ACHIEVING CONSISTENT STYLE - SNOW GHOST

SNOW GHOST ACEO
2.5" x 3.5" on Canvas Card
8" x 10" soft white mat
Packaged in archival bag
Ready to ship and ready to frame



Spring is on it's way and we've mostly dug out of our snowdrifts and put away our skates. I thought I would show a few of my snowy wintering scenes before blue skies and blossom take over our vista. This is a very wintry scene, but the sweeping trail, night effect and whisper of northern lights in the sky make it refreshing any time of year.


ACHIEVING CONSISTENT STYLE

Many artists find it difficult to create a recognizable style and others avoid it because they feel restricted or bored. However, both style and flexibility can be achieved if you study the components. There are six parts to style and being consistent in four of them means your work will impress the keenest critic.

• Subject Matter
• Style
• Theme
• Palette
• Medium
• Presentation

SUBJECT MATTER
Determine the subject which brings you most joy to paint. If your work crosses many genre, which one  garners the most consistent sales. Usually these will be the same.

STYLE
Style consists of many things and can change according to the medium, so take an honest look at your consistency. Which style comes easily to you and which sells well. Fads come and go, but if you paint what you love your enjoyment will come through in your work.

THEME
This is a tough one. A theme which speaks to you may leave buyers dead. We are all multi faceted and there will be one theme that speaks to both you and your buyers. Do you love animals, landscapes, or seascapes, they are all very popular. Do you live in a traditional town or in a contemporary city? That will have an impact on what sells in your area. Do you live in a tourist mecca ... then explore popular choices. Wine, whales, sunsets, surf, monkeys, moose, cows, what can you become known for?

PALETTE
Most of us have colors that have been favorites throughout our lives. My colors are intense warm blues combined with pink through to orange. I'm actually not happy unless I have some violet and red in a painting and it's impossible to resist the urge to add them. If you stick to a fairly limited palette you will develop a very consistent looking style even when using different media.

MEDIUM
We all like to experiment with new products, but limit this to sketch books or small works. Once proficient in using a product, create a limited series using it. Examine your top selling medium and create 10 - 20 works in that medium. If you enjoy the process, consider purchasing the very best quality paints in that medium and focus on it for at least year. It may be oil, acrylic, water-color, collage, pen and ink, charcoal, pencil or pastel: Only you will know which, but if you love it you will produce better work than if you struggle.

PRESENTATION
If you present your work in a consistent way it will appear more professional. Choose what type of surface you prefer and stick with it, at least over a series. Create enough work for a consistent solo exhibition. Paper requires a mat and frame, but deep gallery wrap canvas and wood cradles work without framing. Review the past three years; does one surface sell consistently or produce your best work, then that is the one to focus on.


This blog was inspired by Jason Horjes 5 Strategies Successful Artists Follow to Thrive in their Career


When I consider these points, focusing on these things would result in more consistent sales. Some of these things were a surprise, some show I am on the right track and others were a revelation. I would love you to tell me the results or your investigation in comments.


Subject matter:- Seascapes and Animals (if I had to choose one it would be seascapes)
Style:- Bold general strokes with detail at central focus
Theme:- Natural Beauty
Palette:- Warm blues with splashes of orange/red
Medium:- Oil
Presentation:- Deep Gallery Wrap

RECURRING THEMES THE BIRTH OF STYLE

I was reading the blog of one of my favourite mentors today. Karen Margulis was talking about her "UFO" (Un Finished Objects) pile. Read her blog here. Of course all artists have a pile of work unfinished for various reasons, and the longer you are an artist the bigger the pile grows. I'm long overdue for checking mine, and I know there are saleable gems in there that just need a couple of tweeks. I love Karen's phrase "grow as an artist". But I digress.

I've spent time lately thinking about my recurring themes. If you've followed me for long you will recognize them. Mountains - Water - Flowers. I experiment quite a lot in all sorts of areas including subject matter, but I always return to those three. Is this good or bad I ask myself?

I'm an eclectic individual with a non-traditional life, so it comes as no surprise that I have trouble sticking with one style, but is this a clue? When I'm studying the masters I like to Google their name "xyz paintings" go to the images tab and take an overall look at their subject matter and colour palette. It's a mind blowing experience that I can get lost in for hours. Of course Google will also pull up a mish mash of copies and vaguely related matter, but in general the first few lines of images are that artist's most popular paintings. I wonder if Rembrandt had Googled himself if he would say "yikes all my work is so dark, I should add some sunshine" or "Wow! I love my rich dark tones and emerging faces".

