Many folks say that the internet allows us to interact anonymously and without feeling. In some ways this is true as many of us do and say things we might not do if the camera lens were directly on our faces. But there is a side to the internet-one we're playing a role in now on this website, where folks of a similar interest or persuasion are brought together in a common forum. There's another level of this interaction owed to the internet and this website, which is that it physically brings people together if one or both of them are willing to stick their neck out there and initiate contact.

I've recently had the pleasure of this interaction by two people here on deviantart: lucid-dion and BethOs. LizBeth came to Dallas and found her way to the gallery where I have my work. She observed it, contemplated it and wrote me a wonderful personal note which the gallery director gave to me this evening.

Lucid-Dion came here from Chicago just to see the work and hang out. My wife and I had a wonderful time with Dion and his girlfriend. It's truly great to think that mere internet acquaintances-otherwise perfect strangers--can meet, have numerous common interests and get along like they've known each other for years. Anyway, we had a great time that was truly enriching--a genuine human interaction that is a side effect of the usually impersonal internet!

Thanks to BethOs, Lucid-Dion and DA!

Chris

Just got a call from the gallery director who is overseeing my current show. She says that the artistic director at a high end condo loves my stuff and wants to show it right after my current show ends! This place is pretty posh, check it out: [link]

Booyah.

Wow. My first show was last night. Three artists, four hours. The gallery, Reflection Fine Art in Dallas, Texas, did a tremendous job of publicity and execution. They have a great gallery director and sales associates who talk up the potential buyers and bring the artist in to "close" the sale if needed. I had eleven pieces there and sold four of them. Each piece was $2500 or higher, so I'm on seventh heaven. Everyone said 4 of 11 sold at a first show by a new artist is a wonderful result and a good omen for the future!

All pieces remain up until June 6 and I will be there each friday night to assist in further sales when people show up for the Gallery's weekly friday night gallery series.

I have been fortunate to have good luck early and I don't take it for granted! Thanks to everyone on DA for your great support and enthusiasm!

I'm in a show coming up in a few weeks that I'm really excited about. It's my first "real" show. I'll be in with 2 other artists and I have 10 pieces (a nice number) in the show. It runs for a month! The publicity card is below. You should be able to tell which one is me (hint: the first one).

So my mentor/painting instructor (deviant bonnyleibowitz) has a decorator friend that helps her sell her work. Bonny has always said that if you can find a decorator that likes your work and suggests it to their clients, you can have a steady stream of sales (as steady as you can expect in the art world).

Anyway, a fried of mine had her decorator look at my website (www.panatier.com) and she loved it. So today the decorator came by with two different sets of clients: one doctor and then an older married couple. I delivered two paintings to the doctor's home so he could keep them overnight to try them out. He said he's 99% sure he'll buy and wants to commission a third. The couple immediately bought a piece and are commissioning two others.

All told, this will be a very very good deal of business and 5-6 sales!

So, moral of the story: find yourself a high end decorator!