We at FineArtViews encourage you to learn more about these artists: Danielle Perry, Gina Strumpf, Pat Meras [...]

Don’t you wish that I would give you concrete, bullet-pointed, step-by-step instructions for how to increase art sales? I’ll never do that, you know, because I won’t deceive by promising easy answers to complex problems, but if you really want these tips, there are numerous groups, speakers, writers, magazines, social-media resources, and programs out there that will -- for a price. [...]

I find that most of my plein air works could have been greatly improved in compositional choices. This is one of many reasons my plein air work serves mostly as studies and not as finished paintings. If I do a very large canvas, I wouldn’t want to consider it a mere study. I would want a finished painting. But with all the visual stimuli out there and quickly changing light, most compositions aren’t as well thought out as they could be. [...]

We often forget that even the most praised artists created 'lesser' works. The works we view in the books -- and at museums -- likely reflect only a small percentage of what the artist created throughout his or her life. They tend to be the 'best of the best'. You have to step back and think of all of the 'failures' that led up to those works. Don't be fooled into thinking that those praised artists created one masterpiece after another. Heck, even the Old Masters made mistakes... so it is safe to assume that even they faced doubt while chasing perfection. [...]

Artist Douglas Arneson is known for creating elegant still life paintings. His approach to still life painting is strengthened by his love of traditional, academic art. [...]

The brushstrokes we leave on the lives of others never fade, but I didn’t know that was literal as well as figurative. It is time to put my fears aside and move forward with understanding and faltering confidence. It is not too late to follow a 30-year-old dream and to paint like there is no tomorrow until all my tomorrows are gone. [...]

Artist John Feiser is a fine art photographer. John's approach to fine art photography concentrates primarily on natural scenes. His photographs often involve unique perspectives of situations found within the natural world. In a sense, his work reminds us not to take the beauty of nature for granted. [...]

I realized that the artists who managed to fight through this recession have a better shot at longevity than most. The recession was a test of your resolve and passion. I think as we come out of these rough times we will be more adept at survival and will have gained the skills necessary to make a long fruitful artistic career. There will still be those that fade away but we are more likely to grow and bend with the times and prosper. [...]

We at FineArtViews encourage you to learn more about the following artists: Marti Walker, Ryan Allen Sobkovich, Lilly Langer [...]

Artist Daggi Wallace is a pastel painter known for creating emotionally charged artwork. It has been said that Daggi captures the soul of her subjects and the essence of the moment in her masterful pastels. Concerning her style, Daggi states, "While my style is representational I give it a contemporary touch by adding texture to the painting surface, using bold colors and contrast and leaving some areas of the painting less defined.". [...]

Because we’re supposed to -- because the normal way of going about things is to join prestigious groups and enter prestigious shows and try to catch the attention of prestigious galleries and not even dream of doing things on our own. In order to sell artwork, we are told, the quality and beauty of the artwork itself is the last thing we’re supposed to consider. We need the right group, the right publicity, the right show, to make it all happen. And in order to be in the right place at the right time, we need be joining those groups and buying those ads and entering those shows -- consistently writing out checks to other people in the belief that they will do something for us in return. [...]

We at FineArtViews encourage you to learn more about the following artists: James Otto, Heather Craft, Diann Haist [...]

My plein air work is about responding emotionally to the moment. But, I have realized that my studio work enables me to explore other ideas, push compositional choices, or push color to create a mood. [...]

Artist John Wentz explores the human condition by tapping into our collective anxieties. [...]

A word about unsuccessful paintings - yes they do happen, more times then I would like to admit. Artists do not allow themselves to practice. Every time we stand in front of our easels, we feel we must complete a masterpiece. If only we could. I take all those paintings of mine that just did not work, for whatever the reason, and I do not look at them as failures but just as practice, a learning experience. Artists are human and not perfect, so why do we expect our work to be perfect? [...]

In the weeks ahead, I’ll share animal fables, showing how each artist…er, I mean, animal… dealt with this calamitous time in history. Ants, beavers, spiders and ostriches, all have a tale to tell. [...]

Life in the real world often feels like Looking Glass land, in that when we approach a project directly -- like, a really good painting; or marketing that painting -- we often seem to be back where we started. [...]

A certain amount of self-doubt is healthy. It keeps us humble and motivates us to strive to learn, practice, and improve our art. But an overabundance can be harmful or even crippling. [...]

This is the way I view it: The artwork used on an album cover will no doubt help to brand the band. Furthermore, the artwork may end up used on merchandise. Think of some notable bands – for example, Pink Floyd... I'm willing to bet that some of you instantly 'pictured' some of the artwork and designs associated with the band in your mind (specifically those created by Storm Thorgerson). The artist behind the artwork -- behind that aspect of the 'band image', if you will -- deserves a 'cut' of the profit if the band is unable to pay adequately from the get-go. Never forget: What you do is just as important as what they do... don't allow yourself to be treated poorly. [...]

