"Ponderosa Spring" evolution images

Personal growth experts often talk about "peeling back the onion" refering to discovering your true self. In some ways creating an acrylic painting is like growing an onion, adding layers until the true nature of the painting is revealed. Some paintings grow like magic and others reveal themselves slowly after many adjustments. Ponderosa Spring is one of the latter slow growth landscapes.

This gradual unveiling is largely due to my intuitive technique. Often I'm inspired by an images in my copious archives from photographic expeditions. I view the image, rearrange focus points and study color variations for some time, then I pick up a brush and start painting.

Next I am influenced by the idiosyncrasies of the acrylic medium. Acrylics change color as they dry, so getting the colors just right is often a long drawn out process. Unlike oil, acrylics flatten as they dry, so I often add more texture and layer more paint over it. Acrylic paints also have a strange way of either becoming more dull or garish as they dry. A painting always needs a bit of spice, so I may finish with a touch of interference or irridescent paint. I may also add foil for extra sparkle. conversely some areas may need a complimentary wash to deepen or grey the color.

When a painting doesnt sell in the first round of exhibitions, I ask myself what I can do to make it better. I continually grow in knowledge and my style develops so sometimes I tweak a painting to bring it in line with other paintings in an exhibition. Sometimes I may need a particular season so a painting is altered from spring to winter or summer to fall. This fascinating, evolution eventually results in a painting finding it's forever home.

And there were many more versions.

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.

SUNSET FARM GATE ACEO

SUNSET FARM GATE ACEO
3.5" X 2.5" Canvas Card
Soft White 8" x 10" Mat and archival clear bag $35
Framed in white as shown $50
Painting is on exhibition so contact me to purchase. If available, it ships within 3 days.

I went for a spring drive with a friend yesterday. The weather was a perfect 21 degrees celsius, the sun was out and there was a light breeze. Towards the end of the day my friend asked how many photos I had taken, (I was taking inspiration shots for local landscape paintings) I said a couple of hundred and when I checked it was actually over 450. When I've finished sorting and cataloging there will probably be about 10 of those that inspire me enough to paint without many changes, but there were many photographs of trees, plants and birds which will find their way into my foregrounds.

The little ACEO above was painted from one of my photo sessions. The inspiration photo was actually taken at sunrise. I saw the glow in the sky from inside the house, grabbed my camera and ran out and down the lane in my slippers and dressing gown. The sheep and cows in the fields by the lane seemed quite surprised. I managed to step in some horse patties on the way and got mud up to my ankles and ruined my slippers, but I think it was worth it.

My original ACEO can be purchased here
My limited edition ACEO, prints and cards can be purchased here

PACKING FOR PLEIN AIR ALL MEDIUMS - GLACIAL LAKE

GLACIAL LAKE
6" X 8" Canvas Panel
Black Frame
$95
This painting is in the LCCH Exhibition so contact me if you would like to purchase and I will check availability. Ships within 3 days.

PLEIN AIR
Spring has definitely sprung in our parts. Yesterday was screaming hot, but apart from that, we've had wonderful spring weather. An Artists' thoughts start drifting towards plein air, but many of us never get out there because we're not organized. Here are some wonderful articles which will help, no matter what your medium.

PACKING FOR PLEIN AIR

CALLA LILY SWIRL ACEO

CALLA LILY SWIRL ACEO
2.5" x 3.5" in an 8" x 10" mat

This pretty painting would make a wonderful mother's day gift. You can either purchase it matted and packaged in an archival bag for $35 plus shipping, or in an elegant white frame. for $50 plus shipping. I quote shipping according to your postal code.

CRAZY GARDENER

THE CRAZY GARDENER
6" x 6"
Black Frame

One of my favorite colorful paintings. This has very deep impasto and as you see, some copper/bronze highlights which make it infinitely interesting. It is on exhibition at the LAKE COUNTRY COFFEE HOUSE. I love it in the black frame I've put it in for the exhibition. You can purchase it by contacting me or through the Coffee House direct.

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.

HOW TO MAKE YOUR POST IMPRESSIONIST PAINTING LOOK LIKE AN ORIGINAL

SISTERS
by Sea Dean
(after Two Women with Mango Blossom
by Paul Gaugin)
Approx 18" x 13" Canvas Panel (European Canvas Size)
NFS

This painting was a commission for a Paul Gaugin work. It has been sitting in the purchaser's closet waiting for the right frame for over a year. When I asked why, it was because there was no reasonably priced frame available in the local area. The original has a beautiful antique handmade frame and the patron wanted something similar.

