The gallery is closing, we still have to pay rent and all Summer festivals in Santa Fe are called off. We were beyond discouraged. I had no motivation even to paint knowing I was just stacking them in the corner of my make shift studio at home. Nothing but closed doors as far as the eye can see through the Summer. I did have a commission to do and it got me thinking. Is there a way to do more of these? Then I had a thought that seemed to come out of no where. What if I could paint things that I know people would enjoy, like their favorite scenes and memories? Get them involved in the process but still only paint things I knew had a chance of selling if they couldn't afford them or didn't like how they turned out. A win, win and I would be interacting with potential clients just like the gallery - a new door opens.
"I might paint YOUR landscape photo next!"has become a whole new way of working for me, meeting people and making enough to pay the rent, even without the gallery! I think we are all endowed with the ability to hear a voice, have a thought, see something new that becomes that new open door. I believe in a God who is with us, for us, loves us all. But, we have to be open to the possibilities that lay beyond our past, and even beyond our imagination. In my experience, these possibilities often seem to come out of no where. Open people usually find the open doors. I am grateful every day that this kind of grace finds me!
9 Comments
Doug Jeffords
4/23/2020 10:56:43 am
Tom, very sorry about the gallery. We might be interested in getting you to paint our Pecos Cabin. It’s up at Cowles but is not open for summer yet. It’s on the Pecos River, log, built 1955. Any idea of what you would charge?
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Larry Rieber
4/23/2020 02:59:45 pm
I was thinking of you the other day wondering...and not knowing of what’s happening in Santa Fe. Not surprised by the cancellations. So many changes. Indeed where He closed one door, He does open another. The Peace of Christ be with you! Larry Rieber, Austin & sometimes Angel Fire (hopefully we’ll be able to get up to our place this summer!)
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Larry,
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Sydney
4/23/2020 07:18:51 pm
Sad news but you saw the open door &!walked thru. Wonderful new possibilities.
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Sydney, glad to hear from you! Like you, we are hanging in there. I am fortunate to have a way to work, and keep busy. I love birds, but I'm no JJ Audubon. I might take a stab at it for fun and see what happens... Also John Paul Granillo has joined our collective and is an expert in birds (and horses), send a picture or two my way of what you would like and price range and we will see! Tom
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Sydney
4/24/2020 02:04:43 pm
I also got 2 replies to notes other than mine. Larry & one without a name. 😯
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Dave Dillman
4/25/2020 05:56:31 pm
Tom,
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5/17/2020 03:36:29 am
Hello, Tom. This news makes me sad. I never thought that the gallery would be closing. But I am sure that there will be new opportunity that will come to you. You have always been talented and you are passionate about paintings so I am sure that you will always find yourself going back to the usual things that you do. For now, what you can do is to reminisce all the good memories you had there. I am sure that everything that happened there is memorable for you and made you the person that you are right now!
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Tom C. McGee, Jr.
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