Why do you number your paintings?

Behind every artist's creative process lies systems that support their work. One of the most valuable systems I've implemented is the consistent numbering of my original paintings—a simple practice that has proven invaluable in ways I never anticipated when I began.

The primary benefit is purely practical: organization. When a collector contacts me about a print they saw years ago, or a gallery needs information about a specific piece, I don't panic or waste hours searching. With my numbering system, I can quickly locate the exact painting in my digital archives. This efficiency has saved me countless hours over the years and prevented the frustration of hunting through unnamed files or relying solely on memory.

There's also something profoundly satisfying about seeing the numbers climb. Currently, I'm in the 1700s—a tangible record of my artistic journey and productivity. Each time I assign a new number, I'm reminded of the body of work I've created, the evolution of my style, and the sheer volume of creative energy I've channeled with my brushstrokes. It's a personal milestone system that marks my growth as an artist.

My printer has become another beneficiary of this system. Rather than describing "that painting with the blue mountains and orange sky from 2019," we communicate with precision. "Painting #1432" leaves no room for confusion and streamlines our professional relationship, ensuring that reproductions maintain the quality and color accuracy of the originals.

Interestingly, these numbers have become conversation pieces with collectors. When someone purchases an original, they invariably ask what number they're getting. The moment I reveal they've acquired painting #1734, their eyes widen. There's a certain validation in knowing they've invested in an artist with substantial production and commitment. The number becomes part of the painting's story and they are proud.

The system extends beyond originals to limited edition prints, creating a second tier of numbering that maintains the exclusivity collectors value. Each print series carries its own sequence (like 3/250), creating a clear record of rarity and authenticity that collectors appreciate.

Perhaps most forward-thinking is how this system serves my legacy. I create art with the hope that my work will outlive me. Should my paintings change hands in the future—whether through auctions, estate sales, or galleries—this numbering system provides clear provenance and chronology that future dealers, collectors, or perhaps even art historians will appreciate.

What began as a simple organizational tool has become an integral part of my artistic practice and business. The few seconds it takes to assign each new painting a number builds a structure that supports everything else: sales, printing, provenance, and ultimately, the lasting documentation of my creative journey. In art, as in life, sometimes the most mundane systems yield the most profound benefits.

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