We recently connected with Keith Norval and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Keith thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?
I graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design with a B.F.A. in illustration and I was only finding a couple different venues for illustration work. My wife Anna was showing at Sizl Gallery in Carrboro and was selling work and developing a following. I decided to start making more oil paintings and go that direction with my work because I could start showing in galleries around the triangle. So initially I was painting on my back porch when the weather was nice and in my home studio until I got a body of work together. Then I applied for a studio space at Artspace and started selling my work. From there I started approaching different galleries and developed my own audience. I spent a lot of time working on my paintings and developing a cohesive body of work.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I have always been interested in art. At a young age I decided that I wanted to become an artist. My first love was comic books and I got really into drawing comics with my friends in middle school and high school. In college I started painting more and exploring my interest in fine art – specifically Pop art. My main area of expertise is whimsical, humorous acrylic and oil painting of animals and objects. I have done fish paintings for Duke hospitals, a rabbit mural in Albany medical center and hundreds of different paintings for clients around the world. I’m probably most proud of being able to pay the bills through my art and put a smile on peoples face when they look at my work. My art is fun to make and fun to look at!
How’d you meet your business partner?
My wife, Anna Podris, is also my business partner. We met in art school through my friend Ken Edge. Although we have two separate art businesses we work together a lot. It has been wonderful to have a partner for dealing with the business side of things, sharing a studio and painting together as well as teaching classes. No one understands exactly what is involved as much as she does. And she is always helpful if I need a critique of a painting!
How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?
I send a monthly email showing my clients what you artwork is new and available, where I am currently selling, and any other art related news. I post in progress and new painting on Facebook and Instagram. My website is updated regularly so you can always check in and see what is new.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.keithnorval.com
- Instagram: keithnorval
- Facebook: keithnorval
- Other: https://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/keith_norval
Image Credits
Anna Podris Keith Norval