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I've started a portrait commission campaign. Mainly for practice, but also for profit. I know most people would love artistic representations of their loved ones... sometimes paintings just hit a little different than photos do. People love to support artists, but it's often a luxury that most can not afford. So I came up with a size and price that I think is a good sweet-spot for both me as an artist and my patrons. Here are some examples of the recent portraits I've done. My goal is to get 72 done before my Portrait Society conference in April. (it was 72 days until the conference when I started the campaign... daily paintings)

A baby is so challenging! Small features, plus a head tilt... I had my work cut out for me.

When a client asks for a special commission of a loved one who has passed on, I really approach the painting in a prayerful and thoughtful way, hoping to capture more than the photograph allows, a peaceful spirit maybe. It's an honor to paint these for people.

I thought I'd share a little bit about what I learned this summer. I had the opportunity to be involved in two different "art shows" this summer. The first was "Raspberry Days" down in Garden City UT. This is right next to Bear Lake, a favorite family vacation spot not to far from us. I grew up going to my Armstrong family cabin and always enjoyed going to Raspberry Days the first weekend in August. This year I thought I would give it a shot and try to sell some paintings there.

It was alot of fun! I loved talking to people and showing them my work. I'm proud to showcase good artwork and educate the public a little. Ultimately I don't think it's the right market for my work, unless I have more prints and smaller items to sell to the general public who is just perusing. I think it would be rare to find the client who wants to buy a fine art piece at this particular show. It is more of a craft fair really... people are selling everything from crocheted animals and blankets, books, clothing, and lots of yummy homemade treats.

One of my favorite moments was just breaking away from my booth to go paint in front of it. The owners of this barn came and bought the painting the next day. So fun!

The next event I was a part of was having my painting at the C.M. Russel Museum in Great Falls Montana to be auctioned off at their live auction. Every part of this event was exciting for me! I loved the location! I was there with my sweetheart and we were able to enjoy a little vacation. I'd never been to a live art auction. This is where I belong!!! I'd love to see more of my work at events like this and at galleries. The people who come to these things know that they are seeing quality work that is worth the price that they are paying! My painting sold for $1900. This for me is amazing! "Moonlit Charolais" is only 17"x 21", and so for a small watercolor painting to go for that much, I was thrilled! 

I met some awesome artists and patrons who gave me great advise and were so kind. I hope to go back soon. In the meantime, I'm going to keep painting what inspires me. When in doubt... paint cows!

This is a picture at their live art in action. The seasoned artists do their last finishing touches on their paintings to be auctioned off before the main event. This one goes entirely to the museum's benefit. I didn't paint there, but I did happen to get in a few of their promotional photos :)