Artpromotivate

Ruslana Lev - Open Your Inner Self to Art

Ruslana Lev Ontario, Canada Mediums: painting (oil, acrylic, watercolor, <a title="acrylic" href="http://www.artpromotivate.com/2013/06/create-vintage-crackle-acrylic-paint.html">acrylic</a> on glass), drawing (ink, pencil, charcoal), sculpture Style: Varies, Mostly representational   <img alt="Two Red Umbrellas Ruslana Lev" border="0" height="688" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Sbm3dYG6ACU/UiEqgRCjtnI/AAAAAAAAQ3s/-Uysjy9Eapk/TwoRedUmbrellasRuslanaLev6.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; display: block; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Two Red Umbrellas Ruslana Lev" width="550">   I cannot say that art has came into my life one day and I've embraced it, there was no one day when it came to me, it was always with me. It defines my life as much as I define it myself. It is an inner feeling that is impossible to ignore since before I could remember.

Ruslana Lev - Open Your Inner Self to Art

Ruslana Lev Ontario, Canada Mediums : painting (oil, acrylic, watercolor, acrylic on glass), drawing (ink, pencil, charcoal), sculpture ...

Have your Art Promoted by Artpromotivate with an Artist Spotlight!

<img align="left" alt="artist spotlight" border="0" height="306" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-g6JqAHsDElA/UiACDde6awI/AAAAAAAAQ24/7qE8eyc2OX0/artist-spotlight%25255B10%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" title="artist spotlight" width="356"> The artist spotlight has been wildly successful at Artpromotivate, with about 190 artists being featured in the past year, and many of those appearing in other articles. We look forward to interviewing and promoting many more artists in the coming months. Find the complete details of the artist spotlight here: <a title="Artist Interview Questions" href="http://www.artpromotivate.com/p/free-artist-spotlight-interview-how-to.html">Artist Interview Questions</a> Also, read all about another easier option for artists to be promoted below. There are many benefits to being featured here. These have been talked about before, but I will mention them here once more.

Have your Art Promoted by Artpromotivate with an Artist Spotlight!

The artist spotlight has been wildly successful at Artpromotivate, with about 190 artists being featured in the past year, and many of th...

Jester Jacques Art and Darren Turner Discuss Tips for Freelancer Illustrators

<img align="left" alt="rainy days are my favourite" border="0" height="283" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZWI99swdsWY/Uh5Hsc3GXfI/AAAAAAAAQzw/3fxpc0aatCA/rainydaysaremyfavourite7.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" title="rainy days are my favourite" width="200">This is the second article in the series of awesome tips for illustrators from Jester Jacques Art. Find the first article here: <a title="Jester Jacques Art and Chenoa Discuss Tips for Freelancing Illustrators" href="http://www.artpromotivate.com/2013/08/jester-jacques-art-and-chenoa-discuss.html" rel="nofollow">Jester Jacques Art and Chenoa Discuss Tips for Freelancing Illustrators</a>     <h3>“With so many resources for artists – Etsy, Society 6, Behance – and seeing how overcrowded those sites are, how do you make yourself stand out? (Any specific tricks?)”</h3> Over the years I’ve found no sure-fire way to stand out from the crowd… which is tricky. Some pieces naturally seem to have more ‘viral’ appeal - but it’s really hard to predict that.

Jester Jacques Art and Darren Turner Discuss Tips for Freelancer Illustrators

This is the second article in the series of awesome tips for illustrators from Jester Jacques Art. Find the first article here: Jester Jacqu...

Ideas and Tips to Name Paintings and Drawings

<img align="left" alt="tips to name artworks" border="0" height="327" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_Th0OrvHwsw/Uh0nE_Aj2HI/AAAAAAAAQzY/9eXoRryzTKU/tips-to-name-artworks%25255B19%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" title="tips to name artworks" width="350"> Many artists find the naming of artworks the most difficult step in the creation process. How does one find a perfect title which both summarizes what a drawing, painting, sculpture, etc. is about, and leaves space for interpretation from the viewer? There are also other concerns. What if people think the title is stupid or uncreative? What if after setting a name for an artwork, we decide its not appropriate? I have struggled with these things on more than occasion. In this post, I share with you some ideas and tips for naming artworks. For additional help, you can review our previous post: <a title="How to Find the Perfect Title for Art" href="http://www.artpromotivate.com/2012/01/how-to-find-perfect-title-for-art.html">How to Find the Perfect Title for Art</a>

Ideas and Tips to Name Paintings and Drawings

Many artists find the naming of artworks the most difficult step in the creation process. How does one find a perfect title which both sum...

8 Modern Surreal Paintings, Visionary Art and Dreamscapes

This post features surreal paintings, dreamscapes and visionary art from the talented artists of our artist spotlight. “<a title="Visionary art" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visionary_art" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Visionary art</a> is art that purports to transcend the physical world and portray a wider vision of awareness including spiritual or mystical themes, or is based in such experiences.” – Wikipedia “<a title="Surrealism" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surrealism" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Surrealism</a> is a cultural movement that began in the early 1920s, and is best known for its visual artworks and writings. The aim was to "resolve the previously contradictory conditions of dream and reality." Artists painted unnerving, illogical scenes with photographic precision, created strange creatures from everyday objects and developed painting techniques that allowed the unconscious to express itself.” Wikipedia Dreamscapes are paintings based on dreams or a dream-like world. Please like this page or give it a Tweet in support of the artists. To learn more about the artists, please click on their artworks to go directly to their spotlight.

