Africa I sing for you.
I am fierce and you can't stop me. I am the lions roar I am the ghost in the desert unknown yet foretold.
I feel the day the heat on my skin and I breathe in the equality of being.
Sunset delivers a magnitude of unlimited heartbeats sunshines that do not pass beyond this heartbeat of mine. Dark on light evenings that upon a miracles call do somehow mysteriously last sublime.
I hear the roar I see the beast I understand it's prey and the very need of it. I am the ghost of all.
Majestic colors that meet the clouds calling out loud above the landscape where the whole entire world's singing can indeed sadly helplessly fall.
I am humbled I give in and although my own life if not lasting I do somehow beneath the dawning accept my own end because of its sheer magnificence I accept how fragile we are.
Ahh the puma calling out loud I embrace the dawns coming overlooking the land I am high on its magnitude and I am ohh so touched by it solace when I choose to stand still.
Give me life will you? Give me one more second to take it all in let me embrace the freedom of its very sovereign -hood
Trees on the landscape Africa abounds if we understand just how fragile it is. Seeing our own being our very own lives ohh so tempestuous within its fragile yet powerful sounds.
So dear fragile Africa continue to call out despite your unheard rounds. I want to tell you how sorry I think of you a lot within your struggle and time losBy Kathy Ostman-Magnusent.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Learn Art From Home - Some Free Tips!
The art industry will always be very in demand. Not only because everyone enjoys a good work of art, but because companies depend on creative marketing images to capture buyer attention. Advertising is arguably the biggest business in the US, if not the world, so the need for cutting edge and clever artistic images is always expanding.
The average starting salary for graphic artists starts around $15/hr and increases from there. About 63% of artists are self employed and many of them earn even more than salaried artists. Just knowing these figures is enough to make some want to run out and enroll in the closest art school. However, there is a catch-22 situation here. The better art schools out there (the ones you want to enroll in if you plan on making decent money), require you already have a bit of skill in visual art.
So what do you do if you weren't a child prodigy who knew they wanted to go into this industry from the age of 5? Well there is still time and hope to learn art from home! The first thing I did was jump online and search for art lessons. These lessons range from basic shape drawing and lighting, to figure and detail drawing, painting, and much more.
Any medium you decide you want to work with has some lessons out there. Learning the basics is the most important thing to do and can be done relatively quickly. From there, you can branch off and decide what medium to work in, what your personal style is, how you want to use your art, etc.
Most people start off not really knowing what their own style is. So you start off by drawing everything from forest and urban scenes to apples on the counter. I tried cartoon, comic, classical, realistic, and even art nuevo styles before I settled on my chosen genre.
I could make this article last for days by giving you tips and pointers for getting started but here are the two simplest, yet most important:
1. Start with the basics. No matter how trivial or boring they may be, they are essential for creating a solid foundation that you can later manipulate over and over.
2. Don't be afraid to try! Try anything, learn whatever you can. Any style that interests you should be looked into. If you later decide it's not for you, that's totally fine. But you will never grow if you don't try.
Many times, people learn art from home and are ready to get started earning income without going to school. However, I always suggest it simply as a starting point. It's no secret in this world that those with degrees earn more than those without, and that goes for almost any industry. So once you've decided what you want to do with your art and have a good foundation, THEN go and enroll in a school. Be sure to research schools to get a good one and don't just enroll in the cheapest closest tech college. The training you'll get in a better school will be WELL worth any extra cost.By K. Sokolov
The average starting salary for graphic artists starts around $15/hr and increases from there. About 63% of artists are self employed and many of them earn even more than salaried artists. Just knowing these figures is enough to make some want to run out and enroll in the closest art school. However, there is a catch-22 situation here. The better art schools out there (the ones you want to enroll in if you plan on making decent money), require you already have a bit of skill in visual art.
So what do you do if you weren't a child prodigy who knew they wanted to go into this industry from the age of 5? Well there is still time and hope to learn art from home! The first thing I did was jump online and search for art lessons. These lessons range from basic shape drawing and lighting, to figure and detail drawing, painting, and much more.