Two Women with Mango Blossoms - Paul Gaugin - Original Frame

So I put my thinking cap on. Luckily there was a handy frame shop in the area selling very basic frames, but the owner was willing and had the equipment to cut and assemble, if I could find the right fancy frame it could be fitted. I looked high and low and came up with some gold framed religious icons which were nice but very flimsy.

Then I had an AHA moment. What if I took an inexpensive mirror that had a nice quality gold frame and cut it to fit the painting. The search was on. I eventually found the right look in a low end department store; my friendly framer did a great job cutting and assembling for a reasonable price and this is the result. Much nicer in real life of course. The owner is thrilled.

Do you crave a real Monet or Vermeer? I'm happy to copy any public domain painting and even go the extra mile to find a spectacular frame for it. It's much more reasonable than you imagine.

EASY AP TO PICTURE YOUR WORK FRAMED

FOREST LIGHT

Acrylic with wax finish

5" x 7" Panel

unframed

Image is an example of how the painting would look lined and framed. I'm loving this mahogany plum and dove grey combination.

I sometimes purchase mats and frames from the Mat Shop and so they always send me emails. I was clicking around their website the other day and I found a great tool for seeing your painting with various mats and frames. This is useful when deciding how to present your work, but you can also download files and use them for marketing even if you sell your work unframed.

MAT O MATIC

UNDER THE JACARANDA TREE
4.75" X 3.25" Sennelier Watercolour Paper
For sale unframed

(image is an example of how it would look with a brushed silver frame and soft white mat.)

See my Daily Paintworks Gallery here for this and paintings ready to hang with mats and frames.

WILDFLOWER MOUNTAIN by Sea Dean

WILDFLOWER MOUNTAIN
6" X 6" Mixed Media Paper
by Sea Dean



This floral piece was inspired by the hills and mountains of the Okanagan. In the spring the upper pastures are full of lovely wildflowers fed by the melting snow. This was painted on turquoise mixed media paper which gives a lovely fresh glow behind the flowers.

CHARLES-FRANCOIS DAUBIGNY - WAITING FOR THE TIDE

WAITING FOR THE TIDE
after Charles-Francois Daubigny
4" x 4" Canvas Panel
Framed in a 4" wide black showcase frame with stand and hanger



This is part of my mini master series painted in honor of Daubigny. This series honors famous artists on their birthday and as Daubigny was born and died in February and this looks like late winter light, it seems like a good choice for today.

If you love ships or someone you know loves old fishing boats, this is a perfect choice.

ORIGINAL DAUBIGNY

RED MOUNTAIN

RED MOUNTAIN
8" x 6" Strathmore Windpower
Can be matted and framed as shown
(extra for frame and shipping)



The plane from Kelowna to Vancouver flies over the coastal range in all it's splendor. Depending on the time of day you can see the mountains spread out below you like white icing sugar or if you're lucky, catch them at sunrise or sunset.

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.

HEARTFELT - FAMILY, FRIENDS AND ACQUAINTANCES

HEARTFELT
Framed Original
Acrylic  on Strathmore Windpower
6" x 8" framed to 8" x 10"



As artists we often get compliments from people who don't intend purchasing art but they tell you how "lovely your work is" or some such phrase. We get so used to this that we tend to brush it off when a relative or friend says nice things about our creations. There is a tendency to think they feel they should say something nice and don't really mean it. But it is very important not to ignore the kind words.

In 2015 I sold several pieces to friends and family. I'm always a bit embarrassed by this, but I shouldn't be. Yes, I'm sure the purchases are because the buyers are in my inner circle, but what's wrong with that? I now have several friends that are building a collection of my work and many give small pieces as gifts and buy my art cards, which I'm sure they wouldn't do if they didn't truly enjoy what I do.

Likewise I received three commissions from a patron this year, who I contacted on another matter; she said she couldn't attend but did want to make an order. I also have a gallery owner who often buys small pieces from me for her collection.

All these instances lead me to believe that there is a largely untapped resource among an artists' family, friends and business associates. We have all heard of the importance of buyers getting to know you and learn about your process and we already have an existing relationship with those in our circle. It actually makes no sense to leave them out. You may be surprised how many people you know appreciate art and enjoy attending social functions.

So, the next time you have a studio or exhibition event, invite friends and family and your social contacts. This can be people you know through work, a club, church, committee or volunteer  work. Acquaintances are more likely to appreciate your work than strangers because your connection adds an extra dimension: They will love seeing your creative side. And don't be shy if they want to buy something, everyone needs cards and gifts, so they may as well buy them from you.