8 Modern Surreal Paintings, Visionary Art and Dreamscapes

This post features surreal paintings, dreamscapes and visionary art from the talented artists of our artist spotlight. “ Visionary art is ...

How to Build a Blog Following – One Post at a Time!

<img align="left" alt="blog followers" border="0" height="277" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DLkJ58zI530/UhkQk4GX6EI/AAAAAAAAQtU/aqPKTXB4bi8/blog-followers%25255B7%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="blog followers" width="350"> Since I began this blog in December of 2011, the subscriber count and following has been increasing. Growth was very slow at first, but as I continued posting articles regularly, and featuring artists, subscriber count has went to 1700+. Followers at social networks have even increased much more than this. This was achieved by daily posting and promoting of blog posts - but most of all by the sharing of articles by our awesome readers. To show my gratitude, I thought I would use this space today to share with you how to build a following for your own art blogs.   How fast you would like to increase your follower count and subscribers will mainly depend on two factors – post frequency and promotion of posts. The more you post, the more content will be at your blog for viewers to read and share. Of course the more posts are promoted, the more your writings will be seen by people who have not visited before. One thing is for certain, building a blog takes time, dedication and a lot of hard work. But, if you enjoy writing, it doesn’t seem like work at all. Find lots of ideas for blog topics here: <a title="103 Art Blog Topics" href="http://www.artpromotivate.com/2012/05/103-topics-to-write-about-for-art-blogs.html">103 Art Blog Topics</a> Here are some tips to build a blog following – one post at a time!

How to Build a Blog Following – One Post at a Time!

Since I began this blog in December of 2011, the subscriber count and following has been increasing. Growth was very slow at first, but as ...

Welcome to the Abstract World of Visual Artist Dennis Sheil

Dennis Sheil Napa Valley area, CA  USA Mediums:  Acrylic on canvas, mixed media acrylic on canvas Style:  Primarily abstract Favorite Quote:  “Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.” – Dr. Seuss Favorite Books:  Duma Key, Just Kids, The Shack, Scar Tissue Favorite Movies:  Blazing Saddles, Back to the Future, The Wall, Ghostbusters, Raiders of the Lost Ark, The Breakfast Club   <img alt="Springing to Life Dennis Sheil" border="0" height="362" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RD_3_CF_sV0/UhkTK0PgquI/AAAAAAAAQt4/KTMyLzzKFWo/SpringingtoLifeDennisSheil6.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; display: block; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Springing to Life Dennis Sheil" width="550">  Springing to Life (Detail) © Dennis Sheil – This is a detail from a 20”x28” acrylic on canvas piece titled “Springing to Life”   I grew up in a small town in Western Iowa before joining the Air Force and “seeing the world.”  I am a self-taught artist currently living in the Napa Valley area of Northern CA.  I am a husband and a parent, and in addition to <a title="being an artist" href="http://www.artpromotivate.com/2012/07/excuses-making-art-being-artist.html">being an artist</a>, I am also an office/field engineer, and a restaurateur. My art is a reflection of the abstract life I lead; often times calming and peaceful, other times frenzied and chaotic.  My work has been described as loose and free flowing, yet structured and detailed – all the while, maintaining an “organic” feel.  As an artist I am very interested in the effects of both color and texture.  The organic look and feel of my work brings a refined and developed feel to the paintings through a unique balance of composition, color, and texture.

Welcome to the Abstract World of Visual Artist Dennis Sheil

Dennis Sheil Napa Valley area, CA USA Mediums : Acrylic on canvas, mixed media acrylic on canvas Style : Primarily abstract Favorite ...

Dorothy Lorenze – Adding Color to my Life: Painting with Oils

<img align="left" alt="Dorothy Lorenze artist" border="0" height="265" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-UhBr26c7dqE/UhfvOgtziKI/AAAAAAAAQsY/S82vN2ZZ5z8/DorothyLorenzeartist7.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" title="Dorothy Lorenze artist" width="258"> Dorothy Lorenze New York, USA Medium: oil Style: Contemporary Realism   Anna Mary Robertson (Grandma) Moses said: “If I didn’t start painting, I would have raised chickens.” Nothing grand or lofty about it and it’s one of my favorite quotes. I like to think it was her wise way of saying, “get real!”     I am a contemporary realist painter and I believe in appreciating the beauty of the ordinary, everyday things in our lives. I paint objects with visual interest and hope they feed the senses: a serving of color and shapes with a full helping of realism… seasoned with a sprinkling of nostalgia and a smidge of humor.

Dorothy Lorenze – Adding Color to my Life: Painting with Oils

Dorothy Lorenze New York, USA Medium : oil Style : Contemporary Realism Anna Mary Robertson (Grandma) Moses said: “If I didn’t sta...

