Meet Diane Fifer | Professional Visual Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Diane Fifer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Diane, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Six years ago, after my history of being an art teacher, President of an Art Institute, and organizer and co-ordinator of Art Markets, I decided that it was time to try creating and selling my own art. At that time, I didn’t know what I was going to paint, but Joanna and Chip Gaines were very popular at the time, so the decision to paint farm animals was a no brainer. Animals are amazing creatures, and painting them has increased my love for them.

What I would like people to contemplate, and know, is how much goes into the business of being an artist. Especially for those of us who travel to shows. Materials, travel, producing, hotel, food, packing/unpacking, accounting, Giclee print cost, vehicle maintenance, etc. When people say to me, ;oh I wish I could just sit and paint all day like me’, or, ‘can I have a discount’, it is clear that they don’t understand that artists have ‘real businesses’. It’s not just about being able to be creative all day long.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My acrylic/oil original paintings are large in size, although I do offer Giclee prints of my work in many sizes. Repurposing items is one of my favorite things to do. For example, I have taken an old suitcase, painted it, revamped the inside, and made a coffee table out of it. I have also taken an antique door, turned it into a bench, painted and upholstered it. Using old wood as a surface for my paintings is also a favorite of mine. I even paint on old car hoods. Many people have helped me along the way in terms of inspiration. Ranchers, farmers, customers, friends, have all offered images to me to paint. I have visited many ranches and farms to photograph animals. When I am in the middle of these animals, I am full of awe and excitement. They truly are incredible.

I started my traveling artist career with a 10X10 pop up tent in Rosenberg, Tx, and I have tripled that size and the amount of work I offer to my fabulous customers. Participating in the same shows over and over has brought back many repeat customers. Something I am very grateful for. My art has changed over time as I have a better understanding of my customers. It’s so important to listen to them. It’s also important to offer several price points of my work. I offer Giclee prints of all sizes, framed prints and originals, furniture, and other original painted items. I’m always looking for different ways to present my work.

My journey so far has been exciting. Watching it grow to where it is now, and curious to see where it will go. My customers always say that they love the originality of my work. That the animals look real and full of character, and have a way of looking through them. People from all around the globe have a piece of my work in their homes…can you imagine someone who lives in front of the Eiffel Tower bought a piece from me at a Rodeo show I was doing? In Paris, where magnificent/magical art abounds. It fills my heart knowing that my art has been brought into so many homes and is enjoyed every day.

Murals, street art, chalk art, and commissions, are also important parts of my work. Loving the variety.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When people visit, we spend a lot of time at the beach in Galveston. The restaurants in Galveston are great. Guido’s, Katie’s, Willie G’s, and Grotto’s are favorites. There are many art galleries, history to learn, shops to visit, and sightseeing to do here as well. Oh if fishing is fun for them…there is lots of that as well as boating, kayaking, canoeing, and so on.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My spouse has always been my number one encourager. He is at my shows selling away, framing my work, packing and unpacking our vehicles, setting up and taking down our event, does the accounting, and anything else I ask him to do. He has even done shows for me on his own. Incredible partner.

Website: artdwellers.com

Instagram: @artdwellers

Facebook: Facebook.com/artdwellers

Image Credits
Diane Fifer