Portfolio Tips for Artists

Your portfolio is a presentation of your work…true statement.

Here is another one…galleries represent artists.

The objective of your fine art portfolio is to use it as a tool to build a long-standing relationship with a gallery. Look at your portfolio as if it is an extension of you as an artist not just a display case. Ask yourself; is it polished and professional or a little rough around the edges?  Does it contain only your best work or everything you ever did?

Does it answer the questions?

• Is the artist serious?
• Does the artist have a chance to succeed in the world of art?
• Is the artist worth representing?

If you answer yes then click next, you do not need to read any further.  If you answer no, continue reading and we will work through this together.

Read More About:  Building a Fine Art Portfolio

Social Media for Self-Promoting Artists: Eight Relevant Resources

Hello fellow artists, I know that I am singing to the choir when I say that using Social Media to promote your art is a time consuming but important task. Knowing what works and what is a time waster is essential to developing a successful marketing strategy and there is no denying that the research must be done. Equally important is gaining an understanding of the social networking tools you are using and how to make the most of them. If you are anything like me, slogging through a miasma of infinitesimal articles and blog posts on the subject is equally laborious and frankly, I am frustrated with clicking through a gazillion useless posts that rehash old news and fail to deliver. So, here is a list of eight relevant resources that will help you get off the computer and back to the studio a wee bit sooner.

1.      Top 15 Most Popular Social Networking Sites | November 2011

Nothing fancy here, just a comprehensive list of social networking sites and their current ranking.  As of yet I have not researched all of them to identify the size of artists communities but I think it may be worth the effort.  Interesting to note the placement of Google+ on this list.

2.      Understanding Facebook’s New ‘Insights’ Analytics

If understanding the insights on your Facebook fan page is still a bit of a mystery, this article will be very illuminating.   Although it is not art focused, it explains Face book Insights in simple terms and puts into plain language how to use them to build your fan base.

Read more about: Social Media for Self-Promoting Artists: Eight Relevant Resources

Mixed Media, Encaustic and Acrylic: A Figurative Painting From Start to Finish

Following the good example of some fellow artist/bloggers, it is time to share a little bit about my working process. 

The piece featured in this post is part of a new body of work called “Impressions”. This series began in early spring and is inspired by what I see during walks here and there in Gibsons.  From mini eco-systems, alive with tiny blooms fighting their way through weedy overgrowth, to hauntingly beautiful forested trails.

The work is based upon the impressions that remain with me days, weeks and months after these outings.

The canvas I am working on today belongs to the part of the collection I am calling “Carole” as each piece is an impression retained from an evening walk with …Carole.

Read more about: Mixed Media, Encaustic and Acrylic: A Figurative Painting From Start to Finish

Amazing Crayon Art

I needed some fresh inspiration.

So, while the blank canvas sitting on my art table threw me scornful glances.  I sat down to do a little motivational surfing. Checking out the websites of other encaustic artists usually does the trick. However today I was searching for something a little more related to the wax medium I work in. Using the keyword crayon as my guide, It was not long before I was ensnared in a clicking frenzy.

It would seem that I am not the only artist having fun with crayons.

Here is a nod to the wonderful artists whose sites and blogs I visited today. Do not be shy about clicking the links and giving them a visit.

Read more about: Amazing Crayon Art

Writing your Artist’s Bio

For many artists writing their Artist’s Bio can seem a tedious and daunting task

Writing about your self surely is a little uncomfortable and intimidating. Yet, your Artist’s Bio is mandatory for a professional art career. If a career in art is what you are after you will certainly need a bio for press releases, webpage’s, exhibitions and your portfolio. Therefore, unless you can hire a professional writer to do it for you it is time to tackle it yourself. The good news is there are some excellent internet resources to help you get started. Like this one, which will outline for you a few options in the approaches you can take writing it.

Read More About: Writing your Artist’s Bio

Your Artist’s Statement

If your are anything like me you love the creative side of your art but dread the business needs. 

Even though I love to write, I am not so fond of writing about myself,  so writing an artist statement is something I really procrastinate on.  This article is meant to make the process easy and also emphasize the importance of looking after the business side of your art.

Consider your artist’s statement a front line marketing tool. It has the power to influence buyers to invest in your art…or turn around and walk the other way.

Read More About: Your Artist’s Statement

Encaustic Painting in the Nude: The Naked Truth

The first thing you need to know about Encaustic painting in the nude is…it is ill advised. Hot wax and bare skin are not a great combination. The next thing you need to know is that this post is not about a Hot Wax Fetish.

Encaustic painting in the nude is a reference to an artist’s fear of the bare canvas.  Every artist I know is familiar with the pregnant pause of creativity. The stage you face after you have busied yourself organizing your workstation, preparing your materials and choosing your pallet. Each artist has felt that precise “now what?” moment staring into the bare space of an expectant canvas.

Read More About: Encaustic Painting in the Nude: The Naked Truth