Artid

i am brand new to this "game"...and am finding that i am a very small seed is a huge ocean of artists! this is very overwhelming...and in some ways, depressing. how can i have a chance to sell my things in so vast a selection? i do not have the inclination to do a lot of "selling"...and mostly, because i do not know how. i have no clue where to start, what to do to sell myself, or where to go from here. If anyone out there would like to have someone to mentor in this arena, here i am.

12×24 palette knife, oil on canvas www.alsionvernon.com

"Anna and Max are a young creative couple living together. Anna is a journalist and Max is an intriguing and slightly eccentric artist. Their idyllic relationship starts coming apart when Max develops some strange symptoms. He hears voices and sees visions which force him to withdraw from society and to mistrust Anna. When Anna discovers the cause of the problem it may be too late." You can find it on Amazon. It is actually a documentary-based movie about schizophrenia. Imported from South Africa. Anna does a lot of talking but that is okay because she has a very angelic voice. Max is built like a God and whenever he speaks it is like mountains move just for him. Eventually, the illness brings them both to their knees. Seriously, this movie is a must see.

I have been in love with rocks for a long time; boulders and rockfaces have figures prominently in my work. Now i have started a series of rockface closeup, where I can really focus on the patterns of color and form. The patterns of color are amprophous and soft-edged, while the forms are hard-edged and crisp. The combination makes for a wonderful richness, and often a spur to the imagination.

I have chosen "Carved in Stone" as a potential title for a exhibition of thsi group of works, if it ever happens. The work I am showing here I call "Cracking Up".

It was my birthday recently... as if I care. There is nothing fun about growing old. And somebody gave me some money as opposed to stuff that I don't need like they all used to when I was a kid. And this person said to spend it on something you want or need. Okay! I'll do just that. The other half of my two week vacation is coming up next week. I requested such a date (10th thru 15th) because the 10th is when my open house is at the gallery. I have a one track mind most of the time. I cannot think about work and think about the open house at the same time so this works out great. But for the rest of my vacation, I was going to do some traveling. I won't be going far because my car is a run down piece of crap even though it got me all the way to Wisconsin and back. I guess that was one of those dying wishes for my car and it has never been so up to traveling since then. And between now and then, I guess I have to change the oil. I am such a procrastinator when it comes to keeping my car up to par. Northeastern Montana has some interesting highlights that really don't appear on any tourism map because you need an ATV to get there but I have been to these places many times and I plan on returning during my vacation but this time I'll be bringing my camera, my acrylics, a couple canvases, and a present that I just bought for myself. I hope the weather cooperates with me but even if it doesn't, this is my time of the year. In the picture is this portable easel that I just bought and I wasn't really looking for anything that I wouldn't mind missing if it were to break and I had to chug it in the river or something but I am pretty handy with fixing things. What do you think? Did I screw myself over with this one?

There are distinct stages in tango. This is inspired by one of the later ones where the mists of confusion have cleared away and the woman is now confident and certain of herself and her dance. It's a beautiful thing.

Can you see the imagination working in these two minds? "Back up the truck, boys: we've got a lot of sand to move!" Who hasn't had fun as a child, taking ordinary things and making stories with them?

A day at the beach, enjoying the sun and sand, and letting imagination run free!

A perfect print for your child's room; a reminder of the carefree days of summer .... before school started again!!

