Monday, April 30, 2012

How to Self-Publish an Art Book with Blurb

6 comments Posted by Graham Matthews at 4/30/2012

self publish artbook blurbArt catalogs and art books are perfect for presenting and marketing an art collection, especially for those who are at the initial stages of recognition as an artist. A few years ago, an art catalog was only for the well established artist.

Today, with the increasing number of self-publishing services, any artist can easily create their own art book or catalog at home on their computer.

 

 

 

Art books and catalogs help to promote art without the artist having to say a word. Just hand it over to an interested person, and let it do the marketing work for you. Art catalogs also function as a documentation of art. Years from now, it can serve as a written and visual record of a body of work, especially if certain artworks are lost or destroyed.

... Continue reading

Sunday, April 29, 2012

How the Alexa Toolbar Can Help Boost Your Website Ranking

7 comments Posted by Graham Matthews at 4/29/2012

alexa toolbar website rankingAlexa traffic rank is a ranking of a website or blog based on number of visitors, how long they spend on a site, etc. Millions of websites use Alexa to calculate how they classify in relation to others. With Alexa, the lower the number, the higher a website ranks.

When I first began this art promotion blog,  Artpromotivate, my Alexa score was over 10 million. It currently sits at 390,988, which can be viewed in the widget at the bottom of this page.

 

This means that 390,997 websites rank better than mine. No surprise, but the top 2 highest ranked Alexa websites happens to be Google and Facebook

Having a good Alexa website score has a number of advantages for all types of websites, including online portfolios, which I will list below.

... Continue reading

Saturday, April 28, 2012

Jacky Murtaugh - Brit Artist Shines Down Under

1 comments Posted by Graham Matthews at 4/28/2012

velocity jacky murtaugh british artistJacky Murtaugh

Adelaide, Australia

Determined, Focused and Inspired


I’m an English artist currently based in Adelaide. I’m a painter, that’s what I do! The need to create is constant. I don’t understand it; I just follow it, where ever it leads me. I trust and obey it and revel in the productivity.

Velocity – © Jacky Murtaugh

My inspiration comes from nature, combined with a love of colour and a need to find originality. I’m drawn to irregularities in shape and pattern. I purposely emphasise the odd and unusual in a quest to communicate my passion for the natural world.

My art work has seen a huge change since emigrating from England to Australia. The Australian light is so intense lighting up the landscape and delivering an infinite variety of hues. As a result I have moved away from realism and a conventional palette to a more expressive technique and a greater saturation of colour. I feel the move has triggered a transformation in my desire to realise my talent and reach for my dreams.

... Continue reading

Friday, April 27, 2012

Fine Art America Photography Contest – Be Seen on a TV Commercial!

0 comments Posted by Graham Matthews at 4/27/2012

fineartamerica photo contest tvFine Art America, one of the largest print on demand services online, has just announced their new photography contest! The giant photo art competition is in honour of reaching over 100,000 members! The winners of the contest will receive a spot to appear on a nationally broadcast television commercial for Fine Art America.

Five lucky winners will be selected for this incredible opportunity! The contest is FREE to join, and the deadline for submission is May 31, 2012.

 

The TV advertisement will not air until July of 2012.

This contest is only open to photographers, but Fine Art America does promise another art competition following this one, which will be open to artists of other media. We will let you know about this competition when it arrives!

 

... Continue reading

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Rembrandt - Inspiration From the Master Artist

0 comments Posted by Graham Matthews at 4/26/2012

rembrandt inspiration master artistRembrandt van Rijn (1606-1669) was a Dutch painter and etcher who is considered by many to be one of the most influential printmakers and painters in European history. He was born in Leiden, in the Netherlands. During Rembrandt’s life, he created over 1400 drawings, 300 etchings, and 600 paintings.

There are few artists that have affected my art more than Rembrandt. I’ve always loved his use of chiaroscuro, the natural blending of light and dark to create a dramatic effect. Also, I’ve often been inspired by the many portrait paintings, drawings, and etchings he completed throughout his life.

