Artwork Pendants Blog Mission

I want the Artwork Pendants blog to be the blog that celebrates art, encourages you to take a look at indie art and gives you ways to to find and purchase indie art.

I make pendants out of the artwork of indie artists whose art I know, respect and adore.  I also make pendants from famous paintings.

What sort of Art Jewelry are you looking for?  Which artists do you love?

What are your questions about indie art?

American Visionary Art Museum, Baltimore, Maryland

Over the weekend my family took a road trip to Baltimore, Maryland.  The highlight of the day was our visit to the American Visionary Art Museum.

From the mirror art tree outside to the fart post to the toothpick ship to....it's inspiring and amazing.

I even saw a form of art that I had no idea existed, but it's brilliant:  Screen art.  Painting the screens on your windows, doors, etc.

This tree is made of mirrors.

Here's a closeup:

The gift shop is worth the trip itself with reasonably-priced jewelry, books, art, and all sorts of stuff reminiscent of the five and dimes of my childhood.  (I'm not actually as old as that sounds, but I'm from a small town that kept it's five and dime going for quite a while in my childhood.)  I bought a bunch of supplies that will soon become a charm bracelet!

I highly recommend a trip to the American Visionary Art Museum for anyone!

The museum has inpsired me to want to create some of my own visionary art!

Learn About the Artist, Then Purchase Their Art

Old School Ways to learn about the artist and their work:

1.  Look through books, catalogs, articles and reviews about the artist - as many as you can find and from as many different sources as possible.  

2.  Talk with collectors who are familiar with the artist, dealers who deal in the artist, and even curators or critics - whenever and wherever you can.  Ask them what makes the good art good.

3.  Shop around.  Get multiple opinions from multiple dealers before you buy.  Do not settle exclusively on 1 dealer until you have a good feel for the overall market.

4.  Don't try to get bargains until you know what you are doing.

More modern ways to learn about the artist and their work, especially indie artists:
1.  Go online!  Find the artist's website or blog and read up on them.  See where they have shown and where their art hangs and get an overall feel of their art.
2.  Check out feedback on their etsy or eBay or look for testimonials or guest books on their website to see what people had to say about their art.
3.  If they are independent you don't have to shop around!  You can just purchase directly from the artist.
4.  Don't try to get bargains at all.  The artist will likely bring you into their inner circle and you will no doubt get all kinds of special privileges like hearing about their new works first, being invited to openings, etc.  

Best Online Places to Purchase Indie Art

 

(Photo used via creative commons license by Mary Streepy)

Indie art is forward-thinking and original, but where do you buy it to start your indie art collection? This lens will show you some of the best websites to find indie art.

What is indie art? Indie art is an artistic work produced by an independent company or group. Fine arts made by artists independent of commercial fine arts establishments (a/k/a galleries.)

 

1.  Etsy

 

Etsy is probably the best resource for indie arts in any form online. You can spend hours or days - weeks even - looking at all the indie art.

To find indie art on etsy, go to www.Etsy.com

Click on "art"

Then pick from the categories on the left side: ACEO, Collage, Drawing, Fiber Art, Illustration, Mixed Media, Painting, Photography, Print, Printmaking, Reproduction, Sculpture.

Etsy is probably by far the largest collection of indie art online.

2.  Little Paper Planes
 
Little Paper Planes is a great website for purchasing Indie Art. They sell art, cards, zines, books, zines, paper goods and apparel.

Little Paper Planes also has a great blog where they, among other things, post interviews about the artists they sell and studio visits.

 

3.  My Bonnie & Clyde

My Bonnie & Clyde has a great name! Bonnie and Clyde were outlaws who refused to live by rules. My Bonnie & Clyde is trying to get people to think outside the box and think independently.

My Bonnie & Clyde offers indie art in all mediums.

From the My Bonnie & Clyde website: "my bonnie & clyde was born out of an intense appreciation for artists that choose to share their gift of creativity and inspiration. It's a company whose sole purpose is to promote, support, and service independent artists and designers." 

4.  Deviant Art

Deviant Art is an entire community with forums and journals. Deviant Art also has a shop to purchase indie art.

You can purchase photography, wrapped canvas artwork, t-shirts and more. You can shop by subject matter, which is really helpful as well.

 

5.  Indie Art & Design

Indie Art & Design is website that supports Australian indie artists. The website has indie offerings in many mediums, a blog and an e-magazine.

For the Indie Art section of the website, click here.

6.  eBay

Don't overlook eBay for Indie Art. Independent Artists have been selling art on eBay for years. There are hundreds of thousands of pieces available by a variety of artists.

When you get to eBay, click under the "Art" Category and then choose "Direct from Artist."

