Chicken and Champagne

CHICKEN AND CHAMPAGNE
5" x 7" Slim wrap canvas
Professional Acrylic and Champagne Sparkles
Bid or Buy at Daily Paintworks



The Okanagan has been growing grapes for over 40 years, but in the past five, wineries have been popping up around every corner. Its not just the tourists that love our wine, us locals frequent the many bistros and patios during summer. Many offer free entertainment and even picnic ares for the family. The largest winery restaurants even stay open year round.

Ms. Chicken lured Azule away from his Ogopogo hunting expedition for a pleasant day vinyard hopping. Azul had heard about our champagne method wines and wanted to take some bottles home for his friends. We sat on a terrace with our wine to enjoy the view. TC found the sparkly bubbles quite fascinating and before I could stop her, she had hopped into my champagne bowl. She said it was quite exhilarating, a cross between a jacuzzi and a polar bear swim.

I tried and tried to get a good image of this painting:There it was sparkling in the sun with the deep impasto creating dimensional shadows, but every photo came out dull. This is definately not a dull painting, during the day it sparkles and at night it glows. You will have to use your imagination.

Sad to say the traveling companions will be leaving the Okanagan for their next adventure. They will take with them some wonderful memories and many souvenir postcards of their visit.

A fond farewell TC and Azule.


Souvenirs of the trip 

All Limited Edition 6" d 8" Canvas Prints Only $29 including shipping. Available only to Travelling Chicken and Paint a Masterpiece Blog Followers. But act fast as there are only 10 of each and then they're gone forever.

ORDER HERE

Limited Edition iPad Drawing 6" x 8" Canvas Print - TC ON OKANAGAN LAKE

Limited Edition iPad Drawing 6" x 8" Canvas Print - CHERRY PECKING CHICKEN

Limited Edition iPad Drawing 6" x 8" Canvas Print - ABSTRACT CHICKEN I

Limited Edition iPad Drawing 6" x 8" Canvas Print - ABSTRACT CHICKEN II

Limited Edition iPad Drawing 6" x 8" Canvas Print - ABSTRACT CHICKEN III

Links for Sea Dean

http://www.paintamasterpiece.blogspot.com
http://www.dailypaintworks.com/artists/sea-dean-2797
http://instagram.com/blueskyredearth

PARIS IN MAGENTA

PARIS IN MAGENTA
by Sea Dean
7" x 5" Canvas Panel



I love Paris and I love this painting which was inspired by the Eiffel Tower at night. The fabulous display of sparkling lights continues at various times throughout the night and Paris virtually comes to a standstill as tourists and Parisians alike stand in awe at the sight. 

To find out more about the lights click here.

CREST OF THE WAVE

CREST OF THE WAVE
by Sea Dean
7" x 5" Canvas Panel
Available on Artfinder



This painting has lashings of texture and energy. Now available in my Artfinder Shop.

DESIGNER NEST

DESIGNER NEST
5" x 7"
Mounted in a black frame
SOLD

I was surprised that this painting didn't sell fast, but possibly that is because it is so unique and most buyers in our area are quite conservative.

The painting is part of my popular nest series and the eggs in it really pop because I spent a huge amount of time creating the effect. That time is never lost though, and the next time I go to paint a nest with eggs I will remember the technique. The other unique feature is that I collaged some real feathers into the artwork. Possibly in a craft show this would be more appreciated than in a gallery location. However, some astute customer snapped it up at Ritchcraft, which is a framing shop with a bijou gallery stuffed with all kinds of creative knick knacks.

FREE SPIRIT

FREE SPIRIT by Sea Dean - 5" x 7" Floral Abstract

$60 unframed
Contact me to purchase as this painting is currently on exhibition.

I've always liked this painting, but I think it shows best when framed. For this exhibition I chose a raw wood frame which can be painted to match any decor, or left "au natural". The flower has some tasteful iridescent paint in the center which doesn't show well in images but looks amazing on the wall.

This painting is for sale, first come first served. I have other paintings I can exchange for in the exhibition, but I just need to check that it hasn't sold before I take payment. Then I can ship it within a few days. Framing available for a small extra cost.

THE VINEYARD

THE VINEYARD
5" x 7" Canvas Panel
White Frame



One of my favourite paintings from last year. I'm showing it because tomorrow it will be on the main wall of my solo exhibition. It's very difficult to paint vineyards realistically, and I have several unfinished paintings from last year to attest to it. This is one of the survivors.

