Da Vinci, Van Gogh, and Picasso : Some Interesting Facts

Posted on January 25, 2012 by

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Lesser Known Facts About the World’s Greatest Artists.

When you think of art, many people think “Mona Lisa,” “Sistine Chapel,” “The Scream,” and other famous examples of artwork, but sometimes an artist’s life can be just as interesting as their paintings.

Did you know, for example, that Michelangelo absolutely hated painting? He claimed that painting was a waste of time compared with sculpture, and had to be harassed by Pope Julius II to paint the Sistine Chapel ceiling, which became one of the world’s most famous paintings. Not a bad “waste of time.” Want to learn more interesting facts? Read on…

Pablo Picasso
Pablo Picasso, one of the fathers of Cubism actually has a slightly longer name. Twenty-three words long, to be precise! When he was born, the midwife believed him to be stillborn, and left him to tend to his mother. Fortunately, Picasso’s uncle blew cigar smoke into his face, causing him to scream and take his first breaths.

Picasso’s father was an artist, who taught him to paint throughout his childhood. Thanks to his father’s artistic influence, Pablo Picasso’s first word was “pencil,” but in Spanish, obviously. By the time Picasso had turned 13, his father had become so impressed by his artistic skill that he vowed to never paint again, as his son had surpassed him.

Pablo Picasso died on 8 April 1973, whilst hosting a dinner party, with the last words “Drink to me, drink to my health, you know I can’t drink anymore”.

Leonardo Da Vinci
Perhaps the most famous artist to have picked up a paintbrush, Leonardo Da Vinci’s talents were not limited to painting. He was an incredible scientist, mathematician, engineer, and much, much more. Da Vinci can be credited with some kind of involvement in a number of inventions, such as the parachute, canals, musical instruments, cannons, tanks, even the helicopter!

Da Vinci’s most famous work, however, is the world’s most famous painting, the Mona Lisa. As an absolute perfectionist, it took Da Vinci around 15 years to complete the painting, spending 10 years on the mouth alone! In fact, Da Vinci’s perfectionism was so serious that it was rare for him to complete a piece of work, often destroying them before they were finished, rather than produce something that wasn’t impeccable.

Da Vinci’s combination of perfectionism and hunger for knowledge would often lead him to enter graveyards at night, and steal corpses to get the most accurate model with which he could study, the human body. Strangely, for the period in which he lived, Leonardo Da Vinci was vegetarian, and refused to eat meat out of respect for animals. For the same reason, he would regularly purchase caged birds and release them.

Vincent Van Gogh
Unlike Da Vinci, Vincent Van Gogh completed his paintings very quickly, producing the majority of his most celebrated work in the last three years of his life, and creating over 900 paintings in the space of 10 years. In 1886, Van Gogh left the Netherlands to join his brother, Theo, in Paris. Whilst there, he met Monet, Pissarro, and Gauguin, all of whom began to influence his artwork.

In 1888 Van Gogh decided to leave Paris, and set up an Art school in Arles. He invited his friends to join him, and of the three, Gauguin obliged. However, Gauguin shortly decided to leave, and was chased down by Van Gogh with a razor. The resulting argument led to Van Gogh using the razor to cut his own ear. Despite what many believe, he didn’t actually cut off his whole ear, just a portion of the ear lobe.

Van Gogh suffered from a multitude of mental disorders, and shortly after cutting his ear, he was treated in an asylum. He left the asylum in the summer of 1890, and shot himself two months after leaving. He died two days later, aged 37, having sold just one painting in his life. Van Gogh’s brother, Theo, died 6 months later and was buried alongside him. Theo’s widow found Van Gogh’s paintings, which had received no appreciation during his life, and dedicated her life to making sure his artwork gained recognition.

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So You Want To Start Playing A Keyboard?

Posted on January 20, 2012 by

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Oh, I remember my first keyboard. How many years ago, was that? Well, I started with the piano when I was three years old. Probably earlier, but I can’t remember back that far! It was expected that we, as a musical family, play the piano. But, keyboards? Oh, that was a wonderful invention, allowing me to have my own “piano” in my room and listen to it with my headphones. Ok, I know I sound like an old fart, but “way back then” that was really something!

Soon after that first Casio keyboard, I wanted to add to my collection with more cheap electronic keyboards. Part of the reason was my love for sampling (which was brand new at that time) and finding a little Yamaha keyboard that had a sampler, then finding an article in Electronic Musician Magazine on how to take it apart and MIDI-fy it! I mean, I couldn’t do that with my *expensive* Casio, could I?

Many years have passed since then, I have progressed to the love of my keyboard life, the Yamaha S90ES! I will save my accolades of my beauty for another post, and get back to my point here. As advice coming from someone who has been around the block at least a couple times, with various keyboards (and other instruments), if you are just starting out and looking for a keyboard to see if you like it, try looking up cheap music keyboards to try your hand at it. That way, if you decide that the ivories (ok, plastic), are not your “cup of tea,” you still have money left over to purchase another instrument!

