Blondheim Art Original Acrylic Floral Painting Snapdragons

5x7 inches
acrylic on panel
unframed
115.00 includes shipping
Purchase at: www.lindablondheim.com





Painters Tip



Donating Art to Charities

I donate about 15 paintings a year to various worthy causes in my north central Florida area. There is little to be gained from donating work other than the ability to help others with your talent and skill. In the 20 years I have been donating, not one direct sale has been produced. I do it because I am a giver and for no other reason. I don't doubt that it makes people feel positive about me as an artist, but it does not produce clients or sales for me directly. I'm sure there are exceptions. Other artists may have ha better luck than I.



I have a browse bin in my studio where I put older paintings and paintings of lower value. I allow organizations to choose work from that bin. I insist that they come out to my studio to choose a painting from the bin. I do not deliver donated work. By forcing them to come to the studio, they are exposed to my better work which is hanging and framed. I have made sales this way to the people who pick up the donations.


I also insist on receipts from the organization, and the name and address from the purchaser to add to my mailing list. Organizations often send me tickets to their fundraising events. I never use the tickets myself. Instead, I send them to loyal clients as a little surprise gift. They greatly appreciate my gesture, which creates good will.


I always make sure that my business cards and brochures are available at the fundraiser.


Recently, in this area some of the organizations are giving the artists a wholesale fee and taking their money from any bids higher than the wholesale price set by artists. That is a very nice way to do art auctions and everyone wins, including the artists.


Make the most of your donations by utilizing them in your marketing. I have the charities I support on my web site. If you are a generous person, don't be afraid to show it to others.


My advice is to go into donations with a spirit of generosity, expecting little in return but the satisfaction of knowing you are helping others in need. Pick and choose organizations whom you feel are deserving and stick with local or regional organizations.