Webydo allows Web Designers to Brand their Design Business with a Logo

Since the last time I wrote about the perks of the <a title="Webydo" href="http://www.webydo.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Webydo</a> platform for web designers, I noticed that they have an interesting new feature. This is the introduction of branding capabilities for web designing businesses! Designers can now insert their own logo when they present websites to clients. <a title="Web Designing" href="http://www.webydo.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img align="left" alt="Web Designing" border="0" height="221" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bQUO2yOan1E/UhYabdUzTgI/AAAAAAAAQpw/VPQ_YWS6vrQ/web-designing%25255B10%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" title="Web Designing" width="400"></a> Designers are also given a unique log-in page to give to those customers. This login page has the designer’s custom logo (instead of Webydo’s), and allows clients to add or edit certain elements of a website – those allowed by the designer. Logos are essential for establishing credibility and trust to clients. Logos differentiate your company from others. Having a logo could also be the difference in making sales or not. In the world of web designing, good first impressions are everything – and a good logo will certainly aid in giving that. Before I talk more about this awesome new feature and the designer’s dashboard, you may want to take a look at our past articles about Webydo: <a title="Online Web Design" href="http://www.artpromotivate.com/2013/06/webydo-fast-easy-online-web-design.html">Online Web Design</a> <a title="How to Create an Online Store with Webydo and Ecwid" href="http://www.artpromotivate.com/2013/08/online-art-store-ecwid-webydo.html">How to Create an Online Store with Webydo and Ecwid</a>

Webydo allows Web Designers to Brand their Design Business with a Logo

Since the last time I wrote about the perks of the Webydo platform for web designers, I noticed that they have an interesting new feature. ...

STOP Stereotyping Artists!

<img align="right" alt="stop stereotyping artists" border="0" height="350" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SgHIvLlFMlY/UhT97NLjSlI/AAAAAAAAQno/XWedhRZH1cQ/stopstereotypingartists8.png?imgmax=800" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" title="stop stereotyping artists" width="350"> A while ago I posted about an issue which many artists can relate to – the things people sometimes say to us: <a title="Things that Artists Hate to Hear" href="http://www.artpromotivate.com/2012/06/18-things-that-artists-hate-to-hear.html">Things that Artists Hate to Hear</a>. Over the years, I’ve had many discouraging and stereotypical remarks said to me about being an artist. Ever since I decided to pursue art, I’ve had to endure these artist stereotypes: <ul> <li>I will never make any money with art. <li>I will be a starving artist <li>I am wasting my time… and should be doing something more productive to make money. - “Get a real job!” <li>Artists only become famous after they are dead.</li></li></li></li></ul>

STOP Stereotyping Artists!

A while ago I posted about an issue which many artists can relate to – the things people sometimes say to us: Things that Artists Hate to H...

4 Good Reasons Artists Should Use Google+ for Promoting Art

<img align="left" alt="google plus for artists" border="0" height="308" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4AK0o-uYtSM/UhQNPY0rj9I/AAAAAAAAQm8/3Y3OJWgUSnk/googleplusforartists6.png?imgmax=800" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" title="google plus for artists" width="300"> I was one of the early adopters of Google+ and initially saw the value of artists using this social network. Google+ has grown much and made a lot of changes since my original article: <a title="Google+ is an Amazing Place for Artists" href="http://www.artpromotivate.com/2012/01/google-is-amazing-place-for-artists.html">Google+ is an Amazing Place for Artists</a> (which was posted Jan. 14, 2012 – about a month after the first post at Artpromotivate) Talking about changes – what has changed? Nearly everything! Google+ looks so much different than it did a year and a half ago. The addition of huge cover photos gives artists plenty of space to showcase artworks. Incidentally, I have to get in there and change mine – which I will be doing soon. When I change my Google+ cover photo, I will be sharing a tutorial on creating one. (<a title="subscribe here" href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=artpromotivate&amp;loc=en_US" rel="nofollow">subscribe here</a> to receive this post by email)   Posts have a simpler modular layout – the layout made popular by Pinterest – and infinite scrolling. The whole design appears cleaner and more structured. There is so much to Google+ that I think it deserves the article series treatment. In that regard, future posts will cover promoting art on Google+, finding inspiration on Google+, groups, and much more. For this article, I am covering some of the reasons why artists should consider placing more emphasis on Google+.. or at the very least get in there and setup authorship, sites contributed to, about page, etc. Want to know if your art appears at other websites? Check out this post to find answers: <a title="How to Find Stolen Art With Google" href="http://www.artpromotivate.com/2011/12/art-copied-stolen-google-image-search.html">How to Find Stolen Art With Google</a>

4 Good Reasons Artists Should Use Google+ for Promoting Art

I was one of the early adopters of Google+ and initially saw the value of artists using this social network. Google+ has grown much and mad...

8 of the Best Free Wordpress Plugins for Artists

<img align="left" alt="free wordpress plugins for artists" border="0" height="249" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Zy_hn4kJo0g/UhK22fGYkFI/AAAAAAAAQko/VRmouxfu2mA/freewordpresspluginsforartists16.png?imgmax=800" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" title="free wordpress plugins for artists" width="385"> For those artists who use Wordpress, this CMS has no shortage of plugins. It’s probably the most supported CMS on the web, with thousands of tutorials on how to use it, and more plug-ins than you would ever need. When I first discovered <a title="Wordpress" href="http://www.artpromotivate.com/2012/02/godaddy-domain-redirection-blogger-and.html">Wordpress</a> a few years ago, I had a habit of trying out as many plugins as I could. Very soon though I discovered that this presented a major problem – my website was dramatically slower!   I made some other mistakes with that blog, which is why I do not have it now (even though I still own the domain). I didn’t pay attention to security – and the site was hacked and files corrupted. I’ve learned a lot since then! Here are a few recommended free Wordpress plugins for artists. If you would like to tell us what WP plugins you use, please do so in the comments. Searching for a free Wordpress portfolio theme? Take a look at this post: <a title="WPFolio" href="http://www.artpromotivate.com/2013/02/wpfolio-free-wordpress-portfolio-theme.html">WPFolio</a>

8 of the Best Free Wordpress Plugins for Artists

For those artists who use Wordpress, this CMS has no shortage of plugins. It’s probably the most supported CMS on the web, with thousands o...

