A popular 1970's book, Jonathan Livingston Seagull, by Richard Bach, told a short story about a extraordinary seagull who broke away from the crowd by soaring higher and diving faster than all the other seagulls. While in Acadia Nation Park this month, I think I must have happened upon Jonathan L. Seagull's great grandchild. As I observed this Acadian gull, day after day, it occurred to me that this bird is truly a marketing genius. [...]

Your artwork has a unique ability to communicate and speak to others. But there are times when you need to discuss your art. Remember, conversations are so important when connecting with your collectors. You cannot rely on your art to do all of the communicating. You must learn to use the written and spoken word. For some, this gift comes naturally. For others it is easier said than done. [...]

Step out of your comfort zone. Step out of that box that is holding you in. Jump in front of that train! Your artwork may fail. But it may succeed. Either way, though, you will have learned something and will be a better artist for it. I challenge you to try it – no, I dare you to try it! I once read something from a very accomplished and successful artist who "dared himself" to do a painting. Who can turn down a dare - especially a double-dog-dare?! (Editor's Note: We may create a slight breach of etiquette here, but we suggest perhaps you consider challenging yourself with the sinister Triple-Dog-Dare). [...]

The winners of the May FineArtViews Painting Competition have been posted!

Judge Jim Wodark certainly had his work cut out for him - with over 500 excellent paintings to choose from in the May FineArtViews Painting Competition, he had to somehow narrow it down to the 11 winners - we certainly didn't envy the task. [...]

The Secret to Success is to Own a Primary Focus

The fact remains that we artists only have so much time in a day or week or year. Focus and excellence in one activity leads to success – I know that all too well, and yet I am so flattered by new opportunities. Additionally, I need to consider how I'll make a living at whatever I choose to do as my primary work. [...]

I sometimes wonder: What would great master artists of old have thought of today’s technology and how it’s impacted the craft that we share along with them; How would this technology have affected them and their ability to market the great masterpieces that they created, and connect with like-minded artists of their day; and would more secondary artists have advanced further in their skill if they’d had had opportunity to chat with the likes of Michael Angelo via facebook? [...]

The caveat: your business is perfect in its ability to bring you the success that you now enjoy. For some of you this may be a compliment. If you are happy with where you are, continue to do those things. They are working. You have perfect success. For those of you who are not satisfied with your current level of success and wish to see your career grow, this is a wake-up call. I include myself among you. I too wish to attain a higher level of success. [...]

If we artists remember that we’re in a partnership with our galleries, and if that partnership is built upon mutual trust, there’s no good reason why gallery owners should avoid giving us the names and contact information of those who collect our work. [...]

So, a friend of mine finds a strange looking egg while taking one of his daily walks not long ago. After viewing the egg down at his feet - and wondering how it escaped it's nest and landed right in the middle of the trail he frequented - he came to the conclusion that it was an abandoned duck egg; and of course being the animal lover that he is, decided to make an attempt at hatching the egg by placing it in a nest located in one of the many chicken coops that sit on his vast property. [...]

Have you ever had those days where you just can't seem to find the creative urge? I have. Some days I look through my stacks of plein air studies and photos trying to find that spark of inspiration. Often I will waste countless hours. Over the years I have found things that have helped me find my absent muse. For me, the most effective is to go outside and paint on location. But this is not always possible or practical. [...]