MY FIRST LIVE ART OPPORTUNITY

The Find

I came home after a long day of work and my father told me about a really cool opportuinty that he called “performance art”. Someone had called him in need of an artist for an event. My heart skipped a beat. Did I just get a job? My father then said he was still trying to find an artist because he had never seen me do anything like it. I told him I would love to take the job.

I showed my portfolio to the event planner and she was very excited about the quality of my work. She gave me her vision and showed me some concept art that she found on the internet. I told her it was no problem at all to do what she wanted.

The Parameters

I had a week to come up with the design, plan accordingly, and execute exceptionally. The event was a formal dinner. I would set up a little corner so that people could watch, wither from up close or their table. The dinner was an hour long. It needed to be finished before the night ended because the painting was to be auctioned off to raise money for the association that was hosting the event.

The painting was supposed to be of a bug in honor of the Florida Pest Management Association’s 75th anniversary. I chose a 24 x 18 inch canvas so that people could see it, and so that it would be worth the money the association budgeted to me. I definitely had my work cut out for me.

The Inspiration

The image I chose was that of an extremely colorful grasshopper. It was a popular image in my research and I figured that it would be a hit for all the attendees of the conference event.

There were men and women alike. I didn’t want to do any insect that would be considered too feminine, such as a butterfly; nor did I want to do any insect that would be repulsive, such as a palmetto bug.

The Planning

First, I sketched out the grasshopper. I knew that, because of how detailed the insect needed to be, it could not be done in one hour. I needed to paint the background and at least the twig that it rested on.

I did test colors before I eventually landed on a warm green abstract background. I wanted it to be nice enough to compliment the subject but also muted enough to not draw any attention.

I also didn’t want to paint too much because this was a live event. I couldn’t walk in with a completed painting and pretend to paint it for an hour.

People want to see a white canvas transform into a work of art right before their eyes. But, I needed to sacrifice the white canvas because of the limited time that I had. Plus, this was my very first event and I wanted to put my best foot forward.

The Branding

Because this was my very first time as a commissioned artist, I needed to make sure my brand was up to standards. I did some work on my website, (which I don’t believe to be finished yet) designed my business cards, and got to work on my display.

My mother was invaluable in this stage because she has done many events and knew exactly what I needed in order to make me look “legit”. I trusted her implicitly because I have seen the quality of work that she does and it is astounding.

I wanted to make a little display to have next to me while I painted so that people could come up and take my business cards. I hand painted my logo on a little canvas and purchased a little easel to display it on.

There were other additions that my mother made that made me worth every penny that the association was spending. From shirts embroidered with my logo, to the amazing decor, I looked as if I have done this a million times.

The Day of the Event

I was nervous beyond belief. Because I had never done it before, it was definitely the fear of the unknown. Throughout my planning process, I had painted a prototype so that I could test things and not “mess up” the real thing.

The morning of the event, I was seriously doubting the background color I chose.

I painted my prototype quickly so that I could see what it looked like with a much darker green in the background.

I proposed it to my family, but they all said that they liked my original one better.

I am still not sure which one I like better, but I decided not to make more work for myself and leave it as it was.

With the help of my assistant (my mother), I went to the location of the event and began to set up all my supplies. We brought house plants, uplighting, regular lighting, extension cords, a canvas drop cloth, a palette shaped side table, a rolling stool, and, of course, my easel and painting.

It was a setup out of my dreams. It caught everyone’s attention, but in the best way possible. I didn’t look out of place. I was one with the event; just another element to the amazing experience these people have been a part of for the week.

My side display was a success and drew the attention of people who were interested in learning more about me and my art.

It was just the right amount of professionalism and creativity; something that I think I personally embody.

Many people would come up to me and I had the wonderful privilege to talk to them and tell them about art and make them laugh. I truly would love another opportunity like this one. I hope it wasn’t a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ opportunity.

The Finished Piece

Just as the dinner and a presentation came to a close, I finished my painting. It was everything that the event planner hoped it would be and more. I exceeded her expectations with my professionalism and the quality of my work.

She was so happy with it that she even excitedly mentioned that I might be her go-to artist whenever she needs one for an event. I was thrilled!

The Winner

I packed up my display swiftly and did not disturb the rest of the party. The event planner took my original work and displayed it so that all the attendees would know that it was a prize to be won. And everyone wanted it.

In hindsight, the painting should have been auctioned off, as I was lead to believe it would be at the beginning. Because everyone wanted it, it would have raised much more money than it did through raffle tickets, though it was still a significant amount.

While I painted, there were people who would come up and offer to buy my painting right then and there. It was very flattering, but it was already bought by the association.

With much anticipation, everyone bought their raffle tickets and waited for their number to be called.

The event planner reported that the excitement in the room was amazing. She couldn’t see anyone who didn’t want to own this painting.

They wanted to own it, not because it was the most amazing painting they had ever seen, but it was a momento of the association that they cherish and the week they had spent in celebration for said association. It had sentimental value. You can’t put a price on sentiment.

Elated, the winner claimed her prize. When I recieved this picture, I was so thrilled. Something I created brought that much joy to a whole group of people.

I am so blessed to have had this opportunity. It was extremely positive. All of the people I got to meet were absolutely lovely.

I hope to do it again soon.