As my artist's statement explains, my work is utterly incomprehensible and is therefore full of deep significance. -- Calvin and Hobbes

Saturday, December 31, 2011

Bye bye 2011!


2012 is upon us! 


Every year, it's the same; we welcome the new year by having a toast at midnight, followed by some brief pondering of the future and our resolutions, most wont ever be realized.

Well, I've been thinking a lot lately about stale habits, and how, in order to make change, you have to dare to do things differently.

Tonight, we bucked the system.  We lived on the edge.  We dared to be different.....

We opened the champagne an hour early!  

The toast?
"To seeing things differently."

Wayne Dyer dared to say, "You will see it WHEN you believe it."

OoOo, can't wait!



I believe!


Happy New Year,
Rebecca
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Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Wordless Wednesday

(click image for video)

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Monday, December 5, 2011

Almost Oprah's Favorite Things!

Custom Hand Painted Ornaments by ME, Rebecca Salcedo
Oprah took a cue from Good Morning America, I think, when she chose to put precious hand painted pet ornaments on her list of favorite things this year.  You wont be surprised to learn that she didn't choose me, or I might not have had time to write this post!  And because this is my blog, I am posting my own handpainted ornaments, naturally. (snort)

But lets give some credit where credit is due!  The very lucky lady Sherry Kendall, who paints from her studio in Woodbine, Maryland was chosen by Oprah for her sweet stylized pet adorned Christmas ornaments.  At this moment, she is likely simultaneously praising the virtues of Oprah's generosity and cursing her for not putting out her list in March, because I am confident that is how much time she probably needs to paint enough orders to fill the demand created by the beloved TV Icon!

On behalf of all artists, particularly custom painters out there, I would like to thank Oprah for bringing to the public eye these wonderful gifts, but I do have one request for her and everyone else on TV, this season and beyond, who has noted these as awesome:  "Please consider what the artist has to go through to get those done in just 4 weeks time before you air your segment, and do the right thing to support that business--make sure that you find a way to say to the audience the most important thing--that you can order this as a gift certificate to give, because that is probably all the very fortunate woman will be able to deliver to the majority of those coming to her site to buy!


Praise Oprah and her incredible power to instantly give people success!

Praise the artist who has dedicated his or her life to pursuing creativity and wants to deliver!

Praise the customer who is willing to order now and get delivery after Christmas! 

Anyway, these sweet hand painted pet ornaments are not Oprah's exact choice, they are mine.  Probably the closest I'll ever get to the "favorite things", but I'm not complaining.  One victory for any custom painter is more exposure and understanding for all! Woot Woot!


Ben, for Janie in ATL

Congratulations Sherry, your ornaments are adorable and I wish you years of business filling all those orders!

If you can't get to Sherry's website because she is inundated with business, hop over to my shop, Smelly Rhino Studio, and order an ornament today.  Or google hand painted pet ornaments and find some other shop that you love!  A keepsake you'll treasure forever, not just this year's favorite thing.  You'll get it soon, not before Christmas, but soon! 

Happy Christmas and Merry Shopping,
Rebecca
SMELLY RHINO STUDIO









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Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Happy Birthday Mark Twain

image borrowed from the official web site of Mark Twain

I love Google!

It's simple, smart and does all the work for me. Plus, Google reminds me everyday of something noteworthy by its clever changing of the logo!

Today's reminder is worth writing about because it's Mark Twain's birthday, (or, in many places, one of those authors whose books are too racy for our children or people to be exposed to, because we don't want them to have any historically important literary references by which to be influenced, and we can sort of rewrite history to keep our children or people unaware of the profanity, racism, hatred, existence of slavery or the Holocaust, threatening political views, etc. that either preceded us or currently threaten our culture. Or, it's about Jesus.)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Mark Twain! I wonder what you would you think today about the relevancy of your books with regard to social awareness and progress.  Are they important for children to read now?  Would you ban your own books from schools?

Etaglive is a nifty website that shows continually updated book bans which have happened worldwide through history for various reasons, some to keep entire countries in the dark!  Mark Twain is in good company with lots of authors whose books were required reading when I was a child, like George Orwell's 1984, which was banned for being pro-communist in Jackson County, FL, To Kill A Mockingbird, banned for conflicting with the values of the Community in Lindale, TX, and just like Sawyer's Huckleberry Finn, Gone With The Wind has also been banned for its use of that racial slur that only black people are allowed to say.   

Etaglive even gives you a link to buy each book in the list!
Here's the link:Etaglive: Banned and Challenged Books

I hope a few of these books will make it on your reading list soon.

I lived in France as a Sophomore in College and I learned from studying the Nazi occupation of France that the French not only realized the importance of history in shaping our future, but perhaps take it to an extreme in some towns where you will still see,  more than 60 years after the war, posted signs "Never Forget".

It will be from knowing the past that we have a better future, not ignoring it and pretending it didn't exist. 

READ ON!
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Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Wordless Wednesday


found on the web

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Tuesday, October 25, 2011

So three Japanese Raccoon Dogs walk into a bar


One Tanuki, Two Tanuki, Three Tanuki..
Three Tanukis
8x10; acrylic on Masonite

I have painted a lot of silly things over the past four years. Really silly things.

