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Introducing Karen Smith

8/29/2014

Karen Smith is a Canterbury artist who was originally from Perth, Western Australia. She now lives in Methven, in the heart of the Southern Alps, with her Kiwi husband and 3 children where they all enjoy country life. She is a full time artist, an established professional landscape painter of both realistic and contemporary work. Karen works predominantly in oils from her studio in Methven. The New Zealand landscape is her great inspiration, the forever changing light and moods, the brooding skies of Southerly and Norwest winds. Karen ventures out in the high country to gather pictures and sketches to work with in her studio. As well as gallery representation, she also produces work on commission. She has been fortunate to win many awards and has held numerous solo and group exhibition in New Zealand and more recently, overseas.

Photo : Karen Smith with her painting 'Storm over Lake Heron' 2014 oil on canvas.

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How to approach a gallery

8/12/2014

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Preparation is the best key when you choose to approach a gallery. If at all possible, artists should visit the space before they ask for representation. This ensures that the style of work that is presented will 'fit' the gallery. This also gives the artist an idea of the way the gallery owner greets and deals with the clients and it also allows the gallery owner to have a conversation with the artists and get a feel for their art and personalities. At Art Box it is important that the artist/gallery has a great working relationship to ensure that trust can be built up. It also starts the process of loyalty that is best to maintain. Art lovers don't want to see the same sort of paintings in every space they visit. Each gallery has it's own 'personality'. At Art Box we present a mixed stock of work at all times and rarely have solo shows. This works well for our gallery but others work in different ways.

A 'body' of work is important. So often we are presented with a very mixed bag of artworks by one artist. Choose your best pieces and offer images of them either as good quality photographs in a folder or in an email. Each week we are approached by quite a few artists and it can be frustrating if artists just turn up in work hours expecting to be seen with no appointment and a bundle of artworks casually presented. Don't be disillusioned by rejection. No one likes to be told 'no thanks' and we all know how that feels but usually the gallery owner knows what will sell and what they are wanting. It's not a personal thing! Remember that you might paint very well but it does not mean it will be appropriate for all the galleries you approach.

Be realistic about the value of your work. This usually happens in consultation with the owner unless you already an established artist in which case you will be able to come to a quicker decision. It is very unprofessional to have completely differing prices at a variety of galleries. Very often artists are keen to sell at any cost which reduces your chances of getting into a good gallery. Make sure that you don't have them displayed in cafes or public spaces at drastically reduced prices to the ones that are set at the gallery. Clients are not happy if they purchase at top dollar only to see their artist selling at a discount somewhere else. Trade me is a definite 'put off' - don't fall into the trap of dollar reserves. Recently, we were approached by an artist who had rather good work only to discover easily on an internet search that they sold on face book for a pittance! Be careful at auctions that a reserve is placed on works. Accept that galleries have to charge a commission and be clear what that is and if it includes GST or website promotion. As an artist and a gallery owner I can know see both sides of the coin. Grumbling about commissions is not helpful- there are many costs associated with running a gallery. These include advertising, staff, rent, printing etc but galleries are usually the spaces that most clients come to to see a selection of art - it's a two way thing. Come up with a simple agreement which will prevent problems down the track. If you are accepted, ensure you get a consignment note on delivery.

Stick to deadlines, present your work completely finished. Check that the work is ready to hang - very often wasted time is taken up making the artworks safe to hang. Check that your frames are in good order, no one will buy a damaged piece of work. Good luck!

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Art Box can help you!

8/8/2014

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Are you searching for that 'perfect' piece to complete your renovations? Look no further than Art Box as we have a huge range of affordable, original, local art. We can work with you to visit and advise on art to enhance your home and businesses. Take a look at some of our examples on the 'interiors' page of this website for some inspiration. Ring us on 3528940 or 021 0391 861. We want you to fall in love with a piece that means something to you. We can even discuss the process of commissions so that you get just what you need. At the same time you will be supporting local artists and be getting quality. Here is an example of one of our latest sales. 'Cataclysm' by Angus Murdie, interior design by Fiona Renton at Sandalwood Design and framing by Custom Picture Framers.

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Parkin Drawing Award

8/5/2014

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Congratulations to one of our local Christchurch artists represented at Art Box Gallery, Maxine Burney for making the finals of this years' prestigious, national, drawing prize.

A national drawing award attracting a major prize of $20,000 was launched by Chris Parkin, arts patron and owner of New Zealand’s only boutique art hotel – Museum Art Hotel in Wellington. Parkin has committed to funding The Parkin Prize for an initial five year period. The award is open to anyone who lives permanently in New Zealand or has New Zealand citizenship.

Drawing ‘lives through magic’ claimed New York artist Keith Haring, and The Parkin Prize seeks to capture the spirit of invention, risk and discovery that is fundamental to drawing and making art.

The competition, in association with the New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts, will promote excellence and innovation in drawing in all its forms (processes, materials and ideas) and aims to play an important role in fostering New Zealand drawing practice.

“As a dedicated supporter of the arts I believe it is essential to offer a national award of this significance and highlight the depth and skill of drawing practice in New Zealand. Internationally we are seeing a resurgence of interest in drawing as the basis of all visual art forms. Not only will it empower talented artists with a sense of the importance of their practice, but it will also see the establishment of a unique collection of New Zealand art through the acquisition of the winning drawings,” said Parkin.

(partly taken from Parkin Drawing Awards website)

Maxine Burneys' pastel and graphite drawing - 'Harmless'

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Introducing Karen Smith

How to approach a gallery

Art Box can help you!

Parkin Drawing Award

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