What would you do with a wooden fish?

Hi my friends!

Yes, it's been a very long time since I have published a blog post.  My brain was trying to wrap itself around the need to be out there with my art and the need to keep some of it hidden away to keep it safe.

I have been doing a lot of painting for the Art Licensing business and I've been keeping much of that art under wraps a bit.

One November day, I decided to put all of that aside and paint for pure joy.  For me.  In acrylic.  On wood.

Next thing I know, I am out in my work shop (here at Signs by Beth) cutting fish out of wood.  My Jig saw was so comfortable in my hand!  I was having a ball. 

Loving my Jig Saw

Well, the first 4 fish I finished sold within 4 hours after taking them to the gallery (Our Favorite Place) and posting them on Facebook.  So I started painting more fish.

You can probably guess where this is going.  No more fish sold.  Christmas is over.  I now have a lovely box of fish.

I have been getting creative, when I have time.  Here's one that I painted the back side with my 2015 "Intention" word.  It's hanging in the sign shop.

If you want to share any ideas, like Betty at Our Favorite Place, who suggested a mobile with little fish dangling below, I would welcome your ideas.  I have thought of putting hooks at the bottom for keys or pegs for hanging stuff.

Let's have some fun with this.  I'll share more photos, too.  If you are a blog subscriber and I make something with your idea and it sells, I'll send a free surprise gift.

Thanks for reading my blog!

-Beth

Be Your Original Self

“You never know when a moment and a few sincere words can have an impact on a life.”
–Zig Ziglar



Red Tulips
4″ x 6″ Watercolor & Gouache

My new adventure into Art Licensing has been a real eye opener.  I am learning that much of the art we put out there is being stolen and others are claiming it as their own.  My bubble has officially been burst.  I was always taught that art created by another is not to be copied or stolen.

I am a part of a LinkedIn group called CopyRights – Artist’s Rights.  Together, we are blogging today about examples of how you can be inspired by someone’s work without copying it.   I do have to admit that I am a self taught artist and I have learned so much from watching all of the talented people around me.  The example I am showing you today is part of my learning process.  It has not and never will be for sale, but I want to show you the way I interpreted it in my own way.

I love the original pastel art by Susan Dunker that I found while looking into fauvism.    I had a lovely tulip photo from Marionh from WetCanvas’ Reference Image Library.   The photo is royalty free for use by artists to paint from.  Keep in mind – You cannot sell the photo, but you may sell a painting that uses the photo as reference material.   Also, no copyrighted photos may be uploaded to the Reference Image Library.

Here is my little example.


I mainly played with the color.  I would not feel comfortable selling it as my own.  I am going to show you what I am more likely to do in the next examples.

Both of these were painted from photos by my friend Dewi.  I would have no problem selling either of these paintings as my own.


I hope this clears up some common misconceptions about what is not okay.  I will be updating this post with links to other artists who are participating in our “Be Inspired” blog hop today.  

Here are the links so far:

http://joannezsharpe.blogspot.com/2011/03/find-your-beautiful-voice.htmlhttp://sharynsowellartblog.blogspot.com/2011/03/be-inspired.htmlhttp://embellishmentskids.blogspot.com/2011/03/be-inspired-blog-hop-aaron-christensens.htmlhttp://chrischunart.blogspot.com/2011/03/be-inspired-blog-hop.htmlhttp://www.vickieleastudios.com/art-licensing/so-what-inspires-you-a-discussion-about-originals/http://monicaleestudios.com/blog/http://www.brendapinnick.com/2011/03/02/be-inspired/http://itsmollysmith.blogspot.com/2011/03/be-inspired-designer-blog-hop.htmlhttp://www.droozdoodles.com/2011/03/be-inspired-blog-hop.htmlhttp://phyllisdobbs.info/2011/03/02/creative-inspiration/http://www.jgoode.com/its-about-inspiration-not-duplication/

Hilary Hinton “Zig” Ziglar (born 6 November 1926) is an American author, salesperson, and motivational speaker. He has published over 48 works, including the 2007 book titled God’s Way Is Still the Best Way.^[1]