Some ways to market your artwork
A website has become an essential promotional tool for an Artist: it allows anyone from anywhere in the world to see your work quickly, easily and freely.
Artscene360.com templates have been designed with Artists in mind: making sure your artwork is the most important thing people will not only see, but also remember when they visit your site.
It’s important to add content i.e. images (with text information) and text in order for your website to be indexed in search engines. Also, people that are viewing your artwork want to know a bit about you. Include your e-mail address.
Image is everything! The focus is the artwork. Your images should be clear and cropped. Muddy or unclear images create a prejudice against your work. Edit (crop) your images. Images that art not cropped also take away from the quality of your artwork. Take a good look at your images before you upload them to your site. Presentation makes a difference.
Some tips:
Showcase your work beautifully and professionally
Tell the viewer about you. Be concise and to the point. Use spell check.
Provide contact information
Price every piece of art that you have for sale
Keep Your Website Current
Promote yourself and your artwork:
Tell people about your website.
Add your website to craigslist.org. It’s free.
Monday, December 25, 2006
Friday, December 15, 2006
Do you want more exposure of your artwork?
Artscene360.com: It's about ART
Join by Dec.31 2006 and try it out for 3 months FREE.
A website has become an essential promotional tool for an Artist: it allows anyone from anywhere in the world to see your work quickly, easily and freely.
ArtScene360 is a professionally designed, easy-to-use and inexpensive art showcase portal for both artists and gallery owners.
ArtScene360 provides an "as easy as 1,2,3" template that enables you to get a website up and running in minutes by simply filling in a few forms and uploading images of your art.Become a part of the artscene.
TIP: Crop your photos.The first operation on your photo that you should do it to crop: removing the space around your artwork in the photo. Most programs included with your digital camera will have a crop tool which allows you to draw a box around what you want to keep. Make your crop tight but be sure not to crop out any of your artwork.Google offers a free photo editing program. http://picasa.google.com
Join by Dec.31 2006 and try it out for 3 months FREE.
A website has become an essential promotional tool for an Artist: it allows anyone from anywhere in the world to see your work quickly, easily and freely.
ArtScene360 is a professionally designed, easy-to-use and inexpensive art showcase portal for both artists and gallery owners.
ArtScene360 provides an "as easy as 1,2,3" template that enables you to get a website up and running in minutes by simply filling in a few forms and uploading images of your art.Become a part of the artscene.
TIP: Crop your photos.The first operation on your photo that you should do it to crop: removing the space around your artwork in the photo. Most programs included with your digital camera will have a crop tool which allows you to draw a box around what you want to keep. Make your crop tight but be sure not to crop out any of your artwork.Google offers a free photo editing program. http://picasa.google.com
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Balance in November & Abstract November: Two new paintings
Latest works by ArtScene360's abstract artist Matthew Beall. Balance in November (works on paper) and Abstract November (abstracts).
Take a look!
Abstract November
Acrylic on canvas Nov. 2006
80 x 100cm
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Boom! Boom! Boom! Cha-Ching
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Cha-Ching rings out in the auction houses.
Once again numerous records have been set in the art world. Works expected to “only” fetch a mere 40 to 60 million dollars such as Klimt’s “Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer II” went for 87.9 million. All in all the night brought in 491 million big ones for Christie’s, a record breaking night.
Art is in. Many of these new mega rich want to own it. Over the last decade or so many people have gotten rich, extremely so. Billionaires seem to be growing all over the world from Russia to China to the USA. What’s 40 or 80 or 140 million dollars to a multi-billionaire?
To make it simple let’s say Mr. X is worth 10 billion and he buys a painting for 100,000,000 million he just spent about 1% of his money. What’s 1%? If your net worth is 100,000 then 1 % would be a whopping 1,000. 50,000 net worth then we’re talking 500 bucks. If my math is correct then 88.9 million is peanuts for a multi-billionaire.
Cha-Ching rings out in the auction houses.
Once again numerous records have been set in the art world. Works expected to “only” fetch a mere 40 to 60 million dollars such as Klimt’s “Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer II” went for 87.9 million. All in all the night brought in 491 million big ones for Christie’s, a record breaking night.
Art is in. Many of these new mega rich want to own it. Over the last decade or so many people have gotten rich, extremely so. Billionaires seem to be growing all over the world from Russia to China to the USA. What’s 40 or 80 or 140 million dollars to a multi-billionaire?
To make it simple let’s say Mr. X is worth 10 billion and he buys a painting for 100,000,000 million he just spent about 1% of his money. What’s 1%? If your net worth is 100,000 then 1 % would be a whopping 1,000. 50,000 net worth then we’re talking 500 bucks. If my math is correct then 88.9 million is peanuts for a multi-billionaire.
