Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Today's Paintings 4.28.09


American Basin (Commission)
Original 36" x 48" painting
Golden, Liquitex, and Chroma acrylics




Oriental Blossoms VII
Original 60" x 40" x 0.75" painting
Two 30" x 40" canvases
Golden, Liquitex, and Chroma acrylics on gallery-wrapped canvas




First Dibs (After You)
Original 30" x 40" x 0.75" painting
Golden, Liquitex, and Chroma acrylics on gallery-wrapped canvas




Oriental Blossoms VIII
Original 30" x 40" x 0.75" painting
Golden, Liquitex, and Chroma acrylics on gallery-wrapped canvas

Today was especially productive! I finished up two paintings--the American Basin commission, and Oriental Blossoms VII. I also had enough time and energy to paint another in each of the Oriental Blossoms and First Dibs series.

My patron in New York approved American Basin, so I'll be stretching and varnishing it tomorrow, and getting it shipped on Thursday. I'm excited to see what comes next from him. He has two galleries in the NYC area, and rents some of my paintings to businesses for their decor. I'm excited and grateful for the exposure in New York!

Tip of the Day
Shipping costs are an area where you have limited control. Within the continental US almost all online shoppers expect free shipping now--whether you're buying books, a pair of boots, or art. The major shippers are about on par with each other for rates. You can get discounts off of their standard rates by opening on account on their web sites and generating your shipping labels from there. Buyers like having a tracking number so they can check the progress of their shipment.

Depending on what you're shipping (how big and how heavy), you may be facing balloon rates going through USPS for oversized packages (84" length plus girth is the cutoff for their standard rates on Priority Mail). However, for smaller items, Priority Mail or Priority Mail Flat Rate is the way to go. USPS also provides you with free boxes, and you can print your shipping labels with postage from either the USPS web site (after you create an account), or via PayPal, and just drop them off at the post office or have your postal carrier pick them up. No waiting in line!

Quote of the Day
"Most people treat the present moment as if it were an obstacle that they need to overcome. Since the present moment is Life itself, it is an insane way to live." --Eckhart Tolle