Showing posts with label Art Topics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Art Topics. Show all posts

Friday, August 5, 2022

Post 193: The Definition of Art Is Endless

The Definition of Art is Endless

We all know what art is. The definitions of art are as endless as there are people on this planet. But we all agree that art is a word that encompasses all of those thoughts, emotions and/or statements. When contemplating this concept, my personal opinions don’t seem to really matter because the next person may not have anywhere near the same impression as I do. But it does matter. I am an artist. I create my art according to my definition and how I would like to share it with you.  

For a very long time, my own expression was very upsetting to me. No matter how I tried, it seemed I could not create a serious, impactful artwork.  They all looked childish, silly and clumsy.  This has been a roadblock for me. Yet, I still persevere everyday. For every artwork I create, there is a feeling, idea, process or statement I want to share. And in coming to accept my work, as many artists struggle to do, I have found that there is a place in the world for the childlike, the whimsical, and the imperfect. Coming to that realization has been long and soul searching.  There are many times still when my work is unpleasing to me. Not everything one does ends up as a Magnum Opus.

Being an artist doesn’t have an expiration date. If you are not currently painting, sculpting, dancing, singing, acting, writing or creating in some form you are looking at a sunset and seeing the beauty of it. You are resting at a bus stop and glorying in infinite faces and movements of passers by or are puzzling through a concept or process with a few gestures, words or musical notes on a page. You are always an artist. Create what you define as art.  

Flamingo by Stephanie McGee




Author: Climbtree1
Quilling Artist Stephanie McGee, is a Member of PWAS and MAG, and is currently showing at Art a La Carte in Occoquan, VA 

Photography/Video Credits:
Stephanie McGee

Local Art: Visit us at Stonebridge Open Space Arts at 15000 Potomac Town Center, Woodbridge, VA - Open Wed to Sat 12-7 and Sun 12-5
The Prince William Art Society is a 50-year-old non-profit art group in PWC for the appreciation of fine art throughout the county and Northern Virginia.

Want to know how to get involved at OSA? If you are an artist (18 or older) living in Prince William County, or a are a member of a PWC art group, you are welcome to get on our next art show's emailing list. Send it to us, OR come by the gallery to find out more.

Want to join PWAS? Go to https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/membership

Thank you for visiting, and remember to Share, Follow, and Comment!

Thursday, July 28, 2022

Post 189: The Fear of Putting a Price on Your Art

The Fear of Putting a Price on Your Art

This art topic can be quite the stumbling block for artists.

Finding Art Formulas for Pricing Your Art

I have written on the topic before and the link to that post is https://artistryspin.blogspot.com/2022/02/post-115-pricing-your-artwork.html. Some artists do not even get off the ground to sell their artwork because they just don't know where to start.
 
I recently came across this article at Artwork Archive that is well worth sharing. The writer shows 3 formulas to configure your price:
 

Photo by Louis Hansel on Unsplash 

 

It's not a slippery slope, just do the research and start somewhere! Remember to ALWAYS COVER YOUR COSTS - at all costs!

Local Art: Visit us at Stonebridge Open Space Arts at 15000 Potomac Town Center, Woodbridge, VA - Open Wed to Sat 12-7 and Sun 12-5
The Prince William Art Society is a 50-year old non-profit art group in PWC for the the appreciation of fine art throughout the county and Northern Virginia.

Want to know how to get involved at OSA? If you are an artist (18 or older) living in Prince William County, or a are a member of a PWC art group, you are welcome to get on our next art show's emailing list. Send it to us, OR come by the gallery to find out more.

Want to join PWAS? Go to https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/membership


Thank you for visiting, and remember to Share, Follow, and Comment!

Author: Donna Liguria
An artist member of PWAS in Woodbridge, VA specializing in acrylic painting. She paints landscapes, seascapes, animals and many subjects. Visit her Website at https://DonnaLiguriaArt.com & her Blog at https://donnascavepainting.blogspot.com/

Sunday, June 26, 2022

Post 180: Art Tips from the PWAS Members

Art Tips from the PWAS Members

Periodically there is a call for an art topic from the PWAS members that could be almost anything art related. The responses are collected and posted from the respondents into one or two posts accordingly. 

Photo by Anton Sukhinov on Unsplash 

Art Topic: What art tip would you pass along to other artists and PWAS members?

Sandra McClelland Lewin

"Never compare your work to that of other artists. Compare your work to your own past work to see how you've grown. Are you consistently improving? That should show in your past and current work and give you the encouragement you need."

My work is primarily realistic paintings of nature done in acrylics.