Rembrandt painted and etched many self-portraits during his life-time. These not only depict the artist at several stages, but also document his progression as artist. They were sincere visual depictions and serve as a biography of his life. His early etchings and drawings show experimentation with facial expressions (see the self-portrait above).

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Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Become an Art-Fan and Show Support for Online Artists

4 comments Posted by Graham Matthews at 4/25/2012

artfans support online artistsThe internet is filled with inspirational talent from artists around the world. It is amazing how virtually unknown artists can create an online portfolio, and find encouragement from people at the other end of the earth.

 

Artists are a one of a kind breed. We love to create, but we also are the best art fans! I know this first hand from all the wonderful and encouraging feedback I have received about my artwork.

 

 

 

Providing support in the online world is quite different from offline. Offline, supporting an artist is generally limited to attending art shows, art fairs, and other events, and purchasing originals or prints. But, in the online world, support means much more. It means befriending the artist, keeping up to date with their progress, and providing encouragement and feedback. This is the epitome of a true art fan.

What follows are some ways of showing support for your artist friends

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Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Joy Hutchins – Pop Art Words and Numbers

0 comments Posted by Graham Matthews at 4/24/2012

us popart joy hutchinsJoy Hutchins

USA

Pop Art Words and Numbers

    
I'm passionate about art, dogs, people, psychology, spirituality and science...not necessarily in that order! And, I'm happy to have the opportunity to be here and really think about the answers to your questions. Fun!

 

MEDIUMS: I use industrial PVC pipe and fitting, vinyl tubing and cord.

 

STYLE

My most recent series has been labeled as Pop Art. I would say my style is contemporary, simple and contemplative.

 

 

... Continue reading

Monday, April 23, 2012

Ideas for Painting Tools Besides a Paint Brush

4 comments Posted by Graham Matthews at 4/23/2012

painting without paint brushesFrom the earliest age, young artists learn how to paint freely with their fingers. I remember finger-painting as a kid, and feeling the paint between my fingers as I smeared color onto paper. As an adult artist I have painted exclusively with a paint brush, and it hasn’t occurred to me until quite recently how inhibiting that actually is for myself. My technique for creating modelled forms on canvas often requires gradual blending and shading. For years I have done this with brushes.

I have been inspired to blend the paint with my fingers instead of the brush, and to experiment with other objects.

In doing so, I am exploring several ideas which I have seen artists use as painting tools.

... Continue reading

Sunday, April 22, 2012

New Paintings by Graham Matthews – In Progress

2 comments Posted by Graham Matthews at 4/22/2012

graham matthews paintingsI have several new paintings in progress at the moment. I have decided to show you some of these today.

As many have probably realized, I have been very busy writing daily for this blog, and have not had time to update my personal art blog much. (Graham Matthews Art) I do have much larger plans for that art blog, such as a new domain and template.

 

 

For now, I am placing most of my online efforts to writing for Artpromotivate.

I am enjoying writing articles and tutorials for Artpromotivate very much, and daily providing helpful advice and tips for artists around the world. I would like to thank everyone for all the encouragement and feedback. This is what really keeps me motivated to write here every single day.

... Continue reading

Saturday, April 21, 2012

Preparing Art for Internet Portfolio Display

0 comments Posted by Graham Matthews at 4/21/2012

preparing art for webFor artists, there is much more to preparing images for the internet than just snapping a photograph, then uploading it directly to Facebook. This is simple and quick, but there are a few essential steps missing. The artwork should be photographed properly, and edited in software such as Photoshop. Anti-theft measures should be taken, such as watermarking and image size reduction. The image files should be properly titled according to SEO rules, so that they may be easier to find online.

These are a few steps required to prepare images for a portfolio site. We have discussed some of these before, but here they will be placed in order for your convenience.

... Continue reading

Friday, April 20, 2012

Iris Scott - Professional Fingerpainting Artist

8 comments Posted by Graham Matthews at 4/20/2012

iris scott fingerpainting rosesIris Scott

 Seattle, USA

 

Although "Fingerpainting" is normally associated with messy classroom art project, Iris Scott is breaking the rules and oil painting with her fingertips.