Any medium you decide you want to work with has some lessons out there. Learning the basics is the most important thing to do and can be done relatively quickly. From there, you can branch off and decide what medium to work in, what your personal style is, how you want to use your art, etc.
Most people start off not really knowing what their own style is. So you start off by drawing everything from forest and urban scenes to apples on the counter. I tried cartoon, comic, classical, realistic, and even art nuevo styles before I settled on my chosen genre.
I could make this article last for days by giving you tips and pointers for getting started but here are the two simplest, yet most important:
1. Start with the basics. No matter how trivial or boring they may be, they are essential for creating a solid foundation that you can later manipulate over and over.
2. Don't be afraid to try! Try anything, learn whatever you can. Any style that interests you should be looked into. If you later decide it's not for you, that's totally fine. But you will never grow if you don't try.
Many times, people learn art from home and are ready to get started earning income without going to school. However, I always suggest it simply as a starting point. It's no secret in this world that those with degrees earn more than those without, and that goes for almost any industry. So once you've decided what you want to do with your art and have a good foundation, THEN go and enroll in a school. Be sure to research schools to get a good one and don't just enroll in the cheapest closest tech college. The training you'll get in a better school will be WELL worth any extra cost.By K. Sokolov
6 Things I've Learned About Art Licensing in My 6 Years
The 2009 SURTEX Show marked my 6th spring exhibiting my art and pursuing licensing as a business. When I walked into my first booth at the Licensing International Expo in 2004, I was so nervous I wasn't sure I would make it through the day. Would my art be well received or would I have flown across the entire country and spent thousands of dollars to sit alone in my booth? Self-doubt, nerves, excited anticipation mark the beginning of most shows although now the confidence factor is big and self-doubt a fleeting thought I have learned to kick to the curb.
During these years, we've had quite an interesting economy. The stock market has plummeted, stores have closed, huge companies that last year seemed untouchable face closing their doors. But you can't watch the news and sit in a state of fear. Life must go on and business is still being conducted. Many artists who have been licensing their art for 10, 15 and 20 years are lamenting the changes in the way business is done and the size of royalty checks. But we are in the CURRENT economy, not that of 15 years ago. So how do you work TODAY?
So after my 6th show, I thought I'd share six bits of wisdom that have kept me moving forward.
Be true to your art... Don't try and be something you aren't artistically. Know what you are good at, what you love and what seems to "flow" for you. Trying to be the next isn't the way to go... be the next YOU!
Watch your pennies... I think Benjamin Franklin was on to something. Being in business doesn't have to mean being in big debt. Yes, you will need to invest in your business when you are starting but manage your investments. Do you need a website that costs thousands to have someone design when you are starting? No. Get a free blog to show some of your work and style and grow as your business grows.
Watch your time... How are you spending your time? Be sure to check yourself occasionally. As you work on art, or marketing or other things around the studio ask yourself, "Is this activity going to bring in income or am I avoiding something else I should be doing?" It is amazing how the mind can make you decide something is urgent when what you are really doing is avoiding something hard or scary.
Keep a positive attitude... Ever notice how people who always expect bad things to happen seem to get just that? One drama after another. So keep your mind focused on where you want to go and celebrate every step along the way. There are so many small successes along the path of building a business, don't belittle them. Get good feedback about your work? Sit and pat yourself on the back for a few minutes. Be your own best cheerleader and you will have a lot more fun and stay inspired.
Stay in touch with the market... Licensing your art is creating art for commercial purposes. Your art is used to sell someone else's product. So you do need to balance your own creative vision with what is selling in the stores. Keep your eyes open for what you see on the shelves, in magazines, etc.
Have fun... Even though Ben Franklin was onto something with the pennies, I'm not as hip to the saying, "It wouldn't be called work if it was fun." Hogwash! If you are in business for yourself, why shouldn't you enjoy it? Life is short, work is a big part of it, so make it something you love. Yes, there are parts of running a business that you don't like. But guess what? Your 'yuck' jobs will be someone else's fun job. As you grow, outsource the things you dislike - I give you permission.
