What we have learned can become an obstacle. Artists often allow themselves to be caged in by what they have learned from mentors, art professors, art critics... you name it -- most are bombarded with the influence of art education. [...]

'Antique Market in France' by Derek Penix was selected Best of Show in the October 2011 BoldBrush Painting Competition. [...]

One acorn can create a forest, one smile can establish a friendship, one touch can show you care and one friend can make life worth living. [...]

They say identifiable style--unmistakable art-- comes from painting. And painting. And painting some more. I think they mean you need to be more involved than just Sunday afternoons [...]

Yes, I know that these people are tremendously tremendously busy, which is another aspect of The Way Things Are Now, but I do so get tired of little people being ignored by big ones. [...]

'Nude on Red' by William Schneider was selected as a Finalist in the August 2011 RayMar Art's Fine Art Competition. [...]

Be careful not to rely too heavily on the acceptance of others. True confidence comes from within. Recognition from others can be good (sales or critical acclaim). These things can confirm or strengthen your faith in yourself. But too heavy a dependence on them can also crush you when you get rejected from a show or when you have periods of slower sales. Confidence based upon outside forces is fleeting and volatile. Inner confidence endures despite the ups and downs. But, not without work. [...]

'moose creek' by Joshua Clare was selected as a Finalist in the August 2011 RayMar Art's Fine Art Competition. [...]

There is a younger generation of artists who know these art writers by name -- and many communicate with them on a daily basis. That connection was never present when print ruled the realm of art criticism and opinion. [...]

The selected art forum questions for this week deal with topics about juried competitions, the spirit of Thanksgiving and the good and bad of joining numerous art focused websites. [...]

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

How you say thank you is up to you - just be sure you say it. [...]

'Le Chapeau' by Timothy C. Tyler was selected as a Finalist in the August 2011 RayMar Art's Fine Art Competition. [...]

The deceased artist was recognized -- but not so much for his art... the fascination people had was more about the curious behavior of storing so much art over such a lengthy span of time. [...]

Is this confusing? You bet, we’re talking government here. Is this overwhelming? Seems like it, a lot of times. Is this impossible? No [...]

'La Fille au Fil' by Dieul Marina was selected as a Finalist in the August 2011 RayMar Art's Fine Art Competition. [...]

The people who challenged Hide/Seek were utilizing fear for their own ends -- all while hiding said motivations under a blanket of faith. As a Christian -- no, as a person -- I feel that behavior was absolutely horrid. [...]

'Spur Over Sixth' by David Cheifetz was selected as a Finalist in the August 2011 RayMar Art's Fine Art Competition. [...]

There is a delicate balancing act between fear and confidence. An artist needs a healthy balance between the two extremes. I know artists who are extremely gifted and create masterful works, but completely void of confidence. I know other artists who have almost no skill, yet they are totally confident. Then, of course, there are those who are good and know it and there are those who realize that they don’t have what it takes. The best place to be is somewhere in the middle. [...]

We at FineArtViews would like to point to some recent discussions on the BrushBuzz art forum. Every Friday we will point to popular discussions or to other interesting art forum topics -- and to individuals who have offered their feedback/opinions/experiences by commenting. [...]

What is the best advice you’ve ever been given about your painting? [...]

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

So here is the bottom line - you don't need to be an artist to create artistic opportunities, or if you are an artist, you don't have to create it yourself but rather find the right person with the passion to make it happen. Don't be shy about asking for help. Look at your network for someone who shares your love for art and also has some business background, or is a serial entrepreneur, who knows how to create these opportunities. Partner with them, or start it yourself, at the end you will see the rewards. [...]

2 award winners for Kevin Beilfuss! 'Nachtmusik' selected as a Finalist in the August 2011 RayMar Art's Fine Art Competition. 'The River's Edge' selected as a Finalist in the September 2011 RayMar Art's Fine Art Competition. [...]

Our esteemed judge, Matt Smith, has completed the judging of the October 2011 BoldBrush painting competition. [...]

Some of you spend far too much time blogging, doing newsletters, Facebook, Myspace, Linkedin, tweeting, gabbing on the phone, texting and other social stuff that I’ve never heard of. You cannot improve without putting miles on your medium. Think about the Occams Razor approach in relation to being connected with people. Choose the top people in your friends and family list. Eliminate all the needless chatter. Pick the three things that work best. Improve on relationships that matter and put your heartfelt effort in making the best work ever. It’s not about how many people you talk with daily, but rather if you improve your art. No one can do everything. Focus on what you do best and make that superior. Don’t be a Jack of All Trades and Master of None. This is the quickest route to failure. [...]

'Secret Admirer' by Travis Seymour was selected as a Finalist in the August 2011 RayMar Art's Fine Art Competition. [...]

The question proposed by this article -- "is mainstream success within the art world really about who you know, or the family you were born into, than about the art itself?" -- lingers on. [...]

Time shared with three and four year olds at local kindergarten, watching them play and catching their gestures on paper has been a rewarding experience. [...]

I should have known that yesterday was going to be one of those days... [...]

A Table Setting by John Ball won 2 awards. Best of Show in the August 2011 RayMar Art's Fine Art Competition and Second Place in the September 2011 BoldBrush Painting Competition. [...]

Art marketing is a different beast compared to other markets -- the supply and demand rules don't always apply to the art market [...]

'Mother Earth' by Hans Guerin was selected as a Finalist in the August 2011 BoldBrush Painting Competition. [...]

I’ll be the first to admit that goal setting has never been my strong point in the past. But I have reached the point where I want to take more control of my business. I want to grow it, not just get by. This exercise was great for me, because it takes those goals and gives me the steps I need to take to get there. I am excited for what I have planned in the next year. I am excited to tackle my obstacles and achieve my goals. [...]

The future is now -- potential buyers are actively seeking art for their collections now... and if they don't buy from you they will simply buy from someone else. In this Internet driven world you have nothing to gain from hoarding your artwork. It is time to open the flood gates. [...]

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

It's funny, people know what amateur sounds and looks like with singers and dancers, but no one seems to know what the dividing line between amateur and professional is with visual art. So be it... but the collectors I know are pretty smart about what they collect. No one is going to buy a high priced work just because it's priced high - that work must prove its value in some way. [...]

Markets change -- and I'm starting to wonder if one rule of selling art needs to change now more than ever due to the economy. That rule being... "You should keep all of your original art listed at a close price range and never deviate from it other than to raise prices overall." [...]

A poignant example of how Sharing Art Enriches Life. [...]

When people have lots of choices, they look for reasons to start eliminating some of them. Or at least postpone some of them. And if you’ve given them a chance to postpone buying your work, they’ll take it. [...]