TITLING ARTWORK

A title adds value to your artwork. A buyer wants to feel that he/she is about to purchase your best work ever. They are going to have a hard time believing this if the work is called “Untitled 397.” It can be a deal stopper or a turn off to a potential customer. Titles do matter to the art buyer!

I have found that a good title:

• Can provide insight into my inspiration or intention for the work

• Can help the artwork tell a story

• Can emphasize what I want the viewer to focus upon

• Can enhance the energy or mood of the painting

• Can add a poetic or metaphoric tone to the painting

• Can leave room for the viewer to bring his or her own meaning

• Can be memorable, original, and personal

In the case below, I chose words from Leonard Cohen, a poet and song writer.
Suzanne takes you down…..
40” x 30”
acrylic on canvas
2021

I chose the title because over many years I have had fond memories of being told I was a muse. I also love the song and wanted to honor Leonard Cohen so it was kind of a collaboration. The image itself felt like a soothing quiet spot where I imagined the spaciousness of creativity residing.

Suzanne

Feel free to connect me through the form below.

PREPARING FOR AN ART CRITIQUE

An art critique consists of 4 elements — describing, analyzing, interpreting, and evaluating or judging.
Sounds scarey, Right? It is! But, art critiques are a valuable tool for improving my art so I prepare myself in the following ways.

1. I know myself and my art

2. I can describe my art, and my process of making a painting

3. I am able to say how I use the elements of art and the principles of art to expressive my intentions

4. I know my inspirations, my perspectives in my art and why it is important to me

5. I bring my open heart, my willingness to grow, my curiosity to learn and a readiness to hear without taking it personnally

6. I chose peers and mentors to critique my art who are compassionate, present, thoughtful and knowledgable and who want me to succeed

It takes time and contemplation and discernment to come prepared. It takes courage to show up and be present. Bbecause I am passionate about what I do, I give myself wholeheartedly to the process of learning, growing and expanding my inner and outer life in art.

If you are an artist, how do you prepare for an art critique?

If you have any questions or thoughts to share, I would love to hear from you by filling out the form below.

If you like my blog, please tell a friend…. they might like it too. A BIG THANK YOU! Suzanne

THE VALUE OF AN ART CRITIQUE

Art Critiques can be scarey. I believe this quote by H.G. Mewis explains the experience of the vulnerability and discomfort that is felt by artists as they put their art out into the world.

As artists work to improve they need to understand how theirr work is perceived by the viewer. They need more varied perspectives and they want to know their art’s implication and relation to the larger world. Regular art critiques by knowledgeable and trusted peers is an important part of development for artists.

Art critiques help artists to:

1. Establish their visual voice.

2. Find their Niche.

3. Work out the kinks.

4. Develop a thick skin

Check out my two very special online classes that will provide you and your art with support and the important review and perspective that will help expand and grow you and your work.

Abstract Art Independent Study
Abstract Art Support and Critique Group

I am also available for one-on-one online art critiques -
Mentoring with Suzanne

If you have any questions, fill out the form below. I will get back to quickly.

THE JOY OF QUINACRIDONE ACRYLIC PAINTS

There are so many positives for Quinacridone acrylic paints, that I highly recommend them as part of every painter’s toolbox. If you are like me, you will fall in love with them.

The Quinacridone family are transparent colors that range from yellow to violet, mostly in the pink and red range. They are syntetic acrylic paints that are very finely ground so they stay together when diluted and glide easily on the surface. I love the the intensity of the hues. Because quinacridone paints are transparent, they are fabulous for layering and they don’t dull down when they dry like most acrylic paints do.

These clean bright colors are special in that they have a base hue and they also have an overtone hue so that they are like fine wines with a bouquet and a pallette.

For a painter who is concerned about lasting color, they are lightfast and are resistant to fading and solvents.

Quinacridones mix well with other acrylic colors; the best example is that mixing quinacridone magenta with ultramarine blue, a luscious, velvety violet is the result……..a color that can’t be gotten by other mixtures.

Speaking of mixing, when mixed with titanium white, quinacridone paints do not lose their hue, but get creamy while maintaining a virbrancy.

I have attached a video panning an exploration of several of the quanacridone acrylics so you can see the depth of layering. ENJOY!

Testimonial:

“Great presentation Suzanne! I was familiar with Greenberg, but not Rosenberg, thank you for introducing him. These are the artists that got me fascinated with abstract expressionism, art history courses in college. However, it took many years and lots of experimenting to think of myself as an abstract painter.” ~Kathryn G.

Let me know what you think about quinacridone acrylics…….