Butterflies

All last week we began to prepare for our six week exhibit at the Saratoga Race Course. The tent is up and the grid walls and lights are in place. As I write this today, I'm feeling a mix of anticipation and nerves. So many vendors, not just us artists, have invested an enormous chunk of time and money to ensure a quality product and/or service and are now fussing over the presentation of such. I want my tent to be pleasing and welcoming. My originals are for sale with galleries this season, which leaves us to sell the giclees and the sublimation products. This was my intention.

My husband and business partner, Michael Bray, is the most reliable fellow workaholic I know. He has lived with this demanding perfectionist for over thirty-five years and rises above my expectations to produce top-quality products. After all, the images on the products are reproductions of my original paintings. While I realize that the substrate will cause differences in color and contrast, I still choose to sell something I can be proud of. I also don't mind cropping, as long as it isn't a nose, a foot or a tail and the composition remains strong.

We've always worked well together, even back when he was training horses. I know how blessed we are (at least I am).

In addition to the products and their display, there is the consideration of inventory tracking. With so much new merchandise that offers a wide choice of images, this, I think, is going to be a work in progress. PLU's and bar coding may be implemented later as we have focused our concentration on creating and displaying the product. Sometimes I feel a bit of trepidation as I wonder if we don't offer too many choices. However, that may be the very asset that helped our giclee reproduction business become so successful. If we can launch this new machine and keep it running smoothly, which I believe with all conviction that will happen, then we'll have added another dimension to what I call my "art business."

This Friday, baby. This Friday, the 22nd.
Sharon

We're Jumping! Revised Steeplechase Schedule

The Saratoga race meet is my yearly golden show. With the entire scheme is place, we're building an impressive inventory for the six week gig. We'll be more than ready.

We plan events, shows and exhibits at least six months out. Which is why it's unusual that Michael would add to the schedule so last minute. The VP in charge of marketing, research and accounts receivable is busy readying for two more steeplechase shows while I paint to complete yet another greyhound.

Here's the revised schedule where I'll be set up showing my artwork for the next three weekends:

• Sunday, May 13th - Willowdale Steeplechase in Kennett Square, PA
• Sunday, May 20th - High Hope Steeplechase in Lexington, KY
• Saturday, May 26th - Fair Hill Races, Elkton, MD

If you live close to one of these venues and you've never attended a steeplechase, I can recommend a hoot of a good time. In addition to the races, the day is packed with all kinds of family-friendly events from frenzied Jack Russell races to the craziest very non-couture hat contests. Tailgating is an art unto itself.

Clearing 20"x26" Limited Edition Giclee Fine Art Reproduction on stretched canvas.

Hope to see you at the races!
Sharon

Jacksonville Fine Arts Festival

This coming weekend I'll be exhibiting my artwork at the Jacksonville Fine Arts Festival in the Avondale neighborhood in Jacksonville, Florida on Saturday, April 9th and Sunday, April 10th.

Oh yes, I checked out the neighborhood a few months back before applying. All I'll say is...ooh la la.

I do well with these venues. I'm looking forward to previewing my latest painting, The Four Elements,  who's progress you've been following. You have, haven't you?

I asked my illustrious printer to pull a few oldies but goodies out of the vault and I'll be bringing these along...

 Amateur Trials, 30" x 60" Giclee Fine Art Reproduction on stretched canvas. For more info, click here.

Daybreak,  30"x40" Giclee Fine Art Reproduction on stretched canvas. For more info, click here.

"You need to have the ability to gracefully navigate the world." - Malcolm Gladwell

Cover Art for the 2011 Farm Directory

It's the third time. I'm so honored to have my artwork chosen for the 2011 Farm Directory published by the Florida Thoroughbred Farm Managers, Inc. Early morning training at the track as I've experienced it for many years. Foggy. Busy the way it gets when the track re-opens after a break to harrow the surface. Debbe Wojack has once again organized an impressive and well-designed directory.

The title is "Off the Rail". Giclees are available. Check here for info.

"All doors open to a hard push." -  Irwin Greenberg

Getting Some Detail

Progress is slow. Coating giclees. Applying for grants...a most intensive endeavor. The application process is  tedious, but the satisfaction experienced from completion and sending off with a huge blessing of faith is so gratifying. I'm on a roll with the grant process. Very few individual artist grants available. Why is that?

I'm painting in some of the details on the upper part of the horses. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I have no idea why I spent so much time sketching in their legs as most of it will be obliterated by the crashing water. I suppose I'll have indication in areas of transparency. Note the chalk line still visable...above is light, below will be shadow. I like the contrast of the background with the light-filled heads.

"Everything is in motion. Everything flows. Everything is vibrating." -  Dr. Wayne Dyer

Tabletop Art

Here's my answer to the statement: "I don't have any more room on my walls for artwork":

Tabletop art!

These mini canvas giclee fine art reproductions are 5"x7" and suitable for tables, your desk or that tiny wall that just needs "something".


Almost any of my images can be a mini, provided that the size is rectangular in format. Vertical as well as horizontal.