Jester Jacques Art and Chenoa Discuss Tips for Freelancing Illustrators

JJ Art is on a mission to showcase the world’s finest young artists, but is also keen to help creative types everywhere by writing didactic articles. Chenoa Gao is a successful Canadian freelance illustrator and, so, it came as a no brainer that Jester Jacques and Chenoa should discuss tips for artists who wish to become full time <a title="illustrators" href="http://www.artpromotivate.com/2013/06/how-to-become-illustrator-jobs.html">illustrators</a>. Enjoy reading and please leave us comments, as we love discussions!   <img alt="Chenoa Gao soul shoes" border="0" height="261" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Jql53KffJck/UhGKmsmadeI/AAAAAAAAQh8/3nY3Cndr4_0/ChenoaGaosoulshoes7.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; display: block; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Chenoa Gao soul shoes" width="550">   With so many resources for artists – Etsy, Society 6, Behance – and seeing how overcrowded those sites are, how do you make yourself stand out? (Any specific tricks?) It’s really important to link all your work back to <a title="social media sites" href="http://www.artpromotivate.com/2012/03/10-social-networks-for-artists-2012.html">social media sites</a> like Twitter, Tumblr, or a blog. Essentially you want to create your own web of connections, the more connections the easier it is for people to find you in searches (also make sure all your work is properly tagged too). Keep your work current and relevant to what you are doing. If you have a good flow of work that is regularly posted, people will notice you.

Jester Jacques Art and Chenoa Discuss Tips for Freelancing Illustrators

JJ Art is on a mission to showcase the world’s finest young artists, but is also keen to help creative types everywhere by writing didactic ...

Jennifer Beaudet - Artist Whose Passion Kept Her Going

Jennifer Beaudet California, America Mediums: oil and watercolors Style: Modern Impressionist   I was born and raised near the beach in Southern California and moved to the mountains of Northern California about 13 years ago. My <a title="art career" href="http://www.artpromotivate.com/2013/05/business-ideas-for-artists.html">art career</a> started later than some, although, I attended El Camino College out of High School and earned my A.A. degree in Studio art. I put my dreams on hold to raise my daughter on my own and when she was a Junior in high school, on her way to college soon, I felt like I could begin to spend my extra time pursuing my dream of being a full time artist. I was given a set of oils and went from there!  I’m primarily self-taught but have learned so much from great books and online workshops. I’m always learning, which is so much fun!    <img alt="Field of Pink Jennifer Beaudet" border="0" height="434" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zuDUPv1rykc/UhALMa1iAAI/AAAAAAAAQhM/tXqWICrBXu4/fieldofpinkjenniferbeaudet6.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; display: block; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Field of Pink Jennifer Beaudet" width="546">   The beauty that surrounds me <a title="inspires my art" href="http://www.artpromotivate.com/2013/07/get-inspiration-for-art-making.html">inspires my art</a>. I paint mostly in oils and like to keep my paintings loose, with the brushstrokes showing. It's my goal as an artist to convey my passion for the beautiful world we live in.

Jennifer Beaudet - Artist Whose Passion Kept Her Going

Jennifer Beaudet California, America Mediums : oil and watercolors Style : Modern Impressionist I was born and raised near the beach ...

Caricature Artist Paul Moyse Speaks about his Kickstarter Project - Heads and Shoulders

<img align="left" alt="paul moyse caricature artist" border="0" height="293" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yuSBwLCZHnk/Ug5Ucz51FeI/AAAAAAAAQfI/a--YyqQwhhM/paul-moyse-caricature-artist%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" title="paul moyse caricature artist" width="400">I recently had the amazing opportunity to speak with acclaimed UK illustrator and caricature artist Paul Moyse. I asked him some questions about his caricature art, and his Kickstarter project to help fund his new caricature book, Heads and Shoulders – A Book of Caricature. The book will include some of Paul’s best caricature art, and many new artworks.       You can read all about Paul Moyse’s Kickstarter project here: <a title="Paul Moyse Caricature Artist" href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/paulmoyse/heads-and-shoulders-a-caricature-book" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Paul Moyse Caricature Artist</a>.   <iframe height="360" src="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/paulmoyse/heads-and-shoulders-a-caricature-book/widget/video.html" frameborder="0" width="480"> </iframe>

Caricature Artist Paul Moyse Speaks about his Kickstarter Project - Heads and Shoulders

I recently had the amazing opportunity to speak with acclaimed UK illustrator and caricature artist Paul Moyse . I asked him some questions...

