Buying Art...Trick or Treat?

Is walking into a gallery or show scary? I still hate going into a gallery and being sized up by the personnel..I try to act as if I am a collector, not an artist, but that doesn't always work. I do look at the work, prices, and above all, the friendliness of the gallery staff. If they don't even acknowledge my presence then I move on. I wouldn't want anyone representing my work to treat potential collectors without respect. I do expect the gallery to be helpful and knowledgeable about the work. I do expect them to leave me alone if I wish. If this is all scary, you aren't alone. Walk out of a gallery that is snooty...there are plenty of others out there who aren't and would love to help you in making art decisions. Ask questions and don't be afraid to let them know your budget as well as the extent of your art education.
Go to openings and meet the artists...ask them questions...I welcome them and other artists do as well. The more you get out there and learn about art, the more fun it becomes....your life will be more interesting too...and by the way...Happy Halloween!

Buying Art...Trick or Treat?

Is walking into a gallery or show scary? I still hate going into a gallery and being sized up by the personnel..I try to act as if I am a collector, not an artist, but that doesn't always work. I do look at the work, prices, and above all, the friendliness of the gallery staff. If they don't even acknowledge my presence then I move on. I wouldn't want anyone representing my work to treat potential collectors without respect. I do expect the gallery to be helpful and knowledgeable about the work. I do expect them to leave me alone if I wish. If this is all scary, you aren't alone. Walk out of a gallery that is snooty...there are plenty of others out there who aren't and would love to help you in making art decisions. Ask questions and don't be afraid to let them know your budget as well as the extent of your art education.
Go to openings and meet the artists...ask them questions...I welcome them and other artists do as well. The more you get out there and learn about art, the more fun it becomes....your life will be more interesting too...and by the way...Happy Halloween!

Buying Art...Trick or Treat?

Is walking into a gallery or show scary? I still hate going into a gallery and being sized up by the personnel..I try to act as if I am a collector, not an artist, but that doesn't always work. I do look at the work, prices, and above all, the friendliness of the gallery staff. If they don't even acknowledge my presence then I move on. I wouldn't want anyone representing my work to treat potential collectors without respect. I do expect the gallery to be helpful and knowledgeable about the work. I do expect them to leave me alone if I wish. If this is all scary, you aren't alone. Walk out of a gallery that is snooty...there are plenty of others out there who aren't and would love to help you in making art decisions. Ask questions and don't be afraid to let them know your budget as well as the extent of your art education.
Go to openings and meet the artists...ask them questions...I welcome them and other artists do as well. The more you get out there and learn about art, the more fun it becomes....your life will be more interesting too...and by the way...Happy Halloween!

Buying Art...Trick or Treat?

Is walking into a gallery or show scary? I still hate going into a gallery and being sized up by the personnel..I try to act as if I am a collector, not an artist, but that doesn't always work. I do look at the work, prices, and above all, the friendliness of the gallery staff. If they don't even acknowledge my presence then I move on. I wouldn't want anyone representing my work to treat potential collectors without respect. I do expect the gallery to be helpful and knowledgeable about the work. I do expect them to leave me alone if I wish. If this is all scary, you aren't alone. Walk out of a gallery that is snooty...there are plenty of others out there who aren't and would love to help you in making art decisions. Ask questions and don't be afraid to let them know your budget as well as the extent of your art education.
Go to openings and meet the artists...ask them questions...I welcome them and other artists do as well. The more you get out there and learn about art, the more fun it becomes....your life will be more interesting too...and by the way...Happy Halloween!

Supporting Art

I am getting ready for two shows this upcoming holiday season. There is skepticism about the holiday shopping, so people are wondering if the arts will be hit hard. Some galleries are having a difficult time keeping their doors open. Maybe we should be questioning why we buy art...I have discussed this previously...now there is a matter of deciding where our money goes.

I feel that Art is an essential part of my life...always has been, and it continues to enrich my life. Guess what: I will continue to paint and hopefully one of my paintings will speak to the right person. I will continue to support art museums and galleries with my presence as well as purchasing art.

