Hi Friends,

So many of us in the part of the art world that I inhabit have discussed at length the economy and what that's doing to art prices. For some, art sales have taken a pretty good downturn, while for others it has remained constant or even gotten better.

I'm relatively minutes old in the world of full-time artists, but I have put a theory into practice. Diversify.
This idea is based on successful markets across the globe. Will it work? The question that comes instantly to my mind is "Why not"?  Diversify ideas, diversify products. Diversify your marketing.

While I will continue to do the art that I know sells, I will also strive to find new and fresh ideas. One new way of thinking was to completely abandon the website I had been using and set up a fresh new one on FineArtStudioOnline, the artist's site by Clint Watson. Check it out if you are thinking of an art web site.
A couple of the things I'm doing differently are writing a weekly  newsletter and blog, and there is a "contact the artist" link on every page of my website. It has proven to be invaluable.

Another idea that works well for me is to do art that is backed by a passion. This sounds like a "well, duh" statement, but not every artist I know paints with that connection to their art.

My life force from childhood is wildlife.....the force behind my artistic passion is the Rowena Wildlife Clinic in the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon. Having been adopted as the "resident artist," I am allowed to go into the flight cages with the eagles, hawks, falcons and many other birds, and be around the animals that are in for rehabilitation after injuries sustained in the wild.

My education with the clinic and the up close encounters with these wonderful creatures brings to my art an authentic ring that is hard to attain any other way.

"Bobcat in the Evening Light" 
 
    Scratchboard         12x16"                 $795          

The human connection to wildlife that I want to establish with my art comes from showing viewers the up close details and expressions of these beings that share the same planet.

The scratchboard shown here, "Bobcat in the Evening Light" will be a 100% donation of the selling price to the Clinic from me. Other art pieces designated as "Clinic Wildlife" shown in the Collections on this web site will also have a portion of their selling price donated.

More information about the Clinic can be found at Rowena Wildlife Clinic. Their work is a valuable contribution to the world and a cause I truly believe in.

Keep Coloring Outside the Lines,
Sandra

(p.s. Click here to find my sign up form on Sandra Haynes Fine Art  for my weekly  "Letters From Home" newsletter to have it delivered to your in-box.  More thoughts and news from the studio. Thank you for your continued support. I'm grateful.  S.)