Sharing...My Latest Marketing Find.

...Gretta...

Commissioned Portrait
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As many of you know, I'm also a working hairdresser and this is a 'salon day' for me...so this is going to be a quick post.

I wanted to let you know about a great new little marketing tool for your blog....that is FREE.

Check out the Widget at the bottom of this post. It automaticly pulls up three of your previously posted related articles. It is supper easy to download. I think this will be great to point people to other articles written on the same subject...or close.

It will retrieve and index all stories from your blog archive, not just recent stories, making them accessible to new or casual readers of your blog who would not otherwise encounter them.

You can learn more, see it on other sites or try it out by clicking the link below the widget at the end of this article or by using the link here.
(http://www.linkwithin.com/learn?ref=widget)

Marketing is a never ending process and one that continually fascinates me. I've always felt that many of my better articles get lost in the shuffle. So far, this little guy seems to be bringing them forward. Granted some of the matches are not always spot on...but If you post a photo of your work, your reader may be enticed to read on because what they see is interesting.

Notice the three photos below...is there anything that makes you want to look further?


Have to go for now...Enjoy!
Marsha

Saturday's Watercolor..."Standing Together"

...Standing Together...
Watercolor 140# Arches

Well guys, I'm posting this only because I said I would. The painting does look a little better than the photo. The background and foreground are fairly accurate. The cherries are considerable brighter when looking at the actual painting.

This painting is waaaaaay different than the first ones I did. I've seen the really dark backgrounds used and liked the contrast...obviously I need more practice at this. It looks a little muddy here, but when looking at the original...I think that is actually one thing I managed to avoid.

Obviously...unlike many of you thought, I have not found my 'style' yet:(

One lesson (of many) learned here...Friskit does not last 10 years! I had planned to use friskit on the stems so I could do smoother washes on the background. Got my brush all soaped up and when I opened the friskit jar...it was a mucky mess. Absolutely unusable.

Trying to paint this dark around those skinny stems did not give the look I wanted.

I also REALLY had a difficult time staying out of this one...it is definitely overworked in a few places. I learned that I had to have more paint on my brush than I expected or the painting lightened up on me. And, if I used the paint too thick (not enough water) it tried shiny!

I wish the cherries popped in the photo like they do on the original...they're actually the coolest part of the painting. I'm going to also have to learn how to do a little better on my photo editing.

Anyway...I'm open for critique and advise. I look forward to your opinions.

I've Been Unfaithful...to my first love

I cleared my drawing table, put away my pencils...and got out my watercolors, brushes, and paper. As I neatly placed my drawing stuff on the shelf and closed the door...I did feel just a little 'unfaithful' to the thing I love, but I did promise to return.

I started trying to paint water color maybe 10 years ago and my instructor stressed so strongly the importance of drawing and composition and being able to 'see' light and shadow that I laid the watercolors down and took a drawing class. The drawing class rekindled my childhood love...and you know the rest.

I've written often in my comments on other blogs and in the things I write here that I am a "watercolor want-a-be". I have never lost my desire to conquer 'watercolor'...I'm always drawn to the medium as I look at your websites and blogs.

OK...you said you wanted to see. I wasn't going to post anything until I was satisfied but thought my 'journey' might be an inspiration to others who want to try a new medium.

My love is of course Portraits and Still Life...and would love to someday be able to paint some street scenes. Yet I chose to start with flowers because I thought they would be less complicated and help me practice the layering of colors and once again learn my pallet.

I probably struggle most with watercolor styles that I like and what I am able to do now. I'm not a patient person and very critical of my work. Right now...I tend to rework too much and wow, staying away from the wet areas was a challenge. In my drawings I start on one side of the paper and move to the other...this jumping around to stay out of the wet areas so the paint didn't run together was a challenge.

My plan is to paint again next weekend. Most likely more of the same 'simple' subjects. I'm still trying to learn my pallet and get a feel for the process.

Be kind. Remember '"I'm still just a watercolor want-to-be"....with much to learn.

Sincerely...I'm very open to critique and would love to here what you have to say. This is a learning process and I'm no where near where I want to be.


Links:
Website ...Marsha Robinett Fine Art
The Extraordinary Pencil...blogspot
My Squidoo ...Drawing Techniques

Mr. Lincoln is done...perhaps?

...Mr. Lincoln...
12x22 carbon pencil on paper

It's been quiet here on my blog for a few days, but
lots has been happening in the background.
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First off my camera and I are 'friends' again. If you missed my last couple of posts you need to know that it wouldn't release the memory card. Well the camera came through the 'emergency room' visit but the memory card is ka-poot!

