January 8, 2025 | General

Audrey Kay Dowling [Certified Visual Artist – Westfield, New York]

Audrey Kay Dowling is a Side Arts Certified Visual Artist from Westfield, New York.

After a full teaching career, Audrey Kay Dowling is now a full-time artist. She attends workshops in clay, painting, and printmaking, and works in her studios daily.

Being raised in a rural area of 50 acres of woods with three creeks gave Audrey an early childhood start as a nature appreciator and advocate for stewardship of the earth. While in high school she moved to New York City when her parents took new jobs in Brooklyn. During the summer and on vacations, she would ride the subway almost daily to explore the art museums and galleries of the New York City art scene. Inspired to become an artist by both of her formative experiences – rural and urban, she attended art school for college in the Hudson Valley which combined both influences. Audrey received her BS in Art Education at SUNY New Paltz and an MS from SUNY Fredonia.

Audrey has been a gallery owner of Portage Hill Art Gallery in Westfield, New York, for the past 42 years. She is an award and grant winning artist, including an Individual Artist Grant won in 2022 from the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA).

Throughout her life, Audrey has been both an artist and an activist for keeping our earth healthy. Her work is centered around a deep regard for the natural world. Still an advocate, her work is centered around a deep regard for the natural world in both rural and urban settings.

See more artwork, visit audreykaydowling.com

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January 6, 2025 | General

Robert Deschenes [Certified Visual Artist – Quebec, Canada]

Robert Deschenes is a Side Arts Certified Visual Artist from St-Hubert-de-Riviere-du-Loup, Quebec, Canada.

A self-taught painter specializing in animal art, Robert Deschenes creates his works using either watercolor or acrylic, choosing his medium based on his mood or the subject at hand. His art, rooted in hyperrealist techniques, demands meticulous attention to detail to faithfully capture the essence of his subjects, including their anatomy, natural habitats, and behaviors.

A significant part of his creative process involves in-depth research, drawing from books, the internet, personal observations in nature, and photographs he takes to ensure every aspect is accurately represented. Each piece begins to take shape in his mind months in advance, inspired by his time spent observing wildlife. Once ready, he strives to translate this mental image onto the canvas with precision. The process always starts with a highly detailed drawing of the subject, followed by careful consideration of composition to bring his vision to life.

See more artwork, visit robertmdeschene.com

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December 26, 2024 | General

Featured Visual Artists – December 2024

Side Arts represents an exclusive group of international visual artists. Selected through juried review process, this curated roster of featured visual artists represents professionals actively creating and promoting their art practices. Visual artists mediums include painting, photography, mixed media, drawing, glass art, ceramics, printmaking, and more.

Click the artist’s names below to view their individual profiles or click here to view all artist profiles.

The Most Active Award is determined by the artist who submits the most number of artworks for promotion through Side Arts.

Ann Dunbar: Calvados, France (Mixed Media, Painting) (Most active award!)

Carlos Alves: Miami, FL (Ceramics, Glass Art, Mixed Media)
Robert Deschenes: Quebec, Canada (Painting)
John Edwe: Philadelphia, PA (Drawing, Painting, Printmaking)
Lori Ellsworth: South Lyon, MI (Drawing, Mixed Media, Painting)
Linda Fitzgerald: Fort Collins, CO (Mixed Media, Painting, Sculpture)
Linda Dubin Garfield: Wynnewood, PA (Mixed Media, Painting, Printmaking)
John Michael Keating: Grass Valley, CA (Painting)
Anne Nye: Florence, AZ (Glass Art, Mixed Media, Painting)
Richard Resnick: Brooklyn, NY (Photography)
Roy Wronker: Johns Greek, GA (Mixed Media, Painting, Photography)

Welcome to Marcelle Mansour (Sydney, Australia – Digital Art, Painting, Photography), newly added to our roster!

Check out their artist updates on our Instagram.

Click here to learn more about Side Art’s non-exclusive representation services and to become a featured visual artist.

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December 8, 2024 | General

Marcelle Mansour [Certified Visual Artist, Sydney, NSW, Australia]

Marcelle Mansour is a new Side Arts Certified Visual Artist from Sydney, NSW, Australia.

Marcelle Mansour is a contemporary acclaimed master artist, bilingual writer, poet, Peace Ambassador, and Ambassador of Art. She is an Australian of Palestinian Christian heritage. Marcelle is a thought leader in the art industry whose purpose is to find hope toward advancing humanity and reshaping reality. Through her art, she finds her connection to the world reflecting on universal topics aiming for hope and peace.

