Tuesday, June 30, 2009

A conversation with Jerry Gadamus: Part 13

Share |
Is there anything else about your art you want people to know?

Some colleges and high schools are now teaching airbrush. You can’t teach it per se, but you have to get used to it. Practice! I suggest watercolors first. You can take a dab of paint and put it on a palette and it comes to life even after it dries out. It’s a great way to start without the frustration of the airbrush clogging.

Monday, June 29, 2009

Monday's agriculture website of interest: AMERICAN FARM BUREAU

Share |
American Farm Bureau is today's agricultural website of interest. The group, founded in 1919, is an independent, non-governmental, voluntary organization governed by and representing farm and ranch families united in achieving educational improvement, economic opportunity, social advancement and national well-being. Farm Bureau is local, county, state, national and international in its scope and influence a voice of agricultural producers at all levels.

Sunday, June 28, 2009

A conversation with Jerry Gadamus: Part 12

Share |
How did you get started with the cow pieces?

My in laws, Margaret and Arnold, are dairy farmers. With my first cow piece I did, I always included the poem:

Margaret and Arnold are my in-laws you see

They own a dairy farm south of me

Where time is measured by what’s left to do

To provide a bounty for me and you

Saturday, June 27, 2009

A conversation with Jerry Gadamus: Part 11

Share |
What else do you do besides painting?

That seems to be about it

Friday, June 26, 2009

Friday's website of interest to art enthusiasts: ARTY FACTORY

Share |
Today's art website of interest is ArtyFactory. This website teaches any beginner the basics of art appreciation. Art Appreciation is the knowledge and understanding of the universal and timeless qualities that characterize all great art. The more one appreciates and understands art from different eras, movements, styles and techniques, the better one can evaluate any art work. Even only if an interest in art is simply for personal enjoyment, a greater knowledge of art history and an understanding of pictorial elements, such as composition and technique, should increase appreciation of art and enhance the pleasure derived from looking at it.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

A conversation with Jerry Gadamus: Part 10

Share |
What advice would you give aspiring painters?

Take classes in school in disciplines you may not like or are interested in. It allows you to experience things in school instead of having to buy a bunch of equipment later. I took my 4 to 5 years of college like most normal people, but a friend and I would continue to take 1 credit classes to be able to use the facilities. We were there in the evening enjoying it. I learned you’ll never make a living at it if you don’t enjoy it. Even if you’re good at it, but consider it a job, you’ll never make a living at it.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Cow Art and More makes a donation for youth

Share |
Cow Art and More is honored to be supporting the silent auction at the impending National Holstein Convention in Sacramento, California. Convention goers may bid on a cow charm, milk can charm, and rosette charm, each as separate items. Each charm comes with its own 16 inch sterling silver rope chain. Benefits from the auction go to support the scholarships provided by the National Holstein Wives Scholarship Organization. To see more information about this year's auction, click here to see the NHWSO June newsletter.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

A conversation with Jerry Gadamus: Part 9

Share |
What would you like to do more of in the future?

I would like to do more bronzes. Being in the upper Midwest, there’s not much of a market for them. It’s a nice escape from the painting end.

Monday, June 22, 2009

Monday's agriculture website of interest: INNOVATE WITH DAIRY

Share |
In celebrating "June is Dairy Month, Innovate with Dairy is today's agricultural website of interest. The website contains information about dairy products for food manufacturers, retailers, and consumers. The website details new products, technologies, innovations and nutrition information. The website is maintained by Dairy Management Inc. (DMI). Founded in 1995 as a not-for-profit organization funded by dairy farmers, DMI manages the American Dairy Association,® the National Dairy Council® and the U.S. Dairy Export Council®.

DMI assists dairy processors in creating and introducing new and/or improved dairy products, processes and packaging and meeting their innovation challenges. Across the entire food and beverage industry, DMI innovation programs provide nutrition research and market trend information to help with product positioning in the marketplace. These programs serve as a complement to DMI’s consumer education and integrated dairy marketing promotion programs, such as the 3-A-Day™ of Dairy campaign, a nutrition-based marketing and education program.

