In case you aren’t on one of my many email lists, I now have a brand new website, but at the same URL: www.jeanhirons.com.  I created it using FASO–Fine Art Studios Online, and I couldn’t be happier with it.  It took less than a week and it wasn’t difficult. When I ran into a snag, I was able to ask for tech support and received timely, easy to follow responses.  It costs me $28 a month.  Being able to quickly and easily update it any time I want is such a plus.  My original site was developed for me in 2001 and my husband took it over some years later. He took classes in html and Dreamweaver in order to do it. You no longer need any of this knowledge.  So, if you have been thinking about creating your own site, do it!

One of the pluses of the site is the ability to create an email newsletter with images. I will put in this what used to be in the What’s New section of my old site–upcoming shows, awards, and other events.  If you’d like to receive it,  go to the site and add your email in the lower right corner box.

Over the past weekend, I sold 3 paintings and had an expression of interest for a 4th. (Part of this, I think, was due to the announcement of the new website.)  This got me thinking about the ups and downs of being an artist. I can’t tell you the hours I’ve lain awake worrying about the huge number of paintings that have taken over what used to be a spacious guest room. Or the cost of framing and wishing I could do it myself. But now that I’m in one commercial gallery and thinking about trying to get into others, I fear I don’t have enough paintings!  Of course, what I know is that I don’t have enough really GOOD paintings.

However, for the moment, I want to basque in the joy of knowing that people want my paintings.  The money is nice, but it’s quickly spent on more frames and supplies. And getting them out of the guest room is another big plus. But the real joy in selling is that it validates us as artists.  I was recently told that Gauguin never sold a single painting and Van Gogh sold only one (to Theo).  I don’t think I could exist with this sales rate!  When people tell me they love my work, I paint  better. I assume it is the same with you too?  We all need positive feedback from time to time.

There haven’t been any comments on the site lately, and I hope it isn’t because it’s too difficult to get past the spam blocker. Would love to hear how you deal with all of this!  I know that I’m happiest when I’m painting well–regardless of the fact that I’ll have more to frame and store–and I look forward to getting back in the studio tomorrow to work on my latest painting.

Hope you like my website! Cheers!!!