EMERALD RIVER

EMERALD RIVER
5" x 7" Canvas Panel
Mounted in 9" x 11" Black Frame





This is more of an early spring painting than winter, but there is still some snow on the ground. The bubbling brook has broken through the snowpak and is roaring down the mountain, icy cold, bringing lovely pristine clear run off to the valley below.

This pretty painting comes already framed in a simple black frame.

BUTTER UP BUTTERCUP - SILENT AUCTION

SILENT AUCTION

My popular silent auction is back for the holiday season.

There are over 40 paintings in the Silent Auction. See them all here. Bid privately by clicking on the email button at the top of the page. Or leave a comment here. Bidding is in $5 increments but you can bid as much as you choose. Low bids sometimes spark a bidding war and higher bids may discourage competition. You may bid on as many pieces and as often as you choose. Please include the name of the painting you are bidding on and your email address.

The auction runs till midnight PST 30th November 2015. Bidding is available online and at all my seasonal shows. I will try to keep you informed, but you may email me any time to ask for your current standing or increase your bid.

You will be contacted if you win. Auction prices are for pick up in Kelowna, BC. Canada. If you would like your painting shipped I'm happy to do so at cost. Payment is with Cash or Paypal. 

LOT 20
BUTTERUP BUTTERCUP

Part of my special holiday SILENT AUCTION
7" x 5" Canvas Panel
Starting Bid $15 

LOT 44
LET IT FALL
by Alex Fong
8" x 6" Watercolour
14" x 11" double mat with original bio on the back
 

This pretty ALEX FONG PRINT "LET IT FALL" is also in the Silent Auction. Alex Fong is a household name in Canada and we are lucky that he lives in our area. Alex told me that this rare print features his own rescue cat.  

Prints are not allowed on Daily Paintworks so this item can only be viewed here. To bid, email me or comment here and quote Lot 44.

DO WINTER PAINTINGS SELL?

WINTER BARN ACEO

I think there is a common idea among artists that winter paintings don't sell. This subject came up in a conversation with a very prolific painter who makes an enviable income with his work. He categorically stated "winter paintings don't sell": He went on to list only two snowy paintings that had sold in the last year, one of a skier and one of snow laden pine trees. I remember that last year another artist I admire told me she had trouble selling her wintery works. On the other hand another artist friend has one winter view of a snow laden tree that she's painted and sold several versions of. This particular painting speaks to people and I love it too. On examination it also embodies the tips I mention below that I discovered by studying my sold winter scenes.

LAST RUN 5" x 7"

We live in an area famous for it's powder skiing and also famous for beautiful winter scenery, so it is very tempting to paint some of those beautiful pristine views covered in snow. With winter coming, I decided to check my snowy sales.

MOUNT ALBERT EDWARD 6" x 6"

I discovered that I had made sales and there was a common thread to the paintings. I look at hundreds of paintings every day on the internet and at exhibitions and the common theme I see in most winter paintings are cool colours, especially ultramarine blue, purple and titanium white. Another trait I see is lack of energy or dynamism. In the sold paintings here they have a quite different feel. WINTER BARN is at least 50% warm colours. LAST RUN is deep dynamic texture enhanced with gold and ocher light. MOUNT ALBERT EDWARD is again close to 50% warm blue and green with a very dramatic composition. MOUNT WASHINGTON is almost all warm tones, again with a dramatic style.

MOUNT WASHINGTON IN AFTERNOON SUN 6" x 8"

So perhaps the secret is not to be too literal with the cool shadows and skies and to emphasize energy with dramatic accents and compositions. I think this is good practice for any painting but it is particularly important if you want to paint a winter scene. Check below for more wintery paintings that are available.

View my online Gallery of large works and Limited Editions at ARTFINDER
View my online Gallery of small works at DAILY PAINTWORKS
Shop for Limited Edition ACEO and printed products here
Art Cards $5 and Art Postcards $3 here

DISHES DONE YAY! - LAST LIGHT - LET IT FALL - SILENT AUCTION

SILENT AUCTION

My popular silent auction is back for the holiday season.

There are over 40 paintings in the Silent Auction. See them all here. Bid privately by clicking on the email button at the top of the page. Or leave a comment here. Bidding is in $5 increments but you can bid as high as you choose. Low bids sometimes spark a bidding war and higher bids may discourage competition. You may bid on as many pieces and as often as you choose. Please include the name of the painting you are bidding on and your email address.

The auction runs till midnight PST 30th November 2015. Bidding is available online and at all my seasonal shows. I will try to keep you informed, but you may email me any time to ask for your current standing or increase your bid.

You will be contacted if you win. Auction prices are for pick up in Kelowna, BC. Canada. If you would like your painting shipped I'm happy to do so at cost. Cash or Paypal. 

