Tag Archives: artist’s life

Trial by Social Media & A Resolution – Of Sorts

September 3rd, 2010 | Posted in Juliet Harrison

What a week it has been. In the midst of a trip to Ohio to see my husband’s family, I was made aware that an image of mine was illegally entered into an amateur photo contest last year. And it had, in fact placed second and so was posted on the contest sponsors website. I was immediately infuriated. What nerve of someone to not only swipe my photo…but to enter it in an International contest as their own. You have to be pretty ballsy to do something like that.

My first action was to notify the sponsoring company, Dover Saddlery. I sent an email to customer service, as there was no contact info on the actual photo contest page. And then the next day, I called customer service and told them my issue. They immediately put me in touch with the head of PR for the company. I explained the problem. She was quite sympathetic and believed me that it was my image. I was not completely unknown to her through my own dealings with the Ex Arte Equinus art competition that I am the director of. That gave me a bit more credibility I am sure. She said that she would contact the offender.

Meanwhile, since the original notice about this was posted on Facebook….conversation about it became heated. I have never known such wonderful support from my fellow artists, photographers and horse friends. I had to leave the next day for our trip to Ohio, so I expected to hear from the woman at Dover soon via email. By the time we returned, several days later…there was still no word from Dover and my image was still on the website. Still with the wrong attribution.

At this point I was really angry and started planning meetings with lawyers. I could not make a case against the submitter, because I did not have his contact information. I was beholden to Dover to supply that to me. Lots more conversation on Facebook ensued. And the thing went viral, with my supporters posted in Dover’s FB wall and emailling them directly. Soon we discovered more work by other pros that was illegally entered!

I was not sure what my next step would be, but it seemed that my only target would be Dover, since they had not seemed to respond to my concern. Finally, a week after my initial contact with them, Dover changed the attribution of my image on their website at least. But that was not what I wanted. I wanted the image removed, as I would not have entered one of my images in a contest for amateurs. And note in it’s place saying that it had been removed due to investigation of copyright infringement, would have been appropriate.

A day after it was changed, I finally spoke again to the PR person at Dover. She said that she had sent 3 emails to the perpetrator. Two phone calls were made, where she had spoken to his girlfriend. But he still had not responded. Her next step was going to be to send him a certified letter. I told her that I was unhappy that she had not kept me more informed and that the image was still on the site. Truthfully, I don’t think that the people at Dover understood how serious an issue this is and how strongly we photographers would object to seeing our images stolen like this. That, I think was their first mistake. Although they are not responsible for the copyright infringement….they needed to respond immediately to deal with it. And I understand that she was giving him an opportunity to respond to them and to me…But the image should have been removed right away and information shared with me as she went along.

So here is the resolution….

A few hours after she finally got in touch with me…she received an email from Pascal Cantin of Montreal, saying that his sister had entered the image, thinking that she was doing something nice for him, assuming that all the images on his computer were his. And that he did not know. She forwarded to me. Now, let me explain something…he received an email last year telling him that the image won 2nd place and he received a $25.00 gift certificate from Dover. I am assuming that the “sister” used the GC??? And did not tell him that he won??? I don’t believe it for a minute. and what was he doing capturing my image and keeping it in his computer anyway??? So he has apologized to Dover….But Not To Me!

You may wonder why I am not immediately suing the pants off him. Well, he is in Canada and I am here in the US. So we are talking about intellectual property agreements made between the two countries. And for what I might get from suing him…I would have to pay out a whole lot to a lawyer just to investigate the International laws. I will compose and send a nasty email to him. I can do that, because thanks to the wonderfully subtle way she did it….by forwarding his email to me…I now have his contact information! But for now….I am taking a break from the hoopla. And I hope that the people at Dover have learned how important this is and how a speedy response on their part would have saved them a whole lot of social media pressure. This was an amazing test of “Trial By Social Media”.

But if there are any copyright lawyers out there who want to pursue this to a higher level and work with me on some International intellectual property rights and the internet legislation??? Let me know. I am open to talking lots more about this.

Juliet

©Copyright 2010 by Juliet Harrison. See original post here.
To learn more about this artist, visit her website.

Also tagged in: , , , , | 0 Comments

To Market To Market

August 19th, 2010 | Posted in Kathi Peters

There are days on end, it seems, where I don’t even get down to the studio… or out into our gardens.. Why you might ask? Because more and more it seems that an artist has to self-market. This is sad. I feel that the most important part of being an artist is actually producing works. I have worked with galleries for years and they market my work, and I have been very happy with them…always had a good work relationship. But the buzz today in the art world, is you HAVE to market yourself. The Internet is the be-all and end-all of art marketing. I hope this is not true. I would so much rather be painting than “selling”. My heart song is creating….not “pedalling”.
And that brings up another topic concerning marketing….I guess you would say that my work is slanted to a certain market….The equine art market. That is my target market….and I have always considered that a plus..having a target clientele and not just creating “willy nilly”. I feel that this has helped me over the years….but it has not limited me to be creating only work depicting the horse. I do beak the mold every so often and pump out a painting of a dog or a landscape!
I don’t know what prompted this blog post…..but I supposed it does have something to do with hearing about yet another gallery closing not one that I am with! …….but I will continue to paint. I have to.

“The Small Farm” casein on board 12 x 12″

I am working on some new paintings for a show opening in late September at Skyline Farm in North Yarmouth, Maine. This is their 5th annual Invitational show and I am pleased to be included with their great lineup of Maine artists. This year’s show title is “Homegrown”,…….and that leads me to feel that I need to get out off the office,out of the studio….and get working on my veggie garden! Homegrown for sure! To market To market!!

©Copyright 2010 by Kathi Peters. See original post here.
To learn more about this artist, visit her website.

Also tagged in: , , | 0 Comments

Sketch Book Drawings – Page One

August 17th, 2010 | Posted in Karen Baker Thumm

I’m going to be brief today because I need to get out for my walk and then into the studio.