Friday, November 10, 2006
Painter Matthew Beall to show at Art Ireland 17 Nov -19 Nov 2006
The Nine Moons Arts Association
Tess Benjamin-Britz
Miranda Combrink
Brigitte McGovern
Deborah Moon
are pleased to Invite you to an Exhibition of Artworks
Art Ireland
Friday 12pm, 17th November to Sunday 7pm, 19th NovemberMiranda Combrink
Brigitte McGovern
Deborah Moon
are pleased to Invite you to an Exhibition of Artworks
Art Ireland
Venues: Balcony Stand Q21, Main Hall, RDS & Stand No. R23, Serpentine Hall, RDS, Dublin , Ireland
Also featured are works of art by a group of international Artists, Presented by The Nine Moons Arts Association:
· Ojubanire Akeem Adeshina ( Nigeria )
· Matthew Beall (Germany/USA)
· Sandra Betancort ( Venezuela )
· Claudio Braier (Argentina )
· Tess Benjamin-Britz ( South Africa )
· Diana Caramaschi (Italy/Ireland)
· Miranda Combrink (South Africa)
· Lynda Cookson (Ireland/South Africa )
· Jean-Marie Deconinck ( Belgium )
· Owolabi Dupe ( Nigeria )
· Petronilla Hohenwarter (Germany )
· Dan Ó Flatharta ( Ireland )
· Brigitte McGovern (Ireland/Germany)
· Deborah Moon (Ireland/South Africa )
· Cristian Orfescu (U.S.A)
· Conrad Reina ( Ireland )
For more information please contact Deborah Moon email: skylar@indigo.ie
Or visit the following websites for directions and information
Royal Dublin Society www.rds.ie
Art Ireland www.irishartfair.com
Sunday, November 05, 2006
THE COLLECTOR'S FORUM "I HATE SALESPEOPLE!" by Michael Corbin
THE COLLECTOR'S FORUM by Michael Corbin I HATE SALESPEOPLE! I don't know about you, but it happens to me whenever I walk into a department store, which is why I try to avoid them altogether.
"May I help you, sir?" the salesperson asks. "No thanks, just looking," I say. "We have some great deals going on right now!" says the salesperson. "Yes, I see," I say, getting irritated. "Well, if there's anything I can do to help, please let me know," the salesperson says. "Thank you," I say, feeling a little harassed at this point.
It's even worse at a national electronics store chain where they attack you as the sliding glass doors open. "Welcome to ----, Sir!" I hate this because it forces me to be polite and reply with "Thank you." Unlike many shoppers of the feminine persuasion and some men as well, shopping isn't a euphoric experience for me. I want to get in and out with my anti-social bearings and crankiness intact. I usually know what I'm looking for. When you actually NEED help ... that's when NO ONE is around! Recently, I was in this store, minding my own business, when a worker bee (sorry, "sales associate"), accompanied by his questionably competent manager approached. The worker bee guy turned around and looked at me as I was scrutinizing cds and quickly whispered, "Sorry, I have to do this..." then, he said loudly, "CAN I HELP YOU SIR?" Normally, I would've been irritated, but I had to laugh to myself this time. "I'm okay, thanks," I said. In addition to trying to get people to buy stuff, salespeople also have to spew the company line. At some point during any shopping experience, I always remember that this is all part of the game. You can't play baseball anywhere without the ball and you can barely shop anywhere without getting thrown a sales pitch. We live in a consumer society and guess what? Sales, promotion and marketing come with the deal. Foul!
It's so ironic because now, I'm on the other side of the counter. Now, I've got a product that I'm trying to sell. My crankiness has done a 360 and it's smacking me right in the face. My first ever book, "ART IN KING SIZE BEDS: A COLLECTOR'S JOURNAL," is now available on AuthorHouse.Com and will soon be on Amazon.Com and Barnes & Noble.Com. Like a joke bungled by John Kerrey, Karma is now doing the Irish Jig before my very eyes. Before you assume this essay is a shameless plug (which it sorta is), stay with me.
Now that I'm a salesman (ugh! that's creepy), I've come to realize that promotion, salesmanship and marketing are almost everything. I think they're really what separate successful artists in every genre from ones who aren't so successful. Look at artists like Damien Hirst and Julian Schnabel. They're superb marketers and promoters. Some people call them "sell outs." I call them smart. There are so many talented artists out there, yet the reality is they SUCK when it comes to promoting their own product. Look guys, I know you don't like being salespeople and getting out there and pushing your work, but it's simply the way things are done in our 21st-century wired world. I've spoken with quite a few artists who seem to think they're going to be "discovered." Good luck! I think the best thing that any of us can do is to "DISCOVER YOURSELF" and get busy.