Art critic Brian Sherwin has selected three works of art featured on the FASO Daily Art Show. [...]

'Across the Dusk and Winter' by David Grossmann was selected Best of Show in the March 2013 BoldBrush Painting Competition. [...]

These artists seem to think that they don’t know how to sell. While I will be the first to admit that selling art is not the same as selling hula-hoops, selling art is still selling and artists do know how to sell. After all, they’ve been selling their whole life. Let me repeat that and direct it toward you. You’ve been in sales your whole life. [...]

Artist Lisa Kovvuri focuses primarily on oil portraits and still life paintings. Lisa has garnered recognition due to her highly detailed portrait commissions. Her portrait paintings have received praise due to her level of skill as a painter – and her ability to capture the personality of her subjects. [...]

For this round of Staff Picks we had three staff members select images that have been featured on the FASO Daily Art Show. [...]

You’re not abandoning people all together; family members love and need you, after all. You are simply allowing yourself time, as an artist, away from outside voices and influence so that you can focus on that small, quiet, patient inner voice that gets drowned out by all the external shouting. [...]

These words resonate with me. Now, I will admit, I have had my fair share of excuses. And who knows what opportunities I have missed because of them. But, I have also seen the other side – and I try to stay on this other side. I know of the opportunities that will arise by not making excuses. [...]

Artist Charles Cox is known creating painterly cityscapes and landscapes. Charles notes that his art practice focuses on accurate drawing and tones. Furthermore, he focuses on what he describes as "enjoyable details" and "entertaining brushwork". Needless to say, we at FineArtViews find his paintings to be both enjoyable and entertaining. [...]

This ruling won't serve the majority of artists. After all, most artists don't rely heavily on direct appropriation in the first place. In other words, I would argue that the majority of artists don't work from images they find online or elsewhere. This ruling serves a small percentage of artists... in some cases supporting their market while hampering YOUR market. I will go as far as to suggest that court rulings like this are a direct attack on self-representing artists. Pointblank, this decision is a major defeat for the majority of artists working today. [...]

Our esteemed judge, Eric Bowman has completed the judging of the March 2013 BoldBrush painting competition. [...]

Artist Nancy Alter is known for combining dry point etching, collagraph techniques, digital imaging and manipulation of the image in order to create a number of artworks. Nancy's artwork often appears to focus on organic, flowing forms. The details of these shapes capture the attention of viewers. [...]

For this round of Staff Picks we had three staff members select images that have been featured on the FASO Daily Art Show. [...]

As a result of these strict guidelines, there is now a movement of artists turning their back on these accolades. In the artists of my generation, people rarely talk about how an award or one man show will make their artistic career. The conversations are all about how to build relationships with collectors and those who appreciate art. We believe these relationships will make our career more than anything else. And a lot of the most exciting work coming out today is originating from these artists. [...]

Artist David Savellano notes that he works primarily en plein air (outdoors). David utilizes watercolor painting to capture random moments that he observes on the streets or in nature. Additionally, David creates plein air ink drawing and watercolor sketches in order to capture the essence and feel of a scene. He states that he strives to be "present in the moment". [...]

For this round of Staff Picks we had three staff members select images that have been featured on the FASO Daily Art Show. [...]

The initial problem lies, however, in accepting that being alone is not weird. Too often, when we embark upon a creative outlet or a new lifestyle or gluten free eating or knitting socks from the toe up as opposed to top-down, or whatever it is that we want to get really good at, we seek out a group, because, we tell ourselves, “I will learn so much from other people, and that will help me advance.” And so we start attending this group, monthly or weekly or every two weeks, and while we do learn good things from others around us, we also pick up -- and reinforce every time we attend the group -- not so good things as well. [...]

The online art world has provided me with the perfect 'jumping point' for communication about art. I'm certain that many of you feel the same way. That does not change the fact that the art world can be a lonely place if your connections exist primarily online. Don't get me wrong... solitude is not necessarily a bad thing. That said, 'cultivating' offline art world connections can become a strong source of inspiration and professional growth. [...]

Someone recently asked me for guidance on how to develop a personal style. The short answer is not to worry about it too much. It will come naturally with time. The caveat, though, is that you need to let it develop. This leads me to the long answer. [...]

Artist Joseph Alleman works primarily with watercolor and oil. Joseph's paintings have become highly sought after due to his visionary portrayals of the West. [...]

Artist Karen Stewart has a background in working with pastels, oils, acrylics, and watercolor. Karen's artwork is inspired by her travels – having lived in numerous locations throughout the United States. Her paintings – which often involve rural scenes – are strengthened by her strong use of color and unusual compositions. [...]

For years, I have written and modified descriptions of some my narrative paintings only to feel inadequate to the task. I finally understand that this is not an inadequacy on our part as visual artists. It is our responsibility to focus on the visual. We have passport to leave the art of words to writers and novelists. Certainly both means of communication are limited and I suppose it is those things that can't be easily captured that make any art form somewhat magical. I think I'll embrace that for awhile. [...]