Wednesday, December 23, 2009

As Christmas Nears...

It's almost a wrap. This Christmas season, quieter than usual, is the first in my new studio/gallery, Voilart! Except for the panicked husbands and boyfriends who will breathlessly burst in on the eve, I'm ready for eggnog. And my favorite pirate, Captain Morgan.

Our "Marvelous Minis for Merry Making" exhibit went well and will continue through Dec. 31st. It's an opportunity to start a collection or add to without straining the budget. Several were purchased as holiday gifts.

I admit it - I struggled with the technical aspects of painting so tiny. After applying a ground on ten 5"x7" canvas panels, three were completed before I passed the rest over to Jackie's easel. Okay, so I can't depict a field of twelve runners with grandstand in the background on a 5"x7". However, landscape subjects just seemed to lend themselves to the microscopic format. Thank you Jackie for carrying the show. I did have some 8"x10" 's and 11"x14" 's which I was informed qualify as "minis".

miniature horse paintingRemaining "mini" in a nice frame.

Notice the recent absence of racing subjects? I should say: "What's missing from this horse racing blog?"

Here's a start on a perennial favorite: foxhunting. One observer stated: "THAT'S how you draw out a painting? With squiggles? Notice the "squiggles" on the horse to the right. Hey, it's all in the noggin' beforehand.

foxhunting paintingWhen all else is...tentative...there's Dave:



A blessed Christmas to you all. I wish you peace, joy, wisdom and divine guidance in what I affirm is a rapidly improving year of 2010. Hold close those you love and cherish.

"Nothing else will do. All I want is you this Christmas" - N Synch.


Sunday, November 29, 2009

Marvelous Minis for Merry Making

Has a ring to it, eh?

My gallery partner Jackie Schindehette and I are hosting an exhibit of miniature paintings on December 11th from 5:00-7:00pm at our studio/gallery Voilart! in downtown Ocala. With the economy attempting to recover yet still appearing a bit disheveled, our tiny paintings give patrons an opportunity to purchase an original oil at affordable prices. So quit blowing all your hard-earned bucks on electronics that are obsolete as soon as you leave the store, take months to figure out and have to be replaced next year. BUY ART!

Art is valuable, it's classy, very distinctive, tells a story, has pretty colors and makes your home or office a lovelier space. Art enhances your life. You can meditate peacefully on art, contemplating the layers of meaning. Interpret your piece as you like. Let it move you. Show off your original acquisitions to your friends, impress your clients with your knowledgeable art speak. If you're a young person, buying art is hip, cool, and your peers will be intrigued as you break away from iworld. Art is powerful, intimate, tranquil, personal, thought provoking, emotional, sensational. Art says you're cultured, intelligent, educated and affluent - even if you're not so much. Don't speculate about the future, buy what you love now. Allow art to speak to you. If you are fortunate and the artist of your piece becomes famous, you can pass it on to your kids and they'll have bragging rights. An heirloom tradition. Plus, art is just wonderful and beautiful as it is. BUY ART!

pony"The New Pony" oil on canvas, 8"x10"

If my paintings don't appeal to you, heck, buy Jackie's. She creates Florida landscapes that will caress you with a warm breeze when you're up to your eyeballs in snow. Art creates longing, inspires your imagination, dreams and desires. BUY ART!

horse drawn buggy"The Private Chat" oil on canvas, 11"x14"

Contemplate the conversation occurring in the above piece... BUY ART!

"Collectors are happy people." - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Monday, November 23, 2009

Ad Faux Pas

hold your horses magazineMy latest ad appearing alongside the Table of Contents in the fledgling "Hold Your Horses" magazine has strong points and not so strong. Not so: I have a typo that screamed out to the annoying perfectionist in me. And that was after two separate scrutinies with proof readers. I'm still cringing. However, I'm learning to let go and move on.

