http://bit.ly/nT6Bhx check out this beautiful formal business card - customizable. It has a formal pattern and rich color.

Inspiration and motivation don't always happen when everything is going well

This month has been my worst art sales month of the year. I'm not ashamed to mention this. I'm not an artist full time and very few people in Mexico are willing to pay for art anything beyond basic material cost (and cheap materials too just to get in their budget"

Oval Border Rose Stationery

Therefore 99% of my art sales is to people who I don't know and who probably have never heard of me. They just happened to come across one of my works and decided to make a purchase probably at one of my stores at Zazzle.com.

I don't have a budget for sales and marketing. My only marketing expense is my domain name renewal fees (since I canceled my hosting account for free hosting in the spring).

This year has been a summary of my attempts to focus, steamline and simplify my life online and offline. I focused on visual art, dropped most of my affiliate marketing afforts when I canceled my hosting account (it became too tedious and I was frustrated by the merchants coming and going and having to redo everything constantly).

I had to decide how I want to spend my time. Do I want to program, promote, or do I want to create and capture beauty?

In the end, I decided that if I'm going to spend hours a day for pocket change, I'd rather do it creating and posting for sale even when there is a slow month like July has been for me.

Ragged edged with antiqued rose

Slow months are as good a motivator as good months are. Good months are great because you don't have the pressure to create and sell. Slow months are great because you know you need to do something new or expand to get out of that rut.

Last week one of my English groups canceled two classes so I had most of two days free. I worked on learning how to break up the edges of rectangular artwork so it looks better on t-shirts including dark colors.

W Monogram Autumn Leaves with Green

This week on my non-teaching days and yesterday before AND after class, I've been working on graphic design. I am a beginner at graphic design and still very experimental, but I started a new monogram store as suggested by a friend. I also converted my design elements from my Wedding save the date store to Zazzle templates too.

Green and Beige Abstract Flowers1 Cards

What else is new?  I've added my artwork to many home and office product templates so now every new artwork will be available as great products like stationery and business cards! Both are available in several styles.

Green and Beige Brushed Flowers 1

 If you enjoy my artwork, but are looking for more practical designs that are also beautiful, be sure to follow me on Twitter or Friend me on Facebook so you'll see what is new at my stores.

Pink Roses in Anzures 2 Crystal Mousepad from Zazzle.com

Pink Roses in Anzures 2 Crystal Mousepad from Zazzle.com

Pink Roses in Anzures 2 Crystal by LivingNature
See more Rose Mousepads

Here is a new glasssy version of one of my beautiful roses for a cool modern look.

Would you do artwork for free?

I was reading in a Facebook group today about someone giving a "contest" for cover art for her to-be-released book. I clicked on the link to read very specific request for the book cover art. It has to be of a specific dimensions and it has to feature a specific object.  

The other requirements is that if you "win" the contest, you give complete right to use the image in any way the writer wants to in related to the book. What does the winner get? The winner gets a link and a credit for the artwork in the book. 

Personally I find it offensive that first it is called a contest. When there is a contest there should be a prize not a link on a blog and a credit for use!  

Second, since there is no mention on the site that the book will be released for free, I think it is offensive that there is no offer for payment of any kind for use of the image. How about $50 by PayPal? That would still be dirt cheap, and at least the artist could go out for a dinner and a movie for all the hard work required to make the kind of cover artwork that was requested.  Do you think several hours to several days of work is worth a book cover credit and a blog link or two? How sad you don't value your artwork.

I want to clarify that I understand that if someone has an EXISTING artwork and wants publicity, I think it could be acceptable.  I do not accept that you should have to make NEW artwork to match very specific requirements just for the possibility that your work will be selected for the cover of a book for a new writer who may not sell anything at all. 

What do you think?  Do you think cool work for free or like me are you upset and a little offended at the whole idea? 

Patience is a virtue when it comes to selling artwork online

I started selling visual art on the internet, uploading my photos to Imagekind. They weren't that great, but not so repulsive. We all start somewhere and we improve through practice any skill including photography or painting.  After getting a better camera (still point-and-shoot but 10.1 megapixels instead of 3.x), in 2008,  I thought that I'd start to get monthly sales.  I did, but not where I thought I would get them. I was really happy to see my second sale there this morning. Yes, second sale. Someone bought one each of the following so if you are looking for "best sellers" you should keep looking. I'm happy though and I wanted to share them.

I like Imagekind and I know they offer museum quality prints and they also offer cards and even prints on canvas however their image search doesn't work very well so having your artwork found at random isn't that likely. To succeed there and at Redbubble (which also offers T-shirts and Calendars), you need to promote your own artwork and refer people to make the purchase. 

White Iris. by Christopher Johnson
This artwork is one of my first photos from 2007! You never know what will sell. You can see I wasn't that bad.


White Geraniums 4 by Christopher Johnson
This one is from a long mixed color series I created in 2010.