Marcelle’s art spans from representational to abstract, light, and digital art in a variety of mediums and styles. Her paintings reflect her soul and represent a vibrant rich tapestry of visual narratives that incorporate tradition with modernity. They are dominated by aesthetics and thoughts that explore the world of knowledge and wisdom of human psychology and perception which speaks to viewers worldwide.

Background

Marcelle holds a Master of Fine Arts Degree in Painting, A Master of Studio Arts, and BA in English Language and English Literature. She has exhibited internationally in Biennales and major art exhibitions. She is a multi-award-winning fine artist including An Award Winner of a Very Influential Artist Juried Competition 2024. She was awarded (OAM) a Medal of the Orser of Australia in the 2017 Queen’s Birthday Honors.

Artist Statement

Marcelle Mansour’s art is a mirror reflecting her soul, passion, and thoughts. It depicts her experiences, memories, and connection to the world as a Universal Western-Eastern Woman who aspires for transformation and positive social change.

Marcelle’s paintings conjure realistic topics that are radiant and significant. They reflect on an important humanistic subject that highlights the power of universal human thoughts. Her artwork is dramatic and rich with vivid colors and the possibility to evoke feelings of curiosity. Through her artwork, she explores knowledge, wisdom, human psychology, and perception. She admires beauty and embraces it to express positive emotions experienced as a source of joy and as a key to a healthy life. Symbolism in her art is significant. Inspired by spirituality, humanity, embroidery, and the power of intense radiant color.

As Ambassador of Art and Ambassador of Peace, Marcelle reflects on supporting humanity towards peace, aiming to celebrate the diversity of civilization to build bridges of social harmony. Her artwork represents a multitude of emotions and feelings: love, passion, respect, rebirth, immortality, hope, and desire for peace.

See more artwork, visit https://marcellemansour.com.au/.

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October 31, 2024 | General

Ann Dunbar [Certified Visual Artist – Calvados, France]

Ann Dunbar is a Side Arts Certified Visual Artist from Calvados, France.

Ann Dunbar, originally from England, was born in Faberstown, Hampshire, in 1953. She currently resides and works as an accomplished painter in France.

With three decades of artistic experience and aesthetic exploration, Ann has honed her skills in the delicate art of watercolour, seamlessly blending the rich tradition of English embroidery onto paper canvases.

Her unique approach involves layering fine threads of cotton and silk alongside paint, imbuing her artworks with an added dimension, creating a captivating interplay of colourful reflections that dance with changing light and the viewer’s gaze.

Experience and Achievements

Ann’s journey through the world of art began with a degree in Education from the University of Southbank in London in 1975. She then pursued her passion further, graduating with honors from the School of Fine Arts at Surrey. Her dedication to the arts extended into the realm of education, as she served as a professor of applied arts in England for an impressive 16 years.

Notably, Ann Dunbar has been recognized and included in the prestigious Larousse directory of artist ratings since 2005. Her professional artistic journey continues to flourish in France, marked by numerous publications and official accolades.

Among her recent achievements, she was awarded the Vermeil Medal by the Academy of Arts, Sciences, and Letters in Paris in 2022. In 2016, her exceptional work earned her the Gold Medal at the International Artcomexpo.com exhibition in Oslo, Norway.

Ann’s masterpieces can be admired at several esteemed galleries across the globe, including the Shoalhaven Gallery in New South Wales, Australia, and the Trevisan International Gallery in Italy.

Her unique fusion of watercolours and embroidery continues to captivate art enthusiasts worldwide, leaving an indelible mark on the world of contemporary art.

See more work, visit anndunbarart.com

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September 24, 2024 | General

Artwork Pricing

Pricing your artwork is an important component of your strategy for marketing art. Artwork pricing should not be an over-complicated procedure in the primary market. (Secondary market sales can be much more complicated.) If you are new to pricing your artwork, there is a formula to determine where to start.

Artwork Pricing Formula

Start with the total costs of the materials used. Use the relative cost of only the materials used.
Track the amount of time you actually spent creating the artwork.
Multiply the number of hours by the rate you would charge per hour as a professional art consultant.
Add the cost of materials and time.
Multiply the result by a multiple based on your overall experience. This is typically between 2 (just starting out) and 10 (top of your field).

Price of Original Artwork = [Materials + (Time)(Hourly Rate)] (Experience)

For example, [$100 materials + (20 hours of work)($25/hr)] (5 years of experience adds a multiplier of 3) = $1800.