Do you look at art as supporting our economy, or do you buy copies made in China? Or out of catalogs? They are cheaper, but who are you supporting? Do you buy art because you like it, or do you have to have your decorator's approval? Is your decorator knowledgeable about original art or is he/she just interested in trendy colors, etc.?

There are ways to become art savvy and it is such fun..more to come!

Supporting Art

I am getting ready for two shows this upcoming holiday season. There is skepticism about the holiday shopping, so people are wondering if the arts will be hit hard. Some galleries are having a difficult time keeping their doors open. Maybe we should be questioning why we buy art...I have discussed this previously...now there is a matter of deciding where our money goes.

I feel that Art is an essential part of my life...always has been, and it continues to enrich my life. Guess what: I will continue to paint and hopefully one of my paintings will speak to the right person. I will continue to support art museums and galleries with my presence as well as purchasing art.

Do you look at art as supporting our economy, or do you buy copies made in China? Or out of catalogs? They are cheaper, but who are you supporting? Do you buy art because you like it, or do you have to have your decorator's approval? Is your decorator knowledgeable about original art or is he/she just interested in trendy colors, etc.?

There are ways to become art savvy and it is such fun..more to come!

Supporting Art

I am getting ready for two shows this upcoming holiday season. There is skepticism about the holiday shopping, so people are wondering if the arts will be hit hard. Some galleries are having a difficult time keeping their doors open. Maybe we should be questioning why we buy art...I have discussed this previously...now there is a matter of deciding where our money goes.

I feel that Art is an essential part of my life...always has been, and it continues to enrich my life. Guess what: I will continue to paint and hopefully one of my paintings will speak to the right person. I will continue to support art museums and galleries with my presence as well as purchasing art.

Do you look at art as supporting our economy, or do you buy copies made in China? Or out of catalogs? They are cheaper, but who are you supporting? Do you buy art because you like it, or do you have to have your decorator's approval? Is your decorator knowledgeable about original art or is he/she just interested in trendy colors, etc.?

There are ways to become art savvy and it is such fun..more to come!

Supporting Art

I am getting ready for two shows this upcoming holiday season. There is skepticism about the holiday shopping, so people are wondering if the arts will be hit hard. Some galleries are having a difficult time keeping their doors open. Maybe we should be questioning why we buy art...I have discussed this previously...now there is a matter of deciding where our money goes.

I feel that Art is an essential part of my life...always has been, and it continues to enrich my life. Guess what: I will continue to paint and hopefully one of my paintings will speak to the right person. I will continue to support art museums and galleries with my presence as well as purchasing art.

Do you look at art as supporting our economy, or do you buy copies made in China? Or out of catalogs? They are cheaper, but who are you supporting? Do you buy art because you like it, or do you have to have your decorator's approval? Is your decorator knowledgeable about original art or is he/she just interested in trendy colors, etc.?

There are ways to become art savvy and it is such fun..more to come!

The Spiritual Side of Painting

I feel uplifted often when I am painting...it happens when I forget all the critics in my brain and just let my eyes tell my brush what to do. It can often become a form of meditation. Some artists call this being in the "zone". I feel that I am in a form of contemplation. This sometimes happens when I am painting outdoors, but I have also encountered it in the studio. It doesn't happen every time I am at my easel...sometimes painting can be a struggle and a frustration. I am convinced that this is due to listening to the inner critics, who want me to use my logical side of the brain as well as keeping me in my safe area. When I try something new this often happens. Non-artists often think that painting is easy...not so! But when the magic happens it is glorious!

The Spiritual Side of Painting

I feel uplifted often when I am painting...it happens when I forget all the critics in my brain and just let my eyes tell my brush what to do. It can often become a form of meditation. Some artists call this being in the "zone". I feel that I am in a form of contemplation. This sometimes happens when I am painting outdoors, but I have also encountered it in the studio. It doesn't happen every time I am at my easel...sometimes painting can be a struggle and a frustration. I am convinced that this is due to listening to the inner critics, who want me to use my logical side of the brain as well as keeping me in my safe area. When I try something new this often happens. Non-artists often think that painting is easy...not so! But when the magic happens it is glorious!

