What is the Role of the Artist in Society?

Only being a little over 7 months old, we have featured over 60 fine artists here at Artpromotivate already. Artists from all over the world have been interviewed, and many more will be in the coming months. You may find past promoted artists either at the Featured Artists contents page (in menu above), or in past 10 artists review articles, which are in the sidebar below.

We are always welcoming new artists here at Artpromotivate. To submit your free entry, just visit Artist Spotlight and fill out the questions.

 

For this set of 10 fine artists, we have asked them the question “What is the role of the artist in society?” This question always provokes very intelligent responses from artists.

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Using Buffer for Social Sharing and Saving Time Online

We all know how much time promoting our art takes. Logging into websites continuously such as Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin, can take a huge chunk out of our days if not careful. Most of us have better things to do than spend all day online.

Wouldn’t it be great if there was a tool that promotes for us while we are away – one that we could set once every three or four days? There happens to be a great social sharing app which serves this purpose that I found just recently, and it is called Buffer.

With Bufferapp, there is no need of continuously logging into the aforementioned sites. Just connect them to Buffer, and install the Buffer sharing widget on your web browser. Then, all one has to do when they find a link to share is click the sharing widget, and add it to their Buffer queue. Buffer sends these links out at certain intervals throughout the day. They can be automatically posted to Twitter, Facebook, and Linkedin for free. The folks at Buffer claims that using the app increases clicks on Tweets by 200%, and doubles the retweets.

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Acrylic Paintings by Nancy Lou Canyon

Nancy Lou Canyon, MFA

USA

Acrylic Paintings by Nancy Lou Canyon

 

I'm a fine artist working on a series of paintings based on reflections in nature. I've been making art for nearly five decades, beginning with drawing, then moving to oil painting, and since the late 80s, acrylic paint. My studio is located in Historic Fairhaven in a artist co-op building, in Bellingham, WA.

 

 

 

 

 

Bulbous Orchid Pods @Nancy Lou Canyon, MFA

 

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Vistaprint Business Cards – Reviews, Tips, ACEO and Free Item Trick

Many of you have undoubtedly heard of the free business card offer from Vista Print. They offer 250 business cards for free . What’s the catch you may be wondering? Well, the only real catch are that customers have to pay for the shipping – so you will still have to use your credit card or Paypal. Also, the Vistaprint logo is included on the back. The creation of the business cards is also only limited to 42 designs and a matte finish. I have ordered the free business cards a couple of times in the past. The quality of the cards is not the best, but what can one expect?

The free offer is obviously a lure to entice people to upgrade to better quality cards, and also add on features such as getting rid of the Vistaprint logo.

I should say, that professional quality business cards are certainly recommended, but if you are stuck for cash, the free cards maybe the way to go.

Below, I give some tips on creating ACEO’s from free Vistaprint cards. I also show you a trick for getting 4 items from Vistaprint for free, including 250 business cards, car door magnets, rubber stamps, pens, and bumper stickers, while only paying the same amount for shipping.

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Mural-Painting as an Art Form in its Own Right

 

When I was starting out in my art career some thirty years ago, I made a decision that I have always stuck with and it has yielded very good results. I had always greatly admired the heroic mural painters of the Renaissance including Michelangelo, Raphael, Leonardo,  Botticelli and Titian. These great artists seemed utterly fearless to me as they had created monumental works that continue to stir the imagination all of these centuries later through their impressive murals.

Starting one of my first prominent mural commissions at St. Mary's Basilica in Halifax at age 21 called Trinity 1981. This  project was  small in scale (about 7' x 12') but generated a lot of notoriety. The die was cast!

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BJ Tuininga – Artists Goal is to Share the Emotional Joie de Vivre

BJ Tuininga

New York, USA

Artist's Goal is to Share the “Emotional Joie de Vivre”

Passionate, Colorful, Flamboyant

 

As an artist, I was a late bloomer. I began with watercolor, of which I became quite masterful , as self-imposed therapy after contracting a debilitating illness.

