2016 LIBERATE YOUR ART - (LYA 16) - THE SWAP THAT KEEPS ON COMING

Imagine my surprise when I recently found another postcard in my mail box. That's four months since the LIBERATE YOUR ART postcard swap took place. This is a sweet collage from Amy Irwen in Rosemount, Minnesota. 

There is so much detail in this card. Everyone knows I love Paris and the Eiffel Tower. The two girls remind me of my sister and I. There are lillies, my favourite flower. The asian writing always intrigues me ... can anyone tell me what it says? The fish stamp is probably a carp for good luck. 

Amy apologised for being so late in sending her card because of a printer problem, but I'm glad, because it has extended the joy of receiving friendly mail. I have to apologise for not posting it immediately but I lost the cord to my camera so I've been unable to download images.

YOUR FAVORITE FLOWER?

PEONY PASSION
by Sea Dean
10" x 8" Low Profile Wrap Canvas


Currently available at Daily Paintworks

RADIATE I
by Sea Dean
6" x 6" Wrap Canvas
Framed as shown
Now available at Artfinder


With all the garden shows in our area it's hard to ignore that this is flower season. I read a blog recently that asked for readers to share their favorite flower. I was quite fascinated to read the answers. I wonder if blogs in other parts of the world would come up with different results. I actually went back and counted all 270 choices and the clear winner was the lucious PEONY chosen 34 times,  followed by the DAISY with 25 (no surprises there) and runner up, a tie between ROSES and SUNFLOWERS. Also popular were POPPY, a favorite of Georgia O' Keefe with 14 votes and HYDRANGEA with 15 votes, both loved by many daily painters.

GIVERNY 1900 by Sea Dean after Claude Monet

 Currently Available at Daily Paintworks

Some surprises were that Claude Monets favorites, IRIS and WATERLILY had only one vote each and they are some of the most famous flower paintings in the world. There were also some unusual one vote flowers to research; the amusing Dutchmans Britches, Maga and Margarita, Psychotria Elata (which apparently looks like lips), Spiked Rampion, Schersmin, Laurina Blossom, Lisianthus and Borage. More surprises came with Gladiolus, Cherry Blossom, Orchid, and Carnation with only one or two votes. And Daffodils only 5 votes and Tulips only 7. Even grouping all types of lily, they still only achieved 9 votes.

STAR PERFORMANCE by Sea Dean SOLD

My favorite bouquet flower is STARGAZER LILY. They are outrageously beautiful and their perfume is out of this world. I love receiving cut flowers, but so many die or droop quickly, not the proud Stargazer! I also love luscious deep red PEONIES and PETUNIAS because my father planted them and I plan to paint the gorgeous bouquet of silk peonies on my dining table at the moment. In memory of my grandmother, who loved her small garden, there are, HYDRANGEAS and PANSIES. For my sister her name translates as LILY OF THE VALLEY. For my mother SUNFLOWERS AND GERANIUM for garden favorites and GLADIOLI as cut flowers.

More of my favorites are VIOLETS and SNOWDROPS, which stir memories of making posies for my mother, grandmother and teachers when I was a child. And BLUEBELLS, BUTTERCUPS, COWSLIPS, DAISIES, FIREWEED, FOX GLOVES, FRANGIPANI, HOLLYHOCKS, LUPINES, SNAP DRAGONS and STEPHANOTIS all have their special place in my heart.

BUTTER UP BUTTERCUP by Sea Dean

Currently Available at Daily Paintworks

I think we usually choose certain flowers because they have a special connection, perhaps they were a grandmother's favorite, or it starred in your first bouquet. I've given my choices and now it's your turn. What are your favorite flowers and why? I love to read your comments.

FRAMING AN ACEO - Red Lily - RITCHCRAFT GALLERY

FRAMING AN ACEO

I recently visited Ritchcraft Gallery to have a chat with Cathy the owner and see how sales were going. This particular gallery loves my original ACEO because being framers, they give an opportunity to sell a frame as well. Above you can see the amazing work they did on one of my miniatures. At the same time I discovered that in the last few months one of my paintings had gone to Australia, another to France and another to Germany. They were all sent as gifts which always gives me a special glow.