Make sure you're careful when making purchases on eBay. Sometimes people are selling knock-offs. Check feedback carefully and feel free to contact the artist. If you feel uncomfortable at all, don't make the purchase.

What is your favorite place to purchase indie art online?

Workspace and Gallery Show of Lauren Startzman of Fair Rosamund

Two weeks ago I released the new Lauren Startzman, Fair Rosamund Artwork Pendants and had a blog interview with Lauren.


Today I wanted to show you her work in a show she had at Borealis Arts in Tuscon, Arizona:  (they framed the above painting as well)

And because I just love seeing where people work, here's Lauren's workspace:

What is Art?

"The love of beauty is taste.  The creation of beauty is art." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

________________________________________________________________________

Leonardo daVinci's Mona Lisa Artwork Pendant

{Tuesday Tips} How to Purchase Art Directly From Artists - Don'ts

There are so many opportunities to purchase art directly from the artist:  art fairs, art walks, open studios or openings at art galleries where the artist is available.  It's a great chance to talk to the artist and gain valuable insight into the piece of art you are purchasing.

Previously I posted some Dos for purchasing artwork directly from artist, now here's a list of Don'ts:

• Don't talk about other art or other artists' work you own. 
• Don't talk about deals you've gotten in the past.
• Don't play one artist against another.  It won't get you a lower price.  (Don't play games.  Buying art is about getting something you love and want to own forever.)
• Don't try to bargain just to see how low you can get it for.
• Don't put down a piece of art to try to get a better price.
• Don't tell an artist that their work is overpriced.  It may be, but just move on.
• Don't insult or talk down to an artist.  Don't act like you are doing them a big favor by purchasing their art.  Mutually beneficial artist-collector relationships can help both of you.

What other don'ts can you think of when purchasing art directly from an artist?

How to Look at Art

When you look at a piece of art - a painting, a sculpture, etc. - a lot of things may go through your head.  Maybe you are confused.  Maybe you have an emotional connection, but you can't quite place why.  Maybe you know exactly why.  Maybe you love it.  Maybe you hate it.


When you look at a piece of art, the 2 most important questions to ask yourself when trying to delve more deeply into a piece of art are: 

1.  What is going on in this piece of art?
2.  What can I see in the piece of art that makes me think that?

Sometimes you will know right away and it will be easy.  Other times you really have to look and pay attention.  Discussing what you see with someone else can help both of you see things you may not have noticed otherwise.

Other times it's not as easy.  Look for little things to clue you in, the artist makes conscious decisions to convey their vision.  There is a reason for each brush stroke.

Go on out to a museum or gallery and see what you find!

Artist Interview - Lauren Startzman of Fair Rosamund

I first came across Lauren Startzman (Fair Rosamund) during the Mad Tea Party.  She won my giveaway.  I saw her artwork and was smitten immediately with her whimsical style.  Her style is colorful and fairytale inspired.  What could be more perfect?

The Interview: 

I asked her a few questions.  Her answers are in red below. 

How did you get started?

I have been doing artwork in some form or other for a long time--my mom is very artistic and always encouraged my sister and I to explore that. However, it wasn't until I discovered folk and mixed-media artwork a couple of years ago that I discovered that you can make amazing artwork without having to go to art school and do everything perfect! That is when I really started to explore painting again and having a lot of fun with it.

Do you have formal training or are you self-taught?

I am self-taught. I took a couple of art classes in high school but discovered that I much prefer being by myself and doing my own thing. And it is very relaxing! :)

What are your favorite art supplies?

Acrylic paint and canvas. I have dabbled in oil paint and some fun mixed-media techniques, but I always seem to find myself coming back to these two things.

What is your favorite subject matter?

I absolutely love fairytales, literature and history, so anything involving these things always intrigues me! I love painting people and animals, and I always try to tell a little story with my paintings :)

Have other artists influenced you?

Yes, too many to name! :) My creativity is always refreshed by looking at the amazing work and imaginations of other artists. I am inspired by so many other people's techniques, subject matter and use of color. A few of my favorites are Nicoletta Ceccoli, Vanessa Valencia, Emily Martin of the Black Apple, Tascha Parkinson, John William Waterhouse, my mom Joni Startzman and my sister Michelle Startzman, and a bunch of others!

How does each piece begin?  Do you have an idea of what you want your pieces to become or do they progress as you go?

I usually don't start with a ton of preparation--I start with an idea which I sketch lightly onto the canvas, then I go from there! Sometimes it stays very close to my original idea, but other times I end up changing it as I go if something a little different seems to be working better.

Do you ever get stuck with your work and how do you remedy this?

I definitely get stuck sometimes! I have found that the best thing for me to do when I get frustrated with a painting is to set it aside and come back to it with fresh eyes the next day.

