Fall Show Season

As the weather starts to hint that fall might be on its way to our little beach town, I'm busy in the studio prepping for the upcoming fall and holiday art shows. A friend recently asked how I get ready for these shows, and it got me thinking that people might not realize all the effort that goes into setting up an art show or exhibit. Each show is its own thing—sometimes there's a unique theme, sometimes not, different size limits for paintings, choices of medium, and loads of other details. Some shows even want digital images submitted ahead of time. It can be a bit of a puzzle! Eventually, I figure out if my current work fits any of the shows and what new pieces I might want to create. Knowing the kind of work the judge usually likes can help me decide too. I mean, I probably wouldn't enter an abstract piece in a show judged by someone who loves realism, and vice versa. Next up, there are entry forms to fill out and fees to pay. Then I dive into painting new pieces. I usually do two paintings per show, but sometimes they let you enter three to five. This year, I'm planning to enter four or five shows, so that's a lot of time at the easel. As the show gets closer, I might swap out one painting for another, which means more paperwork. Finally, it's time to drop off the paintings at the venue. It's always exciting to see the show come together, and I really look forward to the opening reception and awards. I'm not super competitive, but it's always nice to get a ribbon.