Commissions

Not too long ago, I was struggling with the economy, like everybody. Art sales were slow, and art classes not filling up. I was thinking about going back to work at the public schools, at least subbing until a teaching position opened up.....

But Robert doesn't want me too go back to work, and I really feel like I am suppose to stick with selling my paintings on-line. So I prayed and asked the Lord to send the right people my way, to bless my paintings and help me learn to market and sell things better.

As I prayed I felt like God was asking me to not sell certain paintings. (Like my little angel paintings.) Then, when I started to put a few paintings on ebay at lower prices, I felt it strongly in my spirit that that was not the way to go. So I prayed again and asked God to help me understand, because it made no sense to me. It seemed like His leading was not a very good strategy at all!

"Lord Jesus, I really need to make some money if I am going to be able to pay my bills and order art supplies!" was my cry, but who am I to question the Almighty? So I was obedient to how I felt He was leading me. On some of my paintings I wrote "contact me for availability" instead of the normal price with a "Buy Now" button.

The very next day, after changing some of my sales to 'Not for sale', or 'contact me for availability' I had an inquiry about an angel painting. Normally I would have sold a small one for a hundred dollars, and that would have been the end of it. But once again I felt like God said "that painting is for me, I don't want you to sell it!" I was thrilled that my Father in heaven likes my paintings, and I was beginning to understand that they have great value to Him. I responded to my new client in a way that I never had before. I simply told him that I would love to paint a similar painting for him in a different size!

This lead to several new commissioned paintings. Now I get new inquiries almost every day! I have never been this busy! I love being able to stay home and work in my studio, and I love my job! What a great blessing!

I am working on 3 to 4 paintings at a time, working on one while another one dries. I also have some large works that have been ordered. I just keep thinking that I could have missed the whole thing! I would be selling a few small ones for very little, in hopes of getting people to see the more expensive pieces -- paying more fees to try to make a few sales...... I also would have sold the little angel painting, and that would have been the end of it.

I am so thankful, and so amazed at Father God's grace and goodness. Who am I that He would hear my prayers? Even in our selfishness and complaining, He still loves us and helps us!