People can ask me for something special and be confident they will get it. Occasionally, they know exactly what they want and I help them by interpreting their idea and getting on canvas. Most of the time, however, they know they want something but aren't sure exactly what that is. So, they come to me and tell me their story, and I ask lots of questions and get lots of pictures from them. Then, the creative process begins. They usually remain in the dark after that having no idea what they are getting until they open the package. That is part of the fun, the element of surprise. and it's not just for them, that is the really fun part for me!

This is one of those examples.

The client, Melissa, told me a great story about her honeymoon in Japan. While in Japan, they noticed that all the gift shops had this little figurine for sale, called a Tanuki. The Tanuki is actually thought of as a raccoon dog, even though they are their own species. Most people get a chuckle looking at the statue and noticing what disproportionately large, um, 'man parts' it has! Maybe that is what gets one asking, "What the heck is this little guy's story?"

Over the years, the Tanuki has become folklore, coming to symbolize good fortune, despite their reputation for being mischievous and shape shifting, being able to fool just about anyone for any reason, even sometimes sinister ones.

"The Tanuki has eight traits that are supposed to bring good fortune:
The eight traits are: a hat to be ready to protect against trouble or bad weather; big eyes to perceive the environment and help make good decisions; a sake bottle that represents virtue; a big tail that provides steadiness and strength until success is achieved; over-sized testicles that symbolize financial luck; a promissory note that represents trust or confidence; a big belly that symbolizes bold and calm decisiveness; and a friendly smile." -[wiki]

[Wiki...Statues of Tanuki can be found outside many Japanese temples and restaurants, especially noodle shops. These statues often wear big, straw hats and carry bottles of sake in one hand, and a promissory note or empty purse in the other hand. Tanuki statues always have large bellies. The statues also usually show humorously large testicles, typically hanging down to the floor or ground, although this feature is sometimes omitted in contemporary sculpture.
read more about Tanuki here
]

So, I can now say for the record, if anyone was ever keeping score, that I have painted testicles. Proud and loud. I asked the client if she wanted that part included in the painting...her response was, "Yes!-but I know you will do it tastefully!" I hope I did your bidding Melissa, the pleasure was certainly all mine.

This is one of my favorite commissions yet! (I always say that, so keep them coming, please!)

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Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Wordless Wednesday




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Thursday, October 6, 2011

NANOWRIMO COUNTDOWN!


To all aspiring and successful writers out there, the countdown to November's NaNoWriMo has begun. That's the National Novel Writing Month, where you are challenged to write 50,000 words in one 30 day period that is November of each year!

With just 25 days to prepare your outline or decide you will simply wing it without one, I challenge you join in on the fun! If you have ever thought you may have a novel in you, now is the time to get that sucker out of your head! (even if you never intend to share it with anyone).

I learned plenty last year, about just letting it go, letting it flow--with abandon, without regard to quality, simply writing and writing and discovering some plot twists along the way. The characters I created kind of developed themselves as I wrote the story, which made it easier for me than I had prepared for. A friend of mine stated that writing a novel was sort of like channeling. I couldn't agree more. I was channeling my imagination!

Really, the brilliance of NaNoWriMo is in not worrying about whether it will be ready for the publisher at the end of the month....even the greatest story tellers still do rewrites, and I'll do plenty. Heck, this particular story may never get rewritten. But, I guarantee that I'll improve because I wrote it!

Try the exercise, for one month and see how far you can take it. 1667 words per day, about 5 pages. You will find yourself learning a lot about your imagination, how ideas flow, how discipline like this can help you with other tasks. The benefits are great! The only downside was that at the end of the month last November, I didn't feel like writing for a while. ;) This year, I will go for it again and I am determined to show an improvement in my discipline, and maybe I'll actually share the novel this time (after some good rewrites, naturally).

You can head over to Nanowrimo.org for more information on writing your novel in November!

Have a great day,
Rebecca
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Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Yes, There IS Fine Art in Acworth, GA!

Our opening reception Saturday at Gallery 4463 was one of the best we've had all year. It was an exciting night because we had all 7 Artists-in-Residence exhibiting and leading studio tours throughout the evening. Thanks to everyone who came out and volunteered!






From left to right: Michelle Scott, Valerie Gaudemer-Maker, Brenda Smith,
Rebecca Salcedo, Dinah Rose, Betty McGlamery, Lynn Edwards

Valerie Gaudemer-Maker and some of her newest vibrant photo and watercolor pieces!



Michelle Scott next to one piece from her series utilizing images her famous Grand Father Rey Scott too as a war time photographer.

Dinah Rose, weaver and fiber artist, in front of one of her panels.

Me in front of one of my newest pieces, "Ghosts on the Beach",
continuing my series of Art Nouveau inspired paintings.

...and finally, the brand new "REALLY Affordable Art Case" upstairs in the Art Center!
This case, which is rapidly filling up with daily paintings by our studio artists, is a great way to begin your collecting with an original painting for just a little something!

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Saturday, September 10, 2011

Behind The Scenes

Tonite at the Gallery 4463...


If you are in the Acworth, GA area, you are invited to drop by for a very special event tonite featuring the 7 Artists in Residence at the Gallery 4463 Art Center!

7 artists with a very diverse range of talents will be exhibiting in the Gallery and leading studio tours! I am fortunate to have a studio in the Art Center and it has been a wonderful year.

The Resident Artists are Lynn Edwards, Valerie Gaudemer-Maker, Betty McGlamery, Dinah Rose, Michelle Scott, Brenda Smith and myself.