Ad pictured at left is too small to detect the offending gaff...did you think I would be THAT forthcoming? You'll have to pick up your own copy of this refreshingly honest and frank horse industry talk. Distribution is increasing exponentially by demand with every issue. If you'd like to request copies in your region, e-mail: holdyourhorses.steele@gmail.com. Of course I highly recommend.

Now for the strong point: I'm offering 20% off ANYTHING that is produced in the studio until December 31st, 2009 just for mentioning my ad. This not only includes my originals, but also my Fine Art Giclee Reproductions and gift merchandise. As a reminder, last year I reigned as the Pet Portrait Queen of the Universe! What an impressive gift instead of the usual ho-hum electronics or jewelry.

Oh, did I mention equine portraits? Champions immortalized forever.

Check out my website for more info and a closer look at what I do: www.sharoncrute.com

"Business Art is the step that comes after Art." - Andy Warhol

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Reception Pics

Here's my salon group, "Out of Hand Artists" (OoHA) at our reception last Friday night at MCA Brick City Center for the Arts.

Titled "OoHA H.U.G.S Ocala", it's an amazing exhibit of beautiful and powerful artwork created by seven professional artists.

L. to R. Moi, Margaret Watts, Lorna Effler, Nancy Moskovitz, Jacquelyn Schindehette,
Moe Hahn and Mary Verrrandeaux



Local newspaper Ocala Star Banner was in attendance capturing the conversation between artists and art lovers. You can see more photos here.

"The painterly painter uses the viewer's experience to give life to the work. Instead of being a passive receiver of information, the viewer becomes a participant." - Charles Movalli

Thursday, November 05, 2009

OoHA HUGS Ocala Reception

Please join us for a gala opening reception for "OoHA HUGS Ocala."

My artist salon "Out of Hand Artists" (OoHA) is conducting an Art Exhibit and Sale at the Brick City Center for the Arts in downtown Ocala. A portion of the proceeds will benefit H.U.G.S. Charities, Inc., a non-profit organization that raises funds for the research, prevention, detection and treatment of all forms of cancer and assists individuals and families whose lives have been adversely affected by it.

Out of Hand Artists is comprised of seven professional artists who meet twice monthly to discuss the business aspects of being an artist.

The details:

Gala Opening Reception:
Friday, November 6th, 2009 from 5:30-8:30pm. Brick City Center for the Arts 23 SW Broadway Ocala, FL 34471
Call moi for more info: 352-671-7469. All are welcome to attend.

Please join us for food and libations. This is an impressively strong exhibit of fine art and paintings. I promise you'll be amazed.

An artist has every right - one may even say a duty - to exhibit his productions as prominently as he can - Jacques Barzun

Monday, October 26, 2009

FAFO

My first fine art festival.

Oh yes, I've participated in numerous outdoor events of an equine nature. Those would be horse shows, steeplechase and race tracks when they'll have me.

This is the painting I began and shortly put away during last winter's season of horse and art recession. Missing my muse terribly, the festival was a good excuse to to revisit and make amends.

horse racing"Vying for Position" oil on canvas, 48"x68"

My studio and gallery partner, Jackie Schindehette and I each won an award. For mine, I have to thank, you guessed it, my muse(s).

art festivalJackie & moi in my booth at the Ocala Fine Arts Festival.

"A couple of guys won Academy Awards for the things that I turned down. Today, after coming to terms with everything, after being in therapy for a long time-there are areas where I will compromise. " - Mickey Rourke

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Preview Party

Consider this your invitation to our Pre-Ocala Fine Arts Festival Preview Party.

All are welcome and of course it's free. Get a sneak peek of our paintings being exhibited at the festival this coming weekend. My partner Jackie Schindehette is the hostess providing vittles as well as libations. Please come.