Single White Oleander 1 by Christopher Johnson
This one is also from 2010 and also from a long series although most of them were pink.

I have had zero sales so far at Redbubble, but I started uploading there about a year later and I haven't uploaded everything because they require you to upload works one by one.

I make somewhat regular sales at Zazzle, but those sales are normally for cheap products so you need several sales to make a minimum payment. If you are interested in selling your artwork or graphic design online, I'd suggest uploading your work to several sites and see which work for you and be patient if you don't have the money to drive traffic to the sales site. No matter what, do NOT close a free shop or remove your work just because you don't have any sales at first.  It isn't like a physical gallery where space is limited!

Calla Lilies or World Domination?

Since I've made a few sales on Zazzle of artwork using Calla Lily photos I've taken, I decided a few weeks ago to do another series.   Don't get me wrong, I love to create artwork and I do like Calla lilies. I think they are quite elegant.

I did however make a little joke in Facebook that perhaps it would be great to really have many artworks from the 164 or so photos I took that time to have a strong presence for the keyword phrase calla lily at Zazzle. Of course I'd probably need a few hundred images to really make a dent not just a few dozen.

Yesterday, I bought a few more and some roses and I experimented taking photos of the two kinds of flowers together. I had never tried that before, but I like to experiment even if the results are less than spectacular You'll have to wait a while to see those new artworks since I'm still processing the previous photos, but I wanted to share a few of my favorites from the first batch of Calla Lily artwork.  Notice I say artwork not photo. These are finished works not just photos copied from the camera. 

Elegant Calla Lily Flowers 3 Modern by Christopher Johnson



Elegant Calla Lily Flowers 6 by Christopher Johnson



Elegant Calla Lily Flowers 4 by Christopher Johnson

Bridge to Serenity ~ Portland Japanese Garden Art Prints by Shari Nees - Shop Canvas and Framed Wall Art Prints at Imagekind.com

Bridge to Serenity ~ Portland Japanese Garden by Shari Nees

This week has been very stressful for me so I decided to share this artwork by my friend Shari Nees. It is one of a series of photos of a Japanese style garden. I find this photo of the garden to be extra pleasing with the bridge off center and the shrubs, trees and water surrounding it. I'd love to buy a large print of this artwork. You can too at Imagekind.

Bridge to Serenity ~ Portland Japanese Garden Art Prints by Shari Nees

Greta Michelle Joachim Visual Artist Profile

Artist Profile - Greta Michelle Joachim

Where do you live?
Trinidad & Tobago

What is art?
Difficult question since everyone will view art as something different. For me art is my voice. It's the emotions that overwhelm that can't be put into the physical;it's the expression of creativity; it's technical: the employing of technical skills with paints, pencil,etc to create a pictorial image. Art is the eye that sees things no one else sees that turns the mundane and ordinary into a piece of interesting history.

How did you learn to create your art?
I believe that my abilities were God- given. Before 1998 I had no inkling or thought of pursuing an art career. I was already a teacher of English. this year saw me given an opportunity for which I'll be forever grateful. From 2000 I desired to become an artist and tried to find courses, I read religiously, and I practised and practised.

How do you describe your artistic style(s)?
My style is Impressionistic. I sometimes paint in the realist style but prefer the loose styl of the impressionist. I prefer to think though that we all have my own style.

What media and tools do you normally use to create art?
Oils is my pigment of choice.  I also use acrylics sometimes or pastels. For adventure I dabble with watercolours and mixed media.

What method do you follow to create your art?
I mostly work alla prima. I like the adventure of going straight to the canvas.

Where do you create art?
I paint au plein aire. (Outdoors)There are so many unexpected events and stories that you come across when outdoors. I only work inside if I'm forced to because of safety or time constraints or for portraits.

What inspires you to create art?
I love the land. I grew up in the country and had a close affinity with the land.  You always know where you stand with it. I am also reminded keenly of my love for God when I am painting outdoors: the sound of the wind through the trees, the roar of the ocean.

How do you feel when you create art?
Free. Painting is like a marriage. It's two 'people' getting to know each other and getting to the point where you are so comfortable that you finish each other's sentences. It's tough going sometimes but when you weather the storms you end up with beauty. It's a privilege to be able to be part of that experience.

How long does it take you (on average) to create an artwork?
On average 2-4 hrs, depending on the subject and the size of the painting ground. If I have to I will go back another day when the conditions are the same as when I started.

What are your favorite subjects for creating art?
Land, sea, earth., Only now am I getting into the idea of including people in my work.

What are your favorite artworks?
Works from the Impressionist and post Impressionist eras

What suggestions do you have for new artists?
Keep at it. It may get tough in the beginning but don't give up. Listen and learn as much as you can from the professionals who have been where you are. Read, Soak it up like a sponge, but remember who you are and be true to that. Be humble; you didn't give yourself that talent so you have a responsibility to it and the One who gave it to you. Develop a disciplined and professional work ethic. You can't become successful if you do nothing.

