Thursday, December 15, 2011
Gallery customer service
Today I visited several art galleries in Key West,Florida. It was a wonderful experience learning about new artists and techniques. I couldn't help pondering about how good customer service sold the art. While visiting one gallery, the sales associate tagged along with us but never offered to tell us about any of the artists, and then began presuming which works we found of interest. When he decided that we were not interested in buying his paintings, we were summarily dismissed. Both of us commented about how we felt from that experience as we walked away from that gallery. Now compare that to how we were treated by Theresa at the Wayland Gallery. Theresa spent time talking about each artist that we found particularly interesting. She was very informed but never pressured or intimidated us from asking about a painting or glass sculpture. We watched one of their artists paint a lovely oil seascape and watched it to completion. Which experience do you think sold the art?
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
2012 Fine Art in Dallas Exhibition and Sale to Be Held at The Artists’ Showpla
2012 Fine Art in Dallas Exhibition and Sale to Be Held at The Artists’ Showplace
Event Showcases the Work of 52 Local Artists Featured in the 2012 Fine Art in Dallas and Includes Book Signing
Dallas, November 25, 2011 – The first major exhibition and sale highlighting the work of more than 50 of the 72 featured artists will include a book signing with several artists. Books will be available on site to purchase or by going to http://www.fineartindallas.com
Since 2006, CityArtCal has produced Fine Art in Dallas, a fine art engagement book featuring the work of up to 100 local artists. A portion of the sales of the book help to provide funding for art and music education in Dallas area schools serving lower income families.
Exhibition Dates: December 2nd through December 30th
The Opening Reception and Book Signing will be:
Friday, December 2, 2011 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm
The Artists’ Showplace
15615 Coit Rd, Suite 230
Dallas, TX 75248
Dallas, TX 75248
A variety of wines and delicious hors d'oeuvres will be served.
Some additional plans for the exhibition and sale include:
Gallery Talks
Live Demonstrations
Media contact:
Andrea Davis
CityArtCal CEO
214.263.5918
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Thursday, October 20, 2011
Does Art Impact Emotions?
I've been asked, "What were you thinking when you painted that picture?" I have to admit that this question has caught me off guard. Was I suppose to be thinking of something? Sometimes I've wondered how my art impacts others. Is it just a pretty picture? Do the colors dance in their eyes? Does the painting evoke emotion to the viewer?
Last weekend I experienced something that solidified in my mind how art impacts our emotions. I had a print on display of one of my favorite paintings. It's an abstract which is not my typical style. Maybe that's why I love it so much...it pushed me out of my comfort zone. A lady stopped and spent quite some time studying the print. I could tell she was really interested and intrigued by it. It was displayed lower than my original paintings and she got down at eye level and really took time studying it. She even brought her husband over to see it. She seemed to really like it. I could see her interest so I began telling her about it. I was sure I had a sale.
The name of the painting is "Unborn Souls." You can see it here on my blog and on my website http://www.beckydeed.com. As soon as she heard the name of the painting, she had a very visceral reaction. It was as if the title of the painting brought forth emotions that she didn't know how to handle. I'm not sure why she was so impacted when she heard the title, especially since she so obviously liked the work, but I became acutely aware that I had just lost the sale. Why the name of the painting could so completely change the feeling about it, is a mystery to me.
A short time later another lady came by and also studied the print. She absolutely fell in love with it. She said that while the colors did not "go with" anything in her house, she had to have the print and would paint a room to compliment the painting. I loved that my painting made such a positive impression on her. So much so, that she could not walk away.
This experience showed me how much art impacts our emotions. While the first Customer loved the painting, it was unfortunate that the title of the work affected her so deeply that no matter how much she loved the painting, she could not own the work. But the second Customer so loved the painting, that she had to have it even though she didn't immediately know where it would hang.
Knowing that what I create can make such a lasting impression on someone's emotions is very rewarding. Next time I'm asked what I was thinking when I created my work, I will put more thought into how to respond, and my own emotions during its creation knowing that I am affecting others' emotion through my work.