At our new studio/gallery:
Voilart!
108 E. Fort King St.
Ocala, FL 34479
(one block south of the central square)
Friday, October 23rd, 5-8pm


"I had reservations about making art a business, but I got over it." - Mary Boone

Saturday, October 10, 2009

October Newsletter

I'm painting. And painting. Wanted to get the big canvas finished therefore everything else in my life has been neglected (this blog, husband, deranged cat, housework, etc.). As of this post it's finished but letting it sit for a few days so the flaws will make themselves annoyingly evident. Michael actually made a list of objectionable aspects such as: no forelocks are under the browbands (the better to add the dynamic), eyes have no color, bit at odd angle, suggest stick in jock's hand and the list goes on. He's like a professional witness. Gotta love and appreciate the honest critiques.

equine artHere's a link to my latest newsletter with info on upcoming exhibits:
http://tinyurl.com/yfqurqj.
If you'd like a copy of my newsletter delivered to your inbox, please sign-up in the box at right. I promise to never share info (I hate spam too) or overwhelm with too-frequent mailings (that's a promise!).

"The harder you work, the harder it is to surrender". - Vince Lombardi

Saturday, September 26, 2009

The State of My heART

Roller coasters are thrilling at the amusement park. Not so much in daily studio life.

It's tough love, babe. Deciding to separate from the muse can leave an artist treading water without land in sight. Placing a lifetime of passion and dedication up on the shelf calls for stern resolve of epic proportion. I did it, I experimented, and now I'm back to mend the relationship if only temporarily. Let's say we're dating.

Advice from friends and associates sounds something like this:
"It was a great ride while it lasted, wasn't it?"
"What a terrible time to be in the horse racing business - for anyone."
"Paint something else until the business fixes itself."

I'm a bit more optimistic about the future of horse racing. It will survive albeit not as we presently recognize it. Owners will continue to buy good horses as well as treat themselves to the luxury of expensive cars, beautiful homes and collect great equine art that elicits personal and emotional resonance. These purchases will occur within a changed climate, like everything else that's newly...changed. The smart artist acknowledges and is ready.

I'm so glad for the expansion.

foxhounds"Full Cry" oil on canvas, 11"x14"

horses in swamp"Twilight" oil on two canvases, each 11"x14"

"If I keep a green bough in my heart, the singing bird will come." - Chinese Proverb

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Back to the River

A bad day on the river is better that a good day in___(fill in the blank).

As we electric motored our way up the Oklawaha, we realized that a dredging company was fishing out the submerged logs and other flora to clear the waterway about two miles upstream from us. This made the water thick and murky and the big gators jittery. Saw a couple of biggies, probably 8-footers, but they hauled butt from us with annoyed attitude upon sighting the canoe. So, we had to settle for the wee ones sunning on the log pictured below. These were babies, and I apologize for not getting closer. Mama was nearby, no doubt.

baby alligatorsFlorida Wildlife authorities have been capturing these feral monkeys over the past year but missed this crewe. These rascals are several generation descendants of the escapees from film and TV productions at Silver Springs in the 50's and 60's. Think Sea Hunt and Tarzan.

monkeysThis is the alpha male keeping a close eye on us.

silver riverFemales with infants crossed the river over our heads.

monkeys in treesForgive the shakiness of this photo, but it is a...a...snake. This is a Florida Water Snake, unfortunately often confused with cottonmouths. Their color and markings are similar but the head shape is different. This sleek-headed snake was docile and ignored us.

florida water snakeCats and monkeys, monkeys and cats - all human life is there - Henry James

Saturday, September 12, 2009

International World Wide Paint Out

A hardy bunch of plein air painters descended on Ocala today in observance of the World Wide Paint Out. Gray skies and occasional rain did not deter these focused artists from painting, painting, painting. As a sheltered studio artist, I'm impressed.

Voilart! served as a base for the painters to check in and provide their approximate location, get a cold drink of water and most important - use the bathroom! And that's another challenge for these artists that I am just not aware of. I guess a tree would stand in for facilities when they paint in the woods.

international plein air paint outImportant equipment like this umbrella to serve rain or shine.

world wide plein air paint out
plein air paintingLove this woody that this painter works out of.

downtown Ocala
Blakley HouseSome painters planned ahead such as Carole Drost
who's working on the porch of the Blakley House.