Pricing reproductions

Highest quality (limited edition giclee prints or high-end reproductions) = 50% of the original price
Mid-grade quality (limited edition reproductions) = 30% of the original price
Low quality (one-off prints or open-ended reproductions) = 10% of the original price

Next Step

Are you ready to invest in yourself and showcase your artwork? Apply to become represented by Side Arts, a leading agency connecting artists with exhibition opportunities. With limited capacity and a rigorous jury review, Side Arts ensures that your work gets the attention it deserves. Click here to learn more about how Side Arts can elevate your art career and provide you with exciting opportunities to display your talent to a wider audience.

Take the leap and step into a world of endless possibilities for your artistic journey with Side Arts. Don’t miss out on this incredible chance to share your passion and creativity with the world. Apply now and open doors to a bright future as a recognized visual artist. Click here to apply.

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September 19, 2024 | General

Resume Service For Visual Artists

Agreed, it’s much more fun to do almost anything than write a resume. How can you summarize what you do all day long into a short phrases? It’s not easy to see all your hard work in concise bullets with no context. It’s even harder for artists who strive to be creative and tell a story. And yet, you need one to apply for a job, to network with peers and colleagues, and to apply for your next award.

Ultimately, the objective of the resume is to highlight your strengths. It gives you the opportunity to move on to the next step.

Resume Tips From Jessica Saragovi

Before you start your resume, I suggest beginning with these questions. Taking the time to answer these questions will ultimately help you with your resume, the interview process and other aspects of the job search process. Write these answers down, revisit them, it’s an ongoing list and will be adapted as needed.

What do you WANT? Is this for a grant application or for a bridge job? A different job will require a different focus and sections. This includes EVERYTHING from commute, salary (what salary structure – base, bonus and / or commission), hours, responsibilities, manager style, office set up. What’s your perfect day like?
More importantly, what do you NOT want in your next role?
What are your skills? These are things you know HOW to do, abilities, expertise, talents, competencies. These include both hard skills (measured, teachable and defined) and soft skills (not-measured, personality based and subjective).
More importantly, what are your STRENGTHS? From the skills above, which ones do you LOVE to do? Strengths are skills that include an element of passion. What lights you when you talk about it? What comes easy to you and you enjoy doing?

The good news is that once you have a good foundation, it’s easy to update with your awards, exhibitions, and additional work experience. It’s important to have clear, legible fonts, the right amount of white space, and eye-friendly headings. A well-crafted, easy to read resume will help you open doors to jobs. It shows that you’re ready to be submitted for the next juried exhibition, grant, award, gallery show, commission, and residency program.

Free Resume Support

For Side Arts members, I offer a 20 minute complimentary conversation to answer questions and provide support for exactly where you are in the job search process. Request an appointment via email at systemichr@gmail.com.

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Jessica Saragovi is a Human Resources professional with more than two decades of experience across various industries and companies across New York, Miami, and Philadelphia. Jessica’s deep insight into how organizations hire, train, manage, and develop employees allows her to be a skilled resume writer. Jessica partners with clients in developing a resume that fully encompasses who they are, what they’ve done, and where they want to go with their next role. View my profile on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/jsaragovi.

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September 7, 2024 | General

Use Calling Cards To Grow Your Creative Practice

Calling cards, takeaways, handouts, exclusives – no matter what you call them, they help your patrons understand your identity and keep them coming back. They are an important part of your strategy for marketing art. It’s all in the details, the signature things that your supporters find surprising and endearing. Whether you are preparing for a vendor event, exhibition, or an online storefront, try to think about the extras that would make it special for your supporters.

Ideas for Calling Cards

Packaging: Consider how you can elevate your packaging and delivery – customize the box (something patrons can use in case they need to move or ship the item), add a personalized and signed thank you note, emboss, gold leaf, and detail the package.
Business cards: If you are going to go the extra mile and spend more on business cards, make sure that the concept aligns with your art. Typically, a basic card size is all you need. Include your name, phone number, email address, and website. Remember to include white space to write additional details.
Signage: Banners, flags, and table covers are always important. Consider the height, having things at eye-level can catch the patron’s eyes more frequently. Draw the attention to your art.
Postcards: Believe it or not, some folks just don’t use the internet or email, use postcards to reach them. You want to be inclusive in your marketing. Even for those that are digital natives, receiving something of value in the snail mail can be a special occasion.
Gift tags: Most art is purchased as a gift for others. Make it easy for them by not having to also have to purchase a gift tag, card, box, or bag.
Return address labels: If you are mailing marketing or shipping artwork, add a unique identifier to the item. That way, the person doesn’t have to guess who or what they have received before needing to open it.
Certificates of Authenticity: Your art is special. Show patrons how special it is with a letter of provenance. It elevates the art and provides another means for patrons to remember you. Remember to include the item’s description and story, your contact information, and personalized signature.

