FineArtStudioOnline - New Members Since 05/25/2007 [...]

Here's a curious oxymoron.A well-meaning desire to be loyal their existing artists, leads some short-sighted art marketers to turn away artists who paint similarly to one of their existing artists.  However, more in-depth analysis leads us to the conclusion that for the purposes of increasing sales for the existing artist AND the new artists, these galleries should accept the new artist.  In short, loyalty is best served by expanding their market and making more sales for BOTH artists.Let us explain.We recently attended a panel discussion with five gallery owners.  The discussion, of course, turned to marketing. Now all of the gallery [...]

Today we return to a project that's been on the back burner for over a year.  We want to share with you information about artists whom we have "found" that you may or may not have heard of -- our mission is, regardless of the artists "fame", to present those that we feel you deserve to know about. Today we take a look at Van Rainy Hecht-Nielsen...you may not know who his is, but you surely won't forget his name.  We've always enjoyed the way Miles Mathis describes Van's name in his "Review of Van Nielsen:" "I always get a mental image of an old Volkswagen microbus, curtained and handpainted, [...]

Inger-Ann Johnsen:http://www.inger-annjohnsen.comSharon Lazarowicz:http://www.sharonfineart.comMarian Fortunati:http://www.marianfortunati.com [...]

A few weeks ago we wrote about the impending sale of Green Car Crash by Any Warhol.We wrote:While great art uplifts our soul, the "other side" plays it's role too . . . that of comic relief.  We pity the soul who has to look at Green Car Crash over his fireplace.  We would be tempted to use it as kindling....we would even prefer looking at the television.  But the person who pays $35 million for such a privilege?  Now we're talkin' funny!  For not only is the poor soul out the money, but he'll likely show the thing off, brag to all his friends....revealing himself to [...]

Become an Online Art Magnet: How to Increase Traffic with Links, Keywords, and Blogswith Alyson B. Stanfield and special guest, Clint Watson . . .    Teleseminar:Wednesday, May 23, 20078 p.m. ET, 7 p.m. CT, 6 p.m. MT, and 5 p.m. PT(one hour)You'll learn:    * The only two things you really need to know about search engines    * How to build an ever-increasing amount of site traffic    * Simple actions you can take each day to increase your site’s popularity    * How to properly use links, keywords and blogsWouldn’t you like to have the “magic” tool that would help you:    * Easily [...]

Moving from competence to virtuoso level is much more daunting than moving from beginner to competence because when you're competent, to most people you're "good."   Realizing that you're not "good enough" is the beginning of the wisdom necessary to truly become a master . . .I've been pondering lately about master artists....or masters in any field for that matter.  Why don't more of us become masters?  Why am I still a "software craftsman" and not a "software virtuoso?"I remember a few years ago, one of my favorite painters, Kevin Macpherson, cancelled all his shows and workshops and essentially just practiced his painting for [...]

Well fellow art patrons, I mentioned this in my newsletter, FineArtViews, but it bears repeating -- We spent a day at the OPA show in Fredericksburg enjoying good friends, good art and learning a thing or two.  What did we learn?  How about this - would you like to frame your paintings in REAL 22K Gold Leaf Hand Carved frames but find that they're too expensive?   Well we think we have an answer for you - Barbara Carter Frames.  We found a fabulous Gold Leaf frame for a 9 x 12 oil painting we've had sitting on the mantle for over a year.  The price?  A mere $140.   That is UNBELIEVABLE.  [...]

Last week at the Oil Painters of America exhibition, I had the chance to watch Tom Tierney of Art of the West Magazine interview master artist, David Leffel. Here are a few of the quotes I jotted down during the interview as Mr. Leffel spoke: Regarding the artistic gift being genetic: "Painting, unlike music, rarely runs in families" Regarding selling: "Even when I wasn't making much of a living, I didn't think about making a living" About Abstract artists: "How do they know when they're getting better?" About abstract art vs. representational art: "An abstract painting is exactly what it proports to be, whether it be paint splatters or stripes, [...]

For those of you who've been wondering - I have taken a few days off from the blogging.I sign my letters "Software Craftsman and Art Fanatic" -- well this week, I've been focusing solely on the "Software Craftsman" side of things.  We've migrated all of our web sites and internet services to new web servers.  Without going into technical detail I'll just say...it's a big project -- one that took the better part of three days straight (and that was after three months of preparation too!)It's now *mostly* done and I should be back to a *mostly* normal schedule now.If you [...]

