COB Blog

Made my First Sale

2011-10-02T11:20:00.000+01:00

I have been busy the last few weeks with a new Art and Design course I am studying, so I have little time to continue marketing my art online and offline, and my blog posts will be much less frequent than usual. I did my routine checks today to find a nice little (HUGE) surprise to see I had sold a print, my very first sale! I am so happy :)

http://fineartamerica.com/saleannouncement.html?id=0089dd4456d5983e91b8fb8c431a3066#comment1781880

'The Outcome of War is in Our Hands', is the print that sold:

Just want to say a big thank you to the buyer from Beaverton, OR - United States.

Hopefully this is the first of many! :)

Don't Quit your Day Job

2011-09-06T20:15:00.004+01:00

Right now, the economic climate for the majority of artist looks particularly bleak. With the financial instabilities of most artistic careers - with low earnings, if any at all - we need a day job to get by for living costs and funding for our job as an artist. A day job means spending the majority of our hours working as opposed to making art, which can sometimes negatively effect the final product of the art. It can take a long time to juggle both the day job, which brings the money in, and your passion as an artist, which is still waiting for it's lucky break. It just takes some time getting used to it.

At the minute I am trying to find a job, to give me funds for studying a degree in art; to obtain a certificate in teaching; to become an art teacher; to build a harmonious combination of a day job as an art teacher and an artist in my free time. Yea, I'm thinking way ahead into the future but I feel this is what I have to do, to live a healthy life as an artist with a day job that I will enjoy.

I felt this was the only was way I can see myself getting by in the future, some of you have a job unrelated to art, purely for the money, which you may or may not like. I think it is interesting to see what sorts of jobs other artists have in order to get by.

So my questions for you are:

- What are your thoughts on the struggles an artist can face throughout their career?

...and

- What is your current day job?

I asked this question on Fine Art America, here are some of the job replies:

Benn Van: I'm a senior architectural draughtsmen, and won't quit my job.I enjoy it too much.
Peter Piatt: This is my day and night Job. I set my own hours, bookings, prices, and set my coffee pot for 6:00 am. But this life is not for everyone. (especially for those who have a real life and family).
Jeff Kolker: accountant..CPA. Not easy..I am my job, as I have my own accounting firm....
Marlene Burns: this is also my day job, never worked in anything but the art field, for 40 years now. struggles exist in however you find yourself as an artist. the key is how you face them.
Liora Hess: Day job is quality assurance in the medical field. Even if I were selling enough work, I would have to keep the day job because of the insurance.

Featured Artist: Christine Zipps

2011-09-02T19:30:00.003+01:00

BIOGRAPHY

There is simply no way that I can not make art. For as long as I can remember, I have been drawn to vibrant color, unique yet symmetrical form and bold texture – especially where those elements are found in nature. Perceptive to the calling of all senses, I look to capture that beauty whether it’s a square inch of a forest floor or a billowing expanse of cloud; a glint in a cat’s eye or bold architectural element blending with one that is alive.
Photography is my medium; the camera is my tool of choice. I see my role as an expressionist – one who brings back the experience to share with others. My images are bold, vibrant, alive, and vulnerable -- honest. I hope that your experience with them will bring joy, excitement, peace or at the very least, a feeling that your time spent with them was worthwhile.
My art brings me great joy. It is a major part of who and what I am. In sharing my art, I share myself. I am deeply honored and humbled by your allowing me the ultimate privilege of doing so today.

WEBSITES / GALLERIES

http://studio-luna-gallery.fineartamerica.com/

http://www.facebook.com/StudioLunaGallery

http://www.facebook.com/MedVegFusion

'Presenting... Studio Luna Gallery' (solo exhibition)
September 2012
at the Tenn Street Art Gallery
Denver, CO

FEATURED ARTWORK

Title

Shukuru

Description
Received "3rd place" from award judge, John Fielder in "Visions of Light" show (2/11); "Honorable Mention": in Lone Tree's Annual Show (4/11); and "Honorable Mention" in Littleton Art Depot & Gallery's 'All Colorado Show' (8/11)

Medium

Photograph

Title

Birds of Paradise

Description
Earned "Best of Show" in prestigious, national, "Romancing the ARTS" exhibition in Castle Rock, CO in February 2011..... It was also just accepted by jury into the Ninth Annual Lone Tree Photographic Art Show - another highly respected, national show

Medium

Photograph

Title

Historical Grandeur

Medium

Photograph

Title

Red I

Description
A personal fav - part of a series. Earned EDITORS PICK from betterphoto.com and was just juried into REDHANDED III Show at Tenn Street Coffee & Books - June 2010 - Denver, CO.