Also, while you are visiting Become.com, check out the xr650-cw mids jl audio car 6.5″ midrange mid bass speakers for your car. I mean, hey, all that money you are saving, you can beef up the car that will take you to the next gig. Right?

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Christopher Clark : Painter of Memories

Posted on January 18, 2012 by


christopherclark_remembering "Painter of Memories" is an apt description for the art of Christopher Clark. His art brings emotion and feeling to life. One can feel the breeze when viewing his image, here. One can taste the sand, and feel the warmth of the sun. This is talent, my friends, to be able to interpret the event, memory, in a way that allows the viewer to experience it... even when it is not their memory that inspired the original painting. Come, learn about Mr. Clark, and his talent and thoughts on his own art and the art world, as it relates to the community.

When did you first decide that you wanted to be an artist?
I've been an artist as long as I can remember, from when I was very little. I remember watching Bob Ross on public access TV (the painter with the big affro who painted "happy little trees") and mimicking him with crayons and paper. I've had an affinity with art literally my entire life (33 years at this point), and for much of that I've had the aspirations to do it as my main career. Even at my current "day job," I'm a successful digital graphic artist and interactive media developer, though I made the ultimate decision to become a full-time fine artist December of 2010 and ever since have been ravenously striving to make that a reality.

What was your first art creation?
Probably some crap crayon drawing as a toddler, who knows :) Actually my mom would know, and she probably still has it, I should ask her.

christopherclark_thelong-road What was your first memorable art piece?
I did a portrait of a dear friend of mine who was, at the time, my teacher of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, which I studied for about four years. It's a graphite portrait of him holding his newborn daughter. This was featured in an art show at the Huntington Beach Art Center, in 2005. Click Here to see some of my earlier work. Feel free to have a look around.

Please describe "A Day in the Life of Christopher Clark, Artist Extraordinaire."
My current daily routine involves a 50 hour work week as a graphic designer and all the fabulous accoutrements and boredom of "Corporate America," as I'm not yet a full-time fine artist. Much of my art is created late at night or on weekends. I'm so obsessed with creating art that I built a small pochade box (a portable art studio that holds wet canvases) and I paint little 8x10" paintings on my lunch breaks at work. Due to this accessibility, I've introduced myself to the endearing new phenomenon of "Daily Painting."

What do you do with your art?
I sell my art exclusively, direct to my clients, whether it's at my website, www.ChristopherClark.com, my Etsy store, or through personal interaction and word of mouth. I somewhat disapprove of the high-end art gallery industry, as I think it turns art into a luxury commodity rather than a beauty that all people can enjoy. With gallery commissions of 50% and, absurdly, sometimes higher, this effectively doubles what an artist has to charge for his work to receive the same compensation. A chord is struck in me with the words of the rogue graffiti artist Banksy: "When you go to an art gallery you are simply a tourist looking at the trophy cabinet of a few millionaires." I sell direct to my clients because I set the price, and I do my best to make my art accessible to regular folks.


I take a person's favorite idea or concept or memory or event and turn it into a real tangible thing that they can see with their own eyes. That's where I got the self-coined term "Painter of Memories." There are always paintings I do just to add to my general inventory of available work.


What are your plans in the future?
My plans are simple: Paint enough to pay all the bills with some extra (i.e. not a "starving artist" or a "part-time bartender"). I'm working on a few commission paintings for some clients/friends, and I'm often told later, by my clients, that my painting is like a living memory they can relive over and over again. Quite touching, actually. I take a person's favorite idea or concept or memory or event and turn it into a real tangible thing that they can see with their own eyes. That's where I got the self-coined term "Painter of Memories." There are always paintings I do just to add to my general inventory of available work.

I very often film myself painting and make them into timelapse videos, which are posted on my YouTube channel.

christopherclark_profile In Mr. Clark's own words, from his website, "I love capturing the drama of an everyday moment that could have happened down the street from my house, or on the shore of a vast foreign continent. I try to make each one of my works a living memory to share with others. Pouring these stories into a single painting is both exhilarating and heartbreaking. But I guess that’s what happens when you open yourself up to the world."
Connecting with Christopher Clark.
Artist Website :www.ChristopherClark.com
Etsy :etsy.com/shop/ChristopherClarkArt
Facebook Page :facebook.com/ChristopherClarkArt
Twitter :twitter.com/chrisclarkart
YouTube :youtube.com/christopherclarkart
Flickr :flickr.com/christopherclarkart

Are you an artist who would like to be featured? Contact me!

Until next time.
hugs,
Deborah
P.S. Have you hugged 5 times today?

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Valentine’s Day Gift : Wine Baskets

Posted on January 14, 2012 by

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Hey, did you notice that Valentine’s Day is just around the corner? Looking for a thoughtful gift for the couple you love (or yourself!)? How about a Wine Basket!

