#100 MASTER CLASS — THE ART OF THE SHOW (Nick & Ann)
Making art alone in one’s studio is one thing, showing it is quite another! What does it take to prepare for a show? What makes a cohesive body of work? What considerations come up regarding a solo or a group exhibition? Nick and Ann dive into these questions and much more as they reflect on their recent shows. Nick tracks the evolution of his solo show from start to finish, and Ann shares the development of her group show with two friends. This Master Class covers mindset, process, promotion and hospitality — all important considerations to put your best self forward with confidence and joy!
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Thank you for a wonderful masterclass. Amazing insights.
I’ve been exhibiting for close to 40 years, and I still got a lot from this, so thank you! I am also more of an introvert, Ann, and when at openings, stay close to those I know, rather than approaching a stranger. So Nick’s advice about going up to them and asking their name, and thanking them – it really hit me. What have I got to loose? Also, getting your work done early so the gallery can sell it is great. But I’m guessing this works only with certain galleries who have the storage space?
So I like one other in the comments have been unable to find my way into making new work since I did CVP, but that said, I’m getting over ten years of chronic pain and two hip replacements, so I’m trying to go easy until March. But these videos, my god, they get my energy up. But then I resist resist resist, and even fall asleep (an old pattern from way back). I know what I need to do, but the internal resistance is powerful. That said, I do have a deadline – come November ’25, I have another show. Nothing like a deadline…
So lets see if I play it safe or embark on the tenets of CVP more fully! Meanwhile, I thank you so much, Nick and Ann. I love your energy, I’m so grateful I have access to the Academy.
It’s my birthday and I’m on day three of a stomach bug, and have been sequestered at home working on a commission for someone who wants something “large, bold and modern.” They saw a painting of mine from five years ago and wanted one just like it. After three tries and lots of wasted paint and gesso, I finally decided to make something in the present moment that feels like me. If she doesn’t like it, she doesn’t have to buy it. The takeaway from all this, is something both Ann and Nick commented on: making your own work and not making it to fit a mold or someone else’s expectation. This discussion was so reassuring, so human and real- and I love the visual of “three pieces in an ice cream shop,” because that’s about where I am right now. And I guess that’s okay. Thank you both for so many insights!
I loved what you both shared, thank you. I’m at the stage of still struggling to share my work at all. This Master Class helped me to get a little closer to putting myself out there.
There’s nothing to lose and so much to gain Alison. Go for it!
Thank you Nick and Ann for this insightful discussion. I loved behind the scene work that you so generously shared! My first experience was 2 weeks ago – nothing fancy, very basic compared to you both and I’m sure many others. I was invited with other artists in my community to provide 6 artworks for a first exhibition by the group and at a rustic barn in a neighbouring town. And it was a barn – no white walls, just very old timber beams, not much lighting and a few overhead fans (that were gratefully received on 34 degree celcius heat!) We hung and waited – no sales for me but some people who looked and chatted over the two days. I did, however get a lot out of the experience – fellow artists for the first time really looked at the pieces I hung and asked lots of questions and gave me such positive feedback about them. I felt validated in being asked to contribute my art and walked away with renewed energy! Of course I still have those doubts about pricing – did I overprice? People tended to buy prints and smaller artworks that were more affordable. Oh well, I’ll just stay true to believing in myself and submit again if the opportunity presents (and it’s a cooler season!).
Good for you Christine. There’s something to gain from every experience.
Ann, Nick, thank you for this work about WORK! Everything you spoke of is the most important part of being an artist! I will be revisiting the video often. Just knowing it exists makes me excited about my next painting, my next group show, my next body of work.
I am a fan of you both. And I am right here in Berkeley. I want to know you.
When I went to Nick’s open studio when I started CVP 3 years ago, I was so shy I didn’t meet you. I think about that all the time and am so sorry.
You know, sometimes it just takes time to find the heart of the matter. I love to paint. and now I see the way. I hope to meet you both and know you know me.
Love and so much thanks, Pam Johnson
Me again with a question for both of you. When you stepped into your show, did you have a gut reaction about your work that informed your path forward? Did you see something more clearly?
Last April I walked into my solo show and instantly felt that I could go further. And the paintings felt stiffer than they needed to be.
That was my takeaway. What was yours?
We can always go further Lori. The work often feels ahead of me and I’m not quite ready to let go in a way I know I want to. What are the conditions I need? This is what I ask myself. It’s always more freedom, physically and mentally. Some baby steps get me closer. I wonder if I can really pull off what I want to and that mental game can’t be useful. I have time, I have good health, I trust I will get there eventually.
This was so wonderful to watch and experience, the way you both shared your lived experience with us and wove your stories, your courage, your “Yes-ness into your story. I leave feeling inspired and with thought, “well maybe someday, that could be something I can do!” I feel refreshed and enlivened. First goal is to someday attend one of the workshops. Again, thank you both so much.
Anne and Nick, this was great. I have had 25 or so single shows and I am always so nervous that I won’t have a “cohesive” show, or that if I do something different, the gallery will be shocked, and the fears go on and on. It is paralyzing. Your processes and words gave me some bravery I was needing for the next opportunity. Also the arrival of the work three weeks prior to the show is what gives the gallery the opportunity to get the excitement going. I am going to suggest it to one of my galleries. Thanks for all of the tips! I especially like planning the sizes beforehand.
Thanks so much Ann and Nic!! Inspirational and fantastic advice as usual!
Nic, you said you start the process with canvases already stretched to the sizes you want to include in the show. Do you go to the gallery beforehand to imagine the sizes on the walls before making this decision? Or is it more an intuitive process?
Ann thank for the heads-up re group shows. I love the idea of deciding on a selection of sizes (that 20×20 grid looked fantastic), and also the idea of the palettes being complementary! A lovely way to bring a group show together even if the audience are not aware of why it works so well! Love it! thanks xx