Paint and Pen

First Print Sold on Fine Art America

2009-08-19T14:01:00.004-04:00

I've been on Fine Art America for a few years but only about 15 months or so with the Print on Demand feature and I'm pleased to find out that I've finally sold a print through FAA. Woohoo!

Thank you to the buyer who lives in Boone, NC ... I would prefer to thank you in a more personal manner, however, FAA only provides the artists with city, state, and country of the buyer. I hope everything goes okay with this order because I have no way of personally contacting the buyer.
:)DeDe

"Falls on Deaf Ears"

2009-08-17T13:36:00.008-04:00

I saw a report of this incident posted on one of my fine art sites this morning and while this event is not current the message behind it remains to be. How often do we creative professionals feel that what we do falls on deaf ears? Quite often, I'm sure. Take it one step further ... how often do we have our ideas, advice, suggestions or feelings about a situation fall on deaf ears? Far more often than we'd like is the answer to that question. Are we really too busy these days to listen? Or are there just too many voices crying out for attention that we block out the din? I'd really like to HEAR your comments.

A Violinist in the Metro

A man sat at a metro station in Washington DC and started to play the violin; it was a cold January morning. He played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time, since it was rush hour, it was calculated that thousand of people went through the station, most of them on their way to work.

Three minutes went by and a middle aged man noticed there was musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds and then hurried up to meet his schedule.

A minute later, the violinist received his first dollar tip: a woman threw the money in the till and without stopping continued to walk.

A few minutes later, someone leaned against the wall to listen to him, but the man looked at his watch and started to walk again. Clearly he was late for work.

The one who paid the most attention was a 3 year old boy. His mother tagged him along, hurried but the kid stopped to look at the violinist. Finally the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk turning his head all the time. This action was repeated by several other children. All the parents, without exception, forced them to move on.

In the 45 minutes the musician played, only 6 people stopped and stayed for a while. About 20 gave him money but continued to walk their normal pace. He collected $32. When he finished playing and silence took over, no one noticed it. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition.

No one knew this but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the best musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written with a violin worth 3.5 million dollars.

Two days before his playing in the subway, Joshua Bell sold out at a theater in Boston and the seats average $100.

This is a real story. Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station was organized by the Washington Post as part of an social experiment about perception, taste and priorities of people. The outlines were: in a commonplace environment at an inappropriate hour: Do we perceive beauty? Do we stop to appreciate it? Do we recognize the talent in an unexpected context?

One of the possible conclusions from this experience could be:

If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world playing the best music ever written, how many other things are we missing?

Outside the Frame, Wednesday's Show on BHR (sort of)

2009-08-11T16:29:00.002-04:00

This week's episode of Outside the Frame, Wednesday August 12 at 1PM will be about Exposure: Do You Feel a Draft? Learning how to dispatch with an offer to work for exposure that will leave you shirtless in the end, while remaining open to legitimate opportunities that will advance your career is similar to walking a tight-rope for most artists. Tune in to Outside the Frame where we cover the basic rules and guidelines that will serve as your safety net.

It was announced to listeners and hosts alike last night on Blockhead Radio that the station will no longer be airing the various talk shows such as Outside the Frame in favor of changing to a 24/7 music only station. Therefore, this week's episode will be the final episode of Outside the Frame on BHR ... well sort of; what I mean by this is that a podcast of Outside the Frame will be available on my Outside the Frame blog that will be linked from the BHR front page. Additionally, during the time that my show is usually aired, Wednesday at 1PM eastern, I will be available in the BHR chat room for questions or comments, as well as, to say good-bye to listeners who wish to pop in. I've enjoyed having the opportunity to bring Outside the Frame to you through Blockhead Radio and hope that you, the listener, have benefited as much from the show as your emails and PMs have indicated. Thanks.

Blockhead Radio
Outside the Frame Blog

Regards,
:)DeDe

July's OTF Listener Appreciation Winner

2009-08-02T20:51:00.000-04:00

tindlebears

Buy Handmade

Karen Searls (aka tindlebears), military wife and mother, is the owner of Ren Studio located in her 1800 S.F. farmhouse in Ohio. Even though her friends and family assumed she would become an art major as she had always an abundance of creativity, fate dealt Karen a different hand and she decided to pursue Horticulture at Ohio State University instead. However, while her college courses were not art-intensive, art was never far from her and she continued to enrich her artistic skills by trying new media such as computer art. A self-admitted dabbler in all forms of art, Karen continues to work in a variety of media and has an insatiable thirst for all things artistic and this excitement and curiosity is expressed in her work. Check out Karen's bears by clicking on the Artfire Rapidcart above. You can also see her other works at Ren's Studio or on her Blog. Along with being a dedicated Outside the Frame listener and Blockhead Radio chat room attendee, Karen also is a columnist for Handmade News. Thank you Karen for being such a great listener!!
:)DeDe

Thanks To You ALL!!!

2009-07-28T15:42:00.001-04:00

I am having computer issues so this is going to be a bare-bones blog post. I just wanted to thank everyone who helped make 48forLarry such a fabulous event. For those who placed bids on items, you will be notified by Larry Hamm in the form of a PayPal Invoice asking for payment on the amount of the high bid and listing the Item Number of the item you won. As there are numerous items (365) and Larry is in poor health, please cut him a little slack if you happen to get an invoice that has omitted the item number and/or event name ... just email him back and kindly ask for clarification. Here are the numbers received as of 6PM on July 26, 2009 (the close of the Silent Auction):
Cash Donations: $1,036 .......... Silent Auction: $4,197.32......... Total: $5,233.32

I also want to remind you that the 48forLarry Donate Button is still on the BHR Site and you can continue to donate; so if you lost out on the item that you bid upon ... you can donate that amount directly to Larry Hamm.

Again, a BIG THANKS to all!!
:)DeDe

Tomorrow is THE BIG DAY!!!!

2009-07-23T18:02:00.004-04:00

I have at this very moment finalized the last auction items and sent them off to Blockhead Rod to add to the Silent Auction pages. Can you believe it … we received 365 items!!!
The Artisans and Musicians rallied their support and provided some absolutely fantastic items for you to bid on. Now it’s your turn, pick up the baton and run this last leg of the relay to save our dear friend, Larry Hamm’s life.