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Brought To By Wine.com, Purveyors of Fine Wine and Champagne

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Dave DeVries : Monster Engine

Posted on January 11, 2012 by


davedevries_supergirl I have to admit... Ready for it? I wasn't originally drawn to cartoons of monsters and monster comics. I mean, I didn't even watch Monsters, Inc.! But, looking at Mr. DeVries' art is so fun. And, when you see the process and purpose behind it, it makes it all the more meaningful. Read with me, in Mr. Devries' own words, in the interview below.

When did you first decide that you wanted to be an artist?
I knew at two key points in my life:

The first happened at age six. My brother, an artist himself at the time, who has since gone on to be a writer, locked me in his room and wouldn't let me out until I drew a picture from a photo. Up until then, I drew like any other kid and didn't really consider myself an artist. I protested, a lot, but my brother, nine years my senior, wouldn't let me leave. I was forced to draw members of the '72 NY Knicks (one of which went on to be an US senator) and by the time I was done my world view had changed drastically. I walked out of that locked room and knew I was an artist.

Then, suddenly, around 5th grade I didn't want to be an artist. At the time, I saw in my dad a growing disappointment with my brothers. The two oldest were not going to college (they eventually did go, and graduated). As a result, I wanted to make my dad happy, so told him I wanted to be a doctor. It wasn't a hard sell for me. I had, in the past, demonstrated a morbid interest in my own gore--stitches, I believe, from a bike accident.

Flash forward to 6th grade for my second epiphany. I had shown some drawings to a very gifted peer in my class who dismissively responded, "You call yourself an artist?" I was severely and quietly broken and stopped drawing altogether for about a year. However, in 7th grade, Aquaman came to my rescue. I had copied a Jim Aparo Aquaman cover. Suddenly, I was back on track. I knew the high pay and easy hours of a comic book artist were mine to grasp... ahem. The really sad thing was that I had to tell my dad I was picking a life that his engineering mind could not compute. I chose a restaurant to tell him... Let's just say he wasn't happy and that I chose wisely to air my intentions in a public place.

I started six months after college. I did, of all things, an Aquaman cover for DC in 1989 on spec. No contract just a shot at fame. ; )

What was your first art creation?
I have no idea. I just remember drawing The Flash a lot, inspired by the Filmation animated DC Comics shows from the 60's.

My first artwork was probably drawn with crayon or pencil. I didn't learn to paint till I was almost out of college. I was simply terrified of painting.

davedevries_sketch What was your first memorable art piece?
It was those Knicks drawings. I did a few presidential portraits that garnered a "My little artist" from my first grade teacher, Mrs Blake. That was memorable because it was the first recognition outside my family.

Please describe "A Day in the Life of Dave DeVries, Artist Extraordinaire."
Lately, about three days per week, I put my kid to be at night and then go directly to bed as well, around 10 pm or later. Then, I wake up about 3am and work on my illustration work till 8am. Then, I get my kid up and off to school. After that, I go to my steady day job working 3 days per week in an Arts Access program for the disabled, people with Cerebral Palsy, at Matheny Medical and Educational Center. I have two days off and on those days I wake up and get working till 5 pm when my kid comes home. I do work on weekends but try to do that at night. It doesn't always work out, as physically I can't always wake up. I found that every other day is best for the 3 am wake-ups.

I don't create art every day. Usually, and this has been from early on in my life, I create an image when motivated by an assignment, either one I create for myself or one from a client.

What do you do with your art?
I entered one contest. It was one similar to my Monster Engine project at Worth 1000. I had to enter that one! The painting was done already. Usually I cannot enter a contest because I do not have time.

My commercial work is all digital, Photoshop paintings, so I don't sell those, obviously. The one exception is a comic book character as I get to keep the painting and there is an aftermarket for that type of image. The Monster Engine work is all traditional and I do gallery shows with them. I just did a charity as well, which you can see here.


I have to admit... Ready for it? I wasn't originally drawn to art and cartoons of monsters. I mean, I didn't even watch Monsters, Inc.! But, looking at Mr. DeVries' art is so fun. And, when you see the process and purpose behind it, it makes it all the more meaningful. Read with me, in mr. Devries' own words, in his interview.


What are your plans in the future?
I am working on a graphic novel about The Monster Engine with no visible release date.

We are currently working on an application for all devices that will enable anyone to "Monster Engine-ize" their children's artwork, plus a possible Monster Engine app just for the fans. We hope to have this out some time in the Spring of 2012. We are also in the preliminary stages of deciding on a possible documentary or TV series/movie based on The Monster Engine. I am doing concept art work for Activision with a June release date, which is all that I'm allowed to say due to NDAs. Additionally, I am creating art for ad agencies and, of course, teaching at The Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan.