If I hadn't discovered myself, I never would've written, "ART IN KING SIZE BEDS: A COLLECTOR'S JOURNAL" (Authorhouse.Com). Before I wrote the book, I didn't think my thoughts mattered. Now, I think they matter enough for me to not only put them in print, but to also get out there and promote my book. If I don't do it, who will? Sure, you can hire someone to do promotion for you, which I have. However, no one shares the same passion you have when it comes to you, your vision and your art. YOU HAVE TO GET OUT THERE. Promoting my book, which I'm currently, constantly doing, is the most challenging thing I've done in my life so far. Basically, I'm asking people to spend their hard-earned money on something that I've created. Who am I to ask people to do that? I'm no Damien Hirst. I'm no John Grisham. I'm just an average Joe trying to get people to appreciate art like I do (and buy my book). Still, the truth is undeniable. Successful artists, pop stars, writers and businesspeople know the value of promotion. They MAKE TIME for it. Whether or not they have REAL talent is irrelevant. It shouldn't be irrelevant, but it is. The fact of the matter is people have to be prodded to do practically anything, particularly spend their hard-earned money ... that's even assuming they have measurable disposable income. "SELL IT!" has become much of the world's mantra. I'm not saying that's good, it just IS. In short, most people aren't clairvoyant. They don't know what you've got until you alert them. How you alert them is up to you.
I still hate salespeople, but now that I'm walking in their shoes (which I bought, literally), I can be a little more sympathetic. You can view promotion and marketing as bullcrap, pain in the ass endeavors or you can see them as part of your exciting, artistic adventure. Actually, I see it as both. I don't know how well my book will sell, but I'm promoting the hell out of it. ("Art In King Size Beds: A Collector's Journal" AuthorHouse.Com) It deserves no less and it's really up to me.
Kudos to you hardworking salespeople out there. You definitely earn your money, but I swear, if you approach me and ask, "May I help you?" I'm going to hit the roof.
MICHAEL CORBIN IS A WRITER AND AVID ART COLLECTOR
"May I help you, sir?" the salesperson asks. "No thanks, just looking," I say. "We have some great deals going on right now!" says the salesperson. "Yes, I see," I say, getting irritated. "Well, if there's anything I can do to help, please let me know," the salesperson says. "Thank you," I say, feeling a little harassed at this point.
It's even worse at a national electronics store chain where they attack you as the sliding glass doors open. "Welcome to ----, Sir!" I hate this because it forces me to be polite and reply with "Thank you." Unlike many shoppers of the feminine persuasion and some men as well, shopping isn't a euphoric experience for me. I want to get in and out with my anti-social bearings and crankiness intact. I usually know what I'm looking for. When you actually NEED help ... that's when NO ONE is around! Recently, I was in this store, minding my own business, when a worker bee (sorry, "sales associate"), accompanied by his questionably competent manager approached. The worker bee guy turned around and looked at me as I was scrutinizing cds and quickly whispered, "Sorry, I have to do this..." then, he said loudly, "CAN I HELP YOU SIR?" Normally, I would've been irritated, but I had to laugh to myself this time. "I'm okay, thanks," I said. In addition to trying to get people to buy stuff, salespeople also have to spew the company line. At some point during any shopping experience, I always remember that this is all part of the game. You can't play baseball anywhere without the ball and you can barely shop anywhere without getting thrown a sales pitch. We live in a consumer society and guess what? Sales, promotion and marketing come with the deal. Foul!
It's so ironic because now, I'm on the other side of the counter. Now, I've got a product that I'm trying to sell. My crankiness has done a 360 and it's smacking me right in the face. My first ever book, "ART IN KING SIZE BEDS: A COLLECTOR'S JOURNAL," is now available on AuthorHouse.Com and will soon be on Amazon.Com and Barnes & Noble.Com. Like a joke bungled by John Kerrey, Karma is now doing the Irish Jig before my very eyes. Before you assume this essay is a shameless plug (which it sorta is), stay with me.
Now that I'm a salesman (ugh! that's creepy), I've come to realize that promotion, salesmanship and marketing are almost everything. I think they're really what separate successful artists in every genre from ones who aren't so successful. Look at artists like Damien Hirst and Julian Schnabel. They're superb marketers and promoters. Some people call them "sell outs." I call them smart. There are so many talented artists out there, yet the reality is they SUCK when it comes to promoting their own product. Look guys, I know you don't like being salespeople and getting out there and pushing your work, but it's simply the way things are done in our 21st-century wired world. I've spoken with quite a few artists who seem to think they're going to be "discovered." Good luck! I think the best thing that any of us can do is to "DISCOVER YOURSELF" and get busy.