It is especially important to think about things that have value beyond one use items. For example, stamp a business card with a unique qualifier for an online storefront discount. Gift bags and totes can be re-used. Certificates of authenticity can be saved and framed with the artwork.

Vistaprint

You already have your artwork and know your details. Try incorporating them into your takeaways. Vistaprint has a range of products and services that can help you do just that. Business cards, banners, flyers, and printing services are available. All products have a wide possibility of standard formats to customization. Wizards take you through the process and you can save details for later use and second print runs. Often, there are discounts for return users and special sales throughout the year.

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September 3, 2024 | General

Anne Nye [Certified Visual Artist – Florence, AZ]

Anne Nye is a Side Arts Certified Visual Artist from Florence, Arizona.

Anne Nye studied fine art at the University of Idaho, California College of the Arts, and University of Idaho in the 1970’s, completing course work for a BFA. She worked as a graphic designer for many years. In 1997, she became a full-time artist working primarily in kiln-formed glass, developing her signature painterly style and techniques.

Anne’s work has been featured in several national magazines including Art Connoisseur, Glass Art Magazine, and Western Art Collector. Over fifty galleries and shops throughout the United States and Canada have represented Anne’s work. Currently, she is represented by Artful Home. Numerous pieces are held in private collections across the globe.

Anne has been in high demand as an instructor. She has taught in Denver; Atlanta; Omaha; Tennessee; Phoenix; Winnipeg, British Columbia; and Denmark. She conducts select one-on-one mentoring and teaching workshops in her home studio each year.

Anne continues to paint and recently began collaborating with wood artist, Jerry Hauck. She makes her home in Florence, Arizona, with her dog, Ezra, who makes her smile!

See more work, visit annenye.com.

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August 30, 2024 | General

Are You Ready For An Online Store?

A majority of art is sold through a variety of online store platforms. You can choose any sales methodology you like based on you strategy for marketing art. It depends on where and how you best reach your audience. You may have to experiment with several platforms and strategies before landing on the one that works best for you. There are many details and options to consider as well as new opportunities and platforms launching regularly.

Sales strategies

Email

A consistent way to connect with your followers is by building a targeted email list. Try sending announcements of new works available to your email lists and provide them a means to buy (either by reply to the email or a payment processing form). Inform your audience about upcoming exhibitions, vendor events, and pop-up galleries.

Social

There are many ways to sell art through social network platforms. The challenging part is keeping up with the platforms’ ever changing features and algorithms. What may work today may not work tomorrow. Staying on top of the trends is important and can make a big difference with acquiring new patrons.

Try promoting new artwork for sale on Instagram. Provide a rich description including title, process, size, price, and inspiration. Add instructions for buyers – the first to comment with their email address will be sent a payment processing invoice (PayPal / Venmo). They have 24 hours to purchase the art. First come, first served after that. Update the description if the item is sold.

Web

You may want to consider selling through a web platform, using your own website, or integrating a web platform into your website. The benefit of having an online store sales platform that you manage is that patrons can purchase at any time. This can often make a difference between an acquisition and someone’s lost interest. Keep in mind, just because your art is on a website or web platform doesn’t mean that it’s the platform’s job to promote it. Promotion is still up to you. Utilize your email and social networks.

Things to plan in advance

Sometimes with an online store, it is best to jump in and learn as you go. Other times, a little bit of preparation goes a long way. You will rarely know everything you need to in advance because situations change from person to person. Here are a few things to consider:

Photography: A good photo of your work can inspire patrons to purchase. Most mobile devices have above-average photo capability, but stand-alone cameras and photo editing software can make your work stand out. Setting up a dedicated area or having a set process is helpful.

Pricing: Research can help. Knowing your costs and time associated with creating your work is important. The most important aspect is always valuing your artwork for what it is truly worth.

Description: Each piece of artwork should have a unique and rich description including keywords and hashtags. This takes time to develop. The story behind the artwork is just as important as the artwork itself.

Shipping: Visit your local shipping center in advance. Determine what materials you should always have on hand and what needs to be purchased on a one-off basis. If you anticipate bulk shipping, explore what discounted pricing is available.

Taxes and bookkeeping: Consult a certified public accountant to help understand what taxes to account for and how to do so. Determine if you need bookkeeping software to help keep track.

Shopify Online Store

Check out Shopify as an online store. It has eCommerce and point-0f-sales features including card-readers for when you are online or on the go. Set up your shop as a standalone or integrate it securely with your website. Ready made templates help your store look like it was designed by a professional. Run social media campaigns. Manage orders, shipping, and payments.