To contact Dave DeVries, please contact his publicist denise@writebrainmedia.com | Twitter: @WriteBrainMedia | FB Fan Page: Facebook.com/WriteBrainMedia

davedevries_profile In Mr. DeVries's own words, from his website, "I’ve loved art from the time I was a little kid-- especially comic books. When I got older, I actually got a chance to draw my childhood heroes--and get paid to boot. It was a dream come true...I also painted monsters for Universal Studios, but those monsters weren’t as cool as the ones I saw lurking in my niece’s sketches. It was then, at age 33, that I decided to take all the lessons about color, action and detail and apply them to little kid’s drawings. It made me remember my childhood and also realize that no matter how old I became I could always see things like a child."
Connecting with Dave DeVries.
Artist Website :www.themonsterengine.com
Facebook Page :facebook.com/TheMonsterEngine.DaveDeVries
Twitter :twitter.com/DaMonsterEngine

Are you an artist who would like to be featured? Contact me!

Until next time.
hugs,
Deborah
P.S. Have you hugged 5 times today?

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Sheryl Brown : Healing Art

Posted on January 4, 2012 by


sherylbrown_psychedelicsunshine I think you all know that I love color. I mean I really, really love color. I love all kinds of color, whether it is bright colors, earth tone colors, or pastel colors. I am particularly drawn to the way that Sheryl Brown uses the pastel colors in her abstract fine art masterpieces. There is a real healing effect that Ms. Brown's art has on the soul. Oh, she is not alone in this talent, but her gift with the use of color has touched my soul and I'm sure that it will touch yours, as well. Come, let's take a peek into the world of Sheryl Brown, in her own words...

When did you first decide that you wanted to be an artist?
When I was in grade 2, age 7, I remember having drawn some flames with a simple pencil sketch (and did I color them? I'm not sure..!), and thinking it came out so lifelike that "I must be an artist..!" I've always been in love with color.

What was your first art creation?
One of my earliest memories of decorating with paint was taking the pot of leftover paint in the garage and using a stick to apply it to my tricycle. I had to have been age 5 or younger then. I was already a color collector - I would pick the colored glass out of the stucco on the house. I also scratched my name into the TV. LOL!

When I was about 6, I took it upon myself to add some color to a story book I had, using some new water color paints I had just received.

My first oil painting (done in high school) is very simplistic and resides somewhere in the garage. My first oil painting of note was painted right after high school. It's called, "Two Lonesome Trees," and was painted from a calendar picture of a snowy sunrise. It's available on my website. Click Here to view the painting.

My first piece of art to be professionally, digitally scanned, and reproduced as a giclee reproduction, was in 2008 and is named "Cloud Dance," a 16x20" acrylic on canvas. I now have 77 images available, ranging in size from 4x4 to 24x36, on paper or canvas.

sherylbrown_peacefulmountain What was your first memorable art piece?
In grade 1, I seem to recall there was a particular kitchen drawer reserved for my art and writing papers that came home from school.

In my early high school years, three different teachers in three different years, used my art. In one case it was for a school newsletter and in the other two cases, a poster.

Please describe "A Day in the Life of Sheryl Brown, Artist Extraordinaire."
My process is greatly facilitated by a block of time with no appointments, better a whole day, with lots of natural light, usually when I'm at home. I wouldn't mind if this worked out daily, but it can be some days in a row, or days separated by weeks. I randomly sit down with paints and start playing around. Sometimes, I squeeze paint directly from the tube to the canvas. Sometimes, I paint with fine lines, dabbing the paint straight from the tube onto my paintbrush.

Sometimes a few specific colors draw my attention. For example, a previous painting presents itself with a new twist, or I just have an idea. Very often, the idea I start with is just a catalyst, and what I end up with is far down another path than I started. A few times, my intention materialized close to how I imagined it. (Eg, "Cloud Dance," "Chakra Dance," "Chakra Mountain," "Ring of Light") I am truly very random abstract, but ironically, I am at my most concrete when I have a paintbrush and tubes of paint in my hands. I often finish an 8x10" or several in a sitting. Some of the larger ones will spread out over months.

The last couple of years I have participated in several of our local art walks, where businesses offer to host an artist for the evening.

I did respond to one online contest a year or so ago. The prize was a trip to NYC with use of art studios and some media connections.

What do you do with your art?
My own art is plastered all over my walls. Every now and then, I take a new batch of paintings to my professional giclee print maker to have them professionally digitally scanned, ready to be reproduced as Fine Art Giclees, either on Fine Art paper, or on canvas. I have added notecard sized format to the collection, which makes it very affordable. My Fine Art Giclee reproductions are easy to order from my website online, or folks can email or call me if they need some direction.


I think you all know that I love color. I mean I really, really love color. I love all kinds of color, whether it is bright colors, earth tone colors, or pastel colors. I am particularly drawn to the way that Sheryl Brown uses the pastel colors in her abstract fine art masterpieces. There is a real healing effect that Ms. Brown's art has on the soul. Oh, she is not alone in this talent, but her gift with the use of color has touched my soul and I'm sure that it will touch yours, as well. Come, let's take a peek into the world of Sheryl Brown, in her own words...


What are your plans in the future?
I am getting very serious about getting my art into more formats, like silk scarves, T-shirts, gift bags and tissue paper.. the sky's the limit..!