Last weekend I experienced something that solidified in my mind how art impacts our emotions. I had a print on display of one of my favorite paintings. It's an abstract which is not my typical style. Maybe that's why I love it so much...it pushed me out of my comfort zone. A lady stopped and spent quite some time studying the print. I could tell she was really interested and intrigued by it. It was displayed lower than my original paintings and she got down at eye level and really took time studying it. She even brought her husband over to see it. She seemed to really like it. I could see her interest so I began telling her about it. I was sure I had a sale.
The name of the painting is "Unborn Souls." You can see it here on my blog and on my website http://www.beckydeed.com. As soon as she heard the name of the painting, she had a very visceral reaction. It was as if the title of the painting brought forth emotions that she didn't know how to handle. I'm not sure why she was so impacted when she heard the title, especially since she so obviously liked the work, but I became acutely aware that I had just lost the sale. Why the name of the painting could so completely change the feeling about it, is a mystery to me.
A short time later another lady came by and also studied the print. She absolutely fell in love with it. She said that while the colors did not "go with" anything in her house, she had to have the print and would paint a room to compliment the painting. I loved that my painting made such a positive impression on her. So much so, that she could not walk away.
This experience showed me how much art impacts our emotions. While the first Customer loved the painting, it was unfortunate that the title of the work affected her so deeply that no matter how much she loved the painting, she could not own the work. But the second Customer so loved the painting, that she had to have it even though she didn't immediately know where it would hang.
Knowing that what I create can make such a lasting impression on someone's emotions is very rewarding. Next time I'm asked what I was thinking when I created my work, I will put more thought into how to respond, and my own emotions during its creation knowing that I am affecting others' emotion through my work.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
An Artist's Christmas
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Organization is key for an Artist
I'm not organized! OK...I finally admit it. It's like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I've always considered myself fairly organized, at least about most things. Sure, there were always those little black holes of clutter that no one really knew about like stacks of art magazines in the corner of my studio.
As a little girl I remember going over to a friend's house and being envious that Kay had all her jewelry organized in baby food jars. That was my first "aha" moment about organization. My mom was very organized, and everything was neat and tidy but in an unlabled, not Martha Stewart sort of way. My father's tools and personal items were also very organized. Sadly, I did not inherit that gene. My mind does not immediately see oganization. If you are naturally organized, you will not understand that statement.
My mother and husband died within a year of each other, and all my normal routines and organizational skills fell apart. That's when the clutter happened! I've watched a few episodes of Hoarding and I laughingly tell my sister...I hope I don't become one! Most of those people have experienced some kind of loss which triggers their hoarding. For the last couple of years, I've been slowly going through things fom my parent's house when we closed their estate, and my husband's editing studio/office. It's been an emotional roller coaster. I'm making progress, but feel that I still have a long way to go.
Now, it's time to tackle my studio, and I need your help! What suggestions do you have for me to organize my studio? What seems to work well for you? How do you track your inventory and contact files on the computer? How do you organize your art supplies? I will keep you posted on my progress. That will ensure that I'm accountable to myself and you for my success. Once I clear the clutter and get my studio organized, I know that I'll be a more productive and focused artist.
As a little girl I remember going over to a friend's house and being envious that Kay had all her jewelry organized in baby food jars. That was my first "aha" moment about organization. My mom was very organized, and everything was neat and tidy but in an unlabled, not Martha Stewart sort of way. My father's tools and personal items were also very organized. Sadly, I did not inherit that gene. My mind does not immediately see oganization. If you are naturally organized, you will not understand that statement.
My mother and husband died within a year of each other, and all my normal routines and organizational skills fell apart. That's when the clutter happened! I've watched a few episodes of Hoarding and I laughingly tell my sister...I hope I don't become one! Most of those people have experienced some kind of loss which triggers their hoarding. For the last couple of years, I've been slowly going through things fom my parent's house when we closed their estate, and my husband's editing studio/office. It's been an emotional roller coaster. I'm making progress, but feel that I still have a long way to go.
