Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Monday, December 19, 2011

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.

Saturday, December 17, 2011

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

Monday, December 12, 2011

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.  :)

Friday, December 9, 2011

"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.*

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

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

Sunday, December 4, 2011

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.