So those are my 6 core things I keep in the front of my mind as I build my art licensing business. I love what I do 98% of the time and have found very few people who can say the same. How awesome is that? I wish you the same for your business -- here's to your creative future!By Tara Reed
During these years, we've had quite an interesting economy. The stock market has plummeted, stores have closed, huge companies that last year seemed untouchable face closing their doors. But you can't watch the news and sit in a state of fear. Life must go on and business is still being conducted. Many artists who have been licensing their art for 10, 15 and 20 years are lamenting the changes in the way business is done and the size of royalty checks. But we are in the CURRENT economy, not that of 15 years ago. So how do you work TODAY?
So after my 6th show, I thought I'd share six bits of wisdom that have kept me moving forward.
Be true to your art... Don't try and be something you aren't artistically. Know what you are good at, what you love and what seems to "flow" for you. Trying to be the next isn't the way to go... be the next YOU!
Watch your pennies... I think Benjamin Franklin was on to something. Being in business doesn't have to mean being in big debt. Yes, you will need to invest in your business when you are starting but manage your investments. Do you need a website that costs thousands to have someone design when you are starting? No. Get a free blog to show some of your work and style and grow as your business grows.
Watch your time... How are you spending your time? Be sure to check yourself occasionally. As you work on art, or marketing or other things around the studio ask yourself, "Is this activity going to bring in income or am I avoiding something else I should be doing?" It is amazing how the mind can make you decide something is urgent when what you are really doing is avoiding something hard or scary.
Keep a positive attitude... Ever notice how people who always expect bad things to happen seem to get just that? One drama after another. So keep your mind focused on where you want to go and celebrate every step along the way. There are so many small successes along the path of building a business, don't belittle them. Get good feedback about your work? Sit and pat yourself on the back for a few minutes. Be your own best cheerleader and you will have a lot more fun and stay inspired.
Stay in touch with the market... Licensing your art is creating art for commercial purposes. Your art is used to sell someone else's product. So you do need to balance your own creative vision with what is selling in the stores. Keep your eyes open for what you see on the shelves, in magazines, etc.
Have fun... Even though Ben Franklin was onto something with the pennies, I'm not as hip to the saying, "It wouldn't be called work if it was fun." Hogwash! If you are in business for yourself, why shouldn't you enjoy it? Life is short, work is a big part of it, so make it something you love. Yes, there are parts of running a business that you don't like. But guess what? Your 'yuck' jobs will be someone else's fun job. As you grow, outsource the things you dislike - I give you permission.
So those are my 6 core things I keep in the front of my mind as I build my art licensing business. I love what I do 98% of the time and have found very few people who can say the same. How awesome is that? I wish you the same for your business -- here's to your creative future!By Tara Reed
How to Make Pencil Portraits
The portrait drawing is an art and a technique. The beginner should first define the outlines of face of the person whose portrait is to be made. After the rough sketch is done, then you start adding the details. The next stage would comprise of the adding of the details in the eyes, nose, and lips.
These are the factors that make the face more and more identifiable with the original. The artists who have just started drawing recently should not worry about the dissimilarity found in the portrait and the real face, as it happens in the initial stage. As the practice of drawing increases that problem would be solved gradually.
It is customary to paint and draw the portraits of famous people and the celebrities. Before starting a pencil portrait of a man, woman or a child, just engage yourself with his or her eyes. Inspect carefully all the aspects of the eyes: the shape, the lower and upper eyelids, the pupil, the iris and the white portion. Carefully examine the shapes and shades of the lashes, the eyebrow and the portion of the eyes that catches the incoming light.
There are artists who prefer two traditions of making a portrait: drawing live getting the person before the eyes and taking the help of photographs of the person. While using the photographs as a base for the portrait, one must try understanding what the photographs of the person reveal. The visible characteristics of a person apparent on the photo should be incorporated into while drawing his or her portrait. Before doing the shading work or the putting some other advanced features onto the portrait, the artist must ensure that proportions of all the aspects of the face is truly incorporated. By Naval Langa
These are the factors that make the face more and more identifiable with the original. The artists who have just started drawing recently should not worry about the dissimilarity found in the portrait and the real face, as it happens in the initial stage. As the practice of drawing increases that problem would be solved gradually.