Who are your favorite artists?

• J.M.W Turner
• Claude Monet
• John Singer Seargent
• Winslow Homer
• Matisse
• Kandinsky
• Georgia O'Keefe
• Lori Putnam

Who influences your art the most?

• Monet
• Cezanne
• Lori Putnam -  I really admire her style and work ethic.

What is the first thing you think when you look at your art work from 1-3 years ago and how has your work changed since you started creating?
I have grown and changed a lot. Still very far to go.
My work has moved from me doggedly copying photos that I took to being looser and freer. I still find that I can be a little tightly wound but I am learning to let go of the brush and use a knife sometimes, let some of the ground show, I am gaining an appreciation for glazing and I have totally moved away from sketching first. I have also learned not to be so hard on myself and allow myself to make mistakes and learn from them.

Do you live off of your art income?
You can say that since I teach art now and live off that. I would like to become a full time artist and live off the income of that but that hasn't happened yet.

If you've sold art to people other than family and close friends, what marketing did you carry out to obtain those sales?
Actually none. I entered work in the Art Society's show and they were sold. A colleague (not a close friend) commissioned a painting for someone going abroad.

What do you do when you aren't creating or marketing your art?
Wife, mother, I write, blog, teach,experiment with foods (I also love the culinary arts), sing, and read art books and a few other books like The Holy Bible.

Do you have any regrets as an artist?

That I didn't start this earlier. That I didn't doubt my work so much. Fear is crippling and because I allowed myself to doubt my work I didn't take advantage of all the opportunities that came my way.
I'm only just opening myself up and putting myself out there.

Where to find Greta Michelle's art

http://gretamichelle.com
http://gretamichelle.blogspot.com
http://artbygretamichelle.mosaicglobe.com/
http://pleinairartists.ning.com/profile/GretaMichelle

Social Networking

Facebook Profile: http://profile.to/gretamichellej
Facebook Fan or Group Page : http://artist.to/gretamichellejoachim
Twitter: http://twitter.com/GretaMichelle

Rose Aune Visual Artist Profile

Artist Profile - Rose Aune

Where do you live?
I live in Minneapolis, Minnesota with my husband and two cats. As a child I lived in a small town in northern Minnesota.

What is art?
For me, Art is my life's history, landscapes of places that I love to be, drawings of favorite pets and people, photographs of sunny days in my garden.

Art is also my happy place where I can forget about the concerns of daily life and focus on how beautiful the world really is.

How did you learn to create your art?
When I was little, a friend gave me book one of the Famous Artist's Course which covered the basics of drawing. I read the chapters and practices all the exercises. That is how I learned to draw.

After high school, I went to school for fashion design which gave me a broader understanding of design and color. As a young adult, I joined several art clubs and took additional classes in oil and watercolor painting.

Now, I read art instruction books and articles on the web. I like to draw and paint from nature, using watercolors and pen and ink.

How do you describe your artistic style(s)?
My style is traditional realism with a touch of Impressionism. I try to capture the basic shapes, colors and perspective.

What media and tools do you normally use to create art?
Watercolors, both pan, tube and pencils. Pen and India Ink using nibs and sometimes technical pens. I like various styles of mechanical drafting pencils.

I have several sketchbooks for quick ideas and notes. For watercolor paintings, I use 140lb. Watercolor paper, and for pen and ink drawings, I also use Bristol board and transparent vellum.

What method do you follow to create your art?
I start with a pencil drawing then when the drawing is ready, I transfer it onto watercolor paper using a graphic pencil and tracing paper.

Then, I apply washes of watercolor and apply the pen and ink to finish the piece.

Where do you create art?
I create my art at my old school desk in my home. I also have a wooden box full of pencils and watercolor pan paints that I take with me to work outside.

My garden is my favorite place to paint in the summertime. In the winter, I paint inside from photographs that I can enlarge in Adobe Photoshop.

What inspires you to create art?
My inspiration comes from other Artist's, or sometimes it's just that a certain view or object keeps catching my eye and imagination. My mind starts drawing and painting the subject before anything is put on paper. Usually, I make several different sketches before the final design comes into focus.

How do you feel when you create art?
When I create art, I feel happy, focused and engaged. Sometimes when I feel that the piece isn't coming out the way I envisioned, I will stop and put that one away for awhile and try again another day.

How long does it take you (on average) to create an artwork?
It depends on the size and medium that I am using. Drawings and quick sketches my only take a few hours or days. Watercolor paintings usually take a month or more, as I like to take my time with adding washes and details.

What are your favorite subjects for creating art?
For landscape paintings, my subjects favorite scenes are from the forests, rivers and lakes of northern Minnesota. For drawings and watercolor paints, my favorite subjects are the flowers in my garden.

