Artpromotivate

How to Make your Blog at Blogger look more Professional

Blogging has become very popular among artists on the internet. Typically, artists choose one of two blogging platforms – Blogger or Wordpress. A free blog can be created at both of these sites. I have two main blogs myself, both hosted by Blogger. In my time online, I have discovered several ways to make these blogs appear more professional, even though they are freely hosted by Google. <img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="professional blogger blog" border="0" alt="professional blogger blog" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Fq0fAQBSxTg/UQnTGpYJHcI/AAAAAAAAM6k/I5roNvyi6dw/professional-blogger-blog%25255B5%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="256" height="256">The advantages of using Blogger are many. <ul> <li>In minutes anyone with little technical knowledge can have a free blog of their own. </li> <li>Blogger is also known for its high security. Your blog is as secure as your Google password. </li> <li>Blogger has 100% uptime. Hosted websites sometimes experience periods of downtime. You can feel confident that people will always find your blog. </li> <li>Plenty of free widgets, tutorials and codes are available on the web to optimize the blog. </li> </ul> For those who have a blog hosted by Google Blogger, here are some steps you can take it make it appear more professional.

How to Make your Blog at Blogger look more Professional

Blogging has become very popular among artists on the internet. Typically, artists choose one of two blogging platforms – Blogger or Word...

Helen Duplassie Artist - Finding Myself After Retiring

<img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Helen Duplassie" border="0" alt="Helen Duplassie" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZqgASHMppdY/UQhPSEv3RuI/AAAAAAAAM5k/x5OfbAJ11fc/clip_image0107.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="342">Helen Duplassie Brampton, Ontario, Canada   Mediums: oil, watercolour, acrylic, dye on silk Style: primarily realist When I was young, I loved to do artwork. When it came time to choose a career, art wasn’t an option for me. My family was poor and I needed to find a job with a regular salary. I got a student loan and went off to become a teacher. I had many rewarding years in teaching so I cannot say it was a mistake. When I retired in 2001, I decided this was my time to become an artist.

Helen Duplassie Artist - Finding Myself After Retiring

Helen Duplassie Brampton, Ontario, Canada Mediums : oil, watercolour, acrylic, dye on silk Style : primarily realist When I ...

Post Art Quotations at Facebook to Boost Shares and Likes

I have experimented with several tactics for promoting the Artpromotivate Facebook page. The most successful method doesn’t have anything to do with promoting artworks – but by posting quotes by famous artists, and sharing them at our Facebook fanpage. I transfer these quotations to free photos and backgrounds found online. Then, I simply upload them to our Facebook page and Pinterest. This is a very practical and easy way to increase activity at any artist page. <h3>Why place the quotes onto images?</h3> (Can’t I just share them in text form?) <img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="john ferrie quote" border="0" alt="john ferrie quote" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dlzD3dviHRY/UQaxc8Rl71I/AAAAAAAAM3k/bNE27d4VMW0/john-ferrie-quote6.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="282">It is well known that images invoke more response from shares and likes than blocks of text. I have experimented with this many times. I posted the photo at the right, and have received 74 likes and 137 shares so far. The same quotation was posted in text form and received just a few likes and shares. Similar images have actually received even more likes and shares than this one. There is no doubt that this has been one of the main contributing factors for boosting the growth of our <a title="Facebook fan page" href="https://www.facebook.com/artpromotivate" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook fan page</a>, which currently has over 2070 likes within the first year.

Post Art Quotations at Facebook to Boost Shares and Likes

I have experimented with several tactics for promoting the Artpromotivate Facebook page. The most successful method doesn’t have anything...

ArtStack – Social Network for Collecting and Stacking Art

<img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="artstack social network collectors" border="0" alt="artstack social network collectors" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VNc6OwfSqoE/UQWYht-QKkI/AAAAAAAAM28/NGqdbE1l1qo/artstack-social-network-collectors6.png?imgmax=800" width="300" height="90"> I recently joined a new social network for artists called ArtStack. At first glance, Art Stack looks a lot like a Pinterest for artists – but with some differences – the images are much bigger and this is a community exclusive to artists and art types. Art stack is a social discovery tool which allows users to discover art and artists, and add them to their own personal stacks and collections, which are automatically shared with followers. Artstack members include artists, galleries, curators and art lovers throughout the world.  The site has all the standard things associated with a social network of its kind – following artists and other Artstack members, finding followers, posting a profile, uploading artworks, commenting on them,etc. Using Art stack basically makes everyone an art collector and member of a growing community of art lovers throughout the world.