Medium

Photograph

Title

Birch Abstract - Tangerine - Paintograph

Medium

Photograph - Digital

Please share Christine's work and feel free to leave any comments and critiques.

Are you the Local Artist?

2011-08-30T17:24:00.000+01:00

When I began my pursuit of a career in art, I used the internet as a tool to share my art with the rest of the world. It was only after a few weeks into my journey as an artist that I thought:

Does my local community even know that I am an artist?

Perhaps this is where I should have started sharing my art, making small ripples around my local town, spreading to bigger ripples and travel miles to neighbouring towns and cities.

The only way some people in my local town had heard of me was from word of mouth. But words do not convey my art. So I made flyers with eye-catching imagery; an outline of my artistic style and intentions; links to my websites, galleries and blog; my address and contact information. I designed the flyers myself but printed them with Vistaprint for a reasonable price.

Front of Flyer

I usually see many flyers in shops and supermarkets, but I want people to take the time to read my flyer and create an interest in my art. So I thought of all the businesses that have the customer wait for their services, places where you read a paper or magazine like dentists, take aways, restaurants, hair dressers, barbers, laundrettes etc.

Back of Flyer

After doing this, people in my local area are constantly commenting and congratulating me on my art. I intend to send out another batch of flyers closer to the Christmas season when people need ideas for gifts to loved ones.

The internet is possibly the greatest tool for selling your art but you should also spread your art around your local area too, it might be take more effort than online marketing, but it is definitely worth it.

Featured Artist: Melanie Pruitt

2011-08-29T21:03:00.001+01:00

BIOGRAPHY

Melanie Pruitt has been painting with watercolor since 2005. She has sold her paintings and ACEO's in a variety of venues including online at eBay and Etsy. She has also won 2 awards in the Southwest Washington Watercolor Society shows in 2009 and 2010. She has also won various "Artist Choice" awards from art groups on EBay.

She has studied watercolor technique under Ron Ranson, exploring unique landscape impressionistic techniques and enjoys painting landscapes using her hake brush.

Melanie has also developed a series of paintings in a style she's titled "Enchanted" as well as continuing to enjoy exploring a variety of styles in the creation of ACEO's.

Her paintings have been purchased by collectors around the world, and she was commissioned by "Cedar House Soaps" for a unique painting of their sales cottage, which was used on their soap labels.

WEBSITES / GALLERIES

http://www.etsy.com/shop/thecreatorspalette

http://melaniepruitt.artistwebsites.com/

http://thecreatorspalette.com/

http://www.ebsqart.com/Artist/Melanie-Pruitt/19597/

FEATURED ARTWORK

Title

Garden Enchantment

Description

"Garden Enchantment" is a unique, one of a kind painting. It incorporates many of the special effects of Melanie's "Enchanted" series of paintings - this featuring beautiful granulating paints blended into an impressionistic background - all to create Melanie's unique style and interpretation of nature. This painting feels alive with soft summer breezes and the buzz of the hummingbird. It measures 16″ wide x 12″ high and is painted with artist quality paints on Arches cold press paper.

Medium

Watercolour on Paper

Title

Serenity

Description

"Serenity", painted on rough press with artist quality paints, is an original 11"x15" watercolor painting of a quiet landscape, a serene barn and a path that surrounded by Fall and Autumn colors! This is a place in my imagination... a place to escape, commune with nature, breathe in the fresh air and find peace and serenity. But maybe it will speak something different to you!

Medium

Watercolour on Paper

Title

Enchanted Rose

Description

"Enchanted Roses" is an original watercolor by Melanie Pruitt. It features Melanie's signature enchanted look with three old garden pink roses. It measures 11"x15" and is painted with artist quality paints on rough press 100% cotton paper.

Medium

Watercolour on Paper

Title

Bali Hali

Description

I believe i belong to the island of Kauai! My heart longs for it when I'm away. On my last visit, I took a lot of pictures as painting reference pictures so that I could soar back to the island while painting. This is painted from one of those reference pictures. It is of the famous Bali Hai - well known from the musical "South Pacific". I've used some impressionistic techniques, and some wonderful granualting watercolor paints for texture.

Medium

Watercolour on Paper

Title

Enchanted Butterfly

Description

"Enchanted Butterfly" painting has some wonderful texture and movement with beautiful granulating paints, many splashes of color. It has my trademark "Enchanted" lighting that brings a lovely mystical movement to it. Painted on 300lb Hot Press Fabriano watercolor paper with artist quality transparent watercolors. It is painted on an 11"x14" sheet. The edges were taped and have a straight edge with aprox. 1/4" white edging.

