CIVILITY LIVES

THE COLLECTOR'S FORUM by Michael Corbin

CIVILITY LIVES

In my last blog, I addressed how I think our society has become ruder, cruder and less civil. I referenced the artworld simply because it's a microcosm of our larger society and after all, this IS an online art magazine and most of us do "art things." I love art, artists, and the artworld. They rock! They're creative, insightful, inspiring and present messages that can change the world.It is BECAUSE I love art and the artworld so much that I wrote, "So Rude!" Few people on the planet have the kind of power that artists (and art people in general) have. Many don't even realize this.We can live in denial all we wish. Rudeness is out there everyday. Whether one is thin-skinned or thick-skinned should not be the issue. The point is ... what role do we as individuals play in creating a better society? In theory, every generation should build upon the progress of the previous one. Civility is the hallmark of a great society. Sometimes it doesn't even matter whether you're generating the most pleasant, friendly, warm spirit. In this world, you DON'T ALWAYS get back what you put out. New York Artist Ellen Fisch clearly attested to that fact in the blog responses when she explained how she tried to send good tidings to an ill young lady, only to be rebuffed by her seemingly ungrateful mother. Since writing, "So Rude!", I've also heard from several other art friends who've written to me personally to share their "less than civil" encounters.I've met and spoken with people from several different countries and I'm always saddened by how they say SOME Americans are just not well-mannered. I get no joy from writing this. It troubles me greatly because, one, I'm a PROUD AMERICAN and two, we do sometimes behave as if we're the only people in the world! True, there certainly are people in other nations who are rude, but that doesn't let us off the hook.Self-examination is not easy. However, it's the only way for us to improve ourselves and our society. As I'm writing this, I'm thinking about that great film, "Pleasantville." The characters depicted in the film had lived in black and white for their entire lives. However, when color came along and gave them a new way to see themselves and the world, they just couldn't handle it. This is partly what art is about ... helping us to see ourselves and hopefully inspiring us to make changes for the better.Whenever I've been involved in a rude encounter, I always ask myself, "What role did I play in that?" "How did I contribute to that bad experience?" There have indeed been times when I've had to correct myself ... and more importantly, APOLOGIZE. I'm far from perfect, however, I must admit that I really do try to live by the motto, "Treat others the way you want to be treated." This doesn't mean you expect royal treatment. These days, common decency will do.Like charity, civility begins at home. One of things that inspired the "So Rude!" essay was a conversation that I had with my sister during a visit this past Christmas at her home in North Carolina.We both agreed that manners are on the decline (however, I must say that North Carolina is a place full of warm, nice people) and that there are more ill-behaved people out there. Why? Perhaps it's because some people just haven't been taught. So many people today think manners are grand, effete and pretentious. My sister told me that one day her three-year-old daughter was misbehaving. She said she thought to herself, "Why is this child doing that?" Then, she said she reminded herself that while she took the manners we were taught for granted, she actually had to PASS THEM ON to her daughter by teaching her daughter the correct way of doing things. Perhaps we should all take refresher courses.I think another reason why rudeness is on the rise is because it's SO EASY to be rude. It's so easy to take the low road. It's so easy to fly off the handle and call people names. It's so easy to pick other people apart and demonize them. It's so easy to criticize people we know little about. It's so easy to roll around in the mud. Taking the high road? Now THAT takes character. THAT takes effort.Anyway, while rudeness is on the rise, civility still lives. Here's the flipside. These quick stories are from my own personal experiences. Feel free to share yours ...During my college days, I worked in mid-town Manhattan. One day I was running late and I was literally running down a Manhattan street. As I ran, I heard this guy running behind me yelling, "Sir!" "Sir!" I looked back and stopped. "You dropped your wallet!" the guy said, giving me my wallet. "Oh my God! Thanks so much!" I remember saying. That guy actually chased someone down to do a good deed. At the time I was a broke. Today, like many people, I'm only a few paychecks away from homelessness, but I would certainly repay anyone for that wonderful gesture.By the way, contrary to the stereotype, NYC is full of kind people. Years ago, I remember walking into the Michael Rosenfeld Gallery. I felt a little intimidated because I had heard so much about it. As I walked in, the guy at the counter, who was busy with other people, smiled and waved and said to me, something like, "Hi, if there's anything I can do to help, please let me know!" Instantly, my intimidation vanished and I had a pleasant visit.Last year in Chicago, I was visiting the Ann Nathan Gallery. While browsing some of the fantastic contemporary art, this small, lovely woman with grayish-white hair approached me (Ann Nathan herself) and we started talking. When I told her that I loved juxtaposing contemporary and African Art, she took me to a backroom where she showed me some of her African art. I cannot remember all of the conversation, but I do indeed remember her warmth, her lovely smile and her willingness to spend time talking with a complete stranger who wasn't there to buy anything. To me, she appeared unaffected by her "status" in the artworld.During a recent visit in San Francisco, I walked into one of the galleries off Union Square and upon entering, I saw an elegant looking man and woman who were clearly the managers. "Now THIS is obviously one of the best galleries in San Francisco!" I said, just trying to break the ice. The guy looked at me and in his deepest, slowest, droll voice said, "You're vvveeeerrryyyy observant!" We all cracked up laughing and I had a great visit.Museum guards are spectacular! I wish I had a dime for every great conversation I've had with them. I think some people see and treat them as "hired help" or like they're invisible, but do yourself a favor and strike up a conversation with them. You won't be sorry. Many of them are quite knowledgeable about art. They are wonderful people who are so nice and willing to help. I wrote an essay-tribute to them in my current book, "Art In King Size Beds: A Collector's Journal." The essay is called, "Guardians of the Gallery." I had fun writing it.I could go on and on about some of the great "civil" encounters that I've had with art people and people in general. I'm constantly burning my laptop with my artist pen-pals alone! They all know who they are. They've been great and I think they see me as a plain 'ole guy who loves art and artists. Nothing more, nothing less. It's about mutual admiration and respect. THAT'S HOW WE ROLL! I want more people to know about them. That's why I want to write more books promoting contemporary art and their work. They don't cater to me, nor I them. Expecting nothing but kindness from people is the gateway to friendship. My art collecting and writing are icing on the cake.Having said that, this STILL doesn't let rude people off the hook. Rudeness is NOT ACCEPTABLE from other people, including me. We've all got to work on this. When we tell kids that they have to develop a "thick skin," we're helping them, but we're also enabling rudeness by default. Rudeness should be challenged, confronted and yes, written about. Thin or thick skin.TV Commentator Andy Rooney once said that art, literature, culture and civility are the only things holding us together as a society. Bravo. This is becoming more true as the world population continues to increase. If you think this discussion is a waste of time, you're missing the point. Art and civility are hopelessly intertwined. If we "don't get" this, then we may as well descend into the chaotic abyss. I'm focusing on the artworld because IT, more than any other sector of society has the talent and tools to express what the world doesn't even know it really needs. We can lead the way. Yet in the face of it all, it's nice to know that civility is where you find it ... and where you create it.