If I hadn't discovered myself, I never would've written, "ART IN KING SIZE BEDS: A COLLECTOR'S JOURNAL" (Authorhouse.Com). Before I wrote the book, I didn't think my thoughts mattered. Now, I think they matter enough for me to not only put them in print, but to also get out there and promote my book. If I don't do it, who will? Sure, you can hire someone to do promotion for you, which I have. However, no one shares the same passion you have when it comes to you, your vision and your art. YOU HAVE TO GET OUT THERE. Promoting my book, which I'm currently, constantly doing, is the most challenging thing I've done in my life so far. Basically, I'm asking people to spend their hard-earned money on something that I've created. Who am I to ask people to do that? I'm no Damien Hirst. I'm no John Grisham. I'm just an average Joe trying to get people to appreciate art like I do (and buy my book). Still, the truth is undeniable. Successful artists, pop stars, writers and businesspeople know the value of promotion. They MAKE TIME for it. Whether or not they have REAL talent is irrelevant. It shouldn't be irrelevant, but it is. The fact of the matter is people have to be prodded to do practically anything, particularly spend their hard-earned money ... that's even assuming they have measurable disposable income. "SELL IT!" has become much of the world's mantra. I'm not saying that's good, it just IS. In short, most people aren't clairvoyant. They don't know what you've got until you alert them. How you alert them is up to you.
I still hate salespeople, but now that I'm walking in their shoes (which I bought, literally), I can be a little more sympathetic. You can view promotion and marketing as bullcrap, pain in the ass endeavors or you can see them as part of your exciting, artistic adventure. Actually, I see it as both. I don't know how well my book will sell, but I'm promoting the hell out of it. ("Art In King Size Beds: A Collector's Journal" AuthorHouse.Com) It deserves no less and it's really up to me.
Kudos to you hardworking salespeople out there. You definitely earn your money, but I swear, if you approach me and ask, "May I help you?" I'm going to hit the roof.
MICHAEL CORBIN IS A WRITER AND AVID ART COLLECTOR
Monday, October 30, 2006
Mexican Artist Raul Govea and His Flying Cows
Holy Cowism!Perdida II 90 x 60 cm Oil
I was recently asked to look at some artwork by an acquaintance of mine. She told me that her nephew, who's from Mexico, lives in Poland and paints flying cows...what came immediately to mind was the surrealist painter Rene Magritte - you know the guy, he's the one that painted a lot of things floating about.
We walked over to her computer and she pulled up several pictures of, well, flying cows. My first thought: very nice, very well executed. Second thought: Why flying cows? My answer: Why not.
Raul Govea is a young and talented painter with an imagination that he surreally captures through paint and canvas: A dreamer that paints his dreams true. He gives us a little insight into his imagination and inspiration. “Well, some of us or at least some of us have the dream of flying, but why not animals, why not cows? If just suddenly they were gifted with a pair of wings they would be everywhere. So that's when I started to imagine them in different situations or backgrounds…”
We walked over to her computer and she pulled up several pictures of, well, flying cows. My first thought: very nice, very well executed. Second thought: Why flying cows? My answer: Why not.
Raul Govea is a young and talented painter with an imagination that he surreally captures through paint and canvas: A dreamer that paints his dreams true. He gives us a little insight into his imagination and inspiration. “Well, some of us or at least some of us have the dream of flying, but why not animals, why not cows? If just suddenly they were gifted with a pair of wings they would be everywhere. So that's when I started to imagine them in different situations or backgrounds…”
What I like about his flying cows is that he brings forth a feeling of gentleness by personifying the noble beast. “In some of my paintings they appear with their heart out, this for me means the tenderness the animal expresses when you look at their innocent eyes.” He brings you into the picture. You become a part of the flight. Perhaps the best piece that captures this idea is Perdida ll ( see above). The cow beckons you to join; almost dares you to question your perception.
Raul paints in oil on canvas and wood. His next exhibition will be held on December 5 in Lodz, Poland at the Politecnic Academy of Lodz. To see more of his work
Friday, October 27, 2006
Artists! Help us grow. ArtScene360.com
Artists, ArtScene360.com is calling for you to join the artscene. Help us grow, show your work, get exposure, write and comments on blogs, and become a part of a community. It's about ART.
Sunday, October 22, 2006
ArtScene360.com welcomes artists: Emily Froemel, Shanti Marie and Paula Wright
A joinism!
ArtScene360.com is growing day by day but ARTISTS we could use your help. Come and join us and get international exposure of your artwork.
“Pepper” by Emily Froemel
”The meadow” by Shanti Marie
”Gold on Red” by Paula Wright
Friday, October 20, 2006
Artists Beware! A scam is a scam is a scam.
