Working on Holiday Orders

How fun, one of my art customers paid me to paint her cat…and now she is having her mom come and pick up the painting, wrap it, and surprise her on Christmas Day.  How fun is that, I love it.  The cat’s name is Bella and she has such a precious face and beautiful markings. I stared her last weekend and will be making sure she is done today. I plan to have her delivered by Friday. 

I’ve started Harley, a 24×24 and it’s coming out very good, I will finish him Fri/Sat this week and deliver him Sunday (you gotta love having the studio right next to the furnace and fast drying medium!) This painting is a mug shot, I’m very excited as Harley has become one of Stella’s pals from her Sunday small dog play group.

I delivered the Rotties on Sunday, I can’t wait to post them, they really came out great. I will post all of these Holiday paintings after Christmas so as not to ruin any surprises.

One more week of Art and then a little break for me before I recharge and figure out what the order is for next year.  More commissions, that I already know, 8×8 series, mini babies, who knows…I’ll think about it and charge ahead with the new year…right after I close my books and get them to the accountant.  Look for changes on my website over the next few weeks, I’ve updated all my new work. Thanks for checking out my blog!

Art Matters Newsletter by Aletta De Wal

Share Your Creativity with Children Children and artists have something in common – they understand the joy in creativity from the inside out. When artists and children create together, there is magic in the air. Here are two stories to warm your heart. Artists Catherine Foster and Sheryl Allen believe in sharing their creative wealth often and with anyone who will play. To celebrate children, they created The Red Nose Society fun-draiser for the annual Scholastic Art Awards sponsored by the Arts Council of Snohomish County, Washington. The award recognizes outstanding creative teenagers. The funds go to scholarships for graduating seniors. See if you can find my picture if you decide to make a donation. Catherine and Sheryl created Art and Soul Radio to explore the creative process for hobbyists, professional artists and anyone ready to fully express their creative potential. Guests and topics include artists, authors, coaches, art materials, techniques, and the business of art. To hear my interview (11/16/2009) and the first two months of archived shows, listen to current shows, download and subscribe please go to: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/art-and-soul-radio. I was happy to donate an hour to help them help you. Please spread the word. Since Kellyann Gilson-Lyman began producing art in 2000, she has worked with children every year. “I enjoy conceptualizing collaborative projects, so the participants can experience the creative process. I believe experiencing the creative process fosters better problem solving. Art challenges one to work a piece to completion, which takes commitment. Most art practices require commitment to achieve refinement. Either working from an artist’s process, i.e. Van Gogh, Brice Marden, Line & Form or colorist theory, we create a piece together. I generally photograph the piece, so each artist receives a piece of the whole. Many of these pieces art auctioned each year. I believe art is for all to enjoy. These projects are my way of sharing this process. Peace to all this Season, kellyannart.com” How are you using your art for children? Please share your creative wealth and post your stories here.

Holiday Art Sale at Fraser Art Studios Extended

Dear Lori Rae,

It’s truly “that time of year!” The time when there is no time and there are not one but many options of “things to do, people to see” … Whether it’s parties, family gatherings, or one of the many arts and crafts events throughout Southern Maine…there simply is not enough time to do it all.  This is why we have decided to extend our shopping hours at Fraser Art Studios.   Thank you for your support. Lori Rae Curole Buy Local: All I can say is “wow” I worked the sale this past Saturday and I wanted to buy everything.  From Elizabeth Fraser’s Daily Paintings (in all sizes) to Tabitha’s inspiring jewerly and Liz’s yummy smelling soaps. Michael’s landscape small paintings are great. Don’t miss John’s Ceramic’s and Pet Art by three different artists!  A massage gift certiciate from Maureen Roy (she is amazing!) and Fiber art by Ashley!  Last but of course not least, don’t miss my small cat paintings $35 – $40 and gift boxed note cards in Holiday, Cats, or Dogs!           Paintings – Holiday Note Cards – Jewerly – Ceramics – Fiber Art  - Massage Gift Certificates – Block Prints – Pet Art – Block Prints – Soap – Animal Artwork Note Cards – Small Paintings   FESTIVE – FUNKY AND FABULOUS Support Local Art The Talent: Lori Rae Curole, Elizabeth Fraser, Ashley Weymouth,  John Morrill Read, Maureen Roy, Michael Fraser, Tabitha Byrnes, and Liz Rettenmaier.      Location:   The Fraser Art Studio is located at 81 Congress St., in the heart of Munjoy Hill, between the Blue Spoon & Front Room restaurants & across from Rosemont Bakery,. Look for the pale yellow house with a purple door & white picket fence … enter through front door & then take the door on your right.     Hours:    Monday   December 14 – 11am-7pm Tuesday  December 15 – 11am-7pm Wed.       December 16 – 11am-7pm Thurs      Day by appointment only Friday     December 18  – 11am-7pm Sat. & Sun. Dec. 19 & Dec. 20 – 9am-3pm Become a Fan of Wet Paint! Studios on Facebook Gift Idea?  Stuck on that one perfect gift for the holidays? How about a Pet Portrait Gift Certificate from Wet Paint! Studios. Starting at $55 for 4×4 to $600 for a 30×30 and every shape and size in between. Contact Lori Rae’s Pet Portraits now and I’ll hand deliver a gift wrapped Gift Certificate with a free package of Holiday Note Cards. Happy Holidays  Lori Rae Curole Wet Paint! Studios and Lollipop Art Productions