Heat, rain, wind, bugs, rapidly changing light, weirdos, animals - I admire them for their tenacity under all these conditions.

"All pictures painted inside in the studio will never be as good as the things done outside." - Paul Cezanne. Well, there you go.

Saturday, September 05, 2009

Gala Ribbon Cutting

In a light drizzle and under a full moon we conducted our ribbon cutting ceremony last night for Voilart!

ribbon cutting ceremonyHolding the ribbon from left to right: Marion Cultural Alliance Executive Director Nancy Ledding; Marion County Administrator Dr. Lee Niblock; Florida landscape artist (my partner) Jackie Schindehette; moi; and Marion County Commissioner Barbara Fitos.

art galleryI love our red archway.

art studioThe turnout was fabulous and we were packed with well-wishers all night.

painting studio and gallery
As enjoyable as it was, I'm relieved the various pomp and circumstance is over with, enabling Jackie and I to get back to the serious business of painting. We both have shows and exhibits fast approaching and need to buckle down and get productive.

Next Saturday Voilart! will serve as headquarters for local plein air painters participating in the International Worldwide Paint Out. We'll provide the initial sign-up for artists and also provide approximate locales where they can be found painting for interested observers. For more info check out the Ocala Plein Air Painters website.

"The reward for work well done is the opportunity to do more." - Jonas Salk

Monday, August 31, 2009

It Has Arrived At Last

Food smells, ringing phones, neighbors meandering about, cats using litter boxes. If there's one thing I've learned throughout my incredulous painting career, it's that collectors are not quite comfortable visiting a home studio. Which brings me to clarify Reason No. 1 for embarking on the creation of Voilart! Studio/Gallery. The downtown retail space lends me some street cred. No more cramped garage - just a sleek gallery of well appointed paintings and an oversize easel standing like an authoritarian fraulein whipping me into submission.
art galleryJackie helped me paint the 16 foot sign. Not too shabby for non-sign painters.

sharon crute"One Mile and a Sixteenth (and change)" oil on eighteen 12" canvas panels.

When an artist creates a piece that strays from the predictable suspects, proper hanging and presentation is always a challenge. How satisfying to finally arrange the elements as they were originally intended. Although I always encourage creativity with my associates, this is a great homecoming of the artist's brainchild.

"There is a wonderful feeling when you walk into your own exhibition. You see the work as a true extension of yourself. Win or lose, your interests have led you to an accumulation of your personal expression, signed lower right, mounted to best advantage". - Robert Genn

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Voilart! Preview Opening

Our Preview Opening last Thursday was full of surprises and enjoyed a great turnout. Flowers from well-wishers abundantly adorned the studio and Jackie and I worked the meet and greet opportunities.

Artist Eye Fine ArtDr. Leslie Hammond, moi, and Terry Carey.

I hadn't seen Terry Carey in so long. She is a former gallery owner and now full-time artist. I was honored that Dr. Leslie Hammond paid us a visit. She possesses a most impressive academic resume longer than the length of the studio. Archaeologist, art historian, curator, instructor and owner of Artist Eye Fine Art, a full-service art appraisal and consultation business.

jacquelyn schindehetteJackie Schindehette and Susan Cassens in front of Jackie's exquisite landscapes.

Susan Cassens drove all the way up from Ft. Pierce to attend the opening. Susan and Jackie were partnered in a similar studio years ago. Speaking of partners, check out Jackie's website here.
Don't you love the chair rail Harry installed for her paintings?

hold your horsesBill Steele, moi, and Ellie Steele

So many people have blessed me with their help and support getting this studio/gallery project launched. Bill Steele's generosity is over the top - printing a fabulous promotional blurb about Voilart! in the current issue of his incredible magazine, "Hold Your Horses". The magazine is quickly gaining reputation and attention as it goes national and even international!