Now, it's time to tackle my studio, and I need your help! What suggestions do you have for me to organize my studio? What seems to work well for you? How do you track your inventory and contact files on the computer? How do you organize your art supplies? I will keep you posted on my progress. That will ensure that I'm accountable to myself and you for my success. Once I clear the clutter and get my studio organized, I know that I'll be a more productive and focused artist.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Learning Creativity
In keeping with my posts about being more creative, I want to share some thoughts with you. Since this is an artist website, it's natural to think about being creative in art, but I use creativity in business as well. I try to be creative in problem solving and in how I approach my projects.
Here are some thoughts I use in my approach to creativity. I find barriers to my creativity every day, so I'm on a quest to throw out all the uncreative learning I've had over the years, that promotes roadblocks in my path, and find the creativity that I had as a child.
1. The idea doesn't have to be big.
Sometimes you just need to try something new. Think outside the box for a new approach to the same problem. There is no right or wrong answer, just a new approach to finding a solution.
2. Keep trying.
Thomas Edison said, "Genius is one percent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration." It took Thomas Edison two years and many failed attempts before he would discover success. A reporter asked Edison, "How many times are you going to fail at creating the light bulb?" Mr. Edison replied, "Son, I haven't failed! I've simply discovered another way not to invent the light bulb!" What separates successful people from failures is endurance and stamina. Keep trying.
4. Everyone is born creative.
School started this week and I remember being excited to get a new box of crayons for school Eventually, they take the crayons away and replace them with books on history, math, and English. All very practical subjects to learn; however we unlearn how to be creative. You have to practice being creative. Take time to use the crayons again. You'll have fun and increase your creativity.
5. Creativity is important in business. Companies have to be creative to compete with companies that champion creativity.
You may never go to the Olympics and get a gold medal; for that you will be forgiven. But if you don’t make at least one serious attempt to accomplish your goal, years later you will find yourself lying on your deathbed, and all you will feel is emptiness.
7. Plan Your Career and Work Your Plan.
Once you develop your business plan, you need to keep focused on working your plan. Your plan has to be as original as your work, perhaps even more so. The work has to create a totally new market. There’s no point doing the same thing as every other hopeful artist, waiting for the miracle of success. Be creative with your business model and work your plan.
8. What are You Willing to Sacrifice for Success?
Thinking about this one provoked me to give it some serious thought. Was I really willing to sacrifice my time, my fears, and do the effort to be successful? That being said, doing something seriously creative is one of the most amazing experiences you can have in your lifetime. If you can pull it off, it’s worth it. Even if you don’t end up pulling it off, you’ll learn many incredible things. It’s not doing it when you know you had the opportunity that hurts far more than any failure. It's the journey of learning that makes the sacrifice worth it.
9. Sing with your own voice.
A Picasso always looks like Piccasso painted it. Pavarotti always sounds like Pavarotti. Part of being a master is learning how to sing in your own voice. Finding your voice is a journey, but you'll know when you find it.
10. Finding Inspiration.
You've heard the saying, "Fake it till you make it." When you don't feel inspired, just start and the inspiration will come.
11. What is success?
Each of us has to decide what success looks like. Is it money, or doing what you love? Only you know what success looks like for you. I do know, it's not comparing your success to others. Just like your work is unique to you, your idea of success is just that, yours. How will you know if you are successful if you haven't defined success for yourself?
12. Nobody cares. Do it for yourself.
Everybody is too busy with their own lives to care about your book, painting, or music, especially if you haven’t sold it yet. You don't need anyone's approval. Do it for yourself.
13. Facing Your Fear
I think as artists, we all have fear. Fear of failure, fear of what others will think of our work, fear that we won't be successful. Fear can inhibit your creativity. When you were a child, you didn't fear what others thought about your work. You were proud of it, and couldn't wait to show it to others. Over the years, we have endured rejection and at times misunderstanding. That's when we learn to fear failure. If you continue to practice creating your art, there is nothing to fear. You will create a wondeful work that others will appreciate. Overcoming your fear is important in finding your creativity.