Reporting from the National Oil Painters of America show in Fredericksburg, Texas -- a gentleman approached our booth and introduced himself as an artist.  He was looking for a web site. . .   "So you guys can help me with setting up a web site?"   "We are at your service, sir"   "What do I need to do?", He asked.   Ahhh, we were prepared.  We pulled out our handy card that we had printed especially for this occassion and started to explain...."Well you see, you just go to our site....click this....etc"   "Son, I don't think you understand......I don't even have a computer!"   Yes, my fellow patrons, there are a few such [...]

Clint at the OPA Show

After years of existing only "virtually", we're out in the "real" world today!We're in Fredericksburg, Texas at the 2007 National Oil Painters of America exhibition....showing our wares and meeting old and new friends.Above, left is your software craftsman (ie me) at our exhibit table.Below we picture our FineArtStudioOnline clients and friends, Janice Yow Hindes and Carolyn Ratliff.  Carolyn and Janice at the OPA ShowWe're looking forward to the OPA events today and tomorrow and, who knows, we might even learn a thing or two we can pass on to you.Sincerely,Clint WatsonSoftware Craftsman and Art Fanatic [...]

Found in the Mr. Picassohead Gallery

A couple of weeks ago we poked fun at Jackson Pollock - today we have a little fun at the expense of Mr. Picasso.You can create your own Picasso now.  With our apologies to Geico, (and to cavemen everywhere) it IS easy - Just go to Mr. Picassohead. I think the one I found in their gallery (pictured with this post) is actually more appealing than most actual Picassos I've seen.Still waiting for an online application to help me paint like a real artist . . . oh, never mind, being a real artist requires talent and years of practice. [...]

When showing art, it's tempting to want to create "ambiance" by adding music, typically classical, to your site.  After all - most galleries have soothing music playing...and it typically adds to the experience.Well don't.On the Internet, most users hate web sites that "force" them to listen to music.  Yes, I know you can turn the sound down...what if the visitor is already playing his own music on his computer?  Maybe he doesn't want to turn his sound down.Or perhaps the visitor has been to your site before and is tired of your music.The answer is simple - don't add sound to [...]

Word of God by Mian Situ - a great painting

Today, by considering some thoughts about great writing, I propose three elements that provide a simple definition of great painting. I must start by admitting that I'm not a painter....and, in my opinion, a fairly pathetic writer (but I try, fellow art patrons, I try).  Therefore, it would seem that I have no right to address the subject of how to create a great painting (or writing). However, I ask - Do you have to be a musician to recognize great music?  Do you have to be an athlete to understand conceptually what is required to perform? Therefore, since I'm stubborn enough to tread [...]

Shameless Post.Happy Birthday Mom.Note to regular readers - returning to art topics on Monday, thank you for letting me indulge.(Mom - sorry about the bald guy "growing" out of your head in the photo) [...]

We wouldn't.Hee, Hee, Hee.  The Times Online reports that Andy Warhol's 1963 Green Car Crash (picture to the left) is estimated to bring $25 million - $35 million next month in a Christie's auction in their article, Move Over Picasso.  Mass Appeal Pushes Warhol to the Top of the Art Market.That's what we love about the art world.  While great art uplifts our soul, the "other side" plays it's role too . . . that of comic relief.  We pity the soul who has to look at Green Car Crash over his fireplace.  We would be tempted to use it as [...]

Came across an article online that's sure to generate some controversy and buzz among readers, but the guy does make some interesting points.....Why You Pretend to Like Modern Artby SpenglerAfter I wrote Admit it - you really hate modern art (January [...]

Alsyon Stanfield made the following good suggestions on her blog for artists, regarding the artist's resume:Below is a suggested order for your artist resume. Note that the most important thing will go at the top. If you are in academia, seeking a teaching job, you would put Teaching and Education at the top, followed by the rest. Solo Exhibitions Group Exhibitions Public Collections Corporate Collections Recent Publications Grants & Honors    Lectures / Public Speaking Teaching Related Activities Education BornFor the rest of Alyson's post on this subject, vist her ArtBizBlog. [...]