ArtStack – Social Network for Collecting and Stacking Art

I recently joined a new social network for artists called ArtStack. At first glance, Art Stack looks a lot like a Pinterest for artists...

Artists who Promote Art With Facebook – Valerie Thomas

Artists from all walks of life are using <a title="Facebook" href="http://www.artpromotivate.com/2012/03/how-to-increase-activity-and-engagement.html" target="_blank">Facebook</a> to promote themselves and connect with fans. The vast majority of Facebook members use this social network in a personal way. They go here to see what their friends are up to, and share thoughts of their own. For many people, it is basically a place to be social. It is this personal nature of Facebook which makes this social network very effective for the promotion of art. Facebook pages are intended for businesses while the profile is meant for personal use. When an artist creates a Facebook page, they are mostly sharing art with personal Facebook users – people who like to look at and talk about art in leisure time. <a title="Facebook" href="https://www.facebook.com/artpromotivate" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Like us on Facebook!" border="0" alt="Like us on Facebook!" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-IhqnwsEn_lA/T4V9lvtFXUI/AAAAAAAAEtQ/OxpJm6TacJA/facebook-like-art5.png?imgmax=800" width="198" height="72"></a>We have been sharing the Facebook pages of artists, and asking them to share tips on how they use this social network for promoting art. This article features a multi-talented artist from Orlando, Florida - Valerie Thomas.

Artists who Promote Art With Facebook – Valerie Thomas

Artists from all walks of life are using Facebook to promote themselves and connect with fans. The vast majority of Facebook members use...

Costs and Comparison of the Wix Premium Website Plans

<a title="Wix" href="http://wixstats.com/?a=1401&c=124&s1=" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Wix</a> began in 2005 and has grown into one of the largest websites of its kind. There are now over 26 million Wix websites online, built by users from around the world. Wix includes an easy to use drag and drop editor and a host of features which anyone can try out completely free. Websites are highly customizable and new features are being added all the time. With the new HTML5 website builder, websites have the attractiveness of flash, but can be highly optimized for search engines. <a title="Touch People with your Art - Click Here!" href="http://wixstats.com/?a=1401&c=124&s1=" rel="nofollow"><img style="margin: 0px 14px 0px 0px; display: inline; float: left" title="Try out Wix for Free - Click Here!" alt="Try out Wix for Free - Click Here!" align="left" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5i8W2K9TqzM/UKqsSjnsTnI/AAAAAAAAK50/2jVYN78UKy8/s1600/touch-people-with-your-art.jpg" width="300" height="250"></a>Wix.com offers most of their features completely free. You may choose from <a title="hundreds of templates" href="http://www.artpromotivate.com/2012/09/wix-portfolio-website-templates.html" target="_blank">hundreds of templates</a> to create a unique website of your own, and customize it any way you want.   What are the premium features and is the premium upgrade worth the cost? In regards to upgrading, you have to decide this on your own with regards to what you want to achieve online.     A <a title="premium website" href="http://wixstats.com/?a=1401&c=124&s1=" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">premium website</a> does make artists appear more professional – but if you are not using it to present artworks to art collectors, art galleries, and others, then it may not be for you. In my opinion, a free website is sufficient if just showcasing to family and friends. Here are some reasons artists may decide to upgrade to a professional website.

Costs and Comparison of the Wix Premium Website Plans

Wix began in 2005 and has grown into one of the largest websites of its kind. There are now over 26 million Wix websites online, built b...

Time Management for Artists – Tips and Strategies

Time management may be a difficult topic for some artists. Personally, I dislike scheduling my time into exact increments where time is ...

Lee Nixon - The Luminous Painter – Artist Spotlight

Lee Nixon Virginia, United States Mediums: Acrylics, Gloss Medium and Varnish, and Modeling Paste Style: Impressionism I am a native of Orange County, Virginia and have taught art education in the public schools for 38 years. Teaching is a profession that allows one to share their passion and zeal for a subject and pass it on to their students. I work primarily in acrylics for their versatility and compatibility with other media. The purpose of my impressionist paintings is to reflect a need, care, and reverence for a serene earth and the desire to share it with the viewer through color, pattern, and texture.   <img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Lee Nixon Luminous Painter" border="0" alt="Lee Nixon Luminous Painter" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Uepw_gkSTsM/UQCAwQ_FlCI/AAAAAAAAM0Q/Mbz01V1wyyc/Lee-Nixon-Luminous-Painter6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="248"> A Luminous View of the Rapidan River 16x20 © Lee Nixon This scene depicts my impression of the Rapidan River, where as a youth, I would fish, swim, and daydream. The bright colors symbolizes the joy, peace, and tranquility that I experience then, and the belief in a future paradise on earth.