It is customary to paint and draw the portraits of famous people and the celebrities. Before starting a pencil portrait of a man, woman or a child, just engage yourself with his or her eyes. Inspect carefully all the aspects of the eyes: the shape, the lower and upper eyelids, the pupil, the iris and the white portion. Carefully examine the shapes and shades of the lashes, the eyebrow and the portion of the eyes that catches the incoming light.
There are artists who prefer two traditions of making a portrait: drawing live getting the person before the eyes and taking the help of photographs of the person. While using the photographs as a base for the portrait, one must try understanding what the photographs of the person reveal. The visible characteristics of a person apparent on the photo should be incorporated into while drawing his or her portrait. Before doing the shading work or the putting some other advanced features onto the portrait, the artist must ensure that proportions of all the aspects of the face is truly incorporated. By Naval Langa
HOME::Arts-and-Entertainment/Visual-Graphic-Arts X
Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci, Portrait of Dr. Gatchet by Vincent Van Gogh , The Cliffs at Etretat by Claude Monet, The Arnolfini Portrait by Jan van Eyck. These are a few of the legendary masterpieces of oil paintings from the 16th to the 19th centuries that modern society still enjoys.
Lest you think that you cannot make oil paintings of your own, then you have another think coming. You can make your dreams of being an oil painter a reality by starting to know the basics - the ABC - of the art form.
Art Supplies
Before you start oil painting, you will need to gather your art supplies and accessories about you. This way, you can paint unimpeded by forgotten objects, faraway supplies and fiendish painting problems, all of which can anger your inner muse.
• A sketchbook to draw your preliminary themes and images.
• Oil paints in var ious colors. These are made of powdered pigments coming from manmade and organic pigments, which are then mixed with a binder to dilute them into the desired painting consistency. If possible, opt for the higher artistic grades as these are longer lasting albeit more expensive.
• Oil paint brushes of all shapes and sizes - rounds, brights, fan, filberts, micro, scripliners and flats.
• Canvas for the final products, which can either be linen or cotton.
• Painting mediums that are used to dilute oil paints, which can include linseed and poppy oil as well as turp.
• Palette and palette knife to mix your oil paints.
• Easel to prop up your canvas.
• Other accessories like rags, brush washes, apron, rubber gloves and mall stick.
Cynthia Goranson has been interested in the art world for many years. She has joined forces with Randy Patton an Anime Artist to bring you some unique new Anime inspired Art as well as a fascinating look into what really goes on in the art world.By Cynthia A. Goranson
Lest you think that you cannot make oil paintings of your own, then you have another think coming. You can make your dreams of being an oil painter a reality by starting to know the basics - the ABC - of the art form.
Art Supplies
Before you start oil painting, you will need to gather your art supplies and accessories about you. This way, you can paint unimpeded by forgotten objects, faraway supplies and fiendish painting problems, all of which can anger your inner muse.
• A sketchbook to draw your preliminary themes and images.
• Oil paints in var ious colors. These are made of powdered pigments coming from manmade and organic pigments, which are then mixed with a binder to dilute them into the desired painting consistency. If possible, opt for the higher artistic grades as these are longer lasting albeit more expensive.
• Oil paint brushes of all shapes and sizes - rounds, brights, fan, filberts, micro, scripliners and flats.
• Canvas for the final products, which can either be linen or cotton.
• Painting mediums that are used to dilute oil paints, which can include linseed and poppy oil as well as turp.
• Palette and palette knife to mix your oil paints.
• Easel to prop up your canvas.
• Other accessories like rags, brush washes, apron, rubber gloves and mall stick.
Cynthia Goranson has been interested in the art world for many years. She has joined forces with Randy Patton an Anime Artist to bring you some unique new Anime inspired Art as well as a fascinating look into what really goes on in the art world.By Cynthia A. Goranson
Sell Paintings Online With a Unique Concept
With the power of the internet it is possible to sell paintings online but there are some methods and concepts that are a little more easy and lucrative than others.
Of course finding a technique that suits your artistic flare is the key here. Any method of selling your work online will only work if:
1. You enjoy it 2. Its simple to do 3. The income reflects the effort you put in.
Many of us know the usual methods to making money online as an artist. Most of this is down to the use of personal websites that act as an online gallery. Also we are well aware of the methods of selling paintings directly on platforms like eBay.