A Scamism.
You get the e-mail – you know the one— it says something like this:
Dear Your Name,
"hello, i visited your website an am highly intrestad in buying this piece DETAILS OF YOUR WORK HERE. I would like to know more about the art including the price. Payment would be made with a Bankers Draft. I would also like you to find out the cost of shipment to US via DHL or UPS. I would also be contacting my shipper about the shippment. Please get back to my if the payment method is very much okay by you. I hope to read from you soon. Regards.. John Anderson"
“Wow! Someone wants to buy a piece from me. Oh, this is great!” you say.
Step back for a few then reread the e-mail. Does something look amiss? Spelling, asking for details that are already on your site, payment suggestion i.e. some kind of check and shipping arrangements. Do they seem somehow strange?
Look, if something seems too good to be true, it most likely is. Keep your eyes wide open. Be logical. If it seems fishy, count on the odds that it is.
A way to avoid scams is to not reply to inquiries that contain some of the common scam signs mentioned above. If you do reply and think it's a real buyer, simply tell them to purchase your artwork online through PayPal for example.
When in doubt, don't fall into the trap. It's better to say 'no' to a suspicious buyer, then to get involved in a scam.
You get the e-mail – you know the one— it says something like this:
Dear Your Name,
"hello, i visited your website an am highly intrestad in buying this piece DETAILS OF YOUR WORK HERE. I would like to know more about the art including the price. Payment would be made with a Bankers Draft. I would also like you to find out the cost of shipment to US via DHL or UPS. I would also be contacting my shipper about the shippment. Please get back to my if the payment method is very much okay by you. I hope to read from you soon. Regards.. John Anderson"
“Wow! Someone wants to buy a piece from me. Oh, this is great!” you say.
Step back for a few then reread the e-mail. Does something look amiss? Spelling, asking for details that are already on your site, payment suggestion i.e. some kind of check and shipping arrangements. Do they seem somehow strange?
Look, if something seems too good to be true, it most likely is. Keep your eyes wide open. Be logical. If it seems fishy, count on the odds that it is.
A way to avoid scams is to not reply to inquiries that contain some of the common scam signs mentioned above. If you do reply and think it's a real buyer, simply tell them to purchase your artwork online through PayPal for example.
When in doubt, don't fall into the trap. It's better to say 'no' to a suspicious buyer, then to get involved in a scam.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
A Hole in Picasso.
A Hmmism
What do you say when you poke a hole in your Picasso?
“Oh shit! “
Apparently this is what Steve Wynn, Las Vegas casino owner and art collector, said as he smashed his elbow into the well known Picasso piece “ Le Reve” which left a small hole in the middle of the painting as reported by Reuters.
My first thought was “ Damn, a hole in such a beautiful painting. How could that happen?”
Wynn is said to have been showing this painting to a small group of friends when the accident occurred. But here’s the catch. He had just finalized the sale of “Le Reve” for 139 million dollars. That’s a helluva lot of money! Anyhow, Reuters reports that Wynn released the buyer from the sales contract and will repair the 1932 Picasso piece.
There’s a boom and I mean a big boom in the art market. Art is once again popular and those with the big bucks buy the big names. This in turn drives up the prices: simple economics of supply and demand.
Here’s the question. Is the art truly worth such prices?
What do you say when you poke a hole in your Picasso?
“Oh shit! “
Apparently this is what Steve Wynn, Las Vegas casino owner and art collector, said as he smashed his elbow into the well known Picasso piece “ Le Reve” which left a small hole in the middle of the painting as reported by Reuters.
My first thought was “ Damn, a hole in such a beautiful painting. How could that happen?”
Wynn is said to have been showing this painting to a small group of friends when the accident occurred. But here’s the catch. He had just finalized the sale of “Le Reve” for 139 million dollars. That’s a helluva lot of money! Anyhow, Reuters reports that Wynn released the buyer from the sales contract and will repair the 1932 Picasso piece.
There’s a boom and I mean a big boom in the art market. Art is once again popular and those with the big bucks buy the big names. This in turn drives up the prices: simple economics of supply and demand.
Here’s the question. Is the art truly worth such prices?
Sunday, October 15, 2006
The Pink Panther and Art Collecting
Another Wowism!
What does the new movie “The Pink Panther” and art collecting have in common?
Steve Martin.
I think we all know the zany antics of comedian actor Steve Martin but did you know he’s a noted art collector of mostly American Modern Art ? Yep, and his collection includes works by some of the most well known names in art.