Celebrating our Sixth Year – Frasier Holiday Art Show

Fraser Art Studio’s Group Holiday Art Sale
Host: Fraser Art Studio
Type: Music/Arts – Exhibit
Network: Global
Start Time: Friday, December 11, 2009 at 5:00pm
End Time: Sunday, December 13, 2009 at 4:00pm
Location: Festive, funky & fabulous … don’t miss out!

10 artist friends come together to share their work at Fraser Art Studio: paintings, cards, jewelry, fiber art, wood fired ceramics, bags, dish towels, massage gift certificates, found object art, monsters, pet portraits, soaps, lip balms, coasters, block prints, stocking stuffers & MORE! BUY LOCAL ART & shop ’til you drop!
Dec 11th-13th … See you then!

Sea Holiday Show this past weekend

What a great show, despite the fact that Portland, Maine had at least ten other Arts, Crafts, and Holiday Festivals on Friday Night (not to mention First Friday) … I thought the crowds were still decent. Saturday brought a day threatening to snow and people shopping. I met a lot of great people Saturday who were truly interested in art. My booth looked great, sandwiched between a bamboo wood clock maker and a jewler named Martha Sullivan. Sadly, by the end of the show my show-mate Martha realized that one of her rings were shoplifted from her booth. Now that’s sad! The crowds disappeared as the snow started to fall over Portland and beautiful Back Cove and we packed up and went home. All in all, a good show…some surprises, commissions were up, cards were down…No Surprise that I sold several of the mini paintings!

Time to set up and do it all again at Fraser Art Studios next Friday, Saturday and Sunday!

It’s Showtime

Only another half hour before I race across town to participate in my fourth Trade Event Expo through the Trade Exchange. Tomorrow, taking a well deserved day off from the DJ (day job) I am going to organize my booth for the first of two Holiday Show’s that I’m participating in over the next week.  Each show is a little different, so this requires sorting, choosing, etc.

In other related news, my holiday commissions are coming along nicely and I am keeping the schedule stress free this year (unlike last, painting on 12/23, delivering 12/24) – already I have orders for 2010 (yipee.) 

I’m looking forward to working in my repective booths over the next three days and talk to people who really appreciate all the great art at these shows.  Hopefully I can update in my blog from the shows from my new Iphone with a featured WordPress App.

Thanks for reading!

Share Your Creative Wealth Art Matters by Aletta de Wal

“I was not the best in Grade 4 art class because the teacher told me I was drawing trees the wrong way.” This comment in the November issue of Art Matters! prompted the question “How did you rediscover the joy of making art?” The short answer is that art saved my life when I was 40. Up to that point, I made my living as an educator. I was – and still am – a learning geek. Then one day, all that went away without warning. I found myself unable to read, write, walk and talk in all the ways I had taken for granted. After a doctor’s appointment, I was waiting for a friend to drive me home. An ad from the cork bulletin board, scattered with colorful stars beckoned me: “Drawing for the Absolute Beginner.” That would be me! (I felt Mrs. Ferguson standing behind me.) There’s more to the story, but the bottom line is that artists Zeisha and Ose helped me find my voice again in that class. I vowed to make art the core of my life and never looked back. (And I made a series about trees that sold very well, so I dedicated one to Mrs. Ferguson.) I have been reluctant to talk a lot about that period in my life. I was afraid what people would think about my abilities after having two strokes. But many of the artists I work with have changed my mind about that. And, although I would never choose to repeat that episode of my life, I am grateful for all the gifts it brought me. Fast forward to joining Artist Career Training as an Artist Advisor and meeting photographer Mary Daniel Hobson. A graduate of A.C.T. 201: Developing Your Art Business, Danny is the Director of the Arts & Healing Network, an online resource on the healing potential of art. “Arts and Healing Network honors and supports the emergence of healing artists and recognizes them as essential catalysts for positive change.” –Marion Weber, Founder So here is the point of this story. I believe that the true spirit of the “holiday season” is about more than giving store bought gifts. It is about sharing what you have in abundance with others who could use a little more. I believe that art is necessary for civilization. (And in case you missed it, read the White House proclamation about National Arts and Humanities Month: “Throughout our Nation’s history, the power of the arts and humanities to move people has built bridges and enriched lives, bringing individuals and communities together through the resonance of creative expression. It is the painter, the author, the musician, and the historian whose work inspires us to action, drives us to contemplation, stirs joy in our hearts, and calls upon us to consider our world anew. The arts and humanities contribute to the vibrancy of our society and the strength of our democracy, and during National Arts and Humanities Month, we recommit ourselves to ensuring all Americans can access and enjoy them.” Read the full proclamation here. In fact print a copy for your studio wall. I believe that making a living making art is a valid creative profession. It’s a “real job.” And your art business does not have to choke the creativity out of you. Here’s Danny’s AHN Interview with Lisa Sonora Beam, author of The Creative Entrepreneur: A DIY Visual Guidebook for Making Business Ideas Real.” “I wrote the book I wished I had when I was struggling and trying to figure out how to make a living doing what I love (without selling my soul). … “There are loads of examples of people who did not even start on their creative business path until midlife or retirement age. … when we are doing what makes us happy and makes us money, we have a profoundly positive influence on our families, employees, communities and beyond. … Artists are a special breed of people who naturally do work for its intrinsic value. We create because we must, whether or not there is payment involved. And that’s just fine if you don’t need to make a living from your artistic endeavors. … Taking the steps to learn how to make money doing what you love is something anyone can do, if they have the appropriate role models, guidance and support. … “The creative process, if it is truly entered into and engaged with as a process, is absolutely healing and transformative. When we engage with creativity as a project, or to obtain a specific result or product, then we are not in process any longer. It is a paradox that to get the insights that support healing and transformation, we have to give up the idea of progress, of having neat, tidy answers. Having an understanding of the creative process is something that every artist and would-be artist needs, but this is not taught in most art schools. All you get in art school, for the most part is technique, along with a lot of judgment and comparison. … “Now is the time to thrive. All you have to do is make up your mind to do so and then get the right tools and resources to help you make your vision real. A financial downturn is the ideal time to sharpen your tools, re-brand your company, take classes that help your business, and/or rethink how you can now do what you’ve always really wanted to do.” I agree. Read the full interview here. And I agree with Danny: “More than ever, the world needs healing projects. May this issue empower you to bring your important creative work to fruition.” If you are not already sharing your creative wealth, please support AHN’s projects here. Thanks for sharing your creative spirit with the world. Have an artful month.