Lee Nixon - The Luminous Painter – Artist Spotlight

Lee Nixon Virginia, United States Mediums : Acrylics, Gloss Medium and Varnish, and Modeling Paste Style : Impressionism I am a n...

5 of our BEST Articles about Promoting and Selling Art Online

<img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="articles about selling art" border="0" alt="articles about selling art" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PYYVZL9YJQk/UP847bBYVGI/AAAAAAAAMzk/YNu7qzT83Y8/articles-about-selling-art%25255B6%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="350" height="300">There is much more involved to proper promotion of artworks on the internet than just posting a few pieces on a portfolio site and hoping that someone will buy them. Artists are in competition with hundreds of thousands of others who are hoping that someone will see their artworks and want to buy them. Do not let the competition intimidate you though. I think it is relatively easy for any artist to begin marketing and selling artworks online – by establishing a professional image and using certain strategies shared at this site.   In the interest of making it easy for you to read some of Artpromotivate’s best articles on this subject, I have compiled a list. Consider this a starting point. Many other helpful and informative articles may be reached via the <a title="CONTENTS page" href="http://www.artpromotivate.com/p/table-of-contents-artpromotivate.html" target="_blank">CONTENTS page</a> under the headings Art Promotion Online and Selling Art, or by using the search box at the top.

5 of our BEST Articles about Promoting and Selling Art Online

There is much more involved to proper promotion of artworks on the internet than just posting a few pieces on a portfolio site and hoping...

Teresa Perleberg - Bringing Wool to Life

<img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="elephant wool sculpture teresa perleberg" border="0" alt="elephant wool sculpture teresa perleberg" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3m7OTJq-No4/UPxUD7CNDzI/AAAAAAAAMyM/UpCLwO1PWdo/elephant-wool-sculpture-teresa-perle.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="472">Teresa Perleberg North Dakota, USA Mediums: wool Style: Realistic   I live on a ranch on the prairies of North Dakota. I raise adorable sheep, process their wool and use it to create realistic sculptures of Animals using the art of Needle Felting.   <h4>“How long have you considered yourself an artist?”</h4> It was 5 years ago when I realized I might have an artistic gift. I had recently been introduced to needle felting and it turned out to be the key that unlocked that gift.

Teresa Perleberg - Bringing Wool to Life

Teresa Perleberg North Dakota, USA Mediums : wool Style : Realistic I live on a ranch on the prairies of North Dakota. I raise a...

Online Email Art Scams Alert - Don't be a Victim!

All kinds of scams exist online, and artists are not certainly free from being victimized. Just recently I had an email from someone looking to buy two of my paintings. This is how the email went…   <blockquote> Hi, Hope this message finds you well. I saw these creative works on your website and i will like you to get back with more details if they are still available for purchase. Impediment  and  Theres Always Hope I will appreciate an urgent reply. Best Regards, Tracy Mason </blockquote>   <img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 15px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="stop art scams" border="0" alt="stop art scams" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-imftiqbS-Vs/UPyU7_nxrhI/AAAAAAAAMzI/ySqCQGJ6C4A/stop-art-scams%25255B10%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="299" height="300">Right away, I knew this message was suspicious. The person didn’t even mention my name and they expected an urgent reply. This stranger also wanted two artworks from me at once. (Too good to be true!) So, I decided to do a little investigating of my own. I highlighted the part in blue, and copied and pasted into <a title="Google search" href="http://www.artpromotivate.com/2011/12/art-copied-stolen-google-image-search.html" target="_blank">Google search</a> box. (If you are ever doubtful about a message, always try this little trick) These are my Google search results.

Online Email Art Scams Alert - Don't be a Victim!

All kinds of scams exist online, and artists are not certainly free from being victimized. Just recently I had an email from someone ...

