November 2010
Once you have accumulated a number of paintings, taking inventory is essential. There are many ways and formulas to organize, store and keep an inventory of your artwork. I have found the following system easy and practical for me.
After I consider a painting finished I sign it and give it a title. On the back on the painting surface I record all pertinent information such as the title, dimension and media. I also give it a “catalog” number or reference. For my catalog number I use my initials and a number. I then document all of this information on a database in my computer which I arrange by categories such as “landscapes”, “abstracts”, “figures”, etc… I finally take a high resolution digital photo of my artwork which I can later use to update my web site and/or use in a presentation portfolio.
Being organized as well as keeping accurate records is tedious and requires some regiment, but it is indispensable if you consider yourself a professional artist.
Yvette Stenzel