Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Clare Island Finished - Gallery Sales - New Work

Clare Island -- finished painting.

Clare Island -- at underpainting stage.

The above image is of my most recent painting which I have just finished. It is from a photo taken by my parents on holiday in Mayo last year. Although I have never been there, Clare island is apparently a quite popular destination for tourists wishing to experience the quiet and remoteness of the islands off the west coast of Ireland. You can stay overnight on the island, and really get that feeling of remoteness. I went to the Aran Islands some years ago and it's like stepping back in time. There are very few places in the world that have the same aura about them as these places. I hope they never change too much.

As for how I am doing in the gallery... I am very pleased with the outcome so far. I have sold four paintings since I submitted them at the end of January. I also sold one original outside of the gallery from my studio. Sales of my prints in the real world as opposed to internet, has also been reasonable. That said, I am beginning to think spending time trying all the various ways of marketing on the internet is not as profitable as just marketing in your own locale and striving to improve your local recognition. My sales through internet methods, ebay, etsy etc. are still insignificant compared to the alternative.

The below is a first sketch of my next painting...I will post more as I progress it further -- so don't forget to drop in from time to time to see.

2 comments:

Helen Read said...

Hi Jim - Clare Island is wonderful. I love the sky and sense of atmosphere! Makes me want to visit there. Also - your comments about marketing are very interesting. I think you are right about internet marketing being very tricky and uncertain. Great to see what you are doing! Keep at it - you've got some very nice work :)

Katie Simpson said...

I agree!

Clare Island is a beautiful painting. The sense of space is fantastic! Keep up the great work!

Katie Simpson
www.kathleensimpson.info