Is This Any Way to Sell a Painting?

Oddly enough, the subject of this blog is the image featured in my last blog:

"Far From Home" copyright 2003

A man bought this painting from the Art League in Alexandria, Virginia.  He got a dealer discount, I got $950.  Still, I was thrilled, a dealer liked my work.  I was more thrilled when I learned the painting was in a gallery a few miles from my family's house on Martha's Vineyard.  (Somewhat less thrilled that he was asking $4500. ) Years went by.  Some summers, the painting wasn't there, leading me to hope it had finally found a good home.

The gallery floundered and became a trendy clothes shop.  (Lest you feel pity for the gallery owner, he actually owns the block of upscale stores. ) One of them, "Portobello Road", is a bookshop/artgallery/vintage souvenir shop.  The books are eclectic and to my liking, so I go there every year.  This week I was stunned to find "Far From Home" amid books, leaning directly against a white pole. (See first image)  

The price has dropped to $2500.  Perhaps he'll throw in the pole, if you ask nicely.

Lucky Me

          "Far From Home" © 2003  pastel on sanded Wallis Paper

   
     I am too lucky.  I was born into a  family that loved me (even after I made fun of  them in my first novel).  I married a good man and have two amusing, grown children.  I've never made much money but I have been able to work as I wanted, first as a novelist and then an artist.  Unfortunately, I've done nothing to deserve this good fortune, which means it can vanish in the blink of an eye.
    When I look at all the misfortune in the world, I am thoroughly abashed.  It's not that my life hasn't had it's rough patches, but that others have never had a smooth patch.
    Those that know me, call me a pessimist.  It is true that I complain, grouse, and bitch to excess. If something can go wrong, I assure everyone it will.  Actually, I am an optimist just trying to trick the Fates.
    I would like the Fates to know I don't take this grace for granted.  I am ever so grateful.