That’s definitely a California artist title! Here are the poppies, reclaimed from a painting of Sequoias (redwoods) in snow, painted in oil on a 5×7 board. Still needs signing and the edges need painting. So much to do, and all for $49. (SUCH a deal)
pencil drawing of Wilsonia cabin for the book The Cabins of Wilsonia
Hey California Artist, are you still working on that book, that cabin book of drawings?
So glad you asked that question! Yes I am, and the completed drawings are stacking up.
How many have you finished now?
48 at last count.
How many are left?
Umm, I’m not all that good at math and I’ve added a few to the original plan. (Translation: Can’t deal with reality)
Did you learn to use Adobe Indesign yet?
I practiced with the trial version until I had a long list of questions. My friend Carol will help me work out the answers when I visit her in April. (Right, Carol??)
What’s the name of the book again?
Great question! It will be called The Cabins of Wilsonia. Don’t you think that is a clever title?
What typestyles will you use in your design?
Do you really think anyone gives a rodent’s hiney about that?
Why do so many interviewees answer questions with “I’m glad you asked” or “great question”?
Monkey hear, monkey say.
Seems that the quality of this interview is deteriorating. Would you like to get back to your pencils now?
Great question – I’m glad you asked that one!
What does this have to do with a California artist? It could be called “California Artist Reads”. It could be that I want someone to fall in love with the reading rabbit of Salt & Light. Perhaps I just want to share a more complete picture of my life with you than just my art.
Maybe I am just hoping you will tell me the books you love!
Salt & Light, not a dumb bunny
This piece is called “Less Traveled”. I believe in taking the less traveled road, which is one of the reasons I am not on Facebook.
I read blogs – art blogs, business blogs, marketing blogs, inspirational blogs, knitting blogs, humor blogs, travel blogs, writing blogs and art marketing blogs. The writers of these blogs are my teachers, guides, mentors and some have become my friends.
One of the most helpful is called Fine Art Views. Informative articles, insightful comments by professional artists and interaction with the writers all keep me returning to this site.
A recent series of articles by Brian Kliewer really struck a chord with me. He is writing about the myth of social media as a viable marketing avenue for all artists. It caused me to write this overly long post, which began as a comment on one of his posts.
About 1000 years ago I decided to become a professional artist. Pencil drawing was my favorite (only) style. I chose to be a master of pencil rather than a Jana-of-all-trades.
I learned from Jack White that in art sales oil painting sells the best and pencil the least. It crushed me. So, I learned to oil paint, moved into murals, and now have much more to offer customers. Because my subject matter and my audience are mostly Tulare County, having more to offer is a good business practice.
Still, those who have followed my art for years and new friends continually tell me they LOVE my pencil work. (Perhaps this is because I don’t paint very well, and they are too polite to say that.)
Almost four years ago I started this blog. I LOVE to post, love to show photos, talk about Three Rivers, Mineral King and Sequoia, my drawings, drawing lessons, my sources of inspiration, the processes, the shows and events, and be a smart aleck any time inspiration strikes.
Just like becoming a master at pencil, I’ve chosen to be a master at blogging. (Nope, not there yet but putting in my hours faithfully.) That is where the bulk of my computer efforts are spent. I’ve dabbled in LinkedIn, eBay, Etsy, and Google+. What a waste of time! (Notice I have continued to resist Facebook)
Has it paid off? I’ve read that it takes 5-7 years for a blog to really reap results. Not sure what the writer meant by “results” – probably a Big Fat Following. The pay-off thus far to me is in personal satisfaction, steady growth in the number of readers, the discipline of 5 posts per week, the relationships built, the credibility established.
Thank you for your loyalty, comments, email, encouragement and honesty as I fumble my way along in the world of art, art business, art marketing and blogging.
This began as a plum orchard, then I added pink and renamed it Peach Orchard. February is so beautiful here in Tulare County!
The drawing is sold, but I can always do another one for you.
Today you can find me at the Farm Equipment Show, also known as The World Ag Expo.
I’ll be hanging out with my cousins who will be demonstrating a wood splitter. (I still prefer an ax.)
UPDATE – that was the best splitter I’ve ever seen. EVER!
It might seem like a waste of time, but I can assure you (and my Very Mean Boss) that I will have my camera so I can take photos while in transit. (Might even pull over and stop to do so.) And I will have a pocketful of my business cards. An artist has to interact with the real folks from time-to-time. This is all about the business of art. Really! The business of art in Tulare County means going where the people are, and they are at the World Ag Expo in great numbers.
Not yet. Looks finished. It isn’t. It will stay in the studio for awhile so I can evaluate it, refine it, spend some time adding a few more layers, emphasizing the contrast, darkening the darks, and finally, taking a decent photo.
This post is only related to my art in that it shows a portrait of my uncle that I drew in 2001. Please forgive me for indulging in a bit of personal talk today. I’ll bring my professional self back tomorrow. Here is the obituary as written by his sister-in-law with a few additions by me.
Allan Marshburn, originally of Orange County, CA, (born January 13, 1928) and most recently of Kaweah, CA, passed into the presence of his Savior on February 6, 2012. He is survived by his sister, Margaret Estes, of Mount Vernon, WA, his brother Neil and wife Elaine Marshburn of Escondido, CA, his sister-in-law Martha Marshburn of Visalia, CA, numerous nieces and nephews, foster son Patrick Short of Rockwall, TX, and his daughter in the Lord, Virpi Takala.
Allan’s love for the Lord was greatly reflected in his interest and participation in many outreaches proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ. He sought to encourage many in their walks with Christ.
In addition, Al had a lifetime of interesting adventures in the Merchant Marines, as an outdoorsman, a game warden in Alaska, Saskwatch hunter in northern California, and a commercial fisherman. Many were spellbound by his great (and true!) stories. Early in his adulthood, he was an active participant in the citrus industry in Orange and San Diego counties and as a cowhand at his cousin’s ranch in San Luis Obispo County. Prior to moving to Kaweah, he spent many years in northern Idaho where he enjoyed hunting and logging on his property. It was said of Al that he could squeeze a nickel until it coughed up a penny. He was a highly unique individual who had a great impact on many peoples’ lives.
That again? Yeppers. Now it is a card. You can buy them from me in person or on the cards page of my website. $3.50 each, blank inside, 5×7″, green envelope, packaged in a sealed cellophane bag. Now, I will brace myself for the stampede!
Mineral King Bridge, original oil painting reprinted as card
While in this drawdrawdraw mode, it is still necessary to think about other parts of my business. Three Rivers Studio Tour 10 is at the end of March, and people like to buy stuff from the artists. I’m real glad about that. It is helpful if I have things to sell to those fine folks of good taste. Here is a little sample:
These are 2×2″ canvases, and they look so cute sitting on little easels. Awwww. . . love those California poppies!
In my quest for truth and reality, I took a hard look at a painting of a green apple. I liked it, but it didn’t sell. The other 2 had, but not this guy.
Sold
Sold
Homeless green apple
Must be the grayish bluish background! No one decorates in those colors. “Everyone” is decorating in warm reds and golds and bronzes and rusts. Wise up, California Artist!
Golden Delicious, 6×6 oil on wrapped canvas, $40 (when it dries I’ll sign it)