Pets and more - Commissions make great gifts!

I did a couple commissions for the holidays!  Always a pleasure to work with clients and create the best artwork I can for them.  I love doing pet portraits.  Above is Iggy, a Hemmingway cat, - check out the many toes!  Iggy is in a pensive mood and I tried to capture his mood and personality in this piece!

Here we have Harley - his eyes are very expressive!  I can do other animals as well, not just cats.  I would love the opportunity to do a doggie too!

Commissions are always a bit stressful, but it is all worth it when the client is happy with the finished product!

This portrait was done for a newlywed couple.  This photo was one taken for their engagement portfolio.  The groom commissioned me to paint this piece for his bride for Christmas.  I have since heard that the bride loved it!  I was really happy with all of these pieces too.

Commissions are always challenging and I learn so much doing them.  Gravel was a challenge in this one - had to stretch my creativity for how to paint it without painting every little stone. 

Each of these pics is done in acrylic, but I also do watercolors.  Feel free to contact me for any commission requests - I will be glad to work with you.   Email me at lmrspdr@dreamscape.com and I will send you all the details!

My art at the 2011 Emmy Awards with Joe Mantegna

I have to admit that I do love TV,  movies and some folks that star in them.  Because of this,  I occasionally participate in the GBK gift lounge at various award shows.  I create products to go in the swag bags that every celeb that stops by the table receives and also a table display item that may be photographed with a celebrity!  I do this via The Indie Exhibit.  The wonderful people there make sure that my products get in the hands of celebrities.   Their tag line is 'Elevate your Brand'.  It is good promotion and lots of fun!

For the 2011 Emmy Awards, I created a special double sided print just for the Emmy's.  Here are both sides.  I signed and numbered each print and included a certificate of authenticity.

Now, this is the icing one the cake!  Here is Joe Mantegna most recently from Criminal Minds holding the canvas print I used as my display piece.  I was told that he just loved it and couldn't stop looking at it!

This is the Indie Exhibit table in the GBK gift lounge.  You can see my Pont Vecchio canvas print on the right of the 2nd tier.  Nice looking display!!!  Celebs are starting to look for our table at events because it is different every time and they love handmade!

You can get prints of all these paintings on Fine Art America~

Next up is the 2012 Golden Globe awards - then I really must take a break - it is a lot of work preparing 95 swag bag items and a display piece.  Also a bit pricey :)  Thanks for sharing my experience.  I have seen my views and sales increase because of my participation - that is what it is all about!

A morning of inspiration from Hopper, Lichtenstein and Winslow Homer!

This morning I spent time with the masters!  I was lucky to find the Dayton Art Institute museum while in that fair city!  What a gem!  Their own collection (what small portion on display at this time) was amazing.  I am a big fan of 20th century art and they had a nice collection of American artists for me to enjoy.  In the pic below, the Indian in the distance is an Andy Warhol.  Say what you may about him, but he was innovative!  This gallery was primarily contemporary abstract art.  I love seeing pieces like these for the first time. 

This next piece is a Lichtenstein.  I have always enjoyed his bright colors and hard edged style.  I know you are supposed to look at art from a distance to really enjoy it, but I always have to examine 'how did they do that' up close and personal.  The best part was that I pretty much had he place to myself.  Probably because they were preparing for their Oktoberfest this weekend and there was no parking!

The piece below is by Edward Hopper, another artist I really admire.  I love his use of light in his pieces.   I get my love of light from him though we are miles apart in style.  Check out this site for more info on Hopper Artsy's Hopper Page.

 They had a wonderful special exhibit of Winslow Homer etchings.  Homer became a wonderful watercolorist later in his life, but he began as an professional illustrator for Harpers weekly and other publications.    His knowledge of graphic design allowed his drawings to be easily adapted to wooden etchings for printmaking.  This entire exhibit was lent to the museum by a single doner.  I was lucky enough to have her there this morning talking about her collection.  She was very proud of the pieces and had something to add to each one.

It was a great morning and I loved that I was there alone to be able to take my time.  Museum gift shops always have the neatest stuff too!  Thanks for sharing a little piece of what I saw today.  BTW - it was OK to take photos of their collection w/o a flash.   I was surprised about that - luckily I had my trusty blackberry!

We have a winner of the 50 custom Brochures!!

