Thank You Notes

Today I'm working on Thank You notes and more.  When someone buys a painting, I always send a thank you note and a certificate of authenticity.  It may not go out the day after a sale, but I eventually do it.  I think it accomplishes several things.

• It helps me look more professional.
• It gives me a chance to contact the collector again.
• It helps me to feel I have accomplished something, reached a goal.

I usually draw a quick sketch on a note card for the thank you note.  I used to print them, but I like the idea of the collector receiving an original drawing.  Maybe they will save it and it will remind them of my artwork.

I also include a "yapa".  This is a Quechua word from Bolivia.  It means a small gratuity given by a merchant. When we were in Bolivia if I bought something I would receive a yapa.  In the market it would mean that if I bought potatoes and carrots from the vendor, I would get something, maybe an onion or pepper.  If I bought an alpaca sweater, I might get a small knitted doll or a pair of gloves.  It was always fun to see what appeared as the yapa.  Vendors never had small change either so you would sometimes get small wrapped hard candy instead of coins.

As yapa with a painting, it depends on the value of the painting.  I give a magnet, tile or box from my Cafepress store.  Or, I might send a small painting.  Returning customers will receive a discount on new purchases.

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I am also sending a thank you to the company that provided my award from the Annual Juried Members Show at the Austin Pastel Society.  In these hard economic times it is wonderful that the companies supply prizes for our group.  Mine was a tablet of pastel paper by Canson. You can buy their products at most art supply stores.

A new donor was  Sun Eden Artist's Gear.  I had not heard of them but their website is full of equipment for plein air painters with tips and information.  Check it out.  You may find a great easel or other equipment.

Other donors were Jack Richeson & Co., A.W. Faber Castell, Ampersand Art and others.  I have used the pastel surfaces from Jack Richeson and I love Ampersand's Pastelbord as you know.  Faber Castell pens are a favorite for my sketching.

Many of our prizes come through the help of Lisa Wright, at Asel Art Supply in Austin.  As a member of the Austin Pastel Society she has been very helpful in garnishing prizes through her art suppliers.  We thank her more than we can say.  Her store is full of any art supply you need or she will get it for you.  Be sure and stop by there in Austin.

Other supporters are listed on the Austin Pastel Society website under donors.  We appreciate all the help from them and support them in return.

Ah, so many supplies and not enough time to use them.  Have fun.