Who doesn't love cupcakes?

Here's a picture of two new 5" x 5" paintings on my easel. What charming little cupcakes! I'll have these framed and ready for the Wickford show this weekend.

Three types of artwork

I've determined over the years that there are three types of GOOD artwork:

1. The kind that people love to look at (but not buy)

2. The kind that people love and will buy (once)

3. The kind that people will buy and fill their homes with.

The first kind is the bane of any artist's existence. People love your work, ooh and aah over it at shows, tell you how amazing it is but you don't have get any sales. It's hard to understand why people would love to look at a work but not buy it, but it is a very real fact that we have to  accept.

I once saw a painting of a farm tractor that was exquisitely done. I thought it was an amazing painting and the artist did a remarkable job. However, I  didn't buy it (price not withstanding) because I have no interest in putting farm tractors on my walls. Jack White says that people must emotionally connect to a painting before they purchase it. He's right.

The second kind of artwork is certainly better than the first but it brings in no repeat customers. These paintings may depict subjects like Fenway Park or Saratoga--places that evoke warm memories for the viewer. However, the vast majority of buyers will be satisfied with one depiction of their favorite subject. One and done. Specialized subjects like equine, sports, or mechanical renderings may very well fall into this category.  It takes a lot of effort to get one customer, so repeat business should be the goal of any artist.

The third kind of good artwork is obviously something we all strive for. As artists we hope to attract buyers who purchase several of our paintings and and are delighted to display them in several rooms of their home. This happens when you have a subject matter that resonates with the buyer, have a distinct enough style that they are attracted to and enough variety in your offerings that the collector can achieve some variety on their walls.

The Callas are blooming.

It's that time of year--the calla lilies are in bloom. Calla lilies, like many flowers, have a short life after they are picked. I have to pick them on the day that I will photograph them. I also need to have all the accompanying "stuff" ready: vases, greenery, supporting flowers, etc. This time I went out and purchased a dozen roses to place in the vase with them. The resulting photographs were quite stunning and I can't wait to get started on the paintings!

I do change paintings

Sometimes after a painting is finished and posted and even displayed at shows, I decide that something isn't just quite right. Or even that I've changed my mind about the color. Here's an example: it was originally called Pink and White for obvious reasons:

Then I decided that the pinks were too dusty looking and I changed the color of the flowers to red:

I also played with the background, making it darker.  And I now call it Red and White. On the whole I think it makes the painting sparkle more.

What do you think?

Ugh, rain!

I'll be setting up late this afternoon for Celebrate West Hartford. It's pouring out this (Friday) morning and it will continue raining until early Saturday morning. One of the most unpleasant aspects of being an outdoor show artist is setting up in the rain which is only eclipsed by tearing down in the rain. Sham-wows (those orange water-sucking cloths) are in big demand. But the rest of the weekend should be sunny and dry. Stop by if you're in the area.

Branding and other good stuff

OK, I've been remiss. I promise to post more in a timely manner....

Anyway, I'm in the process of rebranding my art. The first stop was a new logo and website, designed by my good friend and graphic designer, Laura Augustine. So please check out my new website and tell me what you think: www.lindatenukas.com

And here's my latest painting in my new series of New York City paintings. It's called "Nightfall."

It's oil on panel and measures12.5" x 36." Hope you like it.

Old Saybrook, here we come

This weekend I'll be at the Old Saybrook Arts and Crafts Festival, near the Katherine Hepburn Center. Without a doubt, the Old Saybrook show has the worst weather year in and year out. From unbearable heat and humidity to torrential show-closing rain, this festival has the worst luck of any show I do on the circuit. And it's a shame because the promoters treat the artists wonderfully, from a welcome barbecue on Friday night to handing out free totes when we check in. This weekend may be a little better, just a little toasty on Saturday but Sunday should be spectacular. Fingers crossed. Anyway here's my latest painting, "Yawkey Way." I'm sure all the Red Sox fans will recognize this street!!