Pictures from the Port Washington Fish Day

More pictures... I thought it might be a good idea to post some pic's of my set-up. And, as always with these kinds of things, you always get new and better ideas for the next time. But, overall I was very happy with how it turned out, since we hadn't done this sort of thing in a while. Nothing fell down or got wet in the process, that was a relief! And, of course, the credit for that goes entirely to my supportive husband :-).

So, I'm on the lookout for just the right shows and Art galleries and of course, back to painting!

Art Fairs vs. Craft Fairs...

The Port Washington Fish Days...
First thing I learned is that their 'Art and Craft Fair' is really just a minor sidekick to the main event (the entire Art/Craft Fair space is rather small).
Second thing I learned is that I need to concentrate on Art Fairs only. I certainly felt like the odd one out here, since the large majority were offering crafts. I had a lot of people look and great comments on my artwork but I think people were in general expecting to spend less on purchases at the Fair, more likely $20,- and under.
Nevertheless, I received a lot of great input from artists, fishermen, event organizers and made a connection with a gentlemen who is promoting to farm perch commercially.
As for now, I will concentrate on completing my long list of commissioned artwork. I'm definitely ready to go back to painting after matting 100 and some pieces.
All in all I was grateful that the HEAVY RAIN didn't start until it was time to take everything down AND that I had a tent to stay dry in.

The Peacock Bass...

For my show, I'll be taking one of my recent pieces, the Peacock Bass along. The picture measures 24" x 14". It's definitely one of my favorites, since I love intense colors.

One more week...

One more week until Port Washington Fish Days...
As I am getting ready for this Art Fair I am developing a new appreciation for all those creative entrepreneurs heading out to numerous weekend events throughout the year. It takes a lot of planning, preparing, assembling and figuring out how to make things work with what you have. Nevertheless, it's a fun process to be involved in and I'm enjoying (almost) every minute of it. As the date is approaching it's getting more nerve wrecking and I just can't wait for the day to get here.
Hope to see you and great sunny weather around next Saturday...


So long,


Andrea

My first encounter...

This is something I'll remember... my first blog... But I figure if I enjoy reading other people's blog, why not start one myself.
First of all, something about ME. I am actually born and raised in Germany, found love in the US (long story), moved back to Germany with him and lived there for about eight years. Then moved back to the States, lived in Colorado and then settled here in Milwaukee. As a German, that transition was the easiest, it's just such a great fit and I just love the Midwest.
Anyway, I have ALWAYS painted and experimented with a whole variety of media. I ended up graduating with a Marketing Degree from my German university. After working for a few years, I became a stay-at-home Mom and discovered it would be perfectly fine to pursue my desire to create art. Always curious about watercolor, I began taking classes - I immediately fell in love with this technique - the colors are vibrant and come alive, once you put them on paper.
Painting fish really started when we moved to Colorado in 2000. Two boys and a husband spend ALL their free time fishing. Watching them was exciting, but not THAT exciting, so I decided to take my small travel watercolor kit along and paint whatever they were catching. I started painting trout for family and friends but was then encouraged to sell my Artwork. I have had a LOT of positive feedback on my pictures, that now also include Salmon, Musky, Pike, Bass,
Walleye, Crappie and other sport fish.
My first show for this year will be the Port Washington Fish Days - Mark your calendar! It's happening on July 18!
So long for now,


Andrea