Pablo Picasso once said, “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.”
Sophie’s paintings have covered our extra-long kitchen table, a table that comfortably seats 10. Mostly watercolor scenes of animal life, she wants to sell her paintings to help pay for a school trip to Costa Rica next summer.
“Did you know they make all of the MLB baseballs in Costa Rica?” I asked.
My question was met with a look that I can only interpret as amazement at the ability to take any conversation and find its connection to the greatest of games. She’s asked multiple times for my help in figuring out ways to sell her art and I feel completely ignorant. When my family lived in Lee’s Summit and Kaylea was in kindergarten, we did an art show at a local coffee shop that is no longer in existence. I played guitar and sang and friends from church joined me on violin and bass and drums and keyboards. Armed with her Crayola markers and crayons, Kaylea sold drawings for $1 – 5 each to raise money in support of a local homeless transitional housing facility.
That is my experience in selling artwork.
I have no idea how to price prints compared to originals or what she should charge for commissioned pieces. Etsy and Shopify seem a little overwhelming. I find myself amazed at her creations, but don’t know anything about the art world. Recently a collegiate professor of art commented on her work, “She does show remarkable skill, which comes from what must be an innate talent for analytical observation.”
Sophie also takes taekwondo two nights a week. She’s already a yellow belt and learning quickly different forms and self-defense techniques. Occasionally, she asks me to help her practice her self-defense. I’m strongly considering joining her at the beginning of next year. Stories of a 44-year old white belt could make for solid blogging material.
After Monday threw all kinds of curveballs my direction including multiple people who declined catch-playing invitations, a flip phone that refused to charge, and my mother-in-law’s car playing a prank, Sophie agreed to a game of catch just before taekwondo lessons.
Thirty throws in a gee watching the sun set with clear skies overhead.
