Have you every wondered how artists choose titles for their art? Or why they choose to show their art without titles? In this article I share insightful comments and suggestions from several artists about this topic. You may never look at an artist's work and title in the same way ever again. As an artist you may also consider taking this subject more seriously. While … [Read more...]
Challenges and Rewards of Teaching Art to People With Special Needs
If you’ve ever considered teaching art to individuals with special needs but didn’t know what it takes, it’s helpful to have first hand knowledge from experienced teachers. For this article I approached Steve Barr, Founder of Drawn to Help, Elise Beattie, artist and volunteer teacher, and Purvi Shah, Founder of Kids & Art Foundation, to share some of the important … [Read more...]
Lessons Learned from A Commissioned Painting
One of my favorite plants is a Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum), shown above. I can see why it is given as a gift to those who have lost their loved ones because its gentle arched foliage evoke feelings of comfort and tranquility. Recently, my Peace Lily decided to give me several beautiful white blossoms. As I was dusting off its leaves I was instantly reminded of an experience I … [Read more...]
Positive Changes for Women Artists
Although we're a long way off from achieving equality, this article focuses on some positive changes for women artists. This article was published in 2018 with a few more recent additions. Wikipedia Expands its Women Artists The Museum of Modern Art, NYC, NY, held the fifth annual Art+Feminism Wikipedia Edit-a-thon on March 3, 2018. It was an all-day communal updating … [Read more...]
How Artists Change Children’s Lives
When Nelson Mandella stated, “There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children” his words rang the call for raising consciousness and taking action. Unfortunately, throughout the world many children are neglected and abused or are having to deal with emotional or physical illness. Thankfully, many creative individuals come to … [Read more...]
A Single Art Sale Holds Tremendous Potential: What to Do After The Sale
A single sale holds tremendous potential and power to the success of your art career. When you make an art sale, the value of your art is contingent on your ability to continue “the conversation” between you as the artist and that buyer. I recommend that you treat every person who buys your art as a valued collector from the time they make their first purchase. Consider … [Read more...]
When Artists Should Play it Safe
When you’re in the studio I encourage you to stretch yourself outside your comfort zone as far as you want to go. Take creative risks that are challenging and expanding. However, when it comes to matters about your physical and emotional health, career security and financial protection, I urge you to be diligent and exercise precaution. In this article I share some of the many … [Read more...]
Ceres Gallery Presents #DontShutUp
In honor of Women's HerStory Month, I'll be devoting articles about the topic to raise awareness about how artists and nonprofits are changing the playing field and fostering equality among all artists. Today, I'm sharing news about the "Ceres Gallery Presents #DontShutUp" panel discussion. This vitally important gallery is one of the many excellent resources for women … [Read more...]
Interview with Ober-Rae Starr Livingstone Board Member of NOAPS
Ober-Rae Starr Livingstone: Award-Winning Artist Ober-Rae Starr Livingstone (ober-rae.com) is an accomplished artist who has been painting for over 40 years. His work can be found in private and corporate collections around the world and has been featured in art magazines. He has won top awards for his paintings including those from Manhattan Arts International which I had … [Read more...]
5 Powerful Principles Used By Financially Successful Artists
Have you ever wondered why some artists are financially more successful than others? Chances are they know that taking care of business requires an awareness and effort beyond the walls of their art studios. They don’t ask what’s easy; instead, they search for what’s better. Here are 5 powerful principles used by financially successful artists. A financial goal that … [Read more...]
New Renee Phillips YouTube Channel
(Published in 2017) As a huge fan of YouTube for several years, I have come to appreciate it as a powerful source of knowledge and inspiration. One of my goals has been to create my own new YouTube channel. Well, I finally accomplished this goal! You can now visit the Renee Phillips YouTube channel. Now, through this YouTube channel, I am able to reach a wider audience of … [Read more...]
Not All “Calls for Artists” Are Equal
You're probably familiar with the “Calls for Artists” that offer juried exhibitions. There are many excellent, trustworthy people and programs available that offer the best opportunities to exhibit and sell your art and gain recognition. They are worthy of your attention, especially if you're seeking ways to build a resume and exposure. However, you should know that not all … [Read more...]
How to Get Started With Your New Art Website
As as a curator for online exhibitions at Manhattan Arts International and The Healing Power of ART & ARTISTS we require that artists have their own websites. Why? Because like most art professionals I believe every artist who wants to be taken seriously needs one. Prospective art buyers expect artists to have a platform where they can view more of their art and read … [Read more...]
My Wake Up Call to Reality as an Artist
Early in my art career, I was very naive, and assumed all I had to do was create art and I would be discovered. I would say, “I don’t want to handle anything that has to do with business; after all, I'm an artist!" With this mindset I was unable to support myself from the sale of my paintings and I refused to accept business advice. I had no plan in mind for success. … [Read more...]
12 Ways to Nurture Your Inner Artist
If you're a sensitive, creative person who is good at fulfilling other people’s needs and forget to pay attention to your own, in time you may become less creative and lose confidence and motivation. You must find the time to take care of your personal needs and heal yourself. Here are 12 ways to nurture your inner artist. Choose a comfortable chair, light a candle, … [Read more...]
10 Steps for Artists to Warm Up “Cold Calls”
The term "Cold Calls" came into being when we used only telephone calls to connect with people. Now, we have more ways to connect. If you're like most of my clients you get cold feet when having to make "Cold Calls" to connect with influential people such as prospective customers, gallery owners, curators, art consultants, and arts writers. I wrote this article provides the … [Read more...]