The Art Life 1

Working Class Artist -Me

2012-02-07T16:34:00.000-08:00

I like being a working class artist. My ambition is, to be able to heat and eat and make my work.I am writing this because, I was asked about being in catalog exhibitions. I just want to be free to do, what I want to do,I am doing exactly that.

Amping Up My Artlife

2012-02-07T16:30:00.000-08:00

Every time I see some one holding a cardboard help sign. It reminds me to
amp up my art effort more. If I was on the street , I'd make some of the
coolest art signs , and I'd sell them s folk art.
I 'd be off that street post haste.

No Imagination

2012-02-04T12:11:00.000-08:00

If public schools don't have the budget for art programs they could get companies to sponsor visiting artists. Five grand could allow several artists to visit schools.
Young people need to see and have contact with practicing artists, this would help dispel the starving artist idea. It takes imagination and a willingness to create a program such as this.
Imagination matters.

GEEEEZE!

2012-02-02T14:11:00.000-08:00

I was in a gallery the other day. I mentioned that, I give talks to students
about Art as A Career. The gallery owner said , maybe the students should be discouraged from following art as a career.
Well, that got me started. I said artists made all of the graphic novels in the book stores, the children's books are written and illustrated by artists an how about the cartoons in the newspapers? I left before he could reply. Dang!
The guy is in the business, you'd think he'd be more positive.

Masterpiece Business.

2012-01-31T12:29:00.000-08:00

I see a number of workshops listed in the trade magazines.
I think it's good to hone one's skills in technique.
I would like to see more workshops offering business technique.
An artist won't make masterpiece art all the time,but they better
make masterpiece business all the time.

A BIG Secret??? Again!!!!!

2012-01-26T15:17:00.000-08:00

I was in an art gallery today and mentioned ,that there was no art critic for the Denver Post these days. The gallery had some well made works by Colorado
artisans. I mentioned that, maybe a call could be made, to have some of he artists interviewed. Well , needless to say, my suggestion was met with a negative reaction.
I am glad that I don't exhibit in that gallery.

Being Prudent

2012-01-18T17:57:00.000-08:00

I am being very prudent, I recently discovered a story about an artist, who has made a lot of dough in his career. Found out that there was some bad money decisions made.
The artist has to reboot his career. He has mad skills on the art making side.
Me , I am like a turtle when it comes to spending money. I don't want to be broke.
It seems that some people like to gloat , when some one has a fall from grace.
I have found having some money, is a good barrier, between me and the gloaters.
I am very, very, prudent on purpose.

I am successful on purpose 2

2012-01-18T02:18:00.000-08:00

I must say here, I have had my share of good press in Denver.
The Denver Post Has given me very good coverage over the years.
I would like to see more stories about my colleagues.
Sports and entertainment, seems to get a lot of ink.
I often get the opportunity to see arts sections, of out of town
newspapers, and those publications do a great job, of telling good informative
stories about non-starving artists in their cities and states.
The art culture needs to ask for coverage, not criticism on their artists.
I am successful in getting coverage, I call and ask for it.On purpose.

The Denver Post Lacks Visual Arts Coverage

2012-01-18T02:05:00.000-08:00

I am on a mission, to get more coverage, for the successful working class artists in Denver and Colorado. The lay public needs to know, that there are some very accomplished visual artists in the city and state. I mean artists who, are going to the bank, artists who are making a decent living,artists who slog away every day.
I am one of those artists. There are many, many more. The Denver Post could do some
very cool stories on artists and their lives. The public in general, has the perception that all of the artists in the city and state are starving in their studios. Reason being, no lifestyle stories. I intend to keep talking about this subject for a long, long time.

The Coors Western Art Show Third Visit

2012-01-16T22:44:00.000-08:00

I went to the CAS, for the third time today. I try to go on the King holiday.
This is ritual for me. I am serving my artistic discipline this way.
I learn so much about painting,people and just things in general when I attend
these catalog shows.
There are some very creative artists in these exhibitions, they really know how to push the paint around. I get energized by the Coors art show.
So much to learn,so little time.

Recent Press

2012-01-15T02:43:00.000-08:00

I have a story to appear in the Denver Post Yourhub section.
I tried to post the data on FB. It got blocked, so I mention it here.
Sorry to have you dig for the press.

Behind the Scenes

2012-01-14T03:30:00.000-08:00

One never knows what an artist is dealing with. I just became aware that an artist colleague and friend, is in rebooting mode. I guess I am fortunate to be some what stable in my art life. I have bread and shelter, I have my skills to make art. I have a cash buffer against some stuff. I have tried to make certain, to keep my furniture in the studio and not on the sidewalk, if you get my drift.I will continue to labor away behind the scenes to be as stable as I am able.

Yourhub.com/Denver

2012-01-12T20:18:00.000-08:00

I got me some ink. See yourhub/denver.
I am my own best press agent, always have been and will be.
I am a proactive artist. I don't make masterpiece art, but
I try yo make masterpiece business.