My current project is to finalize the touch-ups and naming of about 50 new paintings in order to get them ready for scanning.. I'm being a bit slowed down by the winter sun's short course ;D

One of these days I will be able to build a customized art studio and gallery..!

sherylbrown_profile In Ms. Brown's own words, from her Facebook, "[I have] been painting since age 6 when [I] received [my] first set of paints for being brave at the eye doctor's - I well remember this!! The black and white illustrations in one of my story books needed a little... well, color! And I've been at it ever since, but especially in the last 10 years or so."
Connecting with Sheryl Brown.
Artist Website :www.SherylBrownArt.com
Blog :www.sherylbrownart.com/blog/
Facebook Page :facebook.com/SherylBrownArt
Facebook Page :facebook.com/ChangeArtistCoaching
Facebook Profile :facebook.com/SherylBrown
Twitter :twitter.com/SunraySheryl
LinkedIn :linkedin.com/profile/view?id=23002925

Are you an artist who would like to be featured? Contact me!

Until next time.
hugs,
Deborah
P.S. Have you hugged 5 times today?

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Global Art Calendar : January – March 2012

Posted on December 28, 2011 by

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The following is a list of Art events for the first quarter of 2012 (January-March). This list will contain some of the same events as earlier calendars, when the event is still ongoing.

The goal is to be as diversified as possible, different regions, different cultures, different mediums and media. So, please, send over any events that you may know of, so they can be considered for the next calendar.

Note: The following events are listed in order of “end date.”

Global Art Calendar : January - March 2012

The Forbidden City at the Louvre – Emperors of China and Kings of France
September 29, 2011 – January 9, 2012
The Louvre (Richelieu Wing), Paris, France
The Louvre will be exhibiting treasures from the Yuan Dynasty in China, art collections of the Emperors, as well as art related to the history between France and China. Should be an interesting opportunity to view the discovered art of The Forbidden City Palace.

Fabled Journeys in Asian Art: East Asia
July 16, 2011 – January 22, 2012
The Trammell and Margaret Crow Collection, Dallas, TX, USA
In keeping with the other exhibitions at this venue, the East Asia exhibit displays art inspired by Chinese culture, as well as a look into the expressions of women, and the cultural influences of Japan.
Click here to read more and view the listing of some of the artists featured.

Glenn Ligon: America
October 23, 2011 – January 22, 2012
Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), Los Angeles, CA, USA
This exhibit displays the artistic talents of Glenn Ligon, an artist who currently resides in New York and is a student of history, known for his expressions representing race, sexuality, and cultural impact.
Click here to read about Glenn Ligon on Wikipedia.

Old Master & 19th Century European Art, Including Property from the Forbes Collection: The Panorama of the Battle of Champigny
January 27, 2012
Sotheby’s * New York, NY, US
This exhibit and auction will display fine art of the 19th century, stirring up the love of the romantic era in all of us. Click here to read more.

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Contested Visions in the Spanish Colonial World
November 6, 2011 – January 29, 2012
Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), Los Angeles, CA, USA
This exhibit will demonstrate the art of the Spanish empire represented in Mexico and Peru and offer aspects of art from the period of 15th-19th, including the Aztec and Inca art prior to the visit by Columbus. Click here to read more about the exhibit.

Contemporary Art Day Auction
February 16, 2012
Sotheby’s * London, UK
If you are interested in contemporary art, during the era defined as post-ward era, this exhibit may be of interest to you. You will see the likes of artists such as Andy Warhol, as well as his peers.
Click here to read more and find about some of the featured artists.

As always, if you have an art show or art event that you would like to share, please let us know. Feel free to comment on this post for consideration for the global art calendar.

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Art Show Etiquette – The Way It *Should* Be

Posted on December 14, 2011 by

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9144723_s

Recently, I attended an art show. Actually, it was an art auction. For the sake of decency, I will refrain from mentioning names. What I will say, is, that I am struggling with whether or not I want to purchase any future art from this gallery.

You see, this isn’t an article about how YOU should behave when you attend an art show, but rather, my opinion, humble or not, on how the Gallery or Promoter should behave.

I prepared for this show, excitedly, a little bummed that I was not able to attend all of the artist sessions because of other commitments and obligations, but ready to experience the art, through the eyes of the artists, themselves, and learn more about art, and, hey, you already know how much I LOVE art! One of my favorite artists was going to be speaking and I would also get the opportunity to meet a couple other artists, while there. And, I was looking forward to telling you all, here on the blog, about how wonderful the event was, promoting the gallery and recommending that you buy your art from them, you know, the whole enchilada.

Let's keep it simple. Attend art shows of the yet-to-be-known wonderfully-talented art its, like those I feature on this site. Admire them, support them, and love them. For, I'm sure that they will truly appreciate it and treat you in a kind manner.

Well, I will say this, as a positive note… The resort and the artists and the other art collectors and enthusiasts were absolutely wonderful! For that, I would go again, and again, but the promoter? Well… maybe not. Oh, wait this, was the positive paragraph, wasn’t it! Seriously, the staff at the resort were very courteous and (don’t tell anybody), they concurred that not all of the people who attend these shows are “happy campers” at the end when they check out. You didn’t hear that from me, ok?

