am still tired as I write this.

When I signed up months ago I really didn't know what to expect. I thought it was all about fine art. I never dreamed crafts would count but I am glad they are there. However, after two nights of friends and relatives (not mine I might add), competing with the country fair and weather that would suck the lifeblood out of you in a heartbeat, there are few sales. I realize this is a local show and purchasing or not, wonderful people visit just to see what's going on! Just a warm wonderful comment is affirming and many have taken my brochure so there is still hope!

As crazy as it is and only brought at the last minute is the wild, expressionist painting I did of myself. Everyone comments and most have said they like it. Maybe I need to offer to paint one for anyone for $500! Send me a photo I can manipulate, give me an idea of the colors you would like me to include and give me a month or so. There never ever would be two alike. Its something I surely might consider.

Truthfully there is something here for everyone!

The birdhouses have been a hit. Everyone looks and comments and my only sale so far was a mini-birdhouse thrown in at the last minute. I never tire explaining the design process and how I try to make each of these birdhouses or trays or whatever unique. It is as demanding and time consuming as any painting. Remember a painting is flat and only wide by high. A birdhouse has at least 5 sides if you don't paint the bottom. I just can't do the front and leave the rest alone. All sides are painted and tell some kind of story be it a desert scene, pattern or design. I want everyone to look at it from any angle and see something new each time!

They seem to enjoy the uniqueness of each one and most admit they have never seen such work before. So it is gratifying.

Yet, I have a lot to learn. The other two artists are selling cards. I totally forgot to bring a book to encourage people to give me their email address. You can read, read, read but I am an artist not a business manager. So many of the suggestions that I used came from my wife. Guys, don't let anyone tell you you see the world the same as women. WE don't. The black velvet, my wife's idea, was the perfect foil for my colorful crafts. We sprinkled them around the three rooms in the gallery and where the wine and such was, I was the only artist with items front and center on the conference table.

I now have a few days to rest up for the second weekend. One thing I learned for sure was to avoid the freeways. It took us over an hour to go what, 15 miles? Friday evening. Then, I stupidly thought since it was Saturday we could take the same route and there would no traffic. Silly me. It took even longer going east of the I-10. And while Friday everyone was heading east, yesterday it was bumper to bumper both ways.

If you live in the area, please come by! There are three artists. We are wonderfully different. Here is the address:

2nd Story Gallery
Walker House
121 N. San Dimas Ave.
San Dimas, CA 91773

Showtime on Sept. 19th & 20th is from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm. All are welcome and you can buy and take home with you that night if you wish. Be sure to introduce yourself! Wine and hors d'oeuvres are available!

San Dimas has their Western Days the first weekend in Oct. so they asked if we would leave our artwork up in place. Of course!!! One more weekend to hopefully sell. I want to point out that no matter how good or wonderful a photo is, there is nothing like watching the expression of a potential client as they look or, after asking, pick up your items. Nothing beats being with the real thing!

Please visit my craft store at KrugsStudio.etsy.com and my fine art store at AlanKrugFineArt.etsy.com. Thank you for stopping by and reading!