Find Lauren:
 

You can find Lauren's work in her Etsy Shop, Fair Rosamund Art.

Keep up-to-date with her on her blog. 

I loved Lauren's work so much, I asked her to collaborate with me.  You can find our collaboration artwork pendants in my etsy shop.

 

New Artwork Pendants - Collaboration with Fair Rosamund

Brand new!!  

Artwork Pendants Collaboration with Fair Rosamund.  I knew as soon as I saw her whimsical, fairytale inspired work that her pieces would make adorable pendants!  (Also keep up-to-date with her on her blog.)

You can find them in my etsy store.

I have scrabble pendants and glass tile pendants available.  More will be listed as well!

(Artwork Pendants are listed in my "B.B. Bellezza" shop for the time being.  They will be listed in a separate Artwork Pendants Shop sometime soon.)

{Tuesday Tips} How to Purchase Art Directly From Artists

There are so many opportunities to purchase art directly from the artist:  art fairs, art walks, open studios or openings at art galleries where the artist is available.  It's a great chance to talk to the artist and gain valuable insight into the piece of art you are purchasing.

Here are some tips to remember when purchasing directly from the artist:

(Later I'll give you a list of "don'ts")

• Do research online prior to visiting artists' studios.  Most art fairs, art walks, etc. will post information about the artists that are participating on the websites for the events.  Read artist statements, bios and other information to get an idea about the artist's career and accomplishments and what their art is about. 
• When looking around, take your time and keep an open mind.  There will probably be a variety of art available.  Also, don't approach the buying situation with any preconceived ideas of what you want your art to look like or you may miss out on a lot of pieces that you would love!
• Walk around to get an idea of the different options before you start purchasing.  Take quick notes so you remember which artists you prefer.  Then return to those artists.
• If you have questions about a piece of art:  ask.  Most of the time artists are very happy to explain their art.  It will increase your appreciation for the art if you know more about it.
• Make sure to check out the actual piece of art all over, not just the front.  Check the back, sides, bottom and edges, too.  Make sure that the artist paid attention to detail and that it is put together to last.  Again, if you have any questions:  ask.
• When you are speaking with the artist, point out the pieces of art that you like most and why.  The artist may have similar pieces you would like even more.
• Artists appreciate your enthusiasm about their work, so let them know if you like it!  Don't downplay your excitement thinking you may get a deal.  Frankly, if they know you love their work, you may be in a better position to get a better price.  
• If you love a piece of work and you know you want to own it then buy it!  
• If you can't pay quite what the artist is asking, and have a good reason why, let the artist know that you love it, but it is out of your budget.  They may have a solution like a payment plan or they may have similar pieces that cost less.  However, do not insult the artist by asking for a much lower price.
• Keep in touch with the artist:  sign up for their mailing list and make sure you get their information.  

Starry Night - Vincent van Gogh

Starry Night is one of the most recognizable and most beloved paintings of Vincent van Gogh, and possibly of any artist.  It's difficult to believe that he only sold one painting in his lifetime.  

Van Gogh painted Starry Night while in an Asylum at Saint-Remy in 1889.  He killed himself the following year.  There are so many interpretations of the painting:  what it means, what van Gogh was trying to convey, etc.  I am much more interested in what you take from it.  What moves you about this painting?  Do you love it?  Do you not really care for it?  

Please click on "comment" below and tell us what you think!

If you love it, I have a Starry Night domino pin.  I also have a domino pendant or scrabble pendant available as well.  Just contact me to order. 

Why Buy Art? Gallery Owner's Viewpoint

"Buy art because you love it and want to live with it forever.  If you do, it's hard to have regrets about parting with the money," says Margery Goldberg of Washington, D.C.

"Buying a piece of art is like a good relationship.  You shouldn't buy it if the most you like it is the first time you see it.  It should grow over time.  Everyday you should like it a bit more."

Margery Goldberg is the owner and director of Zenith Gallery in Penn Square.

{Tuesday Tips} Collecting Art - Buy What You Like

I just stumbled upon this amazing apartment tour of the apartment of art collector Jon H. of Long Beach, California on Apartment Therapy.  For the entire interview, tour and photos, please see Jon's Absolute Art Anachary.

Here is Jon's advice about collecting art:

"The basics: buy what you like, and don’t believe the hype.

The details: As far as art and toys, if you spend $100-$500, figure you will just love the piece and don’t consider it an investment. If you are spending $600-$2,000, you may be buying into hype of the artist and make sure you love the piece. You may or may not see a return later on in life should you decide to sell. If you are going to spend more than $2,000, you have to absolutely love the art and know the artist’s history."