The Spiritual Side of Painting

I feel uplifted often when I am painting...it happens when I forget all the critics in my brain and just let my eyes tell my brush what to do. It can often become a form of meditation. Some artists call this being in the "zone". I feel that I am in a form of contemplation. This sometimes happens when I am painting outdoors, but I have also encountered it in the studio. It doesn't happen every time I am at my easel...sometimes painting can be a struggle and a frustration. I am convinced that this is due to listening to the inner critics, who want me to use my logical side of the brain as well as keeping me in my safe area. When I try something new this often happens. Non-artists often think that painting is easy...not so! But when the magic happens it is glorious!

The Spiritual Side of Painting

I feel uplifted often when I am painting...it happens when I forget all the critics in my brain and just let my eyes tell my brush what to do. It can often become a form of meditation. Some artists call this being in the "zone". I feel that I am in a form of contemplation. This sometimes happens when I am painting outdoors, but I have also encountered it in the studio. It doesn't happen every time I am at my easel...sometimes painting can be a struggle and a frustration. I am convinced that this is due to listening to the inner critics, who want me to use my logical side of the brain as well as keeping me in my safe area. When I try something new this often happens. Non-artists often think that painting is easy...not so! But when the magic happens it is glorious!

Doom and Gloom

Sounds like Halloween, but it is the current news about our economy...many artists are panicking too...isn't art one of the things we stop buying when the economy gets tight? I've been through this before...even opened a gallery when a recession hit...not on purpose, it was just the way it happened. I have had some big sales stop in their tracks because of the market this week, and the buyer supposedly went for some expensive posters instead...choosing to decorate rather than collect. What am I doing about this? I continue to paint and bring joy into my life. I continue to study and work to improve my art. I hike, and savor the beautiful place in which I live. Maybe this is hiding from reality, but I feel better and I will have paintings that make me smile. Eventually things will get better, and folks will tire of old posters that don't have any soul to them...collectors will be happy because they continued to add beauty to their lives...and the world will still be beautiful.

Doom and Gloom

Sounds like Halloween, but it is the current news about our economy...many artists are panicking too...isn't art one of the things we stop buying when the economy gets tight? I've been through this before...even opened a gallery when a recession hit...not on purpose, it was just the way it happened. I have had some big sales stop in their tracks because of the market this week, and the buyer supposedly went for some expensive posters instead...choosing to decorate rather than collect. What am I doing about this? I continue to paint and bring joy into my life. I continue to study and work to improve my art. I hike, and savor the beautiful place in which I live. Maybe this is hiding from reality, but I feel better and I will have paintings that make me smile. Eventually things will get better, and folks will tire of old posters that don't have any soul to them...collectors will be happy because they continued to add beauty to their lives...and the world will still be beautiful.

Doom and Gloom

Sounds like Halloween, but it is the current news about our economy...many artists are panicking too...isn't art one of the things we stop buying when the economy gets tight? I've been through this before...even opened a gallery when a recession hit...not on purpose, it was just the way it happened. I have had some big sales stop in their tracks because of the market this week, and the buyer supposedly went for some expensive posters instead...choosing to decorate rather than collect. What am I doing about this? I continue to paint and bring joy into my life. I continue to study and work to improve my art. I hike, and savor the beautiful place in which I live. Maybe this is hiding from reality, but I feel better and I will have paintings that make me smile. Eventually things will get better, and folks will tire of old posters that don't have any soul to them...collectors will be happy because they continued to add beauty to their lives...and the world will still be beautiful.

