COOL CAT
4" x 6" Strathmore 140lb 300 g/m2
Original watercolor
I can't stay away from painting animals too long. I was inspired to paint this photo when I couldn't sleep a few nights ago. Those eyes grabbed me and pulled me in and said "Paint me, paint me!". I usually paint cats that have slitty pupils, but these wide open blue pools were so beautiful that I reached for my handy little watercolour set and got started.
At first I thought I would do a quick sketch, but it was about 4am when I finally put my brush down. It's amazing how long a small painting can take sometimes. They always say don't attempt to paint every piece of hair or fur, but in this case I think it works beautifully. Unfortunately every hair was carefully considered and that took time.
I've received word that I have at least one sale at our new airport location and perhaps more. I'm contemplating what to submit for the next call, closing in April. It is requested that we focus on locally inspired art. Visitors are attracted to our area for so many reasons, the lakes, the fishing, the skiing, the wineries, the fruit, hiking, water sports etc. that there are so many options to choose from. Last time I submitted mainly local scenes on canvas, but I haven't painted many lately.
We can only submit 10 works and they are exhibited for half a year, so it's a bit nerve racking. Small, inexpensive and stunning sells well, but 10 x $50 is only $500 less commission and fees so not a good payback for all the work. 10 x $100 sounds better, but they would have to be totally awe inspiring to sell at that price in a departure lounge.
I'm considering wildlife for a change and I don't mean what spills out of the local clubs at closing time.
MAGIC HOUR
4" X 6" Strathmore 140lb 300g/m2
Mixed Media
This is mixed media with watercolor and pastel. I painted it for the Daily Paintworks sky challenge. I'm still enjoying my little traveling water color set and I'm very pleased with the intensity of the colors.
HAPPY HEART IX (The Hug)
Original Mixed Media
4" x 6" Strathmore 140lb 300 g/m2
I've been drawing hearts and coloring them in for over a week now and so I'm familiar with the dimensions and pitfalls. For Valentine's Day I've created something I've wanted to do for a long time. It's a single color brush stroke without any correction or embellishment.
It looks simple, but have you ever tried to draw a heart freehand in one stroke with reasonable symmetry and enough character to be interesting? It's one of those things that onlookers think is very easy for artists, but as my trash can will testify - NOT! If you've never tried it, give it a go and I rest my case!
This is one of the most minimalist paintings I have ever created, challenging but worthwhile. I wonder if I would ever build up the courage to get a huge can of flow paint, a broom and a whopping great canvas, and let loose in monumental proportions.
This app was shared on GET YOUR ART OUT THERE by member Nan Johnson. Nan found the link on another artists blog but I don't have that person's name to give credit. It is a website where you can see your painting in a home environment and save an image for your promotions. I immediately set to work loading some of my larger paintings and displaying the image where I have them for sale.
Things I love
1. You can drag or upload your painting easily.
2. You can upload an image of any room, so you can show your client your work in their home.
3. You can enlarge or reduce the size to approximate how your painting would look.
4. You can move the upload around until it looks like it is hanging in the right position.
5. There is a good selection of professionally photographed rooms to use.
Things I don't love
1. There is no shadow around the image so it can look like your painting is floating.
2. The rooms are very modern and many of my clients have comfy contemporary or antique furniture.
3. It would be nice to have a selection of professionally photographed frames to pop your art into.
4. The image is saved in a small format and I have to upsize to fit my gallery platform requirements.
5. The app is geared towards larger works and doesn't work as well for small works.
6. You have to guess the size of your painting in the setting because there is no measuring device.
All that having been said, I'm very grateful to Nan for finding this app because Artfinder has recently discontinued their in context app and it is almost a requirement to show your work in context if you want to get into their marketing programs. Below are three of my paintings in context using the app.
HAPPY HEART VII (The Patriot)
Original Mixed Media with gold, bronze and silver
6" x 4" 140lb 300 G/M2
I read this article on how successful women start their day and I was struck by the propensity to meditate and exercise. Personally I use the early hours when I'm brightest to accomplish detailed tasks that I will be too tired or disinterested in to tackle later.
5am - 8 am (Time depends whether I've worked into the night or not, which is fairly common)
Get up, stumble to the bathroom. On the way turn on the kettle which I've filled the night before because my eyes are barely open yet.