Have you tried Googling your own paintings?

"Sea Dean" brought up a retrospective look at my work, very representational in palette but not in my current, more painterly style.
"Sea Dean paintings" (pictured) gave a different view which was sweet, subtle and fresh.
"Sea Dean Artist" gave a wonderful eclectic warm and expressive collection with some really weird wild cards.

Armed with this new information about myself I was curious what image I would prefer to represent me and as you see, I chose the one with more subtle colours, expressive brushwork and a touch of sweet. Perhaps that is just what I'm craving in my life at the moment, but maybe ..... just maybe ... it's a glimmer of an emerging style.

I would be curious what your thoughts are on style, mine, yours, the masters. Please add a comment below.

Pushed now, to give an example of my emerging style, I have chosen this painting.

THE RIVER
Available at Daily Paintworks

TEENY TINY STARS REBORN - PERSONALIZING YOUR ART - THE SIGNATURE

TEENY TINY STARS (reborn)
PROFESSIONAL ACRYLIC ACEO ORIGINAL 
PAINTING BY SEA DEAN
2.5" x 3.5" on canvas panel
 
To view my Gallery or purchase this painting please visit Daily Paintworks. Larger originals or prints may be available by contacting me.

You may think you've seen this before, but it has been tweeked considerably. It now has more value contrast, a better composition and built in distance. Pretty much a whole new painting. These are my favourite flowers, so I don't mind spending time to make them look even better.


PERSONALIZING YOUR ART - The Signature

The first decision around personalizing your work is whether to sign it, how to sign it and where.

Most artists are happy to sign their work and most buyers expect a signature. An original signature proves that the work is complete and you are proud of it. It adds value, in some cases, if you are or become famous, the signature may one day be worth more that the piece it is added to. It is your choice whether to sign or not, but if you don't the buyer will question your decision and may not purchase from you unless you are willing to sign.

To prevent fraudulent use, it makes sense to add a different signature on your work to the one you use to authorize documents. I suggest practicing on an offcut first, using the same medium as your artwork. Try several methods before actually signing the original. You may want to contemplate size, length, colour, positioning and type (incised, raised, painted).

I've been told that buyers don't like the signature to be invasive or detract from the work (I question this, because if I had a Monet I would certainly want his signature clearly visible). Dimension of the signature partly depends on the size of the art work, if you're a miniaturist you may choose to sign on the back or use a tiny symbol rather than a full signature. If your painting is six feet wide you may want a more dynamic endorsement. Some artists always add a certain object like a little bird worked into the design somewhere, or their signature follows the line of a curve or tree root etc.

I've heard that you should choose the same colour for your signature as the focal point which makes some sense but most artists prefer it to blend in. From observation, I see that the masters mainly signed in the bottom right hand corner, probably because they were using their right hand and didn't want to reach across the wet oil painting. Some paintings are signed on the left bottom, but it's rare to find a signature on the top. Again this is your choice but it is not a superficial one. I've had worked turned away by a jury because my signature was "too prominent". Hmmm

It's important to visualize where the frame will cover the painting so it doesn't cover all or part of your signature. If you use the no frame type gallery wrap canvas you may wish to sign on the side, especially if it is a small painting. Alternately you may prefer to sign on the stretcher back, but this is rare.

I tend to change my artist signature about once a year, and I've had good feeback about most of them although buyers do seem to prefer something unique but still legible. I've used my first name only, a basic first initial, a stylized monogram, and a stylized chop. I personally like the latter best, partly because it resembles the magnificent illuminated letters of medieval times and partly because of it's connection to Asia. It is simple, but instantly recognizable as mine. I may stay with this one for a while.

Whatever you decide is your choice, so make it simple to execute and pleasing to the eye because you'll be doing a lot of it.


Cat 12048 Teeny Tiny Stars

ART PARTY DAY 20 - CHIP 2 - ACEO ATC - FREE GIFT

CHIP 2
2.5" x 3.5" Canvas Card
FINE ART ACEO or ATC
ORIGINAL BY SEA DEAN

On sale at Daily Paintworks. 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.