The gallery is a vibrant place to visit, with works from more than 35 artists on display, and media ranging from jewelry, to weaving, to pottery, to glass to painting and more! We not only have a featured show each month, but our member artists display their work and we have a print rack as well!

If you are looking for unique gift ideas for the holiday season, this is a great place to visit, because regardless of your style, you will be sure to find something you will love! Giving becomes so much more special when it's a piece of fine art or a handmade item! Come see us and take home a treasure today!

Opening reception is 6-9pm and wine and appetizers will be served.
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Thursday, September 1, 2011

Do you have the Spark?

"It takes 20 years to be an overnight success." - Eddie Cantor

SparkPeople Translation
If you meet somebody that became a true overnight success, you are meeting a very lucky person. For the rest of us, which includes the vast majority of the world’s population, this just isn’t going to happen. Not that you can’t be successful, because that surely is an attainable task. It just probably will happen with a lot of hard work, and probably several setbacks. But if you really want something, set it as a goal and go for it! Plan out what would be necessary for you to reach this objective, and start at it. If you build a solid foundation, setbacks won’t have a huge effect on you. Remember, 2 steps forward and 1 step back still is progress.

Have you tried Sparkpeople.com? It's a site for improving your health and ultimately, your outlook on life. A friend in one of my ebay artist groups recommended the site because it's totally free, and I had been paying for Weight Watchers online tools for my nutritional info and food tracking. I have been on Sparkpeople for a year, but I've only recently really focused on getting all I can from the site. The resources for nutrition and exercise and moral support seem infinite even after all this time. I give it two thumbs up in snappin Z formation!

I hope you will visit this terrific site and enhance your healthy lifestyle!
Have a great day!

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Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Wordless Wednesday (Getting Fit is Work)




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Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Wordless Wednesday

Dedicated to the 3 (very UN-)professionals who have treated
my parents so poorly in their home buying process.


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Thursday, June 23, 2011

Butters got adopted!!

Butters, (photo slightly edited for happy emphasis)

Today, I did my happy dance for hours!

I happened to be working with a new client whose dog reminds me of Butters, the dog I found in our neighborhood back in November. I hadn't checked the Mostly Mutts sight in a while, but over the past 7 months, I had checked so many times, holding my breath, praying his little mug shot would no longer be in the "waiting to be adopted" file. My heart was heavy. How I wish we could have kept him here with our two dogs. I knew someone was looking for him...someone who didn't know him yet...I always held hope that his turn would be very soon.

Well, today I saw that the little fella had found his forever home on June 18th, at least that's when the picture was taken!

My heart feels light again. I shed a few tears of joy and then hugged my own spoiled lounge lizards. Once again, I will do my best to help the next dog who crosses my path.

I don't think I know you, Kathy, but I want to thank you for loving him, whatever his name might be now.


Here's the original post from last year when I found Butters: The Case of the Runaway Jackabee

*sigh*
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Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Wordless Wednesday






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Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Random Image Wordless Wednesday

Found at the randomblog.org

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Saturday, June 11, 2011

Dinner and a movie


Dinner at Casa Grande in Atlanta

Eric took me to Uncle Julios's Casa Grande for my birthday dinner. If you like Tex-Mex, this is the best place in Atlanta. The best tamales in town, an actual chile relleno, instead of fried cheese covered in ground beef, which is the usual crap you see around here. The Frijole Charros are out of this world!

We saw Thor afterwards and I give it 3 thumbs...wait a second..two thumbs up! If you like superhero movies or comic book characters, this one is worth seeing!


Juanita's Platter. mmmmm. Leftovers are good for lunch tomorrow.

Oh, by the way, did I mention that the very best margarita in Atlanta is also at Casa Grande? Made from fresh ingredients and premium tequilas, you will be hooked!!

Uncle Julios Casa Grande, with locations in Atlanta, Virginia, Florida, Illinois, and Texas, is worth the trip.
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Monday, May 16, 2011

Regardless of your Art, you may want to know..


"Peony Love"
Mixed Media on Paper

How to Overcome Stage Fright

by Christine Kane

I was backstage packing up the stuff in my dressing room.

A woman knocked on the door and said, "Can I ask you something?" I invited her in. She asked me how long I had been performing. I told her. Then she said, "What I'd like to know is -- when did you get over stage fright?"

(At moments like this, I wish my husband were standing behind me so he could let out a boisterous "HA!")

I said, "I'm pretty sure I haven't yet."

I told her that for the first whole year of performing, I was terrified every night I got onto a stage - even if the "stage" was made of shipping pallets and duct tape.

The only thing that changed was my ability to "filter" the fear.

Here's the thing.

If you're waiting to get over stage fright before you'll perform, do a speaking engagement, teach a workshop, or read your poetry, then you'll be waiting a VERY long time. Here's why:

Stage fright shrinks because of taking action.

Once you take action, you'll learn how to overcome your own brand of stage fright.

Nonetheless, here are nine tips to help you if you're feeling anxiety ridden about a particular show or event:

1. Give your fear a time-limit.

If your event is at 8pm, then say to yourself, "Self, you have until 4pm to be as whiney and miserable as you want. At 4pm, we're letting that go. Up 'til then, have at it."

This permission is liberating. Because you're giving yourself the gift of non-resistance, the stage fright has space to diffuse. The time-limit will show you the side of you that can take over and be confident. Slowly, that confident side will grow.

