Or: What Does a Girl Need to do to Get Noticed in the Art World?
They are questions I've asked myself a lot. In 2015, I painted a total of 13 oil paintings. To some, that might seem like a lot but it was no where near how much I wanted to paint. I was working full time, had freelance writing jobs on the side and had an active personal schedule. Most of my work was for myself. I started a website, began offering Giclee prints and wrote to a few galleries . . . with no response. Looking back, I guess I should be happy with completing that many pieces of realism artwork on weekends -- but I also felt like I was laying the groundwork for 2016. In 2016, my situation changed and I was primarily working freelance projects. This allowed me to paint more since I could manage my time, build my website and online library, and challenge myself and my work. Some I am really happy with – whether a new technique for my realism inspired work such as these Boston paintings for their light . . . 
Lights Along Commonwealth Ave, oil - Lynn Ricci
commissions I completed for others . . .
Marblehead Harbor, oil - commissioned, Lynn Ricci
or some of the impasto palette knife paintings that I tried as something new and to loosen up a little.
Sandwich Salt Marsh, impasto oil - Lynn Ricci
I also joined three organizations and submitted for the Newburyport Art Association annual juried art show and I was lucky enough to have two paintings selected. I was also super excited to have work displayed at the Hillport Gallery in Sandwich, MA, have a number of requests for commissions, and sell two original pieces and several Giclee prints that strangers found on my website. I completed 26 oil paintings in total compared to 13 the year before. All in all – an incredibly busy art year for me. So what is the problem? I am trying to figure out how to get noticed.
So what is the problem? I am trying to figure out how to get noticed. Really noticed. Like “dance card filled” noticed. How do I dress my artwork up for a night out on the town? How do I get more suitable gallery bachelors to hand me that red rose? How do I turn some one-night stand commissions into long-term relationships with art collectors? As we start 2017 I am hopeful that I will continue on 2016’s trend of broadening and expanding interest in my artwork and attention from new buyers and galleries. What does a girl need to do to get noticed in the art world? Going out shopping for new brushes and canvases is always fun – but I would love to hear from you if you have any ideas for meaningful art relationships!