 

 

 

The Birches Mixed media on canvas. 45.7cm x 35.6cm. 2009. private collection       ©BJ Tuininga

 

When my health improved, and it was quite clear that I was unable to return to my job as a preschool teacher, I returned to college at age 50 to get my BA in Art/Graphic Design with a Minor in Art History. It is through this venue that I was introduced to oil painting, and with my painting professor, I found the secret to my chosen medium, oils mixed with cold wax...

I am fortunate to come from an entire family of artists: aunts, cousins, my mother, sister and my own daughter. So when I began drawing at a young age it came as no surprise. I would draw (or read) every spare moment that I had available. Unfortunately, I was the intellectual and an art career was deemed to be out of the question. Besides we already had one accomplished artist. So I didn't take my work seriously until later in life.

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Introducing New Facebook Promote Your Art Group

I have just created a new group at Facebook entitled Artpromotivate – Promote Your Art! Facebook groups has great features that pages do not have, including the ability to add members by anyone, events, and group chat. I have taken part in many Facebook groups in the past, and decided to create a special forum where artists can join, promote their art, but all members are encouraged to invite a few friends.

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Tips for Plein Air Painting in the Outdoors

Plein Air (French expression meaning “open air”) refers to the practice of painting outdoors. The artist tries to capture a moment in time without the use of additional aids such as photographs.

Many artists would rather paint in their studio. They do not have to contend with hot (or cold) weather, wind, mosquitoes, and other bugs. Painting in a studio is certainly more convenient, whereas going outdoors an artist has to bring their easel and some art supplies with them. The setup (and cleanup) can be time consuming.

Now that I have described some of the drawbacks of plein air painting, I will focus on the positive.

It is my belief that anything worth doing is not often easy – this goes for painting outdoors. As I will discuss below, plein air painting is well worth the effort, and the payoff for your advancement as an artist may be multifold.

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Benefits of Professional Networking Groups for Artists

If you are a member of Linkedin, you probably know what professional networking is all about. At Linkedin, artists can network with professionals from all walks of life, including curators, gallery owners, web designers, marketing experts, and more. This is useful in establishing connections in certain fields.

But, the main disadvantage of relying on Linkedin is that it takes a huge time toll to establish good contacts. Artists may have to spend countless hours looking for and building relationships, and maintaining them.

 

Most artists would rather spend time in their studio than weeding through potential clients and contacts.

I’m not saying that Linkedin is not useful, because it is. But, the better alternative to Linkedin is already built professional networks which have connections already established. Such groups exist, and there may even be one in your area.

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Kevin Harney – Connectiles – Digital Prints on Ceramic Tiles

Kevin Harney

Vancouver, Canada

Connectiles – Digital Prints on Ceramic Tiles

curious, outgoing, resolute

An artist from Vancouver, Canada living part time in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

“In my digital art, there is also an unforeseen element in my work that I have no control over, independent on where I set the values of certain variables.

 

I am fascinated by this "lack of control" or energy that is hidden but has an influence on all of us. I explain it by my belief that everything is connected and the energy of this connection alters our existence in unexplainable ways.”

 

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7 Reasons to Buy Art from Artists Online

On the internet, there is no trouble finding artwork to buy. There are scores of online portfolio websites, such as Fine Art America and Deviantart. Many artists also sell art through avenues like Ebay and Etsy. These days it is very common for artists to have their own portfolio website, where they can present their art the way they want.

Buying art from online artists carries a few advantages over purchasing through an art gallery.

Please understand that the intent of this article is not to discourage collecting artwork from art galleries, but only to encourage buying from online artists. This is why I will list 7 advantages of buying art on the internet, followed by some things that art collectors should look for when purchasing online. These are to help you make wise art buying decisions, and ensure your online purchase has a happy outcome.