Acrylic paintings and techniques have the advantage over other media in that they are long-lasting, yet less costly than oil paintings. Oil and pastels for paintings have drawbacks, pastels being more ephemeral and possibly giving rise to breathing issues due to their chalk residue, and oils for the length of time needed to dry being quite lengthy, perhaps up to months' worth of drying time, as well as the turpentine fumes being bothersome to many. Acrylic paintings are synthetic paint made from pigments blended with synthetic materials. They are water-soluble and can be used on a large range of surfaces; they can be mixed as can oil paints and they clean up easily. In an indoor studio, their smell is less overwhelming than is an oil-based paint. While many artists choose oils because of their opacity, the translucent quality of acrylic paintings and techniques lend themselves to under painting, that is, applying a monotone of sorts as a primer. Some artists prefer umber with a touch of black, or even umber mixed with ultramarine blue, after which primary mixing all are mixed with white. Generally, the under painting is applied in glazes or very thin brushstrokes; when the artist feels comfortable with the under painting, then the 'fun part' begins, the detailing of the final look of the painting. Why do under painting? Because the depth and luminosity of color is increased, bringing an inner glow to the finished product. Any self-respecting artist will want the optimal outcome for his hard work.
Painting in this layering process can aid the creative energy also, keeping it going strong as an artist has one layer drying in one painting while working on another. The synergy of creativity feeds on itself. The artist may also use acrylics as a range of techniques, from transparent washes to opaque layers, due to the water-solubility of the acrylic medium. This same water-solubility can prove to be a challenge, as acrylics tend to dry faster than the artist can blend to his satisfaction; however, a stay-wet palette solves this problem, enabling the artist to blend his colors and keep them fresh for days at a time. A number of artists use acrylics solely as under painting, layering the coats until satisfied with their effect on the canvas, then apply oil paints to this rich layer.
As you can see, the abstract artist using acrylics has a number of reasons for using this particular medium, but the basics are these: they last, and they can be worked quickly into a work of art. An artist working on commission can speedily predict exactly how much time a piece will take to dry, after the initial work is completed. This is a special bonus for both the artist and the patron as well, as time frames can be judged accurately and thus allow for the timely distribution of resources. In the art world, pleasing a patron leads to better business practices all around and referrals for future work from the patron and his friends. Acrylics are the medium of choice for the artist and he will illustrate their use as the best medium to his patrons.

Visit this link for details: http://bit.ly/dcrYaB This offer is open to residents living in all countries we ship to. Deadline to enter is midnight October 14, 2010.

Do your homework:
Check out the gallery on their web site or even better in person, to see what kind of art they carry. If you paint impressionist, oil landscapes and they have a big selection of pop art, chances are good that you should move on to the next gallery on your list.

Make arrangements:
Gallery owners are busy people, and you should respect their time. Being interrupted by "cold calls" is a distraction and these well meaning interruptions could really mess up a day. Not a good way to start a relationship. If a gallery will not see you in person, ask if you can send a CD and bio package that may be more convenient for them. Be sure to direct them to your web page.

Presentation is everything:
Make sure your work is presented in a professional way. Use quality materials, the outcome can be subtle but make the world of difference. Make sure your work is well matted and/or framed. A gallery will not want to hang obviously flimsy or scratched frames, it reflects badly on them. Take the buyers perspective, when they purchase a piece of work they want it to stay in one piece and look good for a long time, so quality counts. If you can't afford frames, at least have works on paper well matted and paintings well wrapped to avoid wear and tear.

Be confident:
If you have self-doubt, leave it at home. Speak about your work with confidence and never apologize or point out mistakes or shortcomings. If a gallery agrees to show your work, they will look for a long-term relationship, of mutual benefit. They want to represent artists who truly want to be engaged in the business of making art. It's OK to be new to the gallery environment, everybody has to start somewhere, just don't speak about your work as though it were a pastime. Decide your prices ahead of time and don't waffle, but remain open for negotiation.

School of hard knocks:
Be prepared for "rejection". Not all art is for every gallery. Your timing may be off or the gallery owner is planning something else. In any case, try not to take it personally. Just because they can't or don't want to show your art, does not mean you or your work is a failure.

Stick to it.

Fireworks, staring up at night skies and too many sci-fi films have given me a deep love of stars and the interplay of light against a dark background

This may prove to be in the bizarre but when I want to go to sleep and I cannot, I require a little incentive to get me on my way into lala land. They say if you eat chocolate before you go to bed you end up experiencing gruesome nightmares. Well, what happens when a person lays down with a notebook and watches women lick each other in every which way possible... not necessarily focusing on the imagery but the sound. It is odd that I cannot stand the sound of my bird chirping or my dog licking his self but the sound of women licking is my favorite drug-puts me to sleep just like that. The thought has crossed my mind that I grow bored of such venues. I hope that is not the case because that would mean that I am hollow inside and that I cannot be coerced with passion or regret of performing unspeakable acts with bombshells. For the moment, I only dream of such acts. I'm a Gregorian. I just like to watch as Babylon is reborn. *In the photo is of course, yours truly and behind me is an oil painting of Jewel De'Nyle. It is half way complete and once it is finished, I shall be selling it for $500 plus shipping and handling. So, let the blood bath begin because I am sure a few people out there want to admire this painting day and night.

