Hi, I'm David Ehlen and I produce a lot of artwork in many forms. I learned something about myself today as I was talking to one of the programmers in the company that I'm working for right now. I develop websites to make money. I use my creative talents to design sites and reach out to the consumer. When I go home, I paint and enjoy my little world. I sell on an average two paintings a year and those are the ones I can let go of.
I have a close relationship with my artwork and therefore I can't let them go. I don't sell them. They are a part of me. When I die, I don't care what happens to them. I hope my family and friends enjoy them.
I took a class in southern California in 1993 titled Business Practices in Art. It was about selling art. You can learn a lot from these kinds of classes and I would encourage anyone to attend something like that. The class will focus you on what you need to have to hit the market.
I'm a graphic designer / website developer now because work like that has no soul and I can sell that with no problem. My fine art, well, that is mine and part of my soul. Is your art part of your soul? If it isn't you should re-evaluate why and what you are painting. Do you want to give somebody an opportunity to make 40% to 60% on your souls work? I guess that is where I've stopped and said, "no".
Happiness to you all, David Ehlen
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