Changing Medium and Style - a Good Idea?

 

Only Amateur Artists Change their Style...

I thought you might find this interesting.
I change styles and medium. I know of artists who don't do that.

Some say changing it up makes it harder to brand yourself. I have read comments that only amateur artist change their style. Many fine artist feel they need a style to survive.

I can't argue with any of that.

So why do I change styles and/or medium? It keeps me excited and challenged. Each has a different strategy, tools and touch to creating the final images. It keeps me fresh and on my toes :-D

I am sure many of you make art because you enjoy the process as much as the final product. Me too! It is SO FUN to loose track of time while creating something. I call it getting into the zone. Changing it up does that for me.

SO I am posting this in hopes of finding out with your comments here (or on social media). How do you stay fresh. What inspires you!

Thanks for taking a peak into my world and sharing a bit of yours.

FREE file transfer - Nifty grid ap - FREE watermark

 

I love FREE and I am a cheater pants.

FREE file transfer: Tara Reed posted this on her blog, but I want to make sure you all know about WeTransfer https://www.wetransfer.com/.  You can transfer up to 2 GB FREE - THAT my friends is very useful in the Art Licensing biz. I have a paid YouSendit account (now Hightail). I may just let it lapse. I don't mind and ad in exchange for FREE.

Nifty grid ap: Yes, I am a cheater pants and use this grid ap pictured above on my iPad. You may be getting used to my cheater pants ways, as I admitted to using black in this post http://anniesdoodlebugz.blogspot.com/2013/07/breaking-rules-do-you.html. Here is the link to AccuView $2.00 app https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/accuview/id407578464?mt=8

FREE watermark: My last post on copyright infringement - I'm famous in China led me to this gem. PicMarker. It is FREE. I haven't tried it out yet. http://picmarkr.com/. 

• Have any of you tried PicMaker?
• Do you watermark your images? I don't, but I am thinking about it.

Let me know what you think of these websites and aps. You all are the best!

 

Image Search - I'm Famous in China!

It happened to me - copyright infringement

I have heard chatter on the internet of artist complaining about companies in China stealing their art. It happened to me! I got a HUGE CHUCKLE that the image above is listed as "flower painting by famous artist 3 Briliant Daisies". I AM FAMOUS in China. Well maybe just Hong Kong...

Here is the link if you are curious http://www.aliexpress.com/item/flower-painting-by-famous-artists-3-Brilliant-Daisies/618467697.html

AND it sells for only $99. I have it listed on Fine Art America for $245 for the same size. As they say on TV "Buy Now While Supplies Last"! I have NO clue what the quality will be like. LOL :-D

I assumed this would happen at some point. SO the purpose of this post isn't to rant. It is -

1: Find out if anyone else has had success getting Alibaba to take down their art - they own AliExpress where my painting is listed. Let me know! I have filled out their IP complaint form. I did contact my IP lawyer for options. Thanks in advance for the info :-) My email: anntroe@cox.net

2: Let you know about a nifty bookmarklet that speeds up the Google image search process a bit. Here is the link and 'how to use it' info: http://jarred.github.io/src-img/

Sarah Hudock sent me this  link on Artsy Shark about stopping your art at Customs http://www.artsyshark.com/2013/06/18/stop-copyright-theft/

I want to say THANK YOU! There are so many of you who have connected with me, read this blog etc. I have learned so much from all of you :-D I really appreciate it.

Pottery Addiction

We Dig Painting Pottery!

Hey everybody. I have been getting a good response with the last two pottery post so thought I would share our latest creations! I will included links at the end if you want to see the older pottery posts.

I painted the ladybug bowl above. I used red sprinkles paint on the inside of the bowl just to mix it up a little. My daughter painted the mug and two bowls. She does like patterns! I like the handle of the mug. I haven't tried to blend colors on pottery, but that is one of her favorite things to do :-D

If you are looking for even more pottery painting ideas - check out my Pinterest board http://pinterest.com/anniedoodlebugz/pottery-painting-ideas-ceramics-clay/

Bumblebee dish post: http://anniesdoodlebugz.blogspot.com/2013/06/bumblebee-dish.html

Initial Dish & Nautical Bowl: http://anniesdoodlebugz.blogspot.com/2013/08/pottery-painting-ideas-nautical-and.html

Leave me a comment - let me know if you like this type of post.

Sloppy Studio Award!

The Golden Flyswatter Sloppy Studio Award goes to... Annie!

OK, I am SO thankful to be busy with work. As my Dad says, "it keeps me out of trouble." :-D BUT, I think I am in a bit of trouble based on the photos above - Don't cha think?!

My office is the smallest bedroom in our home. I think it is 10 feet by 12 feet. I do share it with my teenage daughter - her computer is tucked in a corner not pictured. Some of the art is my kids' art from over the years :-)

I am secretly hoping that these photos will get showcased on Pinterest boards for people dreaming of that "something-special" art studio they want to have someday!

NOW if I tell you the rest of the home (EXCLUDING kids' rooms and their bathroom) is in orderly shape - anyone going to believe me? Anyone?...

If you want, send me a studio photo. It doesn't have to be messy :-D I will post it and link to your website if you like. OR I will just keep it between us. AnnTroe@cox.net

OK people - leave a comment. I can take it :-)

What You Need to Know About Giveaways

Is it a contest? Is it a sweepstakes? It can easily slip into an illegal lottery.

I think it would be fun to give something away for FREE. Have some fun and generate more followers for this blog. I have read and heard people suggesting a contest as a way to increase social media followers. I started researching and my head started spinning.

Follow the Federal and State laws & keep in mind other countries - you may need to leave out Canada because the winner can not be chosen by luck. I found this website, it makes you think and gives what sounds like good advice: http://sarafhawkins.com/blog-law-is-your-giveaway-legal/

Follow the rules for each social media platform. This website seems to know what they are talking about: http://blog.hubspot.com/blog/tabid/6307/bid/33352/Everything-You-Need-to-Run-a-Successful-Social-Media-Contest.aspx

You need a terms and conditions statement - I didn't go any farther and try to find one online. BUT I did find this website. They have what looks to be a neat free plugin to help run your contest, but only the monthly paid versions come with a terms and conditions generator. https://www.rafflecopter.com/

I am chuckling, but now I am worried about even offering these links I found without some sort of disclaimer! So, I do not endorse these sites or any other sites I may have linked to in this or any other post. I am just sharing what I have bumped into in the world. It is up to you to find out the best way to go.

Share your contest stories! I would love to know what you have learned.

Artist Anne Nye

Fused Glass Fun!  

(Reminder - you can click bold words to visit websites)

Just a few days ago I went to Blue Pomegranate Gallery's First Friday Event where they shine the spotlight on an artist. The above photo is a stunning red fused glass poppy I bought of Anne Nye's. Anne is a fabulous artist and an Omaha Nebraska native. If I counted correctly on her website, AnneNye.com, she is represented in 31 states and a gallery in Canada. (In many states she is selling her art in several galleries).

You don't have to live in Omaha to shop for Anne's bright, bold and colorful art. You can shop online here: (click bold store names)

Blue Pomegranate Gallery, Omaha NE

Boresheims, Omaha NE If you are in the Omaha Old Market area, see Anne's work at White Crane Gallery in the passageway. 1032 Howard Street.

Lift your spirits today and check out Anne's work!