Mark Murphy 

"This is my Art Tip ... think about the future of art.
Most of you have seen and admired Ken's photo art where he starts with one of his original photos and makes it even more interesting and impactful with digital tools and filters.  What if there was a tool that could take any image you can describe in words and render it in any style in an artistically credible way?  

This tool exists today and like many others I was blown away by the quality of art it produces.  For now, DALL-E 2 is only available to a small community of AI researchers but here is a link to one of many videos online exploring it's potential:

 
Here is a link to a much less capable public version and some examples on reddit of images people have created.
 

 
As these capabilities become more widely available, my tip is to start thinking now about how we artists will adapt to this new world."

My Mediums are: Watercolor, inks
https://markmurphystudios.com  
 

Fatima Farzana (Sumi)

My tip - While painting, listen to your favorite music. It’ll keep you in good mood and help your ideas flow with ease. 

My art style and medium - Abstract and Impressionism are my favorite art styles. My favorite medium is oil but I also like to work with acrylic and resin sculptures.

Bilee Pearson

This is my Art Tip: If painting on a saw blade that is rusty- seal it first then paint fast (put base color down with layers if needed because rust may pull through); the metal/rust dries the paint faster.

My Art Style is anything fun (characters, animals, etc.) and medium is usually Acrylic if in a rush- oil if blending.

Donna Liguria

I have a pile of Art Tips because I am the current PWAS webmaster and Artistry Spin Blogmaster here, so I will direct you to these new pages for help about the Prince William Art Society and Open Space Arts:

Prince William Art Society FAQs

Open Space Arts FAQs


Local Art: Visit us at Stonebridge Open Space Arts at 15000 Potomac Town Center, Woodbridge, VA - Open Wed to Sat 12-7 and Sun 12-5
The Prince William Art Society is a 50-year old non-profit art group in PWC for the the appreciation of fine art throughout the county and Northern Virginia.

Want to know how to get involved at OSA? If you are an artist (18 or older) living in Prince William County, or a are a member of a PWC art group, you are welcome to get on our next art show's emailing list. Send it to us, OR come by the gallery to find out more.

Want to join PWAS? Go to https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/membership


Thank you for visiting, and remember to Share, Follow, and Comment!

Author: Donna Liguria
An artist member of PWAS in Woodbridge, VA and Artistry Spin Blog Admin, specializing in acrylic painting. She paints landscapes, seascapes, animals and many subjects. Visit her Website at DonnaLiguriaArt.com, Donna's Etsy site and her Blog at Donna’s Cave Paintings.


Friday, January 28, 2022

Post 104: Art Topic - What Is on Your Easel Right Now?

Art Topic - What Is on Your Easel Right Now?

The first Art Topic of the year, the topics are sent out to PWAS Members about once a month, so these are a few of the replies people sent back.

PWAS Members Show - What Is on Their Easels Right Now

Otis Stanley - "After several b/w paintings I'm happy to again to return to a full color project. Looking forward to sharing this with the public soon."

"Untitled" (for now) 16x20 Acrylic on Canvas
 
Andrea Castaneda

"2022" 24x30 Oil on Canvas

Ana Quispe

"Tiger" 4x4 Acrylic on Canvas

Bettie Sperty - "I’m currently working on a couple of versions of the same subject- honey bottle with peaches.  Neither is finished just yet. One will be a gift for our friend, Carl David. (which will be on the honey bottle label) 

I often work on a couple of similar things at the same time. Mostly because I can’t decide exactly how I want them to look. Tooooo any ideas!"

"Untitled 1" 12x12 Acrylic on Canvas

"Untitled 2" 11x14 Oil on Canvas - I started with this one, which is why it’s farther along

John Hartt - "I’m working on this piece, it’s based on a religious pamphlet I found informing me about the evils of alcohol."


"Hi There" 16x20 Oil on Canvas
 

Brenda Vann - "For the past couple of months I’ve been experimenting with stencils. So stencils are on my easel and some of my recent experiments are on my display wall."


Donna Liguria - "I have 2 going at the moment. It keeps me busy and out of trouble. Tends to make my walls crowded though."
 
"Treasure Chest" 16x20 Acrylic on Canvas
 
"By the River" 12x12 Acrylic on Canvas 

 I like having a view into how other people work, which you can sometimes get with posts like these "Art Topics". What do you think?

Local Art: Visit us at Clearbrook Center of the Arts at Tackett's Mill in Lake Ridge, VA on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 4 – it’s free to see the artwork! Want to join PWAS? Go to https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/membership


Thank you for visiting, and remember to Share, Follow, and Comment!

