Over the last week I have had a number of memories popping up on Facebook and google photos. Many of these at present are art related from my Open Studio up at Hillview on Houns Tout in 2017, 2018 and 2019 – good memories and show how my art as a business has grown from its very modest start in 2017.
Today a great favourite about why I draw and promote ‘Art for Fun’ – a young 4 year old who sat and drew with me out in the garden my suit was the start of my ‘Art for fun’ suit which now features both legs adorned in pieces by Year 3 and 4 pupils from Swanage Primary School when I last worked with them. His mum even suggested afterwards about getting him his own size outfit like Andy’s to draw on – I don’t know the outcome to that.
Feedback – as a teacher for 28 years I valued feedback from staff as colleagues, team members that I managed and led, support staff working with children in my classes, the children themselves and their parents. As an artist the best feedback comes from the customer or even the person they gave some of my art too.
In 2017 I was commissioned to do some additional drawings to Swanage Beach Huts for Swanage Information Centre. At the time I was not really comfortable with commission idea and how clients can change their mind etc. Since then I have gained confidence and over the last 8 months I have increasingly done more commissioned work from A6 postcard pieces, original greeting cards to A4 and A3 drawings plus hats, Wooden boxes..l
When I do a commission I want my client to be happy with what they are buying from me and I am always keen to receive feedback. The same applies when a card or box or hat has been ordered with an individual in mind. Sometimes this means waiting several weeks or even months until that feedback comes. Valentines Day and Mother’s Day were a good case in point. Father’s Day is now three weeks away – all requests considered…
Thank you to all those who have commissioned work by me and for the feedback too – it is a real privilege for me.