8 Beautiful Wildlife Paintings from Featured Artists

Wildlife art is one oldest the oldest forms of art. The earliest known wildlife paintings were created by primitive humans, on the walls of caves. These were simplistic in form and often were paintings of bison, deer and horses. These days, wildlife paintings are often dramatic and realistic depictions of animals in nature. The intent of many wildlife artists is to show the beauty of animals and humanity’s relationship with them. I have collected 8 beautiful wildlife paintings created by artists from our artist spotlight. These are shown below, along with a short excerpt from the artist. You will see beautiful depictions of bears, leopards, moose, elephants, sheep and other animals. Click on any image to go directly to their page, where you can see more of what they have created. If you are interested in learning more about any of the wildlife artists, please proceed to the bottom of their artist spotlight, where you will see a link to the artist’s website.

8 Beautiful Wildlife Paintings from Featured Artists

Wildlife art is one oldest the oldest forms of art. The earliest known wildlife paintings were created by primitive humans, on the walls of...

Use #artpromotivate in your Facebook and Twitter Posts

<img align="left" alt="share with artpromotivate" border="0" height="237" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-UJiXB2P5nwE/Ugvu_R2va1I/AAAAAAAAQdA/60j-CQI4BAo/sharewithartpromotivate10.png?imgmax=800" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" title="share with artpromotivate" width="352"> Use #artpromotivate in your Facebook and Twitter Posts to share content with this site! I have been enjoying using the tagging feature in Facebook posts. I talk about Facebook hash-tags in this article: <a title="How to Use Facebook Hashtags" href="http://www.artpromotivate.com/2013/06/how-to-use-facebook-hashtags-for-artists.html">How to Use Facebook Hashtags</a>  I’ve been using the hash-tags #artpromotivate and #arts4s occasionally in some of our posts, but I’ve been trying to think of a more purposeful and powerful way to use them. Recently, I set up a page at <a title="Rebelmouse" href="http://www.artpromotivate.com/2013/08/rebelmouse-social-art-website.html">Rebelmouse</a> and noticed that they support hash-tags to pull in posts from Facebook and Twitter. After setting up a couple hash-tag related pages, it hit me how the hash-tag system can make things much easier for this site and all the artists who want to share their art with us. We can use a special hash-tag specifically for shares to Artpromotivate. That hash tag will be #artpromotivate

Use #artpromotivate in your Facebook and Twitter Posts

Use #artpromotivate in your Facebook and Twitter Posts to share content with this site ! I have been enjoying using the tagging feature in...

Marijke van Welzen - A Common Thread Runs Through my Artwork

Marijke van Welzen RegiVlaardingen, the Netherlands Mediums: Textile, fabric, fiber, thread Style: wearable art Inspirations: Stories, <a title="Nature" href="http://www.artpromotivate.com/2013/06/nature-art-landscape-paintings.html">Nature</a>, Art <img alt="fabric art roses" height="600" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DhvIfgNVDVI/UgqsG8_D8iI/AAAAAAAAQZs/Q8YOb9MraDc/fabricartroses6.jpg?imgmax=800" style="float: none; margin-left: auto; display: block; margin-right: auto" title="fabric art roses" width="450"> <blockquote> Education: teacher-training college Textile arts and craft / English. Under the label art2wear I make wearable art and accessories with a story to tell. I mainly use fabric collage. Using many tiny pieces of fabric and colourful machine threads I 'paint' my designs. Appliqué, stencils, stamps, beads, ribbons, lace and anything else I think I can use, finish the piece. I usually work very intuitively, sometimes I use a mandala drawing I made for inspiration. I also <a title="work on commission" href="http://www.artpromotivate.com/2012/03/working-with-art-buyer-for-commissions.html">work on commission</a>. Each garment is tailor-made for that particular client. I keep in mind wishes like favourite colour, design, shape etc. All garments are unique, I never copy a piece. I have won several prizes with my garments. I try to have expositions regularly. I also teach workshops in the techniques I use. We work in small groups, the sewing machines are ready and waiting. On request I teach on location too. Lately I make quilts and do some wet and dry felting (Embellisher).</blockquote>

Marijke van Welzen - A Common Thread Runs Through my Artwork

Marijke van Welzen RegiVlaardingen, the Netherlands Mediums : Textile, fabric, fiber, thread Style : wearable art Inspirations : Stories...

When to Politely Turn Down Art Commissions

As artists, there is no greater compliment than having people <a title="buy our art" href="http://www.artpromotivate.com/2012/01/where-can-i-find-buyers-for-my-art.html">buy our art</a>, and commission us to do special pieces for them. Sitting down with clients and ironing out details can be very exciting, especially for those who haven’t received many commissions. It means that someone has taken an interest in our art, and is willing to invest in our work. <img align="left" alt="turn down art commissions" border="0" height="239" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zDoqbABheDM/UglqbeyVFvI/AAAAAAAAQXw/TG4xWOfGsQM/turndownartcommissions17.png?imgmax=800" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" title="turn down art commissions" width="402"> But, the artist/ client relationship isn’t always smooth flowing. There may be times when we may have a feeling in our gut that the commission is just not right. Maybe the client expects us to create something that we do not normally do, or we may not have adequate time to complete it without being rushed. It is important to realize that we have to be selective in the commissions we accept, so we do not end up wasting our own time and the client’s time – and even worse, the embarrassment of a failed commission. How does an artist know when its right to turn down a commission? How do we say NO to art commissions, without sounding like we are unappreciative of the person’s offer? If you are looking for advice on how to receive art commissions, you will find it from this article: <a title="How to Get Art Commissions" href="http://www.artpromotivate.com/2012/03/how-to-get-art-commissions.html">How to Get Art Commissions</a> Here are some reasons why artists might want to consider turning down artwork commissions.