Blogger is certainly doing strange things with my photos lately and I've heard others saying the same thing. This is my usual brightly coloured painting but it's certainly not as fluorescent as it seems on my screen in Blogger. I hope you are seeing the real thing. If not fly on over to Daily Paintworks where it should be normal.

I love this little bird's bright red breast and cheeky look. The reference photo was a quick snap in black and white, so I don't think you will be able to identify him. The colours were from my imagination, but his fat little tum and unusual beak were all his. Birds are often shown on Christmas cards, especially robins and cardinals. Today I started to question why and came up with a few things.

1. They don't migrate, so remain in our gardens throughout the season
2. They wear a Christmas colour
3. People love birds and often have a soft spot for their garden visitors evoking joy
4. They are often seen as messengers and could be bringing the news of the birth of Jesus.

Do you have anything to add? Please leave a comment below. :)


THE ART PARTY CONTINUES

We are still welcoming new creatives of all kinds. Do you know a top gingerbread house maker, or someone that cooks a giant decorated shortbread cookie for Santa. Post them here. How about someone that has a marvelous tree a la Martha Stewart, or a friend that has made wonderful gift baskets. Invite them over.

Registrations close on 24th December, but voting continues to 30th December, so you still have plenty of time to enjoy the party. Once registration closes there will be an opportunity to vote for your overall top 3 artists on the Registration page. You can go back over all the blogs and see who has the best overall collection in your opinion. The top three artists will rise to the top of the group and remain there for posterity, so ask all your fans to come over and vote from 25th - 30th December.

Cat # 13112 Chip 2

FREE GIFT - DANCING DAISIES - MINIATURE MASTERPIECE

DANCING DAISIES - Miniature Masterpiece Series
6" x 6" Gallery Wrap Canvas  
(painting wraps around side)
ORIGINAL BY SEA DEAN
On auction at Daily Paintworks

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.

25 MINIATURE MASTERPIECES ON A CUSTOM MOUNT

FREE PRINT - STELLAR IRIS - ESSENCE PAINTING

STELLAR IRIS
ORIGINAL BY SEA DEAN
On auction at Daily Paintworks

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.

This unusual painting is full of passion. I love the thick impasto effect on the petals. The contrast of lemon yellow and purple is stunning. It looks impressive in a modern frame and spectacular in an ornate golden frame as well.


Cat 12037 Stellar Iris

FREE GIFT - YELLOW ROSE - FEATURE ON CINDY WILLIAMS ART BLOG

 

YELLOW ROSE
ORIGINAL BY SEA DEAN
4" x 4" Canvas Panel
On auction at Daily Paintworks

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.


FEATURED

Today Cindy Williams is featuring me in her blog. You can see the blog with my interview here. You can see the blog Cindy's work here.

http://www.cindysartblog.com

http://www.cindysart.com

http://www.facebook.com/CindyWilliamsArt

Thank you Cindy


Cat 12056 Yellow Rose

COOTAMUNDRA WATTLE and VINCENT

"I WOULD RATHER DIE OF PASSION THAN OF BOREDOM"
Vincent van Gogh

He certainly did didn't he?

I've recently rediscovered a book on Van Gogh and have enjoyed revisiting his life and his work. His paintings certainly reflected his unstoppable passion with almost frenzied brush strokes, intense colour and deep impasto as if he was trying to press the paint right into the soul of the viewer.

Like Vincent, I am passionate about my work as a Professional Artist. I love colour, deep impasto and noticeable brushwork, but frenzy is not for me. When I paint, a deep sense of calm settles inside me and I enter a different world. I could paint for days without a need to eat or sleep and I often think that this is must be what heaven must be like. However, being an Artist is a tough profession emotionally, physically and mentally. You need to have a strong spirit to survive and it's no wonder that Van Gogh was overcome by the enormity of the task.

COOTAMUNDRA WATTLE
ORIGINAL BY SEA DEAN
OSWOA (6" X 4")
To view my Gallery or purchase this painting please visit Daily Paintworks. If there is no current bid and you don't want to miss out, contact me for the "Buy Now" price. Larger originals or prints may be available.

I also have a passion for teaching and passing on my knowledge. This Saturday I met with a wonderful group who are registered for my next "Paint a Masterpiece" class; many of them excellent Artists from different media who are unhappy with their Acrylic work. 