MICHAEL CORBIN IS AN AVID ART COLLECTOR AND AUTHOR OF "ART IN KING SIZE BEDS: A COLLECTOR'S JOURNAL," NOW AVAILABLE ON AUTHORHOUSE.COM.

How to promote your ART

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 yourself. 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:

Use your website address as your e-mail signature.

Tell people about your website.

Write and comment on blogs.

Pomote your art on craigslist.org. It’s free.

"So Rude" by Michael Corbin

THE COLLECTOR'S FORUM by Michael CorbinSO RUDE

This has happened to me so many times that I finally have to write about it.

Are some artworld people just flat out rude, or is it me? I was just talking on the phone to a woman at an art center and I couldn't believe how rude she was. I was calling to ask a simple question about an exhibition and the woman was cold, terse and well, RUDE. It's not like I was calling just to shoot the breeze. The conversation didn't last long and I never really got an answer to my question.

This also happened recently when I called an art gallery. I won't say where because I don't want it to reflect on the city. But I asked the gallery manager about the availability of a painting. "If you didn't attend the opening I can't tell you that!" the guy said. What? Are you kidding me?Okay. I'm not saying that all art people are rude. Art people are people too. They have pressures and deadlines and unrealistic expectations placed on them just like everyone else. And since I tend to do a lot of art things, it would stand to reason that I come into contact with a lot more art people than your average Joe. You know, the whole mathematical probability thing. Anyone can be rude. Art people have good days and bad days. Still, what gives?"

I will NOT walk into an art gallery!" said a marketing woman who I spoke with about promoting my book. "Why?" I asked? "It's too scary," she said. "I just think those people will make me feel stupid," she added, referring to gallery operators. I felt this woman's concern. After all, it was one of the major reasons why I wrote my book, "Art In King Size Beds: A Collector's Journal."Speaking of my book, during its final galley stages, I sent out an email to all of "my artists" informing them on its progress. I had told everyone earlier about my uphill battle and the publishing restrictions that forced me to make changes to the manuscript. But not to worry, I said. I would be doing a series of these books and everyone would be included in some thematic project or another. Anyway, out of the blue I got an email from one of the artists whose work I absolutely love. Here's what the artist wrote: "Mike, Please take me off your email list. I don't believe you included me in your book and I'm not very interested (in) following its progress. Thanks.

"Well, at least the artist said, "Thanks." I quickly replied and apologized profusely, although I didn't think that I did anything wrong. I misled no one. I explained that I had sent out an earlier email explaining my dilemma and that I would love to reproduce the artist's painting (which I owned) for a future book (with copyright permission, of course) and I asked for a response. I never heard back. I had every intention of buying more of this artist's work, but now it just seems like it would only create more bad blood. I love this person's work, but I'll respect their wishes and also avoid the stress of another terse email encounter.

On another occasion, I was having a nice, yet somewhat odd visit at a contemporary art museum. I was talking with one of the museum administrators. Very tense type of guy. I pulled my credit card out of my wallet, telling him that I would love to become a member and he said, "Oh, something is wrong with our register." "I think our computer system is down." Basically, the guy was being snobbish. Trust me. I've seen this before. "What?" I thought to myself. "Are you kidding me?" He didn't even ask for my information for their mailing list. Exclusive club, I suppose. In retrospect, I'm glad he revealed himself to me in that way. I don't need to be part of anything like that.

During a visit at an art center in New York City, I was looking at some cool exhibits. I walked by one of the administrative offices and spotted a spectacular view of Manhattan through the window.To be honest, it was the best thing I had seen at the center. "What a fantastic view you guys have here," I said, stopping for a second. I'm not kidding ... the women in the office looked at me and turned back around without saying a word. Clearly, they thought I was trying to hit on them, which I wasn't. Looking back, I should've just kept my mouth shut and moved along. Busy people don't just strike up conversations with complete strangers, especially while THEY'RE at work. There's too much pressure to get things done. Did I mention that both ladies (I guess) were wearing the color black? In the artworld, black means, "I'm too slim and sophisticated to talk to you. Please leave my presence.

"The thing that's so jarring about rudeness is that no one expects anyone to be rude to THEM. Everybody sees themselves as nice people. I think that I'm one of the nicest people I know! So when someone is rude, you think, "Why was he so rude to ME?" "Why did she say that to ME?"A rude encounter is like being in the twilight zone for a split second. "No they didn't!" you think to yourself. But you know, it happens. We're all adults. These days, so many people are put upon and the last thing they need is someone wanting something FROM THEM. One thing that I think all consistently rude people have in common ... they've had great disappointment in their lives. But then, who hasn't? They lash out, sometimes without being aware of it. I'm sure I've done this, but I try to keep my own behavior in check. A complete stranger isn't to blame for my problems.