 

MEDIUM

Thick Oil Paint on Canvas (Fingerpainted)

 

Watts and Watts of Neon Paint – Fingerpainting - Oil Paint on Canvas – ©Iris Scott

 

 

 

When did you first realize you were an artist?

1st grade. I drew the face of a cartoon frog on one of my wooden blocks and it was damn near perfect! Rather than getting scolded for defacing one of my building blocks by parents celebrated the drawing... that was it for me.

... Continue reading

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Leonardo da Vinci Art – What Lessons Can We Learn?

2 comments Posted by Graham Matthews at 4/19/2012

leonardodavinci self portraitThere are very few artists who have had an affect on the art-world (and society) as much as Leonardo da Vinci. But Da Vinci only completed 6 major paintings during his life. Despite this, he had a full life-long career as an artist. He was a true innovator in his time, creating thousands of sketches on anatomy, inventions, and more.

There is a lot that modern day artists can learn from Leonardo’s life and art career. We can look at his work and life, and learn how to apply certain lessons in our own art.

 

 

 

 

 

... Continue reading

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Islip Art Museum Annual Open Call – The Garbage Barge Revisited

1 comments Posted by Graham Matthews at 4/18/2012

islip art museum opencallThe Islip Museum in Long Island, New York is holding its annual open call for artists. The exhibition, to take place from June 13 to Sept. 1, 2012, is titled The Garbage Barge Revisited – Art from Dross.

The deadline for submissions is May 15, 2012 and is limited to 18 years of age and older.

The open call for entry and exhibition will be curated by Karen Shaw, and is FREE to enter. The opening reception will be held July 24, at 1-4 PM.

This Garbage Barge Revisited – Art From Dross is inspired by a 1987 event. A barge filled with garbage from Islip Town spent three months searching for a landfill to dispose of of its waste. This event influenced the modern recycling movement - encouraging people to reduce waste, reuse, and recycle.

... Continue reading

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

10 Ways to Save Money on Painting Supplies

2 comments Posted by Graham Matthews at 4/17/2012

save money painting suppliesWhat artist doesn’t love buying art supplies? In an art supply store I feel like a kid in a candy store. I wish I could go in with a load of cash, crab a cart and fill it to the brink. That’s just a dream for now of course – hopefully someday. I love art materials, and wish I had thousands to spend on them!

Like the vast majority of artists, I have had to find ways of saving money on painting supplies. I have had to search for art supply deals, and only buy tubes of paint and other items that I really need at the time.

... Continue reading

Monday, April 16, 2012

Davie Hunt - Artist Painter or Computer Technician?

0 comments Posted by Graham Matthews at 4/16/2012

paradox haversham davie huntDAVIE HUNT

Buckinghamshire, England

Introverted, obsessive, compulsive…

My given name is David Hunt however I like to be known as Davie. I was born in Northampton, England in 1968. I graduated with a BA honours degree in Fine Art Painting and Drawing 2010 from the University of Northampton, England. I am a painter…

 

 

River Ouse Paradox in Haversham 2010

 

When did you first realize you were an artist?

There is not really one significant time that I realized I was an artist.
I am very much a believer that everyone from childhood is an artist; the problem for most people is how to remain being an artist into adulthood. I knew that I was good at art in particular painting during my school years, receiving the annual art & crafts award at age eleven in 1979 receiving a plaque and my name engraved on the school shield for that year. Then in senior school I earned the highest grade achievable in my ‘O’ level exams at the age of sixteen in 1984.

If I had the maturity back then that I have now, I would have made the decision to continue my art education; however I was not mature enough to make that decision. I was encouraged into a job repairing computers, but all the time I dreamed of being an artist. In 1991, I made the decision to take an evening class for my ‘A’ level Fine Art qualification. I continued repairing computers, and still did not take up painting as a career choice. Then in 1997 I was struck with depression and started painting again. It was perhaps then that I realized that I must become an artist, That I would never be happy until I became a professional artist.

... Continue reading

Sunday, April 15, 2012

How to Clean Artist Paint Brushes

5 comments Posted by Graham Matthews at 4/15/2012

artist paint brush careArtist quality paint brushes can be really expensive. It is very important to know how to take care of them so that they last as long as possible.

