Helpful Ideas for the Beginner Art Collector

Afterglow, original watercolor by Sandra Yorke

                         

                                 

Art collecting should be done for the love of art and not for financial success. Some people are confused about collecting art and wonder if an artists work will increase in value over the years. Maybe it will and maybe it won't. The main thing is does the work of art call to you? Will you enjoy the art, will it inspire you? As an artist I have experienced this very thing at art shows and art fairs. Someone will tell me a certain painting caught their eye and they had to buy it because it was calling to them. This is a great compliment for any artist!
If you are new to the art world and are not sure what type of art you like, visit as many galleries, art studios, and museums as you can. You can also do your research online.
You may prefer contemporary art or you may find you prefer art from another time period or culture. Taking your time doing research will give you a better idea of the type of art you prefer.
 If you are interested in contemporary art find an artist (or artists) whose work speaks to you. Visit art shows, art schools, local galleries and art exhibits, and attend open studios and art walks and see whats out there.
If you are more interested in period collections, visit antique stores or look through dealer catalogues or online.

Once you have a few pieces in your collection a lifelong obsession will  probably have developed and a keen eye will help you find the art you desire. Most importantly, you will have a collection of "one of a kind" art  you can enjoy for many, many years! Happy collecting!

Crazy Weather!

The weather in the pacific northwest can be crazy in April! It can be nice and sunny one minute and then suddenly the skies are dark and stormy. This is how it was one day when I was driving out in north Clark County. The clouds were gloriously striking! I don't know why but I really love looking at thunderheads. They are fun to paint also! I used mostly wet into wet watercolor and dabbed some areas with a tissue to get some harder edges in spots. I added white gouache to the darker blues while they were still wet to form some softer clouds. I also saw a flock of geese flying at the time so added them to the painting as well. The fun part of being an artist is the freedom to create the scene you want. I have no shortage of inspiration here in the beautiful Pacific Northwest! Happy painting!

This morning i got a call from a blocked artist friend. She wanted to start painting again but every time she looked at the blank watercolor paper she just couldn't start painting. I know how she feels! Sometimes I have trouble starting starting a painting because I want it to be "perfect". I don't want to "ruin" the paper and have to start over. Then I remind myself there are no perfect paintings, and if I do make a mistake, so what? It is only paper (albeit rather expensive paper!) 
One way I have learned to get around this block is to paint smaller paintings. It is much easier to start a painting on a small 7 x 5 inch piece of watercolor paper and these can make wonderful paintings when framed and hung as a group. It's also a good way to warm up before tackling a larger painting. Here is one I did of a crow. So have fun with this and try some smaller paintings to get back in the painting groove! SOLD