Bloomberg reports that Martin will let go of one of his Edward Hopper paintings in the upcoming American Paining Sale by Sotherby’s New York. The 1955 Hopper “Hotel Window” is expected to bring in bids up to 15 million big ones.
Saturday, October 14, 2006
Boom, boom, goes the market: Again
Another Wowism!
Boom, boom, goes the market.
The New York Times reported on October 12 that David Geffen, record industry mogul and art collector, has sold a Jasper Johns and de Kooning for 143.5 million bucks.
The buyers, two billionaires and well established art collectors, Kenneth C. Griffin and Steven A. Cohen acquired the pieces through a private sale. Griffin picked up Johns’ 1959 “ False Start” for a cool 80 million and Cohen took away “Police Gazette “ painted in 1955 by de Kooning for 63.5 million.
It seems that collectors are taking advantage, and why not, of the sizzling hot art market that seems to be financed by the billionaires’ club. On November 8, Christie’s will hold its Impressionist and Modern art auction which will include works by Klimt, Gauguin and Picasso expected to fetch top dollar.
So, where does it leave us – the average art lover? Well, pretty much in the same place as before. While I would love to have an original de Kooning hanging on one of my walls, I know it most likely won't happen unless I join the billionaires club.
Boom, boom, goes the market.
The New York Times reported on October 12 that David Geffen, record industry mogul and art collector, has sold a Jasper Johns and de Kooning for 143.5 million bucks.
The buyers, two billionaires and well established art collectors, Kenneth C. Griffin and Steven A. Cohen acquired the pieces through a private sale. Griffin picked up Johns’ 1959 “ False Start” for a cool 80 million and Cohen took away “Police Gazette “ painted in 1955 by de Kooning for 63.5 million.
It seems that collectors are taking advantage, and why not, of the sizzling hot art market that seems to be financed by the billionaires’ club. On November 8, Christie’s will hold its Impressionist and Modern art auction which will include works by Klimt, Gauguin and Picasso expected to fetch top dollar.
So, where does it leave us – the average art lover? Well, pretty much in the same place as before. While I would love to have an original de Kooning hanging on one of my walls, I know it most likely won't happen unless I join the billionaires club.
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Watercolor Artist Shanti Marie joins ArtScene360.com
ArtScene360.com would like to welcome Shanti Marie to the artscene.
Too see her work just click here:
http://artscene360.com/ShantiMarie.artscene360.com
Shanti Marie is a Watercolor Artist who lives in Lake Wylie South Carolina. She paints a variety of subjects including landscapes, wildlife, florals, abstracts and figures. Shanti is a member of the Charlotte Art league, the South Carolina Watercolor Society.
She also has a blog about the world of an artist. A painting will be posted everyday. Most will be small paintings painted in one sitting .
http://shantimarie.wordpress.com/
Artists join the ArtScene360.com Try it for 3 months FREE
Too see her work just click here:
http://artscene360.com/ShantiMarie.artscene360.com
Shanti Marie is a Watercolor Artist who lives in Lake Wylie South Carolina. She paints a variety of subjects including landscapes, wildlife, florals, abstracts and figures. Shanti is a member of the Charlotte Art league, the South Carolina Watercolor Society.
She also has a blog about the world of an artist. A painting will be posted everyday. Most will be small paintings painted in one sitting .
http://shantimarie.wordpress.com/
Artists join the ArtScene360.com Try it for 3 months FREE
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
MY ART BOOK REJECTION by Michael Corbin
Technorati Profile
I’m sitting here at my desk, in my art-filled den, where I’ve just finished flipping through almost two years worth of work.The UPS guy delivered it about an hour ago. My complimentary copy of my own book, “ART IN KING SIZE BEDS: A COLLECTOR’S JOURNAL” (www.artinkingsizebeds.com). As I see it sitting atop a pile of other art books, I can only wonder, “Why did creating this simple, straightforward, little book about contemporary art take so long?”
The answer is also simple. Rejection.
When I started sending out manuscripts it was a great adventure. Doing something new in your life can bring you back from the brink. It erases the grayness of comfort and puts you RIGHT OUT THERE. You’ve talked the talk, now you’re walking the walk. When you embark on something new, like writing a book, you find out who your friends are almost instantly. It’s amazing. They either support you or they suddenly become distant and consider your dream a joke. In short, they reject you. I’m convinced that this is why a lot of people don’t follow their dreams. When you try to become one with your vision, it’s ultimately a solitary haul. No one can do it for you or with you, really. Loneliness can often be part of the equation.It’s the price you pay for reaching out and trying to find purpose in your life.
