It's not where you go. It's who you meet along the way.
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I picked a limited palette for these pieces. Partially to challenge myself (it is fun to see what you can create with only 4-5 colors) and also to keep the canvases working well together. The second and third photo are simply adding many different layers of paint.
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More photos showing my work in progress and also how I painted the two long canvases as one piece.... don't forget to add some fun details to the sides of your canvas!
Thank you for stopping over! I hope to be more consistent with my blogging in the future. I love to read your comments and if you have any questions, please just send me an email aliciahayesart@gmail.com Have a great day! ~Alicia
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The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life
off our souls.
~
Pablo Picasso
August 2016 Sunset
I LOVE this quote; for me, art is like meditating.
On a perfect day: I meditate in the morning, then sketch and paint at different times throughout the day, then I like to 'wash my soul' before bed.
♥
On a perfect day: I meditate in the morning, then sketch and paint at different times throughout the day, then I like to 'wash my soul' before bed.
♥
One of my favorite times to doodle and sketch is at night while watching TV with my Mr. Unless it's a movie, I can't really seem to sit still and watch. This is the perfect time and place for me to create little original pieces of art! I love the size of an ACEO, just 2.5" x 3.5", because it is so easy to create anywhere... the living room, the park, the coffee shop, the pool, etc. etc.
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This is "Taurus Girl".... I love her cute little bull. ♥
My ACEO sketch bag contains: cut cards, pencils, permanent pens, colored markers and Gelatos. I start sketching with Faber-Castell pens, just to get the basic outline,
then I add the doodles and colors with Copic Markers.
I list my original ACEOs on eBay :) It's fun to watch the auctions & it's a great place to introduce another audience to my art.
I list my prints in different sizes here on my website.
My ACEO sketch bag contains: cut cards, pencils, permanent pens, colored markers and Gelatos. I start sketching with Faber-Castell pens, just to get the basic outline,
then I add the doodles and colors with Copic Markers.
I list my original ACEOs on eBay :) It's fun to watch the auctions & it's a great place to introduce another audience to my art.
I list my prints in different sizes here on my website.
Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.
~Albert Einstein
This was a GREAT surprise...
I have wanted a new bike for quite a long time now,
but I had no idea it would happen a few days ago!
This is my new bike and I love it so much. The color is fantastic (notice how close the color matches my "Choose Happy" original painting!
BIG thank you to my MR. ♥ who surprised me!!!
(obviously .... my shoes are were not awesome for riding home)
I have wanted a new bike for quite a long time now,
but I had no idea it would happen a few days ago!
This is my new bike and I love it so much. The color is fantastic (notice how close the color matches my "Choose Happy" original painting!
BIG thank you to my MR. ♥ who surprised me!!!
(obviously .... my shoes are were not awesome for riding home)
My NEW Bike!
Life Happens
Lately, I haven't been posting as often as I had planned, it seems like it just takes one thing to throw me out of my routine. Well... I am climbing back into a routine now and have re-discovered my LOVE of creating original ACEOs!
What is an ACEO?
What is an ACEO?
ACEO = Art Card Edition and Original
Size: 2.5" x 3.5"
An ACEO is considered by many to be a collectible form of mini art.
They are the size of a baseball card and are a way for people to enjoy and collect art inexpensively. They are addictive to collect and even MORE fun to Create!
Size: 2.5" x 3.5"
An ACEO is considered by many to be a collectible form of mini art.
They are the size of a baseball card and are a way for people to enjoy and collect art inexpensively. They are addictive to collect and even MORE fun to Create!
I'll be posting a blog series about creating ACEOs and I hope you will come along with me, re-discovering is so fun!
~Alicia♥
~Alicia♥
Intuition is the language of the soul.
~John Holland
I wanted to try something new.... I ALWAYS have music on in my studio, but this time I chose a favorite song and basically listened to it over and over and over again while I painted intuitively. I was really attempting to capture how the song makes me feel.
This 1st song is, "Come Along" by Titiyo.
The first time I heard this song, I was driving in my car and I believe they were playing it because a contestant on the TV show, THE VOICE was doing a version of it with her coach. I immediately loved it! I listen to it often :)
The first time I heard this song, I was driving in my car and I believe they were playing it because a contestant on the TV show, THE VOICE was doing a version of it with her coach. I immediately loved it! I listen to it often :)
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My next piece has so many layers! I would paint and like how it looked, but something just wasn't right. Then I just started painting the circular motion and switching up the paint between my blue and purple... I just kept the swirls going. I finished for the day to let my paint dry and I just kept looking at the piece. I saw a very distinct eyeball in the center of my swirl pattern! I ignored it at first, but then I thought, "Wow, that is too perfect and it must come out more clearly." I added the white around the iris and brought out the face that was already present then I painted the sides and edges black.