As with any media there are many unique tricks to working with Acrylics and these must be learned in order to improve. I learned the hard way struggling with trial and error, but in my one day "Paint a Masterpiece" class I pass on many useful techniques, and I watch my students improve in front of my eyes. It is so rewarding. If you would like to organize a class in your area please contact me to discuss possibilities.

So back to Van Gogh ..

Thanks to my extraordinary Artistic life, I think I probably will die of passion. What a way to go! 

You can find my gallery and online shop here.
http://www.dailypaintworks.com/artists/sea-dean-2797

Reposted from an article I published on Artslant 9/23/12

ROSE SORBET and SIGNATURE COLOUR - DUCHESS OF CAMBRIDGE CHALLENGE

ROSE SORBET 
Abstract Rose Series 
ORIGINAL ART 6" x 6"
Ask about larger Originals or Prints in the same series.
To view my Gallery or purchase this painting 
please visit Daily Paintworks. 

"Signature Style" is so important to your success as an Artist. Here I will address your "Signature Colour" palette.

One of the things I constantly hear from buyers and curators is how important signature style is. When a buyer or curator is looking through a gallery online or offline they want to be able to identify a particular Artist without reading the information. Curious but true! With the advent of online Art marketing it is increasingly important to develop unique style, because thousands of pieces of Art are available at the click of a button. Buyers want their purchase to stand out from the crowd.

One of the components of signature style is signature colour. Whatever your medium, you must develop a unique colour palette so your work is instantly recognizable.  

For this exercise, group your recent works together in one place. Artists who have completed the 30 in 30 challenge by making a collage of their January work, will find this easy. Click here and page down to Jan 31st to see many Artists who have done this. Or click here to use the Pic Monkey collage tool yourself. If you have an online gallery where you can see many recent paintings on one page, this will also work. If you sell through shows, exhibitions and galleries, you will at some point be able to photograph a collection of your work on a wall. Others may have to resort to leafing through a portfolio, or laying work on the floor to do this exercise.

Get a pen and paper and make some notes. It helps if you squint or soften the focus with photoshop. Another trick is to cover with a thin net curtain, so the subject matter doesn't distract you. Make a note of the predominant colour. There will probably be one main colour and several secondary ones; this is called your "palette". Note the intensity; are they muted or bright, soft or hard edged, transparent or opaque, thin washes or thick impasto; each one of these aspects affect the quality of the colour. 

Your signature colour could be pre-mixed by a manufacturer and come with a fancy name but it's more likely a blend of two or three pigments creating a distinctive look. You will also find if you squint and step back that your selection of colours amalgamate and create one colour from a distance, often this is what attracts buyers from across the room. Signature colour tends to change with the seasons, or as an Artist develops, so this should be done regularly to see if you're drifting too far from your look. It's particularly helpful to do this if you are having trouble selling your work.

Part of becoming an Artist is experimenting with colour combinations. Beginners often repaint sections many times until they are happy but experienced Artists mix by instinct and practice. Likewise, once you have identified your signature colour palette you will find it easier to choose supplies and eliminate certain aspects which don't sit well with you, without making an expensive mistake. 

It's always fun to experiment, but remember that your previous customers search for a common thread. The patron's original purchase was partly made because it worked with their decor and they aren't going to redecorate their home to match the painting unless it is a David Hockney, but they may purchase a painting to match another they already own. A new series, using a different palette, may attract new buyers, but it could also alienate your precious loyal fans. By all means learn and grow but keep a modicum of commonality to your work.

Here are some links to famous paintings which use a distinctive palette

Matisse
Picasso
Botticelli
Leonardo

Have you chosen your palette for the "Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge" Challenge yet? Consider not only your signature colour but that of the Duchess. 

Remember you will be able to submit your finished painting from 8th Feb. Go to my blog of Jan 31st to find out how. Have fun with it, Catherine is young and current, so avant gard may be just the right style for her. The original commissioned portrait was in a super realistic style (including wrinkles) but yours can be a Picasso or a Hockney.

Please stay tuned for more FREE tips and lessons by clicking on "Follow by Email" on the left. 

Cat # 12032 Rose Sorbet - Posted as # 9 on Leslie Saeta Weekend Post Feb 10th