Medium

Watercolour on Paper

Please share Melanie's work and feel free to leave any comments and critiques.

Make Sure the Facebook Community do not Forget your Art

2011-08-27T01:29:00.001+01:00

If you:

1. Are an artist

2. Socialise with Facebook

3. and, Have a fan/artist page with Facebook

Make sure your Facebook community are aware of your art, and more importantly that they do not forget you as an artist.

A few little easy tricks such as:

1. Make your profile page show your artist page

- First of all, go to your fan/artist page, copy the name of the page.

- Go to your profile, click on 'Edit Profile'.

- Select 'Education and Work'.

- In the box for employer name, enter in (or paste) in your page name. Fill in the rest of the required details

2. Add a Welcome Page

Facebook experts have said that adding a custom welcome landing tab to your fan page increase the chances of them exploring your page.

Create your welcome tab following these instructions:

http://www.cobblog.com/2011/07/create-welcome-tab-for-your-facebook.html

3. Use your Art to Grab the Viewer's Attention

Choose your five images on the top of your fan page to stand out and show what your art has to offer.

4. Recommend a Business

This new feature from Facebook allows your fans (or future fans) to write a recommendation on your page (You can also do one yourself). You could maybe ask your friends to help you also.

Here is a link explaining more:

http://www.cobblog.com/2011/07/recommend-this-place-for-artists.html

Featured Artist: Matias Causa

2011-08-23T22:30:00.000+01:00

BIOGRAPHY

I started working as a graphic designer, passing through commercial movie production, ended, on the web and interactive design area. Doing photography is my passion, trying to show the world the way I see things, full of colour sometimes, or dark and pale some other times. Life has brought me to travel, I love to travel, mostly to keep the images of the places I visit, the cultures I know, and the people that cross my path. I always encourage people who like to photography to experiment and experience, what lead me to have a blog, share some tips and advise about what I learn everyday in this amazing field.

WEBSITE / GALLERIES

http://dianublado.com/

http://www.behance.net/dianublado/frame/all

FEATURED ARTWORK

Title

Tango

Description

An in love couple perform Tango on the stage in a dance studio

Medium

Photograph

Title

Odalisque

Description

A young girl performing as an Odalisque

Medium

Photograph

Title

The Hunter

Description

A dancer performs on stage, as a hunter

Medium

Photograph

Title

Old Winery House

Description

In the Waiheke island, an old winery house, low saturation and grey day

Medium

Photograph

Title

Weed

Description

Weed branches on the beach, with an out of focus background

Medium

Photograph

Title

Wooden Staircase to the Beach

Description

The path down to the beach, in Waiheke island, through a wooden stair

Medium

Photograph

Please share Matias' work and feel free to leave any comments and critiques

How to Create a Favicon

2011-08-21T16:14:00.000+01:00

Websites use a favicon as a small logo and symbol of their site, such as the 'f' for Facebook, and 'g' for Google. I used a 'C' for my blog in the same style and font of my logo. You want to make a favicon that is simple, easy to read, unique and relevant to your site.

A favicon is a small icon that appears to the left of the website's url in the address bar, it usually appears at the left of the website's name on the tab too, like the image below:

To make your favicon, first you want to create a square logo with a program like Photoshop. You then need to resize the image as 16 x 16 pixels, and save it as a .png file.

Then go to Favicon Generator and convert your .png file to .ico format.

With our blogs, we used to have to add codes to the html in order to add your favicon, thankfully Blogger has made the process a lot easier. Go to 'Design', 'Page Elements' and you should see 'Favicon' at the top of the page with an 'Edit' button beside it. Upload your .ico file here. Job done.

Now you have a professional logo for your blog/website.

Featured Artist: Olga Hutsul

2011-08-17T23:07:00.000+01:00

BIOGRAPHY

There is one thing one has to have: either a soul that is cheerful by nature, or a soul made cheerful by work, love, art, and knowledge. (Friedrich Nietzsche)

