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

A New Book: My Lola and I

When I finished writing a children’s book months ago, I was challenged by the prospect of illustrating it.  I couldn’t draw in a cartoon style no matter how much I’ve tried.  Because I did not want to pay someone else to do the drawings, I decided to paint the book cover.  It did not turn out too badly.  Next, I painted a few illustrations for the interior.  The results were surprisingly good.  Finally, I had it published as an ebook through Booklocker, and will also be available in Kindle, Nook, Kobo and iTunes.  Here are the links:

Amazon.com:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HE5I3KS

Barnes and Noble:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/my-lola-and-i-cynthia-angeles/1117740436?ean=2940148830726&itm=1&usri=2940148830726

Booklocker (my publisher):
http://booklocker.com/books/7201.html

Itunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/my-lola-and-i/id784953324

Kobo:
http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/my-lola-and-i
 

Best-of-the-Rest. December 2013 Voting

My painting above, Dusk in the Copse, was selected as Best-of-the-Rest for December 20 at Barebrush Gallery.  To vote for People’s Choice, below is the link:

http://barebrush.com/NOTM/Archives/BOTR2013_12.php
 
Choose Best of the Rest, click on December 20, then click vote.   Thanks!

Things to Consider before Donating to Typhoon Haiyan Relief Charities

The images of the horrendous destruction wrought by typhoon Haiyan (aka typhoon Yolanda) on the central islands of the Philippines are heartbreaking.  Luckily for me, my family and relatives live in Metro Manila.  However, we need to reach out to those who survived this terrible calamity and bring help to them fast and furious.

The bottom line: American Red Cross, Americares, Catholic Relief Services, and Convoy of Hope are among the charities recommended by Charity Navigator for the Philippines relief effort.  To read more, below the image is the link:

 
http://abcnews.go.com/Business/things-donating-typhoon-haiyan-relief-efforts/story?id=20850992

REVIEW OF OLPE AT THE WATERGATE GALLEY

Here  is a review by Dr. Deborah Sokolove, Director, Henry Luce III Center for the Arts and Religion, Wesley Theological Seminary.

Our Lady of Perpetual Exhaustion, part 2

Cynthia Angeles, "Grief", oil on linen, 31" x 25"

A few days ago, I attended the opening reception for the Watergate Gallery portion of Our Lady of Perpetual Exhaustion. Owner and Curator Dale Johnson showed the work of 33 artists. Of course, Cynthia Farrell Johnson and Helen Zughaib, as the instigating spirits of the show, were represented, but since their work is so familiar to me, I spent most of my time looking at works by artists who are new to me.

Nancy Frankel, "Lemmings", paint and toy cars, 54" x 60"

As is true at the Dadian Gallery, a group show like this one shows many different, idiosyncratic interpretations of the theme. Some works, like Nancy Frankel's whimsical, yet insightful, "Lemmings", reflect stressful situations or the multiple demands of everyday life. Others, like Cynthia Angeles's balanced, harmonious, luminous, yet somber "Grief,"respond to the image of "Our Lady" with images of women weighed down by burdens named and un-named. Still others, like Alfredo Ratinoff's "42 Icons for the Relief of Exhaustion," offer respite in references to the past, suggesting that it is not only modern life that drives us to the brink of giving up. As Ratinoff writes,

Alfredo Ratinoff, "42 Icons for the Relief of Exhaustion",
glass and litho transfer

The idea of the 42 icons for exhaustion relief was conceived with many of the stories that I have used all my years as an artist: Romeo and Juliet, Helen of Troy, Adam and Eve, Aphrodite, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Turandot, Tristan and Isolde, Aida, and others. These are not icons in the traditional religious sense, but are icons in their own right in that they represent various literary, epic, and historical themes that over the course of human history have brought us respite when we have felt exhausted or were on the verge of giving up. They remind us of the best in ourselves. I believe that icons have a very strong spiritual power that can help to bring us back to ourselves. However, even icons need inspiration and often were spurred on through the influence of a muse. Interspersed in this collection are a series of muses, exemplifying their positive relationships with these icons. In the midst of all of these characters and stories lies Our Lady of Perpetual Exhaustion, her life a thread that has run through the course of each of these tales and in the story of each of our lives.

http://luce-arts-and-religion.blogspot.com/2013/09/our-lady-of-perpetual-exhaustion-part-2.html

CATHOLIC CHURCH VS. REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH RIGHTS FOR FILIPINO WOMEN

This is a must-see video, especially for Filipino women!