RITCHCRAFT ON FACEBOOK

Thanks to the internet, my patrons are all over the world. I like to stay in touch occasionally and alert them to special events at paint a masterpiece, so I love that my online galleries keep a record for me. It is not so easy if the sale has taken place at a bricks and mortar gallery. I always attach a certificate of authenticity and a business card, but I have no way of knowing if those purchasers visit my blog or make another purchase through my online presence. Those paintings feel a bit like lost children.

RECENT SALES

Summer Dune by Sea Dean

Flower Bay by Sea Dean

Golden Cosmos by Sea Dean

Heartfelt by Sea Dean

Snakeshead after William Morris by Sea Dean

Safe Harbour by Sea Dean

ATC ACEO AUCTION - Teeny Tiny Stars

TEENY TINY STARS ACEO by Sea Dean

A hand painted original ACEO (2.5" x 3.5")
This is the last ACEO available in panel format
Click here for the Daily Paintworks special priced auction

Remember that if you purchase any painting from DPW you have four opportunities to win a featured painting valued up to $200.

Stop by every day to see what new auction I have planned for that day.

Thank you for your patronage


Ref 2048 Teeny Tiny Stars

MAKING A COLLECTION FOR LICENSING - ACEO IN PEWTER FRAME

MAKING A COLLECTION FOR LICENSING

A simple approach to get your designs out there. Click the link above.
From Annie Troe

TEXTILE PATTERN COMPETITION

Click the link above

CALLA LILY ACEO
By Sea Dean
Framed and Ready to Display

3.5" x 2.5" on Canvas Card
Pewter Frame
$35

To view my online Gallery of originals please visit Daily Paintworks
Shop for Limited Edition ACEO here

This would make a sweet gift. Lilies are my favourite flowers and I know I'm not the only one that loves. them. I think this delicate standing frame shows it off to perfection.


Ref Calla Lily Swirl 3246

WHITE FIRE on fire! - DAY SEVEN

 

WHITE FIRE

by Sea Dean
8" x 6" Canvas Panel in an ornate antique frame

To view my online Gallery of originals please visit Daily Paintworks
Shop for Limited Edition ACEO here
More from my fellow intrepid and brave artists attempting the 30 paintings in 30 days here


This was a little cheat on the 30 in 30 theme. I did a bit of a tweak on this painting and framed it in a gorgeous antique frame to be presented at Art Walk. I have always loved this painting but there was something which was making me uneasy about it and I finally decided that the composition was too balanced. It needed something to make it pop.

I launched in with and antique ivory loaded brush intending to do a substantial shift in the composition, but a couple of brush strokes and turning it 90 degrees did the trick. The background in this thick impasto painting is luscious, almost edible with the unusual combination of bronze, lime and violet making it truly special. But when I put it into its bold frame that was the finishing touch.

Love love love it!


Cat # 12047 - 30 in 30 # 22

THIS IS IT! - CRIMSON CIRCLE - Meet me at Art Walk - DAY SIX

CRIMSON CIRCLE
by Sea Dean
30" X 15" X 1.5"
Deep Gallery Wrap Canvas

To view my online Gallery of originals please visit Daily Paintworks
Shop for Limited Edition ACEO here
More from my fellow intrepid and brave artists attempting the 30 paintings in 30 days here 


THIS IS IT - FINALLY THE BIG DAY IS HERE

Art Walk is the largest exhibition of art for over 200 miles in either direction. Art lovers come from across Canada to view the work of our local artists who descend on Lake Country from a 50 mile radius. It's exciting. There is a buzz in the air. The entire central area of the town is taken over by Artists and Art lovers chattering about what they've seen.

It's not just a matter of slapping down your $100 for a booth, each 10' x 10' space is won by making your way through a challenging jury system. Every year more and more artists vie for those precious spaces, the bar rises and the quality of the Art on display rivals any in North America.

The work doesn't stop at being chosen. There is grid wall to assemble, an eye catching display to create to stand out from the crowd, and the ever present hanging committee are there to remove any work which doesn't come up to snuff.

As you know I'm a daily painter, so most of my catalogue is under 8" x 10". I love to paint large, but that isn't my market, or hasn't been up till now. Today I am exhibiting at least seven larger paintings and CRIMSON CIRCLE is one of the largest and my favourite piece. Actually I love it.