2. Don't have lots of to-do's on performance day. Go slow.

This works for me, but I can't do it at every show because of my travel schedule. If I have a particularly big show, I always allow the day to be about the show and little else.

3. Have lots of to-do's on the day of a show. Go fast.

Some of my friends find that the less they think about a show, the better. So they go through their routines or see a movie. They show up at the venue at the last possible minute.

4. Create a ritual.

Your rituals will come to you with time. I change guitar strings and play songs for a while. I also say a prayer before I walk onto stage. Even if I'm doing a small show, I get very clear that I want my ego to step aside.

5. Get in the audience.

Some of my friends love to wander around the audience and talk with people before they perform or speak. It relaxes them to just hang out and see that there are no monsters in the audience.

6. Exercise.

You will perform better if you've exercised that day. It will put your emotions in a better place. Creative types need to exercise regularly.

7. Get to the venue early.

When I toured with a ballet company, we always arrived at the theatre at noon on the day of the performance. The dancers had to rehearse and take a class. The crew had to set the stage. And I got to be in "theatre mode." Yes, I got nervous. But I felt like I "knew" the place by the time I got on stage. I used the time to just be in the theatre and feel the energy.

8. Be a rock star.

Seriously. What would it feel like if you were a rock star? Find that feeling of deep confidence that's in there. It's not an ego thing. It's about knowing that you ROCK. Get on stage with that confidence. (Sometimes this doesn't work. Sometimes you simply don't rock. So use this one with caution!)

9. Perform from the fear.

It's tempting to try and fight your anxiety, or figure out ways to blast through it. The only problem with "figuring out" is that performing is about interacting with the audience. It's about being totally in the moment. You can't approach it from your head.

So, if you don't feel like you have a handle on your fear, begin "softly." Don't try to "win them over." Don't try to be funny. (Because in certain moments - it becomes about the "trying" and not about the "funny.") You will find that you slowly ease your way into a confident place. Then you can find the energy you need to carry the rest of your time on stage.



WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE?

Please do! Just be sure to include this complete blurb with it:

Christine Kane is the Mentor to Women Who are Changing the World. She helps women uplevel their lives, their businesses and their success. Her weekly LiveCreative eZine goes out to over 20,000 subscribers. If you are ready to take your life and your world to the next level, you can sign up for a F.R.E.E. subscription at http://christinekane.com.

Rebecca, overcoming stage fright with Eric at an open mic night at Limeric Junction in Atlanta Neighborhood Virginia Highland.

Have a wonderful night,
Rebecca
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Friday, May 13, 2011

The Donate Blues


Exposure: The Ugly Myth

by Jack White on 5/6/2011 7:36:56 AM

Published with permission from the author.

Way back when I was making my gold leaf art (*Echruseos), I was swarmed with requests from charity groups to donate. Without exception, each group emphasized to me how much EXPOSURE I would receive with my gift. I was painfully inexperienced to the art business - gobbling down the promises they were feeding me. I was fully expecting to become famous from all the exposure those charities were giving me. Trust me, if exposure were the answer, then I’d have been world renowned in a few months. I was so naive I gave, gave, gave and gave some more. One year, I donated art to twenty local charities. I did this for two reasons. I love to give and the exposure I would receive. Back then, I believed if you could get enough exposure you would be walking in high cotton.

In this column, I will prove to you the folly of expecting exposure to make your career. I became fairly famous, not because of exposure, but the amount of art I sold. For three years in row I did art shows in a minimum of 60 bank lobbies scattered all over Texas. I had two fulltime men setting up the art, working the shows and pushing for publicity. I was on radio, television and in newspapers for every show. We sold a lot of Jack White art. I sold art to the leading citizens in those communities. My art hung in the offices of banks, mayors, coaches, sheriffs, Texas Rangers, the movers and shakers of these towns. Everywhere you looked there was a Jack White gold leaf on an important wall. There was almost a cult following for the gold leaf. I simply got lucky and worked my rear off.

I used a Greek lexicon to coin the name for my gold leaf on glass. Ek out of, crus is gold and eos, having been made. Thus, having been made out of gold. Thus *Echruseos. I suspect you can find some Echruseos art on eBay. I saw one listed as a Buy Now for $50,000. (smile) The process was simple. I did an original pen and ink, silk-screened several images of that drawing on glass, washed on an oil stain, covering the backside with gold leaf. I could produce 50-16”x20” in a day with the help of a couple young ladies to lay the gold leaf and place the art in a ready made frame. I have no idea how many thousand pieces of my gold leaf on glass were sold. I did gold leaf art décor for around 500 McDonalds across America and in the Caribbean.

Two things opened my eyes to the fallacy of exposure. I donated a large painting to raise funds for a little league charity. The art was a piece I retailed for $4,000 back in the mid 70’s. The league sold raffle tickets for $1 and then held a drawing for the winner. A few days after the drawing a couple walked into my studio carrying the art. I asked, “What can I do for you?” fully expecting they wanted me to personalize their painting. My ego was hyper puffed up.

My tongue almost fell out of my mouth when the woman said, “We bought a ticket and was lucky enough to win your painting. But to tell you the truth Mr. White, we can’t afford anything this expensive. We would like for you to buy the painting back. We understand the painting is valued at $4,000, but would be willing to sell it to you for $3,000.” Let me stress they purchased a dollar raffle ticket. I was so shocked, speaking became almost impossible. I remembered my grandfather used to say, “You cannot argue with an idiot.” I thanked them for the offer, explaining I already had a gallery full of paintings. What else could I do? I didn’t want to go to jail for murder.

