Dream Home for My Art

This question was posted on Art Biz Blog:
How much do environmental factors play in the appreciation of your art?

When I paint - iPod cranked with Beethoven's Ninth, or Segovia, or Paris Combo's cool grooves, and a glass of Cabernet - I see of my work destined for a space filled with music, light, the smell of wine and good food, and people having great conversations. That setting would make the paintings come alive. I don't like the thought of them in a reverent, silent space.

The changing meaning of art

Last night I was chatting with artist friend Michael Pearce about how the interpretation of our art is so organic. As artists, think we are saying one thing, but the audience, seeing our creations from their own point of view, bring their own insights and meaning to the work. In turn, if we listen with an open mind, we learn more about our art than we thought was there. Fascinating. Ah! to be a fly on the gallery wall.

The Subject of Subjects: What I paint?

Many thanks to talented watercolorist, Jan Jensen www.jensenartworks.com for asking how I choose my subjects. Because the selection is often subconscious this question has really made me think.

Sometimes it is the juxtaposition of textures, light play, or the relationship of objects (both in the arrangement and the meaning of their relationship). Many times the meaning of the painting or the reason for the subject selection is only obvious to me after I have been working on painting for a while. Sometimes not until after it is completed. That is part of the process and excitement of painting. Whatever the subject, I always want to keep it interesting enough to hold my interest for the 10, 20 or more hours it takes to paint. My ultimate goal is to create a piece that will hold the interest and enrich the life of a collector for years.

I really love how light plays with color on surfaces. Recently I have been fascinated by how the color on a flower petal or leaf in direct light is muted but rich and intense as light passes through it. One thing that triggers ideas is the lighting created by an overhead spotlight in our kitchen. It makes flowers, fruit and just about anything else you place under it, glow. Getting excited about an object under that light has been the jumping off point for nearly all of my floral and still life paintings.

smARTist Telesummit

For a guy on the road to quitting his day job to pursue a career as an painter, this conference looks like a ticket to the fast lane. I just listened to the 60-minute preview on my homeward commute (I am so looking forward to kissing that commute goodbye). I got pretty fired up just listening to three of the 13 presenters talking about what I could do to set goals, stay on track and give my ideas about the art business a positive new perspective, and why blogging is so valuable to an artist.

Whew! Here is the link to the conference: smARTist Telesummit 2008.

And no, I don't get anything for plugging it but a reputation for good judgment.

Controlling the High Cost of Framing

When I was painting only for myself and family the issue of frames was pretty simple. My paintings got the discount frame treatment. I would always stock up on frames at 2-for-1 sales, an occasional garage sale. I have even resorted to dumpster diving (only once). The frames were cheap and compared to gallery frame, they looked it!

When I began showing in galleries it was embarrassing how unprofessional those cheap frames looked. They simply were not acceptable in a professional gallery space - like brown loafers surrounded by tuxedos. The critical lesson I learned fast was that good frames are worth far more than their cost.

I also learned that professional framing is no small expense especially when you have 20 paintings to frame for a show. But here are ways that have helped me control the costs a bit.

• Paint Standard Sizes
The size and dimensions of a painting are simply elements of a painting, just like color, texture and edges. As an artist, I should be able to work within the small restrictions that standard frames present. There are many standard sized, ready made frames available in such a wide variety of styles, colors and finishes that it easy to find the right frame to compliment my work.

• Reuse Existing Frames
By using the same sizes for most of my paintings I can reuse the frames for new paintings. The great thing is that reusing frames eliminates the cost of a new frame all together.

• Custom Frame with In-Stock Molding
If I do paint using a non-standard size or dimension I need a custom frame. Custom framers often have leftover molding from other custom frame job available at a discount. This is especially true for smaller painting. Asking to see extra molding has revealed some real treasures.

Right now my favorite frame supplier is Pleinart Frames. Their frames are beautiful and reasonably priced. They have a great selection and could not be more friendly and helpful. The same people sell frames in other flavors: Impressionist Frames, Western Frames, and Classic Frames.

Please let me know if you have any other tips on controlling costs and/or any frame suppliers you would recommend.

And So It Began

This is my first post ever!
There will be far more substance in my posts in the future, I promise.

Nearly three years ago I was shocked realizing that a dream was about to die. Although I had a successful career as a designer/illustrator, I realized that the dream to be a professional painter just might never come to fruition. I had painted from time to time but never at a sustained pace. I had a hundred excuses of why I couldn't pursue the painting career. No time. No space. No security. No market for realist art, blah blah blah. Plus, I had always thought there would be time. Then, three years ago, my father's health began to fade rapidly ultimately leading to his death. At the same time I became a grandfather. And, for the first time, the knowledge that time was truly a finite commodity struck deep in my heart. OK, I am a slow learner. I had no time to waste.

And so it began. I bought some paints, an easel, some brushes, organized a space in my garage which I call my studio, and got down to work. Eighteen months later I had about a twenty paintings. Work was juried into three big national and international shows. A gallery in Santa Fe asked to represent me. Just last month I had my first solo show. Even with those high points I have found promoting my work and navigating the art world (a new experience) challenging.

I have had more than three decades of professional experience in marketing, graphic design and Web design, but almost no experience promoting my own work until venturing into this art business. Along the way I have found, it difficult to get concise answers to basic questions regarding the business. This blog is my way of sharing with fellow artists what I have learned and plan to make that information as clear and concise as possible. And as I learn I will continue to share. Of course, I have many more questions than answers so I hope to learn from you as well.

By the way, I have not made the leap of faith of leaving my day job. Stay tuned . . .