The artist stood back as he eyed his creation. Not too bad, he thought.
It does need something to enhance the color. White spikey thorns flowed from the paintbrush. Perfect.
Roger completed ten paintings for the gallery opening in one week, with Spikey Audrey being his last.
The crowds eyed his paintings with philosophical implications. Customers whispered as sold stickers indicated sales.
Roger heard a voice behind him, “It looks like you’ve betrayed your philosophies.”
“Mercy me if it isn’t cynical, Mona.”
“Sorry, darling, I expected more than flowers from you.”
“It’s all business, not art, my dear, just business.”
2022©Isadora De La Vega
Genre: Flash Fiction
Word Count: 100
Photo Prompt:©Trish Nankeville
~~~~~~~~~
Rochelle @ Addicted to Purple hosts Friday Fictioneers
to join in click here
September 20, 2022 at 11:12 pm
He has to do whatever he needs to earn a living. Great take on the prompt, Isadora.
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September 21, 2022 at 3:58 pm
I think he did what he felt he needed to do. Thanks for reading and commenting.
Isadora 😎
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September 17, 2022 at 6:58 pm
I expect every hungry artist must eat and pay the bills.
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September 17, 2022 at 7:53 pm
Indeed, James. Everyone wants to be recognized but basic needs are important too. Thanks for commenting.
Isadora 😎
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September 17, 2022 at 2:12 am
Produce them fast and sell Walmart style. Cheap and lots of them. That way you don’t have to wait to know whether you are a “great” artist. Need money today, not left to posterity.
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September 19, 2022 at 9:16 pm
Oh my, Oneta. Wlam-mart is the curse of death. There are other ways to sell art without buying into Chinese copies of american art or anything else.
Yes, a salary is important but there are wonderful places that appreciate creative art such as galleries and one-man exhibits. You are right, most artists are recognized after their death … if they are good. A very controvertial topic, for sure. Thank you for commenting and visiting.
Isadora 😎
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September 20, 2022 at 2:24 am
I am guilty of a bit of over-speak. Sort of tongue in check to show the extremes. Do you want to make money or do you want to be famous. Most fame does not come during one’s life. Maybe I should change that to “much” rather than most. You might decide to put a picture on an easel at an art fair or even a state fair. That would be “fame” for me! But probably it would not buy my bread and butter. 😀
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September 21, 2022 at 4:06 pm
You didn’t over-speak, Oneta. I enjoy the honest repartee of comments. I agree that that’s the extreme of business. I had an artist friend who was very popular when he was alive. He was a wildlife artist. Since his passing his wife hasn’t been able to sell his paintings. I think it depends on the inner circle thing. Most of the artists in Spain, such as Picasso, Dali and Gaude were in the same circle. Perhaps, that’s what made them famous after their passing. It’s a fickle world, the world of art. Thanks for your honest dialogue on art. Have a peaceful Wednesday.Thanks, Isadora 😎
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September 22, 2022 at 3:06 am
Sweet reply. I am a realist. I see lots of pictures I would love to live with. Or I can go to the store and dream as I look. I do love the great art, barring Picasso.
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September 22, 2022 at 12:56 pm
Thanks for the morning chuckle, Oneta. Picasso did have an odd eye. I’ve collected art throughout my art career, by way of purchases or bartering. Now, after just turning 75, I’m at the stage of downsizing. My collection is large. It will be quite a job. No … my children do not want them. LOL
You are a delight. Thanks for your support. ❤️😎
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September 16, 2022 at 9:18 pm
Art is necessary after all the bills have been paid. I hope he can see that in the long run
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September 17, 2022 at 7:58 pm
I think he was beginning to see that he should think differently. Mona, on the other hand, didn’t realize why. Thanks, Larry. I appreciate your reading and commenting.
Isadora 😎
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September 16, 2022 at 10:25 am
I wonder if Spiky Audrey was a visitor to a previous exhibit 🤔
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September 16, 2022 at 8:35 pm
She may have been. I hadn’t thought that far. It’s a good place to continue my point of writing. Thanks, Bernadette. Have a good weekend … Isadora 😎
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September 17, 2022 at 2:43 pm
Wish you a great weekend too 😀
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September 16, 2022 at 9:17 am
There’s a time to be artistic, and a time to be practical…
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September 16, 2022 at 8:37 pm
I think so too Sandra. If you want to do what you love it may entail compromises. Thank you for reading and commenting, Isadora 😎
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September 16, 2022 at 8:04 am
https://talentednationboard.net/trending-hottest-songs/m-zone/
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September 17, 2022 at 8:01 pm
😎
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September 16, 2022 at 4:43 am
who can blame him? one has to earn a living. 🙂
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September 16, 2022 at 8:39 pm
That’s very true, Plaridel. Sometimes, reponsibilities can change your thinking. Glad you chimed in, thanks. Isadora 😎
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September 16, 2022 at 2:46 am
I’m not sure what all is going on here but it feels petty-minded and ill-spirited for the occasion. I’m sorry the artist is getting harassed and I’m sorry the artist may also have “sold out” his talent for the sake of money.
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September 16, 2022 at 8:48 pm
If you’re referring to my story, Lisa, I was writing about the mind-set of some negative artists becuase of jealousy. Their huge egos blocks logical thinking at times towards another artist that may be having success with their art. It shouldn’t be that way but humans want to have what another is experiencing especially if in the same art world. Thank you for your insightful comment. Have a good weekend … Isadora 😎
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September 16, 2022 at 9:11 pm
Good to hear where you were coming from on it. You are very welcome 🙂
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September 19, 2022 at 9:24 pm
Yes, Lisa for 28 years I traveled the art circuit. I started as a watercolor artist and switched to handcrafted silver wearable art. Plus co-designer for my hubby’s art made from copper. My encounters with him were at art shows but in ‘Hi – Bye’ only, and small chit chat.
