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Ann Rea Interview
If you’ve never heard of painter Ann Rea then you are in for a real treat. Ann wowed the artist world when she burst onto the scene in 2004 with vivid landscapes of the vineyards of California. Within a year of starting her art business, Ann was profitable and has since expanded her business to include not only her beautiful canvas works, but also prints, postcards, public speaking and artist coaching.
Recently I had a chance to sit down and do a phone interview with Ann. She agreed to make this interview available to The Abundant Artist readers. In the interview she talks about how she went from not painting at all to being profitable in only a year and how any artist who wants to can do the same.
My favorite quote from the interview? “I’m not saying anyone should limit themselves. The starving artist is a myth.”
I have 2 small prim. paintings on velvet, Amish scenes, signed A/REA , on the back there is a note, “this is a painting on velvet by Ann Rea”
Is this an “earlier You”? or another AnnRea
Well was it?
The Ann Rea that painted your pictures on velvet is a different artist. Your Ann Rea lived and worked in Roswell, Ga. Sadly, she passed away in 2003. I met her and went to several of her shows. She hand stained all of the fabric and most often, made and painted the frames too. At her shows, she would also display and sell the works of other local artists. Her work is so delicate and there are always lovely little details that continue to bring enjoyment…thanks, Ann.
Thanks for he opportunity to talk about what it is that’s holdng me back.
Lots. – Tom
ps – I’ll be reading your info. Then I’ll know better.
I am an Artist and I want to Thank You for the oportunity to listen to your interview. I most say you sound very down to earth and simple,which makes it easier to understand. I am thrilled to the fact,that your are successfull. I believe that Artist are born,not made. Your were definately born an Artist in various ways.You look Stunning in the photo,beautifull.
I have a steel eagle with 600 feathers it has and 11ft. Wing span. So I am having a hard time finding the right buyer
Just heard your interview and it was so valuable to me. I am a writer and a painter and totally responded to your idea that the mindset is so important for successful marketing. I will review your website and look forward to seeing your work. S.
Hi Cory,
Not struggling, but approaching the whole website thing. Somehow I’ve managed to dodge this so far but hey it’s just gotta be done and well and as cheap as possible. Well, start with this and reevaluate later if need be.
I’ve just seen your 9 best picks and yes very nice. Great to see after pouring over lots of second rate crappy stuff. Why someone would take lots of care on their art but hang it on a dodgy site? Weird
Cool site,
Marcus
indeed!
the interview was very informative and it makes good sense to approach selling art with a good business mind, I felt relief as I enjoy both the arts and commerce skills and see that selling is an art and an artist should not have trouble in designing a path that will work out sales special interest groups in other social networks this is just another journey a new color on the canvas I can do this thanks Cory your channel has been an inspiration I printed and sold 6 prints the first time I pitched I was selling prints of my work all with in a week end among friends I have now professionally digitized my work for reproduction online and want to offer a nice web gallery and this is where it’s scary I’m an artist not enjoying computer mode I moved from an area with an art culture in Cincinnati to rural where artist is odd man in town so this is nice chatting with creative people thank you to Melissa for her uplifting input as well blessings to all
I am new to social networking. I have spent a lot of time trying to learn some of the basics. I think I have my facebook page, my gmail, my blog, and my shop all somewhat connected. I am trying to sell handmade jewelry and wearable art in a variety of styles. I have had a store for 4 months, but to date have only two followers and no sales. I am trying to learn what I need to do next. If you are working with only painting and drawing type art, can the information you are sharing be helpful to me? I am open to many different ideas. Thank you.
Barbra I had an accident no longer do i make jewelry but pick out your favorite pieces of work and design a special limited offer catalog and just for the know twitter is pretty cool and talk show host Wendy Williams loves jewelry and twitter show her you never know you could end up on her show stranger things have happened
I really don’t think your site can help. All of the things you suggest, have already been tried. The galleries in this town are just not selling art, it is slow for everyone.
I find the information very helpful it opens doors I was unaware of before galleries are hard work printing framing all hard work, learning of online galleries inspires me after surviving a deadly accident leaving me disabled I no longer do all the work with ease so what an inspiring web sincerely Sharon D. miller
This is an excellent interview. You can feel where she is coming from and all her evolution. I wish I had a clearer strategy for my art. I might go and check her website, but not before thanking you for sharing this
The thing I’m struggling with is getting exposure. I have a few of my drawings posted on the my face book page. I need to know how to get more people to see my drawings, become more marketable.
One of the things I really need to do is draw. For the last two weeks I’ve been attending Jennifer’s recent video summit and now that its over I need to get back to drawing. She said that its important to take action, so I’m taking action by getting on the abundant artist.com and start getting the help I need to become a professional artist.
hurray for taking action.
I also decided not to use galleries for a variety of reasons; fear of rejection – can be overcome, basic laziness – time is limited and I won’t spend time and money to give over 50% of earnings and I like to control my own prices. So I run my own exhibitions usually solos but sometimes with other artists. I agree it’s much easier to sell someone else’s work and tell their story.. So pretending it’s not my work might be good, will rethink.
I differ in that I decided not to starve and ploughed all my creativity into a career in education ending as a management consultant but when I retired I returned to my basic artistic drive. I paint, sculpt and photograph because I must….it’s an energy inside….the business side comes second and I resent the time it takes….do I need to be commercially successful? Actually no! Do I want to be famous? Been infamous already so probably would like the money but not the lack of privacy? Do I like to sell and recognition? Yes!
I just listened to Ann’s interview and totally restart my purpose of making a
good living with art.
