3 Things Every Successful Artist Should Do
by on 3/16/2010 3:23:11 PM
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This painting and 62 others will be at Synesthesia Gallery, 35 Marco Lane, Centerville, Ohio (March 19-April 30). Opening Reception is from 6-9 PM, March 19th. Click on EXHIBITS on the left to see more information about this exhibit. To read more about this painting, CLICK HERE.
Three Things Every Successful Artist Should Do!
In my opinion, every artist intent on being successful will apply these three principles every single time they create:
1. They will work from their heart (no one can copy that!) thereby assisting the viewer to connect with the artist on some "deeper than what the eye beholds" level.
2. They will use a balanced color scheme: complimentary colors in contrast with colorful neutrals (no blacks or grays used---mix them so they are colorful).
3. They will design each composition well, thereby leading the viewer's eye to the focal area, which is rich in contrast, colors, and design elements.
Let's examine this recently sold painting, to see why I believe these 3 reasons caused this work to sell so quickly:
I believe TAOS MEMORY sold because I applied those 3 Things and this is what I did.............
1. They will work from their heart --------- I had a fabulous experience in Taos, New Mexico. Among many aspects of this area that I was enamored with, a few of those were: I loved the atmosphere, the colors of the southwest, and the humble attitude of the Taos Pueblo peoples. There were many more; but, those were quickly rooted "in my heart." And, consequently, I truly believe my emotional connections came through to the buyer who fell in love with this painting. My love of the area transferred to the heart of the viewer. Love wins. Connections count.
2. They will use a balanced color scheme ----------- In the painting above, I used a large amount of blue (always a favorite among true art lovers!). That blue was complimented in the bottom of the painting with the "exact" (scientifically studied opposite) complimentary red. I follow Stephen Quiller's color palette to the letter. He is a professor of art in Colorado and has studied these compliments in depth. He knows his business! And, being his student, I am constantly refreshed by the color combinations he suggests. Where those two colors come together, I have the beautiful neutrals that these two pigments create: luscious browns and grays.
3. They will design each composition well ------------- Lastly, the eye of the viewer is drawn across that horizontal line of neutrals to the brightest and lightest area: the focal area. Please notice the two bright red lines on the right side of the composition. They point directly to the focal area. The pueblo was amazing in so many ways, but one area in particular drew my attention: the little cemetery. I chose that as my focal point.
Want your paintings to sell?
I'll share SO MUCH MORE at the upcoming workshop, March 27 and 28: TAMING THE WILD BEAST OF YUPO! 35 Marco Lane, Centerville, Ohio. Just use the contact the artist button to sign up!
RECENT COMMENT ------- "I am liking your expressionistic paintings more and more; especially since you told me you paint what is inside you, and then the Lord tells you what to call it when you're done. That is so fascinating to me. You use such rich colors and there is an "energy" coming from each painting. I am so looking forward to visiting your exhibit in Centerville."
Well, that's my 2 cents worth, how about yours?
Everyone has their own opinions. I would love to know yours!
What 3 things (techniques, colors, design elements, etc.) would you recommend?
PLEASE LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS BELOW.
Your email is not shared on the internet; it is simply a way for me to say Thank You for your comment.
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3 Reasons that Paintings Sell
by on 3/9/2010 11:03:01 AM
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There was a little cemetery in the pueblo. The city of Taos seemed dark, but this little cemetery spoke of a different spirit, a spirit of hope. This painting and 61 others will be at Synesthesia Gallery (March 19-April 30). Opening Reception is from 6-9 PM, March 19th. Click on EXHIBITS on the left to see more information about this exhibit. To read more about my reactions to this pueblo, CLICK HERE
Three Things Every Successful Artist Should Do!
In my opinion, every artist intent on being successful will apply these three principles every single time they create:
1. They will work from their heart (no one can copy that!) thereby assisting the viewer to connect with the artist on some "deeper than what the eye beholds" level.
2. They will use a balanced color scheme: complimentary colors in contrast with colorful neutrals (no blacks or grays used---mix them so they are colorful).
3. They will design each composition well, thereby leading the viewer's eye to the focal area, which is rich in contrast, colors, and design elements.
Let's examine this recently sold painting, to see why I believe these 3 reasons caused this work to sell so quickly:
I believe TAOS MEMORY sold because I applied those 3 Things and this is what I did.............
1. They will work from their heart --------- I had a fabulous experience in Taos, New Mexico. Among many aspects of this area that I was enamored with, a few of those were: I loved the atmosphere, the colors of the southwest, and the humble attitude of the Taos Pueblo peoples. There were many more; but, those were quickly rooted "in my heart." And, consequently, I truly believe my emotional connections came through to the buyer who fell in love with this painting. My love of the area transferred to the heart of the viewer. Love wins. Connections count.
