New Artwork Pendants: Edgar Degas, Claude Monet, Stephanie Corfee and Jennifer Gordon

New Art Pendants!  Edgar Degas, Claude Monet, Stephanie Corfee and Jennifer Gordon.

Available in the Artwork Pendants Shop!

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:

{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!

I Am Loved - Artwork Pendant Collaboration with David Gerbstadt

This pendant was made with a miniature version of the artwork of David Gerbstadt. The message "I AM LOVED" is a message that everyone wants and needs to hear. Get it for yourself, or for a loved one to remind them that they are loved.

You can find out more about David and inspiring positive message on his website or in David's etsy shop

I did an interview with David previously. 

Artwork Pendants are:  Simple - stunning - eco-friendly.

- I use only upcycled (or previously used) scrabble tiles that are no longer useful to their owner. So, when you wear it you can feel great about recycling and when people ask about your pretty pendant you can let them know you’re recycling!

- Artwork Pendant Scrabble Tile Pendants are sealed in a glasslike glaze and are water resistant, but not waterproof. Do not submerge them in water – take them off before you jump in the pool, hot tub or shower.

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."

{Tuesday Tips} Gathering Information on Art Collecting

Great sources of information when you start collecting art:

• Read art history books and books about collecting art.
• Subscribe to art magazines.
• Talk to other art collectors and glean their experience.
• Visit as many art galleries as you can.  Gallery staff are extremely helpful.
• Sign up for art gallery email lists and keep up-to-date on openings and events.
• Visit and join local art museum or other nonprofit art centers.  They sometimes have lectures about collecting art.
• Once you are educated about collecting art, when you fall in love with a piece of art buy it.
• Purchase art because it moves you.

Secret Art Rules?

I came across this article about secret rules about buying valuable art on the Chicago Appraisers Association website.

They provide a list of "secret" rules to help you pick out art that may be more valuable.  For example, roosters are better than chickens, brightly colored paintings are better than dark, landscapes should have calm waters, etc.  (See the link for the entire article.)  

They are appraisers, so I guess they are the experts.  However, I feel that "roosters are better than chickens" shouldn't be ruling our decisions about art.

According to Tolstoy, art is an emotional connection between artist and viewer.  (Excerpts of "What is Art?  by Leo Tolstoy.)  The artist conveys a feeling and the viewer feels it.  (Basically.)

A simple list could not possibly direct how each person should purchase art for themselves.  This list is actually suggesting to do the very opposite of art.  It is suggesting that the art collector find and purchase art based upon certain criteria, instead of having an emotional reaction to the art.


Yes, I do understand what the appraisers are trying to convey here.  This article is about art as an investment, not art for enjoyment.  However, there are so many ways to invest your money.  Why buy art that you don't have a connection with just to make money?  You have to live with the art.


Let's remember the tips of Peggy Cooper Cafritz.  She suggests to buy artwork that grabs you.  No where does she mention to make sure that if you buy a landscape make sure it has a horse.  


In the end, I think you should go with your heart.  Pick art that grabs you or art with which you have an emotional connection.


What do you think?  Would you prefer to purchase art within a formula to make sure it's valuable?  Or would you prefer to purchase art that you have an emotional attachment?

My Town and Its Art: Looking for Contributors

Since I actually live in Lancaster County, PA, I’ll be sharing some of the individual galleries I love here.

I would love to share galleries from around the country - and world even - but I can’t travel to all of them.  

If you would like to send in a guest post about the art in your hometown, or if you would like to write about a specific art gallery or artist in your town, please contact me!   

Reflections on The Art of The Steal

I recently watched The Art of the Steal, the gripping documentary about the Barnes Collection of impressionist, post-impressionist and modern art.

I have been fascinated by the battle over the control of the Barnes Foundation.  It’s fascinating to me in both of my worlds, since for my day job, I’m a paralegal who specializes in estate administration.

Before watching the movie, I didn’t have a strong opinion on the matter.  I thought what was most important was maintainence of the artwork itself.  I felt the actual hang of the art was also important.  But, then I figured they could easily recreate that at the new place as well.  As a paralegal, I know there are loopholes around everything and what they are trying to do is most likely legal.  (And there is a judge involved, so, the judge should be the one to make the decision.)

However, after watching the documentary and putting more thought into it, I am actually infuriated by the chain of events that led to whom had the ultimate control of the Barnes.

