Tiffany’s Art & Life Blog

The BIG Sized thing Im Painting this week!

Mon, 4 May 2009 14:07:58 -0500

Well this week I will be painting not only on some of my portrait commissions, but I will also be working on the painting process for the project Hats off to Mr. Lincoln Bicentennial 2009. Which is a fundraising project in conjunction with the local Rotary clubs of Springfield to help various projects designed to improve literacy for children. Each hat has been purchased by individual or business sponsors. During the public viewing period, the hats will spend most of the time at the various sites identified in the Hats Off to Mr. Lincoln maps, but may occasionally be moved to other public events during the spring and summer. At the end of the summer, hats that haven’t been purchased by the sponsor will be auctioned off at a special event. The Hat’s are enormous fiberglass sculptures of Abe Lincoln’s trademark black hat. Except that these hats arrive to the artist completely white, awaiting the artists designs. And when I say they are big, I mean so large most artists can’t fit them through their studio doors. So some are forced to paint in their garage! Which is not the ideal location. So good thing it is spring and warm weather has hit. Just the general height and depth of these hats will make the painting process one that requires some sore muscles and awkward positioning to reach the spots necessary. The hat will look great once completed. It’s just getting it done in the midst of my other portrait commissions is going to require some unusual time adjustments. Im guessing I will be meeting the sun rise in the garage. LOL

The hats will be displayed throughout Springfield Illinois through 2009. The small hats will be placed in store front and other business windows. And the very large versions of the Abe hat will be displayed throughout Springfield at various Lincoln landmarks. The artists chosen to paint the hats will be rendering their own designs, based around a concept of Lincoln and ideas related to Lincoln. So every hat will be quite different. The project is actually similar to that of the Chicago Cows on Parade held several years ago. ( see pics below).

Here's the "Shopping Cow" outside
Marshall Field's in Chicago.

So if you want to watch the progression of the Abe Hat Im painting, you will have to keep following my blog, (the intersection of my art & life). My design is done, and it is now time to start painting. :) A thought behind my hat’s concept, The Future Unfolding Before Us, Past Meeting Present. and Paving a Path through History. Wish me luck on this enormous fiberglass monster of a hat!

http://www.galesburg.com/archive/x180638902/Artists-create-Abe-hats-to-decorate-Springfield

One of the other artist ( not me) painting her hat design on the huge hats.
(photo SJR)
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Tiffany’s
Wednesday Night Art Class
all media and styles
ages ( 16 through adult)

Class spots are currently available!
as it’s a class that runs through out the year. With students starting and stopping at different points. Please call to reserve your spot, and start class soon.
217.698.3500
or email me at info@tiffanybeane.com
.....................

-This is a long running class. Students come in and out. Some staying with the class for years, others months or weeks or more. It is up to the student, but a minimum of 6 weeks is recommended.

If you are in the area, we would love to have you join us for class.
To read more about the Wednesday night art class please click the link below.

http://www.tiffanybeane.com/mainbusinesswebsite/Art_class_Schedule.html

Leave me a note. I love hearing from all of you. Until latter this week.
Tiffany ;)

Facebook Love, My Painting in BARK Magazine, How to Commission a Dog Portrait

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0500

My Art Requested & Published in the
Number One National Dog Magazine “BARK”
illustration for the article “the senior citizen pass”

March/ April 2009 Issue!
Can be purchased from Barns and Noble stores, Most Pet supply and Specialty Stores, and other news outlets. Learn more at their website www.bark.com

click here to for more info and links on this article

My specialty is portraiture of people, and animals. I also paint still lifes, figurative subjects, and landscapes. And I license images and provide art to serve as illustrations for magazines, etc. And as you have seen from my website I am also a photographer ( portraits, architecture, still life, people studies, animals, etc).
Recently I was contacted by the national #1 dog magazine BARK, and it’s editor. They were looking for a drawing or painting of an older dog. So I submitted some images for review and had one of my paintings chosen to Illustrate the article! Im especially pleased with this recent project as the magazine is truly one of the best out there in it’s category of upscale dog magazines.
This painting was an existing piece of my art. I also provide custom pieces to portrait and illustration clients. The painting of the black lab in the grass that was used for the article is of a client’s dog, named Dolly. And Dolly was as sweet and gentle as her expression in the painting. Unfortunately, Dolly has passed away. And I know her pet parent will never forget her. And those of us who have pets, understand how deep that bond is.

which brings me to another topic,....