It is usually towards the middle of one’s life all artificial and unnatural washes away and essential stays. You are faced with what’s real in you, what’s true to your soul, what’s your true passion. For me both photography and digital art became the way of cognition, the way of feeling, and the way of expression.
What makes art stand out? The personality of the artist. What makes artist stand out? His/her art. As they are one and the same, inseparable indeed. Photography and digital art are guided by the same principles, although they are so much newer to the world of art, with their unique perspectives to bring into it.
Photography offers a photographer (and through his/her eyes anyone who will be looking at a photograph) the luxury of immediate connection to the precious essence of the moment, whether that that moment is carefully staged and involves a dozen of people and complex props to set it up, or something as spontaneous as a play of a child with a ball. The composition, the depth of field, the quality of light are telling us as captivating a story as the subject itself. But at the same time photographer is very much at the mercy of the very moment by the virtue of, which his art comes to life: will the cloud come into the frame eventually? will the child turn around? will the model give that look that will make the image?
My digital art first started with adding a little bit more expression to photographs, but then it quickly turned into passion of its own with all its array of powerful tools for creativity. It is still based on my original photography but weather it is simply enhancing the mood in the original composition of the photograph, or building completely new composition with objects that would never be placed together in reality it is more subject to the rules of traditional art. It offers that flexibility.
I am lucky to live in Toronto now, a city that has so much variety and flavour, a city so vibrant and energetic, that it is almost impossible to hold the camera back when you walk its streets. It daily offers an incredible opportunity to capture its ever-changing moods and streetscapes. I just hope I will have enough time to turn it into a life-long project of telling its legends.

Copyright Notice: All images are the property of Olga Hutsul and may not be used wholly or in part without the prior written permission of the copyright holder, including copying, duplicating, printing, publishing , reproducing, storing, or transmitting by any means what so ever.©Olga Hutsul 2011

WEBSITES / GALLERIES

http://www.olgahutsulphotography.com/

FEATURED ARTWORK

Title

The Last Walk In The Garden Of Eden

Medium

Digital Art

Title

A Narrow Street of Villefranche

Description
A narrow street in the heart of quiet Villefranche, France with just a glimpse of sea. Does it get any cozier than this?

Medium

Digital Art

Title

Toronto Queen Street

Description
Busy Toronto Queen Street

Medium

Digital Art

Title

Canoes

Medium

Digital Art

Title

Immobile

Description
When everything seems to be in motion, some objects seem to remain to be still. But there is no real way to tell which is which.

Medium

Digital Art

Please share Olga's work and feel free to leave any comments and critiques below.

Photography

2011-08-16T19:51:00.000+01:00

All my life I have been painting and drawing. When I joined Fine Art America I noticed the majority of the work uploaded was photography, so I took a look through the photos I have taking over the years and found a few that were of a high enough quality to share with you online. I will continue to take photos and add to my collection.

Title

Cloud 9

Description

I photograph I took from my window on the plane to Portugal

Title

Gaudi's View

Description

A view over the city centre of Barcelona from inside one of the spires at the top of the Sagrada Familia, designed by Antonio Gaudi

Title

Roman Ruins of Jerash

Description

A photo of columns amongst Roman ruins in Jerash, Jordan

Title

Dead Sea Sunset

Description

A photograph of the Dead Sea in Jordan as the sun was setting

Featured Artist: Angelina Vick

2011-08-15T15:46:00.004+01:00

BIOGRAPHY

Artist Angelina Vick, is a new comer to the art world in multiple ways. She decided to fully pursue an art career only a couple years ago. Always adoring art, she has worked with multiple media and explored interests such as photography, paper art, doll making, collage and acrylic painting. Her insprations largely come from witnessing the world, it's nuances and what can be taken for granted. She has been known to photograph cooking food, dirty dishes, and views of everyday items in an undenitifiable way. Self taught, she is learning how to work digitally and with more complicated aspects of photography. Having bounced around the US, she enjoys the differences in culture and lifestyle. Her life's motto is 'Enjoy the journey.'

WEBSITES / GALLERIES

http://www.angelinavick.com/

FEATURED ARTWORK

Title
Upstaged by Orange

Description
These colourful daisies can brighten up any day...

Medium
Photograph

Title
When Clouds Meet Mountains

Description
One of the things I like most about living in CO is that the mountains look different nearly everyday. My favourite sight...a clear day with clouds hovering over the mountains. Just plain beautiful to me.

Medium
Photograph

Title
In The Light

Medium
Photograph Digitally Altered

Title
Red Spring Tulips

Description
I love when everything grows back again.

Medium
Photograph

Title
Daisy Crazy

Description
This is an older photograph, that I adore, it's happy go lucky atmosphere is infectious.

Medium
Photograph

Please share Angelina's work and feel free to leave any comments and critiques

Google Art Project

2011-08-12T15:46:00.002+01:00

Google has launched the 'Art Project' which allows you to explore museums from around the world, discover and view hundreds of artworks at incredible zoom levels, and even create and share your own collection of masterpieces.

http://www.googleartproject.com/

The level of detail when zoomed in fully is staggering. I think this it is the closest you will get to experiencing the masterpieces of the greats without actually going to see them in reality.