2. They will use a balanced color scheme ----------- In the painting above, I used a large amount of blue (always a favorite among true art lovers!). That blue was complimented in the bottom of the painting with the "exact" (scientifically studied opposite) complimentary red. I follow Stephen Quiller's color palette to the letter. He is a professor of art in Colorado and has studied these compliments in depth. He knows his business! And, being his student, I am constantly refreshed by the color combinations he suggests. Where those two colors come together, I have the beautiful neutrals that these two pigments create: luscious browns and grays.
3. They will design each composition well ------------- Lastly, the eye of the viewer is drawn across that horizontal line of neutrals to the brightest and lightest area: the focal area. Please notice the two bright red lines on the right side of the composition. They point directly to the focal area. The pueblo was amazing in so many ways, but one area in particular drew my attention: the little cemetery. I chose that as my focal point.
Want your paintings to sell?
I'll share SO MUCH MORE at the upcoming workshop, March 27 and 28: TAMING THE WILD BEAST OF YUPO! 35 Marco Lane, Centerville, Ohio. Just use the contact the artist button to sign up!
RECENT COMMENT ------- "I am liking your expressionistic paintings more and more; especially since you told me you paint what is inside you, and then the Lord tells you what to call it when you're done. That is so fascinating to me. You use such rich colors and there is an "energy" coming from each painting. I am so looking forward to visiting your exhibit in Centerville."
Well, that's my 2 cents worth, how about yours?
Everyone has their own opinions. I would love to know yours!
What 3 things (techniques, colors, design elements, etc.) would you recommend?
PLEASE LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS BELOW.
Your email is not shared on the internet; it is simply a way for me to say Thank You for your comment.
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10 Frequently Asked Questions About YUPO
by on 3/1/2010 2:43:56 PM
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HARVEST GLORY finally finished.
To see more information or a larger image, CLICK HERE.
Please leave your comments below.
_____________________________________
10 Frequently Asked Questions About YUPO
- How can I make a smooth, dark area? The colors just seem too light if I use the roller to get it smooth. This is frustrating. Can you help? ------- The trick to this is in layering colors on yupo AND THERE ARE SEVERAL WAYS TO LAYER ON YUPO.
- How can I make that technique with the paint roller work? -------- Well, it has to do with moisture control. Too much water and it just won't work very well.
- Can I really layer colors? ------- Yes, it's tricky, but it can be done!!
- How do you get the paint to stay on the paper? Because the paint lays on top of the yupo, won’t the paint wash off? I use a Krylon UV spray. Sandy Maudlin is not spraying hers right now. I just ordered a special mask to keep from breathing in those fumes. Don't like that part! But I love to paint on the stuff!!!
- Will that paper melt? You know, I've actually dry mounted yupo at over 200 degrees (F) and it didn't melt; however, there are other cautions with yupo.
- What if I put a color down, but don’t want that color? How do I get it off the paper? Oh! That's one of the fun techniques! Come to the workshop, and I will show you how and so much more!
- What if my colors get muddy, is there something I can do about that? Yes, there is!
- How do you create textures on yupo? Oh, there are so many ways! Come and see!
- What if I don’t want it to be runny and drippy? What do I do about that? Again, it's all in the moisture control.
- What is the best way to frame yupo? There are actually several ways to do this. I have recently developed a more contemporary way of framing yupos. Come to the Opening Reception and you'll see that!!
Sign up for my workshop, March 27-28 to find out MORE SPECIFIC answers to these questions and SO MUCH MORE!! Email me HERE to sign up.
Please leave your comments below..............
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Just One Night with Georgia
by on 2/23/2010 11:38:47 AM
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Why did I name it this name? CLICK HERE to find out.
ASCENSION is another favorite of mine.
My prediction?
It will sell soon, but ...
hopefully not before the next few shows I'd like it to be in.
Speaking of Shows,
how's this look? (below):
AND-----
Here is a picture from Art at the Trace.
I loved showing my work at Yankee Trace in Centerville.
Sure hope they will invite me next year!
Each artist had a small space,
so I had to choose wisely which paintings to exhibit.
I kinda like blue, huh?
Please leave comments below.
Thanks!
Donna
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DEEP CALLS UNTO DEEP
by on 2/17/2010 10:36:57 AM
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Psalm 42:7
This psalm is a favorite of mine. It examines the depth of the call of God on our hearts and our cry to know Him more. I think many in the Christian realm are at this place today in their lives. It's a good place to be!