A BIG Secret???

2012-01-12T02:53:00.000-08:00

I saw an excellent painting exhibition yesterday.The paintings were made by Travis Conrad Erion. Every painting in the exhibition was well crafted.
Not only was the work well executed, but he ideas were thought provoking.
The show of work is at Goodwin Fine art gallery, located at 1255 Delaware Street.
I mentioned to Tina Goodwin, that she call the Denver Post, and get a reporter to cover the exhibition. The Denver Post has no art critic at this time. Personally I'd rather see profiles, or human interest stories, about artists and their lives and work. At one time, the Denver Post featured,great profiles on visual artists, who lived in and out of state. I met artist Russell Chatham as a result of a four page profile featured in a magazine section, called Empire. Until some one in the Denver art culture, stops keeping secrets,artists will be a secret.

GOING WELL??????

2012-01-11T02:41:00.000-08:00

I often get the question-Are things going well?
My answer is- I make things go well.
People always seem to think, artists are always having
a hard time making any money, and maintaining the artlife.I do just fine,
as many of my colleagues, in the art world do.
I am proud, to be able to say yes, things are going very well indeed.
YAAAAAY!

Getting Ready

2012-01-11T02:34:00.000-08:00

I am getting ready for the rest of 2012. I am making my work, inventing ways to stay financially able to run my my artlife, with out too much strife. I am constantly honing my business skill set. I know I don't have to make masterpiece art all the time,
I do try to make masterpiece business.Doing masterpiece business matters, more than the art, for me at this point in my artlife. I am getting ready for the last three quarters of 2012. I will stay ready.

Many Advisors Don't have No Cash

2012-01-08T04:57:00.000-08:00

Many art career advisers don't have the bankroll to backup their advice.
They often try to get into the pocket of the poor unknowing artist.
I advise for small fees. My stuff is fool proof, if the artist does what I tell them to do. I charge ONE TIME ONLY!!!!!
FIND ME BY GOOGLE!

Art Career Success Is Not Rocket Science!!!!

2012-01-08T04:47:00.000-08:00

Having a financially successful art career is not, rocket science!
I spoke to an artist recently who, mentioned they were still struggling.
I told that person to get to a library, and read as many business books as they could.
I also suggested that they try Google, to learn how to sell their art and do better business. DANG!!!!!
A SUCCESSFUL ART CAREER IS NOT, ROCKET SCIENCE!!!!!!

Real Artists Always

2012-01-07T04:22:00.000-08:00

Real artists thrive in any economy.
The true artist make a way out of no way.
The true artist takes charge of their own art life all the time.
Real artists survive all recessions, ON PURPOSE!!!!!!

I am successful on purpose

2012-01-07T04:18:00.000-08:00

I am successful on purpose!!!I do out reach to sell my work.
I will not sit and wait for people to contact me.
Time never sleeps, so I use my time to be as successful as I am able to be.
I go to the bank with art money on a steady basis, ON PURPOSE!!!!

A Hundred Dollar Marketing Tool

2012-01-04T09:27:00.000-08:00

I was just thinking what an artist can do with one hundred dollars, too market themselves. Eight bucks can buy first class stamps, to do out reach to possible studio visitors. Part of the money could buy some petrol,to go see an exhibition for ideas. Buy art magazines,for a couple of ideas, buy lunch for a colleague,to have conversation about career game plans.Oh yes, the petrol can get you out to a location to paint or draw some subjects. That's all I can think of for the moment.More later.

So Cool

2012-01-01T20:23:00.000-08:00

Johnny Depp owns an island in or near the Bahamas.
To me a great thing. 45 acres , to escape to.
Marlon Brando owned an island in his life time.
The actor would retreat there, rest and when he needed to top off
his bank account, he'd leave make some dough, then go back to the island.
That's what I call a very cool thing.

Thomas Kincade,Walter and Margaret Keene

2012-01-01T00:41:00.000-08:00

As quiet as it's kept TK can paint classical work with the best of them. He tried that, to no avail and no money. Well now he's banking big.I met Walter and Margaret Keene of the big eyed kids once. I was cleaning the May Company store building,I found out they were going to sell their work and sign books. I was able to witness their arrival. Margaret was well dressed and bejeweled.Walter looked good also, they greeted a long line of people who wanted to buy the reproductions, and books that were being signed. Heck I even bought a big eyed kid book and got an auto graph. It was very cool to me. After all, I was a cleaning crew guy, and the Keenes were big time artists. I wanted some of that cool stuff. After that I went to art school, learned my craft, and am doing alright.I am glad to have had the experience.