True Random Number Generator


Min: 1
Max: 10
Result: 5
Powered by RANDOM.ORG


We have a winner of the 50 custom Brochures! Congratulations to Kalik Hamilton! Thanks so much for particiapting Kalik!!

Random.org picked #5 as the winning comment number. I will pass Kalik's info on to Uprinting and he can create and upload his design for his personalized Brochures!

Thanks to everyone that entered! Special thanks to Uprinting and Giveaway Blogs for providing the prize~!
Keep watch for more great giveaways!

New Giveaway! 50 Free Custom Brochures!

I am offering another great Giveaway sponsored by Giveaway blogs and Uprinting!

This time we have 50 high quality custom Brochures. You design the brochures yourself!  Brochure templates are available to assist you with the design process. 

These print brochures are so versatile! You can create promo handouts, portfolios, cards, etc.. with your own images and text.

Giveaway Prize:

50 pcs Brochure printing for One (1) Winner

8.5" x 11"

100lb Paper Gloss

With Folding (Half Fold, Trifold/Letterfold, Z-Fold, Roll Fold, Accordion Fold),

Outside and Inside Printing

2 Business Days Turnaround

*Free shipping

Restriction: Limited to *US residents 18 years old and above only

I am really excited about this one! This giveaway is sponsored by UPrinting and I will receive brochure printing services for hosting. Visit UPrinting.com for more information about brochures and available brochure templates.

Contest ends 11:59pm on Thursday September 8th! You have multiple ways to win! All you have to do to enter is leave a comment on this post that includes your full name and email address or a way for me to have access to that info. Your address will not be used for anything other than allowing Uprinting to contact you if you win the prize. If you have any neat ideas on how to use the brochures, please include that too!

You can also blog about this giveaway, linking back here to this post. Leave another comment that you did  to get another entry. Tweet about the giveaway and leave a seperate comment that you did that too!

If you are the lucky winner I will pass your info on to Uprinting and they will contact you directly.

Thanks again to Uprinting.com and Giveaway Blogs for providing the prize~!

Giveaway Blogs

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Like on Facebook

GOOD LUCK!

The Healing Power of Art

'Sunflowers and Light'  Prints available at

http://fineartamerica.com/featured/sunflowers-and-light-lynne-reichhart.html

I have seen some references lately on the use of art as a healing tool, both by creating and also by owning and enjoying.  Imagery has been used to help cancer patients relieve stress which can boost their immune system to help them fight the disease. 

 We all know that color can produce certain responses, so artwork also has the power to soothe,  comfort, heal or even agitate.  I know that I surround myself with art in my home that makes me feel good when I see it.  Besides my own, I also collect other artist's work as well.  I love each and every piece for different reasons.  Some because the artist inspires me to improve in my own work, others because they remind me of places I have been and bring back good memories and still others because they depict something I love or I just enjoy the image!   I had a booth at an art fair recently and a woman picked up a print of a pig I had done for a child's room and she just had to have it.  She said it made her smile - a great compliment indeed! 

Art is also a great conversation starter, often leading to healthy debates!  Art can create strong emotions in the viewer. This can lead to relationships you never expected or just a better understanding of the art itself. 

I truly believe that art can have positive influence on our lives in so many ways.  I know that creating my art is a great outlet for me.  I must admit that no painting is easy and that there is frustration involved in each and every piece I do, but the satisfaction at the end makes it all worth while!

'Reflecting Panes'  Buy prints at

http://fineartamerica.com/featured/reflecting-panes-lynne-reichhart.html

Thanks for reading my latest ramblings!  I am going to try my darnedest to get on a schedule to update my blog weekly.  Life sure has a way of getting in the way of the best laid plans.

Feel free to comment with how art  makes a difference in your life!

My time at 'Girls Night Out'.

This was the first ever 'Girls Night Out'  event at the Rome Art and Community Center.  I was sceptical about a vendor opportunity that charged the patrons to shop, but it was a huge success!  We had smaller  spaces than I anticipated and I brought way too much stuff!  But I did manage to squeeze it all in.  As you can see below, my chair was not easy to get to.  Once I got in I didn't leave very often.  Good thing my friend Diane was in the next booth.  She brought me food and drink from the wonderful array of gourmet appetizers and desserts!

I wanted to take more pix, but again I was trapped in my booth :0!  My pendants were popular, both hand painted and glass tile pendants with teenie prints of my work.  I also sold several prints, cards, magnets and even an original or two!!!  All in all it was a lucritive venture and I would do it agian.    It probably didn't hurt that the patrons were drinking heavily ;)  We did luck out being in the room with the chocolate fountain too - very popular!