14. Power is never given. Power is taken.
Creativity can be learned. Remember...all children are creative, and our creativity was stifled as we learn more practical things through the years. What is more practical than creativity? So get out your crayons and have fun, and practice your creativity.
Here are some thoughts I use in my approach to creativity. I find barriers to my creativity every day, so I'm on a quest to throw out all the uncreative learning I've had over the years, that promotes roadblocks in my path, and find the creativity that I had as a child.
1. The idea doesn't have to be big.
Sometimes you just need to try something new. Think outside the box for a new approach to the same problem. There is no right or wrong answer, just a new approach to finding a solution.
2. Keep trying.
Thomas Edison said, "Genius is one percent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration." It took Thomas Edison two years and many failed attempts before he would discover success. A reporter asked Edison, "How many times are you going to fail at creating the light bulb?" Mr. Edison replied, "Son, I haven't failed! I've simply discovered another way not to invent the light bulb!" What separates successful people from failures is endurance and stamina. Keep trying.
3. You are responsible for your own experience.
Nobody can tell you if what you’re doing is good, meaningful, or worthwhile. You decide for yourself.
Nobody can tell you if what you’re doing is good, meaningful, or worthwhile. You decide for yourself.
School started this week and I remember being excited to get a new box of crayons for school Eventually, they take the crayons away and replace them with books on history, math, and English. All very practical subjects to learn; however we unlearn how to be creative. You have to practice being creative. Take time to use the crayons again. You'll have fun and increase your creativity.
5. Creativity is important in business. Companies have to be creative to compete with companies that champion creativity.
In today's environment, companies that approach their business with creativity are the one's who survive. You must be creative with your business to thrive.
6.Go for the Gold. You may never go to the Olympics and get a gold medal; for that you will be forgiven. But if you don’t make at least one serious attempt to accomplish your goal, years later you will find yourself lying on your deathbed, and all you will feel is emptiness.
Once you develop your business plan, you need to keep focused on working your plan. Your plan has to be as original as your work, perhaps even more so. The work has to create a totally new market. There’s no point doing the same thing as every other hopeful artist, waiting for the miracle of success. Be creative with your business model and work your plan.
Thinking about this one provoked me to give it some serious thought. Was I really willing to sacrifice my time, my fears, and do the effort to be successful? That being said, doing something seriously creative is one of the most amazing experiences you can have in your lifetime. If you can pull it off, it’s worth it. Even if you don’t end up pulling it off, you’ll learn many incredible things. It’s not doing it when you know you had the opportunity that hurts far more than any failure. It's the journey of learning that makes the sacrifice worth it.
9. Sing with your own voice.
A Picasso always looks like Piccasso painted it. Pavarotti always sounds like Pavarotti. Part of being a master is learning how to sing in your own voice. Finding your voice is a journey, but you'll know when you find it.
10. Finding Inspiration.
You've heard the saying, "Fake it till you make it." When you don't feel inspired, just start and the inspiration will come.
11. What is success?
Each of us has to decide what success looks like. Is it money, or doing what you love? Only you know what success looks like for you. I do know, it's not comparing your success to others. Just like your work is unique to you, your idea of success is just that, yours. How will you know if you are successful if you haven't defined success for yourself?
12. Nobody cares. Do it for yourself.
Everybody is too busy with their own lives to care about your book, painting, or music, especially if you haven’t sold it yet. You don't need anyone's approval. Do it for yourself.
13. Facing Your Fear
I think as artists, we all have fear. Fear of failure, fear of what others will think of our work, fear that we won't be successful. Fear can inhibit your creativity. When you were a child, you didn't fear what others thought about your work. You were proud of it, and couldn't wait to show it to others. Over the years, we have endured rejection and at times misunderstanding. That's when we learn to fear failure. If you continue to practice creating your art, there is nothing to fear. You will create a wondeful work that others will appreciate. Overcoming your fear is important in finding your creativity.
14. Power is never given. Power is taken.
People who are confident give off a different vibe than people who aren’t. Remember "Fake it till you make it"? Be confident in your ability, work your plan, and you take your power.