I donated to a woman’s charity with the promise of EXPOSURE. After the auction, the winner came by the studio. I thanked them and asked how could I help. Again, expecting their request for me to personalize their art. This time the man spoke, “Jack, this frame doesn’t fit our décor. Would you mind allowing us to pick another frame? Also we live in Ohio and the art it too big for to fit in our car after we load our luggage. We want you to box and ship the art to us.” I almost grabbed him by the seat of his pants and tossed him out on the street, but somehow I restrained myself. The audacity was beyond belief. These two events happened in a matter of a few weeks apart. I then understood what exposure was doing…in truth, nothing.

I sought out my friend and master artists, A. D. Greer. (Google his name.) I told him how much exposure I had been receiving from all the charities and whined a little about the two recent winners. His questions stunned me, “How many people from these auctions have come to your gallery and purchased paintings? What has all that exposure produced?”

He made me think. I had vigorously given for at least four years, but I couldn’t remember anyone even mentioning seeing my art at such and such charity. By now I’d donated at least eighty paintings in the city of Austin, yet with all that EXPOSURE it had not resulted in one tiny additional sale. Not even a mention of seeing my work at any of these events. Two things came to mind, my work sucked or exposure was not working. Since I was selling all I could make, the fault slept at the feet of exposure.

Mikki and I still give to two charities, The Ronald McDonald House and a Breast Cancer event. Most charities think we can write off the retail value of our art, but not so. The IRS will only allow you to deduct the cost of materials, which all of us already do. We are allowed nothing for our labor.

New York Art Expo sells booths to any artist with the money to pay their fees. One artist I have attempted to help can’t even sell work on eBay with a starting bid of 99 cents. He borrowed money on his credit cards to rent a booth. I tried to talk him out of going, but the Expo salesperson promised him he would get tons of EXPOSURE. My word against EXPOSURE was too weak to win. He came home a dejected young man. He sold his grandmother a $100 painting and that was all. That was four years ago and he is still struggling to pay off those credit cards. I think it’s a crime to take money from artists who obviously will not sell any art. Where are the ethics? Where is the human compassion?

There is a vanity online art site, Art Exchange, which promises great exposure if you join their marketing program. President Clinton gave them a $700,000 grant to start their online company in Arkansas. When they were getting started they gave us free listings to have a named artist on their site. We didn’t put up my work, but we did add Mikki. If my memory is correct AE added my mate, Mikki Senkarik's images in 1998. The last time I looked, Senkarik was still on their site. This is 2011 and we have yet to have a request for so much as a poster.

For all those years we have been receiving great exposure, but no sales, no contacts, nothing, nada, zero offers to buy her art. The only contact we got was from an AE salesperson wanting to sell us space. We told him were already on their site. If you have a Website, expect Art Exchange to find you. Our friends Suzie and Tim Cox, president of the Cowboy Artists of American had a similar experience with Art Exchange. It took Suzie about a year to force them to remove her husband’s work. She didn’t want others to see Tim’s art and think if was okay to spend $3,000 to $5,000 to be listed. AE’s hook is if you don’t sell enough art to pay your fee the first month they will give you another free listing, so you can get more exposure.

As you probably can guess I get a lot of emails from artists with questions and, in many cases, they tell me what they are doing. They will say I did so and so show. I didn’t sell much, but I got a lot of great exposure. I get a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. I know the truth about exposure and it’s not good.

I read an article in the Albuquerque Journal about an artist south of town that had one painting be juried into 105 shows. He had to box and ship the art to all those shows at his own expense. Yet with all that great exposure the painting was still for sale. Be aware the only one making money on juried shows is the promoter. Before you spend the money to be juried into a show take a good look. Find out how much art is being sold. If the art hangs for a month and judges pick the winner, run, don’t walk away. Put your art in front of art buyers not viewers.

When the economy fell in the tank in Texas in the mid 80’s, Saving and Loans went under, oil was $20 a barrel and unemployment up to 18% I purchased a small Air Stream trailer, hitting the road. I worked in-door and out-door shows in Florida and California. At the end of the show, I would ask artists how they did. Some did well, but many would say the sales were off, but I got a lot of good exposure. I guess they thought good exposure somehow softens the blow of no sales. Had I not learned the truth about exposure, I’m sure I’d have considered the same thing. I did well at those shows. I sold wet painting. I painted fast and mesmerized the audience. I never had an inventory when the show began, but was slapping paint the moment we opened. Painting animal and Indian portraits, I managed to Fedex money home every week for the kids to remain in the top schools in Texas.

Artists put their art in libraries and restaurants for exposure. Most of the people in libraries these days are the homeless keeping warm or cool, depending on the season. People go to restaurants to eat. Any sale will be a miracle. A restaurant can work if the owner will allow you to place placards on the table and you pay the waiters 20% commission on all art they sell. You may have to pitch in another 10% to the owner. Money talks. Get to know the waiters -- they will be your salespersons.

