How to sell your art on the streets of NY

Coming from the Midwest, selling my art for a day or two, meant selling at an Outdoor Art Festival.   This is a big deal. There is a jury process, you have to apply months in advance and the entry fee is usually $100. or upward.  Once you have  been accepted and made this investment and commitment, 'no show' is not an option.  Rain, heat, wind are not factors. The upside is that these Festival's draw huge crowds and the public is ready to buy.

This is my second summer in NY and I assumed the same rules applied here, yet it did seem odd that the street vendors were everywhere, selling anything. After doing some investigating, I have learned  the unique system that NYC has.

Any artist with the desire can set up a table and start to sell, for free.  No obligation.

There are a few rules, but I feel safe by joining other artists at busy locations. They tell me what I need to know, like: don't tack any signs to a tree (stuff like that)  Hmmmm

First and foremost, you must get a Temporary certificate of authority. (sell tax license) It is free but allow 4 to 6 weeks to get it. This certificate MUST be with you when you are selling.

The BEST part?

When it is 94 degrees with 100% humidity you can stay home!  Now what city would ever have THAT kind of weather for 21 days in a row?  I'm just sayin........

Let my designs entertain you.

I have been working on some large abstracts. The designs are compositions of shapes in my head. I call them ‘Continuous designs’, one shape connecting to another visually, yet not a puzzle.

 The small sketches are great, but once enlarged , the adventure begins: The placement of color and texture; and then I see that there obviously needs to be more. Perhaps once the colors are in place the rest will be obvious. Well, yes, but not until many color decisions are removed and added and removed yet again.

I finished this piece late last eve and on last glance, with a frustrated sigh, I knew I was not done. As I drifted off to sleep I asked for help as I often do from God or my Angel or my loving Guides who are now on the other side, maybe my Mom and Dad. (I ask in general from whoever has the time and desire.) Perhaps I just have one ‘Art Guide', If so, I think it is my Dad. 

Upon arising and while the coffee drips I see what needs to be done. Maybe not  all that needs to be done, but a start.

Once the piece is done, I find great enjoyment in it.

 I often think my continuous designs should be on display in Doctor's exam rooms. While sitting on that exam table waiting for the doctor to present himself,  trying to hold that little white sheet around your body, I think it would be entertaining to explore the movements of these shapes rather than think about how cold your feet are.

I will be showing more of these designs in posts to come :  soon!