But, I have another reason as well. Having spent the weekend in front of the computer going through my inbox and reading a backlog of artist blog posts, I’ve come to realize that people probably don’t read long winded blog posts. I know I skipped a lot of them because I simply didn’t want to take the time if the subject matter wasn’t absolutely riveting. Mostly, it wasn’t. So, here goes.

I’ve been reading a book called, The Van Gogh Blues by psychologist Eric Maisel. He specializes in working with creative people and has written a number of books for creatives. This book is helping me immensely in finding my way back into the studio by giving me many insights into my personal life and my life as a creative person. Turns out I’m not so unique in my struggles after all! His main point is that creative people are born questioning everything and therefore have difficulty finding meaning in their lives. Because of a lack of meaning in their lives, creative people are prone to depression which keeps them from being creative which causes deeper depression. So, the book is all about finding your own personal meaning and keeping depression at bay. I’m not sure that “meaning” is the word that I would have chosen. “Worth” or “value” come to my mind more than meaning, so I just substitute them in my mind as I read.

The book explains to me why I had such difficulty in high school algebra (or was it geometry?) understanding the difference between a hypothesis and a theorem. One is supposed to be a proven fact and the other is something to be proven. Poor old Miss Chipman was totally exasperated with me trying to explain the difference, and I was equally exasperated trying to grasp it. We never did come to an understanding.

But, I digress. As part of my “art therapy” if you can call it that, I’ve decided to do some daily sketching. Last night I did the sketches above of a Friesian colt. They are freehand sketches. That is, I pulled some standard photo prints out of a reference box and copied the photos as nearly as I could. As you can see, one effort was a total flop and had to be redone. The others are reasonably good. They are done with a ballpoint pen to prevent me from doing endless correcting so the false lines are still visible.� I think I draw more carefully if I know I can’t erase.

I’m also thinking of instituting an art challenge on my blog which would involve “audience  participation”. I have to ruminate on that one a bit more, so stay tuned for more info.

And, stay tuned for more sketches from the sketchbook!

PS I’ve just noticed that I have some new followers! Welcome all!  Thank you for joining me. I hope you find my posts just a little bit riveting.

©Copyright 2010 by Karen Baker Thumm. See original post here.
To learn more about this artist, visit her website.

Also tagged in: , , , , , , | 0 Comments

My First Ever Studio Tour!

July 25th, 2010 | Posted in Karen Baker Thumm

Gosh, where shall I begin? It’s been almost a month since I last posted and a week has passed since the studio tour. I guess the tour is as good a place to start as any.

Last Sunday I was part of a studio tour put on by Parkside Arts Council which featured the studios of Antrim County artists. It was the first annual event, so one could expect problems, and there were a few of those.

I spent most of my time leading up to the tour with finishing the flower beds so that the yard would look nice and cleaning the house. I never did get a chance to work on any art for the event, but now the flower beds are all set for the really hot weather which we’re bound to get now.

In the last few days there was a frenzy of printing reproductions, framing paintings and putting together packs of notecards. We did the setup the day before, and I think it turned out quite well. I had to haul a lot of clutter out of the library, which is adjacent to the studio, to make room to display art, and that resulted in a nice open display area where people could linger over the art.

We didn’t have a very big turnout (maps to the studios needed improvement), and my biggest disappointment was that none of my neighbors came. But I still enjoyed meeting the visitors and telling them a bit about myself and my working process. I didn’t sell anything, but now more people know of my existence and will hopefully spread the word. I would definitely like to do this again!

Here are some of the photos I took of my studio and the tour setup.

Our house is a split level, and this is the entryway. My studio is upstairs, so we blocked off the downstairs with a display wall. All of the art on this wall was not for sale.

This is the library (because it’s full of books and sounds high falutin’) Both framed prints and originals are hung on the display panels with more in the print rack. On top of the flat files were cookies and apples for snacks. The cookies were popular. On the coffee table I had copies of a book I illustrated and the Mural Mosaic book from the mural project that I participated in two years ago.


This is my small card rack. I also had business cards here. The painting on the wall is a pastel I did many years ago of my kids when they were small.


Here are three originals hanging on the wall of the library.


This is my working space in the studio. When I work, the easel is pulled more perpendicular to the window. It faces north so has excellent light. I put a dried up palette on the easel and had some brushes laid out on the taboret. The reference photo and a color study are propped up on the big taboret.

It was hot and muggy the day of the tour, so I turned off the lights in between visitors. The studio can get very hot with three banks of fluorescent lights on the ceiling.


My drawing table is folded up against this wall of the studio. I love that table! The white taboret next to it holds drawing supplies and utensils. The blue taboret holds painting supplies. The boxes above the TV are full of reference photos, and I hang paintings to dry on the pegboard or store them there until framed.

This is my desk. It’s usually covered with piles of paper. For the tour, I cleared it off a little and put two open anatomy books on it. I sometimes use anatomy books as I paint or draw, and I wanted to show that. The two drawer units were bought used. They’re very deep, and half of the top lifts up to get at the contents more easily. Of course, usually there’s too much stuff on the desk to take advantage of that! I have drawing boards and table easels stashed in the space between the desk and the wall. That big white board is the original one that came with my drawing table. We put a smaller one on it since I didn’t need all that space and it would have crowded the studio too much. It’s also very heavy!

This may be one of the neatest parts of my studio! My husband built these shelves into this nook in the wall. The vertical shelves hold matboard, large canvases, illustration board and old unframed paintings. The horizontal ones have more canvases on them, glass, drawing pads and other odds and ends. I also store works in progress here – the dry ones like drawings and pastels – where they’re protected. At the other end of this wall is another nook with built in shelves. I keep framed paintings and prints there and other art and non art stuff. Behind the door is a closet for more art storage. My french easel and photography lights are in here along with empty frames, painting supplies, mannikins, portfolios and lots of other stuff.�

Over the years the studio has developed into a very functional area although it’s not that large. The window looks out on our lake, and the room is pleasant to work in at any time of year; day or night. It’s too crowded to have both the easel in its working spot and the drawing table set up, but I rarely need to do that anyway.