We had a nice group of neightbors and had lots of fun!  Here is my friend Diane with her booth - she had the right idea and brought less stuff!  The theme was the Caribbean and you can see that Diane wore her tropical shirt in keeping witht he theme. 

Things I learned doing this kind of show:

Play to your space - I wouldn't bring the grids next time - smaller items are the key to this sale.

PC also not necessary - I brought the PC in case someone wanted to use Paypal to pay.

Not sure if I need to take credit cards or not.  No problem this time though.

Chocolate fountains and selling don't mix.  Gooey hands and face kind of embarassing

Explain your work to the customers - this really boosted sales.  Engage the folks

Art featuring local images is popular and helps open a dialogue.

Risers are your friend!  The display looked much better when everything wasn't at the same level.

Have lots of change in all denominations - we won't have to get cash again for a long time :)

Most everyone wanted a bag so have bags in several sizes and be sure to slip in a business card with their purchase.

Just a few observations.  Maybe they will help with your next art fair!

Thanks for Reading!

Art for all your sewing needs!

I may just have to take up sewing :)  I have recently licensed my artwork to Kat's Magical patches.  Kat's Magical Patches Fabric Shoppe is a new and up and coming fabric block company that specializes in fun, funky and creative printed fabric blocks. They offer a huge variety of blocks from world renowned artists.

I am now licensed for Fabric blocks, iron on patches and collectible canvas prints!

Above is an example of the gorgeous fabric blocks  you can get.  5x7 shown! 

Printed with top quality inkDouble treated with a special solution to help extend the life of the inkDouble Heat Set100% Cotton printed fabricReady...     Perfect for a pillow, quilt, purse or whatever sewing project you come up with!

 

 

This is a 4" tall  iron on patch .  This pink cutie is perfect for any age!  Printed with top quality ink

Ready to iron on when you receive it!  No special treatment is needed before you start your project.  For best results pre shrink the item you are putting the transfer on.  Great for hats, coats, canvas bags - use your imagination!

 Great ACEO size prints on canvas - great for collecting, trading, framing or displaying as you wish!

A collectible piece of art and one of my most popular paintings!

About the canvas collectibles:

•Printed with Archival Inks

•Real Canvas Fabric

•Sealed with artist sealant

•Comes in its own plastic sleeve

•Signed on the back by the artist

I may need to get someone that sews to use one of the blocks!  Sewing has never been my fav thing to do.  I may be coerced to mend a rip or a hem here and there, but that is it!  I would love to see one of these used in a project!

My new painting is done! Hot off the easel!

I finally finished this painting.  I am calling it 'My Favorite Spot'.  It was a challenge in many ways.  The foliage was very intricate and really a big part of the painting so I was more detailed than usual.  The chair is the main event though along with the shadows and light on the deck and railing.

As I mentioned in previous posts - this is at my camp in northern NY.  We added this new deck on the side of the cabin and it is so private tucked in among the trees.  I love to take a beverage and a book out there to relax.  If  you missed my previous posts then, by all means scroll down to see this piece in various stages of completion.   If you are a painter then you know that there are some points in the paining process that are just down right ugly!  You have to persevere past that stage to get to the good stuff!

WIP - Work in progess - Making strides!

OK, maybe not strides, but baby steps :)
Here, I have worked on the railing.  Getting the lights and darks was a challenge.  I will still make some adjustments, I suspect, after I get the background done to make sure that the railing pops forward.  I really do enjoy painting light and shadow and this image offers lots of both!

I have begun the dreaded foliage ;)  The photo washed out the background a bit, but you get the idea.  I got  quite a bit done this morning so I am now actually looking forward to doing more trees (on this one anyway).  I am hoping to have this pretty much done before I go to class next week.    I think I will name this 'My Favorite Spot'  because I love to sit and read here when I am at camp.  I have a view of the water here and can see my hummingbird feeder which I love to watch.  Camping season can come anytime!!!

Thanks for looking - I will be back with the final installment soon, I hope!

New Painting Work in Progress - View at Camp.

I am finally on to a new piece.  I must admit that I am not a marathon painter - a couple hours at a time is typically my limit.  That being said, we shall see how long this one takes me.  Also, since my style tends towards realism details are important and take me time to render. 

