In Progress

Thought I'd share something I'm working on. This is a large piece: 48x48. It feels great to be working large after focusing on smaller Christmas season items for a while. What you see here is the first layer of paint. Several more layers will follow bringing definition and detail, highlights and lowlights, additional texture and all 'round finish to the painting. Kind of like life isn't it? We start with who we are in our most basic sense, and as life moves forward we experience that which brings greater definition and depth through the highlights and lowlights of life. In that experience we gain greater texture, depth, and all 'round finish to our lives. Hmmmm.

Sold

This painting went to a new home yesterday. As I moved it from the available section of the website to the Sold Gallery,I was reminded of the question I am asked so often. "How do you part with something you have put your heart into?" And "Time of Reflecting" is a good one to consider as it did have special meaning to me (a memory of a family trip on a houseboat on Lake Powell in Utah.) The answer to the question is this. As a professional artist, everything I paint is meant to be enjoyed by someone else. It's purpose is to bless (I hope) another house and speak to other people. Therefore it gives me great pleasure when it is "released to its destiny" so to speak. It brings joy to see something I have had a hand in creating be what it was created to be. And I must admit, I am honored when others think highly enough of my work to part with their hard earned money to enjoy it in their homes. So I'm on to the next piece, got a "hole" to fill on the wall.

Just Keep Painting

Let me just say I am opposed to the term "starving artist". I intentionally do not use the phrase because I believe in the self-fulfilling prophecy that suggests that we become what we speak. I believe one of the keys to being a successful artist and running a successful business is diversification. In addition to painting, I teach, speak, write, etc.. I try to follow design trends so that I can offer my customers advice when asked to serve as an "art consultant". Here at the gallery, by representing other artists we give our customers a variety of purchasing choices. Today, being a Saturday in December I certainly sold my share of jewelry to customers who were not looking for art. Different income streams is how I present the concept to artists I speak to. Diversify your product line: yes, diversify your sources of income: absolutely, but never, never give up your first love. Just keep painting.... With that I think I'll make my way to the easel...

To Frame or Not to Frame

That is always a question for an artist in the retail environment. Here at the gallery I try to offer my customers choice. I frame many of my smaller pieces (11x14 or smaller) but I seldom frame my larger pieces. I find that although many people prefer a framed painting, there are just as many who do not. I am often asked my opinion. I suggest the client consider a few things. First of course is personal taste: some people feel strongly one way or the other. Second, what type of piece are you considering? Many abstract paintings do not look as good if they are confined within a frame. And conversely many landscapes look more finished with framework surrounding them. Third, what does your space look like? Framing makes a great way to give more presence to a painting but would it cause it to be overpowering? Fourth, what color are your walls? With the deep rich tones we are using on our walls these days there are times that the wall itself serves to frame the piece. I give my customers choice by using "gallery wrap" canvasses. These are the canvasses which are stapled on the back thus allowing a painted edge. From a gallery owner perspective, it allows my customers to decide not only if they want something framed but it also keeps me from having to guess what style of frame would fit the perspective buyer's decor. It's a win/win situation.
So yes, I have spent the last day or so getting some of my smaller pieces framed. The name of the piece shown is "Under a Golden Sky". It measures 6x12 unframed and 13x19 framed. Sells for $165 and is available from the website.

Another week gone by

Can't quite believe it has been over a week since I last posted anything. But then it has been a very busy week of doing the business of art (not the painting of that I'd like to be doing). We had our annual Christmas open house on Friday night and Saturday. Our fifth. That in itself seems unbelievable to me. We sure have come a long way in five years. Last year saw the move to my new space/storefront which allowed us to carry more than my work and begin the process of building a studio/gallery. The photo shows the variety of gift ideas we currently carry. Art makes a great gift you know! It is something totally unique and personal. I am always happy to do special orders, so if you have an idea for one of my pieces for someone on your list, just let me know. It's not too late!

Prints...

Recently I made the decision to publish limited edition prints of some of my favorite paintings. Now I love original art and there's nothing quite like the original. The question has been raised if prints dilute the value of the original. I would suggest just the opposite viewpoint; when the "demand" for a particular painting increases, the original becomes more valuable. Offering prints gives me the artist the chance to offer the same art at different price points. It also allows me to offer work that is otherwise not available. As an artist that gives me great joy. The piece here is called "Abiding Presence". The original is 40x60 and hangs in my living room (not for sale). The print however is for sale and is available from the web site or in the studio (8x10 prints are matted to 11x14 and retail for $48). Check out the site for the other eight titles that are available.

Giving thanks

The afternoon before Thanksgiving is usually a pretty quiet time here at The Factory. Today has been no exception. I just had a customer who is a musician. She and I were comparing notes (no pun intended) on our professions which prompted me to ponder. Being a successful professional artist is one of my "biggies" when it comes to giving thanks. I get to come to work and do what I love to do. And working full time at my art has not spoiled the love I have for it. Another big "Thank you!" Then there's the people who make it possible: friends, family, and customers who support and encourage me on the journey. To you I say "Thank you!" Oh so much to be thankful for. Let's agree to not get caught up in the negatives of the day, but to remember and give thanks for all of the positives. May you and yours be blessed this Thanksgiving Day.