I have been so busy processing the silent auction items that I have forgotten to tell you all that I have donated 5 – Autographed Limited Edition Prints to the cause. These prints are hand signed and numbered (LE 3 of 3); each piece is matted with a black mat and framed in natural oak; all materials are archival quality and framed according to gallery standards. Here are the titles and auction page for each of my prints.

"Grizzly"
"Interest Piqued"
"Sunset: Oregon Coast"
"Toward Open Sea"
"Whisper Rock"

High bidder will be notified and at that time you can provide me with the details so that I can autograph your print before shipping it out to you.

Some of the other items that you can bid on are:
Original paintings, handmade books and journals, handmade greeting cards and thank you notes, one-of-a-kind artisan dolls, one-of-a-kind artisan teddy bears, handmade soaps and lotions, custom engraved maple pen and pen box set, spirit cords with totems – medicine bears, fertility goddess and majestic cross, a set of six embroidered metallic icicle ornaments, pyro-engraved gourd ornament, Cat in the Hat Holiday Stockings, Mickey Mouse Lanyard/Watch, Advertising packages, Graphics Packages, Music and Merchandise Packages, handmade candles, coasters and other home fashions, totes and bags, artisan supplies and kits, gift certificates and shopping sprees to a number of shops,gorgeous jewelry, and so much more!! Just browse through the silent auction items here … you can place a bid now even though bidding doesn’t officially start until 6PM July 24, 2009.

Two other great items I want to share with you are the Artisan Sampler Baskets. I contributed an 8” x 10” matted holiday print for each basket and these are combined with works from other artisans to create a fabulous gift!

Artisan Sampler Basket #1
Artisan Sampler Basket #2

Please support our efforts to save Larry! Go to 48forLarry on Blockhead Radio and bid on an item or two; or just donate to the cause whatever you can afford. Thank you so much!
:)DeDe

48forLarry - Save the Artist, Save the World

2009-07-20T02:12:00.001-04:00

Please help us save this man's life. 48forLarry

It's an M-Fing Face Off!!

2009-07-12T23:49:00.002-04:00

The BHR crew is gearing up for a weekly throw down! That's right... we just love goodhearted competition and talking smack to each other.

Each member of the crew (yep that means yours truly) will be picking a little something something to feature every Monday in the Face Off and we need you to vote for your favorite item!

How does the crew pick? Each featured item is something that has caught a crewmembers' eye. With such a diverse crew and tastes that run a huge gambit, things are bound to be interesting....

Why? Completely for fun and because any BHR host just loves to beat another host! Bragging rights, baby! It also helps us to achieve the BHR mission of exposing indie artisans to the world! The featured selection that gets the most votes will get hooked up with several plugs on the air, some linkage on the BHR page, and an invitation to call in and tell us a bit more about themselves and their craft!

Of course the crew is counting on your votes too. Who will be the first to get their bragging rights?

Since you are reading my blog ... you are expected to vote for "DeDe's Pick"!!
:)DeDe

48 for Larry

2009-07-03T22:56:00.006-04:00

Every now and then a person comes into your life and upon meeting them for the first time you feel as if you've known this person your whole life. Larry is one of those people for me and not surprisingly, I've come to find out recently, for alot of other folks in the handmade artisan community. Please read about my friend Larry (written by Rockerchic)and what we artisans are doing to help ... if you are so moved, please help us to get the word out by sharing this link with your friends. If you are an artist and would like to donate an item to the silent auction that will be aired on Blockhead Radio, email me at the link below.

Larry Hamm over at Chelsea Lynn Designs on Artfire is a friend of many in the world of handmade, he is also the voice of The Crazy Train on Blockhead Radio. Larry has a fantastic wife Janet, and an 8 year old son Jacob who live with him in Lansing, NC deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Larry is a friend to everyone and just an all around swell guy. He is most definitely the “shirt off your back” kind of friend. Right now, all of Larry’s friends and Blockhead radio are teaming up to help him out in a tough time.

Larry is a disabled diabetic who currently has lost his health insurance. His medication alone monthly is over $2,000. Larry is not receiving disability, he has not been approved yet. His wife is the only source of income and she doesn’t make enough to cover his medications. Larry’s doctors have given him an outlook of only 18 months to live if he doesn’t receive a $17,000 gastric bypass surgery as soon as possible. Larry and his family need all the help from their family and friends they can get! Jacob and Janet need Larry to hang around here with them as long as he possibly can! All of his friends surely want Larry to stick around too!

All of us at Blockhead Radio are gearing up for the biggest Radiothon you’ll ever be a part of! July 24th at 6pm until July 26th at 6pm, Blockhead Rod will be live on the radio for 48 hours straight raising money for our friend Larry. A silent auction of donated handmade goods will also be going up on the home page of Blockhead Radio with 100% of the proceeds going to Larry.

If you would like to be a part of this wonderful event, please email DeDe Sorensen at: 48forlarry@blockheadradio.com Please donate any handmade items you can for the silent auction have your emails in with your donations by July 22nd. If you would like to donate cash for Larry’s prescriptions and surgery please visit Blockhead Radio July 24th through July 26th. There will be plenty of ways to get your donations in.

Keep listening to Blockhead Radio for fantastic indie music, and how you can help Larry Hamm of Chelsea Lynn Designs.

Help spread the work.....link this post or feel free to copy and paste it on your blog...thanks.

1stAngel Arts Magazine Columns Now Online

2009-06-30T00:09:00.004-04:00

You can now read my columns for 1stAngel Arts Magazine online:

The Jargon Buster

Dear DeDe

I hope you enjoy reading these columns and would love it if you left a comment.
:)DeDe

P. S. Have you been listening to Outside the Frame, Wednesdays at 1PM Eastern on Blockhead Radio? If not, you should tune in this Wednesday we will delve into The Art of Negotiation to land clients and to effectively deal with clients (even the most difficult clients) to reach satisfactory terms and maintain good working relationships.

