Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Sifting Light and Final Show Tip!

Sifting Light, 30 x 40, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2016
SOLD in solo show - "Chasing Color, Finding Light"
April 23 - June 4, 2016 at the Davis Gallery in Austin, TX

Dear friends and blog followers... in these past months of show preparation, so many of you have reached out to me with kind words of encouragement. Your virtual pats on the back have brightened days of solitude and kept me going. For that, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. My opening reception was fabulous - the turnout and response were great and I sold a bunch too! I was pleased beyond expectation!


Show Tip #28 - Keep up the Momentum
I know it's odd to end this list on #28, but there you have it... we have reached the end! One thing I am thinking about is, how can I keep up the artistic flow that comes with living and breathing art? Even though my pace will ease up a bit, I believe the answer to that question is to employ the same tactics found in these tips... set deadlines for myself, make a schedule, be disciplined, and generally keep up the momentum! I guess it's time to go back to #1 and stock up on supplies again! ;)

Here are links to other Show Tips:
Tip #1 - Stock up on Supplies
Tip #2 - Set up Deadlines
Tip #3 - Determine Subject Matter
Tip #4 - Work in Series
Tip #5 - Establish a Schedule
Tip #6 - Be Kind to YOU
Tip #8 - Stay Flexible
Tip #11 - Take Notes
Tip #12 - Know when to Quit
Tip #13 - Stay Updated
Tip #15 - Assign Tasks
Tip #16 - Step Back 
Tip #17 - Sign As You Go
Tip #19 - Celebrate Growth
Tip #20 - Varnishing Day(s)
Tip #23 - Get the Word Out
Tip #24 - Stay The Course
Tip #27 - Tell Your Story

Tomorrow my workshop on St. Simons Island starts... I'm looking forward to working with a great group of artists and painting en plein air in the golden isles!
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Thursday, April 21, 2016

Marsh Birds - Show Tip #27

Marsh Birds, 24 x 24, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2016 
Sold in Solo Show, "Chasing Color, Finding Light", Davis Gallery

These magnificent birds of the marsh totally captivate me. Whether in flight, keeping watch, or fishing for dinner, their movements and behaviors are fun to observe. They are such beautiful creatures!!

If you have been following my blog for the last few months, you know that I am just a day away from my big gallery opening! In my Show Tips, I have tried to share what goes into planning and executing an art exhibit; from gathering supplies to scheduling time to marketing the work. All that is left now is to go and have fun, but I do have one more tip about that...

Show Tip # 27 - Tell Your Story!
Opening night of any show is the culmination of much work and personal revelation. It's natural to worry about how to use words to describe what we have already "said" in paint. Here is the thing to remember: no one knows our work better than we do, and it's up to us to be our own best advocates. Be ready to talk about inspiration, process and intention. Be ready to share what went into a piece, breakthrough moments, or even struggles encountered along the way. Opening night is an opportunity to tell our story. Don't be shy and don't hold back... and remember to soak up the love. 
Here are links to other Show Tips:
Tip #1 - Stock up on Supplies
Tip #2 - Set up Deadlines
Tip #3 - Determine Subject Matter
Tip #4 - Work in Series
Tip #5 - Establish a Schedule
Tip #6 - Be Kind to YOU
Tip #8 - Stay Flexible
Tip #11 - Take Notes
Tip #12 - Know when to Quit
Tip #13 - Stay Updated
Tip #15 - Assign Tasks
Tip #16 - Step Back 
Tip #17 - Sign As You Go
Tip #19 - Celebrate Growth
Tip #20 - Varnishing Day(s)
Tip #23 - Get the Word Out
Tip #24 - Stay The Course
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Monday, April 18, 2016

Azure Fields - Show Tip #26

Azure Fields, 24 x 36, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2016
SOLD

 This spring has been gorgeous in central Texas. The bluebonnets have been especially prolific and colorful. Our beautiful Hill Country specializes in comforting scenes like this one, and they never get old. Each time I see that sea of blue, my breath catches!

