We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful James Dunbar. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with James below.
Alright, James thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. The first dollar you earn in a new endeavor is always special. We’d love to hear about how you got your first client that wasn’t a friend or family.
A fellow artist told us about a free art walk show in Portland called “Last Thursday”. This show happens every last Thursday of the month on the artsy street of NE Alberta.
As a beginning artist with no sales experience this was a great experience for me. I was painting my first most popular Colors Of Africa series at the time. On our first Last Thursday back In 2010 we sold three original oil paintings!
After that day we were sold on the Last Thursday art walk, and were art vendors there for the next six years.
James, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
HOW IT ALL BEGAN:
My fascination with art was sparked at an early age through the works of Norman Rockwell and Captain Lars.
That relationship became like a favorite book one takes from the shelf and revisits many times.
As I matured, I gained much respect and admiration for the Old Masters, such as Rembrandt, Monet, Degas, Van Gogh, and Jacob Lawrence.
For me It all started when I was about 8 years old. A friend of the family worked as a cartoonist for Walt Disney. I’ll never forget my excitement as I watched him quickly sketch out the Flintstones characters in a matter of minutes!!
A defining moment came through the weekly T.V. Guide. In the Guide, The Art Instructions Schools offered a contest with a grand prize of $5,000.00. I was all over that! All I had to do was draw a deer. I entered my drawing, won 2nd place! A representative from the school visited my parents and I, highly recommending that I enroll in the Art Instructions School. By placing 2nd I had won 2 years of studying there. I was so excited!
I couldn’t have known as I sketched out animals and human anatomy, that I would eventually develop the style I’m known for today, Sculptured Oils on Canvas.
MOST PROUD MOMENT:
At the urging of a close lady friend, we began approaching local art galleries in Portland, hoping to get a space of the wall. It was a dreadful undertaking with many, many disappointing turn downs. The standard rejections always telling me that while “they loved the work, it just wasn’t what they were looking for”. I have my own theory about that. Just saying Art is personal, and this was a very personally discouraging time. I persevered. Spring season 2006 I walked into the Lawrence Gallery……and walked out with a date for a show. I finally had a place on a major gallery wall!
Many opportunities followed. Some good, some not so good. As they say live and learn.
The most recent opportunity came February 2021. Portland Art Museum Rental/Sales Gallery asked me to join them.
It has been an incredibly enjoyable experience thus far.
PRODUCTS AVAILABLE:
Original Oil Paintings
Custom Paintings
Custom Sizes Available
My body of work contains numerous subjects, and I am always expanding to include new themes.
MAIN THINGS I WANT POTENTIAL CLIENTS/FOLLOWERS TO KNOW:
Known as the Painter of Colorful Memories, my style is Sculptured Oils on Canvas. Many pieces in my body of work are custom pieces. I thoroughly enjoy using color to display happiness through my paintings.
Best known for my works of Landscapes and Cityscapes.
Website: www.localartboutique.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100027933024753
Instagram: www.instagram.com/localartboutique/
PROBLEM SOLVING FOR CLIENTS:
Let’s say a client wants to purchase but is unclear of colors to use, size of painting, etc. We schedule travel time and meet them at the home/office/display area. This provides the opportunity to get to know them a bit and understand their goals. Together we determine color palette and best size(s) to fit specific space. It’s an enjoyable, fun way to begin the adventure.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
We built up a very large customer base after we joined the Portland Saturday Market from 2010 till 2020, after that we became full time art vendors at the Vancouver Farmer’s Market. All of the current social media networks such Facebook etc. were also very important in building our brand,
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Commissioned works of art have played the biggest part in building a very solid reputation for me! I have been blessed with creating so beautiful paintings that many of my art lovers have began calling me “The Painter Of Colorful Memories”
Contact Info:
- Website: www.localartboutique.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/localartboutique/
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100027933024753
Image Credits
N/A