Have a look at this 'Visitors Guide' video below, you will be more than impressed.

Featured Artist: Cherie Duran

2011-08-11T19:20:00.004+01:00

BIOGRAPHY

My name is Cherie Duran and I am a stay at home mom to 3 wonderful kids! I have 1 boy who is my 11yr old video playing, guitar playing kid! He's a great kid!! The other two are Identical Twin Girls! They are my 7yr old divas who are social butterflies where ever they go. They are the reason for a few grey hairs I have developed since their birth--Wouldnt have it any other way. They are truely a blessing!! My Photography name is RaMaSo. RaMaSo stands for each of my childs name. Ra is for my sons name Ramzie----Ma is for my daughters name Malena---So is for my daughters name Sofia. They are my reasons for my love for photography so it only made sense that I included their names in my photography name. I have always had an interest in photography but it wasnt untill 11yrs ago when my son was born that my interest made me want to learn more. It wasnt untill 4yrs ago that the want to want to learn more turned into something that I NEEDED photography for therapy. It helped me get through some rough things. As long as I had that camera in my hand I was in a world of my own and I was in control of it. Now I am currently enrolled on a online course for photography. I feel like no matter how long you have been doing photography there is something you can always learn to improve. I love to photograph children at their best......being themselves! I love natural light but recently am working with studio lighting in my new studio. Besides photographing children I love to do Macro photography and have been known to take photography walks around town with my nephew to photograph things that just......strikes my fancy which can range from a old back door, a hole in the wall, flowers, bugs. Along with photography I also LOVE photoshop!! Photoshop is a wonderful tool to enhance your photograph and also a wonderful tool to create art! I could go on to say that photography is my passion but that is what everyother photographer says so in order not to sound like everyone else what I will say is that I hope that my photography shows my love for it--If it doesnt then I am doing something wrong.

WEBSITES / GALLERIES

Website:

http://cherie-duran.artistwebsites.com/

Blog:

http://ramasoproofs.blogspot.com/2011/05/leila-hunter.html

Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cherie-Duran-Fine-Art-Photographs/215230105166078

http://www.facebook.com/pages/RaMaSo-Photograhy/117111991667835

FEATURED ARTWORK

Title

Purple Beauties

Description

This photograph taken at the school my kids go to. They have a garden area there and these were blooming!

Medium

Photograph

Title

Homeless in Seattle

Description

This photograph was taken while we were driving around in Seattle.

Medium

Photograph

Title

A Couples Dance

Description

This was photograph was taken while I was experimenting with shadows.

Medium

Photograph

Title

Broken

Description

This is a photograph of my son that I edited in photoshop. Its an emotional subject! Broken...we have to many kids in this world who have been broken...... Broken Dreams, Broken Spirit.

Medium

Photograph

Title

Deep Thoughts

Description

This is a picture of my neice. I just loved this photograph and felt it would look great as a painting.

Medium

Photograph

Please share Cherie's work and leave any comments and critiques below.

"Recommend This Place" for Artists

2011-07-31T00:07:00.001+01:00

The Facebook Fan Page has become a very popular and successful tool for artists in online marketing. It is a great way to gain exposure by promoting your fan page to your current Facebook friends and future 'Fans'.

There are a selection of ways to share and promote your fan page through Facebook such as 'Invite / Suggest to Friends' which allows you to select any of your friends to recommend your page to.

The latest feature is called 'Recommend This Place', which is primarily aimed at businesses, shops, restaurants etc. It allows users to write a short recommendation of the business which is then published to the news feed and shown to their friends when they visit the page. The fact alone that it appears in their news feed provides great exposure for your page.

I really liked this new feature from Facebook, and thought myself and other artists could benefit from it and much as any business can. For instance, my friend is a fan of my page and was kind enough to write this recommendation:

"Interested in art or photography? Conor O'Brien Artwork has lots to offer. Beautiful, original art pieces and he is available for commissions! Come have a look..."

Now any time someone visits my page, the above recommendation appears to the right hand side of my page, and the user is able to like and comment on it, or write their own recommendation. It also provides the you (Admin of fan page) to write your own recommendations, I intended mine to show what services I offer:

"Contemporary fine artist offering prints & originals for sale online and locally"

So go and make full use of this new feature!

