How’s the best way to get yourself noticed as an artist?

Use a broad range of styles or one unique style?
Recently, I’ve spent far too many hours wondering how to promote myself. I’ve come to a conclusion my problem is direction. Specifically the lack of it!
I enjoy creating art, and I love to experiment with new things, so the tendency has been to be a “Jack of all trades”. But this leads to confusion amongst the art buying public. Or so I understand from what I’ve read and learned from other sources.
How can you be recognised for a style if your “style” keeps changing? Now, if you put it like that, it all makes sense! Doesn’t it?
Do one thing…
do it lots…
and do it really, really, really well!
Conclusion? I need to focus on the art I’m good at and not worry about repeating myself. well not too much, anyway.
I have a dilemma then! What is “MY style”? Looking back at my work. A style seems to have emerged…
And I think this one sums it up quite nicely.

It’s a piece I created in February but struggled to name. “Head over heels” possibly.  “Stricken to the core” no, it’s about love and stricken isn’t right. “Truly, madly deeply” Hmm, that’s a film isn’t it? “The power of love” – song title,
No wait, it’s 3
this one…
this one…
and this one?
“Emotional support” - I think I’ll go with that for now. Something better might evolve but it’s fine for a working title. Please add a comment if you do have any suggestions.
So, where am I headed with the artwork? Oh, I think one style has to be the way!
You should always do what you know and do it well!

Beating artist’s block – 10 ideas I’ve found helpful

Don’t you just hate it when you don’t know what to paint or draw or create?

I found myself in that situation today and thought I’d remind myself what I could do to reinvigorate my creativity!

1. I keep a sketchbook with me at all times. Jotting down the ideas as soon as they come. If I’m stuck what to do I have a look through it.
2. Playing with different media – using the opportunity to try a new technique can really help spark an ideas.
3. Going for a walk with a sketchbook take time to stop and sketch anything which catches you eye.
4. Looking through books and magazines. I found a really good book on abstracts recently “Painting Abstracts” by Rolina van Vliet and there are loads of exercises to help inspire creativity.
5. Visit a real Art Gallery – seeing another artist’s work can stimulate an idea.
6. Visit art websites and galleries online. Lots of sites such as Painter-online and Empty Easel have online tutorials. You might not wish to reproduce the image they demonstrate but they are a good source of advice and can be inspiring. Even if it’s only I can do better than that! It can be fun to do a subversive version instead.
7. Rip up a magazine or seven and make a collage. Be surreal or funny if you’d like. e.g. Kerry Katona’s head on K9’s body. Oooh I like that idea!
8. Doodle! Make a mark on a large piece of paper and fiddle with it. It helps free up your mind and sometimes you get a great idea for a project.
9. Go out and take photographs. Play with exposure, cropping. Go in close and personal. Focus on details. Look for different angles.
10. I got stuck with artist’s block here!!!!!!!! Then I remembered. Hoik out an old sketchbooks, flick through and pick one page. Then look at it upside down, sideways or squinting. Sketch or trace some or part of an image. Use a limited colour palette and paint the new sketch

In all this, don’t worry about how it will turn out. Look on it as an exercise. Be patient, inspiration will come.

So, which option did I resort to?

4

and here it is.

I’ve called it “Potential” I love brickwork, I might have said so before! I was playing with ideas to create brickwork and this sort of evolved. The signature as the artwork.

Been looking at too much conceptual art methinks!

How to go from sketch to finished painting – Part 6 – chess board pattern

What is it about working in a church that makes me want to sing entirely inappropriate songs?

Like Tom Lehrer, Little shop of Horrors

and, of course, Rocky Horror

What can I say, I’m a bad girl! It’s like telling someone not to think of elephants!

I’ll just wait while you try not to think of elephants…

(nonchalant whistling)

Good! You sorted then? OK, I’ll continue

The painting continues with an area bottom left that now has a chess board like pattern. These are the photos of the masking out and painted board.

 

I started sketching in the figure again but it wasn’t working well so I’m going to tackle it on paper, actual size, and then draw around it.

I’ve just the figure to do now, some twiddling and some splattering.

(So looking forward to the splattering.)

I’ve been seriously frustrated at the time it’s taking to complete. But I think I can see the wood for the trees, finally! Wayhay!

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

How to go from sketch to finished painting?–part 3 –Hand painting circles, the hard way.

Stage 6

The project continues from here and here

There must be easier ways of painting circles! I’m sure! But I’m not using them because…?

Well I’m not sure of that either!