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This next piece is titled, "Window to the soul".
One of my customers, Sabrina, came up with this title
so I sent her the 1st print as a thank you gift. ♥
This piece was painted while listening to the song "Let it Go" by James Bay.
One of my customers, Sabrina, came up with this title
so I sent her the 1st print as a thank you gift. ♥
This piece was painted while listening to the song "Let it Go" by James Bay.
Thanks for taking the time to read my blog and come along on my journey! ~Alicia
Notice that the stiffest tree is most easily cracked, while the bamboo or willow survives by bending with the wind.
~
Bruce Lee
Everyone knows a "control freak" or perhaps you are a bit of a freak yourself :)
In the past, I was a control freak;
Now I am a "control enthusiast ".
In the past, I was a control freak;
Now I am a "control enthusiast ".
As I have gotten older and wiser and more mature? I realize there's actually not very much we can control in life and often times it is absolutely better to just go with the flow. At times, this plan or "non-plan", works to a better conclusion than you could have even imagined. :)
This is the same with art for me... like in a previous blog "Happy Accidents", more often than not when I "over think" my art, the end result as not feeling "free" and too structured for my liking.
This is the same with art for me... like in a previous blog "Happy Accidents", more often than not when I "over think" my art, the end result as not feeling "free" and too structured for my liking.
Letting go of control takes practice! An Art Journal is a GREAT place to practice different techniques and practice letting go of control and structure. In your Art Journal, you don't need to worry about making "mistakes". There are several great videos on YouTube about art journals if you are needing some inspiration. ♥
Happy creating and being free. ~Alicia
"Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair."
~
Khalil Gibran
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I love to watch the clouds! It reminds me of some wonderful times I spent with my Gram Claire laying on our backs in the park picking out images in the sky. She was a great inspiration and a very positive influence on my life. Thank you Gram ♥
Over Valentine's Day weekend, my husband and I took a spontaneous road trip to Las Vegas. The is drive is quite long ... not terrible ... but I do need to be well stocked on red licorice to make it through. :) We were driving into the sunset and I was enjoying the beautiful clouds and "picking out what I could see in them."
Just outside of Vegas,
this FACE in the SKY appeared.
It was so clear I had to snap a photo of it to share!
(These photos have not been edited in anyway)
I think it looks a lot like the girls' faces that I love to sketch and paint.
Can you see her two eyes? Her nose? Her hair sweeping across her face?
Nature is always inspiring ♥
this FACE in the SKY appeared.
It was so clear I had to snap a photo of it to share!
(These photos have not been edited in anyway)
I think it looks a lot like the girls' faces that I love to sketch and paint.
Can you see her two eyes? Her nose? Her hair sweeping across her face?
Nature is always inspiring ♥
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Just in case you can't see the face ...
the photo below has been edited to hopefully make it even more clear.
the photo below has been edited to hopefully make it even more clear.
Inspiration is everywhere. I feel like this face was looking right into my face.
I love to read your comments and appreciate your social media shares :)
I love to read your comments and appreciate your social media shares :)
Have a creative day! ~Alicia
Adventure is worthwhile in itself.
~Amelia Earhart
ad·ven·ture
adˈven(t)SHər,ədˈven(t)SHər/
noun
An unusual and exciting, typically hazardous, experience or activity.
verb
Engage in hazardous and exciting activity, especially the exploration of unknown territory.
adˈven(t)SHər,ədˈven(t)SHər/
noun
An unusual and exciting, typically hazardous, experience or activity.
verb
Engage in hazardous and exciting activity, especially the exploration of unknown territory.
It's Thursday and that means BLOG POST in my studio :)
Gallery exhibiting is a new adventure for me in 2016. I love to challenge myself with new techniques and new adventures in art. It has been fun to meet other artists. I always get a bit nervous right before the show is about to open but that too is part of the fun!
Tonight is the private showing for the ART270 "Figures Exhibit". I have 3 pieces and I am excited to see my work on display with all the other artists! It is so interesting to see everyone's different styles. If it's anything like the FACES exhibit, the gallery will be PACKED.
BOHO GIRL
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ALOHA
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DARK WATERS
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Thank you ~Alicia
My favorite things in life don't cost any money. It is really clear that the most precious resource we all have is time.
~ Steve Jobs
Do you struggle with pricing your work?
I know I do! Many other artists I have talked to agree.... this is one of the most difficult things to do as an artist.
I know I do! Many other artists I have talked to agree.... this is one of the most difficult things to do as an artist.
You have poured your heart & soul, your valuable time & effort into your latest creation.
"What is it worth," you wonder?
