Another racing scene and an exhibition

I worked hard to get this watercolour completed in time for my joint exhibition with Janet Thomas at The Kington Gallery, which opened on Saturday and runs until late September. The time constraints seemed to do me good because I think this is one of my best!

I attended the opening day, which wasn't only an exhibition opening, it was also the opening of this unique new gallery, and was thrilled to make a "big" sale within the first hour! "In The Running" has gone to a new home with a lovely lady who I know will enjoy it - it's a wonderful feeling when that perfect match happens, the right painting for the right person.

The gallery itself is very special. For the last year, it has been a labour of love for Janet Thomas who bought a disused restaurant and set about turning it into a welcoming place for both artists and art lovers. It is going to be a massive asset for this small market town in rural Herefordshire!

More racehorses

In the Running
Watercolours, 15" x 11"

Another painting based on reference photos taken at Hereford racecourse. This time I was inspired by the lighting, especially the shadows being cast by one horse and jockey, landing on the lead horse.

This painting will join two other racehorse paintings and several florals in an exhibition in my friend's new gallery in Kington, Herefordshire.

How do you get your artwork seen by prospective customers? The old way was to take it to a bricks and mortar gallery, sign away your life (or at lease 40% of the sale price) and hope the right person would walk in - not the best method. Then Ebay came along, and for a while it was good, then fees escalated, sales took a nosedive. There is hope though - www.etsy.com is a new sales venue for all things handmade!

I've opened a shop on etsy to increase my online presence, the site has a real community feel, sellers and customers are friendly. Artists and craftspeople have a new venue for selling!