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Photographer Carla Christina Contreras featured in a Nashville, Tennessee, gallery

Share |
Cow Art and More photography greeting card artist Carla Christina Contreras' work is currently on exhibit at Studio 83 in Nashville, Tennessee. The name for the show, La Inspiracion de la Naturaleza de Vida, comes from her family's Spanish heritage. The review of the exhibit, as found in the Nashville Examiner, can be found here.

Saturday, June 20, 2009

A conversation with Jerry Gadamus: Part 8

Share |
Do you ever make goof ups or work you don’t like?

It’s an ongoing thing! You’ll always struggle with composition. I used to finish a part before I moved to the next part. I’ve found that if you finish one part and move on to the next, it’s harder to change the entire image. I now work on the whole painting at the same time. I don’t finish anything until I know I like what I see. My wife is a big part in what I do. I’ll call her in to get her opinion. If she gives me the same idea that I’m thinking is a problem, then I usually know I have to change it. I’ll say that too for anyone looking at art. Somebody may not be able to paint something, but they can tell you when something is wrong.

Friday, June 19, 2009

Friday's website of interest to art enthusiasts: GALLERY OF THE ABSURD

Share |
Today's art themed website of interest is Gallery of the Absurd. The works of art contained within the gallery are created by an artist only known as "14". The artist creates her rendition of celebrities with a comical twist. Her is created mostly by hand using ink, acrylic, pastels and oils on paper or canvas. Digital enhancement using Photoshop and Illustrator is also used.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

A conversation with Jerry Gadamus: Part 7

Share |
How long does it take to get a painting done?

As little as 2 weeks for the more popular sizes (10” x 24”) and the major pieces (24” x 36”) take 2 months.

Picture credit: "Little Dogies", airbrush on canvas

Go to Cow Art and More to see more about this cow art airbrush painting

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Cow Art and More helping agriculture's future leaders

Share |
Cow Art and More is honored to be helping support the American Junior Red Brangus Association's National Junior Livestock Show. The show runs June 18 through June 21 in Gonzales, Texas. Cow Art and More has donated a gift certificate to be auctioned off to help support the event.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

A conversation with Jerry Gadamus: Part 6

Share |
How do you decide what to paint?

Sometimes I paint what I want and sometimes it’s something the public or publisher wants. I don’t’ do commission work. Sometimes if I’ve had an experience lately with something or even if it’s been 30 years, but it’s been on my mind, I‘ll do it.

Monday, June 15, 2009

Monday's agriculture website of interest: AMERICAN AGRI-WOMEN

Share |
Today's agricultural website of interest is American Agri-Women. The organization was founded in 1974 by four state women’s agriculture groups. Today, American Agri-Women has 50 state and commodity affiliate organizations as well as individual members throughout the country, representing tens of thousands of women involved in agriculture. Members continue to be actively involved in making a difference in legislative and regulatory matters at the local, state, and national levels. They have also been instrumental in student and consumer education about agriculture, having initiated the Agriculture in the Classroom program at the national level are integrally involved in national and state programs still today.

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Cow Art and More artist to be on television tonight

Share |

Congratulations to Carla Christina Contreras, Cow Art and More greeting card photography artist, who has a part in tonight's episode of Army Wives. The show airs at 10 PM EST/PST on Lifetime television. Carla will be playing the part of a store clerk.

Saturday, June 13, 2009

A conversation with Jerry Gadamus: Part 5

Share |
Where did you learn your technique?

I was in the service for 3 years on the GI bill. When I got back, I went to college for fine arts. My roommate asked me if I wanted an airbrush to try while he was going to get one for himself. Most people my age can remember “Vargas”, and airbrush artist who always did work with a nice gradation of color. I started using an airbrush in 1969. I began with a combination of airbrush and hand brush and practiced to be all airbrush. The company I purchased my airbrush from commissioned me back in the 1970’s to do a piece for them. This was only the second time they had commissioned a piece. The first time was from Vargas himself!

Picture credit: "More Milk Please", airbrush on canvas

Go to Cow Art and More to see more information about this airbrush painting

Friday, June 12, 2009

Friday's website of interest to art enthusiasts: ARTCYCLOPEDIA

Share |
Since it's summertime and people are traveling, I thought it would be nice to include a link for people to find art museums on their travels. Today's website of interest, Artcyclopedia, has compiled a comprehensive index of every artist represented at hundreds of museums. It also has links for the world's "30 most famous artists" and maintains a current news database.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

A conversation with Jerry Gadamus: Part 4

Share |
Where do you get your inspiration?