New Year Thoughts 1

2012-01-01T00:24:00.000-08:00

I wonder why, Denver co- op galleries don't churn the waters, after they have an opening????? They have an opening night , after that, the featured artist sits in the gallery on following weekends, and very few people come in , and even less buy anything.The art is solid, the prices are right, the problem, as I see it is,the co- op artist does no outreach to get people in.I feel sorry for those artists who, sit in an empty gallery. At this writing, the Denver Post has no art critic, this would be a perfect opportunity, to get some ink, to drum up new buyers. I have mentioned this, many times. My idea has fallen on deaf ears. I am of the Steve Jobs school of thought, to think differently.
My art career is ongoing, I always have a new game plan. I just wish the co- op artists in Denver were more proactive.I just had to go on record with these observations.

New Year Thoughts

2011-12-31T02:00:00.000-08:00

My plan is full speed ahead on my art career. I will take direct action to not starve.
I will be an advocate for visual artists, some one has to do it. no whining from me.I will help others when asked. I will not tolerate any dis respect for my chosen profession. I am glad Thomas Kincade is rich. I won't abide art illiterate people.
My plan is to serve my art gift everyday of 2012. I won't sell art to anyone I don't like.

Real Artists Don't Starve!!!!!

2011-12-30T03:22:00.000-08:00

i originated this slogan many years ago to remind my self, to do what ever it takes, to have an art life. I love being an artist , I made up my mind long ago, to do what ever I needed to do, to support myself as an artist. I have developed a whole bag of cool art career tricks that work. I will continue to develop more cool art tricks.
REAL ARTISTS DON'T STARVE!

Some Money Beats No Money

2011-12-30T03:15:00.000-08:00

I know of an artist who, just quit a regular source of income.
A regular income is a good thing for an artist to have.I found myself in a similar
situation three years ago. I lost a considerable amount of regular income, my AIR
art gig was shut down at short notice. I always had a an escape plan.
I SAVED MONEY FOR JUST SUCH AN EVENT.
I was unsettled for awhile.
To supplement some of the dough I lost,I devised a plan, to get some art money.
I planned on paper some possible ways to get paid by art.
Long story short , I did many art jobs to have some money and not,zero money.
So far, so good.

Dumb Mistake

2011-12-28T04:55:00.000-08:00

One time I took some one to an artist's open house. The artist is a very successful artist. Being around him, one can learn a lot. The person I took with me was ready to leave shortly after our arrival. My dumb mistake was, I drove my car to the studio, I should have had the person I took, drive their car.I took the person back to my house
so they could retrieve their car. Sad part was, this person was an artist. They could have learned a lot. I won't make that mistake again.
I always travel solo to art events these days.

Encouragement

2011-12-28T04:35:00.000-08:00

I come from a family where, creativity was encouraged.I used to get empty match boxes from my mother, I would make a non working camera out of them.
As an adult ,I now have several cameras. I think of how my whole family is a creative family.

Now IS The Time

2011-12-28T03:10:00.000-08:00

Now is the time for the Denver visual art community, to contact the Denver Post, and ask for interviews with the working class artists in the city.
There are some great stories to be told, about our art lives.
Music gets covered all the time. Solidarity is needed. People need to know that visual artists, are faring well during this economic time. I have interviewed several
artists who, are banking on a steady basis.

Less is more

2011-12-25T07:04:00.000-08:00

This blog is simple , because I want it that way.
No razzel dazzel here, just simple ideas.
Simplicity on purpose.
Pass it on.
Tell somebody please.

I am Grateful on this Xmas Day

2011-12-25T07:00:00.000-08:00

I am very grateful on this Christmas day. I have been able to heat and eat
from mt art effort. I have been able to pass on some of my good fortune.
I have some great colleagues , I have learned a lot from all of them.
My plan is to always be cognizant of how fortunate I am, and to pass it on.
My 2012 is going to be BOFFO!!!!!!!

More Dumb Art Gallery Tricks

2011-12-25T06:53:00.000-08:00

I went in to the KINCADE gallery yesterday. The worker running the place didn't EVEN
acknowledge me. That's why he was working in the place and I'm not.
Too bad, he missed a good opportunity. I will be posting more DAGT.
Stay Tuned.

Dumb Art Gallery Tricks

2011-12-24T01:14:00.000-08:00

Gallery fails to pay on time,fails to mention in writing time payment plans,
puts artist's work on the floor,art directs the artist,fails to have enough money to stay in business,gallery closes doesn't notify the artists,gallery has too many artists,won't keep website up dated, lets audience dictate what art they show.
There will be more of these tricks posted in the future.

Thomas Kincade

2011-12-22T08:34:00.000-08:00

As quiet as it's kept, TK is a solid impressionist painter in the classical sense.
The artist tried to show and sell his classical work, to the public early in his career. Needless to say,people didn't respond to that art.
The rest as they say is history.
You can't make people like what they don't like.
Kincade is banking big still these days.

Living Artfully Is The Best Revenge

2011-12-22T08:27:00.000-08:00

I am gloating a bit here, but I gotta.
As the end of the year looms, I think of all the negative
art situations I have gotten past. I must say I am feeling
accomplished.I have found it's how one reacts to situations that
establish character. I grew up in house where character was very important.
Visual artists face a lot of rejection these days, think of Van Goth
multiplied by thousands of times, when he was alive.
I am glad I have been able to get my revenge by staying the course.
I am living artfully.ON PURPOSE!!!!!