I had lots of compliments on my studio space from the artists who visited during the tour. Of course they complimented the artwork too! I’m ready for my next open studio event. Perhaps this fall during the color season?

©Copyright 2010 by Karen Baker Thumm. See original post here.
To learn more about this artist, visit her website.

Also tagged in: , , , , | 0 Comments

Bear Mountain and Framed Prints

July 25th, 2010 | Posted in Deborah O'Sullivan
A view from the tower

It has been a couple of days since my last post so I thought I’d post a quick update before I go to bed. It is 1:30 a.m. and I am tired. I need to shift my days around and see if I can actually paint early in the morning. I have so much on my plate these days- between being a mom, painting, marketing, networking, packing for my move….there just does not seem to be enough hours in the day.

I headed out with my dog, Tess, to Bear Mountain today thinking it would be a fine day for plein air painting. Boy, was I wrong. I need to pay closer attention to the weather forecast. What was I thinking? My brushstrokes were drying as fast as I layed them down. I did take some nice photos so I may try a studio painting. Thankfully, I had brought a picnic, a blanket, lots of water and a good book and I just settled myself under a tree and had a really nice few hours! Even Tess wanted to just chill out. I did climb the tower and the views were just incredible. Plus, it was nice and cool in there.

Bear Mountain Tower

I have two framed prints that are looking for walls to hang on! The first print image is a reproduction of a Bullmastiff watercolor titled – Waiting. The original is sold. This image measures
5 x 7 and is matted and framed with a black enameled metal frame. $40 includes shipping to the US.
If you would to purchase or see more photos email me!

Waiting

The second reproduction is one of my best selling giclee dog reproductions. The unframed watercolor original is available here. The painting is titled A Matter of Trust. This is an archival 10 x 8 reproduction printed on acid free paper with archival inks and is framed, matted and signed. $75 includes shipping. For more photos or to purchase drop me an email,

A Matter of Trust

I am really off to bed now. Very sleepy! Good night!

All the best,
Deborah

www.DeborahOSullivan.com
My Facebook
My Blog

©Copyright 2010 by Deborah O’Sullivan. See original post here.
To learn more about this artist, visit her website.

Also tagged in: , , , | 0 Comments

Southwest Trip-Part 4-North Rim

July 19th, 2010 | Posted in Alecia Underhill

We arrived at the North Rim late in the day, so we had just enough time to hike the short trail out to Bright Angel Point and then catch the sunset from the outdoor patio at the lodge.

Our first impression of the North Rim was that it was crowded, because we had a tough time finding a parking place, but it was nothing like the crowds and the shuttle bus system of the South Rim. They had also decided to repave the area right in front of the lodge the days we were there, so we just couldn’t seem to escape construction, even at the Grand Canyon.

The views from the North Rim were even more spectacular..perhaps the lighting was more interesting. Max was bored watching another sunset, so we again occupied ourselves with finding shapes in the rock shadows. Max found an alligator. I found Whistler’s mother. Though I couldn’t seem to really capture those shapes in a photo, so don’t bother looking for them in these views.



We were most excited to try a half-day mule trip into the Canyon. I attempted to book the trip when we first arrived, and yet we still found ourselves on standby for the afternoon ride the next day. As it happened, it worked out in our favor. Perhaps it is due to a bit of good luck acquired through rubbing Brighty’s nose in the Grand Canyon Lodge. (There is a bronze statue of Brighty, with a very shiny, well rubbed nose.)

We were shuttled to the North Kaibab trailhead, and assigned to our mules. “Slim”, “Big Mac” and “Gus”. They divided us into groups of about eight per mule wrangler, and we headed down. It is a steep trail, and much more tiring to go down than up. I will never understand why people do this ride wearing shorts. None of us were particularly bothered by the mules’ tendency to hug the edge of the trail. We trusted them to carry us safely down. At the stopping point, there is a water fountain, a restroom, and hitching posts for the mules, so everyone gets off to stretch their legs.
The red dust is everywhere. And by the time the ride is over, it is embedded into your boots, jeans and socks. We inhaled quite a bit of it, too.

The view between Slim’s ears.
Michael looking relaxed in the saddle.
Try shooting straight when you’re twisted around in the saddle, on a moving mule.

The next morning, we decided to explore a couple more points on the North Rim, which involved a 20 mile drive out to the end of the Walhalla plateau. From here we viewed Angel’s window. Then we took our last look at the canyon before heading north to our next stop, Bryce Canyon.

©Copyright 2010 by Alecia Underhill. See original post here.
To learn more about this artist, visit her website.

Also tagged in: , , , | 0 Comments

Southwest Trip – Part 3

July 13th, 2010 | Posted in Alecia Underhill

Next we were on our way to Page, AZ, where the next morning, we were scheduled for a half-day smooth water float trip on the Colorado River. But to get there we would drive through some spectacular scenery. Driving through the Navajo Indian reservation, we had many opportunities to shop at the roadside stands for jewelry and pottery, and my husband’s favorite–Buffalo jerky.
We saw the western edge of the painted desert, and a lot of desolate, barren country of red sandstone.
Driving through Antelope Pass was a treat, and we would have liked to explore Antelope Canyon while in Page, but time did not allow for a lengthy side trip. Page was an interesting little town, built because of the Glen Canyon Dam, and it was a place where all of the churches of different denominations were on the same street, all one after the other. We treated ourselves to a real dinner that night, at the Dam Bar and Grill and we were ready early the next morning for our raft trip. We met at the Colorado River Discovery headquarters at 7am to board a bus down to the river. To get to the bottom of the canyon, the bus goes through a 2 mile long dark tunnel which emerges right at the base of the dam. We had to don hard hats, because apparently people up above on the bridge like to toss pebbles over the edge, perhaps aiming for the river, but more often hitting the parking area where the rafts are docked.