Memory cards are not cheep but this was a smaller one and had been around a long time.

I finished the commissioned drawing of Mr. Lincoln. I will keep it sitting out to do some of the usual tweaking on ....you know the little things that only an artist would notice.

When deciding on a reference photo to use I wanted something a little different...which in itself is hard when drawing such a well know person in history. I decided on this particular photo for several reasons.

Being from the state of Illinois I wanted to use a reference photo that was indicative of the period of time when he was living in my state and practicing law.

I also wanted the drawing to emulate his stature...which was tall and lanky.

Then, and perhaps most of all, I wanted his eyes and expression to tell the story of the weight he carried as he contemplated his presidency and the hope he had for his country's future.

I used several different photos for his facial expression...and am pleased with the results. This is a younger Lincoln than we are used to seeing. The main photo reference was taken in 1860, just prior to when he was nominated for president. Lincoln would have been around 51 years old.

I'm still working on the final little tweaks...not certain but may 'ruddy' his face just a little more. In all the reference photos I looked at his hair is bushier in back at the nape, actually showing more all around the back of his ear...just undecided here.

I'm to the point that what ever I add will have to stay...there will be no turning back.

Also...just so you know...the black line across his chest is the 'leather' cord for his glasses. It was worn in all the photos taken in this photo session. I included it as I also saw it in others...although now I view the line as distracting. Yet I 'think' I made the right decision.

Anyway...here it is for your critique.

Enjoy


Links:
Website ...Marsha Robinett Fine Art
The Extraordinary Pencil...blogspot
My Squidoo ...Drawing Techniques

You just gotta love technology.

...Nostalgia...
No this is not a photo of my camera.
I found this great camera sitting in a 'swap shop' a couple of years ago,
took some photos and then just looked at them for months before getting the nerve to try the drawing.
The precise detail in 'Nostalgia' was over whelming at times.

You can read more at the above link.
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My camera is still in possession of the memory card and still not giving it up...at least not willingly. If you read my last post you know the whole story.

I still haven't had time to get to get to the camera shop...and still haven't resorted to the 'hairpin'.

Most of my free time has been spent working on the commission of Mr. Lincoln. Even though my XTi wont give up the memory card...it is still willing to take photos, at least it appears to be taking photos. So I'm hoping to have some good WIP photos of these final drawing steps on Lincoln.

The commission of Lincoln is one of the largest drawings I've done. At 12x24 it is almost too large for my drawing table. I had to attach it to its own board to keep from creasing the paper.

I know there is no photo, but his jacket and shirt are just too cool. I love my carbon pencil for the deep darks...no shine, and great for showing the various shades of the fabric in his jacket.

I knew full well how important my camera was to me...but this has been really frustrating. I'm just hoping that the photos I've taken are still on the card when we get it out...and that it is possible to retrieve the memory card without damaging the card or the camera.

This experience has made me consider again...purchasing an additional camera. You know, that handy little 'point and shoot' camera I wrote about a while back. Still haven't made that purchase.

Have a good week.
Marsha

Ahhh!...for a roll of film.

...Exposures...

Carbon and Graphite on paper
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My camera won't release the memory card...URGH *^%$(*
I spent most of the past weekend working on Mr. Lincoln. Took lots of WIP photos and planned on posting them this evening with an explanation of the process.

You Got It...they are still on the memory card and the memory card is still in the camera. I took all the usual steps to remove it...and have to admit my mind began to wonder. Being a hairdresser I found myself looking for a 'hairpin'. Thinking better of my inclination to 'dig into the problem'. My camera sits here, in full view and in full possession of the memory card...taunting me.

I hope to get out of town this week sometime to a camera shop for some assistance...a good choice I think. (much better than a hairpin) Until then, I believe the camera is going to be put into a drawer so I don't have to look at it.

Yes, I know, I could download directly to the computer...but never down load photos in this way and can't find the cord.

Just not a good evening. I hate it when this technical stuff whips me.

On a positive note. I did make good progress on Mr Lincoln...in fact could have it finished by the end of next weekend except for the usual tweaking. Hopefully by then you will also have some photos to look at.


A Parting Thought: What ever happened to the lonely roll of film?


Links:
Website ...Marsha Robinett Fine Art
The Extraordinary Pencil...blogspot
My Squidoo ...Drawing Techniques

Increasing Your Visibility...Where to begin

...Salad Fixins...
Carbon and Graphite pencil on paper

Can you be an artist today and not have a website and a blog? I suppose so...but I think you are missing a Golden Opportunity. More and more, the public expects it and they ask for it. Times have just changed and our marketing must also change. The Internet has opened up opportunities that never before existed. Europe is just a click away. Why shouldn't we artist benefit?