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What to consider when commissioning a dog portrait

above photos:
dog portrait shown above are progression images and the reference photo of one of my previous client’s dog portrait commission
all images copyrighted by Tiffany Beane

PHOTO REFERENCE for the PAINTING:
- Do you have existing photos of your dog that would male a good reference for a painting

-photos should be clear, not blurry

-if you are looking to capture the details of the eyes, you need a more close up photo

-a good artist can render legs or tails that are cropped off in the photo, change backgrounds, remove other unappealing distractions in the photo when painting the original portrait.

-understand that the photo reference you and the artist decide upon is what the artist is going to paint,
unless otherwise agreed upon changes are made.

-the artist will want to work from the perspective that the photo reference provides, ( ex. if the photo is
shot from an angle looking down on the dog, or if the photo is shot at eye level down on the ground
with the dog).

-if you need to take the reference photo, take your dog out into the natural sunlight. Let the sun highlight their eyes, and fur. And if you can’t get outside, take your dog to the nearest and largest window or glass door, and photograph them in the natural light. (using a flash is ok, but natural sunlight is better).

-Get them to perk their ears and put on a happy face by trying a few tricks: Have an extra person on hand to help. Take a favorite toy, or favorite treat with you, having them sit and wait for treat ( have helper crinkle treat bag in their hand).. Using a high pitched voice when saying some of their favorite words ( ex. cookie, bye bye, etc.).
- If your dog is to hyper to sit still for the photo, take him for a long walk or fast run before shoot. Let them drink afterwards and stop panting and then start shooting photos.

-if you don’t have existing photos and don’t want to shoot them yourself than ask the portrait artist you are contacting if they live in your area and if they provide photography. Or you can contact a professional photographer. But you will want to let the photographer know that you are planning on using one of the photos as a reference with your dog portrait artist. ( a copyright release may be needed, be sure to ask)

-if you have multiple dogs you wish to have them painted together in one portrait, some artist will be able to work from several photos of different pets to create one painting of multiple dogs. But the perspective of each photo will need to be the same. ( ex. eye level, or dogs looking up at the photographer). Unless a montage effect is preferred.

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PRICING
-Most portrait artist prices are effected by
-number of subjects in the painting
-how much of the figure is rendered ( ex.head to shoulders, head to waist, full figure)
-overall size of the painting
-what type of background detail ( ex. no background, painterly, partial detail, full detail)
-what medium is used to create the painting ( ex. charcoal, colored pencil, watercolor, pastel, acrylic
paint, oil paint)

( all of these aspects help the artist determine how long it will take to render the painting or drawing of
the portrait. Which will determine final cost)

-Most portrait artist have clients pay a one half deposit of the total cost of the portrait, upon signing the contract. Typically the final payment will be due prior to shipment of the final portrait. Or at the time of pick up. Clients are typically responsible for shipping insurance, shipping and handling, and packaging costs, which would be in addition to the portrait’s cost.

- Be sure that the artist uses a portrait contract.
-contract should state:
-portrait specifics agreed upon ( see list under Pricing).
-price, and payment dates.
-completion date
-any other costs - shipping, packaging, shipping insurance, tax, material fee, prints of original, framing
or matting.
-both parties names and contact information
-description or number of the agreed upon photo reference
-as well as any other details specific to that commission
-a model release also typically accompanies a portrait contract

-Do expect to pay more for an artist who has more credentials, a longer history, and most of all a superior quality of art. You get what you pay for applies in this situation

(be aware of the artist rules of cancelation of project by client, deposits, delays in completion, etc.)
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ARTIST INFORMATION
-Be sure the artist
-has a professional website for you to view samples of their art. (or a portfolio and or brochure)
-their art should be consistent in it’s quality and style ( you should be able to tell the artist created
each piece.
-the artist should have professional information available to you ( past awards, shows, clients, press,
education, professional affiliations and other professional experience)
-All the artist contact information should be made available to you.
-Does the artist accept checks, credit cards, or paypal
-Look for an artist who has been in the portrait industry for a while. They will be best suited to offer you
the most ideal & predictable experience possible. ( not all artist can paint a true likeness of a person or
pet- you need to see previous examples of their portraits. Portraiture is a specialty).
-the artist is accustomed to painting from just photos if necessary.
-the artist has painted animals and humans before ( depending on your preference).
-Does the artist frame the art ( it is not a typical service for artist to provide)
-What shipping method does the artist use? What type of packaging and insurance does the artist
ship the art with.
-How far out is the artist booked with other commissions. ( and do they offer gift certificates)
-Be certain your artist has the ability to communicate in an easy to understand and professional
manner. This is a good predictor of what your overall experience will be. A professional portrait artist
is not an artist who should be flaky or so artsy that you feel they are talking over your head in an
artsy manner. They should be managing themselves and their businesses in a professional way. If they
are not, it’s a red flag. And you should keep looking for another portrait artist. It’s worth the time
investment.

