'One Day' by Dominic Avant was selected as a Finalist in the December 2010 RayMar Art's Fine Art Competition. [...]

If you have never bartered before, consider it. Give it a try. You might find it quite beneficial. [...]

Brian interviews Mat Gleason - art critic and founder of Coagula Art Journal. [...]

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

So, you may ask what is a "presentation"? This is where the opportunity arises for you to present your products and/or services to gain or deepen a relationship. It may sound frightening, but after a few tries, you'll get the hang of it. I always pretend that I'm talking to a long-lost friend. [...]

'Bacchante' by Dieul Marina was awarded Best of Show in the December 2010 RayMar Art's Fine Art Competition. [...]

Isn't a printed book is like a permanent art show? The books are usually juried, just like other art shows, and the artwork is printed and displayed in the best possible way. Once the book has been printed, it will never be erased or destroyed. Copies are distributed, sold and kept in many locations, making it more permanent than a short-time show. [...]

With a mind that is starting to open up to the possibilities that have been discounted until now, the necessary slump into a valley will be followed by the high on the mountain top. This is the way it always works...how would you recognize a "high" if there never was any comparison with a "low"? [...]

2 Award Winners! Sensitive Beauty in the December 2010 BoldBrush Painting Competition and Lilac Garden in the December 2010 RayMar Art's Fine Art Competition. [...]

'Overgrown But Usable' by Rusty Jones was selected as a Finalist in the December 2010 BoldBrush Painting Competition. [...]

Our esteemed judge, Kyle Stuckey, has completed the judging of the January 2011 BoldBrush painting competition. [...]

We, as artists, do need to be self-critiquing. We do need to realize that not everything we do is up to par. Not everything is at the level it should be. Even works that may be up to par in technical terms, but lack genuine, sincere expression should be left on the cutting room floor. Like it or not, we are often judged by our worst works. [...]

'Porte De Versailles' by Jennifer McChristian was selected as a Finalist in the December 2010 BoldBrush Painting Competition. [...]

Gender, race, and age should not come before what an individual does when writing about said individual. Yet it happens all the time-- and most of the major art publications have long been guilty of this. Who knows how many artists could have continued to shine had it not been for these three factors serving as obstacles. [...]

Essentially the choice comes down to this in any rejection situation: is it worth the effort to try to salvage the situation or is it best to accept the disappointment and move on? We cannot please everyone and some will prove impossible to please, no matter how hard we try. [...]

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

2 Award Winners for Dan Schultz. 'Winter Walk' in the December 2010 BoldBrush Painting Competition and 'Shadows of Winter' in the December 2010 RayMar Art's Fine Art Competition. [...]

Bottom line, I believe most of us make the work we do because it MEANS something profound to us. And our greatest success is when it connects on a similar level with someone else-- someone who used to be a stranger, but is now our collector. Someone who finds their life enriched, empowered, impassioned, CHANGED by our work. That's what we owe our collectors. [...]

An interview with award winning painter, Hodges Soileau. [...]

'Miss Logan' by Carolyn McDonald was selected as a Finalist in the November 2010 RayMar Art's Fine Art Competition. [...]

'Shapes and Colors' by Ken McBride was selected as Finalist - Outstanding Abstract in the December 2010 BoldBrush Painting Competition. [...]

'Winter Light (self-portrait)' by Lisa Fricker was selected as Finalist - Outstanding Pastel in the December 2010 BoldBrush Painting Competition. [...]

A wise student treats what the teacher offers as ingredients to be put in the kitchen cupboard. One doesn't use the same ingredients in the same quantities for every meal. He should pick and choose from those ingredients given by each and every instructor, along with those found on his own. [...]

Artist statements are ever-changing-- and I will go as far as to say that an artist can take different directions with his or her artist statement depending on who he or she is striving to lure interest from. I realize that my opinion flies in the face of traditionalists who suggest that an artist should use the same artist statement in all situations.. However, it stands within reason to have different versions of your artist statement that are catered to a specific audience. With that in mind-- I want to discuss the type of artist statement that is best drawn upon when conversing-- verbally or in written form-- with the average potential art buyer. [...]

The so-called "elevator speech" is a very short 15 to 30 second introductory sound bite that introduces who you are and what you do in a memorable way. The elevator speech or elevator pitch, as it's sometimes called, is designed to prepare you for any brief or chance encounter you may have where you get an opportunity to talk about yourself. [...]

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

'SUNRISE' by Bill James was selected as Finalist - Outstanding Pastel in the December 2010 BoldBrush Painting Competition. [...]

Bear in mind, that most free services might not have such an in-your-face domain name announcing to everyone that they are free, possibly making it more appealing for people to use. But they are still the same. Free. So what is the problem with that? [...]

Try listening to that small voice inside asking to do something new...watercolors, pottery, drawing, collage...whatever. Step past that little, "I can't" ...and give yourself the experience of creating something with your own hands, eyes, and heart. No one else in this world could possibly create what you make, simply because you did it yourself. [...]

'Ripe' by Tim Hagerty was selected as Finalist - Outstanding Acrylic in the December 2010 BoldBrush Painting Competition. [...]

The story behind the work is an added bonus, as most people decide on purchasing a painting because it latches onto their psyche and demands to be a part of their lives. What matters is that they own it, and through the years, their own stories are added to its history. [...]

'Bronx Bound' by Patti Mollica was selected as Finalist - Outstanding Acrylic in the December 2010 BoldBrush Painting Competition. [...]

'Nice, France II' by Eugen Chisnicean was selected as Finalist - Outstanding Watercolor in the December 2010 BoldBrush Painting Competition. [...]

Learning new methods or subject matter ? even if forced by an instructor ? is beneficial. More knowledge is always a good thing. More tools in our toolbox are always better than fewer. Some of the knowledge we gain doesn't come in handy right away ? but might later on. Other tools quickly become favorites replacing old ones. To grow as an artist you must learn ? you must step outside your comfort zone from time to time. Keep what works for you, set aside what doesn't. And if it doesn't taste good, then you don't need to eat it. [...]

I think artists need to stop viewing a physical art portfolio as just a prerequisite for career opportunities and instead view a well-maintained art portfolio as a necessity for overall growth. [...]

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

It is important to keep accurate and organized records of the work you produce. Keep these handy and keep them filed in an organized manner. [...]

Your best ROI is marketing to?and rewarding--the audience you already have. Humans are wired for novelty and change. That's why the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. It's natural we are constantly looking for new opportunities, new customers, new venues for our work. [...]

Today, I'd like to introduce you to Susan Renee Lammers. Last year, she sold 140 paintings by her own efforts. Read on to see just how she did it. [...]

'Orange Lilies in a Mexican Vase' by Norah Lee was selected as a Finalist in the November 2010 RayMar Art's Fine Art Competition. [...]