This is the time of the year for Open Studio Tours! We are in the midst of San Luis Obispo county's two weekends of Open Studio - so it's very timely to share some tips I have learned along the way about Open Studios and other ways to market your art in this BobBlast.
I believe your patrons come to see your art… and that's all I have in my studio. Art on the walls and tables with stacks of unmatted paper paintings. My studio is a work space, not a display gallery. Oh, I have a few sketches, notes and my bird chart on the wall - but try not to clutter and distract from the art. I also do not have flowers, candles, incense - because of allergies and the distraction level.
The advantage of participating in an Open Studio Tour - you don't have to travel! Stay put in your studio (always a good thing). The public is curious and interested in visiting an artist in their studio - your studio is that magic place where art is made!
My studio consists of 3 large white walls - filled with my current work on canvas and paper. I also line the walls with tables for bins and to prop more paintings against the wall. My goal is to show volume and choice. We advertise my studio as a "working studio" - not a showplace.
If you have an opportunity to place a co-op ad or a group ad, jump on it! Helps people to know you are in business and on the tour. Don't forget about personal invitations and social media posts!
That's all the prep before it even starts. During your event, enjoy yourself, chat with everyone and celebrate being with people again!
Short Summary…
•I don't paint during Open Studio - I decided to make myself available to chat with my visitors!
•Something to consider - enjoy talking to your friends and other artists, but know when to shift your attention to the "paying customers”.
•Have various sizes and prices available. Lower priced items such as prints, cards, etc are great for Open Studio.
•Don't set a bunch of chairs out. You don't want them to sit. You want them to move around and look at your art.
•We have also learned throughout the years - No food! You are not throwing a party. The second there is a food table, that's where your customers congregate!
My studio will be open next weekend - Saturday and Sunday, 10/15-16, 2022. If you can’t make it, click here to see my Open Studio Artwork! If something catches your eye - we ship! Email/text Kate!
Can't come to our Open Studio?
Burridge Available ArtWork - For sale on our website!
Enjoying watching Bob's Demos?
Monthly Demos - All on ZOOM
Inviting you into Bob’s Studio so you can watch his process at work.
•October 12, 2022
“Where, Why & How to Put the WOW in your Paintings”
•November 14, 2022
“Varnishes & Mediums”
•December 13, 2022
“Painting a Wine Bottle with 3 Strokes”
February 17-24, 2023
Workshop in The Bahamas… save the date!
Mark Your Calendar... Dillman's Creative Arts Retreat is going to be offering a fantastic painting experience to Elbow Cay in the Abacos, Bahamas. Bob Burridge will teach Abstract Acrylic Painting Workshop in the Bahamas and Kate Burridge will also be offering marketing classes during the week. The group will be staying at Abaco Inn and Crystal Waters located on the gorgeous beaches of the Caribbean. Specific pricing and itinerary is coming soon... Space will be limited to 26 travelers. Join us to help celebrate both Bob Burridge and Denny Robertson as they turn 80…
Contact Dillman’s directly - (715) 588-3143 or vacations@dillmans.com
More information coming!
Join Bob in Mexico! • January 21-28, 2023
Casa de Los Artistas - Boca de Tomatlán
Contact Robert Masla, (413) 625-8382
Paint with Bob in his Studio in Arroyo Grande, California
Studio Mentor - November 10-13, 2022
Studio Mentor • 5 Day Instructional • 4 Day Figure Painting Workshops
2023 Studio Workshop Schedule Ready for You!
Online Workshops - Paint with BOB!
•Drawing & Painting the Figure with Motion and Emotion - Nov 18-20, 2022
•Making & Using Neutral Colors in your Paintings - Dec 2-3, 2022
•Loosen Up with Aquamedia Painting - March 3-4, 2023
•Non-Objective Mixed Media - April 22-23, 2023
Something New for You! • Burridge Critiques Your Art
Online honest critiques • Private one-on-one
Critiques • Coaching • Comments • Suggestions
Click here for more information!