I also went to school with Barry Manilow, the singer composer. We were in music class together in Brooklyn, NY. He was friends with my friends. Definitely, not in the in-crowd. None of them have rung me up … don’t think they will. LOL
Feel like seeing my artwork … The fall issue of The BeZone has published a story I wrote about an art experience I had. I plan to blog it soon.
My Etsy Shops:
https://etsy.com/shop/IsadoraArtJewelry/
https://etsy.com/shop/copperwhimseasbyal/
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September 19, 2022 at 10:06 pm
Nice to learn about your artistic creations. I looked at your shop and saw a couple of really nice pieces!
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September 19, 2022 at 10:07 pm
Thank you ❤️
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September 19, 2022 at 10:10 pm
You’re welcome ❤
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September 15, 2022 at 9:32 pm
Hmm. Me thinks “I expected more than flowers from you” was enough of a dig to trigger the business response. But the art is what it is. Some of us are quite proud of our work, but when it’s done we willing share with the highest bidder.
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September 15, 2022 at 9:52 pm
Yes, a definite stabbing comeback from Roger to Mona. Art created for selling has to conform to what the public wants as art unless you don’t want an income. Since art is subjective, you can never please everyone. The starving artist does exist, unless you conform.
Can you tell I was an artist for 28 years?
I saw a documentary on Andy Warhol that addresses the way the public views art. The traveling Van Gogh exhibit, I recently attended, talked about his depressed feelings about how the public perceived his art work. Even the greats lack confidence in what they’re creating if it isn’t purchased. Have a good weekend … Isadora 😎
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September 16, 2022 at 3:34 am
Thanks for the information, Isadora. Yes, I can tell. 🙂
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September 15, 2022 at 7:39 pm
I love the name Spikey Audrey :). Perfect!
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September 17, 2022 at 8:03 pm
Glad you enjoyed the name, Linda. There’s a plant in the movie
Little Shop of Horrors (humorous movie, if you haven’t seen it)
that has an odd plant called Audrey. This plant in the photo reminded
me of it. Thanks …
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September 15, 2022 at 11:25 am
The compromises we have to make for capitalism unfortunately. At least he still gets to do something he enjoys.
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September 15, 2022 at 6:04 pm
Compromises are always a part of life.
I’m sure he needed a roof over his head.Yes, it could be worse if you dislike what your doing. I had fun with these flowers. Thanks, Iain. Have a good weekend … Isadora 😎
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September 15, 2022 at 10:53 am
Art for business’s sake! Well, he has to make a living.
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September 15, 2022 at 6:07 pm
As anyone knows, you can’t live on dreams. Perhaps, if he had an inheritance. I may have to consider writing that he received a windfall of cash.😀 Thank you, Keith. Have a good weekend … Isadora 😎
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September 15, 2022 at 12:54 am
Spikey Audrey is very photogenic.
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September 15, 2022 at 6:11 pm
She does have a flair about her. 😀
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September 14, 2022 at 10:39 pm
I think you’ve nailed the art market trend for today Isadora
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September 15, 2022 at 6:15 pm
Yes, the art world is changing more and more everyday. As a retired artist, I see how different it is now compared to when I was exhibiting in the beginning of my 28 year career. It’s a tough career. Thank you for commenting Sadje. I appreciate all of your visits. Have a good weekend … Isadora 😎
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September 16, 2022 at 1:01 am
Thanks Isadora! I think every field is changing with time and focus is shifting towards making more money
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September 14, 2022 at 10:28 pm
I love ‘Spikey Audrey’ – good story.
If his artworks are as stunningly brilliant as the flower in this photo, then he’s not betraying anything.
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September 15, 2022 at 6:19 pm
As a retired artist, I can say he’s probably happy just to be exhibiting in a gallery. His sales are icing on the cake. He does have to make a living plus he’s doing what he loves. I thought the flowers were very pretty too. Thanks for commenting, Trish. Have a good weekend … Isadora 😎
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September 14, 2022 at 9:24 pm
Querida Isadora,
Que triste. Business…just business. There’s a painter who really isn’t interested in art. Bien escrito mi amiga.
Shalom y abrazos,
Rochelle
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September 15, 2022 at 7:13 pm
Querida Rochelle,
You know I’ve been in the game for a long time. I’ve seen all of the spectrums of the art world. One can’t sell art unless you love to do it. Your soul, your heart and your entire being is in there, but when the stomach starts to growl there has to be money to buy the food. Now, if we all had inheritances or old money, then we could do what we like instead of what we have to do. Anyway, not a problem for me since I dislike eating and Al can pay for the house. LOL Silly me … Actually, I have stomach issues due to Anna and bulimia. Aye, la vida es tan fuerte. Gracias, mi amiga
Abrazos y Carino,
Isadora 😎
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September 14, 2022 at 9:17 pm
Mona’s criticism seems fair
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September 15, 2022 at 7:15 pm
Yes and no, on Mona. She may be a bit jealous of his sales or does not want to fall into the game of capitalism. I like Mona though becasue she says it like she wants to. Hey, Neil, thanks for stopping by and commenting. Have a good weekend … Isadora 😎
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