So, let me, briefly, indicate what *NOT* to do if you are a gallery or promoter. If I make it anything other than brief, it will turn into a rant.

  1. If you represent the gallery, DO NOT get so stinkin’ drunk that you do not know what you are saying and falling on the floor. It it is hilarious in a bar, but really makes me wonder when I am handing over this amount of money for the art you are representing. It is not like you are some eccentric celebrity that I am paying money to see make a fool of themselves!
  2. While I understand that you pay for our weekend and would like us to buy art, and I understand the “guilt trip” presentation, getting two inches from my face and basically accusing me of being a louse, is not the way to get me to pull out my credit card. Oh, maybe that was the alcohol talking? Refer back to #1, above.
  3. Please, gallery, if I, as only a lowly art enthusiast, know more about one of your featured artists than you do, then why are you representing this artist? I am happy to educate other art collectors, but maybe you should pay me the commission instead of the drunk agent. Just a thought.
  4. When I am asking you about another artist and you are looking up their information on your laptop, learn how to say, “Excuse me,” before cutting off our conversation abruptly. It is just common decency and doesn’t cost anything, but again, it does affect my desire on whether or not to purchase that piece of artwork that you are looking up, now, or, uh, never.

It is evident that all I was was a potential cash cow. And, you know what, I had a feeling that that may be the case and was determined to see if this gallery could muster up the character to actually treat me like a human being regardless of pulling out the pocketbook. You see, I don’t pay for a lack of class, and, in this case, you could be in need of a shower, living in the slums, and if you say a simple, “Please” and “Thank you” from the heart, treating me as a human being, well, then the pocketbook starts to see the light of day.

Let’s keep it simple. Attend art shows of the yet-to-be-known wonderfully talented art its, like those I feature on this site. Admire them, support them, and love them. For, I’m sure that they will truly appreciate it and treat you in a kind manner, with or WITHOUT that pocketbook or credit card.

As for the unnamed gallery? Too bad, you lost the sale for the simple reason that you forgot how to be kind….

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Ms. Brigitte : Encouraging Others

Posted on November 23, 2011 by


brigitteatelier_w138-okido Ms. Brigitte, in her own words, is inspired by what she sees and experiences in her world, as well as her experience on the internet. But, she, herself is inspiring, in her growth beyond her comfort zone, as she puts it, and her desire to move forward in spite of any obstacles in her life.

She brings happiness to those who have commissioned her to create portraits of their beloved pets, and she brings encouragement to those of us who are beneficiaries of her inspiration.

When did you first decide that you wanted to be an artist?
I don't want to call myself "an artist." There was no actual moment that I made that decision. I paint and draw as a hobby, and for a few years now, I have been accepting commissions and payment enough to cover my expenses for the used materials. Most commissions are animal portraits that I do in pastel. I feel honored that people like my animal portraits and want me to draw their beloved pets to remember them. I get that happy feeling when someone says, "It is really like I remember him. You've captured his essence so well" when I deliver the finished piece. It makes me glad that I can use my talent to make others happy. I wish that one day I could make my living with the drawings and paintings, but I have to be realistic.

What was your first art creation?
I have been drawing since I was a kid and I loved creating things, like hand puppets, stuffed animals or simple jewelry. I even got excited when I was gift-wrapping matchboxes. What?! "Gift-wrapping matchboxes?" I know, it had absolutely no purpose, but I liked wrapping matchboxes (and other small things) in colorful paper and decorating it like it was going to be a luxurious gift.

When I got older I turned my creative mind to cross-stitching. I made sooo many of them. A few big pieces are hanging on the wall at my parents-in-law.

After this, I got ill. I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and I couldn't do the cross-stitch anymore. My hands were not able to do it. I kept all the materials, patterns, and designs. Sometimes I peek into that box and wish I could work for hours again on a beautiful cross-stitch design.

After the cross-stitching, I turned back to drawing. And drawing led to painting (watercolor). That's what I am still doing now.

brigitteatelier_w2011-class005 What was your first memorable art piece?
I can remember a drawing I made from my left hand, in graphite. I was really proud of it. I was about 12 when I drew it. If I were to see it now, I would see what is wrong with the drawing (wrong proportions i.e.). I don't know what happened to it or where it is now… should ask my mother.

Please describe "A Day in the Life of Ms. Brigitte, Artist Extraordinaire."
I have a job, so I have to get up, get dressed, take a quick breakfast and go to work. Only in the evenings and in the weekends do I have time – but first the usual household things need to be done – and after that, I have time to create. Since my health is not optimal (the bad auto immune system that caused my RA also led to Sjögren's Syndrome and celiacs disease), I do have time in the evenings/weekends, but I am not always in the mood. Mostly I am too tired – and then nothing creative comes out of my hands.

There are several projects on my desk: a portrait in pastel; a watercolor piece; some illustrations or digital work. There is always a project I am in the mood to work on. Sometimes I see fun online contests and want to participate, but I never get anything finished in time. So I stopped fooling myself and I am just happy with my projects.

