Thursday, July 30, 2009

Friday, July 24, 2009

Displaying Your Original Artwork

I thought I would post an Article I wrote for Etsy a while back.
I give a how-to on the merits of original artwork and how to display it to its best effect.

Are you tired of your old dusty prints on the wall? Think original artwork. Pick a piece that speaks to you. If you're going to pay for it, you want to love it!

3216-room_large_.jpg

Think different! You want to make a statement. Try a large abstract painting in a formal, more traditional room, like the one I've placed in the above image.

Mats and Frames:
Have your original painting matted well. There is no magic formula for deciding how wide a mat should be, but it is better to choose wider spaces, as it gives the eye somewhere to rest between the picture and frame. Small borders give the impression of a picture being squeezed into a frame that is too small.

Place a thick white mat and frame around any artwork and it will enhance its beauty. I always put my artwork in 3 to 4.5 inch off-white or white mats. Another extra touch is to use a double mat. See how the thin red mat accentuates the red crab painting? By adding a little color, the red crab stands out!


Have you ever heard of “floating” a painting? You may want to consider floating the painting in the frame if there is a deckled edge. (A soft natural edge that is compatible with its linen like texture.) When you float a painting the mat does not cover up the edges, so you see the rough deckled edge. You can also float acrylics and oil paintings.

So artists, take that extra step and present your artwork with added professionalism. Placing a mat around your artwork will give the buyer a better idea of what the finished product will look like. You can buy pre-cut acid-free mats at most art supply stores. I use cheapjoes.com for ordering in bulk. For framing your originals, I recommend finding a locally owned framer with whom you can build a relationship. They want your business and will usually give you lower prices than national retail stores.

Hanging:
Don't be so symmetrical! Shake it up a bit and create an extra artistic element on your wall with the shapes you create with your grouping. Place an odd number and different sizes together. Think about your space. For instance, don't hang a small painting on a large wall — it will get lost in proportion. Either go with one large painting or create a grouping, as mentioned above.



Don't be scared! So many people are afraid of hanging artwork because they're not confident that they've found that one perfect and exact place, and they don't want to be stuck with holes in the wall. Just do it! You can always move paintings around. I do it ALL the time...

It shouldn't be a chore — have fun with it!

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Orchid

Well, I should be taking the whole day off ~~ It's my Birthday!
I'm excited to spend it with friends and family...
Hope you have a wonderful day too.


Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Birthdays and IKEA

For most of your reading, this will come as a surprise!
That was my first trip ever to an IKEA store.
Wow... thank goodness I went with a pro shopper of IKEA who knew how to steer me through!!
My birthday is tomorrow, so I just went a little nutty, and bought lots and lots of presents for myself!! Isn't that horrible?
We had so much fun.... Here are just SOME of the items I bought for my new office
(hopefully under construction sooner than later!)











Sunday, July 19, 2009

IKEA

Going to IKEA today to look for a new desk for my Art Studio!
I'm so excited.
I just hope I can contain myself, and not buy the whole store....
I will update this post when I return with my purchases!!
Happy Sunday ~~ What are you doing today?

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Which One?


Do you remember when I told you I was painting Kenna Foster's beautiful photo "Retired in Paradise"?
Well, here it is. I think I like the landscape version without the chairs.
Which do you like better?

Detail in the Framing

Notice the detailed beading on the outside of the blue mat. It really makes the butterfly pop!
I always like to use a thick white outer mat. It shows off the centerpiece, instead of taking away.
"Summer" Watercolor Print, 9 by 12

Friday, July 10, 2009

Summer Weekend

"Country Lane" now available in 8 by 10 prints in my Etsy shop!
Have a super weekend,
and I will see you on Monday!

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Busy Bee

Love this photo taken by my daughter this past weekend!
Have a great day!

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Front Page Summer Fun

"Beach Chairs" landed on the Front Page of Etsy today!!
Happy Summer...

Sunday, July 5, 2009

Everyone is a Winner!

Thanks for participating in the Apples and Oranges guessing game! I was trying to paint all apples ~~ but even I was left wondering which they really looked like!
I decided to make Everyone a Winner...
If you were one of the 19 participants, you will receive
20, 10, or 5 dollars off your next purchase at either shop!
The winner ~ $20.00 gift certificate ~ is :
The Runners Up ~ $10.00 gift certificate ~ are:
All the other participants will receive a $5.00 gift certificate, just for commenting!
Just purchase your item in either shop, and I will refund you the proper amount! Feel free to send me a convo!! Thanks for playing, and check back soon for my next game!!

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Happy July 4th Weekend

What are your plans for the 4th?
Have a safe and wonderful holiday!!
Make sure you enter to win the $20.00 gift certificate...

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Summer Breeze Pillow, mini!

This is so cute!
Summer Breeze Accent Pillow with colorful tutu fringe! One of a Kind
Coordinating Lime green backing 8" by 12"
This will be so adorable anywhere ~~ Summer Living year round!
Makes a wonderful gift ~~ already wrapped!
Your pillow will arrive protected in a crystal clear, archival bag with coordinating ribbon for the final touch!

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