Lets PAUSE a moment.....Whats the story with doing commissioned artworks?
Some artists do it, some don’t. Some like it while others loathe it. It’s a double edged sword that can work well for some artists or not so well for others but if you want to make money from your art there are sometimes things you may need to...click on image for more
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Home Wine-making, my type of Art!
12 months ago I decided I needed a hobby; my art had grown into my career and although its still fun to do it simply...click on image for more
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What makes a good artists studio space?
Artists studios like office spaces are as diverse as the people who work in them. There is no hard and fast rule as to how they should be laid out or what....click on image for more
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Surrealism is my favourite ism!
Surrealism is a cultural movement that began in the early 1920s, and is best known for the visual artworks and writings of the Surrealist group members. From the 1920s on, the movement spread....click on image for more
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Andy Warhol, famous for being famous?
Andy Warhol aka Andrew Warhola was the main figure of the Pop art movement as well as one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. His main claim to fame was...click on image for more
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To Varnish or not to Varnish, that is the question?
Artists ask me this question more often than any other when talking about techniques in artwork. What is varnish, what does it do and why do we use it?....click on image for more
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What does Contemporary mean when talking about art?
Contemporary means 'present day', or reasonably close. Contemporary art is art produced....click on image for more
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Autumn is my favourite season...weird I know but
Autumn is the transition from warm summer months to the cold weather of winter, and its related status as the season of the primary harvest, has dominated its themes and popular ...click on image for more
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The art of Jewellery
Jewellery, the art of creating items in gold or silver or other metals as well as many other materials for adornment and beautification is an interesting and....click on image for more
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How Long should it take to finish a painting?
This is such a personal thing and can be summed up in “How long is a piece of string” its pretty much impossible to put a time on such things. Like the Mainland ad, all good things take time...click on image for more
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Lets talk about the colour Blue
Blue, one of the three primary colours would have to be one of my least favourite although a lot of people see it as a special colour and it is much admired. It has connotations ....click on image for more
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What exactly is Retro?
Retro is a term used to describe culturally outdated or aged trends, modes, or fashions, from the overall post-modern past, but have since that time become functional or in fashion once again. The use ...click on image for more
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Hairdressing is an Art too
In the world of fashion, hairdressing developed as an art during the middle Ages, when an appropriate coiffure became as important as....click on image for more
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Kiwi Art Awards and other useful sites
Art Awards open to New Zealand Artists
• Adam Portraiture Award - The Adam Foundation sponsors this....click on image for more
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So you want to know about Artists in Residence programs...well
What Is an Artist-in-Residence? Well the specifics vary from program to program, but basically an artist-in-residence usually means you're given somewhere to live, some to money to live on, and a studio to work in for a set period of......click on image for more
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Murphy's Law and Art
This commonly expressed sentiment means "If anything can go wrong, it will." Many problems, failures, and annoyances are attributed to Murphy's Law, but most people do not know....click on image for more
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How to use Gold leaf
Gold or silver leaf isn’t just for gilding things like mirrors, you can use it in your paintings too, just check out Gustav Klimt’s work where he used ....click on image for more
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How to use Crackle Effect in your painting
Crackle painting
Artists who work in texture usually want to know about the crackle effect if they don’t already know how.
Crackle painting is a faux painting technique that produces...click on image for more
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That Old Blank Canvas syndrome
What do you do when you see a blank canvas? Do you freeze up or instantly start working on it? Many artists find ....click on image for more
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The Art of Face Painting
Continuing with the makeup theme I thought Id also mention face painting. This fun activity can become a very rewarding business for some as well as a way to learn new skills in the makeup or art arena. It can be an occasional event where you ....click on image for more
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Art of the Geisha
In the streets of modern Japanese cities amongst the dark suits and strict corporate dress codes, it is still possible to see splinters of ancient tradition - strange women in bright kimonos with white powder wax on faces and monumental hairdos.
Geishas hurrying.....click on image for more
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Makeup is an art
You simply cannot go past makeup when talking about art because it too is a creative form of artistry.
Just check out any horror movie or sci-fi movie and you ....click on image for more
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Is letter Writing an Art Form?
Snail mail, love letters, correspondence, paper and envelopes with ink on them; whatever you call letters or even what you may think of them, they’re .......click on image for more
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Ahhhhh but do you know what Fauvism is?
Fauvism is about not using realistic colors or perspective techniques to recreate an illusion of reality. Bold, vivid and pure colours are selected to fit the emotion felt or to create an emotional impact.
The Fauvists were a group of French painters, including Henri Matisse, George Braque, Kees van Dongen and Maurice de Vlaminck and were from the Paris salon of 1905. Their artworks were characterised by their use of simplified forms, bright...click on image for more
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Hand Painting or how to paint hands
I could go two ways with this, we could talk about painting hands or paintings on hands so to get the latter out of our systems here is a link to some really cool paintings that....click on image for more
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And then there is Realism
Realism is a type of art that shows things exactly as they appear in 'real' life. It began in the 18th century, but the greatest Realist era was in the mid-19th century. Most Realists were from France, but there were some famous...click on image for more
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What is Expressionism?