ROBIN IN A SHADOW BOX

ROBIN IN A SHADOW BOX by Sea Dean 6.5" X 6.5"

This is one of my small experimental pieces. He's a cheeky little chappie don't you think? He is on exhibition but if you love him, contact me and I'll check to ensure he's still available. I think he'll fly the nest soon, so don't dilly dally.

DO COOL PAINTINGS SELL BETTER IN SUMMER AND WARM PAINTINGS SELL BETTER IN WINTER?

Have you ever studied the seasonal trends in your art sales?

I've been a contributing artist at Daily Paintworks for several years and I've noticed trends in the subject matter of the group, but I'm not sure if that relates to sales or availability of subject matter. From spring through to fall artists tend to paint whatever is flowering at the time. Waves of Daffodils, Tulips, Lilacs, Apple and Cherry Blossom, Hydrangeas, Wisteria and Roses flow through the seasons followed by a deluge of fall colour. Many artists then move on to snowy landscapes but often say they don't sell.

In the past I've blogged that to sell winter scenes, you have to include large helpings of warm tones and a touch of life. I also have a theory that it may be easier to sell cool toned paintings in mid summer when we are hot and dreaming of shady lakes. When putting together my latest submissions I found myself being quite aware of warm and cool tones and selected a balance of the two, or if I was just submitting one or two paintings I tended towards a warm palette. Perhaps, in the future, I will pay more attention to choosing my warm and cool tones according to the season I will be exhibiting them in.



This painting, RADIATE II is available at Daily Paintworks in this black frame. If you prefer to purchase it without a frame as a narrow gallery wrap canvas, I will deduct $25. Contact me for a frameless invoice.

ACCEPTANCE - Nests

I've been accepted for the COHA Exhibition "Expressions of Death: dying, grief and life after" showing in September at the Alternator Gallery in Kelowna, BC.

"The Central Okanagan Hospice Association (COHA) offers compassionate care, comfort, support and learning to those who are dying or grieving within our community. We all will die, yet the words, death, dying, died are spoken in hushed whispers if they are spoken at all. Through the denial of our death, we deny those around us the knowing of our wishes, fears, and hopes. We deny lasting connection in our final breaths. Through starting the conversation on living until death, we hope to create an atmosphere where to die is not to lose a fight, but an inevitable step on one’s journey."

This is the first time I've been accepted  on the strength of a proposal for a conceptual piece, which is a step in the direction of public art submissions. My proposed art work is called CROSSING OVER. The piece is a sculpture based on my nest series, exploring a much loved area of my artistic life that I rarely play in. Stay tuned for more, as I develop the proposal and start construction. Yay!

I think this may be the only 2D nest that I have available at the moment. You can purchase it with or without a frame, but it is currently for sale on Daily Painworks framed and matted. Just contact me if you want to mount it yourself and save on shipping.

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

GINGER JELLY and SYLVESTER

Today I communicated with my female ancestors.

No, this is not some kind seance blog! I spent a happy few hours preparing a range of delicacies for winter enjoyment. Ginger Jelly, Crystalized Ginger and Ginger Sugar. Yum!

It was my paternal grandmother that taught me how to make jam. Before she married she worked in a grand house, like Downton Abbey. She was the equivalent of poor overworked and underpaid Daisy, a combination of scullery maid and under cook and for all the years I knew her she was a hard worker. She raised a family of 4 boys and 2 girls on a shoestring and she really was a pro at making something from nothing.

Whenever I'm in the kitchen making preserves, I feel as if my grandmother, is standing behind me, testing and tasting and giving gentle words of advice. Crystallized ginger really brings her close, because she kept a pot of the delicious and expensive treat in her private cupboard. This sounds strange, but when I was a child, a jar of ginger cost the equivalent of a days wages, so to her it was like a pot of gold.

Today I managed to make five jars of Ginger Jelly, 900g of crystalized Ginger and two jars of Ginger Sugar; when I calculate the cost, I saved about $30 and had a pleasant afternoon with Nana.

This to me is a perfect day.

Recipe for Crystallized Ginger

SYLVESTER

Image of street sign

SYLVESTER smile

SYLVESTER by Sea Dean 3.5" x 2.5" ACEO Framed as shown

Sylvester is an ACEO I created after a visit to Le Marais, Paris. In a museum there was a collection of old metal street signs which were rescued when the whole area was demolished due to disease. As it was a Jewish quarter, they used signs to advertise their business. This sign may have been for an animal doctor or a ratcatcher. I loved that smirk on his face and those round eyes so I'm thinking more likely it was a ratcatcher sign.