Creativity can be learned. Remember...all children are creative, and our creativity was stifled as we learn more practical things through the years. What is more practical than creativity? So get out your crayons and have fun, and practice your creativity.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Beach painting inspiration for Texas artist
I've been writing about creativity in the last couple of posts. Recently I was in Panama City Beach vacationing with my family. It's an annual event and one I look forward to all year. This year my sister and I went to Seaside, Florida and spent time in the art galleries. What inspiration I received from seeing other artist's work. I love the beach and ocean for inspiration for paintings. While in Seaside we we able to visit the Red Bird Gallery and Justin Gaffrey's Gallery. His paintings explode with texture and color! It was a delight to see his art. I recommend both galleries for wonderful examples of art to be inspired and Wow'd. Check out their websites and don't miss stopping by to visit the galleries if you are at the Emerald Coast of Florida. See Tranquility on my website at www.beckydeed.com. I would love to paint a special beachscape just for you. Email me at beckydeed@gmail.com.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Supporting Creativity in Many Ways
Recently I attended the awards ceremony at the University of North Texas for the Radio TV Film Department. The students look younger every year. It was impressive to see what these young adults are accomplishing and exciting to see their enthusiasm. You might wonder why I was there since none of the students were related to me or how this topic relates to my blog.
There are so many ways to support and promote creativity. When my husband, Walt, was sick with cancer we talked about his desire to establish a scholarship for students interested in the technical or engineering aspect of RadioTVFilm. He was the chief engineer for the student TV station on campus and one of the most creative people I've known. Our mediums for creativity were so completely different, but I had great respect for him as an artist.
Since Walt's been gone, I've made sure that his request was honored. I've had a lot of help and support from family and friends. This year two students were awarded the Walter P Deed Scholarship and I was able to be there to meet them. It was a thrilling experience to be a part of the ceremony and know that we are supporting their education, career and promoting creativity. You never know how you can support creativity, so be on the look out for those opportunities!
There are so many ways to support and promote creativity. When my husband, Walt, was sick with cancer we talked about his desire to establish a scholarship for students interested in the technical or engineering aspect of RadioTVFilm. He was the chief engineer for the student TV station on campus and one of the most creative people I've known. Our mediums for creativity were so completely different, but I had great respect for him as an artist.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Where Do You Find Inspiration?
I'm asked that question a lot, "Where do you find your inspiration for paintings?" I get inspiration from everything. I'm probably more inspired from color combinations than from shapes and form. I remember that I worked in a department store many years ago in the "domestic" department. After folding towels all day to keep busy, I started updating the displays with various unusual color combinations, mixing and matching different palettes from the wide selection of colors. I also have photos from my travels that continue to inspire my paintings. You'll see paintings from Tuscany from my trip to Italy. It made such an impression on me that I continue to find inspiration from my photos and my memories. I also have great photos from Florida family vacations that inspire my beach scene's and of course, I LOVE trees which luckily I can find anywhere for interesting subjects.
Where do you find inspiration?
Where do you find inspiration?
Sunday, April 10, 2011
New Vintage Art Show
Yesterday was perfect weather for folks to get out and come to the New Vintage Art Show in Grapevine, TX. There were a lot of visitors and it was good to see new art from my friends. I enjoyed making some new artist friends as well. I always learn so much from talking with other artists and increase my appreciation for their talent.
Congratulations to Barbara and James Crouse for winning my print "Unborn Souls." I hope they enjoy the print and continue to visit future GAP (Grapevine Art Project) shows.
This year there were demos by artists throughout the day, and I hope you had a chance to catch mine during the morning. It was great fun to share my palette knife technique with you.
The next GAP event will be in May at the Botanic Gardens in Grapevine. Stay tuned to my blog for more information about this fun outdoor painting event.
Congratulations to Barbara and James Crouse for winning my print "Unborn Souls." I hope they enjoy the print and continue to visit future GAP (Grapevine Art Project) shows.
This year there were demos by artists throughout the day, and I hope you had a chance to catch mine during the morning. It was great fun to share my palette knife technique with you.