Real Mail Really Works!

2011-12-21T07:41:00.000-08:00

I enjoy sending snail mail to some of my friends and colleagues.
I can picture their faces, when they get the letters.
I treat my letters like works of art, I draw on the envelopes and the letters.
I consider my mail part of my art form.

Hanging On

2011-12-18T08:40:00.000-08:00

I have been good at hanging on art life wise.
I have had doubts all of my art life. I am old enough to say this.
I am glad that, I've made it this far. I haven't worked to the point of overwork, just steadily. I think being diligent is better than working too hard.
I try to pace my self through tasks. So far it's worked. I figure my art life is a marathon and not a sprint. I get to hang in and hang on.

The Oil and Steel Business

2011-12-18T08:22:00.000-08:00

Since it's the party time of the year, I attend a few.
I get asked what I do? I love the question. I get to give my favorite answer.
I say " I am in the oil and steel business."
I walk away for awhile then come back and let the person in on the real me.
I tell them I am an artist, I make oil paintings and welded metal sculpture.
I wrote the oil business thing for fun. I like it.

Change Your Zone

2011-12-17T04:23:00.000-08:00

I took a walk about yesterday. I went to visit an artist I know, who gallery sits on one day of the week. I always learn new stuff when I change my zone in the art world.
I am an information sponge.I learned a lot of new stuff to add to my skill set. I'll detail it in some later posts. Gotta go to Facebook now. Stand by.

Posting A Bunch!!!!!

2011-12-16T06:07:00.000-08:00

I have been posting a bunch, I now have a laptop, I can blaze away from my couch.
More to come. My posts are designed for the two minute mind.

Ned Edmund Jacob

2011-12-16T06:05:00.000-08:00

One of my good artist friends is , Ned Jacob.
I learned how to be a professional, respected non-starving artist from this man.
I learned how operate on my on terms,also to be in charge of my art life.
Ned Jacob once said "If you can draw you can make money."
Ned draws like breathing. He made a living in Denver for years with his wonderful charcoal drawings.
I talked with him by phone recently, he was conducting a drawing and painting workshop at the Scottsdale Artists School.
Ned puts a lot of emphasis on freedom and independence as an artist.He travels
three months of each year, to do what he wants to do. I had to go on record with this.
See him by Google,please.

Real Mail Really Works!

2011-12-16T05:54:00.000-08:00

I opened up a holiday card yesterday, and out falls a 20 dollar bill.
I wrote a illustrated letter to a docent, I met a year ago, just to say hello.
I didn't ask for the money, she just sent it to me.
The universe at work.
I like to send real mail to people, I don't send plain mail, ever.
In this day and age, real mail makes people smile.
I will always send my art mail out.

Pass My Blog On Please.

2011-12-16T05:49:00.000-08:00

I recently clicked on the comment section of my clog. I found a few peeps were commenting. Soooooo- I am asking you who read my ideas, to link my blog to others,etc.
THANKS!!!!!!

I Am Mercenary On Purpose!!!!!!!!!

2011-12-16T05:46:00.000-08:00

I am going to get as much money as I can as an artist. I don't mean big money, just regular money. I can do more with a dollar, than a monkey with a peanut.
No dough, no respect. Double that thought if you are an artist with no money.I have said this before, I 'll say it again, real artists get paid.

Newsweek Magazine December 12,2011

2011-12-15T21:16:00.000-08:00

The December 12, 2011 of Newsweek magazine has a very good article on art buying.
The story is about Art Basel Miami. Fascinating read about the one percent supporting the art percent. A number of artists got richer as a result of this art fair.
The hard copy version is way better than the online version.
It's worth checking out.

Hanging On

2011-12-15T18:23:00.000-08:00

I believe in the marathon as an artist. I got to cash some checks today. the money came from surprise art sales. I do all of my own business. I decided long ago to be in charge of my art career.I got to this point by hanging on. I don't chase about trying to be part of the traditional system in Denver. I am a maverick, this allows me freedom ,to do what I want, when I want to in my art life. Having an art gig to support my art habit, allowed me to hang on long enough to get some traction, in the art world. Hanging on matters.

The art bank pays off today.

2011-12-14T17:44:00.000-08:00

I got a call to day from one of my early buyers. She wanted to bring her daughter to look in the studio. I always have art to see, I work consistently. I believe in having enough choices for studio visitors. I sold three works to my visitors. The works were from my shoebox inventory.My studio is on the top floor of my house, I took my visitors upstairs and I went back downstairs so as to not hover.
My art bank pays off again.I am thankful.

So Much Art

2011-12-13T16:28:00.000-08:00

I just came in from my tour of the small art shows.
There is a lot to see, all of the art is solid.
The work is available for every budget, except broke.
One can become saturated with the abundance of works to select from.
The Denver audience is so spoiled because there is so , much art to select from.
In fact the audience is downright blase about art in Denver.
Any artist that sells any work, should feel very fortunate.
I know I do.