Facebook Artists - Paul Watson - Suzie Chaney - Bridget Karn - Symona Colina

This is our regular Facebook page feature. Please drop by the Facebook pages of the artists listed here. If you like what you see, leave a comment and like the page. To have your Facebook page featured here, please answer the questions below, along with a short bio and the link to your artist Facebook page… and send it to… <img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="artist email" border="0" alt="artist email" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-K40Zh6UEHdU/UPsd0C8GcUI/AAAAAAAAMxY/tAFtWbU2p6E/artist-email1.png?imgmax=800" width="240" height="33">  <h3><a title="Paul Watson" href="https://www.facebook.com/lazaruscorporation" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Paul Watson</a> (The Lazarus Corporation)</h3> <img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="lazarus corporation" border="0" alt="lazarus corporation" align="right" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6KIIe8fcZ64/UPsd1MEgdNI/AAAAAAAAMxg/anqv8r0LP_Q/lazarus-corporation1.png?imgmax=800" width="370" height="210"> I'm a Brighton-based artist working in various media (mainly printmaking at the moment). After graduating with a degree in art I started developing a body of artwork based around assemblage and collage, mixing paint with found objects. During this time I kept up my life drawing, experimented with photography, and more recently started work in printmaking - I'm fascinated by all the different tools and processes. I've sold work to collectors across Europe, the US and Canada - all via the internet (with several sales originating from people clicking on my posts on my Facebook page).

Facebook Artists - Paul Watson - Suzie Chaney - Bridget Karn - Symona Colina

This is our regular Facebook page feature. Please drop by the Facebook pages of the artists listed here. If you like what you see, leave...

Tim Seaward – Dangerous Steps Within the Labyrinth

<img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="awaiting tim seaward labyrinth" border="0" alt="awaiting tim seaward labyrinth" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wYNjBMyq87Y/UPnhjs6B2JI/AAAAAAAAMwc/bqyeakBOkSU/awaiting-tim-seaward-labyrinth4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="495">Tim Seaward Born in Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK - live in Néré, Charenete-Maritime, France   Mediums: Graphite and coloured pencils; oils; acrylics; pastels; preparing to produce drypoint prints Style: Surreal; abstract; linear       <table border="0" width="180"><tbody> <tr> <td> <div style="border-bottom: #dddddd 1px solid; border-left: #dddddd 1px solid; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; border-top: #dddddd 1px solid; border-right: #dddddd 1px solid; padding-top: 10px; -webkit-border-radius: 10px; -moz-border-radius: 40px">Awaiting the abstract      ©Tim Seaward - An appropriate human action. </div> </td> </tr> </tbody></table>     In order to find a clue to the authentic abstract I have learnt how to kill people, heal people, pray, baptise, marry, and bury people ... I searched in the primary jungles of Malaya, talked with the Tibetan monks of Dharamsala, listened to the solitude of the Dartmoor marshes, and finally began to gradually unload bits of human conditioning in order to take just one fragile step further. My art? Daily personal reminders that I am returning to that appropriate and abstract deep.

Tim Seaward – Dangerous Steps Within the Labyrinth

Tim Seaward Born in Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK - live in Néré, Charenete-Maritime, France Mediums : Graphite and coloured pe...

First Look at my New Oil Painting Series!

Aside from writing for Artpromotivate, I have been striving to finish a few oil paintings. These are considerably smaller than my artwork of the past, but still quite large – most measuring 18 X 24 inches. Included here are a few quick snapshots of those paintings.  I will be photographing some print quality images soon, and will display them online as well.   <img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="deliverence painting" border="0" alt="deliverence painting" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yT62ZtQL7vE/UPi0-9pbNLI/AAAAAAAAMuw/3qItLjfuZ60/deliverence-painting%25255B52%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="405">There are two main themes I am working on at the moment – a series of psychological, emotional (and therapeutic) paintings based on personal feelings of joy, pain, regret, love, etc. This is actually the type of work I did years ago (especially in my drawings), and am returning to once again. The other theme relates to traditional images of fish, icebergs, fishing boats, etc. – but painted in my own unique style, with underlying symbology.   <h3>Deliverence © Graham Matthews</h3> Oil on canvas, 18X24” (nearing completion)

First Look at my New Oil Painting Series!

Aside from writing for Artpromotivate, I have been striving to finish a few oil paintings. These are considerably smaller than my artwork of...

HUGE List of Free Artist Portfolio Sites for Promoting Art Online 2013

HUGE List of Free Artist Portfolio Sites for Promoting Art Online 2013

This is a page I have been thinking about including at Artpromotivate for a long time – a directory of artist portfolio websites and webs...