The raft trip itself was a nice relaxing trip on the river. Our guide pointed out various things of interest, and talked about the geology of the canyon. At the halfway point, they docked the rafts, and we were able to get out for a short hike up to the petroglyphs. You could wade in the river here, but the water was numbingly cold.

The raft trip ended at Lee’s Ferry, the starting point for the longer raft trips into the Grand Canyon. We watched them loading up several of the large boats with supplies. I have heard that the trips are spectacular, and it would be a fun adventure to try sometime in the future.

After taking the bus back to Page, we drove on towards the Grand Canyon North Rim. On the way, we stopped to admire Marble Canyon and the views of the Vermillion Cliffs, as we headed toward the Kaibab plateau.

©Copyright 2010 by Alecia Underhill. See original post here.
To learn more about this artist, visit her website.

Also tagged in: | 0 Comments

Painting From the Heart

July 13th, 2010 | Posted in Deborah O'Sullivan

I am aware that I am known for my soulful paintings of dogs and horses that make you connect with the subject at some level. When artwork connects with you it is tapping into an emotion that you can relate to. To me a painting is successful when I can convey my own emotion for the subject.

On another level, as an artist, the physical act of painting has been very cathartic hin helping me to express what is going on inside me. I paint from the heart which is why I think my horse and dog paintings connect with so many people.

As I travel on my journey I was finding myself blocked as an artist. i just could not paint. I was so used to having my own voice silenced that I had no words for what I was feeling. I was thoroughly blocked. I found myself drawn to a book that was written for blocked creatives titled The Artist’s Way by Julie Cameron and set about doing the exercises as if my life depended on it. I did my morning pages and tasks and started to find glimpses of me again. Then I decided to take the advice from the book and just show up. Just show up at the easel and pick up a brush and see what comes up. This is the result of the first day.

Totally unlike anything that I do. Yet so healing. This painting started out expressing feelings for which there are no words. My son said when he looks at this painting it makes him feel angry, betrayal and so sad. Well, I think the that it was a success!

So,Reader, what makes you connect to a painting? Do you like “pretty pictures”? Color? Or do you like pictures that convey something. At what level is there a connection? I find myself increasingly interested in this question. Thoughts?

As time has gone by the light has started to return to these cathartic pieces. Light, hope and now excitement for my new life. I still don’t understand why yet or have closure but I am confident it will come with time. I am so excited for my new life.

I had a lovely morning out painting last week. I got up early and headed for a local park to capture the morning light. I battled a bit of a breeze that knocked my easel over twice. There are elements of this that I really like and some perspective issues that I don’t care for. The house on the right is too narrow. But this is a quick painting and I am pretty satified with the outcome. I may just work this up as a studio painting.

I have two small ACEO that I have recentlycompleted. ACEO stands for Art Cards and Originals. These are tiny original works of art. They measure 3.5 x 2.5 inches. These are available for $15 a piece and includes First Class Mail. They are watercolor painted on 140lb Arches Hot Press Paper. Each little painting is signed by me on the back and comes in an acid free cello sleeve. If you would like to own these send inquiries to me…Deborah’s Email
These are a lot of fun to paint and fun to collect. I have a few more that I am working on and will post them as I get photos of them.

Bay Horse Grey Horse

So until next time. Stay cool! Keep painting!

Namaste,
Deborah

©Copyright 2010 by Deborah O’Sullivan. See original post here.
To learn more about this artist, visit her website.

Also tagged in: | 0 Comments

Life Transitions and Finding a New Groove

July 6th, 2010 | Posted in Deborah O'Sullivan

I’m ba-a-aa—ck! I have been out of action as far as my blog and social media lately due to lack of a computer. My ever faithful Powerbook G4 met it’s demise at the hands of a person with unscrupulous actions. So my new wish list includes a new MacBook Pro 13 inch laptop.

My life has been in a major upheaval these past months as I have been in the process of getting divorced after 16 years of marriage. I so appreciate all the kind words and support from everyone. It has been very difficult with roadblocks thown at me in every direction. I will get through this with lots of faith and hard work. It is incredible how you can be in something for so long and not see it for what it is. My biggest lesson in all of this and I speak to all of you women out there….
* Do not ever give away your power. *

The ironic part in all of this for me is as I have been becoming empowered again over the past few years developing my business, networking and finding my voice my world changed in ways that I could not even imagine. Now that the shock has worn off and I am working with the help of a super supportive councelor and the best of friends I can see that my future is so bright! But my first order of business is I must get myself and my son out of this house and into my own home,

So to do this I must get this art business jump started to the next level. I am looking at life as a single mom now and I intend to fully support myself with my art. I was thrilled to find the ebook The Single Mom’s Guide to Making Money as an Artist a created by ACE -Art Career experts. I will also need to subsidize my income with other work. Preferably work online so that I can stay home with my son. So if anyone has any leads let me know! I am a hard worker and extremely motivated!

Any other single moms out there working as at your at full time? I would LOVE to hear from you!

Last year I added so many new collectors and sold out most of everything that I had in my inventory! There are a few pieces still available looking for new homes! I am offering these to new collectors a 10% discount and repeat customers 20% discount. So help me clean out my studio, add to your art collection and help me move into my new apartment! Everyone benefits! I am also available for commissioned portraits of that most favorite horse or dog!

Checkout my website here…DeborahOSullivan.com
All sizes and price ranges! So drop me an email and we can discuss your needs.

