Visit our new blog site for more!
Congratulations to Wil Golden!
On July 31, Wil Golden won a free copy of An Artist's Path.
To enter next month's drawing, click here.
31 July 2010
To enter next month's drawing, click here.
31 July 2010
Congratulations to Dee Graves!
On June 30th, Dee Graves won a free copy of An Artist's Path.
Another drawing will be held on July 31, 2010. To learn how to enter, click here.
30 June 2010
Another drawing will be held on July 31, 2010. To learn how to enter, click here.
30 June 2010
What kind of paint should I use?
Someone on Facebook asked, What kind of paint can I use so that my work lasts a thousand years?
There are artist-grade paints, student-grade paints, and craft paints. Student-grade and craft paints are considered low-end materials, and come with no assurances. Artist-grade paints must meet certain standards for fade resistance. They are typically guaranteed to last 100 years. The guarantee assumes that the painting will be displayed indoors and out of direct sunlight.
There are differences among artist-grade paints. Some of the less expense ones contain more filler. It takes more paint to cover an area. It's been my experience that excess filler causes the paint to appear dull once dried.
I use Acrylic paints, and prefer Winsor & Newton. It offers good coverage and has a soft sheen.
There are artist-grade paints, student-grade paints, and craft paints. Student-grade and craft paints are considered low-end materials, and come with no assurances. Artist-grade paints must meet certain standards for fade resistance. They are typically guaranteed to last 100 years. The guarantee assumes that the painting will be displayed indoors and out of direct sunlight.
There are differences among artist-grade paints. Some of the less expense ones contain more filler. It takes more paint to cover an area. It's been my experience that excess filler causes the paint to appear dull once dried.
I use Acrylic paints, and prefer Winsor & Newton. It offers good coverage and has a soft sheen.
Entering Competitions -- Photographing Artwork
To make your work look professional, photograph it without the frame, or crop the frame away using photo editing software. All background clutter such as walls, rugs, chairs, etc. should also be removed from the image.
To photograph your work, prop it in an upright position, or hang it on a wall. The lighting should be soft and even. Set your camera on a tripod, table, or other stable device. The lens should be directly across from the middle of the picture.
It can be very difficult to completely eliminate tilt. Under the best of conditions, one edge of the work will often appear somewhat angled. Before you snap your picture, decide which edge of your picture contains the least information. In a landscape, it might be the top of the painting representing the sky. Now, align the other three edges so that they appear square in the viewfinder. Take the shot. When you review the picture on the computer screen, only one edge will be angled--and it contains nonessential information. Use photo editing software to square things up.
As for photo editing software, I use PhotoImpact Pro by Nova Development. However, I recently read an article highly recommending Google's free program, Picasa, and Windows Live Photo Gallery. The article says "Windows Live Photo Gallery is a free download from windowslive.com. To get it, you first sign up for a Windows Live ID. Then click 'do more' to find downloads, and click 'photo gallery' to get the free photo editor." (Arkansas Democrat Gazette, May 31, 2010, Dealing with Pictures by Bob and Joy Schwabach).
19 Jun 2010
To photograph your work, prop it in an upright position, or hang it on a wall. The lighting should be soft and even. Set your camera on a tripod, table, or other stable device. The lens should be directly across from the middle of the picture.
It can be very difficult to completely eliminate tilt. Under the best of conditions, one edge of the work will often appear somewhat angled. Before you snap your picture, decide which edge of your picture contains the least information. In a landscape, it might be the top of the painting representing the sky. Now, align the other three edges so that they appear square in the viewfinder. Take the shot. When you review the picture on the computer screen, only one edge will be angled--and it contains nonessential information. Use photo editing software to square things up.
As for photo editing software, I use PhotoImpact Pro by Nova Development. However, I recently read an article highly recommending Google's free program, Picasa, and Windows Live Photo Gallery. The article says "Windows Live Photo Gallery is a free download from windowslive.com. To get it, you first sign up for a Windows Live ID. Then click 'do more' to find downloads, and click 'photo gallery' to get the free photo editor." (Arkansas Democrat Gazette, May 31, 2010, Dealing with Pictures by Bob and Joy Schwabach).
19 Jun 2010
Congratulations to Earl E. Murphy
Earl is the first person to win a free copy of An Artist's Path.
17 May 2010
17 May 2010
Discount on An Artist's Path
For a limited time only, Barnes and Noble is offering a discount on An Artist's Path: Two Years Toward Professionalism.