Interview with Artist Benjamin Mitchley - In the Moment

<img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Benjamin Mitchley artist" border="0" alt="Benjamin Mitchley artist" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QzOG-Cj1cDg/UPXD8VPt7yI/AAAAAAAAMtk/WWzmoOkvZwE/Benjamin-Mitchley-artist%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="320">Benjamin Mitchley Centurion, Gauteng, South Africa Mediums: Oil, Acrylic, Mixed medium, Photography, Digital Style: Figurative   I was born in South Africa, in 1967, and studied fine arts at the Vaal Triangle Technikon in Van der Bijl Park and Pretoria Technikon.     In my latest works I depict scenes of everyday life. I continue to search for new ideas and experiment with new techniques and mediums. I do commission work in Oil and Acrylic painting, Scenic painting, Sculpture, Drawing, Illustration, Animation and Photography.

Interview with Artist Benjamin Mitchley - In the Moment

Benjamin Mitchley Centurion, Gauteng, South Africa Mediums: Oil, Acrylic, Mixed medium, Photography, Digital Style: Figurative ...

How to Make a Contact Page for an Art Website

In the last post in this portfolio website building series, we covered About Pages. The About Page is the place where visitors can learn more background information about the artist. <img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="how to make a contact page" border="0" alt="how to make a contact page" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Ex_0IYQbJPY/UPSGynFbkjI/AAAAAAAAMsE/U64VsOvoNkQ/how-to-make-a-contact-page5.png?imgmax=800" width="350" height="300">Once visitors read more about you, they may want to contact you. The Contact Page serves this purpose. On the surface, contact pages may seem simplistic. Many think all they really need there is a way for collectors to reach them. A simple email address or contact form may be enough to entice some to contact you, but if the contact page is poorly designed, then some may decide to not even contact you. Of course, we do not want this happening… especially on the contact page. Here are the other posts in this Build a Website Series:

How to Make a Contact Page for an Art Website

In the last post in this portfolio website building series , we covered About Pages. The About Page is the place where visitors can learn...

10 Artists and the Music They Listen to While Painting

<img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="artists music" border="0" alt="artists music" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vfUhs2kraaw/UPN87-9h03I/AAAAAAAAMr0/2vOq4veND3w/artists-music%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="225" height="300">Certain types of music may inspire some artists during their creation process. I love to have music playing in the background while I paint. Fast, upbeat music sometimes inspires me to be very expressive with my brush. I typically listen to this type of music at the outset of a painting… since I like to fill the canvas as fast as I can. For the second half of the creation process I usually turn to slower, mellow music. This type of music helps me to be more precise and technical in my brush strokes. For the <a title="artist spotlight" href="http://www.artpromotivate.com/2011/12/submit-to-our-artist-spotlite.html" target="_blank">artist spotlight</a>, I have asked artists to answer the question “What music do you listen to while creating art?” Some of these 10 artists have answered this question, and their answers are below, along with an image of their art. What type of music do you like to have playing in your studio while making art?

10 Artists and the Music They Listen to While Painting

Certain types of music may inspire some artists during their creation process. I love to have music playing in the background while I p...

Facebook Art Pages - Cathy McClelland and Lauren Curtis

Facebook currently has over ONE BILLION internet users (552 million daily active users) and over 42 million Facebook pages! It seems nearly everyone is on Facebook. With such a large network of possible fans, it’s no wonder that many artists are turning to Facebook pages for attracting collectors and promoting art. <a title="Like us on Facebook!" href="https://www.facebook.com/artpromotivate" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Like us on Facebook!" border="0" alt="Like us on Facebook!" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-IhqnwsEn_lA/T4V9lvtFXUI/AAAAAAAAEtQ/OxpJm6TacJA/facebook-like-art5.png?imgmax=800" width="198" height="72"></a> Here at Artpromotivate, we have been featuring the pages of artists at Facebook. If you would like your FB page promoted in an article similar to this one, simply answer these questions. <ol> <li>What is your Facebook page? </li> <li>Please give a short bio (in your own words – not published elsewhere) </li> <li>How are you using Facebook pages for promoting art? </li> <li>Do you have any tips and advice for marketing art on the internet? </li> </ol> Please send this info. to artpromotivate@gmail.com This Facebook Page Spotlight features Cathy McClelland and Lauren Curtis. Feel free to visit them at Facebook, look at some of their inspiring paintings, and leave a comment or two.

