Painting water & people bring up good memories

Painting water and people bring up good memories.  This is a new painting... someone gave me a photo of their grandmother at the beach.

Since I also spent many hours at the South Carolina beaches growing up... also many of those times with my own grandmother... it ended up being quite a fun piece.

I have not painted the ocean in many years, but honestly really enjoyed the freedom.

So, here it is in a few stages:  The top one is detail of almost completed painting.  (I might add a touch of something else...)

(This is almost final stage... notice the shoulder is fixed and I brought out light in hand, neck and some other colors in water...)

                          (Earlier "roughed in" stage... getting motion, light/dark)


(This is a 12x9" Richeson Premium Pastel Board-originally reddish color-that had a previous pastel on it.  I rinsed off most of the previous painting... but had some cool 'ghost' markings remain-like the turquoise in her shorts.  I used mostly Unison Soft Pastels, but added a little Sennelier metallic soft pastel too!)

Balance and Pressure

Balance and pressure are what many business owners and many artists [insert "small business owner"] juggle. 

My day today was certainly unbalanced, but worth the extra effort.

I spent about six hours on the phone with my website host and FedEx...

Trying to fix a problem that was supposed to be easy to fix!

But, in the process I learned more about websites and how technology is quirky.

I also now finally have an E-commerce website.  Anyone-from anywhere in the world-with an address, computer and love of art can buy my paintings!  Check it out...

http://www.carmellajarvi.com/

Finally, I just got into the March issue of the new Professional Artist Magazine (formerly Art Calendar Magazine).  I was inspired by the article "Entrepreneurial Thinking for Artists" by Robert Moskowitz.  I highly recommend this magazine if you are an artist wanting to grow your business.

http://www.professionalartistmag.com/news/2011/feb/03/march-2011/

E-commerce and art.

Who has bought something online? Have you?

I have quite often and don't know many folks who have never made an online purchase. (My grandmother, who is in her 80's, is the only one I can think of off the top of my head.)

Too many traditional galleries are closing, taking on more artists or diversifying by selling "other than original art" products. Most everyone is feeling the pinch of this economy.

The trick to success in tough times is to learn, grow and adapt your business practices. There ARE people making plenty of money in spite of this crazy economy. What are they doing that is different? How can we as artists-who make AND market our products-make more money?

First, follow the trends. How do people purchase and take care of details of their lives? Why online of course!

As an artist, I just got on board with technology in the past five years and I came kicking and screaming. But, once I figured out some basic similarities and strategies for folding technology into my regular business practices, I see the value.... and, honestly, I do enjoy facebook, working on my website and online research.

Still, I don't update enough and may spend too much time on the silly side of fb, but any business person has to balance their day to day operations and adding technology tools is no different.

So, Happy New Year to everyone. As for me, I'm venturing out into uncharted waters with a brand new website (coming soon!) in which all my paintings will be for sale online.

And, I am happy to announce my business is now a division of Brushmark Studios, LLC. My husband and fellow artist, Chris Craft and I are now "officially" business partners.

My prayer is for all of us hard working individuals to have a prosperous 2011!