When to Politely Turn Down Art Commissions

As artists, there is no greater compliment than having people buy our art , and commission us to do special pieces for them. Sitting down wi...

Positive Thinking - Inspirational Quotes about Life and Encouragement

Through the struggles of life, it’s good to think positive. Many times that is difficult to do, especially with all the bad news we hear on the television everyday. I’ve struggled with negativity for much of my life. These days I try to think positively. I surround myself with positive people, those who will uplift me instead of put me down. I do what I can to encourage others, and try to have a giving attitude.   <img align="left" alt="inspirational quotes about life" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5z-qkj41Ljc/UggqBK4pzjI/AAAAAAAAQWE/OGbaaA9VEnA/inspirationalquotesaboutlife23.png?imgmax=800" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" title="inspirational quotes about life" width="400">Below, I share a huge list of the best and most encouraging quotes on positive thinking. Some of these are famous quotes from well known people.   There is a lot of wisdom in these sayings. Positive thinking helps achieve the seemingly impossible! I have achieved so much in my own life by regularly reading some of these, and applying them in my own life.      Read these encouraging quotes, and reread them. Be inspired and uplifted. Apply them.   Feel free to use any of these as Facebook or Twitter statuses and share the images. Also, refer to our other lists of quotes: <a title="Art Quotes" href="http://www.artpromotivate.com/2012/09/famous-inspirational-art-quotes.html">Art Quotes</a> <a title="Success Quotes" href="http://www.artpromotivate.com/2013/04/motivational-quotes-about-success.html">Success Quotes</a> If you like this page, please share it.

Positive Thinking - Inspirational Quotes about Life and Encouragement

Through the struggles of life, it’s good to think positive. Many times that is difficult to do, especially with all the bad news we hear on ...

What is your First Memory Creating Art as a Child?

Can you remember your first experience creating as a child? This is a question we have been asking in the artist spotlight form for the past...

Alan Derrick Artist – 3D Metal Pop Art – Part 1

Alan Derrick State of Alabama, USA Mediums: Paint on steel over panel. Style: 3D Metal Pop Art   <img alt="Alan Derrick 3D Metal Pop Art" border="0" height="343" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SBv-Kl62Fz0/UfsI0FqG43I/AAAAAAAAQFU/9vSbpbL1-Yw/Alan_Derrick_3D_Metal_Pop_Art6.gif?imgmax=800" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; display: block; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Alan Derrick 3D Metal Pop Art" width="530">   I am Alan Derrick and I make 3D Metal Pop Art. I am inspired to honor iconic figures and popular subjects through my tribute art. This art form features layers of intricately cut steel parts arranged in a way that creates the illusion of an image which is not really there. I spray and splatter paints onto the surface in a way the tricks the eye into seeing a source of light which does not exist. Each one is a hand crafted, signed, and numbered original I make myself in a series of between 1 and 100.

Alan Derrick Artist – 3D Metal Pop Art – Part 1

Alan Derrick State of Alabama, USA Mediums : Paint on steel over panel. Style : 3D Metal Pop Art I am Alan Derrick and I make 3D...

Disadvantages of Art Schools – Why They can be Bad!

<img align="left" alt="disadvantages of art schools" border="0" height="233" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zkogU8zxokU/UgRBKCADQuI/AAAAAAAAQUQ/nDVDnR24Xq4/disadvantagesofartschools7.png?imgmax=800" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" title="disadvantages of art schools" width="350"> I had a great time in art school. Not only did I learn much which I don’t think I would have learned otherwise, I made many friends and met many artists. I have no regrets with getting my degree in fine art. It had a great effect on the direction of my art, and helped me develop my personal style. But with every good thing, there seems to always be bad points. In some ways art school did not live up to my expectations. There was no real preparation for the “real world” of being an artist. It was only about creating art, and <a title="selling art" href="http://www.artpromotivate.com/2013/01/promoting-selling-art-online-articles.html">selling art</a> was not discussed. I think young artists should make an informed decision on whether an art education is right for them. Do you think the cost and time away from creating your own art will be worth it? Are you willing to take the good with the bad and stick it out to the end? Do you want to possibly develop and grow as an artist faster than you could by going at it alone? If you have not read the counterpoint to this article yet, please do so before moving on: <a title="Advantages of Art School" href="http://www.artpromotivate.com/2013/08/advantages-of-art-school.html">Advantages of Art School</a> These are some disadvantages of art school (from my personal experience) which you should know about before making your choice.

Disadvantages of Art Schools – Why They can be Bad!

I had a great time in art school . Not only did I learn much which I don’t think I would have learned otherwise, I made many friends and me...