27 Mar 2010
27 Mar 2010
Only Originals National Invitational
The gallery is currently seeking emerging U.S. artists to showcase on this web site. For additional information, click here.
14 May 2010
14 May 2010
Three Rivers Art Guild demonstration
Many thanks to the Three Rivers Art Guild [Glenwood AR] for inviting me to demonstrate "Acrylic Gels and Mediums" at their meeting August 4, 2009. I appreciate the opportunity to share the knowledge I've gained through study, trial, and and a great deal of error.
I'm glad that Ginger Lee Osborn took my business card when we first met at Art Jam, a monthly program sponsored by the Fine Arts Center of Hot Srpings [AR] that offers artists the opportunity to draw from a live model at no charge. I had expressed a desire to leave the meeting early, so that I could get back home before dark. However, Everyone was so friendly, and I enjoyed myself so much, I couldn't bring myself to leave before 8:00 p.m. Thank you everyone for extending a hand, and making me feel so welcome.
5 Aug 2009
I'm glad that Ginger Lee Osborn took my business card when we first met at Art Jam, a monthly program sponsored by the Fine Arts Center of Hot Srpings [AR] that offers artists the opportunity to draw from a live model at no charge. I had expressed a desire to leave the meeting early, so that I could get back home before dark. However, Everyone was so friendly, and I enjoyed myself so much, I couldn't bring myself to leave before 8:00 p.m. Thank you everyone for extending a hand, and making me feel so welcome.
5 Aug 2009
Painting in International Artist magazine
I am excited and honored that my painting "Lioness" was named a finalist in International Artist's "Favorite Subjects" competition. It appears on page 27 of the current issue (Volume 68, August/September 2009).
I was asked to write a short explanation as to how I created the painting, and this article accompanies the image. I hope readers find it helpful.24 July 2009
I was asked to write a short explanation as to how I created the painting, and this article accompanies the image. I hope readers find it helpful.24 July 2009
Count Pulaski Way dedication
Last night I attended a reception at the Arkansas Studies Institiute in downtown Little Rock, honoring those who worked on the Count Pulaski Way projects.
The Director of the Central Arkansas Library System, Dr. Bobby Roberts introduced Little Rock Mayor Mark Stodola, who was in attendance.
He gave the floor to a relative of William Carl Martin. Thanks to Mr. Martin, four columns from the original Carnegie Library (now adorn the entryway to the new Central Arkansas Library system.
Mr. Martin recovered the original four columns from the Carnegie Library, when it was demolished in the 1960's and rebuilt at a new location. Each column consisted of four sections, and these were hauled away, two at a time, in Mr. Martin's pick-up truck. He later donated two of the columns to Mabelvale High School, which has since released them back to the library. These columns now stand near the entrance to the current Central Arkansas Library, alongside a 200-foot sidewalk mural designed by Steven Ochs, professor of art at Southern Arkansas University.
I was one of eight artists fortunate enough to work on the sidewalk project, and was thrilled when Steve later hired me to assist him with a world map mural for Heifer International Headquarters, also in downtown Little Rock.
24 July 2009
The Director of the Central Arkansas Library System, Dr. Bobby Roberts introduced Little Rock Mayor Mark Stodola, who was in attendance.
He gave the floor to a relative of William Carl Martin. Thanks to Mr. Martin, four columns from the original Carnegie Library (now adorn the entryway to the new Central Arkansas Library system.
Mr. Martin recovered the original four columns from the Carnegie Library, when it was demolished in the 1960's and rebuilt at a new location. Each column consisted of four sections, and these were hauled away, two at a time, in Mr. Martin's pick-up truck. He later donated two of the columns to Mabelvale High School, which has since released them back to the library. These columns now stand near the entrance to the current Central Arkansas Library, alongside a 200-foot sidewalk mural designed by Steven Ochs, professor of art at Southern Arkansas University.
I was one of eight artists fortunate enough to work on the sidewalk project, and was thrilled when Steve later hired me to assist him with a world map mural for Heifer International Headquarters, also in downtown Little Rock.
24 July 2009
Public commission in Little Rock
I'm excited to learn that I've been selected as a team member for a public arts project in downtown Little Rock, Arkansas. The project is headed by Steven Ochs, a Professor at Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia. A 200-foot-long sidewalk in the city's River Market District will have etched and stained images illustrating the State's history. Work begins March 14th.11
Mar 2009
Mar 2009
Solo Exhibition at Bob Herzfeld Memorial Library
Last night my solo exhibition opened, with a reception honoring myself and another artist Dee Graves.
