Artist Feature: We Think Debi Watson Rocks

CraftBoom! is pleased feature talented artist Debi Watson.

Debi, what is your art or craft?

I am a painter and also teach.  Over the years, I’ve gone from selling paintings, prints, and cards at outdoor art and craft shows, to selling at galleries, to booking my first museum show!

How did you get started and what made you realize it could be more than a hobby?

I showed an early talent for art, but was discouraged and ridiculed by my family, who felt art was a waste of time (could be the strong Amish influence).  I became a nurse and a frustrated artist – painting the hospital windows for Christmas or entertaining my friends with cartoons.  After suffering from carpal tunnel and being unable to paint, I realized how much art meant to me.  In 1999, I was able to quit nursing and turn to art full time.  I knew there were artists who made a living, but figuring out how was a real challenge.

Bubbles

How do you come up with your ideas for your projects?

Being self-taught, I spent years mastering all types of subjects. (I even traveled to Yellowstone to paint wildlife.)   I love variety, but knew I’d never become known unless I specialized.  After looking back on the paintings I enjoyed most, I realized I realized that small town scenes were my personal favorite to paint.  It’s a timeless subject, near and dear to most American hearts, and I still to get to paint everything from backyard bunnies to urban sunsets.

My first idea was for a school bus picture.  After trying to photograph elusive (and dangerous) wildlife, getting photos of a school bus was like shooting fish in a barrel!  They’re not only easy to find, they stop on every corner, so you can take shots from the comfort of your own car.  While I was on the trail, I drank my coffee and laughed, thinking I was probably the only person in Pennsylvania who wanted to be behind a school bus. Now, I take reference photos all the time – when I run to get milk or go to the post office.  It’s a cushy job.

Early Morning

How do you decide how to price your work?

I know many artists who put huge prices on their work, but I have always priced mine to sell.  By checking out what comparable work is selling for and talking with the gallery owners, I have a good idea what a realistic price is.  And with art, the bigger your reputation, the bigger prices you can get, so I continue to increase my prices as my reputation grows.  People who invest in more expensive paintings want to know that their paintings will hold their value, so raising my prices a bit each year is a good stategy.

My detailed, photorealist paintings take a lot of time, so they get the biggest prices.  The quick studies that I do as demonstrations in the classes I teach can sell a lot cheaper.  I call them my Fast & Furious series.  That way I can target two markets, and still keep my prices consistant.

Barred Owl

Are you using any websites like Etsy, Artfire, eBay, Twitter, Facebook, etc to promote your business?

I have sold some work on eBay and am active on Facebook.  I list my work on many of the art sites, but have only sold off of the Fine Art America site.  I do list my classes on a lot of internet places.  Most successful artists have a spouse who does their marketing.  Since I’m doing everything, I have to concentrate on what brings the best results, which, for me, is my blog and monthly newsletter.

What’s the most challenging aspect of your business and how to you conquer it?

Being female, self-taught, and a watercolor painter makes it darned hard to be taken seriously as an artist.  I asked a museum curator who had just given me a top award at a show if his museum would consider an exhibit of watercolors.  He made a shocked face.  When I pointed out all my awards, he whined, “But it’s watercolor…. couldn’t you at least call it something else?”  So, I target people who’s opinions matter in the art world and send them postcards of my best new work, mentioning my latest awards, but call it ‘watermedia’ or ‘mixed media on paper’.

I want them to know who I am and what I do, and I don’t care what it’s called, as long as they think it’s good.   Having an art ‘reputation’ is about who knows you.  And that takes a lot of exposure, and persistance.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of your work?

Having a finished painting that I love.  Just looking at it gives me the warm fuzzies most people get from alcohol.  And having a student who just ‘gets it.’  Art is tough to teach and I’ve tried countless things over the years.  Now, when I can see a real difference in a student from one series of classes, it’s the best feeling ever.