Nothing makes you feel more alone than rejection. Especially when something that you’ve poured your heart into gets rejected again and again and again. The sofa behind me is littered with piles of rejected manuscripts. There’s no mistaking rejection. Everyone recognizes it. Especially men. When a guy asks a woman out and she says no, it’s like getting one of those giant red circles with a diagonal line through it pasted on your forehead. “LOSER!” It’s like getting a manuscript that you know hasn’t even been looked at … returned.
One day, while I was visiting Indianapolis artist Nancy Kruse in her studio, I remember she said, “Don’t get discouraged!” As she said that, she walked over to her desk and picked up this book that listed the art shows from which she had been rejected. She showed me the list. At the time, I didn’t understand why she kept track of such things. Now, I do.As I sifted through my own rejection piles, I began to see silver linings in some of the letters from publishers.
I’ll quote a few:”…I like the concept of a book designed to make art moreaccessible and less intimidating…” says one.
“It’s an interesting idea, but I don’t think we could do it justice.” says another.
“You are clearly passionate about your proposal and the subject iswell-researched …” says yet another.
Another publisher said, “We have discussed it extensively and are very impressed with the subject matter…however…”
By the way, can we banish the word, “however”? However, I must say that these rejections and many others began to fuel my drive. Yes, rejection was painful and lonely and made me feel misunderstood, but rejection also gave me a sense of rage and made me more determined to get, “Art In King Size Beds: A Collector’s Journal,” published. Those silver linings provided some encouragement.
Finally, I decided that I had to just do it myself. Write it myself, publish it myself, hire the photographer myself, research marketing and promotion myself, just do it all myself. In the final analysis, you can blame other people, but it really all comes down to you. Yet,quite a few of the publishers seemed to like the manuscript. What was the problem? Ultimately, I’ve come to realize that there isn’t just ONE answer. Yes, art books are a tough market. No, I’m not an art scholar orcurator. Still, I’m holding onto the belief that there are people out there who want to relate to art in a new way. Aren’t you tired of walking into art museums and galleries and feeling so formal, stiff, intimidated, stupid, judged and snubbed? What is that about? This is ART people! We should be celebrating creativity and enjoying the fruits of intelligent vision, not walking away feeling cold, passionless and empty. How can you look at a James Rosenquist piece and not want to dance? Who cares if people see you showing emotion in the presence of a great painting! That’s what art is about. You know, some folks in the artworld could use a good, long enema.
Anyway, my book attempts to put fun and passion back into art from the collector’s point of view. If it doesn’t sell, it doesn’t sell. At least I’ve been reminded that you can not only survive rejection, but it can actually help you become one with your vision. That’s the art of living.
Rejection? Bring it on. Oh, but not today.
Sunday, October 08, 2006
Lauder and Klimt
I say good for him! Mr. Lauder, the collector, musuem owner billionaire is back in the news. You know him as the guy that paid 135 million bucks for Gustave Klimt’s 1907 portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I in June.
He's got his eye on 4 more Klimts that will be put on the auction block by Christies which they estimate the four paintings will sell in excess of $93m and some experts have valued them at $150m. The works are: Adele Bloch-Bauer II (1912, est $40m-$60m)), Birch Forest (1903, est $20m-$30m), Apple Tree I (around 1912, est $15m-$25m), and Houses at Unterach on the Attersee (around 1916, est $18m-$25m).
A lot of dough but I say more power to him.
He's got his eye on 4 more Klimts that will be put on the auction block by Christies which they estimate the four paintings will sell in excess of $93m and some experts have valued them at $150m. The works are: Adele Bloch-Bauer II (1912, est $40m-$60m)), Birch Forest (1903, est $20m-$30m), Apple Tree I (around 1912, est $15m-$25m), and Houses at Unterach on the Attersee (around 1916, est $18m-$25m).
A lot of dough but I say more power to him.
Saturday, October 07, 2006
Art Market Boom
There’s a boom in the art market.It seems all kinds of price records have been set recently in the art world. Approximately 135 million for the Klimt – the highest ever paid for a painting. 95 million for Picasso’s Dora Maar. A de Kooning sold for about 15 million at Art Basel 37. The German painter Gerhard Richter’s – Aunt Marianne- fetched about 3.9 million and a Hockney – The Splash - approximately 5 million and they are still alive and well and working!
Absurdity?
This century’s art market has overtaken all previous ones. The new rich, the “old” rich, and the super rich are all competing to become THE collector. Is this a question of new symbols of status or is it about the value of great art? Is it about the economics of supply and demand or having more money than you know what to do with it? Lastly, will these works be on public display ( the Klimt will ) or will the majority of the works be reserved for the pleasure of the owner?