Dress Blues, Watercolor on paper, 14 x 11, unframed To Purchase

If you have an intent to purchase drop me an email and I will send you an invoice with the reflected discount. I have well over 30 new paintings to list on my website- everything from horse to dogs to landscapes.. As well as all of my daily paintings! Yes, I have been painting every single day! Even if is just a quick sketch out of the car window. I have gotten so good at whipping out my little Winsor & Newton watercolor field kit and my Moleskine watercolor sketchbook and knocking out sketches. I am trying to do a sky a day. And it is simply amazing how your work can evolve with just a few minutes of work a day. Still trying to figure out how to do that with no computer. J One of the things that I have found as I go through the process of separation is how this emotional upheaval has impacted my work. To borrow words from a fellow artist//friend…My art has helped me to express feelings for which there are no words. This expression is incredibly healing for me. I will post some of these emotionally charged paintings as soon as I can get them scanned. Just a bit more patience!
Hoof Pick 2, Acrylic on panel, Daily Painting Click to Purchase

I have so much news to catch up with. One of which is the week long workshop I attended with master watercolorist Alvaro Castagnet. That is the topic for my next blog. I am off to do some plein air painting on this gorgeous Fourth of July! Enjoy the holiday!

All the best,
Deborah

©Copyright 2010 by Deborah O’Sullivan. See original post here.
To learn more about this artist, visit her website.

Also tagged in: , , , , , | 0 Comments

Southwest Trip-Part 2

July 6th, 2010 | Posted in Alecia Underhill


Day 2 (continued)
Grand Canyon, South Rim

We opted to stay at the Bright Angel Lodge in the park for one night, which gave us the opportunity to view a sunset from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. As all the guidebooks warned..the South Rim was very crowded, and parking was a challenge. You can’t park anywhere near the Bright Angel Lodge–you can pull up and unload, but then you have to park somewhere distant and either walk back or take a shuttle bus. If you’re traveling light, it wouldn’t be a big deal, but for a family of three, with three bags, a cooler, backpack, camera, and groceries, it was a bit of a pain. Perhaps we could have been organized enough to leave one or two bags in the car, but we’re not that organized.

We spent the late afternoon exploring the area around the Bright Angel Lodge and cabins, including Lookout Studio and the Kolb Studio, where there was an exhibit of Grand Canyon artwork from the park’s collection. The work was inspiring, and I wish I could have spent some time painting while there, but in reality, traveling with family doesn’t allow any time for such pursuits.

The shuttle bus system in the park does work fairly well. The road out to the viewpoints on the western end, Hermit’s Rest, is closed to most vehicles and you have to take the shuttle. You could walk the rim trail all the way out there, but it is miles long. After snacking out of the cooler for dinner, we hopped a shuttle out to Hopi Point, a popular spot to watch the sunset. Since watching the sunset is about as exciting to a ten-year-old boy as watching paint dry, we entertained ourselves with finding shapes in the shadows on the rocks. Much more fun than clouds…they stay put a little longer, yet they gradually change shape as the sun sets. This first shot is looking east from Hopi Point.

The view to the west as the sun dropped into the horizon was a beautiful shade of blue, with a tiny metallic sliver of Colorado River showing.

Max and I were up early, and we headed out to see the early morning sun on the canyon.
We watched a California condor sitting on the rocks, stretching its wings, waiting for the warmth of the sun. I felt very lucky to see one of these birds as there are only about 73 of them in all of Arizona. Many of them are in the Grand Canyon, so it is one area that you are likely to see one.

This is looking west toward the Lookout Studio. Designed by Mary Colter, it is perfectly designed to blend into the landscape.

As Max and I walked toward the Bright Angel trailhead, we passed the mule corral, where they begin the famous mule trips to the bottom of the canyon. There were several pack mules in the corral, and we watched the wrangler lead them out, and a crew loaded them up–with DIRT! These mules were part of a trail work crew–carrying evenly balanced loads of dirt to replace an eroded section of trail. We watched the pack train descend a little ways, then two men unhitched the bottom of the bags, dumping the soil, and the mules were turned right around and returned to the top. It looked to be a lot of work to haul a small load of dirt, but it was done so efficently with these mules.

Now imagine making a u-turn with this string of mules on this trail! They did it.

We spent the morning checking out the rest of the viewpoints at the western end of the park, on the shuttle bus route to Hermit’s Rest. Then we picked up the car and drove out the eastern end, stopping at a few more viewpoints along the way. The last stop is Desert View, where there is a watchtower, also designed by Mary Coulter, and although it was under renovation at the time, we could still go inside, and I managed to get a shot of the outside without the construction cranes in view.

Leaving Grand Canyon National Park, we drove east onto the Navajo Reservation, a barren, but beautiful landscape of red rock. This was our glimpse at the western edge of the Painted Desert. We also had a good view of the smoke from a wildfire burning out of control in the mountains just east of Flagstaff. We discovered later, that the day after we left Grand Canyon, they closed route 89 south of the park, and were re-routing traffic through G.C. National Park because of the smoke. We were lucky we didn’t run into a lot of traffic.
I’ll continue with our next adventure in the next post.

©Copyright 2010 by Alecia Underhill. See original post here.
To learn more about this artist, visit her website.

Also tagged in: , | 0 Comments

Packing for the art booth shows

July 4th, 2010 | Posted in Debbie Flood

Happy Friday to you all!! Today for me, was another day of packing up art. By the looks of things, I had a very productive winter! This photo shows the entrance to my studio. Boxes leaning against the door and a couple more around the corner out of sight. And in the background of this photo is the three plastic totes, piled on top of each other, filled with framed and non-framed art. Next week my husband is on vacation and Arts in the park is fast approaching for the next weekend. Who knows what I’ll get done for any original painting.

I hope you all have a safe and happy weekend and long Holiday! I’ll catch up with you real soon!In the meantime, I am still collecting people choice votes on my Zebra painting, an online art exhibit at Boldbrush! Follow this link and click on the “Like” button to cast your vote. Thanks!!! http://canvoo.com/boldbrush/painting/11072

Be safe!