Galleries are closing and from what I'm seeing personally, the Art Fair venue is also suffering...the "real world markets" that we have been so familiar with and so comfortable with are disappearing. We can either sit around, reminiscing about our past success or we can forge ahead.

The Internet is here to stay...it's time we artists got on board in a big way.

So why do you need both a website and a blog? How are they different? First of all they are very different and work together to compliment and strengthen each other. Your website and blog are the foundation of your online presence. They aren't all you need to do but they are most definitely the start. (I will write about other venues later)

Your website is your 'Professional Venue'...It says to the public "I'm an artist and I'm in business". It's where collectors and yes 'just lookers' can visit and comfortably view your work.

Your website should make the viewer feel as though they are in a gallery...quiet, easy to move through, and friendly. Keep your colors soft and neutral...let your art shine and be the center of attention. (When you look at your website what do you see first...the website colors or your art?)

Tell them about you, your vision, why you paint. Provided answers to their anticipated questions...perhaps a FAQ page. Make sure there's an 'obvious' way to contact you. Provide a way to purchase. Lastly, Put prices on your work...don't make them ask.

Your website is not an ad agency...it should be about you and your art.

Now...the Blog is a different animal indeed. This is a more casual setting. Here you can express yourself (within reason)...get personal, let them 'see' who the artist really is. Learn to write in 'speak'...less professional. I've said it before and I'll say it again...for those of you who think you can't blog because you can't write...you don't have to write well, you just have to write often.

I actually have two blogs. One is provided by FASO and is integrated into my website. The other is a Google Blogger site. They both carry the same post...and with good reason.

"My Studio Blog"...is integrated into my website, it's secure, and keeps my website, my name, and my art fresh and alive on the Internet.

When the viewer clicks on My Studio Blog, they never leave my website. All my collections and other pertinent information are just a click away. (Try it...click here to go to my website, then click on "My Studio Blog")

Why an Integrated Blog? Search engines love fresh content. Most websites tend to become static with time. After the initial setup the information and yes the art become stale...search engine rankings drop and your website ends up on page 86 when someone does a related search!

The integrated blog provides new content to my website every time I post an article...keeping my website fresh. For Example: If I write an article about the methods and materials I use to create my drawings...it will get indexed in the search engines and could be pull up if the keywords were good. My Studio Blog is a valuable marketing tool for my website.

My second blog..."The Extraordinary Pencil" is a Google blog. It serves as an additional Internet presence and traffic driver to my website. It is heavily linked to my website and has a more casual format. The down side is this...it is totally vulnerable to Google's whim.

I've experienced two shut downs in the last year because they marked The Extraordinary Pencil as a spam blog. My blog was held hostage several days each time...some innocent people have never had their blogs returned to them. Free is not always the best. Just make sure you have some kind of backup.

Can you put ads on your blog?...I suppose so. I don't personally care for them. I don't care for the way they look on my site and I feel they are distracting to the viewer. Do they pay off?...perhaps in some cases. The question would be how much monitoring does it take and is it worth the time it takes away from creating your art? Is the 'clutter' it creates worth the effort and payoff? I think you will find this article by Clint Watson enlightening....Why I dropped Google AdSense.

I guess I'm saying all this to acknowledge that today...more than ever before we are all trying to decide how we are going to 'best' survive until the economy turns around. I used the word BEST because WE WILL SURVIVE. It's just human nature. But the hierarchy will change...many of those who were 'on top of the pile' will no longer exist. Many business, (well known business) are going to disappear. While those who wisely adjust the dynamics of their business will remain and be poised to move forward when the time comes.

Where will you be?

I want to be on the top of the pile and ready to run when the economy turns around and it will turn around. We are all making tough decisions but when I see an artist close down their website it saddens me.

I know many of you have paid hundreds if not thousands to have someone set up your site and continue to pay each time it is updated. Others are sitting there with sites they're not pleased with...and some artists have no web presence at all and wondering, should I?

My website and the features it offers is the back bone of my art business. It is the glue that holds everything together. To give it up would be like hanging a CLOSED FOR BUSINESS sign on my door.

As an Artist...this is not the time to decrease your visibility. It's a time when we need to figure out how to ramp up our marketing...using methods that are proven, and affordable, if not a little creative.

PS...It's a time to share what works for you... so others can benefit.


Links:
Website ...Marsha Robinett Fine Art
The Extraordinary Pencil...blogspot
My Squidoo ...Drawing Techniques

Artist to Artist...A time to reflect and look ahead.