DEEP CALLS UNTO DEEP is a small study (5 x 7 inches) for a larger work (2 x 3 feet) for an exhibit coming up soon. To see more information on this piece, CLICK HERE. This exhibit will be held at the Synesthesia Gallery, Centerville, Ohio. The opening is March 19th and I would love to see you there! The hours for the reception are 6-9 pm. The show will run from March 19 till April 30. A number of my exciting students from Troy Hayner Cultural Center will be exhibiting with me. For more information on this event, please CLICK HERE. I will be teaching a fun workshop in conjunction with this show. For information about the WORKSHOP, CLICK HERE.
I appreciate your comments. What do you think?
Please leave your comments below.
DEEP CALLS UNTO DEEP
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A little SNOW & Abstract Expressionism
by on 2/9/2010 7:14:14 AM
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MORNING AFTER (the blizzard of Ohio 2010) is rather breathtaking. I just copied what God made in front of my eyes this morning! Isn't He something!! To see a larger version, CLICK HERE PLEASE.
TAOS MEMORY is a diversion from my usual paintings; however, upon exhibiting a few rather abstract pieces, I was asked by several art galleries to please "make more of those," and "Will you please do a workshop so others can learn how you do abstracts on yupo?" So, here you have it my friends: Donna's Abstract Studies. They are EXPRESSIONS of my reactions to places I have visited, events in my life, etc. To see a larger version of TAOS MEMORY, please CLICK HERE.
All paintings must begin with GOOD COMPOSITION AND COLOR BALANCE. All paintings have an abstract basis. All good paintings begin with large undefined shapes, that are strategically placed. Colors are balanced, and movement is achieved by line-work and interlocking shapes.
Enjoy the ride! And hold onto your hats, stay with me ........because in the end, these studies will further influence my first love: Impressionistic Acrylic and Oil landscape paintings (whether en plein air, or in the studio).
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ABSTRACTS (for those who have an interest in Abstraction) ----
I hope you will return to this page and leave your comments.
All of my Artsy friends out there, have a go at these with your much anticipated comments!
Others like to hear what you have to say as much as I do.
Thanks for looking! Donna
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OKEEFE COUNTRY ONE
by on 2/2/2010 2:21:33 AM
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OKEEFE COUNTRY ONE
This is an 8 x 10 watercolor on yupo and is a study for some much, much larger pieces to be done this week. I hope you enjoy my little studies! To see this larger, please CLICK HERE
THE PAINTINGS I NEVER SHOW YOU!!!
The painting below began as a very loose watercolor on yupo. For the most part, I liked it; but, there were some areas that bothered me; so I asked a few artist friends to give me their thoughts. Everyone had great suggestions. But, in the process, I know I lost the greatest thing going: the spontaneity of the first few stages. This painting will stay in a drawer for a while (maybe a long while, lol!) We just never know, do we?
Well, if anyone has a suggestion, I'll welcome them! Or, you can just pray for me as I trudge along in the studio.............
Have a great week, and don't worry if you goof up!
Donna
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SMOKEY VALLEY
by on 1/19/2010 7:03:45 AM
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When painting Smokey Valley, an 8 x 16 inch oil, I was trying to depict the depth of this beautiful valley. I think something this gorgeous is so hard to capture on such a little canvas. Maybe one day I'll re-paint this on a larger canvas. THE STORY behind this painting: Dennis and I had started out in the early morning with plans to return to a gorgeous area we had seen the day before. At noon, we ended up here, actually way off course! But, in the long run, it was worth it. Such a pretty place to have our picnic lunch! We went on down this long road and ended up in Cherokee, North Carolina. Our intention was to end up somewhere near Cade's Cove. You never know!
TO SEE A LARGER VERSION or more information about this painting, please CLICK HERE
If not purchased beforehand, this painting will be at both ART FOR THE HEART (Tipp City, OH Feb 6) and at ART ON THE TRACE, February 13th. I plan to show most of my recent smaller paintings at both of these shows. You will be pleased with the beautiful gold pleinair frames these paintings are showcased in!
I look forward to your comments!
Thanks Donna
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The Great Smoky Mountains, EARLY MORNING LIGHTS!
by on 1/12/2010 2:59:59 AM
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We typically awaken early and this particular morning was no exception. These glistening city lights in the distance were a surprise and a treat. We were so high up on this mountaintop, we felt like the only people for miles, but these lights tell a different story, don't they!
To see a larger version of this piece, or to order it for your home, please CLICK HERE.
Blessings on your day!
Donna
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