1. The Barnes should not be moving at all to begin with.
2. A question that I have not actually seen answered:  Is the new location’s main focus education?  The art was hung and the foundation began for education.  Will this new location serve as a school?
3. Dr. Barnes specifically drafted his will to keep his art collection out of the hands of the Philadelphia social elite/Philadelphia Museum of Art, whom he hated.  Now they have control of it.
4. As a museum on the Parkway in downtown Philadelphia, surely this collection is meant as a tourist attraction.  Philadelphia aggressively promotes its tourism, and this will be just another attraction.  The artwork is stuck in a battle about money and politics.  Just the opposite of what Dr. Barnes wanted.

Lincoln University

I have visited Lincoln University.  It’s a tiny school in a rural area.  (The town itself is actually called Lincoln University, that is the size of the town.)  After the original Board of Directors all passed on, Lincoln University was in control of the Barnes Foundation. 

It was an odd, eccentric choice, but it was Dr. Barnes’ choice to make.  I also believe that this was the unraveling of the Barnes Foundation.  The wrong person from Lincoln was in charge of the foundation, which led to a multitude of lawsuits that the Foundation had to pay for.  Then ultimately the Foundation had financial issues.  Not to mention, I don’t believe that they actually knew the value of the collection, and maybe they thought they were in more trouble than they actually were.

A series of unfortunate events and now here we are waiting for the Barnes to be placed in the mass approved building in the highly traveled Benjamin Franklin Parkway, sitting down the road as the little brother to the Philadelphia Museum of Art.  For all purposes, run by the Philadelphia Museum of Art, which is the very thing that Dr. Barnes was trying to protect his art from with his will.

I can understand the argument that more people will be able to view the art in the new location, however, this was Dr. Barnes’s art. 

It does not belong to the City of Philadelphia,

It does not belong to the State of Pennsylvania,

It does not belong to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. 

It was Dr. Barnes’ art and HIS decision what to do with it.  He wanted it to stay where it is to be used in the school that he began. 

I don’t think just because the artwork is that of the masters that it suddenly becomes public property and should be controlled by the public (or politicians or the social elite.)

It infuriates me, to say the least.

Have you seen the movie The Art of the Steal?  Did it change your opinion about the situation (or solidify it more)?

What do you think about this situation?  Should the artwork of the masters be available to be viewed by everyone?  Or is a private collection, just that, private?

(please leave your views below in "comments")

Should the Barnes Collection be Moved?

The Barnes collection contains priceless impressionist, post-impressionist and early modern paintings, among other art.  It is really fascinating to think about what goes into moving such a priceless (well, the estimated value is $25 billion) and massive collection (2500 objects, including 800 paintings) - the armored trucks, the FBI, etc. - but most people are interested in something else altogether.

Should the Barnes Collection even be moved?


Some opponents of that move proffer that Barnes had his own creative vision on how the paintings are arranged and should not be disturbed.  Some say that his will is being broken by moving the collection. 

Those who do not oppose the move say that what matters most is the paintings themselves, and as long as they are accessible, it doesn't matter where they are.

I find this particularly fascinating because not only am I interested in art, but I also happen to be a paralegal who specializes in estate administration.

Either way you look at it, I must say I'm sad that I didn't get to see the artwork in its original home.  To see Dr. Barnes' vision on how the pieces should be hung and arranged.  And to amass that amount of beautiful artwork! 

It's too late now to see it in its original location - the final tour has been done and the lights are out.

According to the Barnes Foundation, the new location in Philadelphia has been designed to invoke the same intimate feeling as the original site in Merion.  The paintings will be arranged in a manner similar to Dr. Barnes' original vision.  There will be gardens in the new location as well.

The Foundation will continue to maintain and expand the gardens at the Merion location, opening up new possibilities for horticulture education.

The main reason for the move is to allow for more visitors to the collection, since there are strict rules about visiting galleries in its current location.

This argument has been going on for years and the decision only recently made in the court system.  A documentary movie, The Art of the Steal, was made about the controversy.  

A cool feature of the Barnes Foundation's website is a webcam on the new building in downtown Philadelphia that shows a new photo every 15 minutes.

Whatever your opinion on whether or not the collection should be moved, the new Philadelphia location is slated to open to the public in late Spring of 2012. 

I would love to know your opinion on this.  Please leave your thoughts below in the comments.