Expressionism is the term used to describe an art movement of the early 20th century from 1905 to 1920 that was most prominent in Germany and Austria. The aims of an Expressionist were to express emotions through the use of vivid colours and strong, distorted lines, rather than .......click on image for more
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A bit about the colour Orange
Orange is one of the most vibrant colours there is. It's a combination of red and yellow and appears between these two colours on the colour spectrum or wheel, so naturally it shares some common attributes with those colours. Orange denotes energy, warmth, tropical fruit and of course the sun. Orange however has a bit less intensity or aggression than red and is ........click on image for more
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Review - HOME New Zealand Magazine – Art House Issue 2010
I came across this magazine quite by accident while waiting in line at the supermarket check-out. It’s usually about other home related things apparently, but once a year it seems, they focus on my favourite subject ‘ART!” So naturally I added it to my already over flowing trolley!
Now most art magazines I find........click on image for more
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Impressionism
One of my first influences was Claude Monet, back in the day when I used to do oil paintings of a scenic nature. I was captivated by his ability to portray light and the soft simple effect of his style, especially.......click on image for more
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Writing an Artists Resume, CV or Statement
I get asked a lot about what the difference is between a resume, a bio and an artist’s statement. A resume is pretty much like a job resume where you have contact details, your history as in exhibitions, education etc and.....click on image for more
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Cubism
Cubism was a French school of art most prominent between 1907 and 1914. First developed by Pablo Picasso (who painted the piece titled Les Demoiselles d' Avignon in ........click on image for more
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Developing a Painting style
Part of being an artist is having your own identifiable style, you know that special ‘something’ that means when someone looks at a painting and instantly knows that it’s by you, regardless of what the subject of......click n image for more
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What is Abstract Art?
Dictionary definition - abstractionism: an abstract genre of art; artistic content that depends on internal form rather than pictorial representation.
Its interesting to know that many artists start off wanting to paint in abstract....click on image for more
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What is Sun Painting you ask?
Sun Painting or Heliographic Art as its technically called is a process where transparent fabric paints are applied to fabric (100% cotton is the best.) and while the paint is still wet, objects like stencils, leafs, feathers etc are placed onto the wet fabric. You then place it in the sun and when it dries, the outlines of the objects are transferred to the fabric.....click on image for more
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Lets Talk about the colour Purple
Because purple is derived from the mixing of a strong warm primary colour (Red) and strong primary cool colour (Blue) it has both warm and cool properties.....click on image for more
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A bit about Pablo Picasso
Only my all time favourite artist. So what do I know of Mr Picasso? Well I'm not going to give you a tiresome rundown on the man’s history, there are many websites and books that can give you that sort of information.....
click on image for more
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Where do you get your Inspiration?
I’ve been working on some new techniques at the moment. They are most likely tried and trusted methods of other artists and been done before in one form or another, but they are new to me anyway.......click on image for more
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A little bit about Perspective
Perspective is quite a complex subject so Ill try to not confuse you with too much information.
It’s important to get perspective right when paintings or drawing as an.....click on image for more
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Most Famous New Zealand Paintings according to me
Most Famous NZ Paintings
This list of most famous New Zealand paintings is a follow up on the Most Famous Artworks in the world. I compiled this list from.....click on image for more
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Why do we use easels for painting?
For an artist working vertically at an easel creates a more accurate finish to the painting you are working on in that you are working in the same plane as what the painting will finally be hung. It reduces the risk of spilling anything on it, and helps prevent .....click on image for more
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Tips on overcoming artist's block
When I get artist’s block, I put my brushes down and do something entirely different for a while. Taking the focus off my art takes away the stress even with........click on image for more
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Lets talk about the colour pink!
The ‘pretty’ colour, that all things cutsie are made of...... artist Gioia Fonda created a conceptual piece in the form of a week long holiday called pink week........Bubblegum Pink is an installation by the artist duo Bigert & Bergstrom which "confronted you the viewer...click on image for more
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Explaining the different types of Paint for Artists
I’ve been painting for most of my life, and have tried most paint mediums at some stage. The first real paint I got my hands on was water-colour, due to the artist next door giving me my own set and teaching me how to use them. My first painting I sold was a water-colour but I really wanted to work with oils as I admired the luminosity and texture the medium achieved. The working time ....click on image for more
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List of some of the most famous paintings in the World
Some of the most famous paintings in the world have been made by the greatest painters of all times. I acknowledge their mastery and skill and admire all these works, from the Mona Lisa to the melting clocks of Dali...click on image for more
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My Thoughts on the most Famous Painting in the World
Mona Lisa
I really like Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa painting. I don’t buy into the secret smile stuff though, in fact I cant even see what the fuss is about, so why you ask, do I like it so much....click on image for more
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Vanity Galleries, Art Fairs and Vanity Publications
Along with many other artists I know, I get emails by the dozen from both vanity galleries and book publishers wanting to exhibit or publish my work. Most of these vanity galleries and publishers.....click on image for more
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Artists always ask me how to price their artwork here's how...