What are your favorite artworks?
One of my favorite artists is Rose Edin, I love the way she uses color in her works and her subjects are very familiar of my favorite subjects, forests and flowers. Her watercolor painting Bluebells is one of my favorites.

Another artist that I like is Kolan Peterson who writes art instruction books. His paintings, Misty River, Angler's Retreat, and Kenai River, Alaska are some of my favorites.

What suggestions do you have for new artists?
I would advise new artists to keep working on your art, don't give up and learn from other artists.

Who are your favorite artists?
My favorite contemporary artists are Rose Edin, Kolan Peterson, Lucy Wang, Frank Germain and many others.

Also, the great artists of the past such as Claude Monet, Leonardo Da Vinci, and many others.

Who influences your art the most?
Contemporary artists who write art instruction books influence my art the most because I am learning from writings and illustrations.

What is the first thing you think when you look at your art work from 1-3 years ago and how has your work changed since you started creating?
I usually find that I was too hard on myself then. Since that time, I have realized that my art has value.

Do you live off of your art income?
No, I don't live off of my art income, but, I hope to have some income from it someday. The important thing is to do what you love.

If you've sold art to people other than family and close friends, what marketing did you carry out to obtain those sales?
I have found that writing a blog, and creating websites that display my art such as Zazzle, Imagekind and Cafepress have been very helpful. I also use Facebook, Myspace and Twitter to market my art.

What do you do when you aren't creating or marketing your art?
In the winter months I am a tax preparer for H&R Block. I also have worked as a payroll specialist & pension specialist. I also have taught crafts and sewing lessons at local retail stores. I like to garden, spend time with friends and family and go on motorcycle trips.

Do you have any regrets as an artist?
No, I don't have any regrets, it is something that I love to do.

Where to find Rose Aune's Art:

Website: http://www.rosiesworkshop.com

Zazzle Store: http://www.zazzle.com/rosiesworkshop

CafePress Store: http://www.cafepress.com/minn_posters

Imagekind Gallery: http://roseauneart.imagekind.com

Other sites:

http://rosiesworkshop.com/blog/

http://www.cafepress.com/rosiesworkshop

http://www.cafepress.com/lavender_drawin

http://www.myspace.com/rosiesworkshop

http://www.squidoo.com/rosiesworkshop

Social Media
Twitter home: http://www.twitter.com/rosiesworkshop

Karen White Visual Artist Profile

Artist Profile - Karen White

Where do you live?
I live in Brisbane, Queensland in Australia but will be moving to Melbourne in Victoria to open my own art space next year.

What is art?
Art is creating something for the sake of it. I've volunteered in a couple of galleries to get experience and I find that Art seems to mean different things to different people. It is really too broad a statement to answer as it is just to variable.

How did you learn to create your art?
I studied animation for 4 years and went on to do other subjects working with other media like ceramics, sculpture and drawing. I discovered I could use a lot more things to create than the conventional pencil and paint even though they are still a mainstay of my practise.

How do you describe your artistic style(s)?
I have a few styles at the moment that range from cartoony (probably that animation study) to mixed media collage.

What media and tools do you normally use to create art?
I use lino cuts, paint. paper, ink among other things. I also do some Sculpture using recycled items and things like cement, paper mache and wire.

What method do you follow to create your art?
No particular order or method.

Where do you create art?
I have a studio in my house and I also like to design things while wathcing the TV. the kitchen and dining room table get a workout as well.

What inspires you to create art?
I really don't need to be inspired too much. Sometimes a particular pattern or print may inspire me but that's about it. I am one of those prolific types that does not suffer from Artist's block.

How do you feel when you create art?
When I am creating art I feel balanced, happy and like I am meant to be doing it. I am in my element.

How long does it take you (on average) to create an artwork?
It can take from a couple of hours to several days depending on what I am doing. If I had to average it out it would be 3 - 4 hours.

What are your favorite subjects for creating art?
Animals and nature.

What are your favorite artworks?

• Dali's - Galatea of the Spheres and Three Young Surrealist Women Holding in their arms the Skins of an Orchestra.
• Frida Khalo's -Self portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird.

What suggestions do you have for new artists?
Just do it. Just be who you want to be and remember the little mistakes you may make with your work may make it that much more special.

Who are your favorite artists?
Where do I start, Salvador Dali, Frida Khalo to name a couple. I have many favourites.

Who influences your art the most?
I don't think it is a particular artist or anything like that. Mood, colour, books or films I have read or seen, recent exhibitions I have been to, that sort of thing.

What is the first thing you think when you look at your art work from 1-3 years ago and how has your work changed since you started creating?
I am more confident and willing to try new ways of doing things. I have been a lot more experimental and a certain style is starting to emerge.

Do you live off of your art income?
Unfortunately not. Hopefully that will change when I open my space.