This Wednesday on Outside the Frame

2009-06-16T12:24:00.003-04:00

Tune in to this week’s episode of Outside the Frame, Wednesday June 17 at 1PM eastern on Blockhead Radio for Selling Art on the Fair and Festival Circuit.

With summer upon us, the fair and festival season begins. Tune in to Outside the Frame to learn about the various types of shows and the application process, where to buy or how to build your booth and display materials, other important items you should bring for your comfort, as well as, tips on selling and maintaining security at the show, in the hotel/motel, and on the road.

Be sure to join us in the BHR chat room during the show to interact – ask questions or just chat with us. "Pop a player" and the chat screen is right there. Just type in your user name and click; no password is needed, no extra steps.

Hope to see you there!
:)DeDe

The One Lovely Blog Award

2009-06-09T22:31:00.007-04:00

The "One Lovely Blog Award" was so kindly passed on to me by Elegance by Mode and I am so grateful to be recognized in this manner. I intend to follow suit and take this opportunity to acknowledge other blogs from artisans whose works and writings I enjoy.

Rules to follow:
1. Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link.

2. Pass on the award to 15 other blogs that you've newly discovered.

3. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they've been chosen for this award.

Here are my 15 with links to their blogs:
1. WalkintheWoods, LLC
2. Wildwood
3. Auntifranni
4. SilverRiverJewelry
5. ChainmailleLady
6. Rainwolf Studios
7. IndieMusicNArts
8. Chris Huff Blog
9. Simply Cynful
10. Stitch 'N Love
11. Patti's Page
12. Tindlebears
13. Bluegrass Etsy Street Team
14. NightMaiden
15. LaDeDaCreations

Take some time to visit these blogs and familiarize yourself with these artisan's works. Be kind and leave a comment telling them that you enjoyed your visit :)!

:)DeDe

Is your work priced to make a profit?

2009-06-08T14:07:00.001-04:00

Tune in to this week’s episode of Outside the Frame, Wednesday at 1PM eastern on Blockhead Radio to learn the answer to this question in Part Two of Pricing Strategies: Factors and Formulas.

Establishing a price for your work will likely be the most difficult decision you will make in your career. In order to price your work realistically, you need to be able to make a fact-based case for what your art is worth. Convincing people that your art is worth what it is priced is an essential component to selling your work. This week I provide you with the pricing factors and formulas needed to price your work to adequately cover the costs you incur doing business.

Be sure to join us in the BHR chat room during the show to interact – ask questions or just chat with us. Click on the "Launch Chat" at the top of the screen.

Hope to see you there!
:)DeDe

BHR Stalker Contest Article Link

2009-06-04T13:31:00.001-04:00

Win the Blockhead Radio Stalker Contest!

What motivates collectors to purchase original art?

2009-06-02T14:37:00.004-04:00

Tune in to this week’s episode of Outside the Frame, Wednesday at 1PM eastern on Blockhead Radio to learn the answer to this question as well as how sales are influenced by the artist’s confidence (or lack thereof) in their work, and some very basic steps an artist can take to immediately increase the value of their art in Part One of Pricing Strategies.

The new Outside the Frame Listener Appreciation Print is “Waterfall”, shown above. This is a print of an original oil painting that utilized impasto and knife techniques. To be eligible to win this print, all you need do is listen for the “tip of the day” that is contained in each episode of Outside the Frame and send me an email to dedesorensen@hotmail.com with a list of the “tip of the day” for each of this month’s episodes before noon eastern on June 30. Not only do you win a print, you also get plugged … a piece of your work and a short write up will be posted on my various site/blogs and your shop/website link will be posted in chat during the following Outside the Frame show. So keep listening!

Also join us in the BHR chat room during the show to interact – ask questions or just chat with us. Go to http://blockheadradiolive.com/ and click on the "Launch Chat" at the top of the screen.

Hope to see you there!
:)DeDe

We Have a WINNER!!!

2009-05-31T20:23:00.003-04:00

Artist Shannon Ivins, or to you Blockhead Radio fans out there (and by now you should all be BHR fans), better known as this month's Biggest Stalker - Pigatopia!! Aside from being one of the most dedicated Outside the Frame listeners who shows up to each episode, pad and pen in hand; she is busy creating art to help rescued animals ranging from Pot Bellied Pigs to cat and dogs even chickens. She has 13 pigs 8 dogs and one cat all of which are rescues. Some their families no longer wanted, a couple were abandoned after years of abuse, and others had no choice but to find a home due to health issues. The money generated from the sales of her items goes to pay vet bills, shelter and food for animals that have been abused and rescued.

Visit her page on Fine Art America linked above, or her ArtFire Shop or you can find her in the BHR chatroom during Outside the Frame, Wednesdays at 1PM.

Congratulations, Shannon and thanks so much for being such a dedicated listener to Outside the Frame!! A new print goes up for June and starting June 3, YOU have a new chance to try and beat Shannon on winning next month's print.
:)DeDe

Listeners Rewarded

2009-05-29T13:50:00.003-04:00

Have you been diligently listening to Outside the Frame on Blockhead Radio? If you have been listening all month, then you are eligible for the Outside the Frame Listener Appreciation Drawing and will be rewarded with an 11"h x 14"w print of "Sunset Oregon Coast" by DeDe Sorensen. All you need to do is send me an email dedesorensen@hotmail.com with a list of the “tip of the day” for episodes 2-5 before noon eastern on May 31. If you only know one or two of the tips, send the email anyway as the person who lists the most correct tips wins. However, if there is no clear winner everyone who sends an email containing at least one tip will be placed in a random drawing.

:)DeDe

Essential Marketing Tools on Outside the Frame May 27 1PM

2009-05-26T22:37:00.001-04:00

Essential Marketing Tools Continued: On Wednesday’s episode of Outside the Frame at 1PM eastern on Blockhead Radio http://blockheadradiolive.com/ we’ll learn the remaining eight tools that along with the Mailing List (covered in episode 3) and Studio Press Kit (covered in episode 4) comprise the 10 Essential Marketing Tools you need to promote your work and yourself.

Also join us in chat during the show to interact, ask questions or just chat. Go to http://blockheadradiolive.com/ and click on the "Launch Chat" at the top of the screen.