LOT 26
DISHES DONE YAY!
by Sea Dean
(above)
5" x 7" Canvas Panel
The current bid is $20 
Bidding is in $5 increments

LOT 36
LAST LIGHT

by Sea Dean
7" x 5" Canvas Panel
The current bid is $25
Bidding is in $5 increments

LOT 44
LET IT FALL
by Alex Fong
8" x 6" Watercolour
14" x 11" double mat with original bio on the back
 

This pretty ALEX FONG PRINT "LET IT FALL" is also in the Silent Auction. Alex Fong is a household name in Canada and we are lucky that he lives in our area. Alex told me that this rare print features his own rescue cat. Prints are not allowed on Daily Paintworks so this item can only be viewed here. To bid email or comment quoting Lot 44.

MY SECRET LOVE AFFAIR WITH GAMVAR

FOREST LIGHT with Gamvar

FOREST LIGHT - Before Gamvar/Cold Wax

I love the soft translucent look of Encaustic, but I don't want the smell and smoke associated with the hot wax method. Also I'm a clutz, so I anticipate that i would burn myself regularly on the hot tools. So, I'm searching for a technique that gives the look of Encausitc without challenges.

I have also been exploring the qualities of Gamvar museum quality varnish, which is matt through to high gloss when mixed with Gamsol and/or cold wax. I surmized that if cold wax was applied as a final coat without Gamvar, it would give a finish similar to Encaustic. 

So I Googled it and I came across a blog by Mitchell Albala which gives some interesting tips and comments.

Gamvar: Gamblin’s Easy-to-Use Picture Varnish for Oil Painters

TIP - Mitchell is an oil painter, but, Gamvar can be used on many other surfaces including acrylics.

The blog gives contact details for Scott Gellatly, the tech at Gamblin, who makes himself available to answer complex questions about Gamvar. scott@gamblincolors.com

The answer to my musing was that Gamvar should be applied first, to create a barrier between the painting and the environment and cold wax may then be applied on top. Applying wax over dry Gamvar may offer more control than mixing them together where you need to wait for the varnish to dry before seeing the effect. I decided to try it out on a painting as you see above.

Gamvar alone adds richness to the painting and makes the colours glow as seen in the first image. You can see from the second image that the painting was dull without Gamvar. I like the high gloss, which also adds translucency and takes the painting closer to the look of an aged oil painting.

I then applied cold wax and waited for it to dry overnight. The effect was difficult to photograph, but it was similar to Encaustic without the effect of peering through deep texture. The painting reverted to the look of the second image with a little more pop to the colours.

Once dry, I buffed the wax, which also proved difficult to photograph, but basically it added shine to the raised parts of the impasto and left the lower parts foggy. It enhanced the jewel tones and added interest. I quite liked this effect, but it was quite laborious. I may add another layer or two of cold wax with drying and buffing in between, to see if I can get the look closer to pure Encaustic.

In the future I will used cold wax mixed in with oil paint for texture. Have you tried cold wax? Do you have any interesting techniques you could share? Please comment below.

SOUTHWEST

POWER AND MAJESTY by Sea Dean

VIew my online Gallery of large works and Limited Editions at ARTFINDER
View my online Gallery of small works at DAILY PAINTWORKS
Shop for Limited Edition ACEO and printed products here
Art Cards $5 and Art Postcards $3 here

POWER AND MAJESTY was painted for a Daily Paintworks challenge. The image reminds me of many happy trips to the magnificent Southwestern USA. It's a perfect place for artists.

DEVELOPING TRUST AS AN ARTIST AND WHY

THE VINYARD by Sea Dean

DEVELOPING TRUST AS AN ARTIST

How does trust affect Art sales? What is the role of trust between Artist and Patron?

The occasional buyer will choose your work simply because they like the style, the subject matter, or the colour scheme, however these are few and far between. That type of buyer can just as easily buy a print from a big box store. 

 Trust of the intrinsic value of the piece

It is a rare patron that doesn't give at least a passing thought to whether the work is worth the money they are paying and is likely to increase in value. The serious investor is actually more concerned about the investment value of the piece than whether they like it, or even if they have space on their walls.

Image is everything here. You can increase the sense of value by showing a professional face to your buyers. This can include business cards, website, a track record of sales in the same price range, showing gallery backing and/or a list of juried exhibitions or membership in a prestigious art society. 

Trust in the longevity of the piece

Use the best archival quality supplies that you can find and make sure that is mentioned on your website and in other literature. This is especially true for acrylic painters and mixed media artists because buyers tend to trust oil painting more. Your buyer doesn't want to find that in 10 years the colours are fading or yellowing or worse still, pieces are detatching themselves from the body of the work.