So if you're anywhere near the Okanagan, come over to Art Walk to enjoy all the activities and beautiful art and stop by my booth to say hi.Commemorative postcards available at my Art Bazaar tent. And remember to pop in and see WALKING IN PARIS at the theme gallery. It's a wonderful exhibition and WIP is on the left back wall as you enter from the main door.


Cat # 14135 Crimson Circle - Posted in the 30 in 30 Challenge as # 14

RETROSPECTIVE - BEST OF 2012 - VIOLET SEA, WHITE FIRE, TEENY TINY STARS

THE BEST OF 2012

2012 was a prolific year, I created 114 paintings and I simply couldn't choose just one to show you, so here is a selection. These paintings are available in my Daily Paintworks Gallery.

Two of these are also available in my new limited edition ACEO series. Click to visit Limited Editions.

VIOLET SEA by Sea Dean 5" x 7" Canvas Panel

Also available in Limited Edition ACEO

WHITE FIRE by Sea Dean 5" x 7" Canvas Panel

Also available in Limited Edition ACEO

TEENY TINY STARS ACEO by Sea Dean - 
2.5" x 3.5" Canvas Panel

  Cat # 12039 Violet Sea - Cat # 12047 White FIre - Cat # 12048 Teeny Tiny Stars

THEFT and VIOLATION - ACTIVIST ART EXHIBITION - FREE GIFT

"Maybe the thing you’re scared of is exactly what you should do.  Sometimes life is about risking it all for a dream no one can see but you."

This is how I felt as I attacked an exhibition piece for the upcoming ACTIVIST ART exhibition. The mandate was to create a piece of art that illustrates a cause and encourages the viewer to think deeper. This would be my first collage for many years and a complete departure from my recent work.

THEFT and VIOLATION
18" X 24" MIXED MEDIA plus 11" x 8.5" Libretto
ORIGINAL ART BY KAY SMITH, COLLAGED BY SEA DEAN

Buy now, gift wrap and relax with a smile when everyone is still rushing around in December. Everyone purchasing from now till 25th December 2013 receives a free print as a thank you.

To view my Gallery please visit Daily Paintworks. As it is currently on exhibit, contact me to purchase this painting, or prints.

activist ART
OPENING NIGHT 15 November 7pm

15th November 2013 - 2nd January 2014
Leir House Cultural Center
1-220 Manor Park Ave
Penticton, BC
Canada 

BRYCE BECKETT
SEA DEAN
DAVID JACOB HARDER 
JAMES L HAYES
KRISTINE LEE
SHANNON LESTER
MICHELLE LOUGHERY
SEAN RILEY
ENDRENE SHEPHERD
JOHANN WESSELS 

"Activist art is art that incites the viewer to action; it influences deeper consideration of an issue, and creates movement towards change for the better." ~E.S.

About the show: 'Activist Art' will provide viewers with an opportunity to witness the power of art in social activism. How can the visual arts help in fighting for social justice? Learning about activism empowers people by helping them to understand the wide variety of possibilities for affecting change, beginning in our own communities. Activism is not limited to political issues; rather, it is open to any issue of our day, local or worldwide. Human rights, Women's rights, Aboriginal rights, LGBTG rights, animal rights. It's all fair game: oil, race and gender, the media, the cult of celebrity, disabilities, energy, food safety, transportation, climate, health, sexuality, war, sustainability, the internet, patriotism... the list goes on and on.

Art has the unique ability to unlock minds in a way that other medias cannot touch. Its effectiveness lies in its openness to interpretation, in its ability to raise emotion and tickle raw nerves. This is a show that should fill the viewers with more questions than answers

“THEFT and VIOLATION” by Sea Dean
Preview of LIBRETTO included in installation

Kay Smith - Wednesday, Apr 17, 2013 8:40 pm – Email:- Subject: copyright infringement/be careful

(un-watermarked image CHRISTY’S ZINNIAS 15” x 22” by Kay Smith)

This afternoon I got the shock of my life! I was in Midland shopping and the last store I went to was a brand new TJ Maxx/Home Goods. I was looking for patio chair cushions. One pillow caught my eye, about 18" long, maybe 6-8" wide, rectangular shape. It was MY ARTWORK!!!!!!!!!! Unauthorized copyright infringement!