Hope to see you there!
:) DeDe

Outside the Frame Listener Appreciation Drawing

2009-05-03T23:28:00.003-04:00

Tune in weekly to Outside the Frame, Wednesdays at 1PM eastern and you will have the opportunity to win this 11"h x 14"w print of "Sunset Oregon Coast" by DeDe Sorensen. Here's how it works: Every week during the show, I will give the "tip of the day" on air. For example, last week's tip of the day was "DO YOUR HOMEWORK" - Bear in mind that the better you know the gallery, its artists, and its staff, the better you are able to evaluate whether they are a good fit for you. (Last week's tip was included in the recap ... this and future week's tips will not be included in the recap for obvious reasons.) After the last show of the month, you email me at dedesorensen@hotmail.com with the tips of the day listed in the email. The person with all the tips listed correctly according to broadcast order will win the print. In the event that more than one has the correct tips/order listed, the names will be put in a drawing. I will notify the winner by email for mailing address.

Don't forget to tune in Wednesday at 1PM for Outside the Frame where we will discuss the steps involved in securing and getting paid for commissioned projects.

Thank you for listening!

:) DeDe

Tune In for Outside the Frame Wed 1PM

2009-04-28T11:40:00.002-04:00

Join professional artist and art business author DeDe Sorensen Wednesdays at 1PM eastern on Blockhead Radio Live for "Outside the Frame", the show that provides you with practical business advice to help you maximize your sales potential. This hour-long program is devoted to addressing those matters Outside the frame that affect the sale of what's Inside the frame. "Outside the Frame" premieres Wednesday, April 29 at 1PM on Blockhead Radio Live

Listeners have the option to tune in only to listen like old-fashioned radio or they can login to the chat for an exciting interactive experience. Blockhead Radio is a 24/7 live streaming Internet radio station located at Blockhead Radio Site that features indie music and talk shows about artisans, family, and life in a kid-friendly environment.

In order to interact, listeners need register for a chat login prior to the show. Registration is free and information required (name, email address, etc.) remain private.

A Little Bit of History ... Repeating

2009-04-21T20:18:00.002-04:00

As much as I try to avoid doing it, it happens every year at this time and this year is no exception. It seems that new career opportunities sprout in the spring along with the early flowers and buds on the trees. The other arrival in spring are home school evaluations and this being the senior year for my last child to be homeschooled we are doing triple the amount of paperwork in preparation for his graduation. When my daughter graduated in 2003, I was busy preparing for a large solo show that required around 70 paintings – I had paintings all over the house in various stacks to either be framed or packaged for delivery to the gallery. Squeezing in houseguests among the paintings for the ceremony was indeed a challenge in our rather small home. When my son graduated in 2006, I was off to Menlo Park, CA for the Sunset Celebration 2006 art show with about 15 works in tow and a robust two-day demonstration and performance painting schedule. Believe it or not, each child graduated with honors and the ceremonies went off without a hitch. But each time, I swore to myself that I would never do it again! I’d keep my calendar free until after graduation. Guess what? Oops, I did it again!

A Little Bit of My History – Outside the Frame

I’m not sure how many of you know the many hats I have worn and continue to wear in addition to my Artist’s beret. I assume that a good number of you know that I am also a published author and arts columnist as the subject has come up from time to time in this blog. However, I bet you were not aware that I’ve worked as an arts publicist with numerous arts organizations on a freelance basis in addition to serving as Public Relations & Marketing Director for the Internet-based arts co-op, Slantville and as Gallery Publicist and Publicity Committee Chairperson for the Hanover Area Arts Guild, Inc. Gallery where I later served on gallery’s Board of Directors. I was also a member of the faculty and panelist for the Visual Arts and the Law Conference (CLE Int’l) as well as conducted my own artist seminars called “Outside the Frame” on the business, sale and marketing of art. I also taught fine art for a number of years through classes at the gallery and by private lessons in my home studio. Additionally, I have been an art coach and business mentor for many visual artists and artisans – emerging and established alike – providing practical business advice on a variety of matters. Throughout my career, I’ve become quite adept at pulling off a quick change of hats when necessary or, as in recent years, being quite comfortable wearing a number of hats at once. Which is why I am extremely happy to be trading in some of my smaller hats (speaker, teacher, art coach and business mentor) for one roomier model (radio show host) with “Outside the Frame” the show devoted to addressing those matters outside the frame that affect the sale of what’s inside the frame. Premiers on Wednesday, April 29 at 1PM on Blockhead Radio Live

Radio Appearance on Artist Spotlight

2009-04-13T13:59:00.003-04:00

DeDe Sorensen's On the Air! DeDe will be appearing on BHR Ruthie's Artisan Spotlight Talk Show. Tune into Blockhead Radio Live on Thursday, April 16, 2009 @ 9PM EST. Listeners have the option to tune in only to listen like old-fashioned radio or they can login to the chat for an exciting interactive experience. Blockhead Radio is a 24/7 live streaming Internet radio station located at Blockhead Radio Site that features indie music and talk shows about artisans, family, and life in a kid-friendly environment.

In order to interact, listeners need register for a chat login prior to the show. Registration is free and information required (name, email address, etc.) remain private.

Another New Product Line

2009-04-11T21:37:00.002-04:00

I have another exciting new product line! Chef's aprons are now available for purchase just in time for summer - see my flash gallery below:

:) DeDe

Just in Time for Spring!

2009-04-09T13:31:00.007-04:00

I have several new products available for purchase. The images used on these products are from my two new series of works, "Kaleidoscope Series" and "Butterfly Series", that are traditional-digital works in that they are digital works created from parts of works created in a traditional manner. In this case utilizing my drip and pour abstract works. The resulting digital creation is a one-of-a-kind as the patterns of the digital works are randomly selected from various areas on the traditional work and cannot be recreated.

Greeting Cards and Shirts are sold here:

Fine Art Prints of these works are also available:

As always, I welcome your comments. Happy Spring!!
:) DeDe

APW Gallery, NYC - Show Opens Friday

2009-03-31T12:32:00.002-04:00

Thanks to all who voted for my cute cats. I didn't win but made a "good showing" :) . Again, so much is happening right now that I almost forgot to announce the APW Gallery Show Opening!!!