Author: Donna Liguria
An artist member of PWAS in Woodbridge, VA specializing in acrylic painting. She paints landscapes, seascapes, animals and many subjects. Visit her Website at https://DonnaLiguriaArt.com & her Blog at https://donnascavepainting.blogspot.com/.

Monday, January 17, 2022

Post 102: Painting What Sells?

Painting What Sells?

Do you paint only what you want without a thought to the work being sold? How's your attitude toward your artwork - "if it sells, it sells" or do you paint with SELLING as your ultimate goal?

Do You Paint for the Purpose of Selling?

I do believe creative people just HAVE to BE creative, somehow and some way, just for the love of it. They just have to. 

I was wondering though, how many of you do your artwork with the subject, theme, perhaps the colors, with the intention of making a sale with what you create?

Definitely, I've met artist that are both ways. Some are trying to make a living being an artist - which means of course, getting out there and pushing, pushing, pushing toward getting their artwork seen and getting those sales.

But I see it as do you paint (or create) what you love and try to sell it or do you intentionally select what you create so that it appeals to specific audiences (clients) that you show it to?

Favorite Themes that Sell

I went in search of "what sells" when it comes to art. 
 
Although you never know what might strike someone's fancy when it comes to art, there are generalized art themes that are said to sell. There is no set formula. The uniqueness, the quality of the work and the cost all effect the sale-ability and probably a LOT more, including:
  • the person's decor
  • the size of artwork
  • colors used in the artwork
  • the person's budget
Obviously, there is a lot we have no control over as the artist. Also a beneficial influence is that people do enjoy meeting the artist and getting to know them, albeit even online, which familiarizes the appeal for that person's art. It puts a familiarity and personal "relationship" with the artist.

There ARE things that do sell more than others and this list is basically in order:
 
  • Traditional Landscapes and Local Views - from tranquil mountain, field and forest scenes and farmlands to your local-to-you hot spots and historical spots. I found that while in Occoquan, have artwork OF Occoquan.
  • Modern and Abstract Landscapes
  • Seascapes, Beach Scenes, Harbors - these remind many potential buyers of a great vacation and dreams of "where they wanna be".
  • Abstracts - probably includes paint pours. Emotion, mood, color, size all must appeal to the viewer.
  • Dogs - You know people and their pets, dogs in particular. Dog and Cat pet portraits done well at good prices, that is pay dirt in my opinion.
  • Wildlife - Lions and tigers and bears, oh my. I've seen a lot of sales of sea turtles and birds, so sort of knowing what favorite critters are, and cute depictions of various critters, and larger than life animal life paintings have appeal.
  • Impressionistic Landscapes
  • Figure Studies and Nudes - these appeal to a lot of people because people like looking at other people -with and without their clothes. Frankly, I admire the artists that are good at painting the human form.


What Size of Paintings Sell?

Some artists only work on a large scale big-butt canvases, while others may work on a mixture of sizes. Some artists can work in miniatures and small sizes with great detail, while another artist may find that too confining a space to work in.

The big as a couch, over-the-couch paintings, diptychs, triptychs - the multi-panel paintings, are considerations for the buyer as focal point walls, which also means that the color(s) plays an important part when people decorate their homes. 

Much harder to tote around huge paintings for art shows - for you and the potential buyer, these impressive pieces do have impact, eye-catching effect. Delivery and or shipping, pickup - all have to be considered, perhaps by both.

I think the artist has to analyze when displaying and showing his artwork what will most likely sell AT that art event. This past year I started the "3x4 mini painting with easel" trend for my own artwork. A good price point, a good gift, easy to find a space for it in a home or office, they do sell. And the animal ones seem to sell the best.

A question I have asked at some of our Prince William Art Society events is "What has sold best in the past at this event?" Often, it has been the smaller paintings for the reason of price and carrying the purchase around. 

Some may see it as I can sell one large piece for big bucks as opposed to nickle and dimes for many small paintings - well, maybe if you are already a successful artist. Your opinion needed on this one...

 

What Media Sells the Best?

Prints - obviously because they are generally less expensive than the original artwork. People can support the arts without buying that original piece and the most popular sellers are the limited-edition prints - from offset-litho and giclee prints.

Oil and acrylic paintings are still the next selling media, with watercolors coming next.

Next thought is how well mixed media does - I'm interested in how well these trends are as I see many artists in our group producing some fascinating work in mixed media.

 

    What Color Sells the Best?