 Show Tip #26 - Deliver Safely (and On-Time)
Today was Delivery Day and it felt great! The organizing and planning of the last few months completely paid off, and I was not scrambling in the least. As for packing and loading it all up, I admit that I am a bit anal about that. After all that work, I don't want any last minute damage to a painting or frame. I have approached this in many ways, but this time I wrapped each painting with Stretch Wrap (available at shipping stores like FedEx and moving stores like Uhaul). It worked GREAT! The wrap allowed me to stack the paintings in my car without the frames rubbing or scratching, and it kept them from sliding around. Upon arrival, my gallery owner asked me to leave the wrap on... it will help him keep the paintings safe during the installation process. Win-Win!
Picture corners inside the wrap give added protection.

The wrap caused the paintings to kind of stick together and prevented sliding.

Here are links to other Show Tips:
Tip #1 - Stock up on Supplies
Tip #2 - Set up Deadlines
Tip #3 - Determine Subject Matter
Tip #4 - Work in Series
Tip #5 - Establish a Schedule
Tip #6 - Be Kind to YOU
Tip #8 - Stay Flexible
Tip #11 - Take Notes
Tip #12 - Know when to Quit
Tip #13 - Stay Updated
Tip #15 - Assign Tasks
Tip #16 - Step Back 
Tip #17 - Sign As You Go
Tip #19 - Celebrate Growth
Tip #20 - Varnishing Day(s)
Tip #23 - Get the Word Out
Tip #24 - Stay The Course
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Thursday, April 14, 2016

Sunrise Glow - Show Tip #25

Sunrise Glow, 30 x 40, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2016
Sold in Solo Show, "Chasing Color, Finding Light", Davis Gallery

Sunrise at the beach, well, what beats that? The promise of a new day, the sound of ocean waves and coastal birds, and that unmistakable golden light... all fabulous reasons to get up and out there. :)

Show Tip #25 - Take Care of Business
Keeping track of the details for any show is critical. Before I drop my new paintings at the gallery, I will make an inventory/price list to go with them. My list will include the title, size, medium, price and date finished for each piece. This is not just important for me, it's also important for whoever is curating the show. My gallery uses this list for labels, sales and marketing; and it is constantly referenced throughout the duration of the show. In addition, I label the back of each piece with that same information, plus my name. I keep everything as consistent as possible to avoid confusion. Incomplete or sloppy information makes their job harder, if not impossible. So, I'm making the list and checking it twice (or thrice). 

Here are links to other Show Tips:
Tip #1 - Stock up on Supplies
Tip #2 - Set up Deadlines
Tip #3 - Determine Subject Matter
Tip #4 - Work in Series
Tip #5 - Establish a Schedule
Tip #6 - Be Kind to YOU
Tip #8 - Stay Flexible
Tip #11 - Take Notes
Tip #12 - Know when to Quit
Tip #13 - Stay Updated
Tip #15 - Assign Tasks
Tip #16 - Step Back 
Tip #17 - Sign As You Go
Tip #19 - Celebrate Growth
Tip #20 - Varnishing Day(s)
Tip #23 - Get the Word Out
Tip #24 - Stay The Course

Painters - join me at this Plein Air Workshop:
April 28-30, Anderson Fine Art Gallery, St. Simons Island, GA
Contact Info: Mary Anderson, 912-634-8414
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Sunday, April 10, 2016

Bedroom Nook - Show Tip #24

Bedroom Nook, 18 x 18, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2016
Available 

 What is it about little nooks and homey stopping places? They give me visual rest and physical rest in the busy flow of life. This charming little corner graced a beach cottage we rented a few summers ago. We stayed long enough to put our stuff in the drawers and loved every minute. (That's the trick to feeling at home you know... put your stuff in the drawers like you're never leaving!) 

 Show Tip #24 - Stay the Course
When the last paintings are finally drying, I feel both elation and letdown, and a huge desire to put my feet up. However, there is still work to be done and now is not the time to rest on my laurels (so to speak). It may not be as fun as smearing paint on a canvas, but pulling the last details together is really important. So after taking the weekend off, it's back to business until the last i's are dotted and final t's are crossed for my show. This week I'll be framing the last paintings and cataloging. I don't want to reach the end and be panicked about any of those pesky details! The goal is to finish well!
Here are links to other Show Tips:
Tip #1 - Stock up on Supplies
Tip #2 - Set up Deadlines
Tip #3 - Determine Subject Matter
Tip #4 - Work in Series
Tip #5 - Establish a Schedule
Tip #6 - Be Kind to YOU
Tip #8 - Stay Flexible
Tip #11 - Take Notes
Tip #12 - Know when to Quit
Tip #13 - Stay Updated
Tip #15 - Assign Tasks
Tip #16 - Step Back 
Tip #17 - Sign As You Go
Tip #19 - Celebrate Growth
Tip #20 - Varnishing Day(s)
Tip #23 - Get the Word Out