Okay so here's the blurb:
Sorensen's drip-work studies in Acrylics, Inks and Metals on Rice Paper will be included in the Sketch It Out Show at the APW Gallery in NYC. These five pieces are part of the Cosmic Curiosities Series that explore and express DeDe's fascination with space ... #1-Space Nebula, #2-Exploding Planet, #3-Spiral Galaxy, #4-Galactic Glimmer, #5-Black Hole.

Show Dates: April 3 - April 27, 2009
Opening Reception: April 3, 2009; 6 to 9 PM
APW Gallery
48-18 Van Dam Street
Long Island City, NYC

Please don't forget: Dear DeDe still needs your art-related questions!!
See my March 28, 2009 blog post for details.
Thanks,
:) DeDe

FAA Cute Cat Contest -- Please Vote

2009-03-29T16:13:00.007-04:00

With everything going on right now, I completely forgot about this contest on FAA. I have three cute cats entered. Voting is open to anyone visiting FAA regardless of member status so all can vote. Voting ends on Tuesday, March 31st, 2009 - 8:42 AM. Also, I still need your art questions!!! See my March 28th blog for details.

http://fineartamerica.com/contests/cute-cats-.html?tab=vote&artworkid=110978

http://fineartamerica.com/contests/cute-cats-.html?tab=vote&artworkid=110975

http://fineartamerica.com/contests/cute-cats-.html?tab=vote&artworkid=110972

Thanks so much!
:) DeDe

Artists Questions Needed!!!

2009-03-28T00:54:00.002-04:00

I need your art-related questions for my advice column, Dear DeDe that appears in The Art Network Magazine. Questions can be about anything art-related such as tools, supplies, and techniques to business, pricing and contract issues .... anything and everything as long as it is art-related. If your question is chosen to be answered, your name and gallery link will appear in the magazine too so make em good :) (free advertising) There will only be room for 5 letters in this first issue. So submit your questions now. You can email them to me at: deardedesorensen -at- gmail.com

Replace the -at- with the @ symbol and delete any spaces between letters and symbols. I look forward to your letters.

:) DeDe

Welcome Spring!

2009-03-20T17:24:00.002-04:00

Today is the first day of Spring or so I've been told. However, outside it is very cold ... much more like winter than spring. The print above is one of the new abstracts that I have added to my gallery page on Fine Art America. Also, check out my new customized shop for Prints and please let me know what you think. I hope it's warmer where you are :).
Happy Spring!
:) DeDe

Lucky Friday the Thirteenth

2009-03-14T10:15:00.003-04:00

Unlike most everyone else in the world, Friday the Thirteenth has always been a lucky day for me. Yesterday was no exception! I was interviewed by Elizabeth Edwards from the UK-based Art Network last week for a spot called "Interview With The Artist" and received an email from her yesterday that the interview was a "go" (not all interviews actually make it to publication for a variety of reasons). The interview went live as the "Pick of the Day" on the 1stAngel & Friends Blog yesterday and can be read here: Interview With The Artist, DeDe Sorensen

I've been interviewed a number of times in various formats by number of journalists and I have to admit that this was the most extensive, thought provoking interview I've ever had. I hope you all enjoy reading it. Feel free to leave comments.
:) DeDe

Wrestling the Grizzly

2009-03-13T09:40:00.003-04:00

I've been wrestling with that flu bug that's been making its rounds and, let me tell you, it is much like wrestling with a grizzly bear! I hope to best the beast soon and be back in the studio on Monday. I hope all of you are well and that this particular grizzly has by-passed your hearth. See y'all soon.
:) DeDe

FAA Online Contest

2009-02-25T13:13:00.004-05:00

Just a quick announcement:

My painting, Sunset Oregon Coast, has been entered in the First Annual Fine Art America online fine art contest. Please take a moment to follow the link and vote for my painting if you are so inclined: Sunset Oregon Coast

Thanks for your time.

:) DeDe

Old School Summertime Fun!!!

2009-02-04T15:05:00.003-05:00

"Waterfight" is a soft pastel painting that depicts a simpler time before air conditioning and video games became summer mainstays. My siblings, myself, and the neighborhood children would grab a few buckets, a hose, a squirt gun or two and cool off with a good old-fashioned water fight.

The original pastel painting, "Waterfight", will be available at the Art With Heart Auction at the CenterStage NoDa Gallery; 2315 N. Davidson Street; Charlotte, North Carolina on Saturday, February 7, 2009. The work will be included in the Live Auction offerings that begins at 9:00 PM. Proceeds from this event will benefit United Family Services' domestic violence programs.

However, if you are unable to attend the Art With Heart event in North Carolina but would still like to participate, you can purchase a print or canvas print of "Waterfight" from Fine Art America (just click on the photo above) beginning on Saturday, February 7, 2009 at 12.01 AM and continuing through Saturday, February 14, 2009 at 12:00 PM and I will contribute 20% of all sales of this print made during this time to my local domestic violence program ... Hanover Safe Home. Please support this very worthy cause.
:) DeDe

1000+ Visitors

2009-01-25T15:48:00.002-05:00

Today, I checked my visitor counts for my various paintings on my Fine Art America gallery and found that my painting, "Sunrise Ballet" had received 1000 visitors since I posted it in March 2008. A wonderful milestone indeed, however, it makes me wonder why these high visitor counts don't translate into sales. Other artists on the site, with fewer visitor counts, are selling some prints and the owner of the site has a "recent print sales" page that shows a variety of prints being sold. While the owner states that artists who purchase their own works are not included in his sales statistics, purchases of works by fellow FAA artists are included.

In an effort to determine why my works have many visitors but I have yet to make any sales via the Fine Art America site, I'd like to ask for your help in the manner of feedback. Would you please, visit my Fine Art America Galleryand look through my works (if you have not already done so) and answer the following questions as to why you do not purchase:

1. Did you like the images?
2. Do you question the quality of the prints?
3. Do you question the security of the Fine Art America shopping cart?
4. Do you question the Fine Art Amercia support staff?
5. Do you feel the prints are priced too high?
6. Is there another reason that stops you from buying?