Some artists have a clear idea of what price they want for their work, some are realistic, some are insanely greedy and the rest end up under price their artwork so badly they are never able to rise above it as....click on image for more
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So what are Hong Kong Horrors?
I found this article http://www.stuff.co.nz/s/QPRe on the net yesterday and have to admit I was highly surprised that it’s still going on, all this ripping off of innocent people, and in my own city at that.........click on image for more
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Lets talk about the colour Teal
Teal is a medium blue green colour, although it is usually more blue than green. Often called Teal, ultramarine, blue-green, aqua or aquamarine it is one of those in-between colours that can get lost in translation; ask any artist what they consider is Teal and you will get different answers, just like when you ask them about what they think constitutes beige........click on image for more
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What type of paintings sell best in NZ?
Well thats a curly question!
All artists know that some size artworks sell better than others while subject matter can determine popularity depending on where it is located. Whether these are subjects you want to paint and whether you should be painting specifically for the market are something an artist has to deal with at some stage in their career. Only you can decide whether you want (or need) to paint to sell, or whether you can focus on painting subjects that you....click on image for mor
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What's with this Character called Boozehag?
Boozehag as the Urban Dictionary defines is a women who has a tireless appetite for boozing and is not only very good at it but is also much fun to be around. Subject may also be described as being just like 'one of the boys'. A term of endearment....click on image for more
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How to package your artwork
When you send work around the country or overseas, it pays to wrap it well as no matter how careful you may be with your art, not all couriers have the same respect or care for it......click on image for more
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Artists mediums what are they?
I often teach a night school class for students who may wish to learn more about the use of paint mediums. So here are a few tips on mediums...click on image for more
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Canvas, the choice of artists
The type of canvas you use will depend on the type of paint you use.....cotton duck is used for acrylic painting, while linen and cotton duck is used for oil. ......click on image for more
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‘The $12 Million Stuffed Shark’ By Don Thompson
In 2009 a pile of Rubbish won the National Contemporary Art Awards here in Hamilton New Zealand. It created a furore like no other. We are used to the outrage and shock from the public each year over the winning pieces and that’s exactly what the people who run it want…controversy and people talking about it. Well this time I somehow got embroiled in it....click on image for more
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Tax Tips for Artists
Yes I know that figures and money matters are boring for us artists but when you're a working artist you need to look at keeping accurate records and making sure you are taking care of your tax obligations. Here are some of my tips and advice for organising your records......click on the image for more
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When things Run SMOOTHLY
Today’s artwork is smooth and shiny. I used the Golden Clear Tar Gel for this effect, its simple to use; you pour it on where you want it to be and wait for it to set. The effect is like that of a bubble, with a raised glassy surface.However Im not going to talk so much about the .....click on image for more
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Touching on Colour Mixing
A basic understanding of colour theory and the colour wheel is essential for every artist and can increase the possibilities for your work. Colours are, after all, one of the basic tools of painting....click on image for more
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Lets talk about the Colour RED
Red is my favourite colour, both in my life generally as well as in my art. It’s a colour that can have two distinctly different meanings, and is considered.......click on image to read more
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Art as a Career Choice
Some say that it isn’t a realistic career choice, and the myth of the “starving artist” stereotype is still very much alive and kicking? How many times have I heard “But it’s not a real job.” Or better yet.....click on the image to read more
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This is a Must Read book for Artists
The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron -
When I teach an art class or mentor any other artists, I always advocate that they read this book. I usually also ask my art students to do the artists pages at the beginning of class if we have enough.....click on image to read more
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Artist's Brushes
Often when I teach an art class, the question about what brushes to use for which type of painting or technique comes up.
So here is a run down on the brushes I prefer and have used
Click on the picture to learn more....
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What do we know about the colour Yellow?
Throughout my blog I want to talk to about colour, today I’m thinking Yellow….
Read more by clicking on the yellow dot picture
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Why Research for your Art?
Research is important to me as I like to know the history behind things, why they are what they are and their significance to the project I might be working on.......
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Art Copyright Issues
One subject I get asked a lot about is Copyright and what is covered under New Zealand Law in regards to the visual arts as in paintings or sculpture....
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Dotty Exhibition - Wellington
Mistress of Dots, Yayoi Kusama has an exhibition “Mirrored Years’ on at The City Art Gallery in Wellington, so with this project in mind, I set off on the overlander train both to enjoy the scenic tour on the way and to see the exhibition.
I had mixed reviews from friends but went with an open mind and came away feeling pleased with the experience.....
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Dealing with Galleries
Things I think you should know about dealing with art galleries as an artist in New Zealand.....
Click on the image for more information
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This is the First Day of the rest of my life!
The day has come where I have to dig deep and become disciplined with my writing and painting for the next 365 days. Here is click on the image to read what this is all about.....
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