"Selling is essentially transference of feeling". - Zig Ziglar

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Another Reminder

Yes, it's another reminder but we've worked so hard to pull this off:

Reminder:

This coming Thursday, August 20th is the Preview Opening of Voilart! a working artists' studio and gallery. This preview coincides with "3rd Thursday's Girls Night Out" in downtown Ocala. Local businesses offer specials and discounts for the monthly event. Everyone is open late. Please stop by our new digs if you're in town: 108 E. Fort King St. (directly behind the Bank of America). Jackie Schindehette and I will be in the studio from 4:30-8:30pm.

Please be so kind as to forward this post to anyone you think would be interested. We really appreciate your help getting the word out.

If one advances confidently in the direction of one's dreams, and endeavors to live the life which one has imagined, one will meet with a success unexpected in common hours. - Henry David Thoreau

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Voilart! Details

The countdown begins for the Preview Opening of Voilart! this coming Thursday, August 20th.

Previously, I told you about my latest project: I've partnered with Florida landscape painter extraordinaire Jackie Schindehette to open our own studio/gallery in downtown Ocala. Located just one block south of the central square, the official address is 108 E. Fort King Street. With the help of our husbands, the space is just about ready. Paintings are being transported and hung this weekend.

What a surprise to open the morning paper and see this photo of Jackie's husband Harry polishing the front window! Apparently, Star-Banner staff photographer Alan Youngblood wandered in to chat and take pictures. Many thanks to Alan and the Banner!

art studio and galleryDetails:
Voilart!
108 E. Fort King St.
Ocala, FL 34471

Preview Opening: Thursday, August 20th, 4:30-8:30 pm.
Official Opening: September 1st, 2009

We'll be keeping regular days and hours that we've yet to determine. However, if you would like to visit the studio for a special viewing, please call 352-671-7469 for an appointment.

Finite to fail, but infinite to venture. - Emily Dickinson

Saturday, August 08, 2009

Chow

A tragic event brought us together sixteen years ago, creating an indelible bond that would endure miles of travel through dubious exploits. Unbeknownst to the tiny fur ball, a mountain of hope was placed on the silly antics of kittenhood that would, could? disrupt a thick shell of depression. It worked.

He grew into a handful of big strapping cat for a Siamese. Classy with attitude, always present, game for the next adventure and trustworthy in a reliable way, he became a family member as embedded as DNA. Together we ate, slept and worked. In dark times, he possessed the uncanny ability to elicit a smile, regardless of circumstance.

In the end, he acquiesced to our pangs of impending loss with grace and courage. An entire lifetime of consistently providing what one can demand of a cat - the softness, companionship, the comforting sound of a purr, sandpaper licks and always unconditional devotion.

Fondest memories of eyes squinting in the sunshine, as baby blues are prone.

Goodbye for now, my sweet prince.

siamese catChow
April 1st, 1993 - August 6th, 2009

“Give sorrow words. The grief that does not speak whispers the o'er-fraught heart, and bids it break.” - William Shakespeare

Friday, August 07, 2009

Opening Reception at Equidae Gallery

Reminder:

Tonight is the Champagne Opening at Equidae Gallery in Saratoga Springs, NY. It begins at 6:00 and is located at the Holiday Inn on Broadway. A great way to wrap up a day at the races. I have three paintings in the group exhibit of carefully chosen equine art. Artist and organizer Terry Lindsey has created an elegant and very classy show. The exhibit runs through Sept. 7th if you can't make it this weekend.