 This new piece a view from the new side deck on our log cabin camp.  I love sitting on the new deck surrounded by trees in the peace and quiet.  I hope I can do it justice.

Above, I am just getting some paint on starting with the largest, darkest area first.  Then I proceeded to the deck which is a tricky color.  I may still need to darken the values in the shadows, but want to get some more color on first.  This is the point where it is really ugly, but come back, I promise it will get better!

In my next session, I worked on the chair and I really like how it turned out.  I am so procrastinating on doing the foliage.  Trees have never been my favorite so I need to push myself to work on that.  I really prefer to work a section to completion, but learned that it is better to get some values established first.  As you can see I completed the chair anyway - it kills me to leave stuff unfinished :) 

I will be back with more progress the beginning of the week.  I am psyched to work on this one now that I have it to this point.

New painting - Sunflowers and light, acrylic on paper

First, I want to say that I just took this pic quick with my camera so the colors aren't exactly right.  The flowers are much more vibrant with glowing oranges and yellows.  I still have to get it scanned for a more accurate photo.

I have been working on this one for awhile.  Between the holidays, snow removal and life in general - it took me a long time.  Now it is complete!    I must confess I redid the shadows on the table a couple times.  The first attempt I used the acrylic paint as opaque.  Just did not get the effect that I was looking for.  Then I gessoed it out and tried it watering the paint down for a more watercolor transparent look - much better.  It doesn't really show in the photo, but it really does glow with light! 

Surprisingly the glass didn't give me grief at all.  I just turned the painting and reference upside down and painted the shapes!  It turned out pretty well!

Thanks so much for looking!  Once I get it scanned I will be offering prints on Fine Art America!

We have a winner for the custom printed flyers! Congratulations, Lauren!

True Random Number Generator
Min: 1
Max: 8
Result: 2

Powered by RANDOM.ORG

We have a winner of the 50 custom flyers! Congratulations to Lauren from OriginalsbyLauren ! Visit her Etsy shop for handmade aprons, lunch bags, potholders and so much more.

Random.org picked #2 as the winning comment number. I will pass Lauren's info on to Uprinting and she can create and upload her design for her personalized flyers!

Thanks to everyone that entered! Special thanks to Uprinting and Giveaway Blogs for providing the prize~!

Keep watch for more great giveaways!

Time for a custom advertising flyer (50) Giveaway! Your design~

I am offering another great Giveaway sponsored by Giveaway blogs and Uprinting!
This time we have 50 high quality custom flyers.  Uprinting.com provides quality cheap flyer printing every day along with other online printing services.!

These are so versatile! Since they are 8.5" x 11" you can create invitations, promo handouts, mailable cards with your own images and so much more!

Giveaway Prize:

50 Flyers for One (1) Winner
8.5" x 11"
100lb Paper Gloss; No Folding; Front and Back Printing on a 2 Business Days Turnaround
Restriction: Limited to US residents 18 years old and above only.

I am really excited about this one! I even get a set for hosting the giveaway!


Contest ends 11:59pm on Tuesday February 1st!   You have multiple ways to win! All you have to do to enter is leave a comment on this post that includes your full name and email address or a way for me to have access to that info. Your address will not be used for anything other than allowing Uprinting to contact you if you win the prize. If you have any neat ideas on how to use the flyers, please include that too!

You can also blog about this giveaway, linking back here to this post.  Leave another comment that you did so to get another entry.   Tweet about the giveaway and leave a seperate comment that you did that too!

If you are the lucky winner I will pass your info on to Uprinting and they will contact you directly.

Thanks again to Uprinting.com and Giveaway Blogs for providing the prize~!

Giveaway Blogs
http://www.giveawayblogs.com/
http://www.twitter.com/Giveaway_Blogs
GOOD LUCK!

It's a wrap! My Artwork and the Golden Globes!

Those celebrites know how to get free stuff!  My artwork is now in the hands of Lorraine Bracco, Dennis Quaid, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Martin Short and many more!!!  Everyone that stopped by the IndiExhibit table in the Golden Globe gift lounge received a signed and numbered limited edition copy of my Vancouver BC painting.

We were a part of the record breaking GBK luxery gift lounge: the 'fun spot'  to be!  You can read an article about it that includes a mention of our Indie group!

I debated what to display on the table that would catch the celeb's eye.  I chose a framed print of my fuchsia painting and it did catch their eye enough to pick it up for a closer look!