I have to admit that I would love to own all of these pieces and more. The fact is the buyers have created a new league and it’s a league of its own. When I’m lucky I can buy a ticket to see this art in an exhibition and maybe even take a picture as well. That’s the beauty of art: to see the beauty and to retain the image of it somewhere; to reflect on it; to swim in emotions that come from it and to say “Man, I wouldn’t mind being in that league.”
Absurdity?
This century’s art market has overtaken all previous ones. The new rich, the “old” rich, and the super rich are all competing to become THE collector. Is this a question of new symbols of status or is it about the value of great art? Is it about the economics of supply and demand or having more money than you know what to do with it? Lastly, will these works be on public display ( the Klimt will ) or will the majority of the works be reserved for the pleasure of the owner?
I have to admit that I would love to own all of these pieces and more. The fact is the buyers have created a new league and it’s a league of its own. When I’m lucky I can buy a ticket to see this art in an exhibition and maybe even take a picture as well. That’s the beauty of art: to see the beauty and to retain the image of it somewhere; to reflect on it; to swim in emotions that come from it and to say “Man, I wouldn’t mind being in that league.”
Friday, October 06, 2006
Alex Calinescu and The Josef and Anni Albers Foundation Residency 2006
English artist Alex Calinescu spent 88 days at the Josef and Anni Albers Foundation in Connecticut. Her residency began on April 4 and finished on June 1, 2006. Folllow her journey of creativity that will be sure to give you inspiration. http://www.alexcalinescu.com/news/albersresidencyfrontpage.htm
Sarah Myerscough Fine Art gallery in London will present her residency work from Oct. 6 - 28, 2006.
Sarah Myerscough Fine Art gallery in London will present her residency work from Oct. 6 - 28, 2006.
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Artists: How to promote your artwork online.
The Internet should be playing an important and necessary role in the promotion of yourself and your artwork. There are 100s of millions of people using the Internet and a percentage of those are looking for artwork. If you don’t have an online presence i.e. a website, you are missing out on the vast marketing potential to have your artworks seen by potential buyers.
Get Online!
There are a few quality artist online portfolio host sites available that let you build a website even if you’ve never built one before. The prices vary, ease of use varies and the amount of advertisement clutter ranges from done to too much. A good example of a well-designed and easy to use site is ArtScene360.com.
What do you need?
You want potential buyers and admirers of art to see your artworks. This means you need digital photos (usually jpeg format) *JPEG compresses either full-color or grayscale images and works best with photographs and artwork. Clear images are a key factor in the presentation of your artwork online. People that are interested in your artwork are also interested in information. They want to know about you and things about your artwork such as title, size, medium, price, and any other relevant information.
You need to find a well designed and easy to use online artist portfolio host to work with such as artscene360.com. You want it to be a place to connnect with potential buyers, admirers, galleries and other artists. Keep it updated.
Promotion i.e. Promote yourself!
Once you become a member and build your site you can begin promoting it easily and without cost by simply making an Email Signature File. Use your e-mail program to create an email signature file that will be included in every email you send. Keep it short with your name, title or short phrase, and most importantly the website URL ( this is your website address. Ex: yourname.artscene360.com). This little trick will work wonders!
Submit your website for free to these major search engines Google, MSN search, Yahoo! are free.
Comment on art blogs or write a blog yourself. These are really about networking and it works. It’s another way to maximize exposure.
Keep your website up to date.
Don’t wait. The longer you wait the less exposure you will have.
Get Online!
There are a few quality artist online portfolio host sites available that let you build a website even if you’ve never built one before. The prices vary, ease of use varies and the amount of advertisement clutter ranges from done to too much. A good example of a well-designed and easy to use site is ArtScene360.com.
What do you need?
You want potential buyers and admirers of art to see your artworks. This means you need digital photos (usually jpeg format) *JPEG compresses either full-color or grayscale images and works best with photographs and artwork. Clear images are a key factor in the presentation of your artwork online. People that are interested in your artwork are also interested in information. They want to know about you and things about your artwork such as title, size, medium, price, and any other relevant information.
You need to find a well designed and easy to use online artist portfolio host to work with such as artscene360.com. You want it to be a place to connnect with potential buyers, admirers, galleries and other artists. Keep it updated.
Promotion i.e. Promote yourself!
Once you become a member and build your site you can begin promoting it easily and without cost by simply making an Email Signature File. Use your e-mail program to create an email signature file that will be included in every email you send. Keep it short with your name, title or short phrase, and most importantly the website URL ( this is your website address. Ex: yourname.artscene360.com). This little trick will work wonders!
Submit your website for free to these major search engines Google, MSN search, Yahoo! are free.
Comment on art blogs or write a blog yourself. These are really about networking and it works. It’s another way to maximize exposure.
Keep your website up to date.
Don’t wait. The longer you wait the less exposure you will have.
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