Painters - join me at this Plein Air Workshop:
April 28-30, Anderson Fine Art Gallery, St. Simons Island, GA
Contact Info: Mary Anderson, 912-634-8414
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Thursday, April 7, 2016

Winter Berries - Show Tip #23

Winter Berries, 18 x 18, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2016
Available, Davis Gallery

 Red berries of many different varieties are prolific in Texas in the winter months. They bring pops of delightful color into an otherwise grey landscape. They are also a reminder that spring is just around the corner; and I like being reminded of that! 

 Show Tip #23 - Get the Word Out
I think long and hard about how to let people know about any upcoming shows. Of course, if you follow my blog, you know I have been talking about this since January (alright already!) In addition to that, 4 weeks before the opening I mailed postcard announcements. Three weeks out, I sent my first email blast (which will be followed up with email reminders 1 week out and the day before). Finally, I use Facebook to get the word out on social media. My hope is that this combination of efforts will reach my world with news. We have so many avenues for sharing information these days, and finding the right balance is probably a little different for everyone. 
Postcards printed at Vistaprint.com
Here are links to other Show Tips:
Tip #1 - Stock up on Supplies
Tip #2 - Set up Deadlines
Tip #3 - Determine Subject Matter
Tip #4 - Work in Series
Tip #5 - Establish a Schedule
Tip #6 - Be Kind to YOU
Tip #8 - Stay Flexible
Tip #11 - Take Notes
Tip #12 - Know when to Quit
Tip #13 - Stay Updated
Tip #15 - Assign Tasks
Tip #16 - Step Back 
Tip #17 - Sign As You Go
Tip #19 - Celebrate Growth
Tip #20 - Varnishing Day(s)

Painters - join me at this Plein Air Workshop:
April 28-30, Anderson Fine Art Gallery, St. Simons Island, GA
Contact Info: Mary Anderson, 912-634-8414
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Monday, April 4, 2016

Fruit Bearing - Show Tip #22

Fruit Bearing Loquats, 18 x 18, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2016
Sold in Solo Show, "Chasing Color, Finding Light", Davis Gallery

These pretty little fruits are Loquats. We have several Loquat trees in our backyard and they produce lots of fruit every spring. I am always attracted to their shapes and often paint them. And yes, you CAN eat them (squirrels love them too). They have several pits and taste a bit like apricots. Yum! 

Show Tip #22 - Deep Six Your Doubts
Somewhere along the line, and often as the big reveal of all my work draws near, a case of the "doubts" sets in. I begin to wonder... What I was thinking? Is any of the work good enough? Why did I think I could paint at all? I've come to expect this stage, but it's never fun. Combatting it requires digging deep for hidden courage reserves and keeping a level head (having a trusted friend or spouse who can talk you in off the ledge is very helpful too). It's all related to the fact that these paintings are very personal expressions, and let's face it, the possibility of rejection is scary. I share this tip not because I have a foolproof solution, but because the feeling is pretty universal. Somehow it helps to know that we ALL feel it at some point. 

Here are links to other Show Tips:
Tip #1 - Stock up on Supplies
Tip #2 - Set up Deadlines
Tip #3 - Determine Subject Matter
Tip #4 - Work in Series
Tip #5 - Establish a Schedule
Tip #6 - Be Kind to YOU
Tip #8 - Stay Flexible
Tip #11 - Take Notes
Tip #12 - Know when to Quit
Tip #13 - Stay Updated
Tip #15 - Assign Tasks
Tip #16 - Step Back
Tip #17 - Sign As You Go
Tip #19 - Celebrate Growth
Tip #20 - Varnishing Day(s)

Painters - join me at this Plein Air Workshop:
April 28-30, Anderson Fine Art Gallery, St. Simons Island, GA
Contact Info: Mary Anderson, 912-634-8414

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