If you've sold art to people other than family and close friends, what marketing did you carry out to obtain those sales?
I have just gone to the local markets, cafe's, galleries etc. I have also been using Red bubble and Zazzle.

What do you do when you aren't creating or marketing your art?
I'm a Research Assistant. I interview people for medical studies. I love reading,looking after my many pets and going out to art openings and restaurants.

Do you have any regrets as an artist?
That I do not do it full time.

Where to find Karen's Art:
Zazzle store: www.zazzle.com/kewzoo

RedBubble: http://www.redbubble.com/people/kewzoo

Kristopher R Klink Visual Artist Profile

Artist Profile - Kristopher R Klink

Where do you live?
I live in the Denver metro area with my lovely children and my beautiful wife. I can see the mountains from my porch and downtown is only a hop, skip and a jump away.

What is art?
Art is what someone wants it to be. Art is the truest form of creative expression and the purest form of emotion that can be captured permanently.

How did you learn to create your art?
Experimentation, dabbling, playing with things, toying around seeing what worked, what didn't. I eventually found my groove in various things, but I don't think I'll ever stop learning. It's a constant evolution.

How do you describe your artistic style(s)?
Fluid. Off the cuff. Apart from traditional, when it comes to the digital media side of things. This is true for both my artwork and my music.

As far as my photography goes, I tend to be more traditional, and I tend to like doing landscape portrait type work.

What media and tools do you normally use to create art?
Oh, well, for the digital works I have my trusty friend Photoshop (or the freeware GIMP) and for the Photography side of things I now shoot with a Canon Digital Rebel EOS.

I have a slew of other little one off tools that I'll use here and there for post processing of images, or for filter effects for digital images, but those are the primary tools.

In the music world I use Garageband now that I'm on the Mac, but prior to that I was using Cakewalk's Sonar product. I highly recommend it for those of you on a budget that want to do digital music. Good stuff.

What method do you follow to create your art?
There is very little method to my madness. I just go to it. What ever comes of it, is what I get. If it isn't worth keeping, it goes into the bin, if it is, I'll sit on it for a while, sometimes for a year or more, then I'll take it back out, put the polish on it and put it out for public consumption.

Where do you create art?
Wherever the mood strikes? My laptop is my mobile workstation for all things creative, so pretty much anything I do is housed there. Otherwise, I'll get the camera and go for a walk. :)

What inspires you to create art?
Mood changes, Music, Life in general.

How do you feel when you create art?
Accomplished. I like feeling like I've contributed a little bit of beauty back into the world.

How long does it take you (on average) to create an artwork?
Depends on the medium. If I'm actually painting? Can take several hours, if I'm doing photography, 30 minutes from start to finish. If I'm doing digital imaging, weeks. Music, anywhere from a day to a month.

What are your favorite subjects for creating art?
Abstract for digital artwork, Landscapes for photography, Ambient for music.

What are your favorite artworks?
La persistencia de la memoria - Created in 1931 by Salvador Dali

What suggestions do you have for new artists?
Keep at it. Don't give up. Frustration is part of the process. I promise it gets better. (Note, I never said easier!)

Who are your favorite artists?

• Artists: M.C. Escher, Salvador Dali, Picaso
• Writers: Neil Gaiman, Catherynne M. Valente, Amanda Klink, Stephen King, Chuck Palahniuk
• Musicians: S J Tucker, Ani DiFranco, Tool, A Perfect Circle, Nine Inch Nails, Amanda Palmer, Information Society, Disturbed, etc.

Who influences your art the most?
My environment and the world events probably. It all interrelates. Since my mood is a big factor in what I'm going to do art wise, I'd say how I'm relating to the world around me....yeah, so all of you guys... ;P In one way or another.

What is the first thing you think when you look at your art work from 1-3 years ago and how has your work changed since you started creating?
Oh dear god did I make that mess? *cringes*

*laughs* No, I see a lot of things I might change if I were to redo some of the pieces now, but nothing terrible. I've learned new techniques and learned more patience with the process. I don't try to rush, OMG!!!, to get it done. I'll take a little more time, I'll save multiple versions and try different things to see what I like better from one to another.

Do you live off of your art income?
Man I wish I could. I've made one sale, and the proceeds for that went to a charity auction. I have hope though. My store is up and my plan is to keep adding new stuff as I get it done. We'll just keep rolling with it and see where I end up.

If you've sold art to people other than family and close friends, what marketing did you carry out to obtain those sales?

What do you do when you aren't creating or marketing your art?
By day, I'm a mild manner computer programmer. ;P

Do you have any regrets as an artist?
That I don't do more of it. I need to devote more time to making art and getting it out to people. I love to see it out in the wild, I just need to make it happen.