5:15 - 8:15 am
Down that delicious cup of coffee which I generally take back to bed with me
5:15 - 8:15 am for a few hours
Tackle emails, check blog makes sense and went out OK, read incoming blogs, newsletters etc. and post interesting stuff to GET YOUR ART OUT THERE Facebook Group.
6 - 12 noon - I always have breakfast but timing could be anything before noon. Usually coffee gets me motivated and I eat when I feel hungry.
10 am ish - Have a nice hot cup of English Breakfast Tea. Oh so delicious!
10 - 1pm - Start work on my daily painting(s) - now the fun begins!
I'm curious what your mornings are like. Leave a comment or if you're shy feel free to email me.
HAPPY HEART VI (Family Love) Original on Strathmore 140lb (300 G/M2) 4" x 6"
This is a fun piece created for my heart series. It is mixed media with an upper surface of pastel. I wanted to convey the topsy turvy, fluttery feeling experienced when you fall in love. When you are an adult it makes you feel like a child again. If I could bottle that feeling I would be a rich person.
If you love to gift art but don't know a person's taste, my internet gallery ARTFINDER has lovely gift cards available. They are easy to order and can be used for my work or any of the thousands of other works available.Click here.
I admit I've been lax in building my portfolio at Artfinder, but they have sold work for me and I love their elegant and easy to navigate format, so I will be adding more in the next year.
Sadly, like Daily Paintworks, Artfinder don't allow giclee or prints of original works, but most of my work is available in limited edition print, printed art card, printed postcard, or limited edition merchandise like totes, USB Drives, Keyring Flashlights, Fridge Magnets etc. You can see them here.
HAPPY HEART V (The Rainbow) Original Mixed Media 6" x 4" Strathmore Postcard
This week I was inspired by the story of Corrina Thurston on Artsy Shark Feed. On reading the article, I realized that the most important thing I have learned this year as I move towards retirement, is DON'T MULTI TASK.
As a female, I have the ability to multi-task built in and I've always been a queen at piling more on top of an already busy life, but just because you're able doesn't mean you should. Last year I discovered that by working on one thing at a time I accomplished more and experienced less stress over half finished projects. I now say NO to adding things which don't further my goals and I'm far more relaxed and happy.
Corrina, who is building an art business while recovering from serious illness backs me up on this. Read the article below for her story.
To create the best experience possible for my customers, I have recently transferred all my ACEO Originals to mats. The originals now come mounted in either 8" x 10" or 5" x 7" polar white mats with a crisp white backing board, professional biography and archival bag. They can be easily displayed in affordable "off the rack" frames purchased in your own area, but your mailing costs are relatively inexpensive.
Perfect for gift giving and easy to mail.
CURIOSITY ACEO
WHY OWN A SEA DEAN ORIGINAL? 14 REASONS TO COLLECT SEA DEAN FINE ART
1. Each work of art is original and one of a kind
Each painting is a moment in time – a feeling, a thought, a hope, a dream; a treasure of an experience had once and never have again. No two people have the same experience with a work of art. When you receive the painting, it becomes yours and you begin creating your own moments with it – your hopes and dreams and thoughts and feelings. I initiate the piece, but you complete it.
2. I use the best materials
All my original works are created using the best canvas, paint and materials available.
3. Buy directly from the artist
When you buy a piece of art you usually only interact with the sales staff, or owner of the shop. You never get the chance to meet the artist, to inquire about your favorite pieces or ask about their process. But when you buy art directly from me, I make myself available to you! Not only do you get to learn about the piece you’re purchasing, but you can ask questions and get to know me. You’re not just a collector, you've met the artist personally!
HERALD OF CHANGE II - Raw Edge Offset Mounted 8" x 10"
All my "Raw Edge" paintings are now offset mounted and ready to frame. Such a pretty and unusual gift. HERALD OF CHANGE
4. Save money by going direct
My prices are based on the size of the piece, its complexity, the materials that I use, and how much time it takes me to research and paint. The price hasn’t been inflated by middle men. So you save money in the long run and receive personalized service directly from the artist!