It's not my original idea. My studio partner Jackie sells the heck out of these with images of her Florida landscapes.

Only $25.00. E-mail me if you'd like to add one to your collection. Yes, you DO have room.

Saratoga update: The heavens are conspiring to make my dream a reality. An anonymous donor sent a check off to NYRA for my vendor fee. Another wonderful donor is sponsoring my housing and a couple of angels have provided expense money. I'm SOOO blessed. The $10,000 target I initiated is at $6,500. and I'm confident that I'll realize the balance or pretty darn close through sales, unexpected income, etc. I'm overwhelmed and very, very grateful.

ArtPrize update: The DeVos Place Convention Center has chosen my entered piece "Diagonal" to exhibit in Grand Rapids, Michigan during the ArtPrize competition from Sept. 22nd to Oct. 10th. I'm in great company and honored to be a part of this incredible event.

“What you need to know about the past is that no matter what has happened, it has all worked together to bring you to this very moment. And this is the moment you can choose to make everything new. Right now.” - unknown

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.

I'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.

"Daybreak" 30"x40" giclee fine art reproduction

"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

Coating for Giclees

For those of you who produce giclee fine art reproductions, I've discovered a textured coating that you may find interesting. For the last few years, I've dabbled in various coatings but most have been so-so with mostly cons. But I love this one: Bulldog Impasto. You simply brush it on over the giclee (after applying a UV protective coating) . I must mention, almost all my giclees are on canvas, so I can't speak for other substrates.

Okay, my photography is to be desired, but I'm attempting to illustrate the texture. It really adds another dimension. Not requiring that much time, you brush it on and follow the original brushstrokes. Repeat applications are also an option to build up more texture. The product goes on milky (like acrylic mediums) but dries crystal clear. So far, my clients have enthusiastically embraced it. Makes those affordable reproductions further mimic an original piece of art.

The Bulldog Company may or may not send you a sample. They did for me but I an a client of their canvas and coating products. Worth asking for anyway.

"Texture adds variety and visual stimulus to the surface of a painting". - Britton Francis (and giclees)

Color Correction

Never say never. I stated to anyone who'd listen that I wouldn't turn my "real art" into giclee reproductions. Well, this piece is extremely popular and these are difficult times. As soon as I begrudgingly caved (to convincing pressure), I received three orders.

Mile and a Sixteen (and change) oil on eighteen 12" square canvas panels

The piece depicts an entire horse race from start to finish. For a more detailed description of my thought process, click here. I've spent the last couple of days "color correcting" which I must say is becoming easier now that EVERYTHING is going digital - however it's still a daunting task.

But I did get out tonight to attend the opening reception of the Ocala transplant Bobby Goldsboro painting exhibit at the Marion Cultural Alliance. Remember him? He had a string of hits during the 60's, most notably the tear jerker "Honey". I spoke to him a bit through the throngs - he's quite witty and interesting and I was surprised to learn that he's only been painting for a couple of years.

“Money doesn't talk, it swears.” - Bob Dylan

Exhibit at the University of Florida

I was invited to exhibit some of my artwork at the Alec P. and Louis H. Courtelis Equine Teaching Hospital at the University of Florida. You can't see from the photo but the walls of the front lobby are constructed of stained glass equine images derived from iconic primitive cave drawings of horses - much like the Lascaux Cave paintings.

The horse statue in front was part of the Marion Cultural Alliance's wildly successful 2001 "Horse Fever" community art project in Ocala. This particular horse, "Fern", was created by our own "Out of Hand Artists" member Mary Verrandeaux.

Hunter/jumper artwork with a view of the lobby.

My work graces the walls of a few key hallways. Above is a giclee of "Paydirt".

Original oil, "Winter Sunset".

A brief bio description and "Shadow", original oil.

"The pressure of constantly showing work motivates me to paint every day". - Linda Blondheim

Florida Thoroughbred Charities

Last weekend hosted the annual Florida Thoroughbred Charities fundraiser. It was held at the Ocala Hilton providing elegant surroundings and delicious food. As an artist, this organization tops my list for donating.

The following photos were provided by my dear friend, photographer extraordinaire Cindy Mikell.

Dick Hancock, Executive Vice President of the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association gives a hug to daughter Ellie.

Gene Stevens, (Post Time U.S.A.), Carolyn Hine and Frank Stronach.

Todd Pletcher.

Moi's large giclee reproduction "Harrowing" slated for the live auction.

The artist with partner V.P. in charge of marketing, sales, research and debt collection.

Goals 2008

The tone of my intentions is evolving. I seem to be getting down to the serious business of what it'll take to become rich and famous...

