The Art of Buying Art

Universal Gift

In a flash second, how many works of art do you visually scan when you first walk into an art gallery or art exhibit?  25?  50? 100?  How exciting!  And, maybe even a bit overwhelming.  Where do you start, how do you decide? Here are few considerations to help you thoughtfully consider your next art purchase.

Art is a two-way conversation

How an artist sees and feels in her world is found in her artwork. She is communicating to the viewer.  All artwork comes from within the artist. There are reasons for the theme, objects, colors and the arrangement.  It is purposeful.

When you look at an artwork, you are looking inside the artist.  So, when you are drawn to a particular painting in the sea of gallery offerings, consider what the artist is telling you and notice how you interpret the message based on the elements presented to you in the objects, shapes, colors, etc.  

Take the time to view as many works as you can, to understand the depth of the paintings. You may find that the quiet, soft-colored painting communicates with you on a deeper and longer-lasting level than the flamboyant one that first caught your eye.  It takes time. 

Counteract bad media

You've seen the T-shirts, bumper stickers or messages on the television, such as:

Real art doesn't match your couch, or my kid could paint that, or what is popular this season or year in color or design. Just like what you monitor on TV, really monitor what messages you get from media and rumors.  It can influence your beliefs about what is real art or worthy art, when really, it is a very personal choice.

Connect with art

Put aside all of the advice you hear and communicate with the artwork you are drawn to.  Buying art is connecting with the human race in a different way.  You are receiving a bit of art history, current and social events, spirituality, and/or emotional imagery.  

Art and lifestyle

Art is lifestyle. Each artwork you hang on your wall or stand on a pedestal, expresses something about you; it speaks to you, your guests and family.  

Leonardo da Vinci wrote that it was important for him to be surrounded by items that involved the five senses, such as the fragrance of fresh flowers in his home, paintings  and books, good food and music.  

Meaning and enjoyment

Above all else, the art you choose should carry some meaning and enjoyment, regardless of  how you interpret a work of art. What one sees in a painting may be different than another person or even the artist.

Art often offers memories of a past event, person, or travel, or it may hold a vision of a dream that we desire. You may read the Artist Statement about that particular work of art, or you may choose not to. It is a very personal choice. 

One example of the different ways one painting can be interpreted is my Universal Gift painting. I painted this with a particular message in mind; and yet, a friend of mine saw something very different in the painting and loved it just the same.  I saw the fish as a metaphor to our lives in search of meaning, whereas my friend saw the Christian story of the loaves and fishes.  

Where am I going to hang my new art?

Note where you and your family and guests sit in the living room and decide which art pieces show off the best at those different vantage points.  For the entry room, choose an inviting piece, as this is the first impression your guests will experience.  

When hanging your artwork, place the center of the painting at your eye level, or about 5-1/2 feet to no more than 6 feet from the floor.  This height of placement invites the viewer into the painting. There is a tendency to hang the artwork too high, which disconnects the painting from the viewer.

If you have decided to purchase a new work of art, but you really don't have room for it, consider collecting a sufficient number of paintings to trade out in your home periodically, whether it is is seasonally, bi-annually or annually.  I have an aunt who changed her artwork and home decorations each season all the way into her 90's.  

Live and breathe art!

Of Art Reproductions and Authenticity

Artist's Proof, Limited Editions, Certificates of Authenticity.  What does it all really mean? As an art or sculpture purchaser, you will want to know what you are buying and proof that the print or reproduction you are buying is worth something.  Here are some answers.  

These are general answers and descriptions and may differ between artists, so be sure to ask how they interpret these terms.  On a side note, since nearly all printing is digital today, it tends to render the Artist's Proof tradition moot, however, it is still carried on in the art world.

Artist's Proof

An Artist's Proof (aka A.P. or AP or A/P) is a proof print that is part of the process of refining the reproduction of an etching, or other printmaking image, a photograph, or fine art reproduction, in preparation for a limited edition print run. They are also found in sculpture editions, such as bronze. These proofs are not considered part of the final limited edition run, but should not exceed ten percent of the final run quantity. If you have a limited edition of 100, then ten A/P's is the limit.  You will need to check your state for the laws concerning Artists Proofs, but that is what I have found to be the norm.  

Some say that an Artist's Proof is more valuable, as in the past they were the richer, more refined prints when printing etchings and other intaglio art forms.  Often they are saved by the artist, or given away, sometimes they are sold.

Limited Edition

A limited edition is an edition of identical prints that are numbered in order and signed by the artist.  The top number is the number of that particular print in sequence, and the bottom number is the limited quantity.  So, a print numbered a 10/50 is the tenth print created in an edition of 50 maximum prints of that image. It is said that the lower numbers are more valuable, so many artists will save those, generally prints numbered 1 through 9.

There are several approaches to limited editions of one image. Some assign a limit number of prints and include in that limit any size print they may print or that the customer wants.  Other artists have several limited editions for one image—each size and or media (paper type) has its own limited edition.  The choice is up to the artist. 

