Expert: DJ Murphy - 4/27/2002

Question
Hello,
After working in newspaper advertising and commercial art for four years I'm starting a new career as a painter.  (Watercolor and gouache).  So far I've had offers to exhibit my work in a restaurant and a coffee shop and people I've spoken to tell me that I should be willing to start small but to be honest it simply doesn't appeal all that much to me.  I'm still building my portfolio up and I'm hoping eventually to submit to a proper gallery.  I would be very, very grateful if you would tell me what I should be considering at this stage and, if possible, which directions I should be considering for the future.  I am currently very happy with the state of my career and I have no desire to go back to commercial or advertising--I already have one ulcer, I don't need another!
Thank you for your time.
Courtney, 24, (semi-Classical, mildly Impressionistic)

Answer
Hello Courtney,

Not knowing where you live...or how many galleries there are in your area.....what you might want to do is two fold....contact your local libraries, banks, etc. see if they will provide an opportunity to do an exhibit of your works.....if so, do a news release..send it or deliver it to all your local news outlets....with photo's of your work...announcing the reception which you organize...invite friends, relatives, etc., etc.,  

Second put together a portfolio of your works...both photo's and slides....call galleries and ask the proceedure for selecting artists....what format they want to see your works...etc, etc.

If you have access to the internet, which you must if you found me, then put together a personal web page [they are free from Yahoo.com        worldnet.att.net, and others.  Put your art work on the site...plus a short bio....and then email the site's URL to as many galleries as you believe might entertain reviewing your works....with a note that you would be pleased to participate in one of their shows.

Join a local arts council....see if there is an artist coop in your area.

This takes a lot of work...but if you are serious...then as they say "just do it".

good luck,

dj murphy

p.s. check out galleryguide.com and artcalendar.com as leads on galleries.