Starting off the New Year!

Happy New Year 2012 to everyone!

I'm thrilled to be entering my first show this month at the Ocean County Artists Guild!  The show/opening is Sunday, Jan 8., from 1pm to 4 pm.  I will be showing Red Rose 1.

I've been reading and learning quite a bit lately, and hope to benefit from what I've learned.

I've also been reminded of how shy and awkward I can be sometimes when conversing with people I'm unfamiliar with.  This opening could be funny (in a fun way, I hope).

As I was bringing my acrylic painting in to enter it into the show, I saw some others bring in some very nice pieces.  Just from the watercolor paintings I saw, I might want to bring a bit of spending money myself!  I'd love to see you all there!

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.