Alina Bradford's Blog
Posted by Alina Bradford
I get email alerts from major art companies about their latest products. This morning I was sent an email about a great product I thought I'd share with my readers:Strathmore Windpower Pads. These are artists pads that incorporate earth-friendly techniques in the production process. They are made with 100% wind power and 30% post-consumer fiber.
Even better, from now until 1/11/09 these pads are 55% off. So if you want to try these green art pads there’s no better time to do it.
If you have tried this product, leave a comment and let everyone know how you liked it.
Posted by Alina Bradford
The article How to Frame Your Artwork Basics was a big hit with readers. It also led to more in-depth questions. So, I asked some professional artwork framing experts to answer some of the reader’s questions. They turned into these articles: Choosing Mats and Frames For Your Artwork and Sell More Paintings.
I also got this email from a reader:
Alina,
Hello. I'm the owner of Bucks County Gallery of Fine Art in New Hope PA. I have been selling fine art and doing professional custom picture framing for the past 28 years.
I'd like to respond to some of the answers already appearing in this article.
Regarding complimenting art with frames, I have always helped my clients to make the best presentation by selecting a frame and mat that will attract the viewers eye to the main subject of the painting. As an example, if the painting is a landscape with a red farm house, maybe Autumn colored foliage, and blue sky, I would suggest the possibility of using a gold frame with red or umber highlights as to draw attention to the red barn, which is the main focus.
A red frame altogether, would draw the viewers eye to the frame and away from the main subject. Therefore, just using the red highlights will attract rather than detract from the red barn.
It is not necessary to Mat oil or acrylic paintings on canvas. A mat would cheapen the look of the painting. However, a mat is not only a correct method of framing a artwork done on paper such as a watercolor, pastel, acrylic, oil, or just about any medium on paper. Aagin, the matting should draw the viewers eye to focus on the main subject otherwise known as "Complimenting" the art.
Regarding the type of frame an artist should place their oil on canvas into for sale, my suggestion is the following. A wide range of ready made "Plein Air" frames are available in gold, silver, and wood tones that are most preferred by art collectors. The width of the frame will vary from 2 1/2 inches to about 5 inches. The proportion should be determined by the size of the painting. These frames are available through most art supply stores and some art galleries, including Bucks County Gallery in New Hope PA.
They are very reasonably priced, and most of all make a great presentation which will help sell your artwork.
There should be no consistency in frame choices form one painting to the next, unless every one of your paintings are done in the same season, or are the identical subject matter and most importantly, the same identical colors.
Caution should be taken in what advice I am suggesting. You will get different answers to the same questions by interior designers, inexperienced picture framers, and your neighbor that thinks they know what's best. You should seek the advice of a professional picture framer.
Sincerely;
Howard Cooperman
Bucks County Gallery
of Fine Art
I hope all of these tips help you!
Alina
Posted by Alina Bradford
I received this email a while back and thought I should share it with my readers:
To the point, I am an South African Artist, painting preffesionaly the last 10 years or so.
I am doing mainly seascapes art its my Passion, Love the sea and everything with or about it.
I have read your Blog and decided to give the crits a go.
I have many seascape done, so i decided to pick the latest of my works done.
Its called a "New Day" its done oil on canvas using only Palette Knife, Size 950 mm.X750 mm.
Inspired by the way the ocean gives and takes. The beauty it gives overpowers in totality what may
have taken in ravishing storms or any other means, I have come across people that dislike the ocean
with passion as to this fact. Sadly so as its wonderment and poignant beauty can not be measured.
There will aways be a new day.
Thank you Alina
Fanie Smit (Seascape Artist South Africa)
Well, Fanie, you wrote to me asking for a critique, but I can't give you one. Your work takes my breath away. It is perfect the way it is.You are a very gifted artist and hopefully my readers will enjoy your painting as much as I have.Thank you so much for sharing,Alina
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Posted by Alina Bradford
Susan Andrus is our first Painting/Drawing at Suite 101 critique. Her painting is on 10 1/4" x 14 1/8" 300 lb. cold pressed paper. You can see her painting here.
First, I would like to congradulate Susan on the beautiful facial expression in the painting. You can see the genuine happiness and contentment radiating from the subject.
My only suggestion is to incorporate shadow and light a little more to show shape and depth in objects. For example, the rock wall behind the lady seems flat. A little shading around the stones will help it pop, giving it more of a three-dimensional look.
The nose and ears on the lady could be rendered a little more realistically, but overall, the face was done very nicely.
Overall, Susan did a wonderful job on selecting harmonious colors and giving her subject a cozy environment. Great job, Susan!
Alina
Posted by Alina Bradford
A while back I wrote an article about the fantastic art centered hotel, NYLO, in Plano, Texas. Well, next Monday, August 11 6:30 - 9:00 NYLO will be having its first inagural NYLO Art Night. The Art Night will feature the artwork of two fantastic artists, Vanessa Neil and Greg Piazza.
For more information visit NYLO at 8201 Preston Rd. Plano, Texas or call: (972)624-6990.
