Fairy Princess Party

So many possibilities.

Having the skills is almost beside the point.

     I know what I'm going to paint! Seems like it should be so easy, but the closer I get to being proud of my abilities, the less sure I am that I have chosen the right subject. I try to keep it simple. An outside scene with two to four girls having a fairy princess party.

     Am I going to get inspired by looking at the works of Edward Degas? Do I turn instead to Mary Cassatt? No, I search in Google for "fairy princess party" and pick the dog with the least fleas.
     

Fairy Princess Party, 30 x 24 (Nascent Stage)

     What should you price your work? Well, it cost $100 to get the supplies, so at least $100. I'm spending time on it so presumeably I should get paid for the time. What do I pay myself? Let's say I pay myself minimum wage and presume it will take 12-14 hours all told. That comes out to $296. 

     I don't see anybody paying almost $300 for my painting when it's done. There just aren't that many people that recognize the value of art and are not themselves artists. I can tell you, looking at it already makes me feel very tood inside. This one makes me feel even better:

Begging Dog 12 x 20

     But I'm not sure it matters. It's money and the gratification is not instant. It grows in importance to you over time; it feels good to you in your home. Not a necessity, though.

     I can certainly admit that getting anything for a painting is better than getting nothing, but I certainly don't want to lose money on the transaction, or sell my services for nothing.