My First Open Studio

Last weekend I held my first open studio - through a group of artists called "Reno Open Studios".  I spent one day setting up my courtyard:

The entrance to the courtyard is on the right

I had a table with unframed works in bins and my portfolio and books, and notecards in a basket for sale.

oil paintings are on the right and pastel paintings on the left

In between the two set-ups of panels I had a small table with a guest sign-in and drawing for a 6x6 painting.

More pastels in the shade on the right and oil paintings that got sun on the left

At the other end, I had an easel to work and demonstrate pastel painting, and a seating area if anyone wanted to chat.

We were blessed with gorgeous weather.  I little hot in the afternoon, but with the umbrellas grape vines above, fountain and a couple of fans, it was pleasant.  I also had music.

I had about 60 people over the 3-day period and I believe that is pretty good since I am unknown and do not have a following.  I got one commission and made very good contacts for a possible future commission and some interested students who would like a class.  I sold quite a few cards (which I made myself - with photo images of my work on them).

Now I am taking little naps each day!  It was a lot of work to prepare for it - I worked on this for a month - and it really caught up to me!

I am doing an Open Studio this week

"Tahoe Blue"  pastel

I've been soooo busy for a month, preparing for my Open Studios.  I joined "Reno Open Studios" this year.  We (40 local artists) will open our studios to the public for Friday, Saturday and Sunday (Sept. 6, 7, 8) from 10am to 5pm.

Above is a new pastel painting in the show.  Below is an older painting that I "touched up" and changed.  I even changed the name to "Return to Zion":

"Return to Zion"  pastel

We have had a month of smokey air from the Yosemite Fire.  It has kept us indoors.  We have missed painting out doors en plein air!  But, it has helped me get ready for the open studios event.  I have about 30 framed oils and pastels, and about 30 unframed pieces as well.  I will be having a drawing for a free painting.  I made up some note cards with images of my art on them for sale - seems like everyone likes those.

I will be setting up in our courtyard with panels to hang my work.  I'll be painting and demonstrating in there as well.  Several friends have said they will drop by.  It should be fun.

This is the first time I have ever done anything like this....so....I have no expectations, so maybe that is good.