Please comment with your answers to these questions. Or, if you do not want your comment made public, you can email me with your answers. Thanks for your help as I am trying to decide whether or not to continue my participation with the Fine Art America Print-on-Demand service for another year.

:) DeDe

Good Things Come In Threes

2008-12-14T15:26:00.003-05:00

I'm very happy to learn that not only will my painting "Moonrise Tango" be the featured art for the Art of Performance Show, January 2 - 31, 2009 at the Altered Esthetics Gallery; but the two other works in my Sky Dancer Series will be in the show as well. With this show, there are some firsts for me .... 1.) my artwork, "Moonrise Tango" will be featured on all the promotional materials for an international group show; 2.) all the works I submitted for consideration to the jury will be included in this show; and 3.) I will be exhibiting for the first time in Minneapolis.
So you see, good things do come in threes. In case anyone is in the Minneapolis area and would like to see the show, here are the details:

The Art of Performance January 2-31, 2009
Altered Esthetics Gallery
1224 Quincy Street NE
Minneapolis, MN 55413
Phone: 612-378-8888
Hours: Tues. and Thurs. 1PM to 7PM; Sats. 1PM to 5PM

Speaking of threes .... my daughter, son and I are busy building three rooms in our basement. One will be for the laundry, one a music room for my husband Craig (and his drumset and numerous guitars/amps) and a bedroom for my son. We hope to have the rooms finished soon so that my son can move into his much larger bedroom before the end of the week. As an added bonus; Craig will inherit my son's former room as an office (no longer in a corner in the dining room) and I inherit my son's former closet for painting/canvas storage (no longer taking up valuable space in my studio). Good things all around!!

If I don't see all of you before the holidays get under way, let me wish you a very Happy and Safe Holiday Season!!! And if you are still looking for gifts for the unique peeps on your shopping list this year ... why not buy them a print of my artwork!!
http://dede-sorensen.fineartamerica.com (sorry about the shameless plug but a girl's gotta make a living besides, don't ya'll wanna watch me do the happy dance LOL)

Transitions

2008-11-12T21:31:00.002-05:00

It seems that everyone is in transition these days. The government is in transition. The economy is in transition. Corporations are in transition. Many industries are in transition. I'm in transition and the work above is a result of that transition. I've been leaning toward abstraction for several years .... stepping up just to the edge and jumping back into the safety of realism. Well, I finally took the plunge and love what has transpired. Visitation Shoji is actually five works in one; each portion on the shoji screen is an independent work adhered in a shoji-style frame. The original is 58"h x 40"w using inks, dyes, and metallic paints on rice paper and is available for purchase at $7,500 (USD). Prints of this work are available from Fine Art America (FAA) in various sizes from 6"x8" to 30" x 40".

I like the vehicle of the shoji screen as it is itself an item of "transition" ... whether from one room to the next or from old world to new world; the shoji is a threshold. Additionally, I'm really enjoying the freedom inherent in abstract works, as well as, the utilization of different techniques such as drip, spray, brush stroke, knife, absorption, and gravity to get the paint to flow onto the rice paper. Therefore, I see myself doing many more pieces in this vein. Let me know what you think of this new direction and I will provide updates on pieces as they are completed.
:) DeDe

Woohoo!

2008-11-05T16:36:00.007-05:00

I know its been ages since I’ve posted a new blog. I’ve been rather busy and each time I sit down to write a new blog … something has come up to distract me. By the time I’ve dealt with the distraction; the blog I was writing was no longer current or the event I was writing about had come and gone. But today is different; today is a new day; today is the day that we the United States as a Nation can proclaim, “Change Has Come”!! So in keeping with that change, I will finish this blog and make my announcements while they are still relevant.

In September, I submitted work to a juried competition to be included in a show at Altered Esthetics Gallery in Minneapolis. After I sent out my submission, I learned that the competition was not only for inclusion in themed exhibitions for 2009 but also to be considered as the Feature Artist for said show, as well as, a spot on the gallery’s 2009 Exhibition Calendar. Needless to say, I was stoked by this additional opportunity.

I was notified on October 23, that I won for the theme, The Art of Performance!!

As winner, my artwork will be featured on the postcard, brochure, press release and website for the show. My artwork will be featured in the AE Exhibition calendar and I will receive 5 copies of the calendar. Additionally, my artwork will have feature placement in the brick-and-mortar exhibition, The Art of Performance at the AE Gallery January 1-31, 2009. There will be an opening reception at the gallery on January 2, 2009 at 7PM – 10 PM. The AE Gallery is located at: 1224 Quincy St NE, Mpls MN 55413
Hours: Tuesdays & Thursdays 1pm–7pm, Saturdays 1pm–5pm

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I am also extremely proud to be participating in the Art With Heart art auction to benefit United Family Services’ Domestic Violence Programs on February 7, 2009 in Charlotte, NC. I will provide additional information regarding time and location as details become available to me.

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Also, the holiday season is upon us. Stretch your holiday dollars by giving the gift of art. When you purchase a Fine Art Original or Fine Art Print you are making an investment that will not only grace the home of the recipient but will grace their heart as well. I wish you all a healthy and happy Holiday Season filled with much joy and responsible partying!! Let’s Calypso!

A. A. S. .. a Not-So-New Affliction

2008-03-27T13:51:00.004-04:00

I got an email from a fellow artist today and have learned that he is suffering from A. A. S., a potentially fatal condition. After chatting with him for a time, he explained his malady further and stated that the experts report a staggering "nine out of ten artists" world-wide suffer from this condition. While I was not completely shocked, I was somewhat awed by the sheer numbers. You may ask yourself why these statistics do not shock me. Because I live with A. A. S. daily and know many artists who suffer along with me in silence. As my title suggests, this is not a new affliction. Vincent van Gogh also suffered from A. A. S. and, sadly, died before he could be cured.

