Hi Folks!First of all, let me say that this is my first post. I'm glad to be able to participate in this site. I'm hoping it may have the resouces and information to help me.I'm an unknown painter from just outside of Buffalo, NY. I'm well into my life, and made the mistake of listening to my father's advice when I was young and pursued a practical career instead of my talent as a painter. After almost three decades in business (I'm an IT Director), I've never felt so empty. I've helped so many companies become successful, but it's all empty calories. Too many long hours, on call, with nothign to show for it except living paycheck to paycheck. About a year ago, my dad died from cancer. He had so many regrets. One of the things i decided to do is to try to make something of my talent as a painter. I started an online blog and used DailyPaintworks.com to post my paintings. I'm better than many as a painter, but I know I'm no Da Vinci. Art, like the stock market, is a fickle thing. There are some people who tell me my paintings really connect with them. So I think I'm on the right track in terms of the paintings I'm producing.I've had a blogger site for just over a year. this month, I'll get about 400 visits to the site. Nothing to write home about, but it's taken me a year to get that traffic. Most of it comes from friends and family, and some from participation in WetCanvas.com where other artists participate. They visit to learn and understand how I'm approaching my painting.I've sold a couple pieces of my paintings this year, but this is going so slow. The reason I'm participating here and posting this message is that I realize what I've been doing isn't working. First, I don't mind fellow artists visiting, but they aren't going to buy my works in all likelihood. I don't do outdoor art shows as i cannot afford to participate (tents, booth fees, show fees, etc.). I'm trying to see if i can build a base of clients using internet as the primary mechanism.I've not done adwords or any adversiting. i've seen that my blog posts get crawled by google and I have had soem visitors who search by keyword. But what i'm interested in learning about is how to specifically do things that would get my site in front of those who might like art. so I need some advice on your recommendations on how to do that. I've thought about using Google Adsense. But when I go there, it scares me so much as it seems like I'll end up paying so much for an impression, and as an unemployed guy...I really don't have a whole lot of money and I am trying to do this with only my computer skills, zeal, and passion.I'll mention my blog here and would love feedback about it. I have avoided all the widgets that drop inane internet ads as I don't want my visitors to think it's a garbage site. I know this is a broad topic, but would anyone be willing to help me identify any suggestions I could do to increase my opportunities for exposure? I know it will take a long time and lots of effort. I don't expect miracles. I just want to be able to plant some seeds, water those seeds, in hopes that there's actions I can take that might get me the results i'm looking for over time.I'll list my blog here, not sure if it's going to get stripped out. you can search for my name if it does. Robert Britton Jr.my blog is http://robertbrittonjr.blogspot.comi don't know if anyone is interested in advising me. I'd be grateful if you are.Thanks so much for listening and for your help. I'm very grateful!
You might want to check out "Graphics and Multimedia" forum. There you will likely find members who can give you a few tips. Although most are electronic there are also "paintbrush" artists there too.