Doom and Gloom

Sounds like Halloween, but it is the current news about our economy...many artists are panicking too...isn't art one of the things we stop buying when the economy gets tight? I've been through this before...even opened a gallery when a recession hit...not on purpose, it was just the way it happened. I have had some big sales stop in their tracks because of the market this week, and the buyer supposedly went for some expensive posters instead...choosing to decorate rather than collect. What am I doing about this? I continue to paint and bring joy into my life. I continue to study and work to improve my art. I hike, and savor the beautiful place in which I live. Maybe this is hiding from reality, but I feel better and I will have paintings that make me smile. Eventually things will get better, and folks will tire of old posters that don't have any soul to them...collectors will be happy because they continued to add beauty to their lives...and the world will still be beautiful.

Filling Up

I just finished reading an article in which something really spoke to me, especially in this time of "doom and gloom", as well as being bombarded by negative political ads. The article talked about creativity and Art, and that we need to feed our souls in order to be able to create. It talked about it as breathing out art as well as breathing in...I spent "breathing in" on a walking tour of Ireland..just looked, walked, and soaked it in. We all need to get out and just "be", no matter whether we are artists or not. Hopefully my paintings also breathe out art for others to breathe in...good for our souls.

Filling Up

I just finished reading an article in which something really spoke to me, especially in this time of "doom and gloom", as well as being bombarded by negative political ads. The article talked about creativity and Art, and that we need to feed our souls in order to be able to create. It talked about it as breathing out art as well as breathing in...I spent "breathing in" on a walking tour of Ireland..just looked, walked, and soaked it in. We all need to get out and just "be", no matter whether we are artists or not. Hopefully my paintings also breathe out art for others to breathe in...good for our souls.

Filling Up

I just finished reading an article in which something really spoke to me, especially in this time of "doom and gloom", as well as being bombarded by negative political ads. The article talked about creativity and Art, and that we need to feed our souls in order to be able to create. It talked about it as breathing out art as well as breathing in...I spent "breathing in" on a walking tour of Ireland..just looked, walked, and soaked it in. We all need to get out and just "be", no matter whether we are artists or not. Hopefully my paintings also breathe out art for others to breathe in...good for our souls.

Filling Up

I just finished reading an article in which something really spoke to me, especially in this time of "doom and gloom", as well as being bombarded by negative political ads. The article talked about creativity and Art, and that we need to feed our souls in order to be able to create. It talked about it as breathing out art as well as breathing in...I spent "breathing in" on a walking tour of Ireland..just looked, walked, and soaked it in. We all need to get out and just "be", no matter whether we are artists or not. Hopefully my paintings also breathe out art for others to breathe in...good for our souls.

Get Out There!

It's Aspen turning time and Monday I went out to paint them after returning from a walking tour of Ireland. Still feeling the jetlag, but being out surrounded by golden leaves and reflected light renewed my spirits. It felt good to get away from all the negative hype that the media is filling our minds with...painting truly is good for the soul!Nothing better than to be next to a rushing stream with the additional sound of the aspen leaves...a good painting came out of the experience too.

Get Out There!

It's Aspen turning time and Monday I went out to paint them after returning from a walking tour of Ireland. Still feeling the jetlag, but being out surrounded by golden leaves and reflected light renewed my spirits. It felt good to get away from all the negative hype that the media is filling our minds with...painting truly is good for the soul!Nothing better than to be next to a rushing stream with the additional sound of the aspen leaves...a good painting came out of the experience too.

Get Out There!

It's Aspen turning time and Monday I went out to paint them after returning from a walking tour of Ireland. Still feeling the jetlag, but being out surrounded by golden leaves and reflected light renewed my spirits. It felt good to get away from all the negative hype that the media is filling our minds with...painting truly is good for the soul!Nothing better than to be next to a rushing stream with the additional sound of the aspen leaves...a good painting came out of the experience too.

Get Out There!

It's Aspen turning time and Monday I went out to paint them after returning from a walking tour of Ireland. Still feeling the jetlag, but being out surrounded by golden leaves and reflected light renewed my spirits. It felt good to get away from all the negative hype that the media is filling our minds with...painting truly is good for the soul!Nothing better than to be next to a rushing stream with the additional sound of the aspen leaves...a good painting came out of the experience too.