Where to find Kristopher's art:
Website: http://www.hatdragon.com
Imagekind Gallery: http://hatdragon.imagekind.com

Social Media
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/everydayneptune
Twitter home: http://twitter.com/hatdragon

Shari Nees Visual Artist Profile

Artist Profile - Shari Nees

Where do you live?
NW Oregon, USA

What is art?
A picture into a person's soul.

How did you learn to create your art?
From the time I could hold a pencil, I was creating Art.
One of those children that drew their answers at school, instead of write.
In High school I came under the tutelage of Ms Fashion, who was a Master Artist in her own right. She was my Mentor for over 2 years in all things Art.
My paintings were entered in many Art shows as a teen, placing many first’s and second’s.
My Art education continued with studying the Masters way of painting, going to Fine Art Museums and so on.
Mediums I am Currently working with are, Pen & Ink with a Watercolor Pencil Wash,watercolor,water based Oils, Graphite, Digital Abstract and Photography.
I also offer Handspun yarn.

How do you describe your artistic style(s)?

I love all kinds of styles of Art and I love painting or creating a variety of subjects from traditional painting to Digital Art.
I follow where my heart takes me.

What media and tools do you normally use to create art?
It depends on what I am painting or creating at any one time.
From Pen & Ink, with a watercolor pencil wash on hot press bright white watercolor paper, to the snap of a digital camera lense, to creation of abstract Art via the computer. I use what is available to me.

What method do you follow to create your art?
I do not follow any one method.

Where do you create art?
Depends on what I am working on.
Paintings are done on my desk looking out a window with a view of my Farm.
Digital work is done on my laptop and photography, is where ever I happen to be at that moment in time.

What inspires you to create art?
Anything and everything.

How do you feel when you create art?
Like everything is right in the World.

How long does it take you (on average) to create an artwork?
Depends,, a very detailed traditional painting can take up to 6 months. Digital Art between 1 and 2 weeks. Photography, the time it takes me to go home and down load the photos to the computer.

What are your favorite subjects for creating art?
Animals (horses, cats and birds), Aircraft, motorcycles and Abstracts at the moment.
For photography, I love capturing landscapes and woodlands.

What are your favorite artworks?
I have a number of my creations I like.
Love my Grandmothers paintings, they are very special to me.
There are many, many other Artists I admire and to many to list here.

What suggestions do you have for new artists?
You create your best work doing what you love.

Who influences your art the most?
Only my mind.

What is the first thing you think when you look at your art work from 1-3 years ago and how has your work changed since you started creating?
More detail and I now like Abstracts.

Do you live off of your art income?
No

If you've sold art to people other than family and close friends, what marketing did you carry out to obtain those sales?

• Web site
• Blog
• Online Stores
• Advertising in my target market areas.
• Free Advertising
• Facebook
• Word of mouth

What do you do when you aren't creating or marketing your art?
I live on a Farm, take care of that, my horses, chickens, ducks and so on.
Taking care of my family.
Work in the kitchen garden during spring/summer/Fall.
I have to make most of the food myself if I want to eat, so I cook a lot.
Riding or Driving my horses.
And Hand-spinning yarn.

Do you have any regrets as an artist?
No

Where to find Shari Nees's art:
Website: http://www.inkandbrushcreations.com
Zazzle Store: http://www.zazzle.com/InkandBrush
CafePress Store: http://www.cafepress.com/artbyshari
Etsy Store: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5598628
Imagekind Gallery: http://inkandbrushcreations.imagekind.com/
Redbubble profile: http://inkandbrush.redbubble.com/
FineArtAmerica Gallery:http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/shari-nees.html?tab=artwork
Blogger: http://inkbrushcreations.blogspot.com/
Saatchi: http://www.saatchi-gallery.co.uk/yourgallery/artist_profile//110658.html

Social Media
Facebook Profile: http://www.facebook.com/shari.nees
Facebook Fan or Group Page : http://www.facebook.com/pages/edit/?id=78956505204#/pages/Ink-And-Brush-Creations/78956505204

Lorna Allan Visual Artist Profile

Artist Profile - Lorna Allan

Where do you live?
I live in Waitakere City, Auckland New Zealand. I only moved here in 2000 having spent most of my life down south in Dunedin and will always consider myself a southern girl.

What is art?
I think art is different things to different people. For me it is sharing my feelings about places I have been, sharing the beauty of the places, giving something back to the world from my heart.

How did you learn to create your art?
I am completely self taught having only ever taken a few workshops and evening classes. I always loved drawing and remember my first day at school when the teacher gave me a piece of chalk and said I could draw on the black board. I was amazed and said but Mum said I had to learn to read and write and do numbers? She said it was okay to go and do some drawing. When I was finished I returned the chalk to be told it was mine forever. For a small girl that was a wondrous thing!

I have taken my art to a more serious level in the last five years or so studying everything I could get my hands on, working through improving each aspect of my work. Recent additions to my landscape work have been animals from my journey to Alaska last year in particular one of a family of bears at Katmai National Park.