So I went to work with my iPhone, snapping all its labels, front and back and the pillow itself. Colors were a little different but not that much from my Christy's Zinnias. Now I'm going to visit their website and see if it's listed there. On my way out, I grabbed a credit card application to give me a place to start calling. Do any of you have any other ideas? One of the tags on it said it originated in India, but was produced in the US! No doubt they lifted it off my blog as on the website each is watermarked. Now my image uploads are small, 800 with 72 dpi and saved to a small quality file.

Kay Smith - Thursday 26 September 2013

TJ Maxx and Target copyright infringement of fine artists on home décor

http://kaysmithbrushworks.blogspot.ca/2013/09/floral-lilies-copyright-infringement-by.html

(image from Target Australia website – image stolen from Kay Smith Brushworks Blog on cushion)

It has happened again. Twice this year my floral watercolors have been stolen and reproduced without authorization/license agreement (copyright infringement) by a major retailer and marketed as cushions or pillows.  This current design here is on Target Stores/Australia's website. A Canadian artist spotted it and alerted me today to the blatant disregard for artist's intellectual property.  I have contacted Target, as I did with TJMaxx/Home Goods in April this year to cease marketing stolen images.  Disgusting!

Kay Smith - Thursday 26 September 2013

Florists Lilies Original Watercolor

http://kaysmithbrushworks.blogspot.ca/2013/09/florists-lilies-original-watercolor.html

(image FLORISTS LILIES by Kay Smith with watermark ) - Image COPYRIGHT 2011 Kay Smith.

Watercolor original, first posted on this blog November 22, 2011, an image I did not watermark.  Compare to the Target cushion described and pictured in my earlier post today.  The lower ¼, which contains my signature, was conveniently cropped. Here is the 11/22/11 post:

Kay Smith - Tuesday 22 November 2011

Florist Lilies

http://kaysmithbrushworks.blogspot.ca/2011/11/florist-lilies.html

(un-watermarked image FLORISTS LILIES by Kay Smith 22” x 15”)

Watercolor floral of pink and white and yellow lilies from the florist.

Painted loosely wet in wet there are also red toned flowers behind calla fillers. No masking was used.

From: Sea Dean To: Artist Kay Smith - Thursday Nov 7, 2013

Hi Kay, I was very inspired by your blog and submitted a proposal for an activist art exhibit. The proposal was accepted. I am going to create a collage of various words and images intended to make people think before downloading and using images from the web without permission. Therefore, as your example is so shocking and the image so beautiful, I would like your permission to feature it in the collage.

Naturally I will keep your contact information prominent. I am also interested if there is something I can include about the previous event you mention.

Here's hoping this will have some impact and make the visitors to the exhibition think twice before copying images from the internet. Big or small, it is all theft.

To: Artist Sea Dean From: Artist Kay Smith - Thursday 7 Nov 2013

Hi Sea.  Yes, that would be wonderful!  Thank you.

Kay Smith

www.kaysmith.artspan.com

http://kaysmithbrushworks.blogspot.com

Your suggestions on combating this type of crime welcome ………..

Cat # 13253 THEFT and VIOLATION

FREE GIFT - CALLA LILY SWIRL - ACEO Series

CALLA LILY SWIRL
ORIGINAL ACEO BY SEA DEAN
3.5" x 2.5"
On auction at Daily Paintworks starting at just $11

Buy now, gift wrap and relax with a smile when everyone is still rushing around in December. Everyone purchasing from now till 25th December 2013 receives a FREE print as a thank you.

To view my Gallery or purchase this painting please visit Daily Paintworks. Larger originals or prints may be available by contacting me. You may also view my available ACEO in my Facebook Gallery here.

Lilies are my favourite flowers. I love the way they look and I love the scent wafting around the house. Stargazers have the best perfume and are so luscious, but Callas have an almost Art Deco simplicity.


Cat 13246 Calla Lily Swirl
Paint My Photo

DAY 12 - 30 PAINTINGS IN 30 DAYS - CALLA LILY ESSENCE PAINTING - FINDING YOUR BEST WORK

 

CALLA LILY
ORIGINAL ESSENCE PAINTING BY SEA DEAN
8" x 6" on Windpower
On auction at Daily Paintworks starting at just $29

To view my Gallery or purchase this painting please visit Daily Paintworks. Larger originals or prints may be available by contacting me. You may also view my available ACEO in my Facebook Gallery here.