Real Artists Always

2011-12-13T16:18:00.000-08:00

Real artists always take charge of their art lives.
They realize that being the CEO of their business matters.
I know real artists who abide by these rules all the time.
I happen to be one of them.People who don't make art, think that we artists
always need them, well they are wrong.
Real artists proceed to succeed on purpose.

Happy Birthday to Me-But----

2011-12-11T15:23:00.000-08:00

Today is my birthday, I am glad to be able to post this.To vertical really matters to me. The but part is , my land line has been dead for two days. I don't have or want a cellphone at this time.I plan on calling the phone company tomorrow. Glad I had a slush fund to by the lap top, to make this entry.
The universe has away of keeping one in line.
I got a lot of B-day wishes on Facebook. Very thoughtful.

Robert Genn on BlogTalk Radio

2011-12-10T19:32:00.000-08:00

Robert Genn , originator of The Painters Keys, was interviewed on Blog Talk Radio.
This happened on 12-1-11. It's a very good interview, I see his foto on the site, to hear his voice is a good thing to relate to his foto.
The Painters Keys is loaded with useful information.

No Rescue

2011-12-10T19:26:00.000-08:00

Real artists do not wait to be rescued, ain't gonna happen.
We artists have to rescue ourselves,on purpose.

My Art Life 2011-December

2011-12-10T19:22:00.000-08:00

Some things you don't get to be in control of. My phones are dead. I have paid the bill. I never miss. People have been trying to get a hold of me and I didn't know it.
I ain't broke, I can get the repair done. This kind of stuff seems to happen only on weekends. DANG!!!!!!
I treated myself to a laptop, good thing I did. I'm connected at least.

My Art Life

2011-12-07T18:05:00.000-08:00

I loved art so much all I just wanted to be able to support my self.
I am grateful that I have been able to do it. So far, so good.

Sold Again

2011-12-07T17:58:00.000-08:00

I sold another set of paintings today. The works are from my shoebox paintings. YAY!
The artworks were all painted from memory. I tend to make work this way often.
The brain is like a tape recorder that plays back data, if one trusts one's brain
many good results happen. I must remember this on a regular basis. I paint even if I don't have an immediate place to show the work. My art bank always pays off.

Progress 2011

2011-12-03T18:53:00.000-08:00

I was returning from an artist's studio open house today -12-3-11, the temp was 14 degrees.
Years ago I attended the same open house in the same kind of weather. I was driving a car that was cold and balky. I mention this, because I wondered if I would ever progress enough in my art life to do better. The artist always sells well at his events. I wondered if I would ever sell, any art that would let me do better, in my own art career. I am happy to announce, I have a warm better running car, money in the bank,decent art and business skills. I consider myself a working class artist.
Going to Ramon Kelley's studio open houses all of these years has been good for my own career progress.

Inspiration

2011-11-29T18:34:00.000-08:00

I was asked what inspires me as an artist?
My answer was, I don't wait for inspiration. I do keep a list of future works of art that I want to attempt to make.
I think inspiration is highly overated.
That is why, I don't wait for it.

Got Paid

2011-11-29T18:26:00.000-08:00

I go the last payment on a sculpture I sold a wek ago.
I sold the art to a couple who, I met last year in front of my home studio.
I am glad they remembered me. I have some found object sculpture in front of my home/studio, often people comment on the work. It pays to advertise.

Visual Artist's Stories

2011-11-24T22:05:00.000-08:00

I may have blogged this before, I wish there were more newspaper stories about
artists lives.I mean working class artists. CBS Sunday morning used to do great great segments on working class artists. Charles Karault passed away and so did good stories on working class artists. Dang!!!!

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-24T21:50:00.000-08:00

Just got in from having a dinner at friends house. Nice to have some where to go on holidays. As I get older , it doesn't take much to appreciate the simple things in life. I have my art ability, bread and shelter, friends,
life and a good Thanksgiving 2011.

Famous Me????

2011-11-22T18:07:00.000-08:00

I was told how "famous" I am today by someone today.It was a nice complement,I don't take it lightly.
It's special to have some recognize me and my dedication to my artistic discipline.

Still Working On Purpose

2011-11-22T17:58:00.000-08:00

I was asked by some one if I was still painting?
Well, I had the pleasure of saying , it's what I have to do.
I am still working on my art and artlife on purpose.

Discovery!!!!!!

2011-11-20T14:30:00.000-08:00

WOW!WOW!WOW!, I just dicovered the comment section of my blog. Geeze!
Thanks to all who have left comments.I'll check more often.I am still new roockie at the web. The artist Steve Magsis has some great small works on his site. See Postcards From Detroit. He gets a lot of data in to a 5X7inch painting. I'm reinspired about my shoebox paintings. Bravo!!!!!