What do you do with your art?
The pieces I create on commission are leaving my place as soon as they are finished. I always make a digital copy for my archive and portfolio. The other pieces stay here. I have donated some art for auctions to raise money for good causes. At the moment, one is open to raise money for a cat shelter!

I only have an online gallery (www.atelierbrigitte.nl). I designed and built that site myself. I share smaller projects and "Work-in-Progress" pieces on my blog: atelierbrigitte.blogspot.com.


She brings happiness to those who have commissioned her to create portraits of their beloved pets, and she brings encouragement to those of us who are beneficiaries of her inspiration.


What are your plans in the future?
I don't really have "big" plans for the future. I just "go with the flow." I really enjoy what I am doing and because of all the things I see on the internet and the people I meet on the internet. This inspires me to try new things.

A year ago I would not have believed it if I was told that I would be going to a zoo and sketching animals. But this year, I went with some fellow artists and I did it! And I loved it – getting out of my comfort zone. I tried my first animal portrait in watercolor! Not a great success, but it was another step out of my comfort zone.

brigitteatelier_w132-birmansenna_profile In Ms. Brigitte's own words, from her blog, "Drawing, painting, creating - it has become a passion that gave me the strength to go on and it gives me a feeling I still can mean and achieve something in life. I hope you enjoy my blog and I would love if you'd leave me a comment."
Connecting with Ms. Brigitte.
Artist Website :atelierbrigitte.nl
Blog :atelierbrigitte.blogspot.com
Facebook Page :facebook.com/atelier.brigitte

Are you an artist who would like to be featured? Contact me!

Until next time.
hugs,
Deborah
P.S. Have you hugged 5 times today?

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Tracie Koziura : Artist & Philanthropist

Posted on November 16, 2011 by


traciekoziura_winter-watch Ms. Koziura is not only an exceptional artist, but she is also an exceptional person. She inspires me in the way that she uses art to help charities. Her portraits, one of which is shown in this article, are sold and a portion of the proceeds are given to the charities favored by the subject of the portrait.

It is no small secret that I am in search of charities which I can assist through my music, that I started my own "5 Hugs A Day" campaign, as a result, and I have always said that music and art are cousins in the same family, drawing from the same core of who we are, expressed through our art, be it visual, music, or another art. Learning more about Ms. Koziura shows me that there are others like me who are drawn to the same desire to use their art in a manner that not only is expression of the art, but also helping people.

Ok, I have been gushing about what a wonderful person Ms. Koziura is, but, have you looked at her art? Read with me, and learn more about the woman behind the art, the woman behind the philanthropy.

When did you first decide that you wanted to be an artist?
I have always loved being creative and my favorite subject at school was art. When I look back, most of the jobs I had have been creative in some form or another - from hairdressing through knitwear designer, cross-stitch designer to graphic designer and web designer. If I can use my imagination I am like a kid in a candy store! However, painting is something I have only recently discovered and is a direct result of my lifelong love and passion for wolves.

After decorating in early 2008, I thought it would be nice to have some paintings of wolves to put up around the house so I went on-line to see what I could find. I came across the work of UK Wildlife Artist, Vic Bearcroft and as soon as I saw his paintings I thought, "If I could paint, that's how I would love my pictures to look!" As I read more I discovered he used pastels on velour. I had never held a pastel before in my life but, as it was more like drawing than painting, I was suddenly keen to try. Paul, my partner, bought me my first set of pastels and paper in May that year (an early birthday present) and now we have wolf paintings all over the house - I just cannot imagine life without my pastels now!

What was your first art creation?
The first thing I remember creating was a set of three miniature Daleks, a daddy Dalek, a mummy Dalek and a baby Dalek, when I was about 7. I made them at school for my Mum as a Christmas gift and she still has them to this day! Why Daleks? Well, that year, we had been to the cinema to watch Dr. Who and the Daleks, with Peter Cushing, and the Daleks absolutely terrified me! I suspect creating the miniatures was my way of trying to overcome my fear of them. I still believe in the healing power of art!

traciekoziura_silent-star What was your first memorable art piece?
I think I was about 12 or 13 at the time. It was a Sunday afternoon and I was at the table in the lounge trying really hard to do my History homework. As an ADDer, I was always far more interested and focused when being creative than having to study the more academic subjects! As I struggled with my attention to the 'job at hand,' I began doodling and, after noticing my Mum had fallen asleep, the doodle grew into a portrait of her snoozing away in the chair!

Now, let's face it, few people look 'good' sat in a chair fast asleep and, although it really did look like my Mum, I didn't think anyone would like it because it wasn't particularly flattering. I have to say, "Kudos to my Mum!" because when she awoke and saw it she said it was brilliant (aren't Mums wonderful!) and suggested I take it to school to show my art teacher, Mr. Draper. I was resistant at first saying he would think it was rubbish but my Mum kept insisting I should let him see it and not try and guess what he might think. So, I eventually packed it into my satchel ready for my favorite Monday morning class - 2 hours of Art!