Debbie

Debbie Flood, Artist. Equine, Wildlife, and the natural world.
http://www.debfloodart.com

©Copyright 2010 by Debbie Flood. See original post here.
To learn more about this artist, visit her website.

Also tagged in: , , , | 0 Comments

The Southwest Trip-Part 1

July 2nd, 2010 | Posted in Alecia Underhill

I have just returned from a vacation trip to the Southwest. We flew into Las Vegas, and drove all the way around the Grand Canyon, seeing the sights as we went. I am going to break down our adventure into several parts, as there is too much to talk about in one blog entry.

Day 1

We started our trip with a flight to Las Vegas, where the rental car agency upgraded us to a Toyota Prius. Based on how much driving we would be doing, we figured the gas savings would more than pay for the extra fee, and we were right. First on the agenda was to head to a supermarket and stock up on some food, a disposable styrofoam cooler, ice and cold drinks. We managed to find a Wal-mart that happened to be undergoing a big reorganization, and it was a challenge to find the coolers, but after a slight delay, we were on our way to Boulder City and the Hoover Dam.

The dam is certainly impressive, but the day was hot, and I was not prepared for the wind along the top of the dam. We didn’t really have the energy for the full tour, but we paid a lower admission for access to the museum exhibits and the observation deck. As you walk in, they take your family picture against a green screen and later you can purchase a photo of yourselves in front of various settings–places in which you never actually set foot. We declined the pictures, and continued on our way to Kingman, AZ, our first stop on the way to the South Rim.

Day 2

We hit the road early after taking advantage of the hotel’s continental breakfast, and drove east on Rt. 40 to the town of Williams, a major stop on the historic Route 66, and the starting point for the Grand Canyon railway. We stopped just long enough to poke around the souvenir shops and have a coffee break.

Soon we arrived at the Grand Canyon South Rim. We debated catching the National Geographic IMAX movie at the theatre outside the entrance, but we decided we would rather see the real thing. The most popular Mather Point viewpoint was closed off due to construction, so we parked near the Visitor’s Center and walked a section of the Rim Trail, and easy, paved walkway along the top with many views of the canyon.

That’s all I have time to post for now. To be continued…

©Copyright 2010 by Alecia Underhill. See original post here.
To learn more about this artist, visit her website.

Also tagged in: , , , | 0 Comments

Specialize or Individualize??

June 22nd, 2010 | Posted in Sue Steiner

In other words…. do I make this horse I have fit into the mold of what ~I~ want him to be or see what he is already becoming and go with that?

I have been so guilty of this myself. I fall in love with a horse. I have a specific discipline or activity I need the horse for. The idea of what I want the horse to do for me is different than what the horse is best suited for.

My first example…. I had a NSH (1/2 saddlebred 1/2 Arab) grey mare who I loved dearly. She spent most of her life up until I bought her being ridden in an indoor arena or a show ring. I boarded her for a few months (in this same environment) and then we got our farm. I brought her home and she (and I) encountered a whole new riding experience! No longer did she have the same 4 walls of her indoor arena. No longer did she have the protection from the elements while being ridden. Some new experiences and sensation for her where – mud, snow, water, wind, rustling leaves. Poor Annie’s brain would get on instant overload at the sounds of rustling leaves. She was often ridden alone now at my farm instead of in a continual circle with many other horses going around and around and around. Annie by nature was a follower so again now she (and I) were WAY out of our comfort zone.

That was almost 20 years ago and I have seen that same scenario played out with different themes over and over again as people get a horse and try to adapt and train the horse for something in which it is not best suited for. The same thing can be said for using a horse in the wrong discipline. A western pleasure, slow jog horse moves much differently than a park horse in the Arabian show circuit. It would be like banging your head on a wall to try to turn one into the other.

Anyone who has read this blog before knows I often see myself in my horses. The problems I encounter with my horses help me to work thru solutions I need in other areas of my life.

I’ve been struggling with how growing pains in my art life recently. I see now I was trying to fit my art into a box rather than let my art tell me what and where it needs to go. A few years ago I was given the advise to ‘specialize’. In order to get commissions (which is the bread and butter for most artists) I was told I needed a recognizable, definite style. I needed to narrow down my focus and become more uniform in what I was offering. The buying public likes predictability and when they order a commission they want to know what they are getting. This made sense to me as a consumer. At that time I worked in many mediums and subjects. Horses and animals have always been a favorite but I enjoyed mixing things up a bit. I had tried to offer commissions in all the different mediums and styles I could do but that was confusing for people and cumbersome for me– so many choices and art supplies!!! I could go this way or that way or do this thing or that thing….. ugh! Way too hard to explain for a visual person who can’t always put the images in her mind into words– thats why I paint! :)

Anyways I ‘specialized’. I offered only a couple choices. I fell in love with oils and eliminated the other choice of mediums. I still had the problem of whether to do realistic or impressionistic or expressionistic. I can work large or small– detailed or not. I can paint abstract or more traditional. Problem is to rope in those different styles is like trying to rope in a horse who has its mind set on something completely different! My husband describes it as trying to herd chickens! Its not that I can’t DO those things… I just can’t do them on a regular, predictable schedule according to when someone else wants it. (interjecting tears of frustration!!!)

This roping in was beginning to feel stifling…. but had I not been told I needed to specialize and refine my focus to be successful as an artist?

I read artist ‘How To’ blogs and articles. I heard the word ‘discipline’ more than once or twice. I read about how to make money and how to grow your business. My artist mind doesn’t give a hoot about anything to do with numbers so this was all well and good but still did not address the root problem. In fact I have been self employed in non art related work for years and all of what I read made perfect sense again…. just not in my particular situation or touching on what was important to me. (more tears of frustration)

I came back to my primary goal in painting. Sure, I want to sell my work. I use the sales of my artwork to feed my real life equine buddies. One feeds the other and visa versa. But selling could not be the end all and be all of everything. I can not crank out, narrowly focused, uniform work (can you say B-O-R-I-N-G??) :) Not that each piece is boring but to do the same prescribed work according to how someone else wants it IS boring if that is my main focus. I actually find it hard to do anything art related twice. So now I find its ~okay~ to be creative but not too creative. I got to grow a bigger left brain in order to be sucessful. (We won’t even talk about the meaning of success.) That is like me teling my arabs– its okay to act, think and be an arab but not too arab like! When are you going to think like a quarter horse???

