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The next photo is the PROMPT. Remember, all photos are property of the photographer, donated for use in Friday Fictioneers only. They shouldn’t be used for any other purpose without express permission. It is proper etiquette to give the contributor credit.
PHOTO PROMPT © Roger Bultot
How did we get to December already? I want to take a moment to thank all of you who’ve contintued with Friday Fictioneers. You’re all a gift to me.
My story below is pure non-fiction. Rarely has a patron of an art fair followed through with “I’ll definitely get back with you about a commission.” Rarely? Now that I think about…never. I really thought this one was a sure thing.
Genre: Just the Facts
Word Count: 100
HOPE SPRINGS ETERNAL
She held up her iPhone with a photo of a windmill at sunset. “Have you ever painted a scene like this?”
The brilliant oranges and golds spoke to me. “Could you text it to me?”
Her face lit up. “Done. Let me know if you paint it.”
Within days, the painting was done—one of my best according to my husband. I sent a jpeg to my potential client.
“I want it.” She replied. “How much?”
She agreed to the price. I packaged it with receipt and certificate of authenticity.
A sure sale? Ha! I never heard from her again.
Not to despair. Although the original still languishes in my studio, wrapped and ready to roll, I’ve sold many prints and note cards with this picture. Nothing’s wasted. 😉
For listings of my original paintings or signed prints CLICK HERE
Many of these renderings are available as a note card. CLICK HERE for my ETSY shop.
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
Sounds like a commision to me. Just that the one who commissioned it was not the one who paid. Lovely story, Rochelle
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Dear Neil,
It certainly has paid for itself, many times over. Those note cards have become a huge seller. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Maybe something happened to her? It’s a beautiful painting
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Dear Sadje,
There’s actually more to the story that I condensed for word count’s sake. Thank you re the painting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You’re welcome
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Your painting is stunning. Well, it’s her loss that she never gave it a new home. Lovely story 🙂
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Dear Fleur,
It wasn’t for lack of trying. I reached out to her several times. She kept saying she wanted it. Then decided she couldn’t afford the original painting and said she wanted a print. And at that, she never showed up so I stopped reaching out.
At any rate thank you for your comments/compliments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Unfortunately some people can be like that. They are such time wasters, aren’t they?
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It’s good to know you have such talent. In sales the 2% rule runs the show so don’t expect everyone to buy even the best stuff
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Dear Larry,
Yes, we’ve certainly learned about the 2% rule first hand. I’ve yet to hear back from someone who took my card at a show and said, “I’ll be getting back with you.” But there are the commissions and sales that make up for those.
And I have to say that making money with my art is a childhood dream come true. Thank you for your comments and encouragement.
Shalom
Rochelle
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Oh well, I am sure she had a good excuse, even if she never told you what it was… Sometimes people are not very nice. Glad you got some use out of the painting. Do you have a “statute of limitations” after which it is her loss and you just sell it?
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Dear Trent,
The last communication I had with her was from a vendor event. I texted and said I had the painting with me. She’d said she still wanted it. A bit later she texted back saying her husband didn’t want her spending “that much money” so she was going to come and buy a print. That’s the last I heard from her. I’d say the statute of limitations is up and it’s still for sale. It’s listed on my art page. 😉 Thanks for coming by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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It is a lovely blend of colors! Definitely not wasted inspiration. Maybe the check got lost in the mail?
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Dear Clare,
If you scroll up you can see what I told Trent. Nope. Pretty sure the check didn’t get lost in the mail. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Although she didn’t buy it, her suggestion that you paint such a scene was clearly a profitable one!
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Dear Keith,
That’s precisely how I see it. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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She may have had genuine reasons for not wrapping up the deal. One never knows. But you’ve greatly benefitted from it all. A true artist is not an accountant and doesn’t ever keep tabs. Lovely story and a very beautiful work of art!
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Dear Neel,
She gave me her reasons for backing out on the original. More to the story. However, you are correct. I’m not an accountant. Painting the picture was a great experience and it has paid off in many other ways. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That painting is beautiful and her loss was our gain. We need an art gallery for all your lovely paintings. Alas, our house isn’t that big.
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Dear Jan,
All we need’s a wealthy benefactor to frame and open a gallery, right? Of course, right. Thanks for your constant support, M’luv.