But what is the unique concept that will allow you to paint, sell and create an income from the internet?
Well let me run through a story of a college student who pioneered this method.
A long long time ago in a land far far... NO OK here it is.
There's a college student who isn't actually an art major, he just likes to paint. Mostly just simple work too. No elaborate life stills or portraits. He discovers a site that sells images to web designers, website owners and just about anyone that pays a dollar to download the work in digital format.
He figures that he can paint unique logos, images and pictures that would suit some of the buyers. So he contacts the company, they say that "once he is registered he can submit digital images of his paintings" and earn from it.
Like the other artists and designers on there he will get a commission every time one of his paintings is downloaded by a buyer.
But how do you create digital paintings? Simple. Our college student in question took a picture of each of his paintings with a digital camera. Uploaded them to his computer and then submitted them to the website.
The website acts as an online middleman. They do the marketing, they find the buyers, they pay you commissions on time. The good sites charge a tiny fee to register but it is often below $30 and its a one off. Don't pay anything that's too pricey, there's no need.
Our student then painted, snapped, submitted and actually began to create an automated income. Some of his paintings were downloaded multiple times a day so you can imagine how the income can become regular and in cases very interesting.By Richard Rowley
Of course finding a technique that suits your artistic flare is the key here. Any method of selling your work online will only work if:
1. You enjoy it 2. Its simple to do 3. The income reflects the effort you put in.
Many of us know the usual methods to making money online as an artist. Most of this is down to the use of personal websites that act as an online gallery. Also we are well aware of the methods of selling paintings directly on platforms like eBay.
But what is the unique concept that will allow you to paint, sell and create an income from the internet?
Well let me run through a story of a college student who pioneered this method.
A long long time ago in a land far far... NO OK here it is.
There's a college student who isn't actually an art major, he just likes to paint. Mostly just simple work too. No elaborate life stills or portraits. He discovers a site that sells images to web designers, website owners and just about anyone that pays a dollar to download the work in digital format.
He figures that he can paint unique logos, images and pictures that would suit some of the buyers. So he contacts the company, they say that "once he is registered he can submit digital images of his paintings" and earn from it.
Like the other artists and designers on there he will get a commission every time one of his paintings is downloaded by a buyer.
But how do you create digital paintings? Simple. Our college student in question took a picture of each of his paintings with a digital camera. Uploaded them to his computer and then submitted them to the website.
The website acts as an online middleman. They do the marketing, they find the buyers, they pay you commissions on time. The good sites charge a tiny fee to register but it is often below $30 and its a one off. Don't pay anything that's too pricey, there's no need.
Our student then painted, snapped, submitted and actually began to create an automated income. Some of his paintings were downloaded multiple times a day so you can imagine how the income can become regular and in cases very interesting.By Richard Rowley
The Secret of Art Investments
As the owner and curator of two art galleries, I have dealt with thousands of pieces of art and hundreds of artists. I focus on spotting emerging talent and the success of the gallery is a testament to having the most promising artists who are performing very well despite a depressed economy.
The goal is to find artwork that you can enjoy and see rise in value. If you buy a Rolex watch you don't expect it to be worth more in several years time. This is where buying art may surprise you. People who bought a Geoffrey Keys or Liam Spencer ten years ago for £400-£500 will have not only enjoyed it for several years but will be able to sell it on for £4000 - £5000 today. In anyone's eyes that is a great return on your money.
Spotting and buying the next big name isn't as difficult as you may think. If you want art as an investment as well as for pleasure there are relatively simple factors you need to look into to determine who is the next artist to make big gains in their artworks value.