When I am painting I can take myself back to the time and place and its magic.

How do you describe your artistic style(s)?
I would think that my style is mostly realism although there are some I have done recently that have a somewhat more surreal feel to them.

What media and tools do you normally use to create art?
I mostly use acrylic and generally brushes rather than pallet knives or other things. Occasionally I do soft pastel and once in a while maybe venture into an oil but these days I find that acrylic meets my needs very well. Also its better for me and the environment.

What method do you follow to create your art?
My work is very fine and very detailed so fine smooth brushes work best for me. Much of my work is done by layers upon layers, glazing, scumbling and gradually building the mood I am looking for.

Where do you create art?
I have a small studio where I live and also go to some groups and paint with other artists. This is good as it helps you not to get too isolated and also its inspiring to work with others who share the same passion albeit that our work is entirely different.

What inspires you to create art?
Driving around a corner and seeing a landscape in front of me that makes you go "Wow!' or sometimes it just takes my breath away and I actually forget to breath. In these cases I just have to paint that scene, there is no choice.

How do you feel when you create art?
Sometimes I take time to settle into the work, not really enjoying it until I feel it coming together around half way through. Other times I know at the beginning that its going to work well and I enjoy it from the first moment the brush and paint touch the canvas. I don't want to stop for any reason.

I mostly have favorite music playing while I paint and before long I am in the painting, in another time, another place. These are always the ones that are most successful.

How long does it take you (on average) to create an artwork?
There is no real answer to this question except maybe saying 'how long is a piece of string?' Its like that. The one you think will be quick and easy is the one that fools you and takes longer. The one that you think may be complex can come together more quickly. Because I am a detail person in most instances and the way I paint, layer by layer to gain the tones and the color I want a small work can take as long as a larger one.
If I had to put it into words a small one may take me a week on average..but then what is average? I have painted my most favorite size (20" x 30") in a week and had another take me ten weeks.

What are your favorite subjects for creating art?
Mostly landscapes. I find the world such a beautiful place with so much diversity that there is always an unending abundance of subject matter. I believe that with all the bad and sad in the world today there is still infinite beauty to be found. We only need look.

In choosing landscapes it gives me the opportunity to show others that beauty when many today live their lives in such a rush they miss most of it as they hurry on by.

What are your favorite artworks?
I was first drawn to landscapes by the work of Petrus Van der Valden a Dutch painter who lived and worked in New Zealand in the mid 1800's. The Dunedin Art Gallery has a huge one of his works called 'Waterfall in Otira Gorge'.
I have stood before this painting so many times in utter awe. To view it on line, like any painting, is not to get the feel of the immense power of this wild water, cold and turbulent crashing down among the rocks.

His work inspired in me a journey to learn how to paint water in all its forms as well as the landscapes. Its my favorite subject.

What suggestions do you have for new artists?
Practice, read about it, practice, go and see every exhibition you can, practice some more, involve yourself with other artists, practice some more. A friend of mine asked once why her painting was not improving - she had it tucked safely under the bed, always finding a reason not to do it. Painting, drawing, any form of art is like learning to drive a car or play a piano you have to practice regularly in fact at least two to three times a week or every day if you can. Immerse yourself in the world of art, live it and breath it. Fill your soul with it. There is nothing more fulfilling.

Who are your favorite artists?
Petrus Van der Valden as previously mentioned. I have always loved the work of the old Masters and wonder if this is why I work mainly with a full range of tonal values.
Modern Day artists I admire are:

• Mark Olsen
• Tom Heflin
• Arron Westerberg
• William Scott Jennings
• Richard Smid
• Nancy Gazik
• Burton Silverman
• Jeannie Breeding
• Denise Mahlke

as well as many artists I have met through Facebook who are too many to mention here.

Who influences your art the most?
The artist mentioned previously are all important in one way or another, mostly very inspiring.

My family are very supportive and encouraging.

What is the first thing you think when you look at your art work from 1-3 years ago and how has your work changed since you started creating?

In the last three years I have been working full time as an artist and feel the passion and total focus in that shows through in my work.
My youngest son said to me one day "Mum, look at something you did a few years ago and put it beside what you are doing now and see the difference' I did - I then wrapped up the old painting again and wrote on the outside 'Nice frame - dreadful painting" I do believe in what I am doing and that I have progressed considerably in the last three years in particular.

Do you live off of your art income?
Somewhat but not entirely. It is not easy to find markets in such a small country, although I do have some in the states and the UK. The art that seems to sell the most is abstract as people purchase it to go with their curtains or furniture. Of recent times though I have been reading that Realism is enjoying a resurgence in popularity and so I hope this will continue to improve. I think it is most important to paint what you enjoy, what you feel that way you will achieve your best.