Yes..."Mr. Lincoln" is up here again
Not for you this time but for my benefit.
He's back on my drawing table and next on my addenda.
I hope to have updates soon.

This has been a year of many changes for me and most likely for you as well. Each fork in the road as we move through life changes the direction of our future. Some decisions are hard, some are major sacrifices, and some are out of our hands.

As most of you who read this blog regularly know...I am not a 'working artist' I am an 'artist who works'. It's a constant struggle for me to protect the precious little time I have set aside each week to be in my studio.

A couple of years ago I started taking off the month of January to regroup...to just reflect on the year past and plan for the year ahead. (no art and no blogging)

I use the time to analyze the 'business' end of my life, both my art and the salon. I clean out the files in my computer (perhaps a couple of closets while I'm at it), get my tax information together (which is usually an eyeopener), and plan for the coming year.

The computer files are cleaned out, my figures for 2008 are with the accountant, and I'm looking toward 2009 and the months ahead with hope and anticipation.

"I'm not going to do Art Fairs this year."...WOW!...there I really said it out loud. This was a tough decision. My season last year was not that bad. Sales were pretty close to the year before but towards the end, expenses were just over the top. I didn't say 'never again'...but I will say the last year was just hard...this artist isn't getting any younger and outdoor venues are grueling.

As the season was coming to a close and I saw the writing on the wall...I wondered what I would do. This was a major source of income for me and income I depended on. Besides, once set up, I enjoyed the contact with the people.

As one door was closing another opened. In late August I was approached to do Tech Support for my website hosting service, FineArtStudioOnline. What can I say?...I absolutely love it. I was scared to death, afraid I couldn't do the job. I have learned so much and I've made connections with so many wonderful artists. It blends perfectly with my salon hours and I have my weekends free for my art...who could ask for more?

Isn't it interesting...we think we know where our lives are going. We plan, make life altering decisions, hit bumps in the road and think we have failed only to realize...it was that part of the trip that got us to where we are now. Failure isn't always as it appears...failure is doing nothing...failure is not trying.

Had I not stepped out as a 'late in life artist', seven years ago, to see if I had what it took to be at least minimally successful, I would not have this tech support position. It was my journey that provided the knowledge for the position.

So, if I'm not going to do art fairs...what then? First of all, I intend to fine tune my website and blog...post new information more consistently and build more content with better use of key words and phrases. Link more to other sites and provide more 'deep links' to my own content. And yes, be more appreciative of your efforts by being a better 'commenter' on your blogs.

I want to refine my newsletter. It's been fairly consistent, sent out around the first of the month...but I can do better. I can write a more interesting newsletter that my readers will anticipate receiving. I believe I can improve on the content.

As far as sales go. My commission work is fairly consistent as a result of my website and blog and print sales have increased since adding PayPal, (I know, you said they would).

But I still need to search out some additional venues for my original pieces. Perhaps some galleries or national exhibits...You know, where my art goes on the trip and I get to stay home.

This will take some time and research to develop properly. We'll just have to see. I will keep you posted.


PS...It feels good to be back. I missed blogging and I missed you.

I Lost My Best Friend...a tribute to Alexis

Alexis...1994-2009

I remember when Alexis was born. The breeder was a friend and I was showing my boy 'Conrad' at the time. Alexis was the boss of the litter...keeping all her siblings in their places. She had this beautiful little square body, feisty attitude, we could tell she was going to have a wonderful hard coat...the signature for a Standard Schnauzer. Alexis was was the 'pick show female' of the liter.

Alexis was purchased by a man as a 'show' puppy at 8 weeks. She was returned to the breeder at 6 months on the premise that she was 'untrainable'....THE MAN HAD BEATEN HER.

My friend and I were heartbroken...this man had not trained her, he had attempted to force her into submission. She came back a broken abused puppy. She became mine that very weekend.

When I first brought her home she wouldn't even respond to her name and if you picked up a magazine or a yard stick to measure something, she was gone...as far away as she could get. If you moved to quickly, she coward and shook. With love and patience Alexis came out of most of her 'fright' but never returned completely to that trusting little puppy she was when I first saw her.

Conrad, gentleman as he was, allowed Alexis to rule the roost and she certainly did. Her problem was with people not with other dogs and Conrad seemed to understand. He was a stable, soft, gentle spirit...and I think this helped Alexis adjust.

Alexis was the 'first born' and trust me was going to be first in everything in life, and would almost knock Conrad and I down to get there. She was first to get outside, first into the van (to get the best seat), and when we went on walks...she always had to be 'just a little' ahead of Conrad.

