I’m giving away the following watercolour paintings for free. That’s right, you don’t need to like me on facebook, or buy a tee, or anything. Just email me and tell me which one you want, send me your address, and I’ll post it to you. It’s first come first served, so you might want to pick a couple in order of preference just in case. Each painting is A3 except 2, 4 and 10 which are A4, and titled and signed with something like this:
Here are the paintings.
Number 1: Koi- Claimed by Lucretia Lane
Number 2: The Dark Knight- Claimed by Matthew Dunn
Number 3: Hellboy- Claimed by Cathie Tranent
Number 4: Bacon Man- Claimed by James Brooks
Number 5: The Bear King- Claimed by Sally-Jo Cook
Number 6: The Gentleman- Claimed by Lyndsay Meager
Number 7: Oscar & Cornelius- Claimed by Simon Sherry
Number 8: Barbarian- Claimed by Kylie Hungerford
Number 9: Owl- Claimed by my mum!
Number 10: Lunch!- Claimed by Cheryl Mason
Why am I doing this?
Before I started this project, I was feeling a little down. It seemed like nobody was all that interested in my tee designs, I couldn’t get work up on TeeFury, and still to this day I have only sold a single signed Giclée print. It seemed that when we needed the money, I wasn’t able to produce it.
A friend gave me the very sensible advice that I should do something entirely for myself, with no possible monetary reward. Break my mind out of thinking that success in my art was the same as sales. Not long after that my lovely wife gave me a set of watercolour paints for my birthday, and I decided, never having used watercolours before, that I would paint ten paintings, and then give them all away.
It’s very freeing, I didn’t have to think about whether this or that style would appeal to some imagined target audience. I could just create and let that be enough. So I did, and here we are. These are my first paintings, but that doesn’t mean they’re my last. Nor, I’m sure, is this the last time I’m going to give stuff away. It’s a good feeling, I recommend it.
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I would love the koi painting. Its amazing. A great idea- but can i give ypu some $ for it. Feels weird that it would be free.
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Hi Damien, As you say, I have found giving away artwork is a freeing experience and does dilute that old adage of sales equals success and confirmation that your work is “good”…which of course is total bullshit……Keep doing what you love and “feel” for…
I love your owl but I can see a woman of great taste has claimed it! Hell boy is a great character and your painting will be snapped up soon I’m sure…
I also know (for what its worth) that your work gets stronger and better the more you practice…and you are doing this….
Best wishes Maree
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damien replied:
June 7th, 2011 at 9:10 am
@Maree, thanks so much for the comments. I wonder if this is one of the downsides to a print on demand site like redbubble. On one hand you have this incredible community of artists all supporting each other, but on the other everything is driven towards self-promotion for the purpose of making sales. But yeah, I definitely became too focussed on the sales, and linked my own sense of value to that.. and like you say, that’s bullshit.
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Hey Damien, those are a great go for your first ten paintings, I’m kicking myself for not popping online sooner, love the koi and Oscar & Cornelius is magic
It’s a great feeling painting something for yourself… Often I find the things I do for myself end up turning out better anyway, because you don’t end up restricting yourself to what you think might sell. Keep up the painting… Will be interesting to see how working with watercolors will affect your digital illustration. Cheers, Heather
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damien replied:
June 7th, 2011 at 9:12 am
@Heather, thanks! I have found some change in my thinking on digital work.. especially allowing for more “mistakes” and not stressing so much about perfection. That said, I also love being able to lay down highlights -after- the colours, rather than having to plan everything beforehand like you do with watercolours. I’ll definitely do this again, and I’ll make sure I let you know about it early on so you can grab something for yourself (or Hera and Hank)
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Ever since you’ve been on my list, I’ve admired that owl. Shucky darns.
What a wonderful thing to have done. I love to see other generous and thoughtful people in the world.
Bravo!
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damien replied:
June 7th, 2011 at 9:15 am
@Fuzzy thanks so much! That owl turned out better than I was expecting actually, around half way through I was worried that I had done too much with the pencils, and not left space for the watercolours.. so I’m stoked you liked it.
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hooray for giving stuff away. an even bigger hooray! for making it just because You want to
Once upon a time I had a personal show and ‘gave’ it all away – stickers to claim what you wanted and a piggy bank for donations. … because I feel that art should be loved, looked at and lived with. simple as that – if you want it in your space, you should be allowed. I managed to cover my costs and then some, clear out my space, and most importantly make a lot of people happy 
… come to think of it, I was just telling a friend about how I’m running out of wall and stacking space…
happy day
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