Well known artist Robert Genn, sadly deceased last year, added a lifetime guarantee with his work. Robert would touch up or fix any problems even foxing on the matt or damage to the frame. You can add a similar guarantee to your certificate of authenticity.

Trust in your image in the Art world

If you have earned prizes for your art, flaunt it. Show that you have passed through the jury process and been selected for exhibitions. If you sell internationally, let them know and especially if your work has been collected by a museum or public gallery.

Trust that your Art will increase in value or at the very least not lose value

Buyers want to know that you are serious about your profession and will continue to work hard to get your name out into the marketplace. Show that your work has increased in value over time, or let them know that every year your ticket prices is increased by a percentage. This also helps with sales if they are considering buying just before your price increases.


Trust the price they pay is the best price and a similar painting will turn up somewhere for less

This is a tough one, but buyers need to know that your prices are set no matter where the work is displayed. This is increasingly important now online sales are becoming more common. Some inexperienced artists set an approximate amount that they want for a work and then change the price according to whether the piece is for sale in a show, online, or in their studio.

For example, if an artist values their work at $100 and a gallery charges 50% commission the price there would be $200 and if the purchaser buys direct from the artist, $100. An online website may have costs of 10%, so the painting would be 110% if purchased online. You can see that a gallery would be annoyed at this and a buyer would feel insecure.

It is also important to be careful about discounting and charity auctions. If a buyer knows you have holiday sales or that you will let your work go for low prices in a charity auction, they will wait and buy at the lowest price. No so good for regular and ongoing income.


VIew my online Gallery of large works and Limited Editions at ARTFINDER
View my online Gallery of small works at DAILY PAINTWORKS
Shop for Limited Edition ACEO and printed products here
Art Cards $5 and Art Postcards $3 here

OCEAN PAINTING - Walking the dog

SPACE
By Sea Dean
5" x 7" Canvas Panel

Back to the ocean. This was painted for a Daily Paintworks challenge to choose a word and illustrate it. I chose space, and I think this makes a good rendition of the feeling of space you get when walking a tidal beach. One of the beaches we used to visit when I was a child was like this, when the tide was out you had to walk what seemed like miles to my little legs to get to the water. Beaches like this are great places to walk, which is exactly what the tiny figure is doing. 

I tried to photograph the image to show some of the irridescent paint which highlights places around the canvas. This catches the room lights and represents the bright sunlight hitting tidal pools, just like it does on one of those glorious summer walks.

I haven't had an auction on Daily Paintworks for a while, so this one is on auction for one week. You can bid by following the link to my Daily Paintworks gallery below. It starts at only $10

VIew my online Gallery of large works and Limited Editions at ARTFINDER
View my online Gallery of small works at DAILY PAINTWORKS
Shop for Limited Edition ACEO and printed products here
Art Cards $5 and Art Postcards $3 here

A FACE ONLY A MOTHER COULD LOVE

View my online Gallery of originals here DAILY PAINTWORKS
Shop for Limited Edition ACEO here
Art Cards $5 and Art Postcards $3 here

A Face only a mother could love is available in limited edition ACEO

This was one of the most unique paintings I created last year and it looks like he has found a unique home. The new owner just sent me this wonderful photo of where he is living now. I enjoyed creating A FACE ONLY A MOTHER COULD LOVE, and I've been planning more fishy paintings, so stay tuned.

SILVER SEA - Bling Series

5" x 7" canvas panel
Mixed Media
sold ready to frame

View my online Gallery of originals here DAILY PAINTWORKS
Shop for Limited Edition ACEO here
Art Postcards $3and Art Cards $5 here
Fridge Magnets and Totes here

I've used gold and silver leaf in my paintings prior to this series, but in this series I want to go further.

Silver sea has layers of opaque and translucent paint, ink and liquid acrylic.
Part of the painting is heavily textured and the deeper blue is layers of translucent ink which doesn't show too well in this image. Trust me, it's awesome!

As always feedback is very much appreciated.

BLINGORAMA - Bling Series

5" x 7" canvas panel
Mixed Media
sold ready to frame

View my online Gallery of originals here DAILY PAINTWORKS
Shop for Limited Edition ACEO here
Art Postcards $3and Art Cards $5 here
Fridge Magnets and Totes here

I like anything that shines, the more bling, the better. For a long time I've wanted to combine my training as a jeweler and graphic designer with my fine art skills. Those of you that follow my blog will have noticed a gradual integration of applied textures and collage and this is the next step.

