Another rose on the way!  Here's the middle of it:

Is Buying an "Original" Worth it?

Is buying an original work of art really worth it?  I would say it is, certainly.  Like paying to hear a great concert piece played live has a certain appeal over listening to the recording, so does paying for original artwork. You can't resell your concert experience for profit like you can with art, though.  Just a little detail there.

I've seen some fascinating pictures of art online and as prints or posters.  On the occasions when I've seen the original work in person, it could be dazzling. There are some effects that can only be seen if one is looking at the original work.  This is not to say that reproductions are lame-- after all, music recordings are bought with enthusiasm.  The original piece has it all, though, and it hangs on your walls much longer than a concert rings in your ears.

A couple more minor details to add, but it's finally pretty much finished. 

Finally making some good progress on the bottom leaf.  I'm feeling much better now.
When this is done, I will likely be doing another rose. 
I would write more, but I'm pretty tired.  Good night.  :)

"Are you just in it for the money?"

"Are you just in it for the money?"
Say What??

I've gotten this question a couple of times recently (and several times in the past) in reference to my artwork, so it's my guess that I'll continue to be asked this periodically.  I should probably address it.

This question is a little odd for several reasons, but I'll only address the reasons that really stick out to me as particularly obvious.  The main points will be bold and underlined.

1.  This question is often asked in the same conversation in which it has been said (usually by the same person) that making any money in art is really difficult.  What sometimes happens is that this person makes statements like,"there's no actual money in art," and,"paintings aren't really worth anything until the artist dies."  Sometime later in the discussion, the same person says with a mildly disgusted or accusatory tone of voice,"are you just in it for the money?"   What money?  According to you, there's really no money in it until I'm dead, so what are you accusing me of, exactly?  Which brings me to #2:

2.  You're accusing me of wanting to make some money?  In this economy???  What's your profession? Oh, you're a car salesman, that's neat.  You're pretty good at it, you say?  Maybe you should quit your job and just do it for the joy of it, since it's something you're good at and that you enjoy.  After all, you don't seem to really approve of people getting paid for doing a job they love to do.

3.  Paintings are not sandwiches.  Being an artist is not to be looked at as being a soup kitchen volunteer (not looking down on volunteers. I've been a volunteer and I hope to be one again many times in the future).  Making original works of art for homes and offices is not volunteer work, or a "calling" that I should be expected to do for free. When I choose to do something for free, that's fine; call it a donation or a gift or volunteer service when I do it for free.  However, being an artist is an actual profession, and my work does normally carry a price tag.  Architects design buildings, real estate agents sell buildings, and artists/designers design some of the things that go inside those buildings.

That about sums up what I think about that question when it is asked with *that tone.*

Here's what I'm working on right now.  Still needs a good bit of work.

Fall leaves 2 has beat me up a bit, but I think it'll be ok.  It's starting to come together after staying up late last night working on it.  That's a relief, since it was looking a bit sad yesterday afternoon.
   I still need to get together with a friend of mine to see if her camera is capable of photographs that are adequate for reproductions. Once that's able to happen, prints can be made available.  That will be great.
   Yesterday was the Ocean County Artist Guild's members' show.  There was some very nice art there.  I was tempted to buy one or two paintings, but had to resist this time.  Some people ask,"Why buy art when you can make it yourself?"  I guess my answer can be explained by most moms who are constantly cooking or otherwise preparing food.  She likely enjoys food that is cooked by someone else.  It's kind of the same thing with me; I work pretty intensely on my paintings, and I enjoy artwork that is not necessarily my own.  I like mine too, sure, but it's refreshing to see someone else's art.

I'm working again on "Fall Leaves 2" now.  Here's the start of one of the leaves.  Yes it looks rough, but you should have seen how "Red Rose 1" looked in the beginning stages!

Back From Trip and Back to Work

We returned last night after a 5-day trip to Puerto Rico.  That place sure can inspire an aspiring artist. The movies don't exaggerate; the water is amazing.  Its clarity was such a refreshing change from the brackish New Jersey surf. 
  San Juan has pelicans like we have seagulls.  I think I actually prefer the seagulls.  I find them cuter and less intimidating.
   After getting the house straightened up, I plan to work on "Fall Leaves 2."  I'm having some difficulty rallying my confidence with this one.  It's the same dimensions as "Red Rose 1," but vertical.  I'm satisfied with the background (which is unusual for me), but my courage is faltering with the actual subject matter.  I think it'll be ok once I really start playing around in the paint.  ;)

Today, I visited the Ocean County Artists' Guild with my wonderful hubby and kids.  This week, the guild is hosting a few things that caught my eye.  Theresa Heidel's work is there, and it is lovely.  It looks like she does mostly watercolor, and she does it very well. I'd like to meet her sometime, and perhaps buy one of her originals. It would be neat to get this one later, if I can.

Got the background pretty much finished for the next one.  The kiddos are sick, so I probably won't have time to work on it today.

Here's an acrylic painting I've just recently finished.  This one did take me awhile, simply because of the limited time I had per day for working on it and because of the 1 or 2 week break I took before I finished.

Red Rose 1

After making some adjustments to the painting since yesterday, I think I'm pretty much finished with "Fall Leaves 1."    Here's a close-up:

 

 There are a few details that may still need some attention, but it's done overall.

It's interesting trying to fit the time for painting into my schedule.  I work on these in little bits and pieces around the demands of raising 2 young children.  It's a challenge when our 14-month-old takes a special interest in my materials.  This afternoon, she took off with one of my sponges.

Note to self:  Have everything put away while she's around.  You would think this would be common sense, but I've been known to lapse a little in the common sense department from time to time.  ;)

Opening Post!

Hi everyone!  I'm excited to be starting my first art blog! Please bear with any changes, since I'm still figuring this out.  I will be posting some random stuff along with my own artwork from time to time, so do drop by again!  :)

For starters, here is an oil pastel painting I'm working on right now:

I hope to see you again soon!