Thursday, July 30, 2009

I Promised You Some Big News

But first:

My paintings have arrived at the beautiful Equidae Gallery at the Holiday Inn on Broadway in Saratoga Springs, NY. Fellow equine artist Terry Lindsey works an elegant miracle in organizing this spectacular presentation of not only her own terrific artwork but also the work of a formidable group of incredible horse artists. The gallery is just lovely and I'm honored to be included. If you're lucky enough to be in Saratoga this summer, DO make a point of stopping by - you'll be glad you did. And don't forget the Champagne Opening Reception on Friday evening, August 7th at 6-8pm.
santa anita
Check out this fascinating website for horse lovers: The Equinest. It contains all kinds of extremely interesting topics that sets it apart from the rest. And I mean it's intriguing. This week an interview of moi is featured: Horse Artist Interview - Sharon Crute. It was fun answering the engaging questions. Read about my early years on the race track.

Okay, the big news: (drum roll)

I've teamed up with very well-known landscape painter Jackie Schindehette to open a studio/gallery space in a retail storefront in downtown Ocala. The impetus was my majorly disappointing negotiations with NYRA for vendor space at Saratoga that fell flat. But that's old news and this is new.

The timing is right, the price is incredibly right, the location is perfect, my partner is perfect. Together, Jackie and I look forward to painting, talking, schmoozing, painting, selling, marketing, promoting, and did I mention, painting? We'll be active participants in the downtown Ocala revitalization and look forward to a successful venture. It's my "Plan B" and am I ever jazzed! We're planning a preview opening on August 20th to coincide with "Thursday Girls Night Out" and an official opening on Sept. 1st. There is a down side to our exciting news - we'll be next door to Ocala Chocolates and Confectioners. Uh-oh.

Jackie is an important member of our salon, "Out of Hand Artists". In addition to being an awesome Florida landscape painter, she has years of experience at outdoor festivals, shows and is a rare artist who is creative AND a savvy business promoter. I look forward to partnering with her in this venture and learning from her vast knowledge.

Art isn't art until it's sold. Until then it's an obsession and a storage problem. - Anonymous

Sunday, July 26, 2009

A Few New Pieces

I've been neglecting this blog something awful. No excuses. Apologies to my loyal readers.

Lots of events were set in motion when I finally realized that all my planning and marketing to NYRA was for naught. A year of negotiating, meticulous publicity packages and tentative scheduling were lost to a revolving door of upper management turnover. Lest I digress, let me just say initially, I was devastated before panicking into Plan B.

Hindsight is 20-20 and now I'm actually grateful for the whole bloody experience. Racetracks are wearing full cup blinkers while maintaining antiquated marketing strategies as the bad news just keeps rolling along. So, while I won't be personally traveling to Saratoga this summer, I've sent a few of my paintings up to the beautiful Equidae Gallery at the Holiday Inn and Soave Faire who is carrying my giclees - both on Broadway. The tough part is receiving calls from clients who were planning on visiting my booth on the racetrack grounds. Hear that NYRA? Huh?

Okay, I've vented and now promise you great news in a few days. In the meantime I'd like to show you a few oils that I've recently finished. Smaller, affordable original paintings. Click on the image for the details and info:

cross country eventing"Money in the Bank" oil on panel, 14"x11"

horse in landscape"After Breakfast" oil on canvas, 11"x14"

weanlings running"Weanling Romp" oil on canvas, 11"x14"

"Look for and make your opportunities happen; they are not going to come rushing up to your doorstep. But sometimes they'll be looking you right in the face." - Harley Brown

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Daytime Reception

Three receptions in eighteen hours! Yesterday my artist friend Jackie Schindehette and I headed up to Melrose Bay Gallery to attend the opening exhibit of Florida landscape artist Linda Blondheim. I'm always amazed at how a landscape painter can muddle through and edit all that green flora into a beautiful, cohesive and convincing piece. Linda makes it look easy.

linda blondheim at melrose bay galleryLinda in front of her exquisite paintings of Florida landscapes.

jackie schindehette and linda blondheimFellow landscape artist Jackie Schindehette and Linda Blondheim in front of Linda's paintings.

Linda also writes a facinating blog, Landscapes of the South, that you might want to wander over to visit. Besides her impressive paintings, her blog offers history and info of Linda's favorite places to paint plein air. Oh, and the recipes! Linda was a chef in a former life - attending one of her soirees is a culinary treat.