Call Lilies have such grace. They have a simple form but that doesn't make them any easier to paint.They are usually white, which is one of the most difficult flowers to paint.I was fully prepared to change the colour of this lily to red or pink, but after shading with the background indigo and using lime green and cream judiciously, I think I produced a good likeness. 

This is one of my Essence Paintings which show the hidden lines of air, light and the breath of the flower. this magical essence is present around all living things and can be picked up in special light conditions or special cameras. Here I have added both light copper/bronze and violet now you see it, now you don't paints to the movement of the air.

FINDING YOUR BEST WORK

It is often said that an artist is not the best judge of their work, yet in the world of a modern professional artist, we are constantly asked to make a selection. We need to decide what to feature on our websites and what to submit to juries on a constant basis. Rather than repeat this each time, I do a review every few months and keep a separate file for submissions. 

It's submission season, so yesterday I was had to face one of my most arduous tasks, trying to decide what to submit to juried exhibtions, galleries and exhibtion spaces over the next few months. Although I haven't done this for a while, it's a good idea to create a collage postcard, a disc, a ready to send slide show or a You Tube video which you can offer up at a moments notice.

I paint daily, so perhaps the task is a bit more challenging for me. Yesterday I whittled 300 paintings down to 30 and from that I have to choose 3 for a particular submission. I keep a catalog of all my paintings online, on my laptop and on a memory stick. Each painting receives a unique identifier at birth and they are already in order, so part of my work is already complete. 

So how do you choose your best work?

1. View as much of your work as possible spread out. I like to do this with thumbnails on my computer because most juries use some form of digital viewing these days. Viewing the thumbnails help me select the best compositions and the strongest value differentiation. What pops?

2. In the selection process I ask myself which has the most impact, which has the most pleasing colours, which has the most appealing subject matter and which makes me want to click further to see a larger version?

3. I copy my top selections into a separate file. I view them again and see if there are two similar paintings and choose the best between them.

4. I view each one in large format with a critical eye and see if there are any glaring errors or ones that need a better image.

5. You don't want to bombard the viewer, so you should end up with between 10 and 30 paintings. You will need more paintings for a slide show and less for a postcard. If you are brave, this is the point you ask friends, relatives, Facebook buddies etc. for help. Ask them to be honest and let you know if you should drop any of them.

6. Choose one or two methods of showing your collection. You Tube is an underused and very fantastic tool. A large postcard with all your contact details and a collage of your best work is also handy.

7. For a postcard, Vistaprint does an inexpensive and good quality postcard. There are tools to create it online or you may wish to use an app or program which you are familiar with.

8. I've not yet created a You Tube video, so I will cover this once I have done my research and attempted it. (Any advice here would be much appreciated).

9. File your finished show and tells in at least 3 different places so you can access them easily anywhere and they are safe from disasters like crashes and deletions.

10. Get out somewhere nice and celebrate. You've accomplished a very important task and you should be proud of yourself!


See the other 30 paintings in 30 Days Artists work here.


Cat 13223 Calla Lily Essence
Posted on Leslie Saeta 30 in 30 as number 8
Photo inspiration by Katinka Matson

DAY 9 - 30 PAINTINGS IN 30 DAYS - LILY SISTERS ACEO - DISPLAYING AN ACEO COLLECTION

LILY SISTERS ACEO
ORIGINAL ACEO BY SEA DEAN
2.5" x 3.5"
On auction at Daily Paintworks starting at just $11

To view my Gallery or purchase this painting please visit Daily Paintworks. Larger originals or prints may be available by contacting me. You may also view my available ACEO in my Facebook Gallery here.

DISPLAYING AN ACEO COLLECTION

Just like stamp collecting, there are many options for displaying ACEO

1. Avid investors keep their ACEO in pristine condition by placing them in an acid free envelope in a cool dry place. I saw a tiny acid free archival box on Jerry's Artarama if you are building an investment collection. I recommend filing by subject matter or name of artist alongside the certificate of authenticity, to keep them easily accessible.

2. Same as above but in a clear cellophane envelope. (I haven't tried this myself because my ACEO don't stay around long enough.) Consider the medium which may need to breathe or can stick to some surfaces. Try these at Jerry's (see note below).