5. You are not only investing in the art, but the artist
Think about it: we don’t hesitate to spend money on food, clothing and social activities, so why not invest in someone who has touched your heart and sparked your imagination? Professional artists like myself work hard every day to create amazing things and we can continue to do so with the support of our patrons. You are an integral part of the art world.
PASTEL SKY I with mat
Many of my 6" x 4" original paintings are now also available in polar white mat with backing board, artists biography and archival bag. An example above. I would be thrilled with such a lovely gift. Click here to see all my framed and matted works.
PASTEL SKY I
6. My work is constantly evolving
There is something for everyone in my collection – figure, animal, portrait, landscape, nature, abstract, etc., but I am constantly learning and evolving. My work moves through different phases as I find new materials and tools and delving into new arenas. If you like a particular series of my work, now is the time to buy because I might never create something like that again!
7. Recession? What recession? My business is growing … be a part of it!
My business has grown so much in the last several years and is more widely appreciated than ever before. I've lost count of the countries where I have shipped my work and my collectors continue to snap up my latest creations and commission unique pieces. Come share in my success!
8. The value of my work continues to go up
As my reputation continues to grow, the value of my art rises and will continue to appreciate over time. This means that any piece you purchase is an heirloom for you to pass on to your children and grandchildren.
WILD PINK FLOWERS Raw Edge Painting Mounted 8" x 10"
WILD PINK FLOWERS
9. If you aren’t satisfied I will refund your purchase price
You have 7 days to change your mind. If you are not satisfied, I refund the whole price. Just return the painting in the condition it was purchased. How many artists and agents can you say that about?
10. Art has been scientifically proven to help you to live a longer and healthier life
In a scientific study, people were hooked up to a brain scanner and shown 30 different world-renowned art works. They found that when viewing a piece of art that they enjoyed, blood flow increased to the brain by 10 percent, (the same as seeing a loved one!). The study proved that owning a piece of art that you love does more than just make you feel good, it can cause increased blood flow to the brain which helps you to think more clearly and improve your overall health.
11. You experience beauty and magic
Surrounding yourself with beautiful things helps express your creative self, which is why so many artists are also art collectors. Owning a Sea Dean original allows you to step into a world of magic and inspiration.
Should your artwork be damaged in any way, perhaps by careless movers or fire, I am happy to provide a renewal service, so you can continue to enjoy the piece for a lifetime.
Today I did a full day at the Heritage Show, packed up everything and unpacked when I got home. I was just about to make a nice cuppa when I checked the time of the eclipse. The report I read said the eclipse would happen close to the horizon and as we are surrounded by mountains we needed to get to a high point. I had only 5 minutes to make it up a local mountain.
We were lucky with the weather, although as the moon rose over the horizon it was a bit murky. At first it was difficult to see if we had arrived at the apogee of the eclipse, but I think we were just in time. It was chilly and looking through the tinted windscreen it was difficult to see the red colour, but the camera image picked it up when I opened the window a crack to shoot. (Sorry, I can't find my USB so can't show my images tonight).
As the moon rose the white smile began to widen and eventually half of the full moon was bright white. I drove home and discovered that the moon was really easy to see from our balcony. A sad case of believing what I read on the internet was accurate!
At the show I was working on a very large mountain scene, but it's not finished, so I'll save that for another time. I will paint the 28th painting tomorrow and post it along with the 29th.
In the meantime I will show my sales so far at ART FOR VETS. Say goodbye to Randy Raccoon, Rob Robin and Poppy Cat. Tammy Tamarin wiggled in the collage but she is still for sale.
BETTY BOOP ROSES By Sea Dean Ready to Hang "6 x 4" 140 lb Strathmore
Dry Mounted on 2 cm Expresso Block
$50
Toview my online Gallery of originals please visit Daily Paintworks Shop for Limited Edition ACEO here
This is another of my favourite paintings. Betty Boop is the name of the rose and it is acrylic outlined in india ink. I would love to find the ideal buyer for this lovely piece.