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I was worried when you packed it up with a receipt before you got the money :). It’s a lovely painting!
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Dear Linda,
I’d actually packaged it with the receipt, but the latter was easy to tear up and throw away. Nothing lost really, save a piece of paper and a little patience. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A beautifully written but sad story in many ways. But at least you got your money through the print sale. It did raise red flags when I read it and when I read the comments, I felt them confirmed. Husband doesn’t want her to spend so much on something she clearly liked and wanted… not a good sign.
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Dear Gabi.
Yeah, the whole incident was unsettling. But the sales on the prints and note cards have made up for it. And the original is still for sale. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I’m glad it wasn’t all for nothing. Their loss, I would say!
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Dear Iain,
It did work out in my favor, ultimately. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Art is such a tricky thing. I want to fill my home with beautiful artworks and I absolutely think artists should be paid a fair whack for the skill, time and passion that goes into their work. On the other hand, I can’t justify paying it. So both the artist and I are left short-changed. Down with Capitalism, that’s what I say! 😉
I enjoyed your story, and your outlook on the outcome.
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Dear Jen,
I’ve made quite a bit off of prints and note cards. Selling an original or getting a commission is a bonus. There are few things I’d pay my asking price for so I get it. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
‘Tis the risk one takes. And, like you said, in the end, you didn’t need her (except for the inspiration to paint this image!
Shalom and lotsa creative love,
Dale
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Dear Dale,
I really am grateful for the photo and the inspiration. It’s been a pretty popular picture, particularly in the note cards. As for her, she’s a mere blip on the radar screen. Thank you.
Shalom and lotsa colourful hugs,
Rochelle
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😁
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It’s her loss. It seems like you’ve done better with it than if you had simply sold the painting like a proper entrepreneur. Feels like a win.
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Dear Nobbin,
It’s most definitely a win. Thanks to her photo I tried painting something I never had, thus stretching and challenging myself. The painting was a success and sales from the cards and prints have been good. Who knows? The original could still sell. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A commission of a lie on her part. I’m glad it worked out in your favor, Rochelle.
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Dear Lisa,
It would’ve been nice if she’d followed through, but it was definitely a win for me. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, you’re welcome, and I’m glad.
Shalom,
Lisa
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Dear Rochelle,
Her misfortune, your fortune! It’s a beautiful painting.
Shalom,
Dora
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Dear Dorah,
I probably wouldn’t have thought to paint a windmill and this has been a popular card/print, so it’s all good. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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It is her lose… My wife has commissioned two Paintings and has purchased many more. Our walls are pretty full.
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Dear Michael,
I’m glad to know you and your wife support artists. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That’s a beautiful painting
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Thank you, Shrawley.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you for sharing Rochelle. Wishing you a restful weekend. Beautiful Art as always ….. Glad you could sell some greeting cards and prints.
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Thank you Susan. Your comments make me smile.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great, I’m so glad. Wishing you a restful weekend, and inspiration in your art.
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Hey, Rochelle.
Ah, the business side of creation. My daughter is learning all that. I’m glad this one turned out well. 🙂
Peace,
Bill
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Dear Bill,
I would be perfectly happy not to have to deal with the business end of things. Alas you can’t have one without the other to be successful. Hope things are going well for your daughter.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks, Rochelle.
She seems pleased for now. 🙂
Peace,
Bill
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What a beautiful piece. I’m glad you’ve been able to sell the notecards and prints. Hope you have a wonderful weekend, Rochelle!
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Dear Brenda,
Thank your for your encouraging comments. Weekend was great. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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some folks are like that. they keep your hopes high and then renege later. 😦
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Dear Plaridel,
I’ve learned never to count on folks who say, “I’ll get back with yout.” A new day. Another dollar. It’s all good. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great tale and fab painting 🙂
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Thank you so much, Angela.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh man what a let down. But I agree with the hubs. It is one of your best. It’s one of my faves. 💕
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Dear Andrea,
Truly I’ve had worse letdowns. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Reblogged this on All About Writing and more.
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Thank you for the reblog, Henrietta.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Beautiful painting.
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Thank you, Brit.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Ugh…. people can be dreadful. Particularly to artists! And in this day and age it’s even more hurtful.
I love your work, it’s so beautiful.
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Dear Laurie,
Nothing is a given, especially when it comes to art. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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