My Lola and I - print version

I had already published an ebook version of this children's book last year but thought about having a print version later.  Because I already finished a painting for the book cover, I did not want to pay for a book designer to develop the cover.  I also wondered how I could design a cover spread (back cover, spine, and front cover) myself.  I scoured the internet for how-to's and concluded that InDesign was the best program available for it. 

Well, InDesign is a very expensive program used by graphic designers in their work.  Fortunately, a free 30-day trial software was available online, so in early November, I downloaded it and bravely set out to learn it.  It was not easy and I made a lot of mistakes trying to form a cover spread.  Finally, I had a graphic designer check to make sure that my design conformed to the printer's specs.  I was soooo pleased that it did, but there was another step.  My publisher and the printer had to approve it.  Two days ago, it was!  I expect to receive the galley in a few days.  What a blessed relief!

Pricing Art

I just can't seem to get the pricing right on my artwork.  In the Washington, DC area, my prices are considered either too low or just right.  Some others think they are high.  In the last 6 - 7 years, I have barely raised my prices.

I am always willing to give courtesy discounts if asked; but I don't fancy haggling as if in a flea market.  There is always a delicate balance between wanting to sell and maintaining the integrity of one's art.

Affordable Art Fair, NYC, September 25 - 29, 2014

Well, my paintings below won’t make it to a wall at the Affordable Art Fair in New York (The Tunnel, 269 11th Avenue, between 27th and 28th Streets).  The spaces were sold out.  I hope they get some kind of exposure at Julio Valdez’ booth.  Keeping my fingers crossed!

 

Floating Leaves

 

Floating Leaves II

 Misty Lake

 Creek Reflections

           

Trials and tribulations of an artist

Because I don't drive and my husband is away, I took an early bus from DC to New York City to deliver 2 big paintings and 2 smaller pieces (well wrapped and packed) for an exhibition.  I placed the big ones upright in the belly of the bus.  Thankfully, my packages were unharmed.  The walk from the bus stop to NoHo Gallery took about 13 minutes.  I was so relieved when I delivered all four that I decided to leave them as is, wrappings and all (which may be a bad decision).

After the exhibition on the 16th, I have to take the bus again, pick them up, and lug them 10 blocks to the bus stop.  Let's hope the wrappings are still available so the paintings will survive the 4 1/2 hour trip back to DC.  Or I could be so lucky and someone will buy one of the big paintings!

"Undressed & Not" at Barebrush @ NoHo Gallery, Chelsea, NY

I will be part of the "Undressed & Not" exhibition at NoHo Gallery from Aug 12 - 16, 2014.  If you are going to be in the NYC area then, please check it out.

Anguish - One of My Suffering Women

 Anguish

watercolor, 20" high x 16" wide

Painting often involves a lot of thought and work. Sometimes, one gets lucky and something worth keeping comes out of a canvas or paper. I started to paint this while waiting for the electrician to finish his repair work. This was done before he was.

New painting, new style

I am almost done with my new painting - a portrait.  I used a combination of palette knife and brush.  Although I've used this mix before, I've never done it on a portrait.  I used my photo for the pose, and a vague idea of the mood of the subject.  Then, I just let the image develop over time.

I don't like painting wet on wet because it muddies the colors, so I wait until it dries, then paint some more.  The palette knife allows me to be more free with my strokes and has even infected my use of the paint brush.  The results are very encouraging.  The image below has already undergone some changes on the eyes and the background but you can see that the brush strokes are more obvious here than in my other pieces.  The title I have for this is "Worries". 

    

Worries

COPYING IMAGES - ILLEGAL OR NOT?

I googled myself recently and found that at least 20 sites have used images of my paintings (Grief, more than the others) without my permission.  Because my images are not watermarked and are mostly in high resolution, they are easily pulled out and copied.  I have a presence in several art websites like Saatchi, Barebrush Gallery, ArtPal, etc. so this is easily done.

I have contacted some of the unauthorized users and gently chastised them for using my images without permission and most have been apologetic. 

Of course, there are those who have sought my permission and I appreciate the gesture.  In return, they have given me credit accordingly (name and website) and, in a few cases, copies of their magazines.

I have copyright for all my artwork.  I don't wish to charge for the privilege of using my images because, in a way, copying is a form of flattery.  Sometimes, though, this indiscriminate copying can get out of control.

AM I AN ARTIST OR NOT?

I paint when inspired, without thinking whether the end product will sell or not.  But sometimes, one needs some kind of validation from others, either through a sale, an invitation to exhibit, or some positive feedback to carry on.  Not that I would stop, though. 

So, if I sell, get an inquiry about a painting, or receive compliments about my art, something close to elation fills my spirits.  And I continue doing what I love, knowing that some people do appreciate my kind of art.

TO PRICE OR NOT TO PRICE?

I have been struggling with a common artist dilemma for years.  When I had my website converted from Microsoft Office Live to WordPress, I did not indicate the prices of my paintings.  People would contact me through email if they are interested in a piece.

About a year ago, I received advice from an artist who successfully sells her art through her website.  I carefully considered it and decided to have a "store" created within my website where one can buy my art and pay through PayPal.  Unfortunately, not one has purchased anything from my site except my husband who was just testing if the process actually works.  It does!  But so far, my sales, though slow and few, have been made through my studio - not the website.

I started wondering.  Does indicating the price cheapen my art?  I thought it would save a prospective buyer time to know how much a piece costs.  My prices are lower than most in the area; so does this give the buyer the message that my art is not good enough?  Was it a mistake to indicate the prices in my website?  Should I get rid of them?

Any suggestions?  Thoughts?      

Grief on the cover of Leben Magazine

My painting, Grief,  has made it to the cover of Leben Magazine, a journal of Reformation life.  I don't know anything about the magazine but I was informed that they use a variety of subjects and styles for their cover.  Here it is:

 

The worst I've ever done!

I sold a painting, The Bell Inn, to a friend many years ago for $20 because she said she really liked it.  For years, I was gripped with regret for having done so, not because I sold it for a song, but because the painting held some sentimental value to me.  The "Bell Inn" is located in Welford-on-Avon, a village next to my parents-in-law's place.  Moreover, I had no decent photograph of it.  So, I did a most unethical thing:  I told my friend my dilemma and offered to buy it back; or send her a print on canvas as soon as it was photographed.  She was so gracious about it and said she would just give it back to me.  She had no more space in her house for it.

When I picked up the painting from her daughter in Manila, I gave her the $20 back.  I told her it would make me feel better.  When I got back to my sister's home, I took several photos of the painting which was one of my first pieces.  Then, I started brightening the blossoms with yellow, put some finishing touches on the roof, the sky, and the road.  Then, I took more photos.  Below are the original and revised versions of the painting.

 

The Bell Inn - Original

The Bell Inn - Revised