Being Better?

2011-11-20T13:49:00.000-08:00

Artists often speak of being better. I have seen early work by an artist and it looked very good to me.Later work has it's good qualities also. I think some artists are too hard on themselves about their work. It's good to want to be better at making one's art.I just do the best I can
at the time when I am making the work. Artmaking is always subjective,so is being better.

Sold!!!!!!!!

2011-11-16T16:33:00.000-08:00

I just sold one of my metal sculptures.
The buyer was someone I met about ayear ago.
I have some sculpture in front of my house and often people will comment on the work.This how we met.I have a collection of sculpture in the Kirkland Museum of Fine and Decorative Art here in Denver, turns out the buyer had seen my work there. This led to the sale.
The amusing thing about this sale is,when the buyer called me, I asked him if he was in town, he said" I am on your front porch". This made me laugh.
The art game is full of mystery. I took the buyer to my upstairs studio and he saw some of my recent small paintings and was very taken with them.
He stated that he was buying my sculpture for his wife for a gift.
One never knows when something will be sold. Funny thing, I had just looked at the buyers address in my roladex afew days ago.

More For My Artbank

2011-11-14T15:19:00.000-08:00

I just painted two small works for my Artbank.
I call my inventory of shoebox works, my Artbank, because sooner or later
I get to cash in on the work.
I figure if I don't have the art to sell when the opportunity presents itself,
I don't get paid.

Good News

2011-11-08T16:29:00.000-08:00

I had a converstion this past weekend with one of my colleagues.
The artist had a show in her home studio in October, she sold fifty-seven
paintings. I thought that is great news, it says that people are stil spending money on art and not just coffee. Good news.

Mitt Romney Wants Arts Cuts

2011-11-06T19:41:00.000-08:00

I recently heard on NPR, Mitt Romney wants to abolish the Natioinal Endowment
for the arts if elected. Dang!!!!!
Just wanted to mention it.

American Art Review Magazine

2011-11-04T14:16:00.000-07:00

I really like AAR, this publication lets you know how artists of the past worked and lived.The publication is one of two that I subscribe to.
Call me old fashioned, but I do like art of the past. The Ashcan school is
among my favs. I do like impressionist art alot.
I had to blog this.
Check oout American Art Review.

William F. Reese Artist

2011-10-31T13:23:00.000-07:00

I read a book by the artist WM. F. Reese. The book is a practical guide for the artist. I mention this because I get stuck for ideas sometimes.
Reading books from my personal library gets me unstuck.
I reccomend the book by Bill Reese very highly.
This artist is no longer with us. His wisdom and art is.
See the book if you can.

Euromaxx On TV

2011-10-31T13:17:00.000-07:00

There's an arts program on television titled Euromaxx. This program is excellent, it always has an segment on the visiual arts. I mention this , because of the lack of programs on the visual arts in the USA. NPR has launched a new music show this month.The Denver NPR station does not do
enough visual arts segments that features the working artists in this city and
state.
I think people would like to hear interviews with visual artists and their lives in local areas. The art life is interesting and the journeyman artist
has a lot to say. Interviews via radio could be informative and entertaining.

Art Mags Won't Talk Money?

2011-10-27T11:54:00.000-07:00

I read a number of art publications on a regular basis. I notice that there is a lot of data on how to paint rocks, trees, etc.
I notice that there is very little nuts and bolts information on the business
part of being an artist. There is one magazine that show artists in there studios, some of which are as big as my house. I wonder how these artists can afford this kind of workspace. I know that one has to sell a lot of art
to have some kind of artlife.
I wish that art magazines would ask artists about money.
The dicussion would be informative and helpful in my opinion.
No money, no artlife.

Big Snow Survivor

2011-10-27T11:44:00.000-07:00

Well the big snow here in Denver is over, Whew!!!!
My car battery decided to die. It was about time, past its sell by date any way.
Glad I have the dough to buy another. Tree branches broken all over the place, I happy to report , I didn't have to deal with that.
Making art and life stuff aint easy.

Painting On the Porch

2011-10-25T13:07:00.000-07:00

Today I painted on my front porch. I am making color notes for a larger
painting. The cerulean blue and yellow leaves is quite a challenge paint.
I'll do a couple more inthe coming days.

In The Park

2011-10-24T15:09:00.000-07:00

Painted in the park today, temp was 79 degrees.
I have been working in the studio for the majority of the the year.
I heard on the radio that our great fall weather is going to break to low temps this week. I figured I 'd better get out and see if I still had my
plein air skills. I got two small works done. It was great to be able to leave my home studio to work.
The park is not far from my house, about 15 minutes.

The New Yorker Artstar Story

2011-10-18T12:06:00.000-07:00

In the New Yorker magazine October 3,2011, I read astory about artist Jacob
Kassay. The story told of his work being snapped up by eager buyers.
Some of this young artist's work are bringing big bucks.
I wonder how long this artist's career will last? Financial success is good as long as the artist is smart about the business of being an artist.
I feel it ain't how much money the artist is paid, it's about how much the artist gets to keep.
It takes regular dough to have an art life.

