Tuesday, July 11, 2017

Summer 2017

I hope you are all having a great one. Mines been busier as ever. Trying to get time for artwork has been a challenge. But, maybe in September things will slow down and I can get back to business.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to displaying at Mckinney & Doyle Restaurant in Pawling, NY next month. I will displaying all kinds of genres; landscapes, florals, drawings, etc.
If you are in the area for the months of August and September stop by. By the way, they have great food/drink too.

Well, enjoy the rest of your summer.
Best,

Grace

Friday, January 27, 2017

Hi Ho Hi Ho......

It's 2017, it's off to work we go.  Well, I'm excited starting out the new year with a sale to a cruise ship. First time one of my paintings will be floating around on the seas!

I am ready to roll up my sleeves and get started on some new projects. I feel some things I've been working on last year with my instructor are starting to come together. Drawing which use to feel like work, I actually can say I like and look forward to.  This year, besides from drawings, I hope to extend some into paintings. I just finished, well almost, I am still thinking about one change I may make.
I hope you all find your muse. This is mine and I love it. I wake up every morning with art on my mind, looking forward to creating.
Talk to you soon.
grace

Friday, November 18, 2016

A Season to Celebrate



Drawing has become an enjoyment, a sort of celebration to cherish the time that I have put aside for myself. It is peaceful and fulfilling to accomplish making something out of nothing. 

I have learned to slow down which was hard for me.  In a world where everything is rushed, it wasn't easy to put the brakes on. I still have to keep myself in check to see if I'm getting ahead of myself. I wonder if others have that problem. 

Observation is key when drawing. You have to observe every detail and constantly ask yourself questions. Questions about value/lighting, shape, negative and positive spaces, etc. This is why as I've said you can not be rushed.

So, my celebration is drawing. I now do it regularly and see progress in the outcome and on my discipline.

Monday, July 18, 2016

Drawing, back to basics

Hey my art readers,

I recently picked up another drawing class. So, it's been drawing, drawing for me. It has been challenging, frustrating and fun. 

Part of getting better at a skill is knowing your weakness. Mine is drawing. I know to get to that next level is to improve on my drawing. In order to build a good house, you need a good foundation. Creating a good drawing foundation will provide an artist with the skills to move forward. It will take hard work, many hours of honing in on developing a new skill.

Painting has now taken a back seat for a while. While it has been tough to do because I love painting so much, I've been spending my time drawing, doing my homework. I get to sneak a painting in now and then. But, I know like anything else, you get back what you put in.

Take care.

Tuesday, May 3, 2016

Branching Out

Hello, my dear readers;

Most of us like the security of staying in our comfort zones. But, sometimes, it is necessary to branch out and explore other avenues. If I'm not doing art work, most likely on the internet exploring to see what the art world is up to. I recently found a few things to add on to my art life.

I have joined a drawing group. Something that I've wanted to do for a while. This is going to force me to draw more and gain more skills and sharpen the ones acquired. Keeping the basic foundations of my profession strong, I think, is very important.

Another thing that is new; I have joined a local artist group that are the creators of an annual studio tour. I am hoping to meet fellow artists in my area and getting involved with community art functions.

It is nice to be with folks that have same interests. Art, being one of my top priorities, is not always easy to find others with the same especially living in the country. But, they are around, maybe not in your comfort zone. I have to commute and branch out. I will be better for it, I feel.

Friday, March 25, 2016

Spring into Spring

Hello my dear art readers,
Can't wait for the Spring weather to hit. I want to get out there and do some En Plein Air. This will be new territory for me to explore. I've always said I would someday. Well, why not now. I think it will be exciting, a new experience.
Painting from life, either in the studio or outdoors bridges the gap between what you see as an artist and what you feel. I think it is a way of approaching any subject in a personal and engaging way. It a way to take a vision and translate it into an expressive, poetic painting that elicit an emotional response from your viewer.
I am also getting ready for a Spring Show at Kent Art Association in Kent, CT. I am on the Board and right before a show there are lots of tasks that have to be done beforehand. The current show is underway which will soon lead to the new. I thought this one went well and looking forward to the next.
I've added some new on-line web sites to my repretoire and with that comes much time on the computer. I am now on https://www.artfinder.com/gracediehl  and  http://www.xanadugallery.com/2013/Artists/ArtistPage.php?ArtistID=7472  also,
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_fb_0_11?url=search-alias%3Dgarden&field-keywords=grace+diehl&sprefix=grace+diehl%2Caps%2C170
Yes, I have been busy!
Check them out. I'm excited to be on these.
So, until later my friends,
Grace

Saturday, March 5, 2016

Pricing

Pricing.... Yikes. This is a dreaded topic to so many, including myself. But, at some point, it has to be addressed, especially if your marketing. There are so many articles on this subject. So many thoughts, strategies.

I've had to reprice my paintings lately to reflect commissions. I try to be fair to my buyer and myself. I take a lot into consideration and always am consistent.

I use a chart, actually two. One for current paintings (last several years to present) and one for older works (with some exceptions).

Coming to grips with pricing is a hard thing for artists. You have to weigh in a lot of things. For example; labor, materials, expenses, experience, to mention just a few. It is complicated and time consuming. Finding that right price and method can be an experience. It is a personal one, one that only the artist can do. What might work for one artist, many not work for another. So, my suggestion is to read up on this topic for tips, do all you can and see what happens.

Take care my dear art friends.