I paint for the pure joy of it and if the joy was going to be disciplined forget it! LOL!!! Whats that saying… you can lead a horse to water but you can’t make it drink? My free range, wild bronco inner artist is a hard working beast but demands at the very least the illusion of control. Who of you out there hasn’t encountered an alpha mare or dominant horse who is well trained and a pleasure to ride ONLY because you let them think it is THEIR idea? I had a tb mare like that. Push her and she’d plant her feet and dig in for the fight… but let her think its HER idea and she was a working machine!!

So in my growing pains as an artist I am learning that my inner artist is an alpha mare just like that! I have to nudge and be gently persistant but also be mindful that variety is the spice of life for an artist and conformity and predictibilty – whether that be in medium, content, style, technique or subject matter…. I have got to switch things up and often to let the inner artist/bronco think its still out on the range! And any of this is subject to change depending on the inner artist/bronco’s particular mind set at any given time! Trying to figure out how to tell a potential client all this and not sounds nuts will need to be figured out at some point. Just like a alpha horse- find a solution only to encounter another challenge!! :)

So I suddenly feel free to grow and change as an artist and continue to become whatever it is I am becoming! I suspect, just like my tb mare, just the idea and recognition on my part that I DO NOT have to be any one thing turns the power struggle into a pleasurable ride!

I am bookmarking my own blog and reminding myself to remember this lesson! A guru horse trainer said something along these lines: Your dream horse is the one thats already in your barn. Words to live by even for us humans!

Have a great day!
Sue Steiner Sue Steiner,

Animal and Equine artist
Pet Portraits in Oil
White Horse Studios
324 Cleveland Ave. NW
Canton, Ohio 44702

http://www.suesteiner.com

http://www.suesteinerpetportraits.com

pet portraits, horses in art, studio or online sales, commissions

©Copyright 2010 by Sue Steiner. See original post here.
To learn more about this artist, visit her website.

Also tagged in: , | 0 Comments

Life Transitions

June 20th, 2010 | Posted in Sue Steiner

As usual my life is in some kind of contradictory mode. On one hand I am beginning to release my baby girl into a whole new world as she begins college out of state this fall. I have 2 kids at home but am feeling the loss already of not having my family all under one roof. As I wrap my head around this new way of being I am gravitating toward my animals as an object of my nurturing, need for exercise and need to ‘nest’. They like it. LOL! My teens do but don’t at this point. :)

Animals can fill many needs in the life span of a person. My dogs I think of as my perpetual toddlers- always up for a game, play, cuddle…. tending to lean toward overexcitement, mess, chaos in a cute childlike, exhausting way. My horses are my grade school children. They need structure, teaching, free time and socializing and keep me fit. I have to balance boundaries, play dates and education for them individually. Too much of any one thing and it goes out of balance. My cat is the teen in the bunch. He needs food and offers affection on his terms but wants his independence. He stays within my vicinity but doesn’t want to appear too attached- even though in my heart I know he loves me. :)

I realize in order for me to negotiate this next phase in my life as my daughter makes this big step I have to have something to look forward to. Change is inevitable and I am facing a big life event whether I want to recognize it or not. Art and horses seem to be the logical preoccupation or distraction I need to fill this approaching void.

I know its cliche to say when a door closes another one opens but I think that is true– even if that door is just a tiny crack. What do you see opening up in your life?

I have found that one loss often brings back memories or feelings associated with other losses in my life. I am already experiencing that so I am trying to recognize it is just a way of remembering but not a place I need to stay in. Thats where the horses and art is handy. Those things are happy, grounding activities for me.

I would love to hear how you’ve manuevered thru transitions by finding new things to do.

I will put a plug in for my e-bay art listings. I am in the experiemental mode of learning how to sell on e-bay. You can take advantage now of the low prices :) I’ve had other people ask if I am ‘concerned’ about what my art is selling for on e-bay. No, I am not. I put it up knowing full well I am in a big learning curve and am okay with whatever happens. Just like with anything new you have to start someplace so I am. :) I am hoping in time I can get a following which of course will (hopefully) drive up the prices but thats not my concern right at the present. I am learning about shipping, posting listings, communicating with buyers and figuring out e-bays system. If this works it will be a handy adjunct to my studio sales and commissions. I also am very interested in developing the Save A Face Program and as of yet this format seems to be the best to do that in. Right now the 2nd official Save A Face Painting has no bids… so here’s your chance to get it for a song AND help out a horse rescue. The horse model for this could be ‘Bling’ my newest rescue which you will hear about soon — or the numerous palomino colored horses going thru the sale barns– haflingers, belgians and palominos. Take care!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330442534953&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT
or search on e-bay for artbysuesteiner2010

Take care! Sue Steiner equine and animal artist custom pet portraits in oil
Sue Steiner,

Animal and Equine artist
Pet Portraits in Oil
White Horse Studios
324 Cleveland Ave. NW
Canton, Ohio 44702

http://www.suesteiner.com

http://www.suesteinerpetportraits.com

pet portraits, horses in art, studio or online sales, commissions

©Copyright 2010 by Sue Steiner. See original post here.
To learn more about this artist, visit her website.