I Phone Madness

2011-10-18T11:57:00.000-07:00

I saw on the news last evening the number of Iphones that were sold.
The count was in the millions. I thought people didn't have any money.
The news story said otherwise. I guess this means some people have some money to spend on istuff but not art.

The Art Spirit

2011-10-18T11:51:00.000-07:00

I have a book titled the The Art Spirit by Robert Henri.
I have had this small paperback fro years,it has great advice and is a good
reference book. Robert Henri's writing is what tweets are like to day.
I just wanted to mention the book.

Staying In Touch

2011-10-15T14:28:00.000-07:00

I find that picking up the phone and calling people that I have not talked to in awhile, is a good idea. I get an idea about the art world in general through my conversations. I do this with artists that I know , mainly people who are journeymen artists like myself. I get data on sales and artlife in general. Information matters and it's good to stay in touch by phone.

Ai Wei Wei

2011-10-14T14:14:00.000-07:00

I have been following the career of the artist Ai Wei Wei. The BBC did an
interview with him a couple days ago. Being an artist in China ain't a lot of fun. The censors are always watching. I am glad I am not in China as an
artist.

Painting Fall

2011-10-14T14:10:00.000-07:00

I am doing my best to capture the fall season. The colors are spectacular.
I am mainly working to paint my immpression of fall, rather than be literal.
I try to do this every fall season. It's big fun to paint on my front porch.
I can hunker down behind a blind that I have for privacy and paint away.
I am working in acrylic. I do have a series of oil paintings that I am working on in my upstairs studio.
The weather is so nice at this time, I have to work outside as long as I can.

A walk in the Park

2011-10-10T14:35:00.000-07:00

I took awalk in the park today, I was looking for ideas to continue working on my fall series. I tend to work according to the season. If it's winter , I make a series of winter pictures, summmer, spring and fall pictures get my attention. The fall light is dazzeling to me, the color is also.
I came back to my home studio and paintd a small acrylic watercolor.
I am trying to do more transparent acrylics. It's a challenge.

Art Magazines

2011-10-05T11:22:00.000-07:00

I visit a book store in Denver called the Tattered Cover. I go to look at the art magazines.I look a them and often come away thinking, there's a lot of art being made all the time. Art magazines can show one what's being done
artwise in the land. There's some thing for every taste, from the sublime to the most baffeling. I used to buy art publications on a regular basis.
Now I just peruse them in bookstores. One can be overwhelmed so much information . I 'll just stick to my own personal library and limit my
looking at art magazines.

Doubt

2011-10-05T11:13:00.000-07:00

I have doubt about my work, often I get concerned about how well made
the work is. I will fret about some paintings,because of color and composition. The strange thing is,once I show the works , the very ones
I had doubt about are ofte tne very ones that people will buy.

Fall Paintings

2011-10-05T11:09:00.000-07:00

I am working on a series of fall acrylic watercolor paintings.
The color in the fall is always so visual. I have a couple of 6x9 inch
works that I have completed,I put the works in a place so I can see them
anew. So far so good. I will do several more soon.

Taking Art to the People

2011-09-27T12:39:00.000-07:00

The street fair reminded me that I have to take my art to the people, some times. I would not have made any money just sitting in my studio.
I do the alternative venues every now and then just to see what I can drum up. I don't push as much as I used to. Must be age I guess. I am thinking of doing a home show of the shoebox works before years end. One thing for sure I do have the work.

Who Knows?

2011-09-27T12:28:00.000-07:00

Who knows what people will be interested in , when it somes to art?
I mention this because , the art I selected for the street fair was done in a random manner. I had some sunflower paintings that sold right away. I painted a series of them last year. I did the work from memory.
One buyer said she was buying the sunflower painting for a relative.
I am gald I work in series. One never can tell what people will respond
to when it comes to art. Who Knows?

More Street Fair Notes

2011-09-27T12:19:00.000-07:00

At the street fair, a lady bought two of my shoebox works.
I mention this because the lady said she thought I was out of her price range. Her perception was, I was so "famous", that my work was expensive.
I told her that I always made it a point to have affordable art ,
My thinking is, artists should always have work available for any budget.
I made some signs for the fair that read- "Small Art for Small Budgets".
I got a good response as a result.

Working from memory

2011-09-27T11:59:00.000-07:00

I have sold several paintings done from memory.
I tend to fret over these works. Just have to have faith in them.
So I will continue to make them.

The BEBACKS

2011-09-27T11:56:00.000-07:00

I just want to be on the record, I don't have any faith in the BEBACKS.
I have built up an immunity to the BEBACK virus.
The street fair on Sunday 25 September was full of BEBACKS.

