Except from my First Edition Newsletter

 

  Wet Paint! Studios 

Classic Car Artwork by Lori Rae – Featuring Corvettes
 

 

      1956 Corvette “Red Molli”

     

 

As far as subject matter, those who know me know that Vintage Cars  appear on my darling list of favorite things to paint. I am fascinated with the shape of older cars. I love their curves, their lines, their shapes, and their greatness. When painting these classics my stylized self emerges again. The first vintage car I “had” to paint was a rusty, little, aqua colored Nash Metropolitan. Sitting, slanted on a curb in a historic, shotgun-house-filled neighborhood in New Orleans, it begged for my attention and eventually found its likeness on canvas. This spiraled into the eventual sale of Car Portraits. Although I have painted cars from the 1940’s to 1990’s of all makes and models, there is one car that I have a special attachment to. It’s the Chevrolet Corvette. The word “Stingray” has special meaning in my home, and the love of these cars truly does catch on. If you ask me which year  I desire? I will tell you that I love C1 (first generation) cars. The 1969 also have a special place in my studio as you can see in Fathom City – named after the original GM color with a play on words (Gotham City)!  Since there are two Corvette enthusiasts in the family (three if you include Stella our Mini-Doxie who has been for a ride in the Convertible), we decided to join NCRS (National Corvette Restorers Society).  I have been attending events such as “Vettes for Pets” & “Corvette Day” with my artwork in tow, dog at my feet & my husband Rich by my side.

 

           

 

 

 

 

 

 

   1959 Corvette “Irene”
 

  

 

 

 

                                    1969 Corvette Stingray “Fathom City”

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Theme of the day – From ArtMatters! Tip of the Week

Wow, I just received this and even though this is an art website, I find their advice can be applied to anything that you strive to succeed in.  This came after I wrote my “staying inpired blog post.”

ArtMatters! Tip of the Week: Artists – Tap Into Your Inner Strength

Tapping into your inner strength is a habit. Like building muscles, the more you use your inner wisdom, the stronger it gets. You have probably gotten through tough situations this far in your life that have nothing to do with a tough art market. There is no reason to think that you can’t do so again. Success requires lots of mistakes. Take a lesson from kids and take “do-overs.” If you stay alert and open, you may get more out of the effort you put into your art business than you thought possible. There may be times when you fail to get the result you wanted. This does not mean that you are a failure. The only failure is stopping.  “The important thing is not to stop questioning.  Curiosity has its own reason for existing.  One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend a little of this mystery each day. Never lose a holy curiosity.” – Albert Einstein   1. Relax and trust yourself. Start with noticing what makes you uptight. Stop the mind chatter and take a few deep breaths. Get clear so you can take action. 2. Have a commitment to the results you want without attachment. Explore many options to achieve what you want before deciding on a course of action. Once you decide on  a course of action commit with every fiber in your being. 3.Decide, Act, Learn, Adjust Decide what you want to do. Do it. Notice what works and what does not work. Do more of what works. Stop doing what does not work. Start doing new things and repeat the cycle. These ideas may sound simple, but when you put them into action, the results can be profound.  Stop worrying, expand your options and get into action.

Staying inspired in 2009

Three times the fun!

Many artists I have know have not had the sales of last year or 2007, and although most artists that I know are not creating just to generate income, we need make room in our studios for our latest works!  2009 has been a great time to kick up my marketing efforts, to plump up my much depleted art inventory, and to really take my time (instead of some of the unrealistic deadlines I have forced on myself in the past.)  I have brought my attitude back to basics viewing my art business as holistic.  I don’t “just” paint, or “just” show, or “just” market, I am always looking into the future and challenging myself with new ideas.  Some of these ideas work, some don’t, but I find I am learning from each effort; day to day, week to week.  When I paint it’s pure pleasure, there is no work, I reach my zone and my instinct takes over, often leaving me with an end result that even I am surprised by.  So what inspires me? Well, I have a long list of works I would like to create (and have yet to) some which include Catalina Island, New Orleans, doxie dogs, and more vintage car paintings. Thanks for reading my blog.

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Sign up for my Newsletter & Event Updates

I am just about to send my very first Newsletter (ever) & have a great list of people who have been following my “artistic cause” .  I will be sending Newsletters four times a year & occasional emails.  I use my daily blog for the day-to-day stuff & to highlight new paintings or anything going on in my art world. 

Interested? I would invite you to join by clicking http://www.wetpaintstudios.com/welcome.htm and adding your email to address to Sign up for Lori Rae’s email Newsletter and Event Announcements!

