Today I was in San Francisco to meet with Beth Lauderbach, the owner of Scottsdale Fine Art Gallery. What a treat to meet her family. She has a wonderful gallery and a terrific attitude. I was delivering new paintings to her and she was in S.F. to drop her daughter off at U.S.F.
   
I have gone through so many machinations in the past week because of the previous week's events that I have been asking myself; "What is the criteria for choosing a gallery?" First, you need to find out how they treat their artists.  There is a dealer in Sacramento who has a nice gallery, but he is difficult with his artists. I have always thought it is best to stay away. Next, you need to find out how they pay!! Do they pay  in a timely fashion?  You can find out this information by interviewing artists in that gallery for inside information. This year, I called someone I knew that was in a gallery that had approached me.  She told me not to bother, and described some of the difficulties. That's good information.  Make certain you approach those galleries in which you know your work would fit and look good. Would your work offer some unique or satisfying addition?  
   
I am talking to myself as well as the reader. No matter how much a gallery director says they like your paintings and want them, the crucial question is....Will it be seen? That is the only way it can be sold. I am also finding out that prestige means very little if you are displayed in a corner. I have had some very good years with sales and I am somewhat known in certain circles, but I am finding that it all means nothing if no one sees the beauty of my paintings.  Therefore...choose to work with a gallery that is passionate about what you are doing and pays quickly after a sale.  Then the business side is worth the hassle.  By the way...everytime you think you've "ARRIVED",  you find another door and the levels are never ending.  We all need to enjoy where we are at any one time and enjoy the meal before us.  Are you listening Gil?  YES and many blessings  gd

Good news for all acrylic painters and oil painters who struggle with the toxicity of oils or turps.  Golden Acrylics has finally created a dream product. One, that I have been hoping for and even praying for...for 30 years. It's called Golden Open Acrylics and it stays open on your palette for hours and it blends and acts like oil paint. It also has a slow dry-gloss medium that is designed for it and works with other acrylics. The pigmentation is good, but slightly more transparent with some colors. Other than that, it is fantastic. It does not dry out in hot winds if you're painting outdoors. Wow!  Have I been in heaven. 

On another note...do you ever go into a gallery and find your work relegated to a corner or simply not displayed?  I did last week!  I recommend waiting 24 hours before saying anything...(now that I have not followed that good advice and shot from the hip). Consequently, I handled my reaction badly and lost a good gallery and a friend in the process.  I would do it differently, now, but I do recommend standing up for yourself. When a gallery takes on your work, make certain that you expect your work to be seen, that it should have your name displayed somewhere and that you are not going to be relegated to the back room.

HEY! WATCH THIS SITE FOR MY PRINTS.  Nathan and Ramona Dellinger will be starting a Dellinger print business, with some first class giclee prints.  The first ones should be posted about the first of September.

I am off to New Brunswick, Canada and should come back with some awesome new work.  I will be posting a bunch soon.  Until then, many blessings!!!