For business:

• Practice aggressive marketing and promotion. Act immediately before someone else does when a lead, contact or opportunity presents itself. I've been laid back in this regard and will be more alert and attentive.
• Michael and I have merged on the same page with our attitudes regarding marketing techniques. Extensive discussions resolved any possible misunderstandings while maintaining our individual philosophy, so, it's okay to disagree. Respect for instinct is also paramount.
• Continue with promotional mailings, both e-mail and conventional. Strive for free publicity via newsworthy events by writing our own news releases, announcements, etc.
• Enter the Appleton Museum's Biennial Exhibition.
• If unable to become an exhibitor (it's $$$$), at least attend the ArtExpo in New York in March.
• Expand outdoor shows. Contacts acquired are too valuable to limit the number per year. Apply to Equifest, Horse Expo, and add Virginia to the steeplechase circuit.
• Investigate feasibility of setting up stores at eBay and CafePress (last year's foray into the auction portion of eBay was disappointing).
  
• Invite more commissions. I used to despise them but now that I've produced a zillion, I've gotten quite good at it and don't mind them at all. Cash flow is great.
  
• The giclee market is outstanding for me. We'll continue to expand our client base and concentrate on the "open editions". The technology just keeps getting better...
• Devise a system for keeping track of the race meets throughout the country. This way we can contact them a few months before opening day to proposition merchandise and promotional ideas.
• Ever onward with my relentless obsession to gain access to the huge players in the racing biz. This includes corporate as well as individuals.
  

Artwork:

• Experiment with generic equine themes that will increase more widespread appeal.
• Continue exploration in the direction of the "Diagonal" nine canvas piece, remaining in the spirit of an innovative, cutting edge and contemporary attitude. Audacity rules.

Year in Review #4

Continuing on with my assessment of Goals set for 2007. Still in the "business" catagory:

• This year Michael and I are poised to experiment with POD (print on demand). I'll soon offer an open edition giclee quality reproduction on canvas in any size requested.

Mission accomplished! The response from all my galleries and clients is all positive. I did change the first image I wanted to experiment with from a farm scene to a dynamic racing scene (wise choice). My galleries are thrilled and relieved, having their sales limited in the past by size constraints. They all report that clients are extremely receptive to the idea, aren't really concerned about "limited editions" or certificates of authenticity. Yes, there are some holdouts, but let's face it, with rapidly advancing technology the first giclee is as good as the thousandth or even better. Instead of increasing my prices due to escalating costs of ink, canvas and most of all - shipping, I maintained the same pricing structure but offered fourteen different sizes of the image (or whatever it would constrain to).

"Harrowing", my first P.O.D. giclee reproduction.

This is most definitely a direction I will be pursuing. Tomorrow I'll tackle the "artwork" goal catagory.

Chow's stitches were easily removed this morning (I was concerned about that) but he required a "jug" before leaving the vet's office. "Jug" is race track for intravenous fluids.

Year in Review #3

Continuing with my review of year-long goals set for 2007. Still in business section:

• I have over forty images in giclee reproduction. Widespread distribution throughout the country (and beyond) is imperative. The images should be in every race track, gift shop, tack shop, feed store, frame shop - and any other outlet we can get them into.

This was easier said than done. Michael and I attempted to acquire a state a week. In retrospect, the giclees are still relatively pricey as opposed to poster-type prints which abound. That cold hard fact eliminated many venues. We also discovered that potential clients desire to see the product in person, up front, for real, to be assured that it's viable merchandise of quality worthy of the price structure. Mailing the giclees for inspection is price prohibitive and invites all manner of possible complications. We've logged close to 20,000 miles of travel this year for marketing, gallery orders, client orders, moving work from one place to another, etc. As Barney Davey states: how do you acquire clients? One at a time...

• 2006 was the first year that I made a concrete positive shift in my attitude about bookkeeping and marketing. I love the left-brained me that I didn't know existed! My first year of keeping books was a learning experience and is improving. As for marketing, my goal is to read books and materials, network, take courses, attend seminars - whatever it takes to continue to grow my business.

Done! Bookkeeping has become a pleasant habit. Tackled daily, it's a cinch. I accomplish a feeling of control and scrutinize my financial health (or lack). Marketing is an ongoing endeavor. I continue to read the latest buzz books and attend as many seminars as I can. I attended the Bruce Baker Workshop, Alyson Stanfield Workshop and the Southern Regional Conference on Self-Employment in the Arts. Founding "Out of Hand Artists" business and marketing artist salon was a huge accomplishment for me this year and it continues to expand. More on that one later...

Print on Demand - Again

"Harrowing" original oil on canvas 7'x10'

I know I've mentioned creating a reproduction for "print on demand" before, however this time I'm going forward with the concept with the above piece. Technology is quickly evolving the print market and I take a cue from Barney Davey, art consultant and author of How to Profit from the Art Print Market. "Print on demand" simply means that this will become an open edition and available in whatever the sizes will constrain to, the largest being 50"x72" (what my printer is capable of).

Now I know some of you are throwing up your hands in reaction to ethics, integrity, etc. We're not talking "limited edition". Let's face it, digital technology is changing rapidly and so are my views about the market.

Therefore, the above image is available as an open edition giclee on canvas. The pricing will remain relatively the same as I've not increased any of my prices in several years. Got a particular size wall in need of artwork? Let me know, I'll send you a giclee to fit.