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Advantages of Guest Blogging at Artpromotivate

A while back, I opened up this blog to guest posting. Guest blogging has become a very common practice since the advent of blogs on the internet, mostly because it has benefits for both the blogger and the guest writer. Bloggers get to take a break from posting, and readers can enjoy a new fresh perspective. The guest blogger can expect to receive a wider audience, some of whom will undoubtedly visit their website, depending on how well the post is written.

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Christine Striemer – Paintings by Saskatchewan, Canada Artist

Christine E. Striemer ~CES~

Sask., Canada

I am an artist living in Saskatchewan, Canada. I paint everyday.

 

When Will I Be Loved? ©Christine E. Striemer

 

When did you first know you were an artist?   

I realized I really enjoyed painting in my early years in art class. I would often use up my lunch hour recess to paint in the art room.

 

 

My parents soon realized my affinity for painting and bought me an easel and some oil paints. I don't consider myself good at other types of art including drawing. A pencil on paper feels too flat for me. I feel the need to be able to mold a colorful substance into shape.

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Jill Harrison – Wool Portrait Art From Sheep Fleece

Jill Harrison

Wool Portrait Art From Raw Sheeps Fleece

Aberdeenshire, Scotland

Thoughtful, Reliable, Shy

I live on a Scottish croft with my husband & grandson.

After leaving school I studied Graphic Design at Bradford College of Art for a while then left to bring up my four children; to return much later to take up sculpture.

I have always loved drawing from a very early age, mainly pencil sketching, but have never considered myself to actually be an 'artist' until recently when other people started showing an interest in my work.

 

AMY ©Jill Harrison

 

 

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Using Linkedin to Connect With Artists and Art Professionals

Linkedin is filled with artists and art professionals of all types. I have been on Linkedin for a few years now, and I have established a fairly large network of connections there. Some seem to think that this social media platform is not as useful as others. Maybe it’s because they have not spent enough time on there, or completely fill out their profile. But, I assure you that it is very effective – but connections have to be made and maintained. Linkedin is highly recommended for all artists, and especially those who freelance, do commissions, license their artwork, or are looking to make connections in the art world.

Linked In is a business oriented social networking site and a great way for artists to promote their artwork.  It is a different type of network than Twitter or Facebook. Linked In is focussed more on businesses and corporations than personal networking. Many professionals hang out at Linkedin to find business contacts, and put up profiles to connect with others relative to their niche. These professionals post resumes, job positions, work history, skills, and more. There are many advantages of using Linked In for marketing artworks, as well as your art business.

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Darryn James Rae – Using Youtube and Ebay for Art Promotion

Darryn Rae

Canada

Using Youtube and Ebay for Art Promotion

Energetic Funky and Vibrant

 

I am a 40 year old Canadian artist living and breathing everything ART.. I make funky abstract Modern acrylic paintings and videos of me in action creating them on Youtube.

I had always been interested in art since I was 2 years old... I watched my grandfather painting in his studio... and I guess it stuck with me for a life time.

 

Retirement               ©Darryn James Rae

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7 Excuses for not Making Art and Being an Artist

Being an artist isn’t always easy. We often have to go through struggles, and sometimes wonder if its all worth it.  It’s not difficult to be discouraged, especially for emerging artists who aren’t selling as much as they would like to. I’m here to tell you that being an artist is well worth the struggle! Even if you have to give it up for awhile (ie help support a family), many artists find themselves drawn to returning to art later in life.

 

 

I have asked the question in our artist spotlight form, “Did you ever feel like giving up art?” About 90% of the artists who answered said they never felt that way. 10% considered giving up, but decided against it. These artists obviously look at art as an integral part of their lives.

We all have made excuses for not creating art at times. Here are some excuses and my personal rebuttals.

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Artist Guide to Setting Up an Ebay Auction Listing

In the last 3 articles in this series, I have been covering many of the most common questions about auctioning art with Ebay and some great tips artists can use. There are some who say Ebay is not what it used to be for artists. They say there are just too many artists to choose from. While true, it is not too difficult to stand out from them by following the tips in my last post.