Caring for and cleaning brushes does take some time at the end of each painting session, but the effort will be worth it.

How do artists make their brushes last longer, and thereby save money on art supplies?

Please read on for a few tips for cleaning and caring for artist paint brushes.

... Continue reading

Saturday, April 14, 2012

How to Sell Art Online and Achieve Success

3 comments Posted by Graham Matthews at 4/14/2012

sell art onlineSelling art online can be an art form all its own. Some people seem to be very good at it. These people rake in the art sales while other artists idly sit by and wonder how do they do it. You’ve heard the stories. Certain artists make thousands selling art at Ebay. Others are consistently selling at Fine Art America, and reaping the rewards.

The fact is, most of those artists who are successful online today have started months or even years ago. They began in the same place as you. But, obviously they found what worked for them and stuck with it. They had a dream and did not give up. Making money with art on the internet is not easy. It is a long process.

 

But those who commit to starting today regularly promoting art in the right places, and building their online presence, have a better chance eventually finding success.

Like selling most things online, success at selling art is a numbers game. The more people who see your art, the higher the potential of selling it. There are also many other things that factor into success at selling art on the internet.

... Continue reading

Friday, April 13, 2012

Learning Artist Portfolio Design by Looking at Other Websites

0 comments Posted by Graham Matthews at 4/13/2012

portfolio website designAt Artpromotivate, we have been stressing the importance of designing a personal website portfolio for online art promotion. Portfolios at free online gallery websites are great, but nothing makes an artist appear more professional than having their own self-hosted portfolio website and domain (website address).

This will be an ongoing series regarding designing and building an art portfolio of your own. We will try to make it as easy to follow along as possible, assuming you have no technical knowledge of web design, html coding, css etc.

 

If you have not subscribed yet (subscribe here), please consider doing so. This will ensure updates go directly to your email or feed-reader, and an important article will not be missed.

The best way to learn about designing a personal art portfolio (other than taking a course) is by looking at and studying the websites of other artists.

All the artists featured at Artpromotivate have a link to their personal artist websites, appearing at the end of their interviews. Look in the sidebar to find a long list of previously spotlighted artists.

... Continue reading

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Tina Marohn – Pet Portraits and Landscapes

1 comments Posted by Graham Matthews at 4/12/2012

tina marohn kitty teapartyTina Marohn

Washington, United States

Artist Spotlight

 

 

WATERCOLOR & ACRYLIC PAINTINGS
(from top to bottom)

 

KITTY TEA PARTY
LETTING GO
KURASHIKI, SOUTHERN JAPAN
WAITING
FIRST SNOW


 

 

I live in a little community off the waters of the Puget Sound in Washington State. I am a self taught artist mainly, but have had a little guidance by another artist friend in the past. I share much of my time in creating art with my local community through classes with adults and kids, retreats and fundraising & awareness projects. Art is my passion and I can't imagine a life without it.

... Continue reading

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

10 Places to Network and Promote Art Online

7 comments Posted by Graham Matthews at 4/11/2012

online promote art placesThe internet is filled with wonderful networking opportunities for artists. For artists, networking is not just limited to free online portfolio websites. Artists, and art collectors, are everywhere!

We encourage artists to take advantage of all the free resources online. This can be especially valuable if you have an artist website. Connect at all these places to drive visitors to your art site.

But, while we say this, please realize that the actual site you want to show people must be presentable.  It should showcase your talent, and be easily navigable. All your traffic attempts may be futile if the art site is a mess of flash displays or unrelated content.

 

 

I will be speaking more about artist websites soon, especially as it relates to making one that is as visitor-friendly as possible!

... Continue reading

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Artist Poll – What Would you Like us to Write About?

14 comments Posted by Graham Matthews at 4/10/2012

artist pollWe recently created a new poll at Artpromotivate.

“What would you like to see here?”

We are interested in hearing what you, our readers, would like us to write about.

Artists from all walks of life visit this site, with varying backgrounds. We are interested in hearing what you want to see here, so YOU can help shape the future of Artpromotivate.