FINDING YOUR "IDEAL BUYER"
It's that time of year again when the rush of the holidays is over and sales and commissions are a bit slack. I usually assess my business in January, but with the Leslie Saeta 30 paintings in 30 days challenge and my own 30 day ART PARTY, I just didn't have a spare moment. 2013 was a pretty good year. I identified markets for my small works and gained some regular collectors. Thank you so much (you know who your are) :) I found niches for my PAINT A MASTERPIECE classes and developed some new ideas for mini classes. I established my blog and created regular readership. http://www.paintamasterpiece.blogspot.com I strengthened the membership of my Facebook Group GET YOUR ART OUT THERE. And I spent masses of time studying the technique of past masters and top selling contemporary artists. 2014 was more challenging. I've lost three bricks and mortar galleries, one through death of the owner and two more simply closed their doors. My internet sales were slower, but I continue to find new customers around the world. Every year more baby boomers retire and find time to paint which is great for classes, not so good for marketing art.
As I assess my Art business, I know I need to get a clearer picture of my market and my ideal buyer. This will help me use time wisely and focus my style. I read a blog recently about branding and an important area of branding is being very specific about your buyer.
1. If you have regular customers this is the place to start. Send an email to your contact list asking them how they found you and what it was about your work that appealed to them. It's great to get to know your buyers better. 2. Every Artist will appeal to a slightly different audience. If your work is attracting females over 60 that live alone, don't own a cell phone and use the computer only to check emails, the marketing techniques that appeal to a highly social young male professional with all the latest gizmos will not work.
3. Every Artist dreams of corporate collectors and sales of $10,000 plus, but that may not be who their work appeals to ... selling many $500 works to a different group may be the way to go. EXERCISE - Look carefully at your work, with as detached a viewpoint as possible. Imagine someone walking away with it all parceled up and grinning from ear to ear. Being as specific as you can, describe the customer. This works best if you give them a name. It's not enough to say my market is females 40 - 60 years old, living in the suburbs. Ask a friend for help. (And for those of you that are in different occupations, try applying this to your own work or your dating experience). "My ideal patron drives a Porche. He owns a comfortable and stylish townhouse in a fashionable part of Philadelphia. He has sleek new offices in the city with a select group of dedicated staff. On the weekends he goes sailing with friends and several times a year he indulges his passion for adventure travel and luxury spas. He is 58 years old, divorced, with no pets or children. He wears tailor made suits to the office and quality casual wear on the weekend. He sponsors a handful of well chosen charities and has a self managed investment portfolio. He likes to encourage Artists, considering himself knowledgeable in the field and his art collection is stunning."
Sorry I got carried away, I'm actually describing my perfect partner, but you get the picture. Let me know how you get on. I'd be interested in who your perfect client is.
I love abstract painting and as any artist that has tried knows, it's far more difficult than one would assume on first glance. Obviously Brian is a full time artists with a large studio, creates beautiful paintings and has been involved in hundreds of exhibitions. I have taken him on as a mentor for the next step in my journey. His videos are full of ideas not limited to, but related to the life of a professional artist and I very much enjoy them as well as loving his work.
I'm excited to see where this may take me.
I was introduced to Brian Rutenberg by blogger KAETHE BEALER see her blog here
These paintings have sold, however, you can order an original painting in the same series. Each City or Country Mouse is individually designed and you can even order a custom outfit such as Chef Mouse, Princess Mouse or ...?
The original mouse paintings are also available in 6" x 4" limited edition prints.The prints come with a white border, numbered and signed in the border.
Also available as a photo art card
Limited Edition Print - $20 plus shipping
Original painting - $50 plus shipping
Art Card - $5 plus shipping
I'm can multi pack to save on shipping. Purchase as usual and I will refund the difference.
COUNTRY MOUSE Series II by Sea Dean
CITY MOUSE Series I by Sea Dean
Ref CMI 13148 - CMII 13178 - CM I 13161 - PM 13175
BEAUTIFUL EYES By SEA DEAN 4" x 6" 140lb Strathmore Postcard
View my online Gallery of originals please visit DAILY PAINTWORKS Shop for Limited Edition ACEO here Bid on my exclusive limited timeSILENT AUCTIONS here I took the plunge and entered "Beautiful Eyes" into the Daily Paintworks monthly contest. There is a cost for most online contests, but sometimes it's worth the publicity even if you don't win. I could win $500 which would be extremely handy right now, or I could be one of the 15 artists selected for special recognition on the site for a whole month which would be great too. Another possibility is that someone sees the painting, which has already sold, and commissions something similar. If you have time, please hop on over to this link and leave a comment on the painting. I always think this helps gain more visibility on the site. http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/sea-dean/cat--13108-beautiful-eyes-oswoa-postcard-series/139398 I would also be interested in what you think is a good size for this work. The original was a 4" x 6" trial for a larger painting, but I've never been able to decide on a good size to make it. I reckon it would be spectacular in a very modern environment absolutely huge like a billboard. The "eyes of T. J. Eckleburg" from Scott Fitzgerald's THE GREAT GATSBY come to mind. However, that would severely limit the market, because how many people have a 20 foot high space in which to put it? In a regular sized home I would think anything over 20" x 30" would be overpowering. Or should it be about 8" x 12" which would work great in a powder room or boudoir? Your opinion would be greatly appreciated.
