Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Give an Art Portrait for Christmas


If you want to give a truly unique and heart-felt gift to someone special this Christmas, now is the time to order an art portrait.

Done in a combination of acryllic and pencil crayon, this art portrait would make a beautiful Christmas gift. All you have to do is submit a color photo of your loved one, and I will take it from there.

The likeness of your loved one in the art portrait will be done on 8 X 11" paper and will be in full color.

Cost for the art portrait is only $55.00 (single subject) plus shipping.

If you would like an art portrait done for someone you love this Christmas, email me at phillipsdee@ymail.com.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Artists - Ways to Become Inspired

If you an artist you know it happens -- you get artist's block. You get to a point where you don't know what to do next. Sometimes this is as a result of too many projects going through you head, or sometimes you just feel tired and can't think of anything you want to paint. (I speak of painting, but this can also relate to sculptors or other types of artists). It feels as though you have hit a brick wall and there is nothing left in the world that is interesting or unique.

So, what do you do to break this block?

One way is to turn to nature. Go for a walk along a woodland path. Take a stroll through a park. Heck, even turn on one of the nature channels on T.V. Everytime I turn to the nature route, I find something interesting to set off my creative juices. I am not strictly a nature painter -- I paint a lot of people -- but nature still thrills me and inspires me in all my painting. I can see a young girl sitting underneath that canopy of leaves in the woods. I can see a fairy sitting on that mushroom beside the rotting log. I can see an angel in flight through the blue, blue of the summer sky. You get the idea!

Another way to become inspired is to read the history of another artist. Even if you don't paint like that particular artist, some of the details in their work can inspire you to try different things in your own work. Perhaps their use of color, or the way they have incorporated an object as a symbol in their painting. Maybe its how they painted what was the normal everyday life of their time. Or possibly something in their style of painting that you always wanted to try--now may be the time.

You can also try a different medium. If you are a painter, try sculpting a little. If you make jewelry, try sketching clothing designs in pastels. This could not only lead you to new ideas in your own work, but may turn you on to a new phase of art.

There are many ways to combat artist's block. Look around at the world you live in and try new things. I guarantee there is a world out there that only needs a new way to look at to help you become inspired.

Sell your own artwork with this great ebook: How to Sell Your Art Without Selling Out