One of the distinctions between an artist and a hobbyist (one who paints for his/her personal pleasure) is the attachment to the finished product. The hobbyists I have known were/are hesitant about letting a piece go. There is a sentimental tie between creator and painting, almost a bond of parental nature, that prevents a clean severing with the finished product. Many fear that painting another "like this one" is unlikely. There will never be another like this one. Pricing is another obstacle, the most difficult for me. The hobbyist (in the name of modesty and humility) usually undercuts the value of his/her work. She is fearful that the price is too high; no one will buy it. To overprice is the height of arrogance and pride. Rather than deal with the dilemma , she will keep it herself or simply give it to a loved one. I crossed over the attachment barrier years ago. As a rule, I never think about a painting after it's sold. It is now in the hands of another. Like a baton in a relay, the painting has been "handed off" to another runner in a race. I often refer to paintings as "needing a home," and I like the analogy of paintings as "offspring" being placed in loving homes. Today's painting is one that hung in my home for a long time because the colors coordinated with furnishings, and I simply like the subject matter. There was an unexplainable attachment that I always held for it. I took it to shows and displayed it several times locally, but after not selling, I was always secretly glad. I would get to keep it longer. Two years at MeccaFest in Carrollton, GA, a young couple visiting my tent, kept returning to look at it. I knew what was going on. They were deciding what they wanted. They returned later in the afternoon and made their purchase. They were a sweet couple, and the painting had a "good home." Although I was elated about the sale, I have missed THIS particular painting. Why??? I suppose that subject is another blog...what accounts for our connection to a particular piece of art, whether it be pottery, fabric, music, statuary, etc.? What is that which draws me to purchase for beauty's sake?
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