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GENERAL TIPS
- Even if you don’t plan to have a portrait created in the near future, take lots of photos of your dog or other loved ones NOW. This way you always have photo reference of the different stages of their life, ready and waiting when the moment arrives where you decide to commission that portrait painting or drawing.

-Try to shoot in out door natural light. Either light coming through a window, or outside. Dogs can be placed in the direct sunlight or in the shade.

-Do your research on the artist that best suits your needs.

-Consider where you would hang the portrait. How much room do you have available for the new art?

- Look at different mediums, to see what appeals to you most. And find artist who work in those media.
( ex. charcoal, colored pencil, watercolor, pastel, acrylic paint, oil paint) And discuss pricing for the different media. Typically oil will be your largest investment, and Charcoal your smallest.

-Consider having the artist have a print made of the original to give to another family member who would appreciate the gift.

-Begin thinking about what style of portrait painting you are interested in, realistic, or pop. etc.

- If you have more than one dog ( or human) that you want a portrait painted of, consider doing one portrait at a time. Spreading the cost out over months or years.

-Contact your artist early. Try to contact the artist months in advance, as they are often booked months or a year in advance.

- If you choose an established and talented artist and also choose a more realistic painting style, know that the cost might be more than that of a beginner or a loose non realistic type of art. Realism tends to take longer to create.
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If you have any questions after reading this article on Commissioning a Dog Portrait, please email me at info@tiffanybeane.com

And if you would like to discuss placing a commission with me, ( pet or person) please email me or cal me at 217-698-3500.
Tiffany

New Obama Oil Painting . Getting back to my blog and real life

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 15:58:40 -0600

Painting: Original Oil Painting on Canvas - 8x10”

all artwork and photos copyrighted by Tiffany Beane

Title: Barack Obama President Elect - Moving Forward with Faith

This is one of my oil paintings of President Barack Obama. I wanted to capture the feeling of determination and confidence that President Obama seems to exude, even in the most difficult of situations. All while remaining calm and focused. The richness in my color choices was no accident. I felt it was essential to depict his composure and thoughtfulness, but balance that with the rich warm tones that are more relatable to passion and forces to be reckoned with. I call this painting - Moving Forward with Faith

This is an 8x10", original oil on hard panel, with 3/4 thick gallery sides
( 3rd photo shows that the canvas is a gallery style) - meaning no staples on the side, that the sides are painted and are 3/4 " thick,
so it can be hung or displayed without a frame, or with a frame.

Please email me with any questions: info@tiffanybeane.com

beginning auction price = $350 + shipping

click here to buy with confidence with Pay Pal and ebay

artist thoughts:
One of the many moments that will be marked in the history of Barack Obama’s run for Presidency, and triumphant win. The energy that President Obama generates among his supporters is like no other I have experienced in my life time. And to me it is undeniable that there are no coincidences in life. And I believe our new President was born for this moment in time.

As I spoke of before, there is a bit of a movement going on in the art world, where artists are creating painting 5x5” to 8x10”. And accomplishing two things by doing this. One: the artist gets to explore more subject matter as paintings are finished faster due to size. and Two: The artist creates an original painting that is smaller in size and therefor can be priced at a very affordable price. To the point that it is in a price point that most people can afford to start their own original art collection.

New Painting! ( miniature) . Barack Obama Original oil . and where have I been? the missing blog entries

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 14:22:44 -0600

Painting: Original Oil Painting on Canvas - 8x10”

(gallery wrap - meaning no staples on the side, that the sides are painted and are 1/2 " thick,
so it can be hung or displayed without a frame, or with a frame.)

title:Barack Obama President Elect - Springfield, Illinois Old State Capital - Summer 2008 Announcement of Running mate Joe Biden

starting price - $295.00 + shipping

Click Here to pay with confidence with Pay Pal and ebay

buy now before it’s posted for auction on ebay!

all artwork and photos copyrighted by Tiffany Beane

Barack Obama President Elect - Springfield, Illinois Old State Capital - Summer 2008 Announcement of Running mate Joe Biden
This is also the location where President Obama announced his intention to run for president of the United States of America in the winter of 2007.

This is an 8x10", original oil on canvas,
( 2nd photo shows that the canvas is a gallery wrap style) - meaning no staples on the side, that the sides are painted and are 1/2 " thick,
so it can be hung or displayed without a frame, or with a frame.

artist thoughts:
One of the many moments that will be marked in the history of Barack Obama’s run for Presidency, and triumphant win. The energy that President Obama generates among his supporters is like no other I have experienced in my life time. And to me it is undeniable that there are no coincidences in life. And I believe our new President was born for this moment in time.

