If you are going to be in the area, I hope you will come see me. I am in booth 23.
Tag Archives: creative
Art View: I Get Around
I get around. No. Seriously. I do.
This year we are doing about twenty-five shows between April and October from Texas to Michigan and up and down the Mississippi River Valley. Because of all the getting around we do, this year we began a project to video document the artists and people that we meet around us. The videos are far from professional, but like my friends, I prefer to think of them as authentic. The result is that you will get to meet some really wonderful people and fantastic artists that you may not know are out there.
At least that is the hope. You get to decide. Where possible we will include links to their websites, Facebook pages and their other social media.
You can see more about this endeavor on my Vintage Painter Youtube channel.
One of my favorite clients at the 2013 Deep Ellum Art Fair.
Writer, poet, photographer and teacher Charles van Heck.
Lebanon, Missouri
A little help from a friend
Powderhorn Art Fair in Minneapolis
First of all, next year, there is no way we are doing an art show every weekend between April and September. NO WAY! We are exhausted.
I’m sorry we haven’t been able to post much this year. Not even pictures but with only five shows left this season I wanted to make a moment and let you know of one close to home in Minneapolis.
The Powderhorn Art Fair is this weekend. Of the three major art shows in Minneapolis this weekend – Uptown, Loring Park and Powderhorn, I like the cool grassy, tree-lined park overlooking the lake of Powderhorn best.
Especially if it is as hot as they are predicting this weekend.
I will be in Booth 102 overlooking the lake and, hopefully, under a tree. Come see me.
Cheers,
Chrissy
Artists: The Creative Entrepreneurs
“Artists want money so they can make more art; entrepreneurs want money so they can make more money.” – Andrew Horwitz
Receiving my “Best of” Ribbon at Spring Green, WI Art Show. (Summer 2012).
I’m not sure I completely agree with the entire article but it raises some good issues.
Tragically, I do think we live in a culture that believes, “because artists don’t hold the making of money as their highest value, [artists] must therefore be simple and naive.”
Talk about stereotyping!
The truth is, I do everything any other self-employed small business entrepreneur does. I manage my cash-flow, I create a brand, I promote my business and search for the right market that allows me to sell my work for a profit.
And I work hard.
And, like any other good business owner, I reinvest my profits back into my business so that I can continue to grow.
Ford makes and sells cars, Nucor makes and sells steel and I make and sell vintage and Americana themed oil paintings and murals.
I see little difference in our goals, just our Visions.
The brain is amazing
I wonder who became the mover, perceiver, stimulator and adapter?
Not everyone understands the choices I make everyday as a painter and entrepreneur.
In school we would take tests based on the Briggs-Myers tests and find out if we are introverts or extroverts, sensing or intuitive, thinking or feeling and judging or perceiving. Often time it would be as simple as saying, “Well you’re creative so you must be left brained and he is good at math so he is right brained,” or some equally useless classification system.
What I’ve discovered at 40ish is the label doesn’t matter.
Sidebar: Is my age a label?
The bottom line is I do what I do because it is who I am. Which is why I like this article in the WSJ. It isn’t left or right brained but top or bottom brained. Depending on our brain activity we are movers, perceivers, stimulators or adapters?
Based on the book “Top Brain, Bottom Brain: Surprising Insights Into How You Think,” by Dr. Stephen Kosslyn and writer G. Wayne Miller, it talks about their exciting research into how we really see the world. It highlights the new view of the brain and offers insight into our role within our families, teams, organizations and in relation to the world.
We only have one life so why do we spend it in a manner dictated by parents, teachers, ministers, spouses and coaches? All too often we find ourselves in situations with people who would have us be something we are not. Happiness in life is found by conforming to our nature instead of conforming to what other people would have us be. I get along best with the people who understand who I am and compliment who I am intrinsically. I get along best with people who know who they are.
Isn’t our obligation to ourselves and our Vision? Why is choosing our lives selfishness if it is honest about who we are and our proper place in the world?
Maybe it is time to make a move based on who we are and not on who other people would have us be.
Click here to take the test.
Related articles
- Science: A New Map of the Human Brain (online.wsj.com)
- A New Map of How We Think: Top Brain/Bottom Brain (iamstem.ucdavis.edu)
What would you take? An essay on perspective and values.
As an entrepreneur and artist I am always trading off one thing against another to make way for my Vision.
As such, I enjoyed this excellent article on The Art of Manliness website about the Ernest Shackleton expedition to cross Antarctica in 1914.
It was a disaster.
The Endeavor was eventually caught in an ice flow and chewed open by the grinding of the ice against her hull. They were forced to abandon ship and make their way nearly 650 miles across the frozen landscape.
Remember, they did this before Gore-Tex, GPS, cell phones, radios and a host of other modern “conveniences”.
To aid survival Shackleton allowed his crew to take only two pounds of personal belongings on their treacherous journey.
The essay highlights what they kept and what they left behind and then draws some parallels to the modern issues of American life.
I thought it was interesting essay and wanted to share it with you.
To read The Art of Manliness article click here.
Win free art!
That’s right! WIN FREE ART!
Click here to sign up for my mostly monthly newsletter (I’m not that organized) and be entered into a drawing to win one of the 10″ x 12.5″ limited edition and signed canvas prints shown below. Your choice.
New winner every month.
One or two newsletters per month with updates on upcoming events, promotions and new art. Provide your city and state and I will let you know specifically when I will be in your area.