Anonymous Artist Syndrome (A. A. S.) affects us all ... many talented artists struggle in anonymity in a dark corner of the art world while the spotlight shines brightly upon the artist whose work is deemed the "Art Fad du Jour". What does it say to the artist toiling away unnoticed creating outstanding art when the best galleries clamor to represent works that are often comprised of dissected animals or feces thrown at a canvas? What message does it send to the A. A. S. sufferer when they see wealthy patrons trampling each other to buy a canvas covered with feces yet dismiss our works as not being "cutting edge"? You can help to alleviate this condition. You may ask yourself, how can I help ... I’m not a wealthy art patron. Here are ways in which you can help:

1. Support artists whose work you appreciate; attend their shows, purchase their art (buy prints if you cannot afford originals), make your appreciation known to the artist (they love to hear that others enjoy their work), and tell others about how much you like the artist (tell your family, friends and colleagues about your "discovery").

2. Speak up! When others are tittering about the great new dung show at the (insert NYC Gallery here) let them know that this hubbub is just an illusion ... that its all carefully crafted hype. Its like the old fable, The Emperor’s New Clothes, someone has to be strong enough to stand up and say ... "dude, you’re naked!"

Let’s all work together to stamp out A. A. S. in our communities and eradicate this horrible disease! If I happen to be an artist whose work you appreciate, I’d love to hear from you and would be pleased if you would pass my name (and URL) forward to your family, friends and colleagues. And if you’d really like to stop A. A. S. in it’s tracks, you can purchase affordable prints in various sizes of my works here: http://fineartamerica.com/shop/dede-sorensen.html

"You Have to Spend Money to Make Money"

2008-02-27T15:47:00.002-05:00

In order to succeed in business, one must invest financially in said business. The business of the freelance artist and/or writer offers no exception to this rule. Overhead and expenses are as much a reality for the freelancer as they are for the retailer. However, retailers aren’t automatically branded as “suckers” and therefore are not solicited several times a day to be separated from their hard-earned cash under the guise of making an “investment” in their future. Case in point: VANITY services. Fee-based publishers, agents, and galleries whose major income is derived by charging the talent rather than promoting the talent. Are these services really worth the exorbitant fees? Will paying for Career Management really push my career to the next level? Will paying for a two-week show in a New York City gallery get me the highly prized “New York artist” credential? Will paying to be listed in an Art Directory really get my name and work known?

As a business owner, I am prepared to invest money in my business ... and have invested quite a lot over the years. Art supplies, promotional materials, postage, advertising, photography, portfolio materials, jury fees, professional associations, business books, seminars, website and a slew of other essentials for doing business as a freelance artist. Not to mention the costs associated with getting the works to clients or to galleries for exhibitions ... matting, glazing, framing, shipping, insurance, etc. All this comes directly out of my pocket. I guess I wouldn’t mind so much paying someone else to “get my career to the next level” if indeed by doing so would defray some of the costs of doing business that I currently absorb myself.

But the vanity services don’t defray costs, they merely add to them. I was approached by a well-known vanity gallery located in NYC a few years ago and was offered to participate in their “Invitational Showcase”. For $2100.00, I could have five to six pieces included in the “salon-style” show featuring a “mixed bag of works” which would run December 6 - 24. The gallery would accept shipment of my work, unpack and hang said work. Return packaging and shipping is the responsibility of the artist (the gallery does not re-package artwork nor arrange for shipping company pickup). Insurance while en route and on premises is the responsibility of the artist. The artist receives from the gallery 100 invitations with his/her name and dates of the show printed on them ... the mailing list and the postage is the responsibility of the artist. The gallery will provide a champagne reception for the artists in connection with their showcase exhibition. Guest list to be provided by the artist. Sounds like a great deal, right?

I was responsible for everything except hanging the works and having someone on-site to “sell” the works. The gallery offered no established collector or critics list and since I didn’t have access to NYC collectors on my own, I would only be able to rely upon “walk-ins” for sales. In addition to having to pay for travel from my home in South Central PA to NYC for the show’s reception, I would also have to travel there to re-package and arrange for shipping of my work (or hire someone to do it for me). As the gallery doesn’t store packing materials, I would have to purchase (or bring) those materials with me. With the show ending on Christmas Eve, I wouldn’t want to be in New York alone for Christmas ... so I would have opted to take my works down early. For which, I would have had to pay a penalty to the gallery. I could have opted to have the works stored in the gallery until after the holiday for a rather steep fee (plus additional insurance). All told, as I figured it at the time, it would cost me close to $10,000 to have my less than two-week showcase in NYC. If I had sent six oil paintings sized 24" x 36" and managed to sell all of them, at full price: I’d only manage to make $8,208 after subtracting the gallery’s 5% commission on each sale. I’d be $1,792 in the hole not factoring in for self-promotion costs. What price, Vanity?!

Sadly, this constant drain of income from artists is not going to cease anytime soon. It’s an accepted myth that art and money don’t mix. That the proper condition of the artist is one of poverty to achieve artistic purity. Artists battle this perception daily when dealing with the general public – those outside the art world. Those who assume that because you are talented and love what you do, you should gladly give the fruits of your labor away. What angers me most about these vanity services is that they are offered by people who are supposedly within the art world. People who claim to know how difficult it is to survive on an artist’s income. People who should know better than to prey on their fellow artists.

As starving artist Vincent van Gogh once remarked, “I see more and more that my work goes infinitely better when I am properly fed.” Art, properly fed, enriches the pocketbook as well as the soul. I read a World Science article on February 13 which stated that recent studies suggest that by placing an image of a painting – almost any painting – onto a product, or into a product pitch, consistently makes viewers rate the items to be more luxurious.

Vanessa M. Patrick, an assistant professor at the University of Georgia’s business college, who co-authored this research said, “Art has connotations of excellence, luxury, and sophistication that spill over onto the goods with which it’s associated.” She adds, “this so called ‘art infusion effect’ seems to work for everything from silverware to soap dispensers.” The study concluded that even consumers who don’t bother to examine a specific picture still admire the general “quest for excellence” that art represents. People naturally “recognize the creativity and skill involved; it’s a universal phenomenon, and it stands out”.

Visual arts, product packaging and advertising have always been linked in order to persuade consumers to buy products. Art has been used to sell almost everything ... from the abstract like politics and religion to the luxurious like cars and home furnishings to the ordinary like cleaning supplies and food products. Simply put, art is a commodity. Whether its use is to enhance the home of the collector, to further a movement, or to sell products. Vanity services bank on the artist being ignorant of their art’s true commercial value.