NEW WEB SITE & BLOG ALERT!!
I have just added a new blog and new 2nd web site, dedicated to Barack Obama Paintings, and other Influential Historical Figures
Watch the art get added and see who and what is painted next! ( add your comments too).

new 2nd web site -
www.thebarackobamapaintings.com

my other blog - the historical figures paintings blog -
http://barackobamapainting.blogspot.com/

As I spoke of before, there is a bit of a movement going on in the art world, where artists are creating painting 5x5” to 8x10”. And accomplishing two things by doing this. One: the artist gets to explore more subject matter as paintings are finished faster due to size. and Two: The artist creates an original painting that is smaller in size and therefor can be priced at a very affordable price. To the point that it is in a price point that most people can afford to start their own original art collection.

CUSTOM WORK: I can create custom artwork for you using your photo reference or mine ( still life, landscapes, portraits of people, pets or home and business facades). Prices start at $75! . email me directly with your ideas and questions, and I will provide you with information and an estimate.

New Painting! ( miniature) . New Photos . Step Away From the News About Our World

Thu, 9 Oct 2008 16:20:22 -0500

Painting: watercolor & colored pencil, 7x5”
on watercolor paper,
title: Plate of Happiness
starting price - $85.00 + shipping

pay with confidence with Pay Pal

buy now before it’s posted for auction on ebay!
all artwork and photos copyrighted by Tiffany Beane

artist thoughts:
Im not a sugar lover. I like it, but it’s not critical to my happiness. But you know,..who doesn’t like the occasional perfect buttery waffle with warm golden syrup and some fresh blueberries on top? Maybe it’s the state of our world, but sense I don’t allow myself to indulge too much in this kind of food fantasy,..I have started to paint my comfort food. Beginning with some breakfast items. :) So I call this painting “Plate of Happiness”. And I think no matter what else is going on, if any of us were greeted by this breakfast,..we would smile.

As I spoke of before, there is a bit of a movement going on in the art world, where artists are creating painting 5x5” to 8x10”. And accomplishing two things by doing this. One: the artist gets to explore more subject matter as paintings are finished faster due to size. and Two: The artist creates an original painting that is smaller in size and therefor can be priced at a very affordable price. To the point that it is in a price point that most people can afford to start their own original art collection.

CUSTOM WORK: I can create custom artwork for you using your photo reference or mine ( still life, landscapes, portraits of people, pets or home and business facades). Prices start at $75! . email me directly with your ideas and questions, and I will provide you with information and an estimate.

New Painting ( Sticky Buns) . Side Walk Art

Wed, 1 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0500

AMAZING CHALK DRAWINGS ON SIDEWALKS

I received some photos from a friend and I just have to share them with all of you. Each of the photos shows artist’s renderings in chalk on sidewalks. These artist are amazing. And their use of perspective is jaw dropping. Unfortunately, I don’t have the names of these artist. I wish I did as they deserve the recognition. Enjoy!

. New still life painting! . . My Art Student Complements Me In The News . . my review in a major artist book! . gratitude moments & photos of tragedy .

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 14:38:19 -0500

Also,....My dog art will be showcased within the new hard cover book by award wining artist Ann Kullberg, “Improving Your Colored Pencil Art” - June 2009
My paintings will showcase successful rendering of the different aspects of a pet portrait.
The update on this book is that I just heard from Ann, and the publisher is ready to begin the section of the book that showcases animals. So I sent my images to her to forward on to the publisher. I really look forward to seeing this book in print as I have admired Ann Kullberg, the author and artist for many years. And to be chosen to be included in one of her art books is a real honor, that Im deeply moved by. Here are a few images of some of her previously printed art books to give you an idea of the caliber of artist Im speaking of. And Ann, if you read this,..thank you again for thinking enough of my art to place it along side yours in the new book!, Tiffany

http://www.amazon.com/Capturing-Soft-Realism-Colored-Pencil/dp/1581801696

Update: Ann ( the author and award winning artist), recently contacted me to let me know that the critique of my dog portrait she is placing in the new her new national art book, was the same critique she was posting to her online art magazine. She had decided to share it with her online magazine subscribers . So now Im sharing it with you here as you have to be a subscriber to the FMP online magazine to view it. . She said this is very similar to how it will appear in the upcoming book being released in early 2009. Different layout and image will be larger but the critique is the same. Im very happy with Ann’s review of my art. I just could not have asked for a better interpretation of my painting.
Thanks Ann.

To Read the full review with images click here
(and then scroll down to the article in last weeks blog entry)