Facebook Art Pages - Cathy McClelland and Lauren Curtis

Facebook currently has over ONE BILLION internet users (552 million daily active users) and over 42 million Facebook pages! It seems nea...

Mary Lee Maynard - When Buddhism Meets Hardcore

<img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="mary lee maynard" border="0" alt="mary lee maynard" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kmwGBlToa3Y/UPB_30VpJTI/AAAAAAAAMqc/L47jxHYirG4/mary-lee-maynard.jpg?imgmax=800" width="220" height="320">Mary Lee Maynard Montreal, Canada Mediums: acrylic, oil, markers, spray paint, photography, ink, pencil, mixed media texture Style: lining, graffiti, film noir, abstract, comic book   I am a multidisciplinary artist. I work as a set builder and designer, stage manager and production assistant in cinema, television and theatre. I started as a dancer and slowly touched many disciplines like photography, painting, drawing, sculpture only to form an aesthetic that, over time, described and showed my inspirations for fantasy and my more... deconstructive nature.

Mary Lee Maynard - When Buddhism Meets Hardcore

Mary Lee Maynard Montreal, Canada Mediums : acrylic, oil, markers, spray paint, photography, ink, pencil, mixed media texture Style...

How to Create an Artist Bio Page at a Website for Art

When visitors venture onto a website of an artist, one of the first places they go is the Artist bio/ About/ Artist statement page. <img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="artist bios about pages" border="0" alt="artist bios about pages" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fj4QbLImmOY/UO9UfDAN16I/AAAAAAAAMqM/rhM2M27tmR8/artist-bios-about-pages%25255B6%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="300" height="258">Art collectors are understandably interested in learning more about the artist, whom they are considering investing in their art. They may want to know their artistic background, what exhibitions they had, artistic training, why they create art, and what the art is about. There are those who specifically search for this information before buying anything at all. So if an artist biography can’t be found, then they may leave disappointed, and look for another artist who does have one.   The artist bio is a very important part of an artist website/ art blog. This article explains some tips on how to create the perfect About page artist biography, one that will make you appear more interesting and approachable to art buyers. This is Part 7 of the Create your Own Artist Website Series!

How to Create an Artist Bio Page at a Website for Art

When visitors venture onto a website of an artist, one of the first places they go is the Artist bio/ About/ Artist statement page . Ar...

2013 – A New Year of Artist Spotlights – You Can be Featured Again!

<img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="artist spotlight" border="0" alt="artist spotlight" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_uWiDWfVLd4/T2vdjyF5l7I/AAAAAAAAEcc/QOWce2eWxd8/artist-spotlight%25255B5%25255D.png?imgmax=800">It’s a brand new year of Artist Spotlights here at Artpromotivate for 2013. The beginning of a new year symbolizes new beginnings as well as new plans. We have several things planned for the new year regarding the promotion of artists. A couple of these plans are explained below, and others will be announced at a later time. You may be interested in our recent articles: <a title="Resolutions for Artists" href="http://www.artpromotivate.com/2012/12/2013-new-years-resolutions-for-artists.html" target="_blank">Resolutions for Artists</a> <a title="Plans for 2013" href="http://www.artpromotivate.com/2013/01/happy-new-year-2013-what-are-your-plans.html" target="_blank">Plans for 2013</a>

2013 – A New Year of Artist Spotlights – You Can be Featured Again!

It’s a brand new year of Artist Spotlights here at Artpromotivate for 2013. The beginning of a new year symbolizes new beginnings as wel...

Lauren Curtis - Artist gets X-RAYted

I'm a full time visual artist working in an eclectic range of mediums. Aside from my career as an illustrator/graphic artist I also create unique mixed media works which I exhibit regularly.   <img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="lauren curtis xrayart inner voice" border="0" alt="lauren curtis xrayart inner voice" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2YZ99KLovH0/UOzRJHavkRI/AAAAAAAAMm8/S5LfWfBR5is/lauren-curtis-xrayart-inner-voice6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="420">    <h3>When was your first realization that ART was a big part of your life?</h3> As a child... my father was my 1st teacher when I was young and I was immediately hooked! By the time I was in 7th grade I knew this was the path for me.   <table border="0" width="180"><tbody> <tr> <td> <div style="border-bottom: #dddddd 1px solid; border-left: #dddddd 1px solid; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; border-top: #dddddd 1px solid; border-right: #dddddd 1px solid; padding-top: 10px; -webkit-border-radius: 10px; -moz-border-radius: 40px">Inner Voice © Lauren Curtis</div> </td> </tr> </tbody></table>

Lauren Curtis - Artist gets X-RAYted

I'm a full time visual artist working in an eclectic range of mediums. Aside from my career as an illustrator/graphic artist I also c...

