Tracy Haines Fine Art Oil paintings wall art daily paintings Lily Pond quotes and tips

Lily won 3rd place in a recent CFAI art contest.  I entered very last minute on a whim and didn't think much more about it .  What a nice surprise!


Studio quote of the Day:

If we could read the secret history of our enemies, we should find in each mans heart sorrow and suffering enough to disarm all hostility.  - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Studio tip of the Day:

Murphy oil soap is a less expensive and great way to clean oil painting brushes.  It cleans them well and also conditions them.

I am following the advice of  artist, writer and businessman Jack White and selling select small studies on eBay.  It's a bit of a risky venture for me; some pieces sell for very little.  I begin the bidding usually at a dollar, and sometimes the bids go way up, sometimes I lose a painting for a dollar.  The idea is that over time, you develop a following and bids begin to consistently rise.  I was seeing this happen, when suddenly sales stopped.  eBay is changing policy and many sellers are finding inconsistent results now.  Not sure I will be able to continue this for much longer.

If you would like a chance to win a painting for a whole lot less than it sells for anywhere else, check out my stuff currently on eBay:    eBay Paintings

Decluttering art studios artists tips and recycling paintings by Colorado landscapes artist Tracy haines

In my never-ending attempt to de-clutter, I read yet another book on the subject called the life changing magic of tidying up by marie condo ( no caps in her book title)

I am starting to put some of her tips to use.  As you see in the photo, I have been hoarding art magazines.  I keep them, because I realize that a style I don’t care for today, I might be inspired by tomorrow. But my studio is starting to feel too cluttered again.  So, I’m slowly going through the magazines, tearing out paintings I like and filing them in a binder. The rest were heading for the trash- until I stumbled upon a neat idea.   I use brightly colored images from the art magazine to provide a backdrop for artist quotes that I  add to my paintings that sell online. 

I feel good about this, because I am recycling, and it’s fun to make things when I don’t feel like creating a work of art.  ( It's a great procrastination tool, if you're looking for one! )

THEN, the remains of the magazine go to the recycle bin.