In the past, the plate from which the prints were run was destroyed after the limit was met, but that is not true today. 

Certificate of Authenticity

Often the artist will include a Certificate of Authenticity (Cert.), noting the quality of the paper and inks, who printed it, the original image medium and size, the limited edition number, and the artist's signature. 

Now you will be in-the-know the next time you shop for art!   

Here are few sample Certs:

  

The Optimist Creed

I'm sure most of you have had this experience, when over the years a particular note, letter, card, or some sort of paper item floats in and out of your life from time to time. You forget you even have it, but there it is again when you least expect it. And, if you ever try to find it, you can't. How does that work?  I can't even explain it, but today, one of those pieces of paper showed up, again. It drifted down from something and landed at my feet as I was cleaning my art studio.  Is there a message in that? I will keep my eyes and ears open!

The item I speak of is a little business-card sized piece of paper that has been copied many times over. Someone gave it to me in the mid-eighties when I lived in Alaska. I remember being at work at Anchorage Community College, Business Office, when someone handed it to me. I thought it was cool, so I kept it. It was during the rage of the Positive Thinking movement. During that movement, I also remember having a small, brass button that read "All Things are Possible." I wore it on my suit lapel. Okay, so I was over the top—ha!

Back to this piece of paper... It is one of those things that I wanted nearby, but didn't want to tack it to the wall, and I don't like anything on my refrigerator door, so I would tuck it in a book, or in my little card box, or in my studio.

I'm just glad it appears now and then. So here is what this little piece of paper reads, as I would like to share it with you.

The Optimist Creed

Promise Yourself—
To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.
To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet.
To make all your friends feel that there is something in them.
To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.
To think only of the best, to work only for the best and expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.
To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.
To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.
—Optimist International   c. 1985

Even though it is now permanently posted on my blog, I hope that it continues to float in and out of my life, so that I can be reminded to keep my peace of mind, to look at the sunny side, be enthusiastic, and most importantly, to keep a cheerful attitude for everyone around me.

Be happy,
Penny

A Pizza Kind of Weekend

What a fabulous weekend I had with my friend, Tyeler.  From life drawing, shopping, sneaking in a Krispy Kreme (we only ate one, really!), to watching Deep Space 9 series, it was as piled high as the very first pizza she made on Sunday!

Tyeler's first live model drawing session was a great success.  As the model changed poses every 20 minutes, we got to start with a fresh, blank paper, and draw with no boundaries each time.  What if we treated life like that more often?—starting fresh, new thoughts, new ideas, a change of mind—hmmm...something to ponder.

Onward to the mall... I haven't been to a mall in ages, as I'm not the shopping type, and we had fun. After putting a bunch of quarters into the air hockey game at the game place in the mall and discovering that someone stole the puck... Why would someone do that? Karma, karma, karma... But, Tyeler went on to win 59K points playing guitar. You Rock! as the monitor displayed. We were enlightened at Yankee Candle, arr arr, now we know what Sand and Sea smells like, and Fluffy Towels, Bahama Breeze, Moonlit Sands, and Beach Vacation??? Wow. Never knew...  After lots of laughter and od'ing our nose receptors, I decided that I prefer my unscented candles by HomArt--ha!  Thank you for all the candles, Sharon!

Whether you are a vegan, vegetarian, or omnivore, pizza can be enjoyed by everyone.  I'm attaching my pizza recipe that I have been using for more than 30 years.  Tyeler's pizza was piled high with sauteed mushrooms, sausage, pepperoni and mounds of cheeses.  As many of you know, I make most of my foods from scratch, but I opted to try a ready-made pizza sauce.. Muir Glen's Organic Pizza Sauce.  I don't think I need to work on my pizza sauce recipe any longer. I'll just stock cans of Muir Glen's-- it was excellent!

With candles lit, we were glued to the 21" computer monitor watching the pilot episode of Deep Space 9, it will be a fun quest as we watch all the shows back to back...  Okay, so we're all trekkies here—what better way to enjoy creativity at its best accompanied by unscented candles and pizza?!!  Layers of fun!

Pizza

Makes enough for 3-4 people You can make 1 big one or mini's

Preheat oven 425° 

If you are using a pizza stone, place in oven while preheating. 

In large bowl

MIx 1 pkg yeast  Don't use rapid rise.

1-1/3 C very warm water (not boiling or too hot to touch) 105° - 115°

Let the yeast dissolve into the water, about 3 - 5 minutes--you can stir

Add 3 C flour  (one cup at a time)

1 tsp salt with the first cup of flour

Stir after each cup is added,  dough is very sticky.

Pour dough onto floured countertop.  Add some of the last cup of flour into dough as you knead it on the counter.  Knead for about 10 minutes, until the dough springs back when you very, very lightly touch the dough by making an imprint about 1/4" into the dough with a few fingers flat against the dough.  

Usually 10 minutes will do it.

Oil a large bowl with oil.  Place the dough in the bowl and then flip the dough upside down, so that the top is now coated with the oil.