Advantages of Art School for Young Artists

<img align="left" alt="advantages of art schools" border="0" height="200" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NfRYTUhlCeM/UgLZdt0HEvI/AAAAAAAAQQs/YumbRba72Zw/advantagesofartschools6.png?imgmax=800" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" title="advantages of art schools" width="300"> Before deciding whether to get an arts education at an <a title="art school" href="http://www.artpromotivate.com/2012/09/5-reasons-why-art-students-should-blog.html">art school</a> or university, young artists should examine whether its right for them. Weigh the good with the bad, and make an intelligent decision. Art school is certainly not for everyone. Over half of my class ended up dropping out because they found that a fine arts education wasn’t what they expected. I was also disappointed in some ways, but I stuck with it until graduation. I saw that there were many reasons I should finish what I started, and have no regrets for doing so. Attending an arts college does have many good points. Listed below are some advantages of art school. If you would like to share your impressions of art school, please do so in the comments. You may also be interested in this post: <a href="http://www.artpromotivate.com/2013/08/disadvantages-of-art-schools-bad.html" title="Disadvantages of Art School">Disadvantages of Art School</a> Please subscribe above to receive this post right away via email.

Advantages of Art School for Young Artists

Before deciding whether to get an arts education at an art school or university, young artists should examine whether its right for them. ...

How to Set Up your Online Art Store with Webydo and Ecwid

Online art stores are very common on the internet. The common thing for artists to do is sign up for one of the many online stores, such as Etsy, <a title="Zazzle" href="http://www.artpromotivate.com/2012/03/how-artists-can-use-zazzle-to-sell-art.html">Zazzle</a>, <a title="Fine Art America" href="http://www.artpromotivate.com/2012/01/fine-art-america-print-on-demand.html">Fine Art America</a> and Redbubble. I’ve posted artworks at these and other services, but sales have honestly been few and far in between. <a title="Webydo" href="http://www.webydo.com/" rel="nofollow"><img align="left" alt="webydo ecwid" border="0" height="151" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yG4G4dTIR4A/UgGLME7gsuI/AAAAAAAAQMo/QErLHS-Nt7Y/webydo-ecwid%25255B9%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" title="webydo ecwid" width="300"></a>The main problem with these and other websites is that I am competing with thousands of other artists. All the websites look the same! There are customizations that can be made, such as colors and banner placements, but the website still looks basically the same as all the others.     The other problem deals with the buyer’s experience. There are many collectors who shy away from such sites, and would rather buy direct from the artist. They see the artist’s online store as a sign that the artist is established. Take a look at <a title="Iris Scott’s website" href="http://irisscottprints.com/" rel="nofollow">Iris Scott’s website</a> as an example. Before she had this website, she had a free one on Weebly. This one undoubtedly helped her in the early part of her career, but as her <a title="print sales" href="http://www.artpromotivate.com/2013/02/websites-to-sell-prints-online.html">print sales</a> grew through her site and Facebook, she saw the need for a functional online store with shopping cart. This undoubtedly simplified things for her, and provided a place for regular and new buyers to easily buy her artwork. Now, if you were to <a title="hire a designer" href="http://www.artpromotivate.com/2013/06/webydo-fast-easy-online-web-design.html">hire a designer</a> and programmer to create such a site, this could easily cost thousands of dollars. Such a personalized online store has been out of reach for the vast majority of online artists – until now!

How to Set Up your Online Art Store with Webydo and Ecwid

Online art stores are very common on the internet. The common thing for artists to do is sign up for one of the many online stores, such as...

Maryssa Anne - Abstract Realism and Grunge Art

Maryssa Anne North Carolina, US Mediums: Watercolor, Acrylic, Graphite. Style: <a title="Abstract" href="http://www.artpromotivate.com/2013/06/20-colorful-abstract-paintings-for.html">Abstract</a> realism. Grunge   <img alt="Maryssa Anne the escape" border="0" height="362" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wSPFnnLC86k/UfwxYZsrtiI/AAAAAAAAQG4/3tHHTlTcyiw/MaryssaAnnetheescape6.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; display: block; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Maryssa Anne the escape" width="550">   Favorite Quotes: “Battle not with monsters Lest you become a monster And if you gaze into the abyss The abyss gazes into you” - Friedrich Nietzsche "All I'm gonna do is just go on and do what I feel" -Jimi Hendrix Favorite Books: LOTR Series. The Knife of Never Letting Go Favorite Movies: The Asphalt Jungle. LOTR. Pride and Prejudice.

Maryssa Anne - Abstract Realism and Grunge Art

Maryssa Anne North Carolina, US Mediums : Watercolor, Acrylic, Graphite. Style : Abstract realism. Grunge Favorite Quotes : “Ba...

How to Build a Social Art Website with Rebelmouse

<img align="left" alt="Rebel Mouse" border="0" height="215" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_MEsR2bv2J0/Uf7-2-IsUBI/AAAAAAAAQJA/kLB1Ckf2fa8/Rebel-Mouse%25255B6%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" title="Rebel Mouse" width="320"> I have profiles at multiple social networks. Sometimes it’s difficult to keep track of all of these at once. I often wished there was one tool or homepage to organize what I post at these social networks, along with RSS feeds. I’ve tried social management apps such as <a title="Bufferapp" href="http://www.artpromotivate.com/2012/07/buffer-social-sharing-time-online.html">Bufferapp</a> and Hootsuite, and content curation systems, such as <a title="Paper.li" href="http://www.artpromotivate.com/2012/10/how-to-create-online-art-newspaper.html">Paper.li</a>, but haven’t been completely satisfied with what they offered.     I recently discovered Rebelmouse. This happens to be just what I have been looking for. Rebelmouse organizes everything from social profiles and RSS feeds onto an attractive <a title="responsive" href="http://www.artpromotivate.com/2013/07/responsive-blog-template.html">responsive</a> homepage. The page automatically updates in real time, pulling in statuses from Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and more. Pages can be organized as you like, with posts moved and edited.  Rebel mouse also includes a wide variety of different layouts and themes, and a host of features for free. A premium version will allow for even more customizations, including a custom domain, Mailchimp and Google Analytics integration, custom CSS controls and more. For now, the free version is quite suitable. I have been busy setting up the Rebelmouse APM site and playing with the settings. This is what I have come up with so far… <a title="Artpromotivate Rebelmouse page" href="https://www.rebelmouse.com/artpromotivate/" rel="nofollow">Artpromotivate Rebelmouse page</a> As you can see, I have added the Artpromotivate banner, and included navigation links at the top. Two external links are here, one going to this site and the other to Designpromotivate. I have also included category pages for posts based on the tags Artist Spotlight and <a title="Art Promotion" href="http://www.artpromotivate.com/2013/01/promoting-selling-art-online-articles.html">Art Promotion</a>. Overall, this functions similar to an online newsletter – and will keep visitors updated with everything we post online all in the convenience of one easily accessible page. If you would like to subscribe, you can do so by entering your email at the top. I have included a tutorial below on how artists can create their own Rebelmouse page, which if setup correctly, can serve as a hub for all online activities.

How to Build a Social Art Website with Rebelmouse

I have profiles at multiple social networks. Sometimes it’s difficult to keep track of all of these at once. I often wished there was one t...

Do What Makes you Happy – A Lesson Learned

<img align="left" alt="do what makes you happy" border="0" height="300" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-375bUvh7PtI/Uf3DPzY_WAI/AAAAAAAAQIU/RrkluONLzWc/do-what-makes-you-happy%25255B15%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" title="do what makes you happy" width="224"> One of the last things my father said to us before he passed away a few years ago was “Do what makes you happy”. This is a profoundly simple statement, and I have pondered often on exactly what he meant. My father was a man of few words. When he spoke, he often made sure it meant something. Those words were said from the heart – from the context of a man who knew he had few days left on this earth. When he was diagnosed with cancer, the doctor gave him a grim diagnosis. He told him his cancer had progressed so far that they could not do anything for him. He spent four months in his home after that, spending his last days bed ridden. To the end he always stayed positive, and was unafraid of death. It was during this time that he tried to impart little bits of wisdom to us kids. “Do what makes you happy” are the words that stuck with me.

Do What Makes you Happy – A Lesson Learned

One of the last things my father said to us before he passed away a few years ago was “ Do what makes you happy ”. This is a profoundly sim...

20 Tips for Portrait Artists to Promote their Artworks

I have been a portrait artist for many years, and I have tried many things during that time to promote my portraits. As I mentioned in a previous post, portraiture has been very effective in helping to promote myself as an artist. I also create oil and acrylic paintings – mostly semi-surreal images of scenes of this province. Some people discover that I also paint other things after commissioning a portrait.  <a title="Helga McLeod" href="http://www.artpromotivate.com/2013/07/helga-mcleod-artist-water-and-color.html" rel="nofollow"><img alt="Helga McLeod portrait" border="0" height="397" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_5bYlnSfAm8/UfqjSGSkyvI/AAAAAAAAQEk/3CYKZ3VgNXg/Helga-McLeod-portrait%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block" title="Helga McLeod portrait" width="570"></a>Portrait above by <a title="Helga McLeod" href="http://www.artpromotivate.com/2013/07/helga-mcleod-artist-water-and-color.html">Helga McLeod</a>   Below, I share some of what I have done to promote my portrait drawings, and I also have some great tips thrown in. If you have anything to add, or have any questions, please do so in the comments. Have you read my previous article relating to portrait art? <a title="Why are Portrait Paintings Still Popular?" href="http://www.artpromotivate.com/2013/07/portrait-paintings-photography.html">Why are Portrait Paintings Still Popular?</a>

20 Tips for Portrait Artists to Promote their Artworks

I have been a portrait artist for many years, and I have tried many things during that time to promote my portraits. As I mentioned in a pre...

Stephen Quick Artist - The Internet is my Gallery

Stephen Quick Bristol UK Mediums: Acrylic paint, household paint, <a title="watercolour" href="http://www.artpromotivate.com/2013/06/nicola-lautre-artist-watercolor.html">watercolour</a>, paint pens, spray paint and video Style: Post Modern Pop Art, Post Modern Satire, Live painting and Speed Painting Videos. Favorite Quote: “Always be yourself…. unless you suck” – Joss Whedon Favorite Books: LOTR, All the Potters, Ham On Rye, Catcher In The Rye, and loving the Hunger Games at the moment. Favorite Movies: All of them (bar anything by Bay!...R.I.P TMNT)   <img alt="Lamour group steven quick" border="0" height="457" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-o0wIp6oGbtM/Ufmm3iftRDI/AAAAAAAAQD4/IveNDNZ72rw/Lamour-group-steven-quick%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; display: block; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Lamour group steven quick" width="598">

Stephen Quick Artist - The Internet is my Gallery

Stephen Quick Bristol UK Mediums : Acrylic paint, household paint, watercolour , paint pens, spray paint and video Style : Post Modern Po...