Artist Facebook Pages – Sarah Hinds and RB Arts Studio

<img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 14px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Artist Facebook Pages" border="0" alt="Artist Facebook Pages" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_oEnnE6qKKg/UC7hFkCanjI/AAAAAAAAHTc/RNUl7hhMJNA/facebook-pages-logo4.png?imgmax=800">In the past year, we have featured the Facebook pages of many artists right here at Artpromotivate. We are continuing this tradition for 2013. The feedback has been great for this feature. Many of the profiled artists have reported receiving many new followers immediately following promotion of their Facebook page. This is something we really like to see.       How can you get your Facebook page promoted at Artpromotivate for free? It’s very simple! Answer these questions, and send it to the email provided. <ol> <li>Give a short bio about yourself as an artist. </li> <li>Please tell us how you use Facebook pages for promotion of artworks. Do you have any tips to share? </li> <li>Do you have any advice to share with other artists concerning promoting art online? </li> </ol> Send your submission to artpromotivate@gmail.com Please be patient. Sometimes it takes awhile for artists to be featured here, but we will contact you when you are. Consider <a title="subscribing" href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=artpromotivate&amp;loc=en_US" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">subscribing</a> as well so you when know when your Facebook page is promoted.

Artist Facebook Pages – Sarah Hinds and RB Arts Studio

In the past year, we have featured the Facebook pages of many artists right here at Artpromotivate. We are continuing this tradition for ...

The Works of Michelangelo - Sculptures and Paintings

<img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Michelangelo" border="0" alt="Michelangelo" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mim87WwpJv4/UOooJYlu3NI/AAAAAAAAMh0/7H0YqKrTD3s/Michelangelo%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="206" height="260">There are very few artists who have had as much influence on Western art as much as Italian <a title="Renaissance man" href="http://www.artpromotivate.com/2012/04/leonardo-da-vinci-art-what-lessons-can.html" target="_blank">Renaissance man</a> Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni (1475-1564). Michelangelo was a genius in his time, and also one of the few artists who lived to see great fame and wealth. He was a master of many art forms, including poetry, engineering, painting, architecture, drawing and sculpture. He also produced some of the most famous artworks ever – the marble statue of David, frescos on the ceiling of the Cistine Chapel, Pietà, Laurentian Library, and the dome of St. Peter's Basilica. Michelangelo also has the distinction of two biographies published about his life during his lifetime – a first for any living artist.

The Works of Michelangelo - Sculptures and Paintings

There are very few artists who have had as much influence on Western art as much as Italian Renaissance man Michelangelo di Lodovico Buon...

Where Can I Sell My Art Online for Free? – Part 1

<img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="sell my art online" border="0" alt="sell my art online" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-S83uGE_xgpI/UOjRf9_1KPI/AAAAAAAAMfk/HVOCsBNCo7o/sell-my-art-online%25255B5%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="350" height="234">Where can I sell my art for free on the internet? This is one of the most popular questions we have been asked, and one we have tried to answer as much as possible over the past year. Thankfully, this question is very easy to answer – though with so many opportunities for artists, it may be difficult to choose the right place to sell your own art on the internet.   The internet is overladen with portfolio sites and social networks for artists. Certain of these may be more suited to promotion of your own artwork than others. Here is a selection of what we think are some of the best places online for promoting and selling art. Please realize that success anywhere online mostly depends on your own consistent use of that site and continuously building your network there.  Please refer to the mentioned articles for more details about each free portfolio site, along with plenty of tips.

Where Can I Sell My Art Online for Free? – Part 1

Where can I sell my art for free on the internet? This is one of the most popular questions we have been asked, and one we have tried to...