3. Dry mount. If you're handy you can do this yourself or ask a framer. You may get a better price if you do several at once. The mounted ACEO can then be displayed flat, resting against a wall or on a little easel. If you have busy little hands in your home I would suggest a locked cabinet.

4. One or many can be mounted in a mat and then framed. I prefer a double mat with a wide surround and the ACEO offset towards one corner. Two or three ACEO in one mat look great but for collectors I've placed up to 21 in one mat. You can pre-cut a mat with multiple openings and add to your collection over time. Google ATC or ACEO Mat or Frame and many possibilites come up. This is on Ebay UK for a 5" x 7" ACEO Mat. There are also ACEO Mats on Etsy and I've found them at Jerry's and on Ebay USA. As ACEO originated in the USA, they have the most comprehensive suppliers.

Any framer will cut mats for you and I suggest you size it to fit a standard frame or an antique one that you have at home. I have found websites where you can design your own layout and they cut and mail to you. 

If you place acrylic or oil ACEO originals under glass make sure they are double matted to create space from the glass. Make at least one hole in the back dust cover to ensure they can breathe.

All my ACEO are fine art originals with UV protection, but I still recommend displaying in a cool dry place and out of direct sunlight.

Here are some some of my available ACEO and how they look framed. 

------------------------

NOTE:- This is what Jerrys said about their Krystal Bags

Yes the bags are safe

They are archival bags.

You should not have any problems as long as the bags are not kept in a hot humid area like an attic.

How about mailing in them or doing outside shows because the temperature is out of my control

I would not know about that, I have never mailed my work like that. You should not have a problem. I have never heard a customer complain about that kind of problem with these bags. We sell a lot of these bags every year. I have never heard of any problems with bags melting-, I have not heard of the problem.

I'm not talking about the bag melting. Acrylic pant has a tendency to stick to plastic, glass etc and will peel off the substrate when it does this. I'm worried about it sticking to the inside of the bags.
 
Ok, I have not heard of that problem with these bags either. I use the bags with prints not paintings, so I would not personally know. You could try it to see if it works on a test painting that you mail to a friend who lives far away.... 


Cat 13220 Lily Sisters
Posted on Leslie Saeta 30 Paintings in 30 Days as number 5
Photo inspiration  Rosalind Amorin of Paint my Photo

DAY 7 - 30 PAINTINGS IN 30 DAYS - CANNA LILY ACEO

PHOTOGRAPH OF PAINTING IN NATURAL LIGHT

FLASH PHOTO SHOWING BRONZE

CANNA LILY
ORIGINAL ACEO BY SEA DEAN

2.5" x 3.5"
On Auction starting at just $11

To view my Gallery or purchase this painting please visit Daily Paintworks. Larger originals or prints may be available by contacting me. You may also view ALL my available ACEO in my Facebook Gallery here.

One week into the 30 paintings in 30 days challenge and I'm holding up well. I usually paint every day, but don't always finish a painting. I often have several going at once and do the finishing when I feel in the groove. My multi layer approach often needs time to dry, especially when I use my favourite Golden Open paint which has a slow drying formula. 

To tell you the truth I'm not absolutely sure this is a Cana Lily so if you know please confirm or correct me. A gardener I am not, but I do love flowers. These always remind me of "The Day of the Triffids" which was a best seller and I think, also a movie in the 1950's. If you haven't read the book and you like scientific horror, it's a classic.

ORIGINAL REFERENCE PHOTO

This is one of those paintings that I've learned has to be seen in the flesh; no amount of messing around with camera and scanner will show all the wonderful variations in red, so you will have to trust me. I've added a touch of bronze which you can see in the second flash photo. 

I'm very happy with the result, even though it took many hours to paint and almost got abandoned several times. The difficulty was getting just the right shade of yellow and red without appearing too garish. The background is dark green with my favourite deep indigo Matisse and even that doesn't show well in the photos.

Cat 13218 Canna Lily
My own reference photo
Posted on Leslie Saeta 30 in 30 as number 15

DAY 6 - 30 PAINTINGS IN 30 DAYS - RED LILY ACEO

RED LILY
ORIGINAL ACEO BY SEA DEAN
(Reference a Maria Balcells Photo)


2.5" x 3.5"
On Auction starting at just $11

To view my Gallery or purchase this painting please visit Daily Paintworks. Larger originals or prints may be available by contacting me. You may also view ALL my available ACEO in my Facebook Gallery here.