EarlyWork Found in Yard Sales

2011-09-27T11:51:00.000-07:00

A lady told me that she had bought one of my paintings at a yard sale.
I have been active as an artist since 1966. I figure after working for such a long time, there's no telling where my work will end up.
I told the lady that I would call to see the early painting of mine.
This exchange happened at the Park Hill street fair.

Made some WAM

2011-09-27T11:45:00.000-07:00

I was in a street fair on Sunday 25, September. I was able to make my booth fee back and some WAM. WAM is walking around money.
The weather was very nice. I took my shoe box art. Sold about eight little paintings. I price to sell. The artworks are 5x7inches up to 6x8inches.
The shoe box works, some of them can be seen on youtube.
I priced them at $35-$75. I do what ever it takes to heat and eat as an artist.

Taking It Slow

2011-08-09T16:22:00.000-07:00

I have been taking it slow artwise.
I have been coping with hot weather, this makes me sluggish.
I am still painting in fits and starts, the small works.
I do have a large inventory to put in the marketplace.
I plan on having some home shows in the fall.

Taking A Different Route

2011-07-18T13:24:00.000-07:00

I just read wizzelwolf's blog and discovered that the artist has changed her position in the art universe.
I read that she rented a studio to get more traffic.
Good idea, sometimes an artist has to take their art to the people.
Wizzelwolf is a very productive and clever artist.
I hope people get their money out and buy some Wizzwelwolf art.

The Long Run

2011-07-18T13:07:00.000-07:00

Art careers are life long, at least they should be. I mention this because of many reality shows on television.I wonder how many of the participants
will go on to have life long careers in their artisitic disiciplines?
I know how much work it takes to be a visual artist, as I have been doing the art life for a long time. I know that there are many who, don't have what it takes to do the long run in the arts.

No Data

2011-07-07T14:59:00.000-07:00

Art festivals in Denver do not give any reports on sales,after the events are over.
I feel that a good report would be very encouraging to other artists.
I also feel that more sales of art would be made in Denver if the festival organizers would do an end of festival general sales report.

Cherry Creek Arts Fest

2011-07-07T14:52:00.000-07:00

The CCAF was very active, I saw a lot of art being sold.
The CCAF has something for any budget. I am glad that I went.
People seem to be spending money for art, no matter the times
moneywise.
I did speak to one artist who said it cost her $2000 to do a art fest in Chicago.
One has to have the money to to art festivals.

David Hockney

2011-06-30T18:34:00.000-07:00

I just read an article on the artist David hockney. This has quite a career,
at present he works out of a 10,000 square foot studio in England.
Hockney has made a lot of money and he spends it on technology.
The artist has been drawing on I- pads and mounting exhibitions of the works
on walls of galleries.The art is shown on a group of I-pads and I-phones.
I read the story in the Sunday London Times Culture magazine.
I have followed this artist for quite awhile.He's 73 years old,to me this gives him the license to do what he wants to do.

The Art Life 1

Working Class Artist -Me

Amping Up My Artlife

No Imagination

GEEEEZE!

Masterpiece Business.

A BIG Secret??? Again!!!!!

Being Prudent

I am successful on purpose 2

The Denver Post Lacks Visual Arts Coverage

The Coors Western Art Show Third Visit

Recent Press

Behind the Scenes

Yourhub.com/Denver

A BIG Secret???

GOING WELL??????

Getting Ready

Many Advisors Don't have No Cash

Art Career Success Is Not Rocket Science!!!!

Real Artists Always

I am successful on purpose

A Hundred Dollar Marketing Tool

So Cool

Thomas Kincade,Walter and Margaret Keene

New Year Thoughts 1

New Year Thoughts

Real Artists Don't Starve!!!!!

Some Money Beats No Money

Dumb Mistake

Encouragement

Now IS The Time

Less is more

I am Grateful on this Xmas Day

More Dumb Art Gallery Tricks

Dumb Art Gallery Tricks

Thomas Kincade

Living Artfully Is The Best Revenge

Real Mail Really Works!

Hanging On

The Oil and Steel Business

Change Your Zone

Posting A Bunch!!!!!

Ned Edmund Jacob

Real Mail Really Works!

Pass My Blog On Please.

I Am Mercenary On Purpose!!!!!!!!!

Newsweek Magazine December 12,2011

Hanging On

The art bank pays off today.

So Much Art

Real Artists Always

Happy Birthday to Me-But----

Robert Genn on BlogTalk Radio

No Rescue

My Art Life 2011-December

My Art Life

Sold Again

Progress 2011

Inspiration

Got Paid

Visual Artist's Stories

Thanksgiving 2011

Famous Me????

Still Working On Purpose

Discovery!!!!!!

Being Better?

Sold!!!!!!!!

More Info Needed In Documentary

More For My Artbank

Good News

Mitt Romney Wants Arts Cuts

American Art Review Magazine

William F. Reese Artist

Euromaxx On TV

Art Mags Won't Talk Money?

Big Snow Survivor

Painting On the Porch

In The Park

The New Yorker Artstar Story

I Phone Madness