Featured Artist: Brigitte Cadena

2011-07-25T20:13:00.014+01:00

BIOGRAPHY

Born in 1969, American Artist, Texas, Brigitte Cadena, Bricadena, B

Creativity is in my blood,I find I am most happy when I am creating. I shot my first

pictures in a high school photography class. Since I started I never really stopped. My
interest in art has always been present whether it was photography, paintings, abstracts, drawings or use of pastels and charcoals. My love of photography has only grown more passionate over the years. I enjoy capturing moments in time.

WEBSITES / GALLERIES

Website:

www.bricadena.com

Blog:

www.bricadena.wordpress.com

Facebook:

www.facebook.com/pages/Bricadena-Photography-and-Fine-Art/273905692643

FEATURED ARTWORK

Title

Crimson Sky

Medium

Photograph

Title

Walk in the Park

Medium

Photograph

Title

First Heartbreak

Medium

Charcoal - Mixed Media

Title

Harmony

Medium

Ink on Paper

Title

Innocence in Watercolor

Medium

Watercolour

CHARITY

Bricadena recently donated artwork to the American Red Cross for a silent auction to be held at one of their annual meetings locally.

Please share Brigitte's work and feel free to leave any comments and critiques.

Featured Artist: Cynthia Dickinson

2011-07-20T02:53:00.002+01:00

BIOGRAPHY

Art school. Cast Iron and Bronze Sculpture, University of MN.
Currently involved in several projects---
Shooting 4 seasons for the DNR at McCarthy Beach State Park, Side Lake, MN.
Shooting the Mesabi Iron Range from Skybo to Grand Rapids, MN--on going project for the past year.
Documenting with photographs and blog 'Taming Chipmunks and Other Stories from the RV.

CURRENT SHOW

'Grace Inspirations: A Photographic Depiction of the Iron Range'. MN Discovery Center, Chisholm, MN.

WEBSITES / GALLERIES

http://cynthia-dickinson.artistwebsites.com/

http://www.saatchionline.com/dickinsonphotography

FEATURED ARTWORK

Title

Crossroads

Description

Digital manipulation of stone in Lake Superior. Hat Point, Grand Portage, MN.

Medium

Photograph

Title

Fancy Dancers

Description

Fancy dancers at 2008 powwow

Medium

Photograph

Title

Stone Abstract

Description

Stone on overburden waste dump. KeeTac iron mine. Keewatin, MN

Medium

Photograph

Title

No Limit to the Distances

Description

Digitally manipulated image of two flowers

Medium

Photograph

Title

Water Lily

Description

Water Lily at Majorie McNeely Conservatory, St. Paul, MN

Medium

Photograph

Please 'Like' and 'Share' Cynthia's work and feel free to leave any comments and critiques.

Create a Welcome Tab for your Facebook Fan Page

2011-07-19T22:29:00.001+01:00

If you have a Fan Page in through Facebook promoting your art, a customised welcome page for your visitors is a very professional way to promote your artwork, website, blogs etc. I made my welcome page today and can be seen in the screenshot below. For a closer look, VISIT MY FAN PAGE.

Advantages of a Welcome Page:
- When a new visitor arrives at your page, they can be greeted with your welcome page (if you select it as your default tab).
- You can feature your best artwork on your welcome page to encourage to 'Like' your page and become a follower of your art.
- I used my welcome page to advertise my website, blog and zazzle pages. You can use it to promote any of your online websites and stores.

I created this welcome page at pagemodo and is completely FREE. You can pay for extra premium features, but you will be very happy with what you can do for free, there are a wide range of themes are available to choose from. You can create, customise and publish your welcome page through the very easy steps on their website.

So go ahead and create your welcome page, any new visitors can land on your welcome page (existing fans will always land on your 'Wall' page).

Artwork Slideshow

2011-07-17T16:36:00.001+01:00

Google+ (The Latest Social Network)

2011-07-14T03:30:00.012+01:00

For the past few weeks we have been using a new feature that Google launched, the +1 button. It worked in a similar way to the 'Like' button from Facebook.

Now Google has went one step further and launched their attempt of social networking, Google+.

What is Google+?

Basically, Google+ is an amalgamation of several services we already use. The idea,according to Google, is to do them better. Below are the main features your profile will provide:

- Circles group your friends into different categories such as friends, family, workmates etc. People are very easily added to the groups by simply dragging their name to it. You can also make your own circles.

- Sparks works similar to stumble upon, where you can find content that fit your interests. Each interest will have it's own page and will provide links to related information.

- Hangouts are like chat rooms which allow you to video chat with people form your circles.

- Huddles is an application that allows group messaging for people from your circles, which can also be used from Android phones.

