This morning, I am getting my pleine air equipment together. I am going to be painting the 9th hole at the Pecan Grove Golf Club. When I am finished with the piece, it will be auctioned off and the funds will go the Sugar Land Arts Association for scholarship money.  I know that to all of you, it seems that everyone is after free paintings, free time, free everything when it comes to your art....but be selective, help your community and do the painting with grace and don't expect anything in return.  Not everything is approached with a business acumen.  

Now if I have a group that is transparent and shows their true colors or the so called contests that want exorbitant fees so you can have your work judged, I find that predatory.  If your work is good, you have gallery or private sales, then submit to OPA or other prestigious minature shows.  Some of the Art magazines abuse artists relationships.  You will hear the common mantra, "you will get noticed" "large cash awards" yada, yada, yada, . By now you should know whether your work stacks up or not.  I pay a very good artist to give me objective critiques, I don't abuse his time and am thankful, he is willing to do it. 

In giving back, paint the best you can for the situation whether it is a fund raiser, commission, on spec or whatever. You will get noticed with better and better work. You will get local and national commissions and more people will see your work when you show your work in credible places and shows.  If you are not accepted into the shows, keep trying.