Cat 13217 Red Lily
Posted on Leslie Saeta 30 in 30 as number 26
Photo supplied by Nicola B. from Paint my photo

DAY 5 - 30 PAINTINGS IN 30 DAYS - PEACH LILY ACEO

PEACH LILY
ORIGINAL ACEO BY SEA DEAN

2.5" x 3.5"
On Auction starting at just $11

To view my Gallery or purchase this painting please visit Daily Paintworks. Larger originals or prints may be available by contacting me. You may also view ALL my available ACEO in my Facebook Gallery here.

FREE LESSON - CATALOGING

Yikes! The work can sure build up when you have other tasks at hand like taking a short holiday, cleaning house, moving, setting up a new studio and signing up for the 30 paintings in 30 days challenge. As a result I was waaaaaay behind with cataloging. Today I finally spread out the work due and to my horror I counted 22 paintings!

Cataloging is a crucial part of any professional Artists life. Firstly, it involves checking that all relevant information appears on the back of each painting. Each Artist does this a bit differently, but I put 7 things - name of painting (and series if there is one), name of artist (me), medium,  signature, year of creation, my contact details and the all important catalog number. I write this all by hand because I believe it is part of the personal creation.

Cataloging also involves checking all websites, online galleries, Facebook etc. to ensure that wherever the painting appears the same information is given, plus the all important size in inches and cm. Sometimes when posting work on the internet things go awry with cut and paste; in my 22 paintings I found 2 that in my rush to post I had misnamed in my online gallery. I've found that another common mistake I see in online shops is the wrong size being entered, largely I'm sure due to duplicating parts of the information and not checking closely enough.

A third part of cataloging is creating a Certificate of Authenticity, which is something I do during the mailing process. I will cover this in another blog.


Cat 13216 Peach Lily
Entered on Leslie Saeta 30 in 30 as number 2
Reference Photo Maria Balcells

PAINT TILL YOU'RE 100 AND GLOW AT OPENINGS - CALL BLUE

Artists are not known for their good physical health. However, with very minor effort and a few adjustments you can improve your well being immensely. The northern hemisphere is slowly heading into Spring so now is a good time to get started. Read on for tips and inspiration.

CALLA BLUE
ORIGINAL

6" x 4" OSWOA Postcard
To view my Gallery or purchase this painting please visit Daily Paintworks. If there is no current bid you may contact me for the "Buy Now" price. Larger originals or prints may be available.


Paint till you're 100 and glow at openings

1. Eat healthy. There are no excuses now supermarkets clean wash, chop and package everything for you! Eat more fruit, vegetables, fish and whole grains.
 
2. Nibblies. Take comfort from your Art, not saturated fat and empty calories. Cut out a little every few months and try not to binge. If you feel like cake or chocolate head to the studio and get involved in your work. If you have a fridge where you work, fill it with healthy snacks.
 
3. Go for a walk - 30 mins or 15 mins twice daily. Take your camera and sketch book. Ankle weights for more weight-bearing to strengthen bone and muscle - (your heart's a muscle). No time? Yeah yeah! Standing burns 30% more calories than sitting so stand and sit several times as a mini exercise while checking social media, email or talking on the phone. Consider standing at the easel rather than sitting.
 
4. Take care of your eyes. Step away from the easel and computer screen and get out in the fresh air. Looking into the distance has been proven to help with eye strain. They say blue and green has a very healing effect. Nature and Sunshine do wonders for the soul.

5. Still not feeling up to par? Sluggish bowels make you look pasty, tired and encourage disease. Even a little exercise really helps here. I take a teaspoon of bulk Psyllium every day for improved function.
 
6. Now you have a healthy glow, improve your facial and bone structure with supplements.
Calcium 1,200 milligrams (mg) a day, at least a 600 mg supplement plus calcium rich food.
Vitamin D3 for bones to absorb calcium 1,000 international units (IU) a day - 1,200 IU after 60.
Magnesium 400 to 500 mg per day prevents constipation.
I also swear by a glycolic face wash which has kept me looking young for my age.


Here are some state of the art, fun gadgets to help you keep on track.

Enjoy feeling terrific and let me know how it goes.

Cat # 13086 Calla Blue