Probably because I don’t have a computer controlled cutter that works. (I have an old one but no software compatible with Windows 7). I need to touch up the circles but there’s progress. Is it me, or does it look like an eye test? You know the which is clearer the red background or the green section! And the white shape reminds me of one of the six badges on brownie uniforms from the 70’s. I was a “Kelpie” – see image below right (Courtesy of ebay sales pages). There was a white one, but I can’t remember the name to search for the image.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I now need to cut masks for the letters. After mulling over the design some more, I’ve decided to work the letters in a trashco font style. Not exactly the same but close enough to get a similar effect. As access tomorrow is and issue, I’ll be working from home. I’ve measured the space and I’ll draw the letters and cut them out using frisket film.

Time to get my hammer and hole punches out. I’ve a feeling tomorrow will be very noisy!

How to promote Art – getting my paintings seen, finally! But Windows 7 file management sucks!

What’s the point of creating art if it just says in a cupboard somewhere gathering dust? It could be out on display – gathering dust! There comes a point in every serious artist’s career when they must address this thorny issue. It’s an issue close to my heart. I stumbled on Art Business.com I like this chap. He talks sense and how could you not be interested in an article which says How Not to Succeed in the Art World? Anyway, I’ve found the articles really interesting and, dare I say it , useful.

The etsy shop is taking shape, I’m trying to get a quantity of work up then I’ll look to promoting a few items. I’m having a real problem with Windows 7 though. I had a great system with my old laptop linked to a remote storage facility and the Operating system was Windows NT which worked really well. The file management program in Windows7 is excruciatingly, painfully SLOW. I’m talking 5-10 minute per file open slow. The older “slower” machine took seconds. I want my old laptop back :0(

I’ve been focussing more on the blogging to try and make my site more interesting. Hopefully that’s working.

Anyway, I’m pushing the boundaries and little by little chinks are appearing.

Tuesday sees the formal opening of the Stowe Exhibition. I will have the following three painting on show

…“Reveal”

… “He became sin for us”

and “Praia do Castelejo”

There will also be the launch for the Buckingham Art Trail at this same event. I’ve nothing in this 6 week block but I had a piece in the Art trail pilot. And I’ve a few pieces which have been proposed for the next block starting in May.

Online, my art has also been featured on the Deep Time Threshold Art Movement site known as DTTAM for short. A little bit more exposure, always a good thing! It’s a new movement based in New York. We’ll see how it develops shall we?

I think I’d better create some more art now!

Art headlines – what’s in a painting’s title?

Think of Damian Hirst’s “For the love of God” the image may or may not come to mind of a skull studded with diamonds. Whatever you might think the artwork itself, the name provokes thought. I can’t claim to be a Damian Hirst fan myself but you have to admire his promotional skills. That art courts controversy is nothing new, but it’s that very controversy which catapults such artists into the media limelight, rightly or wrongly. Would it have evoked the same reaction had it been called “Diamond skull” or (my personal favourite) “Glitterball”? Quite possibly, but I think the nuances would have been very different. One suggests laziness whilst the other a crass indifference to death and mortality. It’s mocking in it’s implication. This is one piece where the title makes it an artwork, as well as voicing the thoughts of many who view it for the first time.

I’m not going to go into a debate about the value of these types of art at the moment – another day perhaps. Suffice it to say I am more concerned by someone buying this artwork than I am by the fact it was ever made. I question whether it’s really an original concept – I remember seeing gold skulls with emerald eyes as keyrings as a child and many other similar trinkets. But…another day!

Until recently I never bothered with titles but I’m increasingly seeing there importance. It’s hard with some pictures to come up with more than the visually obvious e.g. “Buckingham Old Gaol” It’s functional, it says what it is on the tin! Others evoke nostalgic memories “Ewan on a swing” or “Party balloons” But supposing I’d called them “Striving for the unobtainable” and “Essence of life”? Those titles make you think! Probably that I’ve finally lost the plot and I’m living in cloud cuckoo land, but THEY MAKE YOU THINK! Maybe that’s what defines a work of art from a painting? Help, I think I might be learning to appreciate Damian Hirst’s art?

Naaa, it’ll take more than that to convince me!

So, I will leave you with a semi abstract piece.

The real question is, what will be the title? “Naked Woman standing and stretching” or “Vulnerability?” I know what I think, but let’s leave it in the air for now!

Sketches of Buckingham in the sun – suffering for art?

Sometimes I think I’m a bit “schizophrenic” when it comes to my artwork. (Although, to be precise, that should be a multiple personality disorder rather than schizophrenia – 3 years of Occupational therapy training wasn’t completely wasted! ) By which I mean I have warring urges relating to the type of artistic direction I wish to pursue. I started this blog to promote caricatures – lets call that “Style 1”. I always had the intention of portraiture alongside the caricatures, so we have “Style 2”. Then I started doing landscapes – “Style 3” and still life work “style 4”. Then, I discovered a style of abstract art that suited me, “Style 5” emerged! Finally I enrolled on a life drawing class which led to “Style 6”. Sometimes I desire to work in a realistic style, but it all seems to have been done before. I’m not an artist who enjoys reinventing the wheel! But then I think “I know I can do the realistic work, what’s wrong with that?”.
So it was, last night I was painting abstracts and this morning I found myself sitting under a leafless beech tree. ( I feel I ought to  stress that beech nutshells are NOT comfy to sit on.) My fingers turning a little blue with the cold (NB sunshine does not always equal warmth) sketching one of Buckingham’s historic buildings – I think it’s an old coaching house but I need to investigate further. My result is fine. Better than my shaky sketches of people on the train yesterday, which, in places, resembled seismic readings more than drawings. I now have a dilemma! Abstract or sketch, what is it to be?