12×36 palette knife, oil on canvas www.alisonvernon.com

Yesterday began the official day of my public showing. Sure, I know I've had my artwork hanging in virtual galleries across the land but now people can see my art for what it really is up close and personal. They can see all of the brush hairs that I never bothered to remove or pieces of crud that just happened to be in the paint at the time. Nothing is perfect and I don't strive to be perfect. And my art shouldn't really be looked at up close anyway. I don't need people dissecting my artwork with x-rays or chemicals to determine what I used to make it. I know there are flaws in it but that is what makes them so wonderful. There is something about a piece of art being too good that it is said to be made on a computer or something. Well, I saw something just like that at the gallery. The owner of the place said that the painting looks fake because there were no brush strokes like there were on mine. I told him that the other guy was planning on trying to sell some of his prints so perhaps that is what it is... a print. Honestly, I cannot stand prints or even Giclee for that matter. Prints and Giclee just cheapens the originals. And then there is that problem with keeping track of all of that extra stuff. World Famous knife painter Leonid Afremov is discovering that his paintings are being heisted and sold by other people as their own or some crappy knock up as his own. I told him time and time gain to cut the crap. One painting, "the original", is all you should have and nothing more. It is so much easier to keep track that way. Of course, that would mean that the two Giclee prints that I have are completely worthless. The letter of authenticity said they are both worth around $1500 in gallery, well, bull. I don't believe that. I believe the original is worth that much because I only paid less than $120 for the both of them and they were through his auction site. Anyway, moving on, I have returned to the paintings that I did when I first decided to begin painting once again and I notice how much they suck in comparison to what I am doing today. So, I decided that I would fix them up a bit and reshow them as something else with a different name and maybe a different frame or whatever. I think that is what pharmaceutical companies do with "new" drugs that have been on the shelves for years.

There are some very persuasive statistics and reasons to get out there and blog. The comment I get the most is "I have nothing to blog about." followed directly with "I don't have time to blog." The actual keyboard time involved in blogging is minimal, it's the subject matter we blank out on.

Imagine...you are exhibiting in a gallery or Art Show, what are the most FAQ from viewers? Inquiring minds really do what to know. It makes them feel like they know you or have an inside track on you and your work. Buyers are much more likely to purchase original art if it has a story attached to it. Every time you upload a new piece on your artid site, there is a button that says "blog about this art".

Here are 10 "Starter" tips to get any artist blogging...

1. "Where is that?" If it's a city or landscape write a paragraph about the location, the weather and why you were there.

2. "How long does it take you to complete a work?" Be honest, time spent does not equal quality in any line of work.

3. What kind of blah-di-blah do you use? Mention brand names you do or do not like and why. Write about a new material you are using or why you are sticking to the tried and true.

4. "Where do you get your ideas?" Well, where do you? What sparks your creative energy?

5. "Where did you study?" Once again be honest, did you go to art school, night classes, read books, hang out with other artists and watch?

6. "Do you ever get artists block?" Write about it and what you do to combat it.

7. "Do you teach classes?" Write about your students and classes or, the reasons you don't teach.

8. "My 3 year old could do this, why is it so expensive?" Write about how a 3 year old can't do it and how you price your art. You don't have to be defensive, just explain.

9. "Where else can I see your work?" Write about your show schedule and web site(s).

10. "Can people visit your studio?" This can be fun, write about where you create, on the kitchen table at night, in your giant custom built studio, a room of your own, or your lap... where you create can be as interesting as why you create.

These are a precious few subjects you can write about. A paragraph or two will suffice. You can write about your opinion, your process, your "aha moments", your cat, anything. It's up to you how much of your soul and/or personal information you want to share. Once you get going you will have plenty of ideas.

Blogging. It's good for you.

Hi friends,

There are various states of mind which we could find ourselves at any moment of our life. Yet, which is the one we can control and act upon in our reality? The past, present, future or dreaming?

In my opinion, the past and future are useful states of mind only when referred to as needed, not lived in. Dreaming (day or night) is another form of escaping this moment of reality, avoiding what's real.