Dee brought in her full-sheet watercolor, which was included in the the Governor’s Mansion Engagement Calendar, and this helped to make the reception a success.
Thank you Erin Waller and Krista Petty, of the Bob Herzfeld Memorial Library, for making the show possible. Also for the lovely, handcrafted coffee mug by Chad Oppenhuizen.
I appreciate all who attended the reception, and hope many more will visit the show between now and January 31.
A special thank you (in alphabetical order) to:
The Arkansas Democrat GazetteLaura Conner, Administrative Assistant for the City of HaskellThe Benton Courier Clinton Fulks, of Fulks Family DentistryPaul and Cindy Lewis, good friendsThe Saline County VoiceAugust Samsel, my husband, who is always supportive of my endeavorsJuliann Wells, a terrific graphic designer living in Alexander, Arkansas
9 Jan 2009
Dee brought in her full-sheet watercolor, which was included in the the Governor’s Mansion Engagement Calendar, and this helped to make the reception a success.
Thank you Erin Waller and Krista Petty, of the Bob Herzfeld Memorial Library, for making the show possible. Also for the lovely, handcrafted coffee mug by Chad Oppenhuizen.
I appreciate all who attended the reception, and hope many more will visit the show between now and January 31.
A special thank you (in alphabetical order) to:
The Arkansas Democrat GazetteLaura Conner, Administrative Assistant for the City of HaskellThe Benton Courier Clinton Fulks, of Fulks Family DentistryPaul and Cindy Lewis, good friendsThe Saline County VoiceAugust Samsel, my husband, who is always supportive of my endeavorsJuliann Wells, a terrific graphic designer living in Alexander, Arkansas
9 Jan 2009
What inspires you?
Someone asked, "What inspires you to make artwork?"
I often paint animals, which I’ve always felt a deep connection with. To me, looking into an animal’s eyes is the same as looking into a person’s. There’s a soul reflected, complete with desires, fears, and fleeting attitudes. I want to capture that moment when eyes meet and thoughts connect; that moment of mutual understanding.
I’ve been drawn to animals since I was small, and have always wanted to paint them. In art school, I was urged to put that wish aside. Animals, it seems, were inadequately profound subjects. I got around this by drawing animals in trophy rooms. The creatures’ eyes were empty, but their gestures made them seem ready to spring to life. Suddenly it was agreed. My artwork made a statement.
But now I’m a grown-up and can paint what I wish. Connect with others of a like mind.
3 Jan 2009
I often paint animals, which I’ve always felt a deep connection with. To me, looking into an animal’s eyes is the same as looking into a person’s. There’s a soul reflected, complete with desires, fears, and fleeting attitudes. I want to capture that moment when eyes meet and thoughts connect; that moment of mutual understanding.
I’ve been drawn to animals since I was small, and have always wanted to paint them. In art school, I was urged to put that wish aside. Animals, it seems, were inadequately profound subjects. I got around this by drawing animals in trophy rooms. The creatures’ eyes were empty, but their gestures made them seem ready to spring to life. Suddenly it was agreed. My artwork made a statement.
But now I’m a grown-up and can paint what I wish. Connect with others of a like mind.
3 Jan 2009
Arkansas Artists Engagement Calendar
I opened the newspaper this morning and saw an article announcing my solo exhibition! Also the reception honoring myself, Warren Criswell (), and Dee Graves for having work included in the 2009 Arkansas Artists Engagement Calendar.
Each year, First Lady Ginger Beebe works with the Governor's Mansion Foundation to put together a book-type calendar showcasing the work of Arkansas artists. Over 300 artists submitted a single piece for consideration. From these, 88 were selected for publication.
1 Jan 2009
Each year, First Lady Ginger Beebe works with the Governor's Mansion Foundation to put together a book-type calendar showcasing the work of Arkansas artists. Over 300 artists submitted a single piece for consideration. From these, 88 were selected for publication.
1 Jan 2009
Only Originals Gallery of Fine Art
Box 592
Benton, AR 72018-0592
onlyoriginals@sbcglobal.net
Box 592
Benton, AR 72018-0592
onlyoriginals@sbcglobal.net