Greetings,

Welcome to the Cooper studio, Jefferson, Iowa, where once again, I have a tip for all the art fair artists out there.  And if you are an art fair artist, I hope I am not writing this for you....

I just came from reading a blog post at Artist Daily.  The title of the post is Getting Trashed.  And of course it's not really to be taken literally.   It's an article about backing off the stress level of painting for framing, otherwise known as "each and every painting I paint MUST be PERFECT!"  The interviewed artist, says the exercises she recommends are literally to paint for the trash can.  Kind of like get off your high-horse and play a little.

The article caused my mind to wander back to the art fair I was at earlier this month.  The very art fair, where yet again, some clever (???!!!!) artist used an ever-so-convenient black plastic garbage bag to package their art to send home with their patron.

Wrong. Wrong. Wrong!

And I mean that!  People, people --artists:  Is your art really garbage?  Primed for the trash can?  Ready for the garbage guys to pickup on Monday morning?  Then why on earth are you putting it in a package that is universally recognized as a garbage receptacle?

Surely you know there are clear bags available out there?  Clear bags that are clean and fresh and make your customers proud to carry their new art home in?  Pristine, clear plastic bags that protect the art in transport, yet display your exceptional work to all the other admiring art fair patrons, who will of course, then come running to your booth to get something equally as lovely??

Figure it out folks.  If you can't find them on the shelf, then go to your local hardware store and put in an order.  Yes, it will take an extra bit of effort on your part.  But isn't your art worth it?  Surely!

Okay, if I'm wrong, and it's not, then just revert back to the black plastic.....

Enough said.  Have a lovely rest of the day.

Later, Cooper

Surely after reading all of that you are ready for something enjoyable to look upon?  Here you go, then:

  Soaking It In, an acrylic painting on a perfectly sized 24 x 24 inch canvas.  Available for your viewing pleasure with "zoom capabilities" at my website portfolio.

Related Posts:
I Thought You Knew. Art Fair Etiquette.