No purchase necessary. Opt out anytime.
Pride of 1926 (10″ x 12.5″) http://goo.gl/Wfy2i1 All canvas prints are in limited editions and are signed by me. Copyright (C) reserved.
Winter Farm Scene (10″ x 12.5″) http://goo.gl/m6uwMZ All canvas prints are in limited editions and are signed by me. Copyright (C) reserved.
Kittens in Black and White (10″ x 12.5″) http://goo.gl/GKtHuN All canvas prints are in limited editions and are signed by me. Copyright (C) reserved.
Tub Full of Sunshine (10″ x 12.5″) http://goo.gl/iPK5iV All canvas prints are in limited editions and are signed by me. Copyright (C) reserved.
Bingo Grain Company (10″ x 12.5″) http://goo.gl/QlwqER All canvas prints are in limited editions and are signed by me. Copyright (C) reserved.
Shawnee Frigidaire (10″ x 12.5″) http://goo.gl/9dlUap All canvas prints are in limited editions and are signed by me. Copyright (C) reserved.
The Sunbath (10″ x 12.5″) http://goo.gl/OjH3Bf All canvas prints are in limited editions and are signed by me. Copyright (C) reserved.
Along for the Ride (10″ x 12.5″) http://goo.gl/hwcmf9 All canvas prints are in limited editions and are signed by me. Copyright (C) reserved.
The Buck Ride (10″ x 12.5″) http://goo.gl/EczwpX All canvas prints are in limited editions and are signed by me. Copyright (C) reserved.
Dog House (10″ x 12.5″) http://goo.gl/O2J1I2 All canvas prints are in limited editions and are signed by me. Copyright (C) reserved.
Three for the Road (10″ x 12.5″) http://goo.gl/vpumQ9 All canvas prints are in limited editions and are signed by me. Copyright (C) reserved.
Vintage Painter Art Auction on eBay
Original: Abby In Spring
In the spirit of spring, I’m trying something new.
This weekend I will be auctioning off one of most popular prints on eBay. I have mixed feelings about this doing this but if I want something different for my life I have to be willing to act differently.
That means not relying so much on juried art shows (travel expenses are huge), galleries (galleries typically keep 30% to 50% of the sale price) or simply commission works. Auctions on my eBay account, promotion of a monthly newsletter, exhibiting at non-art related events and periodic sales are all attempts to act different.
The Beer Can Collection canvas print is 16 inches by 40 inches and is framed in an original, one-of-a-kind, industrial frame made of old ductwork created by a master craftsman friend. I want it to go to a good home.
Click here to go to the auction and learn the details.
The auction ends 3/9/13.
I’m going to experiment with this periodically with originals and canvas prints and see what happens. I’ll keep you posted.
Original: Beer Can Collection
In the frame the dimensions are 24 inches by 48 inches.
Framed Print: Beer Can Collection
Trip to Texas
Deep Ellum Art Festival 2012
Spring is sprung! Almost!
In four short weeks I will be leaving for my first show of the year at the Deep Ellum Art Festival. I can’t believe it has been a year already.
Last year was my first major road trip with my partner and we had an amazing time stopping at Bill’s Garage in Lebanon, MO and seeing hundreds of other wonderful people, places and things.
This year will be even better. I won’t be towing a trailer (because I bought a large cargo van), I have a new high clearance tent and the show promoters at Deep Ellum assigned me an end booth on a high traffic corner! It’s going to be a good time.
Plus I have new work. Check out some of the images below.
My partner can’t wait. He went and bought a CB radio just for this so we can chat with the truckers on our 20 hour drive.
Painting: Bill’s Garage
This year I will be in Texas for two shows back-to-back.
Obviously, April 5, 6 and 7 at the Deep Ellum Art Festival. If you will be there come see us, I’ll be in booth 127. The following weekend I will be at the San Antonio Fine Arts Festival. I will let you know exactly as soon as I get my booth number.
Either way I hope you will come see me.
We will be making a detour to Houston and Austin between shows for my partner’s business. He has to still work. If you are going to be in the area please let me know. We would love to have lunch or dinner.
We are always interested in meeting new people and lovers of art.
Happy Trails!
My new van.
Here are some samples of the new work I will be bringing with me.
Framed Print: Bill’s Garage
Framed Original: Brains and Donuts
Original: Jim’s Music
Original: Piddle
Thank You
Wausau Art Fair 2013
Last year I made the decision to do a few things differently with my business.
The result?
2012 was the BEST year I’ve ever had as an artist and 2013 is already better than last.I owe it to all of you.
I am so excited about this year I have the tingles…or maybe I have to pee.
Maybe both…
Anyway, as the show season is quickly approaching I have to make room in my van and booth for new work. As such I am having a one time clearance sale through my website. You can save up to 35% on selected original paintings. I will even pay the shipping if you are in the continental United States.
You can even make payments and I will put it into layaway for you until you are ready.
Also, in the spirit of trying something new, I am also auctioning off one of the most popular framed prints through eBay. You can make a bid on a custom framed print of my vintage Beer Can Collection. Hopefully it will go to a good home.
Framed Print: Beer Can Collection
Thank you again for everything.
Happy Trails!
- My new van.
New Work
Original: Piddle
Original: Jim’s Music
Framed Original: Brains and Donuts
A close view of Pididdle,
A close up of Jim’s Music.
The Vintage Painter 