It took me all lesson to finally get the courage to show Mr. Draper my drawing. I honestly didn't think it was any good. Imagine my surprise (and delight) when he said he would like to add it to the current art exhibition in the school library! I remember him saying how well I had captured 'a moment in time' and that he was particularly impressed with the honesty of my drawing! I was amazed. I remember thinking, “If I'd known that might happen I would've used better paper!” I had drawn it on a sheet of my feint ruled A4 History pad! However, I learned TWO very valuable lessons that day: 1) art is not always about beauty and 2) never assume what another person may think or be thinking!

Please describe "A Day in the Life of Tracie Koziura, Artist Extraordinaire."
Wow...this is a tough one! I would LOVE to be able to paint all day, every day, but, at the moment, I am still working so am restricted to evenings and weekends. I do need to be 'in the mood' to create and the mood always escapes me when I have other things that must be done. I like to have all the necessary tasks out of the way so when I begin a project, I can really lose myself in it until it's completed. I get frustrated if I have to stop to sort out the washing or cook a meal!

I have submitted a couple of works to online contests, one of which was the Get Dusty Juried Challenge through the Pastel Guild of Europe back in October 2009 which I won with one of my wolf paintings, Winter Watch. The other online contest was with The Artist In You where I won "Artist of The Year 2011" with another of my wolf paintings, Silent Witness.

What do you do with your art?
At first, I was painting to decorate my home but after a while we ran out of wall space! I then created several pieces as gifts for friends and family but I didn't want to stop painting so I started to think about selling. As Paul and I have our own web development business, it seemed logical to create my own website in order to sell pieces. I also looked into creating limited edition prints of my works to sell those online, too, and now originals and prints are available through my website, Tracie Koziura Art

I also wanted to find a way to use my art to help make a difference somewhere and in January 2011, I joined a group of amazing people with a mission to do just that through art. The Artist In You! has a very strong following of over 21,000 people on Facebook who love the arts and support the project. One of the sister projects is the Art4Good Foundation which recently launched a brand new website selling a huge variety of Original Art and Limited Edition Prints in order to raise funds for a number of global causes and charities and support projects planned for in-school and interactive art programs for students. I am thrilled to be part of such an incredible project and also delighted that the Art4Good Foundation has selected several of my Limited Edition Prints as part of their Rising Stars Collection (http://www.art4goodfoundation.com/tracie-koziura/), allowing people all over the world to be able to buy my work.

It would be impossible to give all the details of what The Artist In You is about here but I have a couple of links for the website that gives all the details of the mission and how it began which I would love to share:

The Mission: http://www.art4goodfoundation.com/our-mission/

The Back Story: http://www.art4goodfoundation.com/the-back-story/

Building a Global Community: http://www.art4goodfoundation.com/building-a-global-community/


Silent Star (Clara Bow) Star of the silent film era, Clara Bow personified the "Roaring Twenties", becoming world famous as the 'IT' girl from the film of the same name. This painting now belongs to my number 1 fan - my son, Jamie! Soft pastels on velour 12.5" x 9.5"


What are your plans in the future?
At the moment, I have a corner of our lounge area for being creative in but, as I have now accumulated so much equipment, Paul is going to build me my very own art studio so I can have everything to hand and make as much mess as I want without worrying about the carpet! I always wondered what I would do when I finally retired and now I can't wait to retire because I know exactly what I will be doing!

As for current projects, right now I am working on a small wolf piece to use for our Christmas cards - something I have done each year since I first began painting in 2008.

I am also planning a 'larger than usual' painting of Taz, our beautiful GSD/Rottie cross who left us for Rainbow Bridge just over 3 weeks ago (October 21st). Everything is ready to begin except me...but I'm getting there. Taz was such a huge part of our lives for almost 15 years (we work from home so he has been with us 24/7 all his life) and the void he has left is immense. We are both still very raw but, as I said, I have always believed in the healing power of art and I do believe this project will be very cathartic – that it will help both of us through these really tough days. This will be a very special and personal work – something I would not be doing if I hadn't discovered my beloved pastels when I did. It almost feels like it was my destiny to start painting when I did so I would be able to create something special that we will treasure forever - something as special as Taz was.

traciekoziura_profile In Ms. Koziura's own words, from her blog, "I guess it was inevitable in today's technological climate that more and more artists and art lovers would begin using the Internet to both showcase and discover new art and talent - the music and movie industries are already making excellent use of what is available so why not the visual arts, too?"
Connecting with Tracie Koziura.
Blog :blog.traciekoziura.com
Facebook Page :facebook.com/TracieKoziuraArt
Facebook Profile :facebook.com/traciekoziura
Twitter :twitter.com/Rebelwolf

Are you an artist who would like to be featured? Contact me!

Until next time.
hugs,
Deborah
P.S. Have you hugged 5 times today?

Posted in Appreciating Art, Art Interviews | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment