Fine Arts

NO THORNS ON THESE ROSES…LOCAL ARTISTS BUILD A BUSINESS ON ETERNAL BOUQUETS

                    header curtains up

“I perhaps owe having become a painter to flowers.”  ~Claude Monet

Christine Marlow (above) in her Montreal studio. Photo by Tracey Hill.
Christine Marlow (above) in her Montreal studio. Photo by Tracey Hill.

 

What initially struck me as I walked into the Painted Bouquet studio was the homey, intimate space that is created for in-house artists and clients alike.  The gleaming hardwood floors and old warehouse windows set the scene for paint-splattered easels, brightly colored jars of oil and acrylic, walls crammed with floral paintings and shelves stacked high with canvases ready for shipment.  The only aspect which transcends the coziness of this atmosphere is the warmth and passion of co-owner/artist, Christine Marlow.  Her infectious smile charms and delights as she generously showers praise for the accomplishments and professionalism of her painters.

A Painted Bouquet was conceived after Christine sold six floral paintings at an art show in her loft building, located in the quaint Atwater Market area.  Her friend (and now partner) Cara Bridgeman thought the idea of sending an eternal bouquet, as opposed to one that dies within a week, was brilliant. Initial overhead costs were at a minimum with investments going toward the website, art materials, shipping and packaging supplies as well as some sample display frames.  The search for available, talented artists was easy; they all occupy lofts in the building.  Cara then came up with a clever name, and A Painted Bouquet was born.

Christine recounted a story in which she was deeply touched by a customer who divulged the message she wrote on a card that was sent with a painting; “Happy birthday…these flowers will last forever.  Every time you look at them, just think of how great you are and how long I’ve thought that.” The sincerity and irrefutable passion that these women feel for their little enterprise makes me want to never, ever walk into a big-box store again.

The overall philosophy is rooted within a small-business ideology; keep it simple, form lasting relationships with clients and tap local resources .  They strive to keep a low number of commissioned workers, so the painters can generate a meaningful income.  Our sluggish economy significantly affects those who struggle to make a living with their art, as these women know only too well.  So for Christine and Cara, nothing is more rewarding than providing an opportunity for gifted individuals to be paid for using their skills and imagination.

Having both emerged from careers in the fashion industry, Cara and Christine were new to entrepreneurship, and grateful for the initial support of family and friends during the first eight months.  The website was not enough to get the word out, so they pushed the concept through social media, fairs, and good old-fashioned word of mouth.

An unframed, original work of art costs $100 (+ $40 for optional framing), which is staggeringly fair, considering a floral arrangement can run up past $80.  And it dies.  And you throw it away. And you forget about it the next day.

A painted bouquet of flowers makes not only a great replacement for real flowers, but for a thank-you, get-well, condolence, birthday, Valentine, anniversary, forgive-me-honey, wedding gift and so much more.  You can even have a bridal bouquet immortalized on canvas, framed and shipped for about $200.  Talk about a perfect present for newlyweds that can be passed down for generations.

You can order from the online catalogue, shop in person or call the studio directly, and the transport range is conveniently unlimited. Dispatched canvases are delivered by the local, eco-conscious Green City Couriers, as the environment is a crucial consideration for Cara and Christine. They are smartly wrapped in cellophane and raffia-just like flowers.  One of their first online customers had a painted bouquet shipped all the way out to the Yukon via express post, and since then, they have been delighting recipients of these artful offerings from coast-to-coast.

The canvases are 12×6 or 8X8, and all 9 artists have techniques that vary widely, therefore you can choose from contrasting styles and designs that appeal to even the most discerning of buyers. As I perused and inspected the samples, I couldn’t decide which ones I liked best…they were distinct, quaintly original and well executed.  As an artist, I’m always secretly armed to find fault and critique the quality and integrity of fine art…after all, I wouldn’t want to promote something that is not worth its price tag, would I?  Upon leaving, my only feeling of disparagement  was a greenish speck of envy and a minor headache from the firm bonk to my noggin for not having thought of this first.

 

Photo by Tracey Hill
Photo by Tracey Hill

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