 

If you have particular knowledge in either of these areas, we invite you to share it by means of a guest-post. You will receive a free link to your art website, and if you include links to Twitter, Facebook pages, and art blogs, we will include these as well.

For details on guest-posting, please visit this page: Artpromotivate Guest Posting Guidelines.

artist poll questionsPlease only vote for 5 of the below poll categories. If you feel the need to vote for more, do so.

Refer to the screenshot for the link to the poll, which is in the sidebar at the right.

... Continue reading

Monday, April 9, 2012

Artist Websites – Professional Portfolios for Photographers and Visual Artists

2 comments Posted by Graham Matthews at 4/09/2012

Artist WebsitesThere are literally hundreds of website services online for artists and photographers. I have listed and reviewed many here at Artpromotivate, mostly free services so far. If I was to choose one that I would recommend above everything else, it would be Fine Art America.

The free version of Fine Art America has everything a new online artist would want, but will be constricting if you are serious about using this avenue for art promotion.

Artists are limited to 25 print on demand products at one time, while the professional version of Fine Art America (ArtistWebsites.com) allows unlimited uploads.

 

Of course that is not the only benefit of the Artist Websites, so I will use this space to inform you of the features you may enjoy if deciding to upgrade to the premium. The professional portfolio charge is only $30 per year.  I have found that many similar services charge this much for just for one month. Also, I like the fact that they offer the whole package completely free for 90 days, without requiring a credit card.

... Continue reading

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Sadie Jane - Liberate Your Inner Artist!

1 comments Posted by Graham Matthews at 4/08/2012

beautiful spirit sadie janeSadie Jane
Newfoundland, Canada

I am Sadie Jane. Visual artist, Mommy of three handsome cats, Adventurer. Native to the breathtaking island of Newfoundland. Evolving each moment with all that I experience and breathe in.

"Each painting takes me on a spiritual journey. All of my senses are awakened; the canvas acts as a mirror and reflects who I am in that moment. I'm not just creating a painting, I'm creating myself. The process is raw, exhilarating, and magnificently liberating."
- Sadie Jane

BEAUTIFUL SPIRIT (left)2011/Acrylic on Canvas/20x20

 

... Continue reading

Saturday, April 7, 2012

Art Takes Times Square – Facebook and Errors Support

18 comments Posted by Graham Matthews at 4/07/2012

times square facebook networkingIt’s been over a week now since I submitted my entry for Art Takes Times Square, one of the largest art competitions in the world, to take place in New York City. The gigantic exhibition will take place on huge video billboards in June of this year.

I have not been able to find exact dates of the exhibition, but when I do I will pass along this information to all of you at Artpromotivate.

 

 

 

Many of you have already read my earlier article explaining the details of this hugely popular art contest. For those who have not done so, kindly visit this post:

Art Takes Times Square Art Competition Details

 

... Continue reading

Interview with Psykopaint – Cool Online Painting App

0 comments Posted by Graham Matthews at 4/07/2012

psykopaint online painting appI recently had the pleasure of interviewing Jakob Marovt of Psykopaint!

In case you don’t know what Psykopaint is, read on as Jakob explains what this cool online painting app is all about, and what they have to offer for digital painters.

 

 

What is Psykopaint?

 

Psykopaint is a new kind of online painting application which enables anyone to create great looking digital paintings from photos. Our main goal is to lower the barrier to creativity . Thus we see many different people coming on board: teenagers, people with mental disabilities, older people, etc.

They all found a common point in enjoying themselves in the process of photo painting, sharing ideas on what to do next and comment on each others latest creations, no matter the skill. It's become a really positive, encouraging community and we've just started to lay down the foundations for what it is to become.

... Continue reading

Friday, April 6, 2012

Create a Series of Paintings to Sell More Art

3 comments Posted by Graham Matthews at 4/06/2012

painting series sell artPainting in a series is a way of exploring several different variations of an idea or theme. There are many benefits of creating a group of similar styled artworks. Related paintings look a lot better in an art show than a bunch of different looking artworks.

Galleries are much more receptive to artists who have developed their own style - who work on specific themes for extended periods. The most successful art exhibitions have paintings that look good displayed together.

