Phil and Jennie at Jack’s Fine Art gave me the nicest bunch of compliments today. He is grateful for the general uniformity of my frames (most of my frames are the same style with a few exceptions.) Phil also appreciates my consistency in measuring where I place eyelets and wire, which makes hanging faster and replacement of sold paintings a cinch.

In my framing tool box is a chart that specifies by frame size how far down from the top of the frame to install the eyelets. I stretch the wire moderately tight. If I deliver a bunch of 18x24” paintings the Gallery only has to measure one painting, and all the rest will hang at exactly the same level.

Phil also thanked me for never bringing in wet paintings (artists do that???). On previous deliveries Jennie was pleased with my typed inventory of new paintings. If I annoy them, it is probably because I chat too much when I take in paintings—they are nice people, knowledgeable about art and the community, but they do framing in addition to the gallery and are busy. Still, I enjoy our lively conversations about politics, the abysmal economy and our hopes for the future.

Develop the best possible relationship with your galleries: Be consistent and thoughtful in how you present your art to them. And enjoy it when they pat you on the back.