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Trying to make a living as an artist can be a risky business. The poor, starving artist often isn't an exaggeration. I am not exactly starving but if it wasn't for my Spanish husband, who has a small avocado farm, I would currently struggle to survive on my art income.  The main reason being the Covid related lockdowns, which meant that I had to stop my in-studio art classes and the local Art Gallery did not survive.

When I was still living in the Netherlands, I was part of the gallery scene and had regular exhibitions and my art was selling, but after settling in Spain in 2003 it wasn't easy to get into an art scene. I did sell the occasional painting privately through contacts I had, but apart from a solo exhibition in the province of Alicante I had no exhibitions that first year in Spain. I had to look for a job on the side to support my art income.

I became a translator, a job that I could do at home, which was great as I could organise my time schedule which usually left me some space to dedicate to my art. When my then partner and I moved from northern Spain to southern Spain in 2004 I did manage to get back into an art scene. I participated in group exhibitions and also had quite a few solo exhibitions. However, often, with deadlines for translations being tight, sometimes finding the time to work on my art became a challenge. 

In 2014 I married my Spanish husband who I had met in 2012. Thanks to the income from the organic avocado farm, it was possible for me to stop doing translation work and to dedicate my time fully to art and writing. I'm very grateful for that. 

I also feel blessed, that, throughout my art career (over 35 years), I have been able to do quite a lot of bartering with my art as well. I paid for services with my artwork. I was able to pay for doctor's visits, special health treatments, book editing, translations and proof readings and I've even paid for a specialist laser treatment with a painting during an operation in Spain.

So why do I say it's a Risky business?

Well, it’s a scary world out there and sadly there are people who like to take advantage. I lost thousands of euros when a gallery in Amsterdam, who sold several of my artworks went bankrupt and never paid me (nor other artists who they owed money).

I also lost two large paintings that I had made available for art-lease, contract signed and all, but payment stopped, paintings not returned and no way to trace them. And during an exhibition in a local establishment one of my flamenco oil paintings was severely damaged, but they had no insurance, neither did I. I dare say that I’m not the only artist to fall for promises and deals that turn out to be fake. It’s a risk we sometimes need to take.

My ongoing challenge is to help people 'discover' me. I love for my art to change the atmosphere of homes and office spaces of clients who appreciate my work. Feel free to check out my blog called 'The Energy of Art' and the feedback I get from my art classes (now online) fills me with joy. I absolutely love to inspire beginners and people who have some painting experience to find their own, unique style and I'm proud to say that at least two of my former students are now regularly selling their art.

For me being an artist is a way of life. I never think that I will run out of ideas, if anything I have too many and I should be more focussed on what I'm working on. Creating art (or writing a book for that matter) all starts with a process of creation, the part that I enjoy most, but then I have to find ways to show my work to those who might like it.

In modern day life artists have to become marketeers. We have to show up in videos, take pictures, smile in front of our work, write blogs and share all that via the social media. Instagram, YouTube and Facebook are the platforms I use. 

There are so many platforms to choose from that it can be overwhelming, what to do? Tik-tok, LinkedIn, Pinterest, etc. Should I also use those? If I'm honest I get tired even thinking of that.

It also doesn't help that my mother used to tell me “Don’t bother other people"! Till this day, sharing my insights, art and information about art classes always leaves me with that feeling. Does this bother people? This to me also feels risky. Can I put people off? How often should I post, should I create ads, should I write an email every day? I feel a ‘pffffffff’ coming up.

I do believe it’s all about information and about knowing who you are and about finding the way that suits your personality best. Since I like to write and feel confident to create YouTube videos, my blogs and my YouTube channel will be my main focus, but I need to incorporate Instagram more actively as well. Wish me luck!

There is something else though, and it's important. Recently (in 2021) I learned something that, to be honest, although actually very logical, meant I had to change my approach. This is not so much about me! This is about my potential client. Perhaps this is about you!

Let me explain. In 2021 I discovered Faso/Boldbrush and I'm very happy that I did. Why?

Well, it makes me feel more knowledgeable and informed about the do’s and the don’ts.

Having a Faso website gives me many benefits, including weekly live marketing webinars, which  I try not to miss. These marketing information sessions are run by Dave Gaeda who is very inspiring and patient when explaining how to market art. And I’m amazed at the quick response when I struggle when I try to add something to my website as my email correspondence with Deborah Whytock, herself an artist, who is also always present supporting Dave during those webinars,  helping participants in the chat, is helping me a lot.

I’ve had an art website since the beginning of the ‘internet highway’, but what Faso is offering is certainly above what I’ve had in the past. I feel that with their help, being a succesful artist can be a lot less challenging.

Like most artists I would love to be able to make a decent living again from my art and writing. I live in the most beautiful place in a small, magical seaside village of La Herradura in southern Spain once home to the famous guitar meastro Andres Segovia, but sadly it's not the easiest place to sell my art. Great for inspiration though!

However, I think generally speaking it's not easy to find your audience as an artist. Any given artist will never please and be loved by everyone. But knowing that there is a market out there that appreciates your work (in my case based on many sales in the past) does help. Faso gives me the confidence to show up.

As long as I can create and share my art and my knowledge with others who can appreciate it and who can get some happiness from my art and my words, I feel happy and grateful. And although it can sometimes still be a risky business … it is simply part of my life's journey!

I invite you to check out my website and/or follow me on social media!

If you like to create your own art website with Faso, which I can very  much recommend, why not check out this link: http://faso.com/ref/101129

Renate