A…

…n Abstract (sorry to any Lynn Truss fans out there, your inner pedant must be screaming!)

I think I’m going to call this one “Points of View” I was thinking about perspective and constraints on growth as I was constructing this.

Semi-abstract painting of a woman in a dynamic post

I’ve been deliberating what to do recently. The dreaded artist’s block creeping in I fear! I’m pondering using some of my life drawing sketches as a basis for some abstracts, a bit like this one which is called “Woman” I know really original and profound. I was hoping to link to a previous post here! The painting was completed some months back and I thought I’d posted it. However, I can’t find it on previous posts, so I’m assuming I’m mistaken. My apologies if I did.

The pose itself was an interesting one, not just from a visual aspect but also from the fact the instruction was  “imagine you were in a scene from the Hitchcock movie “The Birds” “. If you think that’s odd, the previous pose was to “imagine you were using a sword to severe your links with God”. I wonder about the tutor sometimes! I also used a syringe to apply the masking fluid. It’s not a precise method of fluid application but it certainly has an interesting effect. The browns do make her looked very tanned and the blue green background just serves to emphasise her skin tones.

Pink meets purple – the battle of the circles.

After yesterday’s mega productiveness I’ve really struggled to do any art today. Partly due to getting to bed last night and being really tired but mostly due to allowing myself to be distracted by trivia…fatal! I managed a sketch while on my way back from town – only had a short time so it isn’t finished. Otherwise nothing.

I shall therefore upload this image which was finished yesterday. Still not title for yesterday’s but I might call this “Communication” and I haven’t re-photographed either of them yet, so blurriness prevails. Having said that this is better than yesterday’s.

New abstract painting or is it an eye test?

Sometimes when I start these posts I’ve no idea what to say. It seems there are only so many times you can talk about artwork before you end up repeating yourself. This is one of those occasions.

Today was very productive. I completed 2 abstract pictures before I worked on my canvas abstract. I’m beginning to build up some texture now so it’s looking less like an image from a geometry text book and more like a work of art. I’ve also been doing some figure and facial sketches which are pretty so-so. Therefore, I’ve decided to post an abstract – this image is a bit fuzzy so I’ll redo it tomorrow when I get some daylight.

As yet I have no title but I was intrigued to note that, in my attempt to sharpen the image, the focus moves from left to right as I adjust the settings. So I think I’ve invented my own stereoscopic focusing test! Talking of which my eyes feel funny…

Orange lily painting.

It’s been a funny old day today. This morning I had a real problems with a creative block – no ideas were forthcoming at all. So, I decided to take a shower and inspiration finally set in. I’ve been busy painting this afternoon but this is the only “finished” piece I have. I’m not quite sure whether it’s finished yet. There’s something niggling but I can’t decide what it is yet.

I’ve also been jotting down some other ideas for pictures whilst they were in my mind. I find it helps with days when the old “Artist’s block” sets in! Although it didn’t help today.

Photographing paintings workshop.

I’ve spent most of today fiddling with websites and domestic chores. Worked a little on a canvas work I started last week, but not a lot of artwork created.

In spite of this I’ve had a good day. This evening was a BAFA meeting about photographing your work. VERY useful! I’ve learnt a few tricks and more about my camera and image editing software. Now to put them into practice.

However, I have a picture for you – another abstract. This one’s called Expanding universe.

Core values – a circle based abstract in blue, red and silver

I’ve been nursing 3 sick children today, but still managed to do the odd sketchy thing and even play with the acrylics. I emphasise the play, it’s not a piece I think has any artistic merits.

So, in the time honoured Blue Peter tradition, “Here’s one I did earlier”

This one’s a bit metaphysical it’s called “Core values”. The circles are layers of our personality,  the spikes representing parts of our character which penetrate our very being, transcending the layers of daily routine behaviours and thoughts becoming more complex as we reach our ‘centre’. The blue and red colours reflecting competing desire of passion and calmness. I know, far too deep for a blog about cartooning. What can I say, I’m evolving?!?!?!??

I’m now going to ruin it all by saying I keep thinking of ice cream when I look at this! The red reminds me of raspberry ripple!