Whenever you are signed into Google, you might have noticed a toolbar along the top of you internet browser, you will be able to access your Google+ profile and all other features directly from that toolbar. Another cool feature, is that it is all linked in to your Android phone, you can download the app HERE. You can view your updates in a stream similar to Facebook and Twitter.

Now I'm sure you want to be part of this new social networking adventure, and are wondering how do you get Google+. Well at the moment it is invite only, you can visit the HOMEPAGE to request one, or I can invite you to it. Here is my Google+. If you would like an invite, leave your email address in the comments section below.

Featured Artist: Christi Kraft

2011-07-11T17:31:00.002+01:00

BIOGRAPHY

One of my very first cameras was a little pink rectangular point-and-shoot, probably won at an arcade. I used that little camera, and subsequent cheap replacements, to photograph everything I found interesting in my world, racking up countless rolls of 35mm film chock full of images of friends, family, and the occasional vacation.

In college, I experienced the fascinating joy of hand processing my film, spending hours working in the photo lab to create just the right image. Using a very heavy, well-loved Canon AE-1, I learned the mechanics behind the images and expanded my subject horizons to include portraiture and wedding photography. I miss the chemical darkroom, but I have developed a deep appreciation for the electronic darkroom.

These days, I have migrated to the world of the digital SLR. Inevitably, I still produce tons of photographs, particularly when I am able to visit new and exciting locations. My fine art images capture a wide array of subjects from architecture to natural wonders; mostly, though, they capture my unique view of the world in which we live.

WEBSITES / GALLERIES

Website:

http://christikraftphotography.com/

Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/ChristiKraftPhotography

Twitter:

http://www.twitter.com/CKPFineArt

FEATURED ARTWORK

Title

Wooden Door at Tower Hill

Description

Hardwood, glass, iron and stone work together to hold in the history and secrets of London's Tower Hill

Medium

Photograph

Title

Spheres and Steps

Description

Black stone spheres line up against cement steps

Medium

Photograph

Title

Lava Shore

Description

With each new lava flow, this cliff grows and juts further into the ocean, adding inches to the land mass of Hawaii's Big Island. It's been a while, as indicated by the green plantlife that has taken root. This area is located in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Medium

Photograph

Title

Baby Bear

Description

This sweet little Black bear was photographed near Gatlinburg, Tennessee, with his mother and sibling nearby

Medium

Photograph

Title

Purple Water Lily

Description

I came across this sweetly vibrant little flower in an arboretum in Maui, Hawaii

Medium

Photograph

Please 'Like' and 'Share' Christi's work and feel free to leave any comments and critiques

Advertising Now Available!

2011-07-07T18:03:00.003+01:00

I am now offering advertising slots on my blog, with a range of prices and time periods. You can have very cheap advertising for a week only, or make huge savings if you purchase an ad for a month or three months.

You can see the ad slots on the top bar and the left and right side bars of my blog. For further details, go to the ADVERTISING section of my blog.

Featured Artist: Marco Antonio Aguilar

2011-07-05T17:23:00.002+01:00

BIOGRAPHY

Marco grew up in the small Caribbean nation of Belize. He cannot remember a time when he was not involved in something creative. He studied art at St. John’s College and it was there that he fell in love with the acrylic medium. In Belize, he painted numerous tropical scenes and wildlife paintings including a mural in the library at St. John’s. After graduation, Marco moved to California to try his hand at acting and quickly became a fixture in Antelope Valley theatre and has performed in many local productions there and in the Los Angeles area. A true renaissance man, Marco has won multiple awards for acting, directing, choreography and set design. While studying everything from acting, to commercial singing, to various styles of dance, painting took a back seat. It was not until he was “volunteered” to help paint a backdrop for a local theatre production that the fire was rekindled. The scene was an English garden with blue skies and billowy clouds. Constant compliments from the cast and crew made Marco re-evaluate his lost art form and he found himself once again putting brush to canvas.

Marco Antonio’s current painting style is virtually self-taught. He has developed it through years of experimentation and observing other great artists and their techniques. He admits to being impatient and likes to work in acrylic for its speed more than anything else. He uses the play of light and shadow to create playful ocean creatures as well as land and seascapes that capture the imagination.

"I love the play of light and shadow, and I use my theatrical background as reference for the dramatic lighting that seems to be the general theme in all my work. I love to observe the way light reacts in different settings. I am fascinated by the way it dances on water, or the way dust particles seem to float in a beam of light, or the way it will make rocks seem to glow. It just transports me to a place of tranquility and happiness."