Also tagged in: , , , , | 0 Comments

Family time and artistic dilemmas

May 19th, 2010 | Posted in Juliet Harrison



This past weekend was spent in family time with my husband and son. Jackson had a Pipeband competition in Fair Hill, Maryland on Saturday. We had to take him to band practice in Albany on Friday night, leave him there so they could leave very early in a bus Sat. morning. Brent and I traveled down from our house Saturday morning. After a 5+ hour drive we made it there just in time for the opening ceremonies at 1pm. The competition lasted until early evening. Their band, which is one of the top 3 bands in the country, played very well and placed second to a band out of Canada. We spent that night in a hotel down there. They had more practice on Sunday morning and then it was the long drive home. We were very proud to see our son suited up in Oran Mor http://www.oranmorpipeband.com/ uniform for the first time and playing in competition with such a high level band. It wasn’t so long ago that Jackson was playing in a grade 5 band and we followed Oran Mor around like starry eyed groupies. And here we were…watching Jackson as a member of the band.

So here is the artistic dilemma….the competition took place at the Fair Hill Race Track. As in horse racing. A beautiful turf track. On the area nearer the barns….a horse trials was going on. Across the street was a practice track where there were a few barns and horses were being worked. I had only brought my one digital camera with me. No B&W film. And I was there for Jax and the band. But boy was it hard to stop myself from going off on my own to photograph the horses. True motherhood willpower. I guess I won’t need to worry about that next year when Jax is in Italy.

As you can guess, there are no new horse pictures this week…but I hope you enjoy the pipeband photos.

©Copyright 2010 by Juliet Harrison. See original post here.
To learn more about this artist, visit her website.

Also tagged in: , , , | 0 Comments

The day I rode Hurricane

May 12th, 2010 | Posted in Sheona Hamilton-Grant

Would you agree that, as an artist, knowing your subject is not only important but crucial?
Which is why I could not believe my luck when the opportunity to not only photograph (once again) but actually ride one of the most charismatic horses I know arose.
I’m a long way off knowing him as well as I could but I can honestly say a giant step closer than I was… the day before I rode Hurricane.

Below the two of us in action – I hadn’t been on a horse in nearly 5 years. Amazing (and comforting) to see that all the instincts and feelings were still there and he did not seem put out by my lack of strength and agility. A real gentleman.


©Copyright 2010 by Sheona Hamilton-Grant. See original post here.
To learn more about this artist, visit her website.

Also tagged in: , , , | 0 Comments

May 6 – Silver River, Alligators and Evening Light

May 7th, 2010 | Posted in Elin Pendleton

OK, gang. After the workshop today, I finally got to do something I’ve wanted to do for ages… kayaking on a river, and wow, did I get my wish! Here I am on the Silver River in Florida outside Ocala, kayaking into the evening and heading for the headwaters of this massive aquifer. Clear, clear water! I’m with Jackie Shindahette, my hostess, on her second kayak, and our intent was to go for a few hours. We left at 4:30, and didn’t get back to the launch until 9 p.m., well after dark–not smart, but who knew? The springs that spew out 0ver 550 million gallons of fresh water per day to create this river are three miles upstream, and we thought that would be a nice trip. (Remember, UP stream.) But try three miles of kayak paddling without being in condition to paddle. And we had to paddle back, because we lost the daylight about two miles out from our launch location. Tomorrow I’m going to be seriously immobile, methinks….

Here’s one of the alligators who greeted us. When Jackie was distracted, I poked one with my paddle and was rewarded with a spray of “slough” junk, all over me, over the the kayak and Sparky as the ‘gator took off, flipping his tail. Sure stunk. He was formidable, but I just had to go “poke”. (I’ve done the same in my past with a skunk. Some people never learn.)
Today I painted two 6 x 8 skies, one sunset and one backlit for the Floridian workshop new recruits. I’ll share them with you tomorrow, (if I can lift my arms).

What a great day, which just goes to show you that any life of excitement is just a few short decisions away! Now off to a much-deserved glass of wine and sleep.

You can see my entire blog HERE.
My workshop schedule for 2010 is HERE.
Color System information can be found HERE.
If you need to email me directly, please click here.

©Copyright 2010 by Elin Pendleton. See original post here.
To learn more about this artist, visit her website.

Also tagged in: , , , | 0 Comments

HELP WANTED: Many positions available!

May 7th, 2010 | Posted in Linda Shantz


Things were supposed to get easier, after finishing my Thirty Days, right? Well, one would think, but with two mares back from Kentucky, and an overdue GST return to do, that doesn’t seem to be the case. So let me see, if only I could hire some help, what would I need?

Office assistant – someone to pack up the three painting that need to go to New Jersey, and four smaller framed giclées that need to go to Manitoba, and then take them to the post office (somehow I have to fit that task into today!). Send ad for Queen’s Plate edition of Canadian Thoroughbred from designer in – oh look, that one’s done!

Bookkeeper – to finish up that pesky GST. Seems my brain has decided it’s late already, so what’s another day or two? And I can accept having to pay a penalty for late filing; I can’t, however, accept the paintings not getting to New Jersey on time, the giclées likewise. Sigh. It’s only money, right? Why can’t that big chunk I sent them for my income tax be enough to keep them happy? Maybe they’re busy enough with that not to notice (hahaha…Rev Canada…right…).

Barn Help – back up to seven stalls, feeding four times a day, keeping an eye on the broodmare due on the 21st, making sure the boys don’t kill each other with their antics…really, this is a full time job on its own! This one has the added bonus of physical activity!

Dog Walker – Finn has adopted my parents, so he’s good. Swish is a little POed at me right now! But thankfully, dogs are very forgiving.

Rider – two horses here, one horse somewhere else. Various stages of development, from just-broke green, to not-quite-that-green.

Artist – work on commission with rapidly approaching deadline; finish painting to be photographed for a demo at Pirak Studios tonight; attend Open House at Pirak Studios.

Hours are flexible; must be willing to work for artwork. Any takers? :-D

I know…so much to do, why am I sitting here writing this post? Gotta fly!

©Copyright 2010 by Linda Shantz. See original post here.
To learn more about this artist, visit her website.

Also tagged in: , , , , | 0 Comments
RSS for Posts RSS for Comments