Which leads me to my next question: If consumers value art and collectors value art; then why are the artists who create this valuable art constantly being stiffed when it comes time to receive their fair share of any art transaction? But that’s another blog.

Self-Promotion, Striking the Right Balance

2008-02-04T16:08:00.000-05:00

Over the last few days, there has been much chatter on my numerous groups/lists regarding the importance of marketing one’s works. There is nothing unusual in this as we are always talking about marketing. However, what was unusual was that two lists (independent of each other)were arguing the pros and cons of too much marketing vs. too little marketing. On the one site, an artist was cited for self-aggrandizement and on the other for self-deprecation.

Self-Aggrandizement – The act or practice of enhancing or exaggerating one's own importance, power, or reputation.

Self-Deprecation – The act or practice of undervaluing oneself and one's abilities.

As freelance professionals, we not only have to be ready to strike when the iron is hot but often we have to forge our own irons! When does one cross the line from being open to opportunity to being openly opportunistic? This is the question that stymies many freelancers. Some are so afraid of appearing to be “bragging or boasting” about their accomplishments that they never promote themselves or when they do its in a very weak and self-deprecating manner. Others are so afraid of missing an opportunity to promote themselves that they forget to (or do not) turn it off and tend to upstage those around them or come across as self-aggrandizing. Both extremes can be damaging to one’s self-promotion efforts.

Self-Promotion – The act of making one’s own accomplishments, talents or potential contributions known to others.

In many instances, how something is stated is the key. If the emphasis is on the “I”, likely you will be perceived as bragging. If the emphasis is on the accomplishment, likely you will be perceived as modestly sharing your excitement. Speak with confidence not conceit. A measure of humility is important, but too much and you’ve allowed the pendulum to swing too far to the other side.

Equally important to how, is why something is stated. What is the purpose of making the statement? There are usually five reasons:
1. To make oneself feel good.
2. To make other’s feel inferior or show one’s superiority.
3. To gain respect from others.
4. To instill trust.
5. To prove oneself in a business situation.

The third factor in the equation is to whom the statement is being made. Who needs to hear what we are saying? Are we presenting ourselves to the right people, in the right manner, and for the right reasons? People can be placed into these categories:
1. Family and Friends
2. Colleagues
3. Competitors
4. Business Prospects and Clients

Family and friends are happy to “share” our accomplishments with us and may even give us praise for our achievements. Colleagues also may be ideal for this type of “sharing”. However, if they were beat out by you in the same competition or lost the job to you; your colleague is then your competitor and may not be so happy to hear of your “success” in light of their “failure”. It’s quite appropriate to “toot your horn” to business prospects and clients so that they can gain confidence in your abilities. However, it’s inappropriate to view all people as business prospects and potential clients .... friends, family, and colleagues will soon tire of being seen as a “pigeon”.
It’s also inappropriate to promote yourself to business prospects and potential clients at certain times, such as:
When the person is engaged in a private conversation with another, it’s rude to butt in. When you are upstaging someone in the process, let the other person have their due.
When the person is engaged in a private activity, like going to the bathroom, for instance.
When the situation dictates propriety, like a funeral or memorial service, for instance.

It’s important to be proud of your accomplishments and promote yourself but you should also be respectful of others. In this way, you will earn their respect.

Two important things to remember about marketing is Connection and Status.

Connection: The stronger the connection to you, the weaker the influence of information. The fact that you think your work is great has very little influence, as we all think our work is great. The fact that your friends and family think your work is great holds less influence than if your colleagues or clients think so. The more objective the person, especially one with nothing to gain by your success, the more weight their opinion carries. The most powerful impact comes as a result of someone discovering your talents on their own.

Status: The higher the status of the person promoting you, the more powerful the impact. The testimony of a well-known or respected person will hold more clout than the testimony of a “regular joe”. A highly respected person within your industry who sings the praises of your work is highly coveted.

The ultimate purpose of self-promotion is to call attention to our work in a manner that enables others to sing our praises for us.

Happy Self-Promoting!
:) DeDe

Deadlines (or The Fairy Jobmother's Visit)

2008-01-23T10:39:00.000-05:00

Deadlines ... a word that strikes a chord with all freelance professionals. Its a word we both love and loathe. If you have a deadline, chances are very strong that you also have work ... which is why we love the word. If you have a deadline, chances are very strong that you have work that needs to get done ASAP ... which is why we loathe the word. Managing deadlines is really an art in itself. If done correctly, the artist (or author) will never have two or more major projects competing for their time. That's great, in theory. However, due to the "feast or famine" nature of the freelance profession; we cannot guarantee when jobs will come our way. It seems that the jobs only come in if we have one job in hand first. When we don't have work, the phone never rings. With the wave of the Fairy Jobmother's magic wand, you go from sitting alone in the corner hugging the wall to being the belle of the ball with everyone clamouring to get a dance. Sadly, this little analogy isn't far from the truth, you go from having no work to having a lot of work in the blink of an eye. Additionally, there is no rhyme or reason as to when work is going to come your way. You can't count on it. You can't plan for it. It just happens!

Well, as it happens, I have five illustrations due at the end of the month. So I better get back in the studio and get back to work on them. As I don't have another illustration job on tap following this project, I'm hoping for a visit from my Fairy Jobmother soon. If you happen to see her, please send her my way.

Thanks,
:) DeDe

Post Holiday Returns

2008-01-19T18:49:00.000-05:00

As many of you are busy returning your post holiday gifts, I am returning to blogger at this post holiday time. Being the New Year, its a good time to become more dedicated to keeping up with my blogging. Toward that end, I will continue to blog on Myspace from time to time but will also post a weekly blog here keeping you up-to-date with my freelancing efforts.

Another new foray this year ... I'm in the process of setting up a "Painting a Day" blog here which will be at a different URL (I will link it here when its complete). At present, I am working on putting into place all the aspects necessary to get this up and running. Once in place, I will post a painting daily (along with photos of the work in progress) that will be available for purchase on eBay via PayPal for $100.00 or less.

I will keep you posted of these developments..
:) DeDe