Sea Holiday Show December 4 & 5

Social Networking, Online Selling Tools & Current Exhibits

My Social Page will provide links to Facebook, Twitter, Not so Daily Blog as well as Artfire, Etsy, and Ebay.

See what’s going on with Wet Paint! Studios by becoming a Fan on Facebook or follow me on Twitter.

Want to purchase some of my smaller paintings and note cards online, check out Etsy, Ebay and Artfire.

Current Exhibits are listed on my Blog!

Wet Paint! Social Etsy – A place to buy things online that are handmade, art or vintage. See note cards & small art works for for sale at my Etsy Shop. Facebook - Become a Fan of Wet Paint! Studios Art by Lori Rae  Twitter – Follow me on Twitter. Blog – Lori Rae and Wet Paint! Studios Mostly Daily Blog – Exhibits, Latest Artwork, and Quirky Posts   Artfire – Visit my Artfire Studio to purchase smaller works & note cards online.   Ebay – It’s always fun to bid on an Original Lori Rae painting or some custom Note Cards – visit my Ebay Page  for my latest auctions.

ArtMatters! Tip of the Week by Aletta de Wal, Artist Advisor

Discourage Cyberspace Thieves

The Internet is a fact of life for artists who want to market their work to people who may not be able to see you and your work in person.

Of course when there are benefits, there are usually drawbacks.

We get a lot of e-mails like this from artists who are frustrated by cyberspace thieves:

“How do we keep people from downloading and using our work from our website? Someone downloaded photos and wants to put them on t-shirts. How do we keep this from happening? Can we put a watermark on them or something?”

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but the bottom line is that you can’t keep unscrupulous people from getting your images. Even if you use programming scripts to stop them from right-clicking and getting the image, there are many easy work-arounds. If they are dishonest and want an image, they’re going to get it.

You do have options to make it harder for thieves to snatch your talent:

Make files that are visually clear on the web, but that will not reproduce well when printed. Let viewers know that the actual work may not look exactly as the computer image. In fact, it usually looks better. Offer to send a print image to anyone who is serious about buying your work.

Put your own watermark copyright notice on each image, in pale white. There are pros and cons to that. The image doesn’t look as good. If they really want the image it’s easy enough to Photoshop out the copyright notice. It doesn’t stop thieves but it does slow them down a bit.

Buy software that watermarks your images. It tracks down and documents cyber theft. You still have to make contact and consider legal action, which may be difficult and costly. But again, it might slow them down.

Ask serious viewers to call you if they want to see higher resolution images. Set up a password-protected area where they can view a limited number of images of their choice. Not a good idea to do this by e-mail because you still don’t know who you are dealing with. A phone call also gives you a chance to be selective and to start building a relationship that may lead to a sale. Cyber thieves tend to avoid direct contact.

If you know who is doing it, the first step is to contact them directly.
I would start with an e-mail to put this person on notice that you own the copyright to your work. Offer to license the image for the t-shirts. Then call to follow-up. Either you will work out the details of licensing or let them know in no uncertain terms that theft of your images is not okay with you.