I chose to frame him to match his amber eyes and rusty fur and he is available in my Daily Paintworks gallery.

SYLVESTER
by Sea Dean
3.5 x 2.5" Canvas Card
Matted and Framed


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

COMMISSION of NEW LIFE by Sea Dean

NEW LIFE by Sea Dean- 15" x 10"

COZY PENTHOUSE by Sea Dean - 6" x 4"

NEW LIFE
by Sea Dean
15" x 10" on Canvas
Linen, Bronze and Gold Frame
COMMISSION

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

This painting sold to a favourite patron who saw an OSWOA (original small work of art) in a show and wanted a larger version. She had just discovered a Robin's nest in a bush near her home and the birds were hatched, so having missed the egg stage, an empty nest was perfect for her.

It seems like it should be easy to copy your own painting, but there are always challenges with commissions. You never really know which part of the painting inspired the patron, or exactly what they like, so duplication must be quite accurate in colour and composition.

First I went back to my original inspiration photo, which prompted me to add more lower structure to the nest. I then studied the original painting so I could feel the mood observe the changes I had introduced to add interest. In this painting, the juxtabposition of complimentary colours was very important, and the dark limbs of the tree created the structure, all pointing towards the nest as center of focus.

The substrate made quite a difference to the texture of the painting because the original was on Strathmore Windpower, a thick, smooth, water colour paper and the commission was on gessoed canvas. The former gives a softer effect and the latter, greater texture.

The original painting, COZY PENTHOUSE, (smaller image) was matted and framed, so I gave the client the option of either choice. I had a rather nice bronze and linen frame on hand and she quite rightly selected it. Somehow a professional frame adds presence to a natural painting like this and honours the ingenuity and focus of the little bird that built it.

COMMISSIONS
It's easy to commission a painting, but I do like to ask for at least a month lead time if it is for a special occasion, so I don't feel I have to rush. I paint from your own images or, if you prefer, I schedule a session and work from my photos.

I like natural subjects ... your favourite ocean or landscape view, a portrait of your pet or a new graduate, but I'm also available for home owners and designers to create large and unique works of art to co-ordinate with the decor. Commissions range from 60 cents to 90 cents per square inch depending on size and out of pocket expense.

The best way to contact me is through the Daily Paintworks email link. All you have to do is click.

TO FRAME OR NOT TO FRAME - MAGICAL C

 

MAGICAL C
by Sea Dean
6 x 6" on Strathmore Windpower

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

This impressionist style painting is available in the Framed and Matted section of my online gallery. Ornate frames are not to everyone's taste, and they don't suit every painting, but when I popped this into the golden frame while preparing for a show, I loved it. This kind of ostentation looks wonderful in a stylish powder room or entrance area. However, I'm also happy to sell the painting with a plain black frame, or unframed if you prefer.

TO FRAME OR NOT TO FRAME

A while ago I conducted a survey on my GET YOUR ART OUT THERE Facebook Group. I gave about 20 choices with different styles and colours of frames, mats or unframed presentation. It was of no surprise that the deep gallery wrap canvas with the painting continuing around the edge, was the most popular. What was surprising, is that it was overwhelmingly the choice of both artists and buyers.

Certainly, I find that deep gallery wrap paintings are the best choice for my studio/gallery, exhibitions and local shows. However, at least 50% of my sales occur online. The challenge with online sales is that patrons don't like to pay much for the art or the shipping. Mailing within the same country is challenging enough, but sending a gallery wrap canvas internationally through Canada Post, quadruples the cost, purely because the depth doesn't fit into the "letter" category. Therefore, the package becomes an expensive parcel regardless of weight and takes longer to ship because it receives closer scrutiny at the border.

I think a good option for internet artists, is to work on a light surface, like quality watercolour paper, yupo or unmounted canvas and then mat it, ready to pop into a standard frame. By all means, offer the choice of mounting onto a wood cradle or gallery wrap canvas, but I think most buyers would prefer self-framing to keep shipping costs low. This also works for display at markets and shows with a clear bag or shrink wrap. An 8" x 10" double mat can cost $10 in Canada which is also prohibitive, so, I recently purchased a mat cutter to keep my costs low.

Online purchases need to impress twice; first at the point of sale, but also when the package arrives at its destination. A matted painting gives that all important feeling of pleasure when the buyer holds it in their hands for the first time.

What do you think? Comments are always welcome below.