 

With consistent posting of auction listings, people will eventually come to recognize you. The fact is, Ebay can be a great resource for artists if used properly, especially in conjunction with an art blog.

These are our previous posted Ebay articles.

 

How to Sell Art on Ebay Series

Part1: Is Selling Art on Ebay Possible?

Part2: How to Sell Your Art on Ebay – Popular Questions Answered

Part3: Tips and Tricks for Auctioning Art Online at Ebay

Part4: Artist Guide to Setting Up an Ebay Auction Listing

Part5: Coming Soon!

 

This is a continuing series, so to know when the next post arrives, please subscribe here!

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Alice S Helwig - Prairie Girl Paints the Blues

Alice S Helwig

Canada, North America

Prairie Girl Paints the Blues

expansive serious questing
 
I'm obsessed with Painting. I started when I was 14, which is over 30 years ago. My subject matter are those big Alberta skies.

Faye's Sky ©Alice S Helwig

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Starry Night - Painting by Vincent Van Gogh

Today I decided to depart from the customary art promotion article, and speak about a painting that I have always admired (and I’m sure many of you do so as well). This painting is entitled Starry Night, and was created by Vincent Van Gogh during his stay at Saint-Rémy in 1889. The painting now resides at Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) in New York City, and can even be seen by anyone in striking detail using Google Art Project.

 

 

This masterpiece is one of the most recognized paintings in the world, even though Van Gogh only sold one painting during his lifetime. Incidentally, it was not this one. Quite interestingly, it was painted completely from Van Gogh’s memory, in the daytime.

Why are people so attracted to this painting? Why can so many artists and other viewers relate to it? I think there are several reasons, so I will give a little analysis of the painting, then arrive at my own conclusions.

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Catherine Armstrong – Nature Paintings of the Bahamas

Catherine Armstrong

The Bahamas

Thoughtful, optimistic, cheerful

I am an artist currently living on a quiet island in The Bahamas. I moved here in January with my husband and two young children. While I used to specialise in portraits, the nature here has really captured my attention.

 

 

 

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Call for Artists – Free Promotion on Facebook and Google Plus

Call for Artists!

We are now accepting submissions of artwork to be promoted in albums on our Facebook and Google Plus pages. As you have probably realized, social networking is one of the best ways to promote art online. The followers at our Facebook and Google+ pages are artists, art lovers, art collectors, gallery owners, curators, etc. Currently, we have 1027 fans at our Facebook page, and 465 followers at the Artpromotivate Google+ page. By having your art posted there, all of these people and more will see it.

 

They will be able to leave comments and even contact you if they want to purchase a piece.

A collection of artworks in an album presents the artist much better than an individual artwork. People can get a better idea of the type of work you do. These works will be presented with a title, medium, size, and art website in the description of each image. So, art collectors can easily contact you for purchase.

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How to Make Your Own Oil Paint at Home

Homemade oil paint is created by combining linseed oil and pigment until a satisfactory consistency is achieved. It’s surprisingly easy to make, but time consuming, with only a few key materials. Manufacturing oil paint is very complex, and various techniques and machinery are used to achieve the perfect consistency and color range. Because oil paints from manufacturers are sometimes stored for long periods, stabilizers and preservatives are added to make it last longer.



Some artists who want “pure” oil paint, and total control over the creation process, choose to make their own.

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Robbie Craig – Into the Wild – Paintings of Northern Canada

Robbie Craig

Northwest Territories, Canada

humble, creative, innovative

STYLE  

I would say that my style is Impressionism with an abstract twist.

MEDIUM    Acrylic

 

Into the Barrenlands ©Robbie Craig

 

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How to Contact an Art Gallery for the First Time

Contacting an art gallery for the first time can be an intimidating experience. This article is all about making it more comfortable for you. This is your first contact, so you should make the best first impression you possibly can. Appearing professional is of the utmost importance!