If you really want exposure here’s what you can do. Pick the largest city you can find, go to the spot were a lot of people are out walking during the noon hour. Strip naked, stick a few paintbrushes in your mouth and start running down the middle of the street. It will help to scream, more people will see you. Have a friend video your brief run. The cops will nab you after a block or so. Put your naked run on YouTube. Call it “Art Exposure”. The video will go viral and be seen by several million people. You will no doubt make the evening news. Even the print media might pick up your mad dash to fame. This will give you maximum exposure for the least amount of effort. Or you can face the reality that seeking exposure is a waste of time and energy. Find buyers and keep them on your mailing list. Make them a member of your team. These folks will be prospects, not spectators, for the rest of your life.

I recommend you seek places where people who are interested in buying art will see your work. Remove the word EXPOSURE from your vocabulary. Life will improve when you are no longer expecting exposure to bail you out. Do like the rest of us, sell your way to the top. The sooner you realize exposure will give you nothing but a bad cold, the faster you can begin to build a solid career.

Jack White has the title Official Texas State Artist and recently Governor Rick Perry appointed him an Admiral in the Texas Navy. Jack authored six Art Marketing books. The first, “Mystery of Making It”, describes how he taught Mikki to paint and has sold over six million dollars worth of her art. You can contact Jack at jack@jackwhiteartist.com.


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Thursday, May 5, 2011

Ride Like The Wind!

Wind Riders
(framed 16x20)
Mixed Media


The show is hung and waiting with many beautiful pieces by many talented artists. This is my second piece for the show from my new Art Nouveau inspired series. Wind Riders is about my not-so-scientific study of butterfly flight patterns. They get carried away and so do I...a perfect match! This piece was created from a seven step process involving as many mediums!

Contact Gallery 4463 or call 404-808-9971 for more information on this painting.



The North Cobb Arts League Spring Show at Gallery 4463 begins with opening reception this Saturday, May 7th, from 6-9pm and continues all month.

Did you know that many Galleries today are offering layaway programs, so you can buy a piece of art you really want, arrange to make payments and avoid using a credit card? Gallery 4463 has this option with many of our artists. You may find your favorite Gallery near you also has this wonderful buying option! What a great idea!

Hope to see you Saturday!
-Rebecca
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Monday, May 2, 2011

A New Show of Hands And Media!


Nouveau Fleurs
Mixed Media; 12x12 (framed 19x19)

I worked for a year to develop this beautiful 7 layer mixed media process and I'm very proud of the results. I hope you will have an opportunity to see it in person at the Spring Member show of the North Cobb Arts League. (NCAL)

I'm proud to be a member of the Gallery 4463 in Historic Acworth, GA, and the two pieces in this show are my first to be available through the gallery.

Please contact the Gallery for purchase information on this painting.
Gallery 4463 or call 404-808-9971.

Thank you to all who have supported my art career. You have inspired me.



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Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Wordless Wednesday



Photo found on web crookedhouse.typepad.com
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Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Mostly Wordless Wednesday


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Tuesday, April 5, 2011

It's a Sign!

Celebrate any time you can, that's what I say! Here is our new 8 foot Gallery and Art Center sign as it was going up! It teetered a little in the wind, and took a couple of extra hands. I was taking pictures holding the sparking wine waiting to pour...before you judge, let me say I did my share by painting the sign.

Front and Center Pete McGlamery, who cut the nice shape in the sign and prepared it to paint.



How many men does it take to hang an 8 foot sign? Hey, it was windy!


A toast to mission completed! Clemens Bak and I toast while a small crowd of apparently camera shy artists have decided to stand behind the camera!

If you are in Acworth, GA, stop by 4463 Cherokee St and visit our fine Gallery 4463 and maybe get a glimpse of the Resident Artists while you are there! Historic Acworth is full of fun restaurants, antique shopping, boutiques and a world class member supported art gallery!

Each first Saturday of every month is a new show in the Gallery and a fun evening! Next show is the North Cobb Arts League Spring Member show, May 7th, 6-9pm. Hope to see you there!


Visit the Gallery 4463 online or in person this week!

Gallery Hours
Fri 12:30 - 8:00 p.m
Sat 12:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Sun 12:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Or for Appointment call 404-808-9971

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Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Wordless Wednesday


Rent I (Picnic on the Lake)

Click here to go to the Auction: Picnic on the Lake

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Saturday, March 19, 2011

#18 Pen & Ink Rhino; 31 Days of Rhinos

#18 Pen & Ink Rhino

Say hello to my little friend, the quill! (ok, the fake quill, the calligraphy tip!)

[Wikipedia more or less states evidence of the following potential truths:
Did you know that the pen was first used for writing in ancient India? Yup! They used bird feathers and bamboo to hold the ink. The Egyptians used bamboo reeds to write on papyrus scrolls and they could also have been used in the First Dynasty (3000BC). The quill pen even wrote the dead sea scrolls.] Cool!

So, why do we say "Pen and Ink" instead of just ink? (Back to the feather). If you are using a feather or pen with a nib that must be filled with ink order to draw, then voila, you are using pen and ink technique! We use the name loosely, though, as my quill is often a pre-filled pen of India ink with a lid. When I create a piece, I do try to write the exact media I am using just for posterity (just India Ink, or Pen & Ink, Ballpoint pen, Prismacolor marker & India ink, etc).

To draw with ink, you don't have to get fancy; great works have been achieved using a ballpoint pen. There is no need to get fancy with the tools, unless you are a freak for art supplies, as I am.

Good ol' ink pen, yet another technique that arose from childhood, waiting in my Dad's office, to be precise. He worked as an Architect for a while in Chicago, and when we went to visit him, the few things that were always available to keep us entertained were pencils, pens and paper. What do you do with that? Ahem. (hint: It wasn't algebra.)