Empower Filipino Women

I have started a petition to stop the Philippine Supreme Court from suspending indefinitely the Reproductive Health Law signed by President Benigno Aquino in December 2012.
For those against abortion, please note that the RH Bill, which was suspended indefinitely by the Philippine Supreme Court, does not legalize abortion.  All it does is provide free access to contraceptives to the nation's poorest and sex education in schools.  This issue is very important to me, and I need your help to do something about it! Please sign and pass it on.
http://www.avaaz.org/en/petition/Responsible_Parenthood_for_Filipino_Women/?copy

Empower Filipino Women

www.avaaz.org

The Reproductive Health Law was signed by President Benigno Aquino in December 2012 after a bitter 14-year battle between women’s rights advocates and Catholic bishops. It would fund access to contraceptives for the nation’s poorest women and promote sex education in schools. The Supreme Court stall...

A gem at Kuala Lumpur International Airport

Last February, I went to Kuala Lumpur for the first time.  At the airport, I inquired about the Shangri-la Hotel shuttle.  I didn't know I had to book in advance but the guy from Shangri-la got me a taxi instead.  What luck!  I got Mr. Gobee A/L Ragaven who took me to my hotel for less than what I would have paid for the Hotel limo.  Moreover, he gave me useful bits of information about Kuala Lumpur.  

I booked Gobee for my return trip to the airport and he showed up earlier than agreed.  I told him I wasn't able to try a typical Malaysian breakfast so, because we had plenty of time, he took me to a stall where he buys his breakfast, run by a Malaysian man and his Indonesian wife.  He helped me order Nasi lemak (coconut rice with egg, fish and sambal chili) and some fiery chicken dish.  The lady wrapped the whole thing in banana leaves and paper, then stuffed it in a plastic bag with a plastic spoon - all for a song.

Gobee then drove me to the airport and suggested that, after checking in, I should seat myself in a Malaysian coffee house which are aplenty in the airport, and enjoy my breakfast.  I ordered a cup of coffee and dug in.  My mouth was on fire but the whole thing was delicious!

I should have written about Gobee months ago but I misplaced his card.  I just found it among my papers so here are his contact details, just in case you need a reliable guide in Kuala Lumpur.

Airport Limo (M) SDN BHD
Gobee A/L Ragaven:  016-245-9918  (Limo 2895)   

View from the Hill

Yesterday was a busy day for me. I made orange marmalade, put the finishing touches on my latest painting, and started a new canvas. Below is View from the Hill, oil on canvas, 16" x 20".  A former art teacher used to say I painted like I was on acid. :)

OLPE Exhibit Extended at the Watergate Gallery

The exhibit "Our Lady of Perpetual Exhaustion" at the Watergate Gallery is being extended until Saturday, October 19, 2013.  The varied interpretation of the theme by 33 local artists (including myself) has drawn quite a bit of interest.  If you haven't seen the show, there are additional receptions scheduled as follows:

Reception:  Thursday, September 26,  6:30-8:30 pm
Reception:  Saturday, October 5, 5:00 - 8:00 pm

PARTY TO END THE EXHIBIT:   Saturday, October 19, 5-8 pm

The OLPE Art Reception

Exhibition: Our Lady of Perpetual Exhaustion  September 7 – October 5, 2013

The opening reception came and went.  The gallery was crowded and the atmosphere lively.  The show was quite interesting, each piece representing the artist's interpretation of the theme accompanied by a narrative explaining the artwork.  I wrote the following narrative to describe my painting, Grief:

The theme of the exhibition inspired me to revisit my paintings of women in distress.  I have always been drawn to create portraits of suffering women.   It is my way of paying homage to my mother and the women in my family, not only because of their tenacity to face daily challenges, but also for the courage and resolve with which they confront life's adversities.  Grief reflects all these things and more - pain, exhaustion, grief, despair.