If you've sold art to people other than family and close friends, what marketing did you carry out to obtain those sales?
I have sold at art exhibitions run by schools and colleges, at a solo exhibition and also from my website where most of my sales come from. I demonstrate at any show that I can get an opportunity to do so. This gets you known as a person, not a vague name and is good PR. I try to promote my work on as many sites on line as I can and send out emails to many as well. It may not be the person who you send it too, it may be someone that they pass it on to that has an interest in purchasing an art work. I also have a presence on Facebook and Twitter.

What do you do when you aren't creating or marketing your art?
I work on my art in one way or another most days. Other times I am spending time with family and love to travel both here in NZ and overseas, last year visiting Alaska a dream held for many years. I also enjoy photography.

Do you have any regrets as an artist?
Not any more. I wanted to be an art teacher since I was seven years old but in those days the word was 'dont be silly, go and get a real job!' In years since I tried once more to follow that path however it was not to be as bringing up three young children on my own meant that my studies would have come to a peak at the time theirs did and I was unable then to follow that path without risking their educations. In more recent times I have taught adults locally and also gave a four day intensive workshop in Canada last year.
Now I am happy with the way my life's journey with art has progressed and look forward to continuing to grow as an artist and follow my dreams along that path.

Where to find Lorna Allan's art:
Website: http://www.lornaallan.vc.net.nz

Social Media
Facebook Profile: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/Lornallan?v=info&ref=profile

Ariana Murphy Visual Artist Profile

Artist Profile -  Ariana Murphy

Where do you live?
I live in the beautiful Niagara region of southern Ontario, in Canada.

What is art?
Art is an expression of the human soul. It is a form of communication that transcends mere words and pictures and expresses emotions.

How did you learn to create your art?
With much practice! I have been taking pictures and writing since I was a young girl. I feel that it is only through experimentation, and a willingness to discard what doesn't work, that I can grow as an artist. I think of myself as an eager amateur.

How do you describe your artistic style(s)?
I'm not sure I have a "style". I try to show the beauty of nature, especially where others may just walk by without noticing. I look at big things, like mountains, and small things, like insects, and admire the beauty that God has put there, sometimes where it is least expected, and try to take pictures and write words in such a way that others can see it too.

What media and tools do you normally use to create art?
Just my little point and shoot camera, my laptop, and my heart.

What method do you follow to create your art?
It's simple! I just go for a walk!

Where do you create art?
In my neighbourhood, in local parks, on long drives, at the beach ...

What inspires you to create art?
The incredible diversity of nature, and the intricate detail with which it is woven together.

How do you feel when you create art?
Delighted!

How long does it take you (on average) to create an artwork?
Not long. My work is done, in most cases, when I have downloaded my photos. I do very few post-production touch-ups. Sifting through the images, choosing which ones to upload to my website, etc. takes a little longer.

A poem or story can take much longer. I sometimes work for weeks on a written work, but then other times it seems to flow out of me like a stream of light.

What are your favorite subjects for creating art?
Nature, especially flowers and trees.

What are your favorite artworks?
I have a new favourite almost every time I take out my camera!

What suggestions do you have for new artists?
Keep practicing your art, and learn from other artists in your field.

Who are your favorite artists?
I am shamefully ignorant of the work of other photographers except for those that also post to the sites where I post my work. Except for Ansell Adams, and everybody says him.

In poetry, I am very fond of the classical poets like Shelley.

Who influences your art the most?
My husband, with his unflagging support and encouragement, his discerning eye, and his patience.

What is the first thing you think when you look at your art work from 1-3 years ago and how has your work changed since you started creating?
I like to think that I have improved in composition and attention to detail.

Do you live off of your art income?
I wish!

If you've sold art to people other than family and close friends, what marketing did you carry out to obtain those sales?
I have sold two greeting cards on Imagekind in the past year. I am working at promoting my site through Facebook and a blog.

What do you do when you aren't creating or marketing your art?
Besides being a housewife and mother, I operate a couple of small businesses in partnership with my husband.

Do you have any regrets as an artist?
I regret I can't afford a better camera.

Where to find Ariana's art:
Website: http://arianasart.com

Zazzle Store: http://www.zazzle.com/arianamurphy
CafePress Store:http://cafepress.com/budoimages
Imagekind Gallery: http://arianasart.imagekind.com
Other sites:
www.arianasart.blogspot.com

Social Media
Facebook Profile: http://http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/profile.php?id=1583140140&ref=nf
Facebook Fan or Group Page : http://http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ariana-Murphy/57442171124

Transition

I'm in the process of moving my site from self-hosted WordPress to Blogger. There are many limitations so I've had to make changes to the site and I'll probably change many pages to posts due to Blogger's 10 page limit. I'm slowly reviewing and readding old posts and hope to add new content and change the domain over soon.

Oil Painting Course Information

Are you interested in oil painting? Here is some information about the course I've been taking this last year at my own pace from home. I'm only about 1/4 the way through it since I do more photography and digital painting.