Niharika Garg – Indian Artist – Journey of a Budding Artist

My first step towards learning and making my own art started more than two years ago. I just completed my MBA, had a job in hand and ample time to join it. In those 3-4 months of practical blankness and the feeling that no pressure existed, I started doing art. <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wRIxJcCBg20/UPWHIJ8TjgI/AAAAAAAAMsc/_isyMf25dTA/s1600-h/bathing-winter-sunshine%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="bathing-winter-sunshine" border="0" alt="bathing-winter-sunshine" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qMzdfO-boCo/UPWHIx-hC6I/AAAAAAAAMsk/BXF9uNtwhtg/bathing-winter-sunshine_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="370" height="282"></a>It was "heaven"...I didn't join a class, I was broke back then (my first salary was due) and I knew the power of internet, so I just started off with pictures and videos and whatever self-help was available online.   <table border="0" width="180"><tbody> <tr> <td> <div style="border-bottom: #dddddd 1px solid; border-left: #dddddd 1px solid; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; border-top: #dddddd 1px solid; border-right: #dddddd 1px solid; padding-top: 10px; -webkit-border-radius: 10px; -moz-border-radius: 40px">Bathing in Winter Sunshine © Niharika Garg</div> </td> </tr> </tbody></table>     It wasn't bad at all... rather it is great!! I posted pictures of my work... and was very surprised on the responses... Like a normal human being, I questioned my ability and shrugged off the compliments thinking that my friends were being too extravagant. A new milestone of my life just began... I left my job and joined a professional course to understand Art and respect it more now. I respect that it’s no piece of cake, it’s hard work... I respect all those who are involved in it, and their work. I do not take it as competition at all. I take it as a form of meditation, which we all are doing. I take it, as a path God has destined for us to follow... for “me” to follow.

Niharika Garg – Indian Artist – Journey of a Budding Artist

My first step towards learning and making my own art started more than two years ago. I just completed my MBA, had a job in hand and amp...

Are Artists Born or Made – or Both?

I recently came across this phrase online – “Artists are BORN!”. This comes from the common question – “Are artists born or made?” What are your opinions on this popular question? <img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="artists born or made" border="0" alt="artists born or made" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-uh3jj6FYpUk/UOTF2N0r8VI/AAAAAAAAMZQ/uFXBbnWbsQI/artists-born-or-made%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="325" height="287">Are artists BORN? Are certain people born with certain innate abilities to become artists? What about others who have an interest in being an artist, but have no natural talent? Is it is possible for them to become “real” artists in this life? Are artists MADE? Can anyone learn to become an artist – just by learning to paint, learning to draw, or taking  course in any required medium? …or is it a combination of both?   Facebook Poll: I asked this question at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/artpromotivate" target="_blank" title="our Facebook page" rel="nofollow">our Facebook page</a>. Here are the results after just one day:

Are Artists Born or Made – or Both?

I recently came across this phrase online – “Artists are BORN!”. This comes from the common question – “Are artists born or made?” What are ...

Rothko Hauschildt - Coffee Driven Texas Artist

<img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Winter is Coming Rothko Hauschildt" border="0" alt="Winter is Coming Rothko Hauschildt" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-H_zNMUd-m60/UOND1c6zGMI/AAAAAAAAMWg/t8z8imCxEtU/winter-is-coming-rothko-hauschildt5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="220" height="226">I’m 41, married, and have lived in Austin, Texas for eight years. I’m originally from Minnesota and miss the winters like crazy. I love the fall colors and the snow. I have two fantastic parakeets who bring much joy and laughter to our home. I love coffee, music, animals of all sorts, and of course art.   <table border="0" width="180"><tbody> <tr> <td> <div style="border-bottom: #dddddd 1px solid; border-left: #dddddd 1px solid; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; border-top: #dddddd 1px solid; border-right: #dddddd 1px solid; padding-top: 10px; -webkit-border-radius: 10px; -moz-border-radius: 40px">Winter is Coming © Rothko Hauschildt</div> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> I first realized I was an artist during my high school <a title="art classes" href="http://www.artpromotivate.com/2012/11/yana-buzby-learning-how-to-draw-online.html" target="_blank">art classes</a>. I had an excellent art education in school and a very encouraging teacher.

Rothko Hauschildt - Coffee Driven Texas Artist

I’m 41, married, and have lived in Austin, Texas for eight years. I’m originally from Minnesota and miss the winters like crazy. I love t...

Happy New Year 2013 – Any Exciting Plans for your Art?

We wish you the BEST for 2013 and beyond! Thank-you to all for being a continuous and tremendous support for the past year. For this we a...