Nature! At one time I wanted to be involved with natural resources, but it involved too much math. Being an artist was my second choice. I’m outside with nature all the time.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Gift Registry available on Cow Art and More

Share |
Based on customer feedback, we are excited to announce that a Cow Art and More gift registry is now available. Website visitors will see two options now on the left side of the page:

1. Visitors can create a registry. Users must first create an account, then add items to that registry. Users may specify the occasion and even email the list to someone when he or she is done.

2. Website visitors can view the Cow Art and More gift registry by clicking the find a gift registry link.

Still need help? Visit the Cow Art and More customer contact page.

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

A conversation with Jerry Gadamus: Part 3

Share |
What is your technique?

I use freehand airbrush. The way I do it compared with other people is that others combine it with a hand brush. I use the airbrush freehand. I don’t use any masking, taping or hand brushing. Everything is freehand. Hard brushes or stencils can give a hard edge. I’m only a ¼ inch away from the board at all times with my airbrush. Everything you see on that painting is airbrushed.

Monday, June 8, 2009

Monday's agriculture website of interest: U.S. HOUSE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE

Share |
With all the changes underway in agriculture, it is important that everyone's voice is heard! Today's website of interest, the U.S. House committee on agriculture, lists all the committee members and their current issues under consideration. In addition to listing all the members, it also lists the subcommittees with their specific members. There is the ability to search for past legislation, future scheduled hearings, and an archive of press conferences. Website visitors may also sign up for the same email updates sent to members of the press.

Saturday, June 6, 2009

A conversation with Jerry Gadamus: Part 2

Share |
How did you get started?

I was 10 or 11 years old and painting on a piece of plywood. I didn’t have brushes so I used a 16 penny nail instead. The painting had a religious theme and it hung over my mom’s washing machine.

Friday, June 5, 2009

Friday's website of interest to art enthusiasts: LEARN HOW TO DRAW AND PAINT

Share |
I get requests through Cow Art and More asking how someone can learn how to paint from their own home. I came across the website, "Learn How to Draw and Paint", and found it quite useful for a beginning artist. The website goes into detail about painting and drawing supplies, techniques, storage, and framing the finished work. There is also an art terms dictionary and a list of books related to the topic.

Thursday, June 4, 2009

A conversation with Jerry Gadamus: Part 1

Share |
Why do you paint?

I enjoy it and find I need to do it to maintain sanity.

Picture credit: "Got Beef", airbrush on canvas

Click here to go to Cow Art and More to see more information about this airbrush painting

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Cow Art and More artist Elizabeth Nelson featured in Orlando Arts magazine

Share |
Mixed media artist, Elizabeth St. Hilaire Nelson, has been featured in Orlando Arts magazine for her unique and special work using paper to create her mixed media collages. While she may be new to cow art enthusiasts, the art community of central Florida has long appreciated and admired her work.

Elizabeth's work:

Upper left side of the page, just to the right of the title:

"Life's Lemons," 24" x 20" collage with hand painted and hand stained collage papers on wood panel

Right hand side of the picture:

"Mom's Best Key Lime Pie"
24" x 24"
Collage of handpainted papers on panel

The collage is currently on exhibit and available for purchase from the COMMA gallery in Orlando, Florida.

Click here to see Elizabeth's mixed media cow art on Cow Art and More.

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Jerry Gadamus featured artist on Cow Art and More

Share |
July's featured artist is airbrush painter, Jerry Gadamus. Jerry has been painting for over thirty years and loves capturing farm animals and wildlife in their natural environments. Jerry uses his airbrush completely "freehanded"; he uses no stencils or brushes to complete his work.

Jerry's art will have free shipping all month on Cow Art and More.

His complete line of work will be on the Cow Art and More specials page for July.

Monday, June 1, 2009

Monday's agriculture website of interest: WHY MILK?

Share |
To help kick of June is dairy month, today's featured website is Why Milk? The site has a plethora of information about the health benefits of milk, recipes, and answers to frequently asked questions. One of the highlights of this site are the photos of celebrities who have posed with a milk mustache for the "got milk?" advertising campaigns. Stop, pour yourself a glass of milk, and see what this website has to offer!
Related Posts with Thumbnails