    I'm not sure how true it is but I am reading that the color red helps a sale. If landscapes and seascapes are so high up on the list of what sells, wouldn't that mean that blue sky, blue water, and green landscapes are big sellers? 

    Every year the fashion and decor folks come up with "color of the year". I'm wondering if there is any influence with that choice?

    Where Do You Sell the Most Artwork?

    Do you sell more online or offline? Where online? Do you do well at local art shows, art galleries, libraries, art events?

    Do you sell more locally or internationally?

    Maybe a lesser question is do you find a better time of year to sell your artwork?


    "Seasonal" Art?

    Holiday, snow scenes, pumpkins - there is definitely artwork for certain times of year, but do you leave it up all year? Do you leave a snow scene or a Santa Claus painting hanging in its spot throughout the year? Or do you cycle your artwork out depending on season?
     

    And Before I Put the Paintbrush Down...

    I do have a few more questions.
    Being absolutely unique in style - definitely more eye-catching and quite often very interesting, is it harder or easier to sell?
    Still life - do they still sell well? 
    Is there a price point that sells best - not only for prints but size of painting?

    There is absolutely no right or wrong when an artist is being creative. I'm not saying that. And I do believe the "starving artist" thing isn't necessarily true these days, but you do what you have to do to keep food on the table. Just DO what you are good at. But I do see it as having multiple price points available to appeal to more potential clients.

    I recently sold a painting called "Just Look Up" and hearing from the new owner, she said, "Whenever I look at my new painting, it makes me happy." As the poet Robert Frost said, "And that has made all the difference."

    By Donna Liguria "Just Look Up" 16x20 Acrylic on Canvas (SOLD)


    Local Art: Visit us at Clearbrook Center of the Arts at Tackett's Mill in Lake Ridge, VA on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 4 – it’s free to see the artwork! Want to join PWAS? Go to https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/membership


    Thank you for visiting, and remember to Share, Follow, and Comment!

    Author: Donna Liguria
    An artist member of PWAS in Woodbridge, VA and Artistry Spin Blog Admin, specializing in acrylic painting. She paints landscapes, seascapes, animals and many subjects. Visit her Website at DonnaLiguriaArt.com, Donna's Etsy site and her Blog at Donna’s Cave Paintings.

     
     
    Photography/Video Credits: 
    Donna Liguria

    Thursday, November 25, 2021

    Post 78: Art Topic - What Do You Listen to While Painting?

    What Do You Listen to While Painting?

    Art Topics are sent out to PWAS Members about once a month, so these are a few of the replies people sent back.

    PWAS Art Topic Replies

    Photo by Jonathan Borba on Unsplash 

    Bettie Sperty

    Acrylics, oils, pottery

    I find that when I’m working on a project my listening habits vary depending on the time of day or night and my mood. When I am in a music mood I will listen to a playlist on Spotify, or an old iTunes playlist on my phone or even some of my husbands music that I have on my phone. (Thank goodness for cell phones, right?)

    My selections will run from 60’s-70’s R&B, old Soul music, Country, some rock n roll, to Spa music, inspirational music, mellow instrumentals. One of my playlists is labeled “Makes me dance”. Another is “Mellow Mix”. So, as you can see, I’m all over the place. Depends on what I need at the time. Sometimes I need calm, soft. Sometimes I want something I can sing along with. Sometimes I want to know what I’m going to hear (the artist, the songs, etc.) Other times I want to be surprised. 

    On occasion, if I’m working at night, I may turn on the TV to half-watch and listen to a favorite show. 

    But tonight, as I type this, I am listening to my husband play guitar downstairs. It’s a beautiful sound.

     

    Sandra Lynn McClelland Lewin

    Watercolors, Colored Pencils, Acrylics, Mixed Media

     

    I like to listen to easy listening music while I am painting from the 60's, 70's and 80's.

     

    Donna Liguria

    Acrylics

    Occasionally I have various music playing but most of the time I have the TV on a favorite channel and have half an ear to it. I am one of those that always has some background "noise" on in some shape or form. Much like Betty above, I might have some 70's R&B and old Soul music, some classic rock and my apologies but I loved the disco era which feeds my electronica fondness today I think.
     
    A sort of 'relaxing' electronic music I thoroughly enjoy is listening to Above and Beyond.
     


    Sometimes a sing-along is necessary too. I have to remember if the window is open or not, I don't want to scare the neighbors.

    Local Art: Visit us at Clearbrook Center of the Arts at Tackett's Mill in Lake Ridge, VA on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 4 – it’s free to see the artwork! Want to join PWAS? Go to https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/membership


    Thank you for visiting, and remember to Share, Follow, and Comment!