 
If you did not make it to the opening, there will be additional receptions at the gallery:

Wednesday, September 18, 6:30 – 8:30 pm 
Thursday, September 26, 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Saturday, October 5, 6:00 - 8:00 pm  (end of exhibition)
 
Watergate Gallery is located in the lower level (accessible by escalator or stairs) of the Watergate building, next to CVS.
 
Watergate Gallery & Frame Design
2552 Virginia Avenue NW
Washington DC 20037 
tel: 202.338.4488

OLPE Exhibit - A Reminder

Exhibition: Our Lady of Perpetual Exhaustion

I will be part of a group exhibition at the Watergate Gallery & Frame Design from September 7 - October 5, 2013.  Opening reception is on Saturday, September 7, 5:00 - 8:00 pm.

If you are in the Washington, DC area,  please come and see the show.  Watergate Gallery is located in the lower level (accessible by escalator or stairs) of the Watergate building, next to CVS.
September 7 – October 5, 2013
  
Watergate Gallery & Frame Design
2552 Virginia Avenue NW
Washington DC 20037tel: 202.338.4488

If you can't make it to the opening reception, the following are additional receptions:

Wednesday, September 18, 6:30 – 8:30 pm 
Thursday, September 26, 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Saturday, October 5, 6:00 - 8:00 pm

Stop the Anti-Women Gag Rule!!!

Sold into marriage at 12, Sahar Gul lived in a house of horrors. Her in-laws chained her in the basement, beat her with red hot iron pipes, starved her and pulled out all her fingernails when she refused to prostitute herself for them.

Her attackers’ sentence was reduced to a meager one year, and now they’re free again! Worse still, the Lower House of Afghan Parliament just passed a bill that would ban aggressors’ family members from testifying in court. This would prevent countless children and women from ever getting justice.

The Upper House has beaten back anti-women legislation before and high-level officials say the Avaaz community could tip the balance and help stop the bill before it goes to a vote. But to do that, we need to act fast. Click the link below to sign this urgent petition now -- when we reach 1 million signers we’ll launch a massive local media campaign targeting key senators until the bill is dumped.

 

Here is the link:  https://secure.avaaz.org/en/justice_for_afghan_women_loc/?fVikCab

Exhibition: Our Lady of Perpetual Exhaustion

I will be part of a group exhibition at the Watergate Gallery & Frame Design from September 7 - October 5, 2013.  If you are in the Washington, DC area,  come and see the show.  Below are the details.

Watergate Gallery is located in the lower level (accessible by escalator or stairs) of the Watergate building, next to CVS.

OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL EXHAUSTION

September 7 – October 5, 2013
 
Watergate Gallery & Frame Design
2552 Virginia Avenue NW
Washington DC 20037
 
tel: 202.338.4488

Opening reception:  Saturday, September 7, 5:00 - 8:00 pm

Additional receptions:
Wednesday, September 18, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Thursday, September 26, 6:30 - 8:30 pm 
Saturday, October 5, 6:00 - 8:00 pm

Artwork

I was checking out my website a few days ago when I realized that viewers may have been missing the page "Artwork".  This page has a drop-down menu which leads you to the different types of genre I do (portrait, still-life, nude, landscape, etc.).  However, if you place your cursor on Artwork (next to Home), and click on it, you will get the intro to my art and a slideshow of about 30 paintings in my portfolio.  Try it!

 

Women's Review of Books July/August issue

My painting, Voices of Hope, is featured in the July/August issue of Women's Review of Books. It was used to illustrate the review of "Mapping Arab Women's Movements".  What a thrill to see it on the cover!  

Here is the link to the review:
http://www.wcwonline.org/Women-s-Review-of-Books/womens-review-of-books