Today was a quickie Pen and Ink sketch, using a combo cross-hatch technique, and also scribbles (Hey, what do you want for 20 min?). You can achieve terrific precision with ink in the perfect linear fashion of cross-hatch, making perfectly horizontal lines and then countering them with a comfortable cross-hatch of your wrist at about 45 degrees, I guess.

Alternatively, you can achieve a liberating level of Fabulous with scribbles and rapid fire lines, which is the way that I sketch when I want to get something down quickly and I don't need it to be museum quality. Journal quality. I encourage you to try both.

If you have never tried calligraphy tips, treat yourself! Try pretending you are John Hancock and get ye a plume and try that. It's tough to control the flow of the ink, though, so I recommend writing with it over drawing with it. Light a candle and put on a puffy shirt to enhance your experience.

Today's Rhino bears likeness to yesterday's, and that is because when I got down to the studio tonight, I realized I had no reference photo, so I just quickly rendered (not all that accurately either) my #18 Ink Rhino from yesterday's #17 Graphite (pencil) Rhino.

Have a great night, see you soon,
Rebecca
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Friday, March 18, 2011

#17 Graphite Rhino; 31 Days of Rhinos



You blinked and it stopped. A year ago.
Well...

Welcome back to my continuing jaunt into the history of art, my way, with 31 days of rhinos to celebrate Art's affect on civilization and humanity for cryin' out loud! The depths that art has reached in it's 30,000+ years (well, since the cave drawing days, anyway)

It's a good time to pick up where we left off because this month, EBSQart.com is taking entries into the Rhinoceros show! So, if you like Rhinos, head on over to enter one of your own. If you like rhinos but don't want to actually make rhino art, then head over to ebsqart.com April 1st-8th to vote on your favorite rhino in the show!

Onward.

Graphite, the salt of the Earth. Sort of.

Drawing is a basic function of Art and artists. It's a basic function of survival in fact. We draw directions, we draw a diagram, we draw plans, we draw figures! The pencil is probably the most prolific instrument in the history of time!

So, what better way to jump back into the 31 days of Rhinos than with the most beloved and fundamental tool known to man. hee hee. Good ol' #2! (and 3B and 4H and 8B and 2H, etc.) Well, there is certainly no dispute that Graphite is the oldest drawing tool. When cavemen drew on the walls, they picked the charcoal out of the fire (probably the same cave men who invented kabobs. I love kabobs.)

It has evolved over the years, but even as fascinated as we are by all kinds of lovely media, something still draws us (pun intended) back to the pencil drawing. Beautiful and simple and portable. We love a good masterpiece, yet when a show comes to the museum that involves, say, the sketches of Leonardo, you want to see it, don't you?? Every artist draws to enhance their talent. Pick up a pencil today and draw something. Then, treat yourself to an ice cream cone, because ice cream is good.

So, I hope you'll continue to look out for the rest of this series until I hit 31 in early April. The 31 days of Rhinos are an exploration into art and art history, celebrating some of the worlds most famous art genres and also art techniques and practices to enhance your skills! I am here to share. Some will be quickies, some will take all day. It's all good clean fun! See you tomorrow.

Enjoy,
Rebecca
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Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Wordless Wednesday Worshipiness

Isis, Goddess of love and stuff what's good. for Jen.



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Thursday, March 10, 2011

Where is your attention?


I've been reading a lot lately about attention deficit. (Luckily, even though my attention isn't always on writing, my desire to read never seems to wain.) What is this deficit? Is it lack of focus, or disinterest in a given subject matter, or boredom? Or, could it be TOO MUCH to do ??? Not completely sure yet, but I suspect it may result from our crazy world that requires us to do and be everything all at once, and none of it with complete success. Heck, when you can't focus throughout your day, your sleep probably sucks, too.

So, I teach kids art. I also teach computer skills to adults (artists mostly).

Kids, especially teenagers are the most challenging because their energy is so darting, I often wonder how they get anything done in school apart from driving teachers insane. Although keeping a kid's attention is a tough task, talking to an artist about the need for discipline trumps it. Teaching an artist about discipline is like trying to teach someone with ADHD to sit still and concentrate. It is not always in their control to do that. So, I have had to assess my intent and find a way to use the artist's personality in his/her favor. And, I have been thinking about how to tackle just one moment in time..at a time.

But first, speaking of ADD, I learned a lot about adults with attention issues by teaching them computer skills. I could always spot them in my class, because they're the ones who continually ask me a question about the very thing I just finished speaking about. I blame myself, though, because I had them turn on the laptops at the beginning of class so that I could work through the day with a demo and then an exercise. The resulting behavior was that I was talking to myself while they played on their computers for 10-15 minute blocks of time (the demo time), followed by another 30 minutes of individual question and answer about the demo that they weren't watching (exercise time), followed finally by the exercise time (of which there is none left).

Let's face it, we just have too much to think about and do each day. I would like to live in France again for a few years, or forever, just so I can again be in the company of people who know to enjoy life, live deliberately, and savor a moment.

As long as I am here though, how about trying your own little exercise tomorrow. Each time you have a task, tell yourself, "This is my task, and it's all I am going to do right now, for X period of time." Then, move away from your computer or turn off your phone and just allow yourself to focus on that one and ONLY ONE thing. And, if someone calls you or approaches you to talk and you can't talk, make it clear why you can't talk right now, and that you will be available later (after that block of time is up).

