I have participated in festivals for the past 10 years; exhibiting largely figurative impressionist works. But I would really love to exhibit my "bread & butter"...portraits? But I've been leery of doing, assuming jury wants "art" that walks away,n not commissions. Am I wrong? Will the best festivals look at commission only?
Thanks for your feedback.
Replies
Don't get TOO excited, but most of my work is portraits. I get a commission or two from almost every show I'm in. In some cases, it's the "bread and butter" of festivals for me...but I don't get into all of them. I think I'll start applying with other images!
Sandhi, my experience is similar.....problem is I need to "sneak" my portrait work into my booth....versus the "all pieces must be for sale" proviso. Would much rather go "naked"....all portraits, all commissions. That's my bread & butter. But, per Larry's comment; this may not fit the "profile" the jurors are looking for. Particularly at the very best show. Wish it were different.
That may explain why i get rejected from so many shows! I do sell portraits of women all the time, I don't know what the prejudice is all about...?!
I did see a portrait artist at the Howard Alan Hyde Park show.
Why do I feel like the kid at the back of the bus?
The problem is it won't fit the vision of the festival. I suggest contacting the directors of the shows you want to apply to and ask. But even if they say yes or say they won't hold it against you, the jurors probably will.
You can always have some good work available for sale and have a sign and a portfolio book sitting on your desk with examples of your portraits.
Larry Berman
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100
Larry, not what I had hoped to hear. If that is the case, I guess I'll stick to a few mid-level shows for my figurative work and abandon "festivals" per se in deference to reps for my primary marketing of bread & butter portrait work. Referrals, national exhibits, contests also come into play.....unfortunately, galleries often shy away from commissioned portrait work for the same reason; they want real estate that walks, and are typically suspect of clients who may "go around" the gallery to circumvent the gallery's cut.