Personal Paintings

        It has been my experience over the past several years, that a large percentage of the people who have purchased one or more of my original paintings have had some "personal" connection to the subject of the work.    I didn't know many of these buyers, but they all shared a personal connection to the paintings.  I have concluded that many people who wish to own a "one-of-a-kind" piece of art, do so because the painting reminds them of a place they have been or an experience they have had.

        I had a barn on display at an art show in Door Co. a few years ago, and a young couple walked by and stopped to look at the painting.  It was a painting of her grandfather's barn where she had played as a child.  They had to go to an ATM machine to get the money to purchase it.

      This summer, some very good friends from college spent a few days with us in Door County.

They had both been to Door County when they were younger but hadn't been back for years.  We drove them around to our favorite spots and, after breakfast at Al Johnson's, we traveled north towards Gills Rock.  As we approached Ellison Bay,  John saw the majestic view of the bulkheads of Green Bay and asked Gary to stop the car.  We walked to the site where the "Welcome to Ellison Bay"sign is displayed, and both John and his wife, Lis, agreed, that this was the site they would like to have as a painting.  I suggested that I wait until we return in fall to paint the sight with the fall color and they agreed.   A few weeks ago I went back to the site and this is the result.

Fall Splendor, Ellison Bay   11x14

     John and Lis both grew up in Wisconsin and have not lived in the midwest for most of their married life.  They currentlly live in Virginia and they agreed to send me a picture of their painting as it sits on an easel in their home.  To them, it is a daily reminder of their Wisconsin roots.

     Although this was a painting done by commission,  buyers who enjoy attending gallery exhibits are likely to find a painting with a personal connection.