The next GAP event will be in May at the Botanic Gardens in Grapevine. Stay tuned to my blog for more information about this fun outdoor painting event.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
New Vintage Wine Trail
The Grapevine Art Project is sponsoring an art show this weekend on Saturday, April 9th from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm featuring works by local artists. This year artists will be demonstrating their talents with demos of their work. It should be a great time to come and experience beautiful art and some great Texas wines. Hope to see you there!
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Grapevine New Vintage Wine Art Show
It's almost April and that means it's almost time for the New Vintage Wine Tour and Art Show at the Lancaster Theatre on Main Street in Grapevine. Yours truly will be participating again this year. You can see paintings, photography, jewelry, pottery, and sculpture by some amazing artists. It's a fun event so you won't want to miss it. The show is April 9 so mark your calendars and come see me!
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Commission Now for Spring!
Spring is just around the corner, or at least it is here is Texas. There has been a lot of buzz in the media about the upcoming Royal wedding. I know several brides who are getting ready for their upcoming big day too. Soon there will be a flurry of wedding showers with a flurry of gift returns. Instead of giving a toaster that lasts a few years, why not give a gift that will not be returned, lasts forever, and may bring tears of joy to the bride and maybe even the groom?
I did a painting commission for a wedding gift of a tropical location that held special memories for a bride and groom. It was commissioned by one of their friends who travels the globe with them on scuba diving trips. Now they have a gift that gives a lifetime of memories, and is a family heirloom to past down to future generations.
I'm accepting commissions now! Email me your photos and size requirements for a quote! Give a gift of an original painting that lasts a lifetime!
I did a painting commission for a wedding gift of a tropical location that held special memories for a bride and groom. It was commissioned by one of their friends who travels the globe with them on scuba diving trips. Now they have a gift that gives a lifetime of memories, and is a family heirloom to past down to future generations.
I'm accepting commissions now! Email me your photos and size requirements for a quote! Give a gift of an original painting that lasts a lifetime!
Friday, February 25, 2011
Law Seminar Review
Well, the seminar was very interesting and the topics were on target. Thanks to the Arts Council of Fort Worth & Tarrant County along with the Texas Wesleyan School of Law for making the seminar available. Topics of discussion were Charitable Donations: Giving to Museums and Non-profits by Terri Helge; Intellectual Property Rights by Megan Carpenter and Brian Holland that addressed copyrights law; Employment Issues & the Arts by Susan Bruning; and Contracting: A Meeting of the Artistic Minds by Sergio Sarmiento.
Every artist should learn more about the law to protect themself. I did not walk away from the seminar an expert...far from it, but I will say that I am more aware of just how much I dont' know and the affect it can have on my business. I'm still trying to process what I learned, and I hope to share these nuggets with you...with the caveat, of course, that I'm not offering legal advise. After all, I did learn something!
Every artist should learn more about the law to protect themself. I did not walk away from the seminar an expert...far from it, but I will say that I am more aware of just how much I dont' know and the affect it can have on my business. I'm still trying to process what I learned, and I hope to share these nuggets with you...with the caveat, of course, that I'm not offering legal advise. After all, I did learn something!
Saturday, February 12, 2011
What questions do you have?
What are questions you have about legal issues and the arts? I'll try to answer as many as I can after the workshop. What legal questions keep you awake at night?
Art and Legal Issues
Next weekend I'm attending a workshop hosted by the Fort Worth Arts Council and the Texas Weslyan Law Department on law and the arts. It should prove to be very enlightening. In every industry, there are so many legal issues to be familiar with to reduce your risk. With so many channels for exposing your art that are available today and with advanced technology methods, it's even easier for your art to be at risk. All the more reason for the artist to be informed about how to protect your art. It's not only about how to protect your art, but also the risks around doing business that require you to be informed. I'm excited to learn more about how to protect my art as well as my business, and I'll be sharing some of those thoughts with you. So, stay tuned....