Regarding speaking to people: If you can talk, make that deliberate too. Move away from anyone and anything distracting, and give that person ALL of your attention. They deserve it. You deserve it. When you focus, you will retain. Take a breath and listen for a change. You may find you have never done this before. I guarantee it will feel so much better remembering what someone just said to you, that you will begin to deliberately give people your whole attention.

Whatever your intention, I bet you will feel better and more satisfied if you do it with all of your attention!

Oooo, I can move mountains.
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Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Wordy Wednesday

A funny video I couldn't resist sharing. One of my favorite love songs.
Happy Wednesday!


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Monday, March 7, 2011

Monday, Schmonday...just fix your Sunday!


I have never been one to say I hate Mondays. I'm not really sure why people have such loathsome despair for this day. I think what they really hate is Sunday! Sunday you wake up and realize that Saturday is gone. You only have one day to relax and half of it is nearly gone, too! Sunday afternoon, you are already considering tomorrow morning and the commute. By Sunday night, you have mentally prepared yourself for going back to work, only in the worst way.

If you hate your job, you probably will have the worst night's sleep of the week on Sunday, because you are ticked off that your weekend is over and you didn't get as much done as you wanted to and you still have to throw some clothes in the wash to wear tomorrow and you are dreading the load of crap you will encounter upon entering the office tomorrow.

I could be wrong, of course.

However, if any of this sounds plausible, how about trying some psychology mixed with a little time management and pure unadulterated joy on for size and follow this list:

Hire a maid who does laundry. If you can't afford a maid, just do enough laundry in other moments of the week so it wont swallow up your precious free time on the weekend.

ALWAYS eat ice cream on Sunday. I cannot remember seeing an angry frustrated spiteful attitude from a person eating ice cream.

Have sex on Sunday afternoon. (optional, mostly)

Take a sleeping pill early Sunday night, like around 9 and make sure it's strong enough to totally knock you out so you will have no choice but to get a good night's sleep. (or have sex right before 9 so you'll fall asleep!)

If you live with someone who doesn't care what day of the week it is, who is generally happy and optimistic, maybe you could consider for just a moment that you might have a crappy attitude and there is another way to look at life. (really, there is). The best part is that it's ok to change! You don't have to stay an asshole forever. Choose to make your own day, and you will in turn add to your partner's happiness.

I'm just sayin'.

(Honestly, I had a great Sunday and have no idea where this whole post came from except that I just read more than one post about how sucky Mondays are...)

PS. Here is how an optimist (me) views going back to work: I love changing the sheets on Sunday night and getting into the most cozy comfy bed that was ever made! I love smelling the freshly folded clothes that I will put on in the morning! I am feeling good and refreshed from the weekend and that amazing meal we (probably) prepared together or the fun lunch date we shared while we were out running errands. Tomorrow, I'll get to see and interact with co-workers, learn what they did over the weekend and see some progress with a project I'm working on. I have a brand new week ahead of me and it's exciting that I have so much time!

When I get up each day, I have a choice to make today awesome. I choose AWESOME! Why choose sucky? You know that saying, "Whether you think you can or you can't, you're right?" Well, same thing goes for choosing how to approach your Monday!

Mondays are good days! That's how I see it anyway.
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Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Wordless Wednesday

Corinth, MS
(Photo from the Daily Corinthian)

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Monday, February 14, 2011

To My Valentine

I don't know what made me trust you exactly, and I'm not sure how you learned to be so completely supportive of me.

All I know is how grateful I am (and, it totally rocks!)

I never knew I could feel so powerful and full of hope and supported as I do today.
I feel like a superhero.
I feel like Wonder Woman.
(It helps that you told me that you think of me this way, too.)

Wow, I am lucky.

Thank you Valentine, for being mine and giving me all the hope in the whole world.
Enough to believe that I can absolutely do it if I want to. Not only that, but thank you for being so convincing about your belief in me that if there was, I have never felt any glimmer of doubt from you.

Because of you, I am living my dream and I will never ever give up. Thanks Valentine, for another wonderful year.

I think I am ready for my costume now.
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Tuesday, February 8, 2011

What do they look like when we aren't there?


On the easel this week..(lord knows why I have a compulsion to show you unfinished paintings)


Well, you know, if you find a friend to be absent from their normal course of play, they are up to no good. Such may be the case with me, but you'll never know for sure. I'm sure the truth behind my lack of blogging lies somewhere between "OMG, writing a novel in a month wore me the f*#k out" and "I looooove my new studio so much, that being there with no computer to distract me is possibly the best decision I have ever made (creatively)." Also, not to mention "the Internets was sucking me dry."

I missed you though. So, now that I got all that out of the way, and I'm actually producing again, I can say that with painting always comes blogging, cuz I gotta show you what I'm up to!

I've finally gotten started on my new large scale series inspired by Las Vegas. My observations of what the Real American Dream looks like. The gritty, the winners, the losers, the regular city that most people don't notice. Beautiful People and Shiny Objects...Can you tell I still haven't nailed the name of the show yet? Whatever. I have 15 pieces planned, hopefully more. I hope to show in the early Fall 2011.

I'm off to paint in my groovy studio so I can continue to frote WR Jones.
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Things to Ponder

Don't pay any attention to what they write about you. Just measure it in inches. -Andy Warhol

We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.
-Walt Disney
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