Place plastic wrap to cover the bowl allowing it plenty of room to rise about 3 - 4 times its original size.  Place in a warm, breeze-free place.  Usually a corner in the kitchen.   Let rise all day.  Minimum is 2 hours if you are in a hurry.  The best dough is when it rises for about 10 - 12 hours. 

Punch down to release the air bubbles, then roll out to the shape or shapes you want.  

Place onto a pizza paddle, if you have one, or pizza pan (follow instructions whether or not to oil the pan). I sprinkle cornmeal liberally over the paddle before placing the dough on it.

Add pizza sauce, cheese and toppings.

If you use the paddle and pizza stone, sprinkle corn meal on the stone before sliding the pizza onto it.

Bake 425° for about 20 minutes.  Use two forks to pull apart the dough in the center to see if it has been cooked all the way through.  Not a pretty way of doing it, but at least you will know if the dough looks like bread and not dough.

Bon Appetit!  —Penny

How to Protect Your Art And Frames

How to Protect Your Art and Frames

There are times when you need to move your art; whether you are moving from one home to another, or placing them into or removing them from storage, or during a remodel. 

As you reach that stage of physically moving your artwork, here are some great ideas to protect your frames from damage during transport or move. Let's look at them from the lowest cost and lightly protected to higher cost and ultimate in damage prevention.

From the simple and low cost...

•  Cardboard corners

For a very simple protection, you can purchase cardboard corners made just for frames.  These are nice, however only the corners are protected.  See this site for examples of what is available:  <http://www.twikart.com/>  . If this is all you need, they are easy and you are ready to move your art!

• Pipe insulation***

To protect the entire frame, select 3/4-inch pipe insulation (See image). There is a cut lengthwise and they come in 8-foot lengths. Cut to the lengths of your frame and slip them on. They are inexpensive and you can find them at your favorite home improvement store. I tape the corners so they stay put (tape is on the top edges of the insulation, not touching the frame or glass). 

• Bags

For a bit more protection, you can place the artwork in a plastic bag before adding the pipe insulation.  You can purchase bags very inexpensively from <http://www.uline.com/>. 

• Bubble wrap

Next level of protection would be to wrap your painting in bubble wrap after placing the pipe insulation on the corners. This is good for protecting the glass (aka glazing).  Depending on the size of your artwork, you can purchase bubble wrap bags into which you can slip your artwork.

...to maximum protection with a higher budget...

If you need the most amount of protection, here are few ideas that fit a range of budgets:

• cardboard, place on front and/or back of painting, include pipe insulation.

• Insulfoam® or R-Tech® is half-inch foam insulation, which comes in approximately 4-ft x 8-ft. sheets that you can cut down to size.    You can find Insulfoam at your favorite home improvement store at great prices. Place on front and/or back and include the pipe insulation. Note: It acts much like  styrofoam and when you cut them, they can get messy.  I tape the edges.  This is a green product.

• Foam core (framing quality) from online sources such as Documounts in Oregon:   They have great prices for foam core and mat board. Cut to size and place on front and/or back along with pipe insulation.

... to the ultimate in protection:

There are times that you just need the best in packing.  For those pieces here are several options:

• Cardboard boxes come in many sizes. . has boxes and a quick internet search will supply you with more options.

• Strong Box:  Air Float Systems sells boxes specifically for art. The boxes include three layers of foam inside.  See their products: 

Personally, I have used Airfloat boxes and have been very pleased with them.

Storage tips:

When storing multiple paintings in boxes,  place framed art face to face, then back to back and repeat. This will keep the wire and metal framing from scratching or gouging the front side of the adjacent artwork.  Always place a cardboard, foam core, or towels between each one.

*** This idea of the pipe insulation came from my very dear friend and fabulous artist, Yasmin Sayyed.com.  

MasterWorks of New Mexico Juried Art Show

I invite you to the MasterWorks of New Mexico Reception on Friday, April 1, 5pm - 8pm. I will be at the reception where my newest painting, "A Portrait to A Muse" has been juried in. I hope to see you there!

That Giclée is a Spitting Image!

I'm not kidding! Did you know that the word "Giclée" (zhee-clay), is French meaning "to spit, squirt, or spray?" In the art world, a Giclée simply means that the print was created with an Ink Jet printer, as it spits, squirts, sprays the ink onto the paper.

Is that a "real" Giclée?

So often art buyers will ask if the prints are "real" Giclées, believing that "Glclées" somehow indicate archival quiality. However, now that you know the meaning of "Giclée," you can focus on asking the artist if her Giclée prints are archival.

The two elements that rank archival quality are the paper and the inks. The most archival papers will be 100 percent cotton rag, or canvas. Glossy photos in the past have not been archival because of the gloss treatment, but have become more archival over the years. Be sure the artist uses Pigment inks for archival quality, because the other option is Dye-based inks, which are not as archival and will fade in time.

View my website, PennyShrawder.com, for an array of archival Fine Art Giclées and original watercolors!