Stories Behind The Art

Looking back, I guess you could say we could have died. But we really weren't doing anything that we hadn't done a hundred times before. Like the wild animals we saw we were just living. Taking it (or trying to take it) a day at a time. [...]

The accomplishment of a devoted frame shop means Jay's drawings art can be more readily protected for us and for you. Some dreams do come true! [...]

The homestead may be gone but what makes the homestead home lives. [...]

Jay has devoted many days to building a new woodworking shop whose primary use will be making art frames. Although using the garage as a work space is somewhat functional, sharing space with a snow blower, lawn mower, paint sprayer, etc. is less than optimal.   Long before he was a pencil artist, Jay enjoyed woodworking as a hobby. He crafted creative toddler beds for our sons, inlayed jewelry boxes, a spaulted maple end table, and lots more. When the art business took hold, it seemed advantageous to use his woodworking skills for framing.   The basic parts of framing drawings include the outside frame, [...]

How does a new drawing begin? Often it appears that Jay is doing a lot of nothing, sitting around, sighing, or just day dreaming. Who knows what goes on in an artist’s head, thinking ahead to the results desired, the challenges faced, the personal need to accomplish a quality work of art.   The accompanying photo reveals how his work starts – a blank drawing board and a considerable amount of pondering. He may surf through reference photos, experiment in Photoshop with various compositions, debate vertical vs horizontal, and consider the overall size of the art itself.   On a more technical level, Jay is [...]

Few times have I been paid a greater compliment. [...]

So, not only must a pencil artist master various erasing devices and their ability to enhance one's art, one must learn to blow away the bad stuff. Jay says, “the sign of a professional pencil artist is one who can blow off the erasures without leaving a mark!” [...]

At this time of the year, most people think of “gifts” as holiday items. As we move into 2014, don't forget the gifts you will need for birthdays, weddings, graduations, and anniversaries. Remember the gift that keeps on giving ... fine art. [...]

Goodbye schlepping art, hello wildlife! [...]

Just as much as you like connecting with the artist in person, most artists like meeting their potential patrons. It is educational for an artist to observe which art is readily looked at versus what is not. Don't worry about "stupid" questions. Just inquire about what you would like to know. Search for art and stories that appeal to you. For both artist and patron, art is an affair of connection, appreciation, and ambiance. Enjoy the fairs. Whether it is today or the future, you've connected with a new friend in the arts! [...]

In summer, I plan to be out there "seeing my future drawings." [...]

The more you can convey about your expectations, the happier you will be with the finished product. Here are some tips to get you rolling. [...]

Support your local library and be sure to take time to enjoy their art exhibits! [...]

One of the most common comments coming my way at art fairs is, "Wow! You are a gifted artists!" Few people explain what they mean by that phrase.  So, I naturally have pondered their meaning.  What does it mean to be a gifted artist?  Inevitably the answers come as questions:       -Do you mean that you see the countless hours invested in each drawing?       -Does the art speak to you telling the story of its existance?       -Do you see the quality within each line, the power of the composition, or the emotion of the moment?   Sometimes the answer comes as a statement:       -This [...]

Acquire the art that YOU really love. When it is hanging on your wall, if it brings a smile to your face, you bought the right art for you. [...]

When J.B. gets around to drawing this eagle, it will remind us of a winter drive along the White River on January 15, 2011. It won't be just any eagle ... but our very special and treasured eagle sighting. [...]

Having permanent fine art remembrances make our wildlife visits special forever. [...]

When he was done, he turned to my sister and said, “This one is Tungundai. It means Guardian of Night Wind. When she grows up she will have a colt. She will save this colt from mortal danger. [...]

How does an artist get inspiration? Field trips are the answer for wildlife artist, J.B. Sullivan. [...]