Thanks you

Lori Rae

Painting my latest commission outside

This weekend I had the rare opportunity of painting outside.  I say this because here in Maine, we have had at least a month of bad weather, weekends included.  I am working on a 30×30 commission & I hadn’t started it yet.  With some of the nicer weather that we had on Saturday, I was able to set up outside (I like the driveway better than the lawn actually) – with Stella on her run close by & Rich working on a project himself.  I didn’t know how I would like it, I’m not a plein air painter, and even so – I’m actually a little shy when it comes to people watching me paint.  Our yard is private accept for the neighbors that our driveways connect with.  So, I did end up having some spectators off and on, including my neighbors little guy who is over 2 plus. I started by working out my background, the commission is a Fleur Di’ Lis for my sister-in-law from New Orleans.  I wanted the background to be as interesting as the painting but to compliment, not compete.  I used rich purples, maroons, and dark blues in wide brush strokes.  The effect was very cool.  I like to normally let the paint truly dry to move on, and the sky was darkening, so I packed my work up for that day.  Sunday, wow, what a day! I enjoyed my morning and resumed my outdoor painting position outside.  I freehanded the coat of arms (because that’s just how I work) – but it wasn’t without lots of measuring, almost graphing out placement, and constantly checking and rechecking my sketch for it’s symmetrical self.  Once I drew on my canvas with very dry paint, I was able to see the composition. Stopping, starting, and stepping back I was slowly making progress that was positive.  After a lunch break, I decided to start applying color to the Fleur Di’ Lis & it really started to come to life. Finally, I laid gold lightly fan-brushed over the rich colors, which gives the whole piece a very antiquated feel to it. So how did I like painting outside?  It was really great, I will do this again.  It’s not that I don’t love my studio; it’s just that my body has been lacking some vitamin D, and there is nothing like seeing your work in “natural” light!  I may touch up a few spots inside, but I think it’s ready to be signed, sealed and delivered.  I’ll post it after my customer (sister-in-law Becky) sees it.

The Big Kahuna

 When we traveled to Houston in May, by the way Houston is  a very very Pet Friendly City, we ran across a free dog magazine at this trendy little Vegan Restaurant (In Texas, I know, crazy talk) – it was on 19th Street in Houston in what is referred to as “The Heights” where some cousins of mine own a fabulous home.  This was the cover picture, and the title said “The Big Kahuna” – anyways, of course I saved it and piled it with my reference for a future painting.  I normally complete a small painting like this in one sitting, however, this time I actually went back three times to work on it (due to time.) One of those times was on my lunch hour from work, on a rainy day (no dog walk), with 1/2 hour of time on my hands and have already done the underpainting, I worked on this painting (Stella by my side).  It wasn’t finished until Monday Night (for a show that I installed Tuesday at Daunis.)  The size is 8×8 – Acrylic on Canvas – $125

More about Pet Portraits at www.wetpaintstudios.com

New Cat Paintings – today’s listing Blue Eyes

 Blue eyes is a 12×12 Acrylic Painting on Canvas $125

I spent some time in my studio on Friday working on two new cat paintings for the 12×12 show at SKG in July/August. I started off using reference from a siamese, but quickly made this painting as unique and different from the picture as I could, with concentrationon the eyes.  I used the blue from the eyes to accent the fur, create blue whiskers, and add some color to the ears.  Visit www.wetpaintstudios.com for more cat paintings or information about pet portraits.  Share my blog with a friend.  Thanks for looking.

Cat Note Cards – New Variety Packs Printed Yearly

Frenzied Felines

Since 2005, I have created a variety package of note cards based on past or then current paintings.  Each year, I change the images and have continued this tradition throught 2009. I normally have my 2010 cards printed at the end of 2009 in time for the holiday art shows. This is great because customers have mentioned they look forward to the new variety each year.

Professionally printed cards, based on Lori Rae’s popular Frenzied & not so Frenzied Feline Paintings, are now available for purchase.

Each card does have a slight white border around the image and measures 6.50 x 4.25, and the inside is blank . The back of each card identifies the name of the cat and original size of the painting with medium.

To purchase cards, either individually or in packages, contact Lori directly or visit one of the locations listed below.

Cards are seven to a package and are a variety.  Blog Special 3 for $20.00 (normally $10.00 each)

Professionally printed cards, based on Lori Rae’s popular Vintage Car paintings are available for purchase.

Professionally printed cards, based on Lori Rae’s popular Vintage Car paintings are now available for purchase.

Each card does have a slight white border around the image and measures 6.50 x 4.25, and the inside is blank . The back of each card identifies the car make and model as well as the  name of the painting, e.g., Maggie!

To purchase cards, either individually or in packages, contact Lori directly or visit one of the locations listed below.

Note – There are three different variety packages, all packages will include a total of 10 cards (cover cards with less than ten images will include bonus cards not shown.)

For your ordering convenience, each selection is labeled with an endearing car name.

$13.00 Per Package

These are available for sale at:

Casco Bay Frames, 295 Forest Ave., Portland, Maine. Phone: (207) 774-1260.

Sylvia Kania Gallery, 148 High St., State Street Building, Portland, Maine – Hours: 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, or by chance any other time.

Cards can also be purchased by contacting Lori Rae directly at lorirae@wetpaintstudios.com or 207-415-7143  – Credit Cards Accepted

 Mention that you saw this on my blog and you can purchase 3 for $20

Original Artwork Reproduction Note Cards

Variety Pack 5 Cards - $10.00

Dog Cards

4  Prints of Original Artwork in Note card form plus 1 Cover Card (with all images shown)
   
·  Professionally Printed 
·  Envelope Included
·  Blank inside
·  Artist Information on the back of the card
·  Each Card represents a painting noted with its title (or name)
·  Size is A-2 or 5.5″ x 4.25″ and takes regular postage now .41cents

These are available for sale at:

Casco Bay Frames, 295 Forest Ave., Portland, Maine. Phone: (207) 774-1260.

Sylvia Kania Gallery, 148 High St., State Street Building, Portland, Maine – Hours: 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, or by chance any other time.

Cards can also be purchased by contacting Lori Rae directly at lorirae@wetpaintstudios.com or 207-415-7143  – Credit Cards Accepted

 Mention that you saw this on my blog and you can purchase 3 for $20