 Lorraine Bracco, known for her roles as Karen Hill in "Goodfellas" and Dr. Jennifer Melfi on the HBO television series, "The Sopranos"  seemed excited about my piece :)

Kimberley Locke, who gained fame with her participation in the 2003 "American Idol" television series, and in 2007 garnered media attention for her participation in Celebrity Fit Club  looks pretty good with my painting!

Anisha Nagarajan, best known for her role as Madhuri, a shy call center employee in the NBC series, "Outsourced"  took a liking to it as well!

I just like Dennis Quaid - here he is standing in front of our table!  You can see my painting in the lower right corner.  Check out the pile of bags in the background!

I thought this was the cutest photo!  You can see Rico Rodriquez, best known for his role as Manny on the show "Modern Family" (nominated for a Golden Globe for Best TV Series - Comedy or Musical) holding our bag! 

Our reps said that our bags were a big hit!  People even started seeking us out and asking if there were any leftovers!  Very Cool!  Celebs were very impressed with our work as were many execs!

All in all it was a lot of fun and I am so glad I took part.  I also participated in the Sundance film festival and will get a write up posted on that up soon!

To purchase prints of my 'famous' artwork visit:  Fine Art America!  You can find all my info at http://www.artbylmr.com/

For more info on how to particpate visit The IndiExhibit!

We have a winner of my art calendar giveaway!

True Random Number Generator
Min:  1

Max:  30

Result: 16

Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Random.org chose number 16 as the lucky winner.  Congrautlations IrelandBrady aka Karen Anne Brady!!   I will be getting your calendar to you soon after I get your address!

Thanks to everyone that entered.  I hope to do more giveaways of some cool stuff this year.  Please check back for more freebies!

New Year, New Plan - where do I go from here?

Well, I have done the obligatory house cleaning and taken many bags to charity.  I even reorged my studio space a bit so that I have more surface space (that won't last long ).  Now what to do about my online presence.  I can spend many hours on-line promoting, updating shops, socializing and never get any painting or creating done.  Where do I go from here?

I am the kind of person that always wants to try something new. I have unopened scratchboard supplies, glass painting paint, books on How to Draw Dragons.....  I am the proverbial Jack of all trades, master of none.  If I hear about a new site that may drum up business - I want to join and set up shop.  There must be a better way!  I know I can't do it all, but I sure as hell want to try :)

Whew I needed a little chocolate before I go on.

I have thought a bit about what I want to accomplish in 2011, so in no particular order here goes:

1. Work on Zazzle shop to add more designs and create all the newly added products by March.
2. Create items for craft shows featuring my art on a weekly basis - pendants, trinket boxes, mirrors...
3. Participate in at least 3 group shows and one solo show in 2011.
4. Find a local printer that can print cards of my work in the 1st quarter.
5. Learn how to engage people better on Twitter rather than just talk at them - ongoing.
6. Get a better handle on how to use my Facebook business page - ongoing.
7. Create a daily schedule segmenting my time so I do more art!  ASAP!
8. Close sites that are not profitable and set up new ventures that hopefully are by year end.
9. Become more active in the Rome Art Association by volunteering at events.

I'm sure there are more and many of these need to be broken down further, but the overall goal is to streamline my on-line presence and do more art! 

I would love to hear any comment or suggestions - PLEASE!

Do you have any goals  for the new year?

Don't forget to enter my calendar giveaway in the previous post!

The First Giveaway of 2011! Fine Art Calendar.

Happy New Year~! How about a giveaway!  Let's start the new year off right.  I am giving away my very own
 fine art calendar.

 

Enjoy a new work of art every month.  This is a professionally printed calendar from my Zazzle shop.

 

Here is a preview of the artwork you will see in the calendar (the blue border is not on the calendar).

 

Calendar cover

 

May

 

March

 

You can preview the entire calendar in my Zazzle shop!

 

It is so easy to enter.  You can have up to 5 entries - each needs to be a separate comment :)

 

• 1.  Just comment and say hello!
• 2.  Follow this blog and leave a comment that you did so (or that you already follow).
• 3.  Tweet this giveaway and leave a comment that you did so - Thanks!
• 4.  For another entry, just 'like' my Facebook fan page and leave a comment that you did so or that you already do.
• 5.   Check out my Etsy shop and tell me your favorite item in yet another comment!

 

Contest ends at 11:59:59 1/17/11 so you have 2 weeks to get those comment in!  Thanks for entering!