'Her Father's Wedding' by John Kelley was selected as a Finalist in the December 2011 BoldBrush Painting Competition. [...]

Are my marketing techniques working, do they make sense, do they produce results, are they honest, are they worth pursuing, should I be doing something different? Before I can address these issues – which are ongoing, by the way; there is no ultimate, one-size fits all marketing plan – I need to come to grips with the most important question: Am I thinking for myself, or am I still influenced by what I think others are thinking, and am thereby adjusting my unique situation and temperament to my perceived notion of what should be done? [...]

'Absolutely Free' by Peter Seltzer was selected as Outstanding Pastel in the October 2011 BoldBrush Painting Competition. [...]

This is something that I have done on occasion. Each time I have done it, I have sold paintings as a direct result. For some reason, though, over the past year or so my on-line efforts have caused me to forget this very simple and effective marketing tool. [...]

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

Working on the internet marketing process was really intimidating because I wasn't sure I could learn entirely new complex skills, so I started here at FASO and found that it was much easier than I thought it would be [...]

Artist Lorette C. Luzajic, writing for Canada Free Press, recently offered criticism of art-focused Occupy Wall Street splinter movements -- such as Occupy Art World (OAW) and Occupy Museums (OM). [...]

The point is, you are an artist and your job is to make art. Don't listen to marketers who aren't artists. And those marketers who are artists, take their advice with a grain of salt. [...]

I was reminded recently about a story involving artist Salvador Dali and power art collector Stavros Niarchos. [...]

'Urban Aria' by Terry Miura was selected as a Finalist in the December 2011 BoldBrush Painting Competition. [...]

Let me warn you, purchasing art becomes addictive as you crave the happiness and joy each new painting, brought into your home, brings to you and your visitors. [...]

Our esteemed judge, James Crandall, has completed the judging of the December 2011 BoldBrush painting competition. [...]

'The Years You Walked on My Land (Part 1)' by Francis DiFronzo was awarded 3rd Place in the December 2011 BoldBrush Painting Competition. [...]

Life is shorter than you think. The average lifespan of a pigeon in the wild is five years. They are known to reach fifteen when cared for by humans. It seems only a few years ago I was out on the road hustling sales. The older we get the faster the years fly by. This is why we must make the best of our allotted time. [...]

Too Much Screen Time – this is the inability to walk by the computer screen (or ignore the phone, for those of you who don’t live in obscure, rural areas where we’re lucky to have electrical poles, much less phone towers) without briefly checking your Facebook or your e-mail or gliding through the Internet on a search for musk ox yarn. [...]

2 awards for 'Take A Break_Surfer Boy' by Paul Cheng! 2nd Place in the December 2011 BoldBrush Painting Competition and a December Finalist in the Raymar Art Painting Competition. [...]

Jerry Saltz implied that an entire generation of artists have failed to expand on the conversation of art. I think the same could be said of art critics in my generation. [...]

I often get questions regarding whether to purchase or prepare your own canvas. The truth is there are pros and cons of each. Even still, you will save a lot of money if you learn how to prepare your own canvas. [...]

An online empire can vanish over night -- the social art site you know and love today may not be here tomorrow. [...]

The merit of the art itself is of little significance to these 'professionals' once the artwork is drenched in a sea of cash... welcome to the doldrums of the mainstream art world. [...]

So if you find yourself struggling with a painting, step back and ask yourself if your foundation skills are strong enough, or if you need to go back and work on your drawing technique in order to improve your painting. [...]

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

As observer, I might question whether the artist was successful in his attempt – not so much in capturing the scene, for I have not actually seen that – but has the artist given me something interesting and affecting to observe. Am I moved by the painting as I observe it as the artist was probably moved by the scene as he painted it? It is the painting, not the scene, that is the point of connection. [...]

If you have a unique amazing idea is it better to ask others for input or just take the idea and go for it? [...]

'Home Stretch Charge' by Joe Mac Kechnie was selected as Outstanding Pastel in the November 2011 BoldBrush Painting Competition. [...]

There’s nothing wrong with curiosity, inquiry, and appreciation for others’ work and techniques. Often teachers are a-brim with same, and that’s why I said they tend to be the folks that ask lots of questions. I love it when people marvel about the detail in my work, my color choices, and my display. Some people, though, go too far. And that will feel differently for different people. Here are a few of my guidelines. But I can only speak for myself, and I hope others will chime in with their own ‘parameters of respect.’ [...]

I have to agree that SOPA is dangerous based on what I've read so far. If passed it would 'kill' online art communities and art blogs -- the conversation about art that we love today would be gone... along with the wider conversation in general. [...]

The Internet has changed the way everything is bought and sold, and we're in the middle of a revolution. No one really knows how it will all turn out, but we artists who are adventure prone and not adverse to risk will pull through. [...]

'Ledoux Farolitos' by Peggy Immel was chosen as a FAV 15% in the November 2011 BoldBrush Painting Competition. [...]

If you spend any time around the artist at all, you've probably seen some of his or her work, heard him talk about it, know her style. If you hate the artist's style or, more likely, don't understand it, let the artist know (maybe not the hating part, but definitely the not understanding part) and feel free to ask questions so that you can increase your understanding. Artists love to talk about their work to people who are serious enough to listen. [...]

'The Bridge' by Hsin-Yao Tseng was selected as a finalist in the November 2011 BoldBrush Painting Competition. [...]

How do you compartmentalize your art – or do you? [...]

'Sienna' by Robert Bootier was selected as a finalist in the November 2011 BoldBrush Painting Competition. [...]

I'm interested in knowing how YOU -- the artist -- define recognition. [...]

In a "perfect" online marketing world, I wouldn't have to throw myself or my work at a seemingly endless list of other sites...or even one other site, for that matter. But many artists are doing that in the name of "exposure," to get their work "seen." In a truly perfect online marketing world, collectors would come to my site and find my work on their own without any prompting from me. But without using any of the above listed options, what chance do I have of drawing that audience? Can I really do it all here on my site alone? [...]

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

There is a 'world' of art in the United States that has went under the mainstream radar simply because most professionals within the mainstream gallery and museum 'world' fail to really 'look' for art today. [...]

The émigré Chinese here are kicking our proverbial asses with the training they receive - until we wake up and realize drawing and painting are worthwhile endeavors for our youth and invest in real training, western art students are in for a very hard, disappointing time. [...]

'Patience' by Margaret Ferguson was selected as a finalist in the November 2011 BoldBrush Painting Competition. [...]

There are ways to reach Generation X and it is not too late. But it requires a change of plan. [...]