Custom-made birch panels are Linda's latest substrate of choice. Clean and contemporary, uncluttered by frames, the panels beautifully compliment her clear color and beckoning compositions of light.

"Plein air painting is still an interpretation of reality, even though I am seeing the scene first hand. My "truth" is far more interesting to me than the scene in reality." - Linda Blondheim

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Night of Receptions

Did some gallery hopping last night. First stop - Gallery East in Belleview, Florida.

Gallery East:

Good turnout for this co-op in their new location.

l. to r.: best friend Modrea Seiler, featured jeweler Lynda Ryan in front of her lovely creations, and art lovers Drena & Ken.

Marion Cultural Alliance:

Then it was off to the Mario
n Cultural Alliance in Ocala for their exhibit "Shades of Green".

The gallery was hung beautifully.

l. to r.: moi with attitude, awesome Executive Director of MCA Nancy Ledding, best bud Modrea Seiler, and County Commissioner Barbara Fitos. All strong advocates for the arts.

Wonderful friend and talented artist Kelli Money Huff in front of her textured piece.

Another good artist friend (I love my fellow artists) Carlynne Hershberger with her beautiful mixed media. The "browns" are actually gold leaf that didn't translate in the photo but simply glowed. Kelli Money Huff and Carlynne published a book together entitled "Creative Colored Pencil Workshop".

Designer extraordinaire Paul Ware took an honorable mention for his whimsical stippled drawing. Paul's studio business is Drawn By the Light right here in Ocala.

"Every artist ought to be an exhibitionist." - Egbert Oudendag

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Available Originals

I've had some requests to create a separate link on my website that lists only my available originals. The website is ever expanding and I can understand the frustration of collectors searching for new and available paintings as they muddle through the various galleries. So here it is: http://www.sharoncrute.com/availableoriginals.htm with a link "Available Originals" located at the bottom left of the opening page. The latest completed paintings will be posted ASAP.

Also, I'm sending out a separate e-newsletter for collectors who've requested first access to my still-wet-right-off-the-easel paintings. The first of these VIP e-newsletters should be launched in about a week or two. Paintings will not be posted anywhere prior to this exclusive mailing. Tiptoeing through this fresh effort, I don't want to exclude those who should be included. If I've overlooked, my apologies and shout at me to get it together.

"My career should adapt to me. Fame is like a VIP pass wherever you want to go". - Leonardo DiCaprio

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Giclees: a Viable Alternative

Got a summer cabin or cottage that needs a bit of color? Have you recently remodeled a spare bedroom that needs some wall art? Or does your main living space need an inspiring face lift?

My giclee fine art reproductions are printed on quality canvas with archival UV inks. They're stretched and resemble the real thing except they're an extremely affordable option. Of course, nothing can compare to investing in original paintings, but giclees offer an inexpensive alternative for decorating purposes.

thoroughbred artI've moved in the direction of open editions that offer more choices to my clients while maintaining reasonable pricing. Limited edition runs are still available and here I illustrate just a few. The image to the left, "Get His Mind on Running" is sold out at 100 plus 10 artist's proofs. Below are a couple of editions that are still available yet very close to concluding the edition run. If they appeal to you, consider ordering soon: Click on the image for more info.


mare and foal art"Daybreak" 30"x40" giclee fine art reproduction

horse racing art"Not Whisperers" 36"x48" giclee fine art reproduction

In addition to the UV inhibiting and water-resistant coating, I've finally discovered an impasto medium that pleases the artist in me... offering a giclee with dimension and brushstrokes further creating a quality product.

These are not my works; these are just prints of the originals. Really, what we're showing here is the record of what happened, what I went through physically [and] emotionally in every aspect, what I went through to get these paintings done, and this is what I have left. I just wanted to share my voice. - Abelina Galustian