TIP:- Enter a few online contests and learn the process. It could pay off big-time. REF 13108 Beautiful Eyes
Today I received my new postcards. Vistaprint does a wonderful job and these are a perfect momento of the show for my followers. Most of these paintings will be on display at Art Walk and are also available through Daily Paintworks until Sept 6th.
The postcards will also be available at the LAKE COUNTRY ART BAZAAR and the ART HOUSE GIFT SHOP on September 6th. The Bazaar is a short walk down the road in front of the Lake Country Art Gallery which is holding the ART WALK THEME EXHIBITION.
I have a booth at the Bazaar manned by my friend and Artist in her own right, Sylvia Scriver. You will find me at my ART WALK booth outside the Memorial Hall venue in a tent. If you're in the vicinity, please some and say hi.
The postcard is easily mounted in a standard 4" x 6" frame. For those that can't attend, you can purchase your own souvenir postcard below.
Here I have some examples of my MOUSE Series I and II. They are available in Limited Edition ACEO format on my website here. I am also currently taking bookings for the upcoming holiday season. You will receive a 6" x 4" completely original painting of a mouse created by me in my studio. Your choice of costume ... some ideas would be CHEF MOUSE - SAILOR MOUSE - FIREMAN MOUSE - PRINCESS MOUSE etc. If you are not in the market for a painting at the moment, I'm also taking suggestions for costume in comments at the end of this blog. I'm looking forward to your creative ideas.
My two paintings VIOLET SEA and ISLAND SUNRISE have grown up and left home. They were two of my favourites and it's a great honour that fellow artist Nan Johnson chose them from the thousands of paintings she views every year.
Today she wrote a wonderful blog which you can view here. While there, take the opportunity to view some of her beautiful pieces.
by Sea Dean Toview my online Gallery please visit Daily Paintworks Shop for Limited Edition ACEO here This original painting is sold: I was so happy that the buyers recognized the street as soon as they walked into the Gallery and bought it on the spot. Even though the original is sold, ACEO prints are available here. Or if you prefer an original, contact me and I will create a similar painting just for you. When you commission a painting, you are not limited by size so you can choose what works for your space. Not only that, but it makes you feel like a V.I.P.
by Sea Dean 4" x 6" Original OSWOA Postcard Mounted on sturdy expresso block ready to hang Toview my Galleryor purchase this painting, please visit Daily Paintworks Shop for Limited Edition ACEO here
Directions: Mix all of the above ingredients in a 12 oz spray bottle and spray away!!
The recipe that I use the most from the ones above is the Thieves and
Purification one. It’s easy to mix up, only takes two oil blends, is
safe around pets, and I love the smell! Have you tried making your own mosquito repellent? I’d love to hear other recipes that have worked for you! And let us know if you try one of these recipes and it works! Reblogged from http://www.survivingthestores.com/homemade-mosquito-repellent.html
LE FROMAGE by Sea Dean 6" x 4" Original OSWOA Postcard
Regular $79, it is currently at the screaming hot auction start of only $9.
Toview my Gallery please visit Daily Paintworks Shop for Limited Edition ACEO here
This cute postcard sized painting would be lovely in a kitchen or conservatory. It can be framed with a regular photo frame to stand on a shelf or table or hang on the wall. The background admittedly looks a bit grey here, but it's a lovely creamy white impasto and the writing is sage. Other colours are Naples Yellow and Sienna. Sorry about the lateness of this blog, I actually fell asleep over my computer last night and didn't manage to blog until now.