Attelier Interactive, texture, collage, crystals and mixed media supplies. The paintings will be finished with Gamvar which gives a glossy finish and brightens the colour.

As always feedback is very much appreciated.

DESIGNER NEST - Art Print Postcard

DESIGNER NEST is a framed 5" x 7" mixed media painting on canvas panel. It has applique natural feathers and fleece wool. It is part of my popular nest series and the original can be purchased here.

DESIGNER NEST is also available as the postcard above, which fits a standard 4" x 6" frame. To purchase for only $3 plus shipping, click here

DIMENSIONS
OSWOA Art Postcard - 4" x 6" (100mm x 152mm) 

Small Tote - 14" x 14" x 3" (35.6 x 35.6 x 7.6 cm) - special order
Deluxe Canvas Tote - 19" x 15" x 6" (48.3 x 38.1 x 15.2 cm) - special order
Deluxe 2 Tone Tote - 19" x 15" x 6" (48.3 x 38.1 x 15.2 cm) - special order

Not yet available with Designer Nest mage
ACEO - 2.5" x 3.5" (63mm x 88mm)
Vista Art Postcard - 4.25" x 5.5" (139mm x 107mm)
Art Print Magnet - 2" x 2.5" (49mm x 87mm)   

More prints to be revealed soon, but if you're in a hurry, hop along to my shop by clicking here and see the new spring designs.

LIBERATE YOUR ART POSTCARD SWAP - Please Share - Help me find this artist

WHO IS THIS ARTIST?

View my online Gallery of originals here DAILY PAINTWORKS

Shop for Limited Edition ACEO here

Art Cards $5 and Art Postcards $3 here

Today's postcard artist is Jamie??? (more about this later).

I always like to match the style of the artist that has created the postcard with some of my pieces. Today I've chosen AMARILLO ROSES, a 5" x 7" Canvas Panel and DAISY CHAIN, a 6" x 6" Miniature Masterpiece Series painting on gallery wrap canvas. I think my renditions have some of the, lyrical quality of Jamie's postcard and a spring like aura. Both paintings are available at Daily Paintworks.

The postcard below is one of my last swap arrivals and no wonder it took so long, because it looks like it's been in a fight. It's a sorry sight: The combined USA and Canadian postal services have torn it and smeared ink over it and generally abused it. It appears that the flower was originally a narcissus, a herald of spring. 

The saddest thing of all is that the sender didn't give their name or a way to contact and thank them.

On the front it reads "Not too fast." and if that isn't a self fulfilling prophesy I don't know what is.

On the back is printed

With the

coming of 

spring, I am

calm again.

                         ~ Gustav Mahler

And hand written

Hoping this finds you creatively healthy. Enjoy the season!!

It is signed with a single name, possibly Jamie??? If anyone knows who this artist is, please leave a comment on my blog so I can thank them and link to their website.

DAISY CHAIN by Sea Dean

As soon as I saw the postcard I knew I wanted to photograph it with one of my favourite things, my Casio light up keyboard which teaches you how to play - such an amazing invention! I was always envious of friends that could play piano and it wasn't until my father gave me the money to buy this, that I found out how easy it was to make beautiful music.

AMARILLO ROSES by Sea Dean

Now I can play some Mozart, Ragtime and many orchestral pieces. I find it very meditative and relaxing to practice. I don't even disturb anyone with my tinkering because I listen to the prompts and my efforts with headphones on. Mind you, I'm glad I learned this way, rather than running endless scales.


REF 4113 Amarillo Roses and REF 2004 Daisy Chain

FOREST LIGHT - The best varnish

View my online Gallery of originals here DAILY PAINTWORKS
Shop for Limited Edition ACEO here
Art Cards $5 and Art Postcards $3 here

My apologies to those who viewed this blog earlier this week. It got away before I had finished.

This painting is on wood panel and I will be finishing it with a gloss Gamvar varnish, which, I'm told, brings out depth in colour better than most. This will be my first trial with Gamvar which was developed by the National Gallery of Art in the USA. It is the varnish of choice for many professional painters. The only challenge I have is that you can't touch up once the painting is varnished with it.

In FOREST LIGHT, I like the unusual palette and the creamy sunlight filtering through the trees, which is a combination of Derivan Matisse Structure Antique White and Light Naples Yellow, which is Australian but can be purchased through Jerry's in the USA.

I have to admit that the painting photographed a bit wishy washy, because the paint soaked into the wood panel surface. This will be addressed by the Gamvar, but then it won't photograph well either, because of the gloss finish.

... The trials of being an art blogger.


REF 5047 Forest Light