Thoughts on Painting
Posted on 4/17/2017 8:52:46 AM
2 Comments
Having Fun with Jeff Devlin!
2017 has been a pretty fun year, business-wise. Last year I was approached by a production company representing a show created by HGTV, and aired on the DIY network, called "Stone House Revival." It's a show that is filmed in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, where the host Jeff Devlin goes in to old stone houses located around our area and renovates some part of the structure. He also builds something unique for each show. I had never seen the show, but my daughters had and said they loved it. They were getting ready to film their second season and the decorator, Kevin, wanted to use my artwork. He has also designed for the show Tiny House Nation, a favorite show of mine. It was a pretty exciting time!
They sent me the contract and I called my cousin Kate, who runs events for the city of Boston, to ask her if she'd review it and give me feedback. She said she would forward it to her best friend, who was the executive producer for Curb Your Enthusiasm, as well as a list of other really great shows, and ask her opinion on the contract, which was a huge help. I don't know if you've ever seen the Larry David Show (CYE) but it was one of our favorites over the years. It's a hilarious show that makes fun of EVERYTHING. So Erin's response was "just make sure to get it in the contract that they won't denigrate, or say anything negative about your artwork in the show." That hadn't even entered my mind, but then I started thinking of some design shows where sometimes they come in and they don't like it! She also gave me some other great advice. Life lesson: it's always good to run something important by friends with experience. I always learn something I would not have thought of. When I called Kevin to discuss my concerns he laughed and said "it's not that kind of show, but I understand what you're saying." And he was happy to include that in the contract.
So other than adding those small changes, everything looked like a typical contract and I signed on the dotted line. And then the waiting started. Boy it takes a long time to film one season! The first two episodes aired last Wednesday and I stayed up past my bedtime to watch them. I was worried after the first episode aired and NONE of my artwork was in it. I thought, what if it all ended up on the cutting room floor, and I've notified my collectors via newsletter and email about being on the show? Oh no! But then the second show aired and three of my painting were on it at the end. "Red Roses and Apples" was in a beautifully designed, deep blue living room prominently displayed on the main wall. And then as they walked through the home the locally painted scenes of Stover Mill Barn as well as Cuttalossa Farm where Daniel Garber lived, were featured at the end of the show in the dining room. It was fun to see, and I am always amazed at how designers do their magic.
There are four more episodes set to air right now and the word is more paintings will be in 3 of them. I am looking forward to seeing the really large 48" x 60" painting of New Hope in Winter being shown. It's one of my favorites, and I think it will show well on television. The show is a great tour around some of the most beautiful homes in Bucks County, and I feel pretty blessed to have landed in this area of the country.
So stay tuned for future episodes!
