Artist of the Every Other Day (or whatever)

Draft Horse in Harness

As I try to put more time into these blog posts, the problem always arises as to what to write about.  Occasionally, I'll post new artwork that I've completed, as with last weeks' post of "Buffalo Bill Cody".  And of course, I'll post information about specials that I'm running in my Etsy Shop or on my FineArtAmerica Gallery.  With that in mind, there is still one week left in this months' specials, and I'll give out that info at the end of this post.  But, as I've stated before, there's only so much self-promotion that I feel comfortable doing. If it gets to be tedious for me, I can imagine that it is for my readers as well.  On occasion, I'll post a "Rant of the Day", but generally speaking, that has a tendency to make my head want to explode, particularly when my rant involves politics. So I'll save that for really special rants.  I also enjoy posting info about places I've been to on my travels, or concerts I've attended and my favorite groups, like Pink Martini and The Trail Band. 

Painted Beauty

Now, in my Art from the Inkwell Monthly Newsletter, I have a feature, "Artist of the Month", where I shine the spotlight on other artists who may be in my circle of friends, whether they be personal friends, or colleagues through my social networks.  I've done that on occasion here in this blog also, and henceforth, plan to make that a regular feature, starting today.  The title says it all,  for now.  Since I don't post daily, I can't really call it "Artist of the Day".  Even "Artist of the Every Other Day" may be stretching it, so feel free to fill in the blank accordingly.  In any event, I hope to introduce my readers to other artists and online shop owners they might not be aware of, while at the same time expanding the circle of influence and potential customers for those same artists and online shop owners.  

Head Rest

Today the spotlight shines on the Equine Art of Cindy Price McMurray, internationally collected and award winning artist. The images here serve as your introduction to her Etsy Shop. The links under each image will take you to that page in her shop, where you can see the larger version of each piece.  You can also visit with Cindy at her website:  www.cindypriceart.com   According to her bio, Cindy has always felt a connection with horses, and I think that is quite evident in the body of work.  Although horses have been here favorite subject, she also specializes in portraits of dogs, birds, deer and any animal that catches her fancy.  I hope you enjoy Cindy's work as much as I do.

Now, as to the final week of the specials I'm running this month, if you'd like to receive 10% OFF any purchase at my Etsy Shop, simply enter the Coupon Code:  BOOC00 upon check-out.  Over at FineArtAmerica, I'm also offering 10% OFF through the end of the month. Simply enter the Discount Code:  UMUVEL upon check-out.  FineArtAmerica offers a wide variety of matting and framing options, and this discount applies only to the artwork purchased, not any additional services or options you select.

Buffalo Bill Cody

Buffalo Bill Cody

Hunter, Scout, Indian Fighter, Showman; Buffalo Bill romanticized the West in his Wild West Show that toured through the Eastern U.S. and Europe.  William Frederick Cody got his nickname when he was contracted by the Kansas Pacific Railroad after the Civil War to supply the workers with buffalo meat. He proceeded to kill 4,280 American bison in an eighteen month period during 1867-68.  Still, another buffalo hunter, named Bill Comstock, claimed the name as well, so they competed in a buffalo-shooting match to determine who would have exclusive rights to use the name.  Cody won by killing 69 to Comstock's 48. 

"Buffalo Bill Cody" is the latest addition to my "Faces West" Gallery, and you'll be able to find him not only on my website, but also my FineArtAmerica Gallery, Etsy Shop and Three Sister's Marketplace.  Links are provided in side panel. Plus, you can get 10% OFF at the Etsy Shop and FineArtAmerica Gallery through the end of the month. Simply enter the Coupon Code:  BOOC00 upon check-out at the Etsy Shop, and Discount Code:  UMUVEL at the FineArtAmerica Gallery.

This portrait was rendered in Pen & Ink, using the stippling, or pointillism technique. I used Rapidograph pens of various sizes to complete the portrait.  Sizes ranged from (3 x 0) to (4) in diameter. Not quite sure what measurement they refer to.  Only that the smaller the size, the smaller the dot, naturally.  The (3 x 0) is equivalent to .25 something or other, while the (4) is equivalent to 1.20 something or other (probably mm). I used the larger diameter pens to fill in most of the background, or darkest areas. Then I used the smaller sizes for finer detailed areas like the face and coat.  I also used the smaller sizes to do some extra fill in the background, and to blend the rim of his hat into the shaded area.

Monthly Specials at Etsy and FineArtAmerica! Plus January's Artist of the Month.

First of all, Happy New Year to all!  Hope 2012 is filled with Peace and Prosperity for everyone. Today's post features the monthly specials at my Etsy Shop and FineArtAmerica Gallery, as well as a sneak preview at January's Artist of the Month, Barbara Keith.  

Cleft of the Rock Lighthouse

Follow the light from the "Cleft of the Rock Lighthouse" over  to my Etsy Shop and get 10% OFF any purchase this month. This includes all Prints and Note Card packages, as well as any of the laser-engraved gift items.  Simply enter the Coupon Code:  BOOC00 upon check-out to take advantage of this offer.  

Offer expires:  January 31, 2012

Portland - Mt. Hood

You don't have to visit the Pacific Northwest to get 10% OFF at my FineArtAmerica gallery.   But click on "Portland - Mt. Hood" to check out the full portfolio of prints and fully-customizable note cards, and enter the Discount Code:  UMUVEL upon check-out.  A wide variety of matting and framing options are also available at FineArtAmerica.  This discount applies only to the purchase of artwork, not to any additional materials or services purchased.

Offer expires:  January 31, 2012

Forest Jewels

This month's Artist of the Month, as featured in the Art from the Inkwell Monthly Newsletter is Barbara Keith.  Barbara is another one of my FineArtAmerica colleagues, and here is one of the pieces featured in the newsletter. Among her favorite subjects are Big Cats, and I think you'll agree that her work is stunning.  This particular piece is a Pastel painting on, wait for it, SANDPAPER. Barbara loves to draw on anything that will give her an interesting effect or texture.  It is evident that she has mastered this technique!  This link will take you to the full-size version of "Forest Jewels", and from there you can check out the rest of her gallery.

If you'd like to keep up to date with each month's Artist of the Month, or the Monthly Specials offered at my Etsy Shop and FineArtAmerica Gallery, please visit my website or Art from the Inkwell Fan Page (links provided on this blog), and "Join My List".