"What will someone be willing to pay?"
"How do I go about pricing this piece I just gave creative birth to?"
First off, I NEVER price something right after I have just finished creating it...
I wait a few days.
If I priced pieces just after finishing them, I would price them way too high,
probably in the mega-millions (just kidding)!
"What is it worth," you wonder?
"What will someone be willing to pay?"
"How do I go about pricing this piece I just gave creative birth to?"
First off, I NEVER price something right after I have just finished creating it...
I wait a few days.
If I priced pieces just after finishing them, I would price them way too high,
probably in the mega-millions (just kidding)!
The Achilles Heel part of pricing is "there is no ONE SIZE fits ALL" way to do it.
There are several things to take note of and then decide which method will work best for you. I'll also tell you what I have found works best for me. :)
There are several things to take note of and then decide which method will work best for you. I'll also tell you what I have found works best for me. :)
First off.... If you feel resentment after a sale, there's a good chance you need to raise your prices. Only you know how much time, effort and love you put into each piece. Unlike your kids; Yes, you often do LOVE one piece more than the others and you may want your pricing to reflect that to avoid feelings of resentment towards your clients or customers.
When asked about pricing, state your price then Shut Up! Do not get defensive about your pricing. If someone mentions that they are able to get something similar for a lower price, know that it is OK to say, "if you like my work, this is my price." Also know that your pricing is YOURS and you are the one that can adjust it as you see fit. Many times I have fell in love with a customer's story and agreed to a commission piece that is lower than my normal pricing.
You may be surprised that your "high end price" is not necessarily someone else's. Do not talk your customer out of a high end sale based on what is in your own wallet.
State you price, then shut up.... you can then decide to negotiate - or not.
You may be surprised that your "high end price" is not necessarily someone else's. Do not talk your customer out of a high end sale based on what is in your own wallet.
State you price, then shut up.... you can then decide to negotiate - or not.
Does SIZE matter?
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SIZE and PRICING....
Some artists adhere to a strict ... Size = Pricing, it works for them. For other artists it leads to the "resentment" problem. For Example: each 16"x20" piece may not be created equally in the time, effort and basic LOVE you have for the piece.
Some artists adhere to a strict ... Size = Pricing, it works for them. For other artists it leads to the "resentment" problem. For Example: each 16"x20" piece may not be created equally in the time, effort and basic LOVE you have for the piece.
MY PRICING...
What works for me is basically a combination of all the things I've discussed here.
I either just listen to my gut and pick a price or I add the width and the length together, then multiply it by my chosen "multiplier" (usually 5.5 - 6.5). This gives a "fair" starting point for each of my different painting sizes. For example a 16"x20" would be 16 + 20 = 36 x 6.5 = 234. I would use $234 as my starting point for a 16"x20" and adjust accordingly. Your "multiplier" may be much higher! Play around with this formula and see what number works for you or just listen to your gut :)
What works for me is basically a combination of all the things I've discussed here.
I either just listen to my gut and pick a price or I add the width and the length together, then multiply it by my chosen "multiplier" (usually 5.5 - 6.5). This gives a "fair" starting point for each of my different painting sizes. For example a 16"x20" would be 16 + 20 = 36 x 6.5 = 234. I would use $234 as my starting point for a 16"x20" and adjust accordingly. Your "multiplier" may be much higher! Play around with this formula and see what number works for you or just listen to your gut :)
Have a Creative Day! ~Alicia
Name the GREATEST of all inventors. ACCIDENT.
~Mark Twain
Mistakes happen and over planning is a real thing!
Sometimes when I'm creating art, especially if it's for a custom piece, I start to focus too hard and my art starts to feel "forced." This is one of the reasons I like to work on several pieces at a time... I can jump to a new piece to basically "shake it off" when I start getting to stiff and feeling like I'm forcing it.
Sometimes when I'm creating art, especially if it's for a custom piece, I start to focus too hard and my art starts to feel "forced." This is one of the reasons I like to work on several pieces at a time... I can jump to a new piece to basically "shake it off" when I start getting to stiff and feeling like I'm forcing it.
Happy accidents, I really like the sound of that... so much better than just an accident by itself. :)
My backgrounds are really full of mistakes and I love it that way. I let the paint free flow, with drips and flicks and blends, I feel it gives the piece energy.
My backgrounds are really full of mistakes and I love it that way. I let the paint free flow, with drips and flicks and blends, I feel it gives the piece energy.
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LEAP OF FAITH
I would love to have a waterfall wall in my home or even better right in my studio! Could there be anything better to remind you to go with the flow and chill out?
Grab a cup of your favorite drink and check this amazing video out:
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Have a creative day ~Alicia
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