I've been more aware this week than any other of the good friends I've made through being an Erotic Artist. In a strange way, they're all connected this week. Is the Universe pulling them all together for me for some reason? Well.... maybe MY universe is. I think that maybe the case anyway. Its making me look at each friend in turn and see the value I place in each one for their importance in my life. Huge value, each and every one, in their support of what I do, and how I do it. Its a validation that I'm on the right path to have such good friends helping me. And somehow I think its partly because I do the erotic art that I have these friends. If I painted flowers they wouldn't have made the connection with me. I know that for sure! :)
And, after a couple of days searching, I think I've found the image I've been looking for. I've been wanting to do an erotic couple in the "living flame" style of painting, and have been searching around for suitable poses. I didn't expect it to be difficult, but it turned out to be. Because I knew I wanted the couple to be upright for the painting, and that in itself can make the painting too symmetrical and boring. But, I think I've got it now..... a pose with some interest in it, sensual, erotic, and sexy..... yep, that'll do it everytime!!! LOL
Thursday, 10 September 2009
Sunday, 6 September 2009
There is another way
I've been searching for some time, for something that I think will make me very happy.
And, as is the case, when you start searching, you start finding.
Maybe not the thing you thought you were looking for, but something else, something even more beautifully life enhancing.......
and the answers came from the North........
Sheffield, to be exact! In that delightful county of Yorkshire. At the "Art in the Gardens" Event that they hold there annually. I had never heard of it until 10 days ago, but it sounded like something I needed to see and participate in. So I went. And liked what I saw, very much. Its an Arts and Crafts fair held at the Botanical Gardens, with various little stalls and tents dotted around the gardens and amongst the trees, selling art, ceramics, cards, wood carvings, glassware, clothing, knick-knacks and all things creative. So, a lovely day out in itself. But I was there for a particular reason. I was there to see the "Premier Artists" who were exhibiting there. Because I knew a few of them, as we'd met before at other art events. And they, like me, are professional artists, who need to make a living selling art. I greeted each of them at their tent, admired their work, and had a chat about how the event was going for them, how they liked the venue, and listened to the good and positive feedback I got.............
But there was one conversation that was more positive and helpful above all others. And that was with the lovely Helen Parsley - who I met for the first time in June at Patchings (an Art Fair in Nottinghamshire). It is rare for me to be bowled over with another artists work. I see a lot of art, and can admire it, like it and even respect its technical ability to a large extent. But I was totally bowled over with her art. Because she paints atmosphere in her landscapes and I can totally relate to that. So, I was delighted that she was at the Art in the Gardens event and went over to say hello again. She and I are both friendly and chatty, so the conversation flowed, and I told her that the reason I was there was to suss out the venue as a possibility for me to exhibit there, because I've always struggled to find a gallery that will take my artwork. And then she said the magic words: Yes, me too, I don't want to give 50% of my sales to a gallery, I'd far rather do these events, they're harder work, but you meet the buyers direct, and get all the sales proceeds for yourself. So I asked her how many events she did, and there were a large number throughout the year, and she very kindly told me which they were scattered up and down the country. It was SO refreshing to hear another successful artist say what I've felt for some time. That galleries are not the whole answer to selling art. They may be useful, but they are not the definitive answer.
And looking at Helens tent, I could see the little touches that make all the difference to selling. I could see why she was so popular. And I've made mental notes, to do the same when I next do an Art Fair. Because I think that's the way forward for me..............
And, as is the case, when you start searching, you start finding.
Maybe not the thing you thought you were looking for, but something else, something even more beautifully life enhancing.......
and the answers came from the North........
Sheffield, to be exact! In that delightful county of Yorkshire. At the "Art in the Gardens" Event that they hold there annually. I had never heard of it until 10 days ago, but it sounded like something I needed to see and participate in. So I went. And liked what I saw, very much. Its an Arts and Crafts fair held at the Botanical Gardens, with various little stalls and tents dotted around the gardens and amongst the trees, selling art, ceramics, cards, wood carvings, glassware, clothing, knick-knacks and all things creative. So, a lovely day out in itself. But I was there for a particular reason. I was there to see the "Premier Artists" who were exhibiting there. Because I knew a few of them, as we'd met before at other art events. And they, like me, are professional artists, who need to make a living selling art. I greeted each of them at their tent, admired their work, and had a chat about how the event was going for them, how they liked the venue, and listened to the good and positive feedback I got.............
But there was one conversation that was more positive and helpful above all others. And that was with the lovely Helen Parsley - who I met for the first time in June at Patchings (an Art Fair in Nottinghamshire). It is rare for me to be bowled over with another artists work. I see a lot of art, and can admire it, like it and even respect its technical ability to a large extent. But I was totally bowled over with her art. Because she paints atmosphere in her landscapes and I can totally relate to that. So, I was delighted that she was at the Art in the Gardens event and went over to say hello again. She and I are both friendly and chatty, so the conversation flowed, and I told her that the reason I was there was to suss out the venue as a possibility for me to exhibit there, because I've always struggled to find a gallery that will take my artwork. And then she said the magic words: Yes, me too, I don't want to give 50% of my sales to a gallery, I'd far rather do these events, they're harder work, but you meet the buyers direct, and get all the sales proceeds for yourself. So I asked her how many events she did, and there were a large number throughout the year, and she very kindly told me which they were scattered up and down the country. It was SO refreshing to hear another successful artist say what I've felt for some time. That galleries are not the whole answer to selling art. They may be useful, but they are not the definitive answer.
And looking at Helens tent, I could see the little touches that make all the difference to selling. I could see why she was so popular. And I've made mental notes, to do the same when I next do an Art Fair. Because I think that's the way forward for me..............
Tuesday, 1 September 2009
Queynte 17
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After the success of Nitebyrds rainbow Queynte, I thought I'd go straight onto the next one but try something a little bit different this time with the colours. And keep them to as few tones as possible within the basic colour scheme. The original idea was to try it with three tones - cream, pale gold and mid gold. But I quite quickly found that it needed more depth unless it was to look completely abstract, so had to add some deeper darks and the brighter yellow to add extra interest. I also had to incorporate more texture in the painting, but I certainly think it works as a concept and the Queynte is as interesting as the more brighter coloured ones. I also think it might work well as a black and white image which might be a good idea for another one at a later date....
I've spent the weekend at art exhibitions that I've exhibited at. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and loved seeing my artist friends, loved seeing their artwork and was pleased with the standard of my paintings against the others there. But I didn't sell any. Its sometimes the way it is. Its frustrating. Its a shame, and a pity. I've put a lot of hard work into creating the artwork, into taking it to be hung, in the hope that someone might want to buy it. But they haven't. So, the paintings are returned to the cupboard. Until the next time. On the off chance that someone might want to actually buy them. One day.
And this is the reason that I much prefer commissions. Tell me what you want me to paint, and we'll discuss it. We'll agree a price, and I'll paint it for you. You'll be happy because you'll get exactly what you want, and I'll be happy because I'll be selling paintings!
So, does anyone want their Queynte (Fantasy Fanny) painted? :) In the single colour style seen here, or a brightly coloured one? If you do....................let me know...............
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