Yellow Daffodils in the abstract form

Ever have one of those days when things seem promising, but in the end are a disappointment. Well, that sums up my artwork for the day. The picture I did yesterday hasn’t turned out as well as I’d like so I’ve tried working some pastels into it. It’s definitely better but there’s still no Wow factor yet. I’m going to post it and then leave it for a while, see if I’m inspired. This was supposed to be a lovely bunch of abstracted daffodils in a vase. Lovely isn’t quite the word I’m using yet, but we might get there!

I’ve played with pastels today, working on 2 pictures. One portrait of Siobhan, that’s going well but is going to be slow, she can’t sit for as long as I’d like, but it’s looking good! The other, of the daffodils again, is not going at all well!

Falling – acrylic painting and looking for inspiration

I seem to have Artist’s block again. I’ve finally got the time to paint, all the materials I need – but don’t know what to start! I should go back to the “street skater” and I fancy doing so relief work in acrylic. I need to sort out a studio easel as my current one's are too wimpy for the task. One’s a table top style and the other’s a field easel. Fine for small work but nothing bigger that 20”. They keep moving when apply pressure any harder than a butterfly’s wing! Or the pictures bounce off when I paint too vigorously.

I spent some time on the “street skater” and some body poses for caricatures. This is the other abstract I finished yesterday. Another blue and silver creation. There might be a few circles in there. ;-)

Abstract cross painting more mixed media

A better day today, at least I’ve some pictures to post. Today’s painting is another abstract cross design. I felt like mixing up the colours today a bit of green here, brown there, some splashes of blue and a heavy dose of orange to give it some kick. There might even be a hint of gold – I love acrylic inks. All set against a contemporary watercolour background. This blog is definitely sounding more and more like a catalogue. I can’t decide whether that’s because I’ve been writing too many shop descriptions for the website shop or just because I’m trying to talk more about the art.

I met up with another vendor for the art trail and then did some sketching at the Garden centre coffee shop – I was waiting for a friend.

I sill have the evening, so we’ll see what I create tonight!

Geometric artwork. It’s abstract but it looks like I painted a darts board!

Yesterdays painting went well and I have this lovely abstract as a result – I removed the masking today and managed to rip the paper only once. Unusual for a complicated picture and, knowing how I tend to rush,the trick is not to remove the masking before the paint is dry. You also get lovely coloured fingers – green and brown with a slight iridescent effect in this case! So Voila, my abstract…

 

The trouble is, now all I can see is a darts board, whichever way I look at it. Is it a good thing? Hmm! not sure, probably yes although I’m not a darts fan… anymore. OK, I admit to chucking the odd few dozen darts as a teenager – far too close to my Mum’s piano for her liking! No longer, I have cast off this pointy activity in a pointed way! Maybe I should view it as an attempt at self hypnosis, although, if that were to succeed, how would I bring myself around? I’m off target now –hah just realised the pun there! Unintentional, I assure you.

Now, what should I paint next? A caricature, portrait or return to that streetskater?

Having a distinctly blue/green day today!

Well I’ve had a lovely day today. Lots of painting done. This one is called “Points of focus” more lovely circles –I’m a bit circle obsessed – expanding outwards from their origins. I had to resist doing everything blue/green as I feel I might be getting in a bit of a rut with my colour choices. It’s a shame the iridescent colours don’t show up when I photograph these.

The BAFA meeting was interesting but not a practical,not as much fun as a result and we finished early.

Abstract art Circles in blue and pink!

Finally, a day to myself. All children at school, lovely!

This watercolour and ink painting was started a few weeks ago. I wanted an abstract based on circles radiating from a central point so this was the result – without the radiating network patterns, but it looked unstructured and thrown together. I wasn’t happy, so I left it. I felt it needed something to tie it all together but it was only today that I decided what it should be. I like it now!

I’ve spent far too long trying to sort out picture records and sales buttons on the website. I’m rapidly coming to the conclusion I may have to buy something! I’ve spoken to a friend who’s worked in IT and he’s come up with a few suggestions for me to check out and I think I’ve found the answer. I’m even going to look at ebay selling, just need to work out the best times to upload the information, oh and prices.

I’ve also been cramming on website optimisation for artists on Google. I had a very long chat to someone trying to sell me website optimisation services, all very well but they don’t come up on the first page on the google search! Hmmm! Maybe I should try something else…

Limpet no more!

Oh Happy Day!!! Ewan is feeling much better today so I was not required to cuddle him CONSTANTLY as yesterday. Which meant I was able to do some work. Correction, work I’m happy with…

So today I did some painting – the commission is looking good. Abstract finished. Sketching done when waiting for the other 2 at the school and the bus stop.

So here’s my abstract.

I’m thinking of “Focus” for a title or maybe “Origins of life”. The last title just came to me.

I’m off to celebrate 21 years of married life with Andrew. There will be wine involved! I might not get much done tomorrow, we’ll see shall we?