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Aspen Trees
My new painting is coming along, and I can't wait to share it with you. I hope to have some photos online soon. I'm anxious to see the final product. Stay tuned to see the completed painting.
I don't know about you, but during these bleak winter days like today, I love having art around me that makes me happy. Whether it's a Tuscan landscape that reminds me of flowers and beautiful old villas or warm beach scenes that bring back memories of the ocean waves and sounds of the seagulls, paintings can keep those memories alive all year long. I would love to make those memories come alive for you! I accept painting commissions and will paint them according to your size specifications. Just email me at beckydeed@gmail.com.
I don't know about you, but during these bleak winter days like today, I love having art around me that makes me happy. Whether it's a Tuscan landscape that reminds me of flowers and beautiful old villas or warm beach scenes that bring back memories of the ocean waves and sounds of the seagulls, paintings can keep those memories alive all year long. I would love to make those memories come alive for you! I accept painting commissions and will paint them according to your size specifications. Just email me at beckydeed@gmail.com.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
My Review of Winsor & Newton Winton Oil Colors
Originally submitted at Jerry's Artarama Art Supplies
Winton represents one of the best values in oil color. For the price, these colors exhibit a good creamy consistency and provide permanent and remarkably light fast results. Recommended for mural artists and students. Synthetic pigments have been substituted for true pigments in traditionally more ...
Great product - Winton OIl Paints
By Becky from Southlake, Texas on 1/23/2011
Pros: Good Color Variety
Best Uses: Art
Describe Yourself: Artist
Primary use: Business
Was this a gift?: No
Winton OIl Paints offer a good value for the money. i received my product quickly and the order was accurate. The only complaint I have is the cap on the tube. I've had issues with it breaking when I have had difficulty opening the tube. Overall, I'm pleased with the quality and will buy it again.
(legalese)
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
New Birch Tree Painting
This year I painted two wooden trays for some dear friends. One was a Tuscan landscape and the other was a birch tree painting that's in my pictures below. I love the contrast of the darker background against the golden foliage. I actually painted these with acrylic which I have used in awhile since I typically paint with oils. I loved how the birch tree painting came out so I've started a larger painting of the same painting in oils. It will be fun to see how they compare when it's finished.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Why Trees?
This weekend I went out of town to celebrate Christmas with my brothers. Yes, we're a little behind, but it spreads out the holiday season longer...just saying. While we drove to our destination, I looked out to see the bare trees, and as usual was amazed at the variety and beauty. Trees remind me of people. They come in all shapes and sizes, and have many of the same characteristics. Some are tall and strong, majestic; while others are diseased and struggling. Others are broken and fragile, but struggling to stay alive. Finally, there are those without a strong foundation that are uprooted. All of them have their own unique structure which is affected through the years by the environment and can be seen in the branches and bark. I'm sure you can relate to similar characteristics shared by many people you know: strength, powerful, weak, flexibile, weathered, and beautiful. I'm always amazed at the cycle of life and love seeing how trees change with the seasons.
Currently I'm working on a new tree painting and will have photos posted soon. Keep checking to see the progress and give your feedback.
Which season do you love to see depicted in paintings? What makes the season your favorite?
Currently I'm working on a new tree painting and will have photos posted soon. Keep checking to see the progress and give your feedback.
Which season do you love to see depicted in paintings? What makes the season your favorite?
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Art You Can Feel in 2011
It's hard to believe that a new year has begun. Time to start all those New Year resolutions! My first resolution was to begin a blog to share my palette knife paintings with you. I started painting when I was a child using a brush, but started experimenting with the palette knife about six or seven years ago. I loved the texture you could achieve with the knife, and I love thick paint on the canvas. Not having to clean brushes was added bonus! I am currently using both brush and palette knife to achieve greater contrast in my paintings. I typically use a brush for the background, and then use the knife for the focal points on the canvas. Most of my paintings are landscapes so this technique is the perfect application to compliment my subjects.
This year I've also joined the Sketchbook Challenge http://sketchbookchallenge.blogspot.com/ to inspire me to keep sketching! I hope you will follow me on my artistic journey during 2011!
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