Art buyers are more open to collecting series of paintings as well – collections are easier to sell.

 

The best way for artists to get recognized and develop an identity, is to cultivate a distinct style. There is no better way to do that than to begin creating art in multiples. It will make you look like a professional instead of appearing to be unfocussed. If you are an artist who is accustomed to creating variety in your artwork, art galleries and art buyers will be less open to you. Everything will be much easier - creating a portfolio, an artist statement, selling your art, and describing it to others - by creating paintings in a series.

... Continue reading

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Fun Art Websites for Kids – Learn How to Paint and Draw Online

1 comments Posted by Graham Matthews at 4/05/2012

fun art websites kidsThe internet can be a great source of creativity and inspiration for young artists. Several tools and websites exist that allow children to learn about art, doodle, draw, and paint right from their computer.

I recently searched online for a few for my kids, who are always interested in experimenting with art on their computer (and on paper and coloring books). I know children generally enjoy “hands on” creating, such as finger-painting, but if you have kids, you probably know this can be REALLY messy.

 

Below I list several website where kids can create digital art of their own. Some of them allow creation of digital paintings in the style of famous artists, such as Picasso, Jackson Pollock, and Mondrian. They all are fun to play with, and should keep your kids busy for quite a while.

... Continue reading

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Rise Art – Art Rentals and Online Portfolio

1 comments Posted by Graham Matthews at 4/04/2012

rise art art rentalsRise Art is an online portfolio site and social network for emerging artists. They provide many tools to help artists promote artwork online, including selection of artists for art leasing and commission contracts.

Art rentals or leasing are arrangements between an art renter (artist,gallery,etc.) and the art collector, whereby the artwork is leased for a monthly fee.

Rise Art assists in discovering emerging artists. Through the Shortlisting program, certain artists are selected for promotion, art purchasing, and commissions.

 

Rise Art is free to join for all artists and art collectors. Artists may upload artworks, and build a Rise Art profile, including an artist statement, artist website, and updates for events and exhibitions.

... Continue reading

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Artist Interview With Liana Gor/Goroian – Portrait Painter

1 comments Posted by Graham Matthews at 4/03/2012

sweet dreams liana goroian

Liana Gor/Goroian

Los Angeles, USA

Portrait Paintings
(From top to bottom)

Sweet Dreams

Music Touch

Golden Apple

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liana Gor/Goroian

 

I with family live in Los Angeles, USA
Within the last few years, I has had numerous solo and group exhibitions
in different galleries of the United States and Europe. My works are on display at galleries in Russia, Armenia, France, Syria, Poland, USA, Canada.
I peer into an inner spiritual world and express that on canvas.

... Continue reading

Monday, April 2, 2012

Artists Wanted – Art Takes Times Square 2012 - Art Competition Details

43 comments Posted by Graham Matthews at 4/02/2012

art takes times squareThis summer Artists Wanted, along with Times Square Alliance and Chashama, is sponsoring a huge art competition to be held in New York City. The awards include a public display of art on the giant video billboards of Times Square.

 

The best part of this art competition is that it is free! There is no signup fee! It takes less than 5 minutes to create an entry for this incredible art competition.

The giant art exhibition will take place on over twelve 23 story high video billboards in Times Square, and be seen by over half a million people. An after party following the art show opening will be hosted by Questlove of Roots. Hundreds of artists will be featured there as well. An Art Takes Times Square book with worldwide distribution will also be published featuring the top selected artists.

 

... Continue reading

Sunday, April 1, 2012

The Blue Chip Project – Digital Art Collaboration

1 comments Posted by Graham Matthews at 4/01/2012

blue chip projectNancy Corderman is a digital artist and writer from Arizona, USA. I recently questioned Nancy about her innovative collaboration project The Blue Chip Project.

 

How did you come up with the idea for the Blue Chip Project?

This whole chain of events started with Joszie Fazio, David Skybound Rosenak, joined by my personal Facebook friends in their instant Feedback on my question to them "What do you see?"

 

 

Above – The Original “Chip” for the Blue Chip collaboration project, by Nancy Corderman

... Continue reading

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