With that said, I present this new painting to you. Title: Present, Past, Future or Dreaming
Size: 20'' x 24''
Medium: Acrylic on Stretched Canvas

I chose rubix cubes because I feel it represents how our minds are nearly always in flux while there are moments when things may feel connected either just because or something was achieved. The rods connecting the four cubes reflect that.

Have you tried solving a rubix cube, think you solved it when you see one side was solved only to turn it around to find that a color was out of place? Another area to be resolved. That is represented here by the colors on the front of the cube matching. In these various states on mind, we are achieving something or getting something out of it (to escape, pulling references to help with a situation, remembering what it is that we want to look forward to). In a way we are rationalizing that train of thought and perhaps not recognizing that the nothing can be acted on in these other states, but at least the colors match from what I'm allowing myself to see.

Now what's the deal the the scrambled brains? Well I asked earlier in this post, which state of mind is the one we can control and act upon in our reality? I hope your answer was the present, this is where your brain, your mind, is in a state to be of most use or at its near full potential. Could it reach that in any other state of mind? The other images are then representing the mind in its non-actionable state. Whatever was sought after in the part, escaped from in dreaming or looking forward to in the future aren't useful if you are not either immersed, aware, or enjoying the present.

An example would be riding the train. What's going through your head? Thinking about where you are coming from, where you are going, what you are going to do when you get there, daydreaming, etc. What does any of all that though have to do with the present? Are you able to be present and just enjoy the ride?

~Michelle Hunter

Contact info! My personal website: http://hunterart.com
My blog: http://hunterart.blogspot.com
Hunterart Line: 646-504-5034
Twitter: Artcoholic
GTalk: mkh9781 or uniqueh
Aim: uniqueh9781

Jose Acosta visits Boston Museum of Fine Arts

On Saturday August 28, 2010 I had the great pleasure of visiting Massachusetts to deliver my painting "Hudson Valley Landscape" to its new owner. While in the area I decided to visit Boston as I had never been to Boston before. I visited the Boston Museum of Fine Arts and found the collection to be remarkable and most memorable. I enjoyed the Art section the most with Modern Art and the Impressionists paintings being my favorites. I enjoyed seeing paintings by Max Beckman, George Rouault, Matisse, Gauguin and other great artists that I admire. My favorite painting was "Ravine" by Van Gogh. The Boston Museum of Fine Arts is a must see if you are ever in the Boston area and I am glad I was able to spend most of the day viewing the fantastic collection of art that is available. I seen lots of renovations and other work going on so hopefully I will be able to see even more art when I visit again (hopefully soon). Congratulations to everyone from Boston on your beautiful Boston Museum of Fine Arts.

Cuban American Artist, Jose Acosta

I have just delivered 15 new prairie landscapes to my gallery in Winnipeg, Canada. They are all for sale and I am excited with my new palette. Moody and evocative of the vast Canadian prairie, they are painted unconventionally without brushes using a mix of acrylic and sprays and water.

The gallery is Woodlands Gallery. Contact the owner Jenny Tasker Delury for details at 204 947 0700 (Canada)

A sly devil known only as Dr. Heske played a trick on his classroom one day. Audibles and visuals are like the forest creature Pan-full of trickery and deceit. He told his class to watch him closely and to do as he said. Okay, I'll bite because I was in his class as well. He said, "Take your right index finger and touch your right ear." While he was saying, he did so and we were supposed to mimic him. Then he said, "Take your left index finger and touch your left eye." While he was saying, he did so and we were supposed to mimic him. He then said, "Take your right index finger and touch your right ear." While he was saying, he did so and we were supposed to mimic him. But, something was different this time. Half of the students in the class touched their right ear while the other half touched their lip. This happened because half of the class was listening to him and the other half was watching him. I brought this to your attention because I have been working on painting for a good week or two now and it was somebody to be of a certain person who I was first thinking about at the time. But now, I notice it is no longer that person. What the hell? Needless to say, don't be thinking about food when you are painting trees otherwise those butterflies sucking nectar are actually going to be cheeseburgers dripping with ketchup. Photo: Andhema_by_yayashin

Really enjoyed the coruscating color in this Cezanne at MoMA today. Love the maroon walls in the cafe: like a quiet Bauhaus hug. Enjoyed the way Les Demoiselles and Matisse's goldfish give the picture frame a run for its money. Want to see Miles's show at the Half Gallery and visit the Clocktower Gallery.