My art life and my 'normal' life spill over into each other a lot. Things that occur in my 'normal life' often provide surprising insights into my artist life. In fact, it happened just this week... What "bad saddle" am I using when it comes to getting my art out into the world? [...]

'Secret Vantage' by Elizabeth Wiltzen was selected as a Finalist in the August 2010 BoldBrush Painting Competition. [...]

'Solar Return' by Joyce Gabiou was selected as Outstanding Abstract in the August 2010 BoldBrush Painting Competition. [...]

'DJ' by Lisa Mitchell was selected as Outstanding Pastel in the August 2010 BoldBrush Painting Competition. [...]

It doesn't matter what you intend or plan to do. It matters what you act on. It matters what you DO. [...]

'Wait' by Margaret Ferguson was selected as Outstanding Pastel in the August 2010 BoldBrush Painting Competition. [...]

Selected Upcoming Exhibits by Informed Collector Artists [...]

Caldas da rainha Portugal by Eugen Chisnicean was selected Best of Show in the August 2010 BoldBrush Painting Competition. [...]

No this post isn't about what you think it is. But it is related to "that" kind of high. I was thinking about the things I wrote in The Maker's High and in The Tyranny of the Task List. This line of thinking led me to a startling realization: I realized that we all spend our lives trying to "get a great high." [...]

So here is my point – tell your story. Yes, you reveal yourself through your art. But not everyone gets it. Many people need to hear your story in order to get it. And then they will love your art. Or at least, they will understand it. [...]

'Mother Love' by Julia Forman was selected Outstanding Acrylic in the August 2010 BoldBrush Painting Competition. [...]

'Photo Op in Central Park' by Kristi Grussendorf was selected as Outstanding Watercolor in the August 2010 BoldBrush Painting Competition. [...]

Get ready for a new adventure artists. Art collecting is about to get very hot - I can feel it in my bones. [...]

'While the Sun Shines' by Poppy Balser was selected as Outstanding Watercolor in the August 2010 BoldBrush Painting Competition. [...]

The Art of Non-Conformity is a new book by fellow blogger, Chris Guillebeau. And, refreshingly, it's of the actual dead-tree variety...If you're not already living the life you want, then this book is for you. If you are already living the life you want, then it's still for you: Grab a copy of the book, read it to reaffirm your blessings, glean new insights into how you can be even more effective, and then pass it on to someone else who's not there yet. [...]

Deborah Angilletta - another artist experiencing the maker's high, writes: "When I am not painting I am thinking of painting. When I am falling asleep I am thinking of painting. When I am driving my car I pass scenes that I want to sketch for paintings. When I have chores that need to be done I am resentful that they keep me from painting". - Deborah Angilletta Awesome Deborah.  Welcome to the Hunger. [...]

Last week I opened up a discussion about doing commissions (I Will Paint for Money). Thank you for adding your comments and opinions. They were helpful to so many of us. Today I will share a few of my thoughts. [...]

Here's the formula to determine if it's worth it to you, the artist, to show your artwork in an art gallery: 1/(1-n) [...]

Selected Upcoming Exhibits by Informed Collector Artists [...]

As realist painters, it is important to hold onto the qualities that make our way of seeing the world unique. It is important to go to museums and galleries and see great paintings firsthand. Stand before a work of art and dive into the space of a painting. Breathe the air that the artist breathed. Feel the warmth of the light as it washes through the painting. [...]

Our esteemed judge, Brian Stewart, has completed the judging of the August 2010 BoldBrush painting competition. [...]

'Spring at the Pond' and 'Standing Strong' by Mike Malm were selected as Finalists in the July RayMar Fine Art Competition. [...]

All the talking, planning and dreaming in the world will not help me get today's work done - only action will. So now I ask you, my fellow artistic travelers... are you ready to take action, day by day, work through the issues, problems and daily dips? [...]

'Hell for Leather' by Steve Atkinson was selected as a Finalist in the July RayMar Fine Art Competition. [...]

Alyson Stanfield has a good post today on how to start a Facebook fan page for your art business. She also references what she considers to be the 3 most critical items on your Facebook fan page. Good stuff. I would add a fourth item - a way to sign up for your email newsletter. I know, I know you're sick of me talking about email newsletters - they work wonders - what can I say? [...]

To-do lists are constraints. They are chains. Now, constraints are not always a bad thing. Sometimes we need constraints to achieve positive results. If you've got a plane to catch, it's probably not the best time to start a new work of art and try to get into the "zone". Constraints are needed. But we need to remember that constraints are, well, constraining. And that's not a good thing in creative work. [...]

'Peonies and Daisies' by Kathy Anderson was selected as a Finalist in the July RayMar Fine Art Competition. [...]

Where do you draw the line between painting for yourself and for the market (or money)? [...]

'Morning Sun' by Michael Maczuga was selected as a Finalist in the July RayMar Fine Art Competition. [...]

Selected Upcoming Exhibits by Informed Collector Artists [...]

What makes a compelling self-marketing portrait for your website and brochure? Do you want a face shot? Do you like the “artist in action” look? Or, would you like a blend of both? [...]

What's the first thing you do when you sit down at you're computer? Probably check your email. Then what? I'm guessing that you check Facebook or Twitter. Then you probably check your email again for good measure. And hey, better check Facebook one more time...Most of us do this. We're addicted. [...]

Hilary Senhanli Engaged the FASO Community and her Web Traffic Soared. So did her email newsletter subscribers. That's something you don't get with Wordpress or Blogger. [...]

We all know that making the art without sharing it with anyone means nothing. And blogging is one amazing way to share your art with the world. Get exposure. Get people to know you. [...]

'America's Cup Jubilee Regatta, August 21, 2001' by David Bareford was selected as a Finalist in the July RayMar Fine Art Competition. [...]

Plein Air in Oil with Craig Nelson: A Review [...]

'Paddle Race' by Micaiah Hardison was selected as a Finalist in the July 2010 BoldBrush Painting Competition. [...]

A couple of weeks ago, I received an email through my website from a woman named Michelle Campbell. I immediately recognized her email as a scam. I then posted her email on my personal blog. Several artists commented on my blog that they had received the same email and were getting ready to make a transaction. If they had gone through with it, they could have lost thousands of dollars. [...]

'The Good' by Felicia Forte was selected as a Finalist in the July BoldBrush Painting Competition. [...]

“Stop playing it safe. Allow yourself to experiment and make mistakes. It’s the only way to move forward. If you stay in your comfort zone all the time, you won’t grow as an artist or as a businessperson. Get uncomfortable and take some risks.” [...]