1) Do you love it? - First and foremost, art is bought for personal enjoyment as well as being an investment. 2) Do your homework - What stage is the artist at in his/her career? Look at the history of past exhibitions. Make a judgment on these exhibitions, are they gaining in number and/or importance or does their career look like it has peaked already. Be aware though as fund managers state, "Past performance is no guarantee of future success". 3) What Galleries represent the artist? - Without gallery representation an artist is highly unlikely to become established and build a following. Are the galleries reputable and are they putting time and effort into their name. Look at publicity and google their name for associated articles. 4) Meet the artist - An exhibition preview will have the artist on hand to chat to customers. Do they have ambition and a desire to reach the top? How committed are they and can you see them painting in many years to come? 5) Consider a payment plan. Expensive pieces of work can be paid for over a year or sometimes 2 years. The easiest way to handle this would be to give the gallery a series of post dated cheques. Any good gallery would be willing to discuss more flexible payment terms. 6) Advance investments - Generally in an artists' collection there are 2 or 3 pieces that are highly sought after at the preview. Galleries may be reluctant to admit that they are willing to accept an advance to enable you to work up the pecking order but this is commonplace. Make sure you have any agreement in writing and obtain receipts.
The more you spend the more likely it is the work will hold or increase its value. You are buying into an artists name so much of it depends on whether the artist and the gallery are pushing for recognition and publicity.
In following these guidelines anyone can spot great emerging talent. If you are still undecided then simply ask a gallery who they think represents the best potential. If you haven't stated a preference of artist then you will get a straight forward reply which can help your decision.
Happy Investing.
Mike Smith is the owner and curator of Mooch art which has two art galleries in Manchester, England. Running the largest commercial gallery in the north west, Mike champions emerging talent and is at the forefront of young artist development in the region.Mike has 10 years experience in buying and merchandising and an MBA from Manchester metropolitan university. A keen photographer and a lifelong passion for art has led to the development of the fastest growing art gallery in the country.By Mike John Smith
The goal is to find artwork that you can enjoy and see rise in value. If you buy a Rolex watch you don't expect it to be worth more in several years time. This is where buying art may surprise you. People who bought a Geoffrey Keys or Liam Spencer ten years ago for £400-£500 will have not only enjoyed it for several years but will be able to sell it on for £4000 - £5000 today. In anyone's eyes that is a great return on your money.
Spotting and buying the next big name isn't as difficult as you may think. If you want art as an investment as well as for pleasure there are relatively simple factors you need to look into to determine who is the next artist to make big gains in their artworks value.
1) Do you love it? - First and foremost, art is bought for personal enjoyment as well as being an investment. 2) Do your homework - What stage is the artist at in his/her career? Look at the history of past exhibitions. Make a judgment on these exhibitions, are they gaining in number and/or importance or does their career look like it has peaked already. Be aware though as fund managers state, "Past performance is no guarantee of future success". 3) What Galleries represent the artist? - Without gallery representation an artist is highly unlikely to become established and build a following. Are the galleries reputable and are they putting time and effort into their name. Look at publicity and google their name for associated articles. 4) Meet the artist - An exhibition preview will have the artist on hand to chat to customers. Do they have ambition and a desire to reach the top? How committed are they and can you see them painting in many years to come? 5) Consider a payment plan. Expensive pieces of work can be paid for over a year or sometimes 2 years. The easiest way to handle this would be to give the gallery a series of post dated cheques. Any good gallery would be willing to discuss more flexible payment terms. 6) Advance investments - Generally in an artists' collection there are 2 or 3 pieces that are highly sought after at the preview. Galleries may be reluctant to admit that they are willing to accept an advance to enable you to work up the pecking order but this is commonplace. Make sure you have any agreement in writing and obtain receipts.
The more you spend the more likely it is the work will hold or increase its value. You are buying into an artists name so much of it depends on whether the artist and the gallery are pushing for recognition and publicity.
In following these guidelines anyone can spot great emerging talent. If you are still undecided then simply ask a gallery who they think represents the best potential. If you haven't stated a preference of artist then you will get a straight forward reply which can help your decision.
Happy Investing.
Mike Smith is the owner and curator of Mooch art which has two art galleries in Manchester, England. Running the largest commercial gallery in the north west, Mike champions emerging talent and is at the forefront of young artist development in the region.Mike has 10 years experience in buying and merchandising and an MBA from Manchester metropolitan university. A keen photographer and a lifelong passion for art has led to the development of the fastest growing art gallery in the country.By Mike John Smith
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