When it came to sharing...Alexis didn't. She 'hid' all their toys under the glass top coffee table (as if they were out of sight!). If Conrad had a toy, she would 'steal' it the minuet he wasn't watching and put it in her stash...stand back, take a look, and then readjust it until she was happy that it was appropriately hidden.

Alexis didn't want to share me either. If Conrad and I were 'lovin', Alexis would pester him until he just moved over and let her in. Alexis became my shadow...always wanting to be where I was at and as close as possible. I believe Conrad understood her needs.

When Conrad became sick their rolls reversed...Alexis became devoted to Conrad and mothered and looked after him. She would come get me when he was having one of his spells and mourned him for weeks after he passed away. For a long time after, if I corrected her she would go into the other room and lay in his bed for comfort.

In Conrad's absence she became even more attached to me...bringing joy, laughter, and companionship to my everyday life. Her presence filled the house and today there is such an emptiness.

Alexis had sever liver issues...the tumors grew at a rapid rate causing problems with her other organs. She would have been 16 next month, an age where surgery and treatment were not an option. In the end she and I both knew it was time. She was barely eating and could no longer support herself to go potty. Her organs were shutting down and the ornery little twinkle in her eyes was just not there anymore.

Her last night, she wanted in bed with me. I put a piece of plastic down and a blanket on top...we just cuddled. In the morning I took her to the vet and stayed with her while the sedative was administered. "My last act of love for my Best Friend."

I've been through this too often. Even though you know it's the right thing, it's so hard. The quiet in my home is deafening. The void is palpable. I just hate it.

Weekend Chat Line...My suitcase is still packed

Teddy's poster for his Bar Mitzvah

The last time I posted on my blog I told you my suitcase was laying out, ready to be packed for my trip to New York to visit my daughter and grandson. Well, I'm embarrassed to say that I've been back since December 30 and it's still packed...or at least partially.

No, I'm not planning another trip soon. It's just one of those things, I took out the necessities, laid it in the corner of the bedroom and there it remained. Taking care of this is on the top of my to do list for this weekend!

My travel was perfect...no delayed flights and wonderful weather. I was really concerned as we had bad ice storms here in central Illinois the three days prior to my leaving. Several of my salon clients were unable to make it in for their Christmas hair appointments. I felt really bad but there was nothing I could do.

The visit was quite hectic...not much down time or 'private' time with my daughter and grandson. There were many out of town guests in and out all weekend. The Bar Mitzvah ceremony was beautiful, and it was great meeting Teddy's extended family for the first time. He did such a wonderful job. I am so proud of him.

I arrived back home absolutely exhausted and went back to work the next day (new year's eve). The rest of the weekend was pretty much a waste. It consisted of going from the chair to the bed, paying a few bills, back to the couch, eating, back to the chair, look at the suitcase, take a nap....get the picture?

It definitely took a few days to recoup but I'm now ready to 'whip the world' and yes, get that suitcase off my bedroom floor!

I've been considering my personal and artistic goals for 2009...right now they are mostly in my head. I need to get them organized on paper. I try to be realistic but there are always a few of those lofty 'couldn't reach in a million years' type goals on my list. I will be sharing soon.

If you recall, Henry, my trusty computer of five years had his issues. Well, Henry's replacement is arriving this afternoon. I know many were wondering whether my new computer would be a boy or a girl. Alexis (my standard schnauzer) and I had a little talk and we both agreed that we needed a strong man in the house...so we decided to name the new arrival Charles Edwin, after my Grandfather.

I will be updating you on how well Charles Edwin blends into the 'family'...and if we can get along!

So I ask...Have you recovered from the Holidays? Since I seem to be running a tad behind here...did you make any goals for the new year? Do you have a secret for sticking to your goals and resolutions?

The "Chat Line" is open... Remember...when you share, others are blessed.

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It was so wonderful seeing my family again after such a long time apart. I can still feel the hugs and kisses...still hear the sweet conversations...and still feel their unconditional love.

It's great to go and it's always good to be back home in my own surroundings. There is just nothing like family. I hope your holidays were as wonderful as mine.


PS..This is my 'vacation month' from blogging. I always take the month of January to regroup....clean up my computer files, my studio, and simply 'regroup' for the year ahead. See you in February with a new outlook, new ideas, and hopefully a new, fresh,energized outlook for 2009.

Sincerely,
Marsha

Links:
Website ...Marsha Robinett Fine Art
The Extraordinary Pencil...blogspot
My Squidoo ...Drawing Techniques