WEBSITES / GALLERIES

Website:

http://www.marcozart.com/

Fine Art America:

http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/marco-antonio-aguilar.html

FEATURED ARTWORK

Title

Honu's Dance

Description

Named after the Hawaiian name for sea turtle, Honu's Dance is my personal Ode to Joy

Medium

Acrylic on Canvas

Title

Graceful Three

Description

My take on the famous "Three Graces"

Medium

Acrylic on Canvas

Title

Sunlit Dream

Medium

Acrylic on Canvas

Title

At First Light

Description

The Morning Sun bursting through the forest canopy and illuminates this babbling brook in this ethereal landscape painting from Marco's Enchanted Woods series. Limited Edition Fine Art Print Print on Archival Rag Paper. Paper 16x20, Image 14x18. Edition Size 250 Hand signed and Numbered by the Artist

Medium

Acrylic on Canvas

Title

Transcending Beauty

Medium

Acrylic on Canvas

Please 'Like' and 'Share' Marco's work and feel free to leave any comments and critiques

Series: Social Message

2011-06-29T23:32:00.005+01:00

My new series of paintings that depict a social message

Title
Victim of Circumstance

Description
A man who has been made redundant due to the economic climate, which has forced him to become homeless

Medium
Oil on Canvas

Title

Some Wounds Never Heal

Description

A painting illustrating that in war, there are no unwounded soliders. The pain never goes away

Medium

Acrylic on Canvas

Title

The Outcome of War is in Our Hands

Description

A painting of a soldier reaching out to a local boy while on a patrol

Medium

Acrylic on Canvas

Featured Artist: Shasta Eone

2011-06-27T22:33:00.007+01:00

BIOGRAPHY

Serenity Scenes - fine art paintings, photography, graphics.
The interest in art began in the sixth grade. It got encouragement in the eigth grade when a water color painting was entered into the Los Angeles city wide school district competition. This was primarily for high school students, however, the painting won Honorable Mention at Carnegie Institute. Upon entering high school I was granted opportunity to engage in three art course per year, due to the highly qualified art teacher at the time. By way of that instruction, a foundation was gained for any type of art I might wish to enter later. As a senior, I was hired to freelance with Proctor & Gamble.

The entrance into commercial art was launched following two semesters at Ottis Art Institute. A life in art has been enjoyed in graphcs, photography, video production, educational and commercial television, directing and producing, including time as a Walt Disney special effects and background artist.

The return to fine art and my passion for painting came with retirement resulting in showings, publicity, gallery connections and community networking. Now accomplished, is a ' Serenity Scenes ' collection of some 100 acrylic paintings, ( and continuing, ) also graphics, photography and a few unusual stone slab paintings. 'Serenity Scenes' in the home or office provide moments to relax, review and remember favorite times and places. ( paintings with a purpose ) SERENITY renews body, mind and spirit. This senior, ( age, late 70's ) Shasta Eone is an active contributing International Federation Landscape artist.

The purchasers of 'Serenity Scenes' prints through Fine Art America, may obtain a Certificate of Authenticity ( titled, numbered, dated and signed ) assuring the greatest value of your fine art investments: Supply a copy of your purchase showing FAA ID, the title and size of the print. Address TO:

( Rep ) L. Spiegel 124 Laurel St. #4 Central Point, OR 97502

WEBSITES / GALLERIES

http://shasta-eone.artistwebsites.com/

WCLA Administrator:
http://fineartamerica.com/groups/west-coast-plus--landscape-artists.html

FEATURED ARTWORK

Title

Lithia Park

Medium

Acrylic on Canvas

Title

Remember When

Medium

Acrylic on Canvas

Title

Forest Light

Medium

Acrylic on Canvas

Title

Heading In

Medium

Acrylic on Canvas

Title

Moonlight Tide

Medium

Acrylic on Canvas

Please 'Like' and 'Share' Shasta's work and feel free to leave any comments and critiques

My Zazzle Store - COB artist

2011-06-24T23:28:00.002+01:00

I wanted to share my Zazzle store with my fans and followers. My artwork and photographs are incorporated into a wide range of products such as Apple iPod & iPad cases - Cards & Postcards - Clothes - Cups, Mugs & Steins - Doodle Speakers - High Tops & Low Tops - Keds & Plimsoles - Keychains - Magnets - Mousepads - Ornaments & Decorations - Pins & Badges - Posters & Prints - Shoulder/Handbags - Slip Ons - Stickers

Below is a Flash Panel of my most popular products:

View more personalized gifts from Zazzle.

I received the TBA (Today's Best Award) for "Guilty Pleasure" Speakers:

CLICK HERE TO VISIT MY STORE!