A Grand Experiment

On January 1, I embarked upon my most ambitious project yet - 400 Portraits in 400 Days. The idea started as a way to celebrate my 40th birthday this year (July 1, if you're counting) and was Kickstarted by 82 initial backers.

I started painting on January 1, 2013 and already, there are many questions to be asked and answered.

Can I realistically sell 400 commissioned portraits in 400 days?
Can I make a good living as a visual artist and what level of production would be required to do so?
Will the daily routine of painting become tedious and tiresome?
Will my technique, style or work habits change over the course of 400 days? For better or for worse?
After 400 days, then what?
With a full-time job, two busy kids, and a house to run, how the hell am I going to do it?

The answers to most of those questions are yet to be determined, but the first one can be affected by you. You can be part of this grand experiment by commissioning a portrait for completion in the next 393 days. I've got about 250 spots to fill and I usually do about 200 paintings in a normal year. If you're thinking about Mother's Day, Father's Day, birthday or (I can't believe I'm saying this) Christmas gifts for 2013 - now is the time to get your order in. You can also help by spreading the word on Facebook or Twitter or around the office water cooler. Then you can sit back and watch this grand experiment unfold, knowing you are a part of it. And truly, thanks for being a part of it. P.S. Prices on some of my portraits are going up March 1 - 5x7, 16x20 and larger will see the most significant change, but you can order now to lock in current pricing.

A Grand Experiment

Leave a Reply