As I'm writing this, I'm thinking about the whole Donald Trump-Rosie O'Donnell public spat. You know what? They were BOTH wrong. Of course, we know it's all about television ratings. Still, here are two educated, well-off people behaving like they haven't had proper upbringing. What really stuns me is that they both have children. No one is asking anyone to be perfect, but whatever happened to setting examples for your kids? I'm NOT saying that Donald and Rosie are bad parents, but we have an entire generation of young people out there who have no concept of good behavior because they haven't learned it from their own parents. That's assuming their parents were even around to raise them.

I guess an argument could be made that I've been rude by not responding to some of my blog comments here on absolutearts.com. Sorry guys. It's all I can do to write these things and make it to work on time everyday. I spend way too much time on computers and not enough time with people. However, I do read your responses and appreciate them (although, yes, some of them are rude). Thank you.

I guess my real point is ... if we're not going to examine rudeness in our society from a human perspective, how about an economic one? Business is STILL business. Some of these arts institutions that are always raising money need to remember that their staffers are their ambassadors. The customer is NOT always right, but they don't deserve rudeness either. No one does. Still, I can forgive rudeness. Because I have tough days myself, I can actually sympathize with other people who are rude. People sometimes deserve not just second chances, but third and fourth chances, too. I would sure like more chances to get things right. However, I must admit, the places that gave me shabby treatment will never see or hear from me again. I can spend my hard earned money someplace else. I really feel sad about saying this because art faces SO many challenges as it is. Thank God for those little old ladies who sit at the front desks of some of the old art museums. They are some of the nicest people I ever meet. I haven't had a bad experience with any of them yet. God forbid. Quite frankly, they're from another time. A time when manners meant something and people said, "Hello" and "Thank you" at the very least. I'm not saying they're perfect. Who is? They just seem to know the value of civility. Good manners can take you practically anywhere. Forget good manners. How about common decency? It doesn't cost a thing. Someone please tell Britney Spears.

I felt somewhat frustrated after talking to the woman who told me that she won't walk into an art gallery. She is really missing out on how art can enrich her life. However, I felt her pain and found myself at a loss for words. Art people are people just like everyone else. They work hard and deserve some slack, but they can also be SO RUDE.

MICHAEL CORBIN IS AN AVID ART COLLECTOR AND AUTHOR OF "ART IN KING SIZE BEDS: A COLLECTOR'S JOURNAL," NOW AVAILABLE ON AUTHORHOUSE.COM

Matthew Beall: In The Studio

IN THE STUDIO: The Beginning
Dec. 15, 2006

What I had in mind was to capture something of what I was feeling and seeing in December in Germany.

It wasn't a typical December in Deutschland in 2006. The feeling was more like late fall with lots of sun.

Fall colors jumped at me.




Dec. 18, 2006

I think I was hoping for snow: A white Xmas. Hence, the white and blues. And still not sure where I'll end up.



















Dec. 23, 2006

A few days before Xmas and no sign of snow. Back to fall colors....
Almost. A few finishing touches.















Dec. 23, 2006

Ah, finished.



















Working Title:
December in Deutschland

Dec. 2006

Acrylic on canvas

70 x 100 cm

Sold to a collector in the USA.

See more of Matthew Beall's ART:

mattbeall.artscene360.com

Some Ways to Get Your Artworks Seen

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.

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

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!

http://mattbeall.artscene360.com

Abstract November

Acrylic on canvas Nov. 2006

80 x 100cm

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.

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 November

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

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

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…”

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

www.raul-govea.ownlog.com

Look for his website on ArtScene360.com coming soon.

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

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.

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?

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.

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.

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/

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MY ART BOOK REJECTION by Michael Corbin

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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.

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.”