The Numbers Game...

2007 - The Optimist - 60x36

Tiz the time of year when we self employed types ask ourselves "How's it goin'?" There were times during the year I suspected I was beginning the slide down the slippery slope since checks seemed scarce. I don't regularly check the running balance my database keeps unless I'm really concerned that something's terribly wrong one way or the other. Larger works don't sell as frequently but they can make a surprisingly tidy impact... so perhaps less is, indeed, more.

My numbers made a 33% increase over last year. They are now as good as when Santa Fe was in the mix and with a lot less stress and extra expense involved. Three of my four primary galleries are roughly neck and neck but the fourth more than doubles the others in sales and figures... interesting... that gallery was way out front last year as well. Don't know what the magic is, not spectacular in looks or size, but apparently they know how to move the merchandise. I've been around long enough to know that different markets ebb and flow... and not all at the same time (thank goodness!) If I had any competitive gumption left in me I'd search out some new territory. But not. Unless something delightful falls into my lap, I'm riding the current crop of reps to the finish line.

Other numbers:
2006: 46 paintings inventoried
2007: 42 paintings inventoried

I've had a good year, the best way to show appreciation is to dedicate myself to having another good year... take nothing for granted and remain optimistic...