First, you should search for the gallery website on the internet. Look for the contact page. The email, phone number, and mailing address of the art gallery should be listed there.

 

 

 

Art Gallery Series

Part1: Gallery Representation or Independent Artist?

Part2: How to Search for an Art Gallery

Part3: How to Plan an Art Show

Part4: How to Contact an Art Gallery for the First Time

Part5: Coming Soon!

 

This is an ongoing series, so to know when the next article is posted, please subscribe here!

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Top 7 Reasons Why People Buy Art from Artists

Have you sold any of your artwork? If you do, who are the people who buy it and why? If you know the answers to these questions, you will discern where to focus your efforts. There are many reasons why people buy art from artists.

Here are 7 of the top reasons:

1. They can identify with the artwork.
2. There is an emotional connection.
3. Purchases for social status
4. Decorate their home
5. They know and follow the artist
6. Art Investments
7. Art as Gifts

 

These are discussed in detail below, along with some advice on where artists can place focus for promotional efforts.

 

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Linda Hoey – Fine Artist and Graphic Designer

Linda Hoey

Lancashire, UK

Creative, Shy, Complicated

    
I went to art college, am a mother of 2 and have been working as a graphic designer for the past 24 years. It is only in the past year or so where I have felt the time was right to show my work.

I have always been an artistic person right from being a child...always painted, crafted, created. It's only when someone else wanted something I had created that I finally felt I had arrived!

 

 

 

Red Tree ©Linda Hoey

 

 

 

 

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Ugallery Online Art Gallery Review

Online gallery sites are a great way for artists to promote art to a much wider international audience. Most of the websites I have seen allow the artist to post artworks and a bio, and sometimes even prices. But, that’s as far as it goes.

 

Promoting the portfolio is usually up to the artist. For artists who do not already have a huge following, they may be left behind.

I recently came across an online gallery called Ugallery that is different. The setup reminds me of a traditional art gallery. They do not allow all artists. U gallery represents over 350 artists.

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10 Things Artists Need for Selling Art Online

In order sell art online, artists should start by writing a well thought out plan. Get organized, and jot down the steps you will be taking. The steps include building an artist website and art blog, creating an email list, and attracting followers by participating in online art communities and social media.

My advice is to take things one step at a time. When you create a website, keep learning and applying new ways to make it better. The same goes for newsletters – find unique methods of attracting subscribers. Before long, you will find promoting your art on the web is much easier than you ever imagined.

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Neil Stewart - His Art and His World

Neil Stewart

His Art and His World

Thoughtful, passionate, artistic 
 
Born in Wellington, New Zealand in 1966.

I've always had an interest in art, but I've never pursued those interests. Until recently. Now those interests have turned into a passion, a living dream.

I've always been interested in art, but I've never had the will or confidence to take the steps to learn. Work always got in the way, or maybe I was making excuses. Only recently I decided to give it a go and to my amazement, I been successful to date.

Bucket Fountain            ©Neil Stewart

 

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Drawing and Painting Inspiration Exercises From Daily Life

Our lives are filled with inspiration for creating art. All around us there are ideas we can use as subjects for paintings, drawings, photography, sculpture, etc. All artists feel uninspired at times. Sometimes life experiences can stand in the way of creating. If we know where to look to be inspired, then periods of creative block may be less frequent.

Below is a list of exercises for drawing and painting that will inspire you.

Some of these you may have tried. Others may be things you have not thought of. Go through these exercises, and try out a few. You will find that you will not feel uninspired for long.

 

Please refer to prior articles that deal with inspiration for creating before moving on.

Art Inspiration Ideas
Creative Block

This is part 2 of this ideas series.

 

Drawing and Painting Ideas Series

Part1: Cool Drawing and Painting Ideas to Stimulate Your Creative Spirit

Part2: Drawing and Painting Inspiration Exercises From Daily Life!

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