Thank you for your report!
We have received your report and it is currently under investigation by a forum moderator.
Member leaving.
Welcome to the forum.
Here you can discuss all things art with like-minded artists, join regular painting challenges, ask questions, buy and sell art materials and much more.
Make sure you sign in or register to join the discussions.
Hang on Studio Wall
This is a Studio member-only feature!
Join our Studio membership and save your favourite Painters Online content, from gallery artwork to step-by-step guides, to your own online mood boards. Create your go-to place for inspiration and learning. Plus, members can also enjoy a range of exciting features including monthly art videos and a digital magazine library.
If you are already a Studio member, simply login to your account.
Not a Studio member? Why not try our free 30-day trial - no commitment, no credit card required
Showing page 2 of 2
- 1
- 2
Message
Posted
Apparently my "trial will expire in 8 days." I have no idea what that even means. (It's okay, no need to explain). I shall continue using the gallery and checking out the forum if still possible after that. I'm not really interested in any other features anyway.
Overall I have no major complaints about the site. The bits I access function well in terms of speed, etc. There are silly issues like the boxes one can tick when uploading work (clearly not organised by an artist), and the blogs which one cannot readily delete (and which I have given up on as a waste of time).
I think one has to approach the site like one does the galleries these days: It's a business venture.
Posted
That’s a sad observation Ian a business venture ! .
It has always been far more than that , the fact that one member has “walked” and concern was shown makes it better than a business venture .
Some of the new features I don’t like ,it would be good to see restoration of some of the old ones. A couple of years ago the site had a revamp and stuff changed ,surprisingly we all got used to it. Though this revamp is much more drastic
Eventually it will probably go the same way of familiarity and we will use what aspect we personally enjoy.
But please let’s keep the common touch and the kindness.
Here endeth the lesson.....🙃
Posted
Hi Sylvia. My apologies for any upset, but a "business venture" is exactly what the site is now. Let me expand:
I first exhibited in 1977. It came as quite a surprise to me that on my very first attempt to get "shown" in the Nottingham Open Exhibitions, I got all 3 pieces hung. Not only that, but the gallery, of their own volition, compiled and distributed a booklet containing all the artists represented, together with a brief biog and an example of their work. This was entirely free, and available to anyone wanting to contact or even exhibit in turn, said artists. The very next year I was offered a one-man show up the staircase at Nottingham Castle. I say this not to imply my work was special in any way, but to illustrate what the relationship was back then between artists and local galleries. I continued to do well in that exhibition through the 80’s, before my job as head of a school art dept meant I had less time to paint.
When I returned to painting, c. 2005, I noticed how much things had changed. What was missing in particular was the absence of any continuity in the relationship between gallery and artist. One might get accepted, and even sell, but one was never "on the books" for future contact or opportunities. Also, the galleries were now really arts & crafts shops, not necessarily run by people who had any art background or knowledge.
Today, your art and my art, might get hung in an exhibition. That in turn is what attracts people to an exhibition. The Art. But, unless we sell, do we benefit? Bearing in mind we can be “seen” on the internet by countless more people?
What exactly is a “handling fee” of c. £8 when a piece is simply taken from my hands and placed against a wall behind? It certainly doesn’t cover insurance. Why is an admission fee required PER PAINTING? Is it so very hard to flip through 3 pictures on a pc screen? Will you get a percentage from the Google ads next to your painting when shown on the internet (across several sites)?
It is a business. One of food stalls, parking fees, sales of art materials, art classes, and yes, websites with Google ads and special offer Forums.
This is only my opinion (and Grayson Perry’s I think), based on what I observe. I neither intend to upset or offend. I wish it were not quite so.
Posted
No upset taken....but thank you. I have never sold anything commercially but have sold work from local art society exhibitions and galleries attached to local theatres. So I’m not in those heady realms. I haven’t even looked at the sales side of this new site it’s not why I am here.
If ,as you indicate it is purely commercial the that is retrograde. Plus some of the stuff displayed I wouldn’t give you tuppence for...( I do say what I think) I also notice that a lot of the better artists here do not have work on there.
I would also think looking at an image on the internet is only detrimental . Seeing the real thing should be the only way to buy.
We can all still use the gallery, the competitions and the forum plus the blogs though I’m not sure who reads them.
Please POL team don’t change anymore .
Posted
There certainly is a lot of "variable" work here. Once again, I think it's about numbers (customers).
The Patchings Open Competitions do divide the displays into those who wish to call themselves professional and those wishing to be termed amateur. I have often thought that might be a good approach to the Gallery page. (Can't see it happening though).
Nice chatting. Cheers for now.
Showing page 2 of 2
- 1
- 2