    Author: Donna Liguria
    An artist member of PWAS in Woodbridge, VA specializing in acrylic painting. She paints landscapes, seascapes, animals and many subjects. Visit her Blog at https://donnascavepainting.blogspot.com/.
     

    Tuesday, October 5, 2021

    Post 34: Art Topic Favorite Art Tool

    Art Topic Favorite Art Tool

    This month's PWAS Member Art Topic is "What is your favorite art tool in your studio?"

    H2 Heading - divides your article into nice sections

    There are plenty of essential tools that are must haves for that artist to do the medium(s) or types of artwork that they do. The basic art supplies should be available to any and all artists like paper, pens, brushes, notebook/sketchbook, work lights, all variety of paints, easels, and much more.

    Occasionally, an artist comes across a specific brand of an item, a certain piece of equipment or even an unusual thing that helps them do their thing even better than they imagined. Here are a few.

    1. Bettie Sperty

    A nice little, inexpensive tool that I use often is this Tao Bamboo Tabletop Easel. 

    I got it at Jerry’s Artarama several years ago on sale for $7. It’s $15.99 now, but Jerry’s is always having sales and coupons. 

    It folds flat, so lightweight, slant is adjustable and I’ve used it for up to 12x12 surfaces easily. 

    They also carry a slightly larger/heavier version that has a drawer for your paints, pastels, pencils, whatever.

    My website is : www.bsperty.com

    You can see mine has been well used. 



     

    2. Shadow

    It’s not my favorite tool, but one I use for just about every piece I do. My light board. I have this one: a GAOMON B4 Size LED Light Box 5 Millimeters Ultrathin Light Pad USB Art Tracing Board for Sketch Copy and Handwork - GB4. I use it to transfer my designs to a clean sheet of heavy paper after I finish the pencil sketch. 

     

    Amazon 

     



     3. Donna Liguria


    There are a lot of things I couldn't do without but one of my best finds were these light fixtures that attach to the back of my table easel and allow me to paint no matter the type of day it is or the time of night. Its a LED Desk Lamp, BZBRLZ Metal Swing Arm Lamp, Eye-Caring Architect Task Lamp, Dimmable Office Table Lamp with 3 Color Modes, 10 Brightness Levels & Adapter, Memory Function(Black). Its a
    a long name for a long extending light.

    Amazon 

     





    Local Art: Visit us at Clearbrook Center of the Arts at Tackett's Mill in Lake Ridge, VA on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 4 – it’s free to see the artwork! Want to join PWAS? Go to https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/membership


    Thank you for visiting, and remember to Share, Follow, and Comment!


    Author: Donna Liguria
    An artist member of PWAS in Woodbridge, VA specializing in acrylic painting. She paints landscapes, seascapes, animals and many subjects. Visit her Blog at https://donnascavepainting.blogspot.com/.
     
     
    Photography/Video Credits:
    PWAS Members

    Tuesday, September 7, 2021

    Post 9: PWAS Member Favorite Art Quotes Topic

    PWAS Member Topic: Favorite Art Quotes

    One of our ideas for our blog is to periodically ask the PWAS membership a question about their opinion, or some topic on art and gather the responses as a blog post.

    For our first "Art Topic", we asked what their favorite art quote is which garnered a few participants with some great answers! Our topic is "What is your favorite Art Quote?" 

    Photo by Alysha Rosly on Unsplash 

    Art Quotes

    1. “You learn for yourself not for others, not to show off, not to put the other one down/ learning is your secret, it is all you have, it is the only thing you can call your own. Nobody can take it away…” - Louise Bourgeois

    2. "Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time." - Thomas Merton

    3. "Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working."― Pablo Picasso

    From Sandra McClellandLewin

    4. “If I could say it in words there would be no reason to paint.” – Edward Hopper

    From Donna Liguria

    5. “I saw the angel in the marble and carved until i set him free.” – Michelangelo

    Also from Donna Liguria, because I liked them both!



    Local Art: Visit us at Clearbrook Center of the Arts at Tackett's Mill in Lake Ridge, VA on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 4 – it’s free to see the artwork! Want to join PWAS? Go to https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/membership


    Thank you for visiting, and remember to Share, Follow, and Comment!

    Author: Donna Liguria
    An artist member of PWAS in Woodbridge, VA specializing in acrylic painting. She paints landscapes, seascapes, animals and many subjects. Visit her Blog at https://donnascavepainting.blogspot.com/.