Help me, Internet!

[ellenmillion]

Okay, so I'm trying to decide what to hang at a one-man artshow for March.

It's an informal venue, a darling little tea shop near the University, and I'd like to narrow my choices to a theme or style.

I have enough work to do just color fantasy pieces (coloring being more eye-catching in general), or just black and white (mostly stipple) work. Or I could probably do an all- Torn World-themed show; I don't have that much space to fill. Or maybe just Alaskan-y stuff?

So, what would you most want to walk into a tea shop and see hanging?

(Of my work, of course. I'm sure we'd all like to walk in and ogle Michael Whelan originals...)

[Poll #1526017]

Comments

[valdary.livejournal.com]

I'd go for more Alaskany stuff than Torn World.

We know and love Torn World but for a bricks and mortar tea shop local landmarks might go better

[valdary.livejournal.com]

On second thoughts much of your Torn World is unicorns and people do love Unicorns so you could do a Unicorn theme.

[ellenmillion.livejournal.com]

Hmm! I'm not sure I'd have enough to do a whole unicorn show, but I'll have to check - that's a good idea!

[allykat.livejournal.com]

I think a "Fantasy Illustration" theme would really be pretty open as far as black and white versus color (and include Torn World!)

Also, I secretly want to see more Fantasy only gallery exhibitions!

[ellenmillion.livejournal.com]

Yes, that might work just fine!

(And yes!)

[akeyla.livejournal.com]

I'd also think about:
who is your audience? I'd try to analize that. What does the Tee shop look like, is it, say more traditional (in looks and merchandise) or is it more special, etc. What colors/looks are prominent in the store in the decoration, is the room dark or light?
Does it have uniform appearance or mixed?

Also, what do you want to do with your paintings, I mean, what do you want to show?
your variation
your imagination
narration
etc

some paintins are made to fit on walls (from the theme, concept and depth) while others do not exactly fit on walls, but their concept, theme and appearance make them special and draw the eye.

I'd not really worry about a theme that much, its the general appearance of details like format, coloration and concept that draw the first attention, aside, most people have a wiiiide idea of fantasy.
Dont forget a lot of uniforming can be done by framing and matting.

Personally I say go for what means more to you, dont fool yourself by wanting to show "what all I did and can do", I keep falling for that. Personal images with stories behind have a deeper inprint of you, even without your knowing.

If you are in good terms with the shop owner, to ask her about her ideas and try to bring some paintings there. Often you never know until you put the painting up on the wall.


I hope this helps, I talk a bit gibberish these days.

[ellenmillion.livejournal.com]

Oh, very good! This is what I shall sit down and think about next. Thank you!

[toeknuckles.livejournal.com]

I'm really not sure. But I'm with akeyla - what's the tea shop like?

[ellenmillion.livejournal.com]

They host steampunk teas... that's a good sign!

Otherwise - small and more aimed at poor college students, tastefully decorated and classy, but not fussy.

[pixiewildflower.livejournal.com]

I think the Alaska theme would appeal on a broader basic, but those are all great ideas!

[ellenmillion.livejournal.com]

Thanks!