Having a sincere self criticism, I recognize that having the help of people that knows, is essential. I must have a business plan and marketing tools.
I’m ready to start.
Thank you
Hello Cory,
I’m so glad a friend gave me your site.
I just recently have started making jewelry and my own creations. I get asked everyday if I have a website. I am very excited about what I do and would like to sell my jewelry on line. However, I need help to get started on the business side.
I am looking forward to getting a website and learning as much as possible.
I make beautiful jewelry; but have no idea how to do the technical world.
Thank you
Lorraine
Hi Lorraine! Thanks for the comment and welcome to our world! We’ll be sending you some info on how to get your first website stood up soon.
I am starving regardless of all my efforts of internet marketing, it been quite a while since sell a high profitable piece. Have a blog promote actively in social mmdia but no sales.how to improve?
Hi Eileen – I’d recommend checking out our course on Content Marketing for Artists at https://theabundantartist.com/content
Awesome stuff! Thank you very much for this interview. Very insightful!
I need some guidance about my painting
It sounds all good I will try some of the advise and some not.
Neo-Cubist, ,Symbolism is the “new art-world order’ .some of the best damn art ive seen period. it’s art ;solely for the “super rich”
I’m looking for somewhere where I can sell my drawings does anybody know of any good sites I’m a professional tattooist so my work is good just need to make so extra cash for my girl while I’m not working right now due to not being home for a few months. Thanks for your time
what are your thoughts on FASCO & their websites? I was thinking about using them.
Hi Cory,
Great interview and thanks for sending me the link. This really has been very reaffirming for me. Along with my art I have also done a bit of marketing but because I have been conditioned to see fine art as unique endeavour that is out of the realm of marketing, I have not really applied myself to it as I think I should have. This has definitely changed my outlook.
Many thanks
Charlie
its not easy selling art most people don’t know the difference between an original and an original I spent 38 years selling and demonstrating products for major art manufacturers I have met some of the great authors and artists most tell me they make a living teaching but not selling
Hello there,
Quite frankly I need all the help I can get. I am an artist who has just begun her painting career using online/web/inter-noodle thingymebobs. As you have probably assumed I am hopeless at it… (I apologise if, when I hit post comment, I actually send you a photo of my dog). I have a Facebook page and have just begun blogging. I still have to figure out how to link everything together and (pls God someone tell me) what selling tools to use??? Is there a step by step guide for us hopeless optimists to begin with.? Ta
Such a beautiful interview
Hello
First I would like to thank you. It can be pretty discouraging doing art when no one is there to help you get started in selling it. I’m an art major and I don’t want to be one of those people who don’t even use their degree. I’ve had my art in a gallery, but it was just for a month in the small town of Hinesville, Georgia. I’ve thought about the historical societies and doing old buildings as prints but would i need permission to put what the building is on it? For example there’s a small jailhouse (ran by the town i think) right down the street from the gallery I was featured in that I would love to turn into a print but I’m not sure if it would be okay if i sold those prints. I was thinking about contacting them and asking. I met an artist that did extremely well when he did something similiar but with the Titanic. I heard the interview and it did help me to think of some avenues I had not considered. But the tricky thing is finding those who would be willing to commission me. I’ve tried online, I have a facebook page that my dad and I run Kinsman Studios (he’s an artist as well), and i do have some people who regularly check it but no buyers. I also apologize for such a long post, just so many questions and thoughts are running through my head.
Love her interview. Makes total sense…this is what I am not yet knowlegable of. Love to have a coaching with her…
As a very recent self taught soul artist myself(outsider/fantastic/surrealist/shamanistic?), I am scratching my head everyday on how to sell after building a good collection of diverse creations the past 3 years and after trying fairs, boutique, artisan markets, etc…My work is very versatile from up-cycling clothes, accessories and objects, jewelry, crafts, writing, home educational models, photography and mainly PAINTING on every things!, my true passion. “inner landscapes” being my main direction now (watercolors and ink on paper), allias writing and fabric paintings….
I am confident in my work as I feel just like a vehicle from Divine consciousness, not alone in this creation…
But when it comes to business I am blank…in fear! Not sure how to explain my work, nor where it belongs, and how to promote it as a very specific form of art, not fully revealed yet…no gallery experiences.
I am learning now about social medias, slowly, and need advices on how to best promote this kind of Art…
Could you give me some tips please?
Good interview but here’s a fact check: Van Gogh never sold one painting during his lifetime. 😉
Van Gogh sold at least two paintings and a handful of drawings (or rather, his gallerists did). He also traded many works for food, rent and favors. That’s according to the Van Gogh Museum’s website.
Van Gogh had a toxic relationship with his brother who did not like his art, but was his main gallery relationship. His brothers wife sold many paintings after her husband died. The paintings were well received.
Hello, I came across this interview and I realise it is old but when I went to her website it redirects to a sign-up page to remember the Napa Valley. I was curious about the coaching, and wanted to see if Ann is actually selling fine art. I have been unable to find any website where Ann’s art offerings are for sale. Maybe someone could post a link? Thank you
It is amazing how much artists doubt themselves and that makes people like her make money selling these courses. That programs costs around $ 5000-6000 a year times hundreds of students how much is it?
Plus I cannot find any website with her paintings or her bank statement.
Someone should regulate the selling of their these courses.
If you want to buy something from her at a reasonable price just pay $13 monthly subscription on the creative live websites and take her course and it’s basically the same .
I hope it helps
“… just pay $13 monthly subscription on the creative live websites.”
What specific creative websites with monthly subscriptions are you referring to?
Thank you in advance.
Hi Jay – Ann is referring to CreativeLive.com.