Cow Art and More seeking new artists

Are you a cow artist looking for a targeted customer base to market your work?  Cow Art and More, the art gallery where 'art and agriculture' meet, is looking for quality artists in any media that portrays agriculture and cows in a beautiful art form.  Cow Art and More will be attending World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin, this fall, along with plans to attend the NCBA conference in February 2013.

Interested artists should submit by email the following:

A few pictures representative of your work along with descriptions
Retail prices
Availability (originals, prints, etc)

Information must be submitted by Saturday, July 14 to info@cowartandmore.com for consideration.  Incomplete submissions will not be considered.  Questions may be directed to the same email address or gallery owner Kathy Swift on twitter @cowartandmore
 

What we're working on now

In addition to the day-to-day operations of Cow Art and More, I've always got a couple of "big" things I'm working on. Right now, there are two projects with top priority:

1. I'm in the process of adding two new artists and their art to Cow Art and More. I only interview artists twice yearly (January and July) and make decisions as to whether or not that artist and their art would be a good fit. Of the 8 artists I reviewed last month, I'm happy to say two look to be a good fit with both their art and their business style. I hope to have their art listed by the end of next week.

2. We have another live event coming up in less than a month at the Pennsylvania All American Dairy show! In some respects, this is a bit less stressful than the art booth we had at the National Holstein convention. Everything is built and I've made a few adjustments from our last event to help things run a bit smoother. (There are always a few hiccups along the way.) The biggest change is that I will be shipping the art up Harrisburg, Pennsylvania ahead of time in a shipping crate and will fly in for the show.

Once these two projects are out of the way, it's onto being ready for holiday shopping!

Become acquainted with painter and pastel artist Robin Maria Pedrero

Cow Art and More featured pastel drawing artist and painter Robin Maria Pedrero in September 2009. Robin is a well-known central Florida artist that both paints and draws with pastels. She has been published in several magazines and has won numerous awards from art shows and art societies across the southeast. Robin is also an elected member of the Pastel Society of America, which is reflected by the PSA designation behind the signature on her work. Robin will participate in an exhibit in Berlin, Germany, in May 2011.

Why do you paint/draw?

There are various reasons as to why I paint and draw. I could say it is a compulsion where I am able to capture a fleeting experience or emotion, a visual form of homage to creation.

What is your technique?

I work in several mediums and the techniques vary for each. At times when I am immersed in the creative process I cover the studio with 7 – 20 pieces in progress strewn on tables, easels, the wall and floor. In pastel, I start at the farthest point in the distance and build layers towards what is closer and more detailed. In acrylics and mixed media I capture life and simple pleasures applying rhythmic patterns and geometrics in translucent layers. In all mediums, I personify nature through color and movement evoking moods of transition, strength, joy and serenity. I use a symbolic visual language exploring the visible and invisible creating a commentary on relationships and thoughts. As I work the images can be unexpected flowing from gathered memories. Within the placed pigment I enhance my perceptions of faces, animals, cities or fauna to share them with viewers. Then I let the work be and come back to it with fresh eyes and work some more until finished. Repeat

Where did you learn your technique?

My technique is a culmination of years of working, creating, building habits and trying new things. I have enjoyed a few workshops through the years and have a foundation of study with master artists.

How do you decide what to paint/draw?

I create what attracts me. The decision of specifics is part of the artistic judgments made throughout the creative process. Unless it is a commission and then the subject is usually their choice via my hand.

How long does it take you to get an average piece of art?

Sometimes I plan or see the piece in my head for days, weeks, even months. Other pieces form by just coming before a blank page and placing marks or color until the piece evolves. It varies with subject matter and medium. An average piece of art might take one hour, two hours perhaps three hours to even seventy two hours over a period of a few weeks or months. Oils can take longer. Part of the process is also having distance and coming back to work on the piece with a fresh perspective.

Do you ever have goof ups or work you don’t like?

Yes. One advantage of making art is that it is usually a solitary environment, so the less favorable pieces can go unseen, covered up, tossed or used as a teaching tool.

Where do you get your inspiration?

Influences and inspiration are daily occurrences, experienced through all of the senses. My visual journey encompasses my life; family, friends, travel, nature, meals, introspection, books, art, music and worship. The work begins internally and then is brought to the surface, literally.

What else do you do besides your art?

I travel. I spend time with my family and Shui tzu Max, we swim, walk, garden, and explore. I listen to music and dance while making art! I mentor and teach (just a little). I twitter, facebook and blog. I am an active member of several women's, business and art groups. I would be glad to share more on any of them with those who are interested. Presently I am reading "de Kooning". I go to art events...and hope you do too!

What advice to you have for aspiring painters?

There is a preciousness, unpredictability,and endurance to art so have integrity, balance, keep learning, follow positive examples, become a role mode, take courage, thicken your skin for reviews and critiques, and breathe. Don’t be too desperate for the sale. Protect your health, making art can be hazardous. It is a gift to make art, stay well so you can share it.

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

I believe that my art makes a difference in people’s lives and I will continue to make art. In my future I want my work in more Museums, galleries, corporations, institutions and collected worldwide.

What else would you like people to know about your art that they may not know already?

My collectors are precious, they receive my new art news, postcards, gifts and special invites shows and my sacred studio space. They are part of a bigger picture as one of my collectors, they make a difference as I donate a percentage of proceeds to select charities, like the International Justice Mission, Make a Wish, The Golden Rule Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, and more.

If you see PSA after my signature that signifies that I am an elected Signature member of the Pastel Society of America.

October's featured artist

This month's featured artist at Cow Art and More is Donna Greenstein. Donna's "photorealism" watercolor painting techniques allow her to capture her horse and cattle subjects in a realistic fashion. She enjoys painting from her ranch in Canada and finds her subjects simply by walking out her back door. Enjoy a series of question and answer sessions all month long on this blog.

See Donna's complete collection in our specials section. Purchase any of her work during the month of October and receive free shipping.

September's featured artist: Deborah Grayson Lincoln

Deborah Grayson Lincoln is this month's featured artist on Cow Art and More. Her Texas ranch full of horses and cattle serve as the inspiration for her original oil paintings. She obtained an art degree in college, but temporarily left painting while enjoying the joys and challenges of raising a family. She was able to pick up her painting again in 2005 and has enjoyed experimenting with her style.

Enjoy Deborah's work all month in our specials section. Purchase any of her paintings during September and receive free shipping.

New acrylic painter to Cow Art and More

Cow Art and More announces a new acrylic painter to its ranks. Robert Saueressig has had an extensive career in advertising and graphic design. After retiring 10 years ago, he took up painting full time. He enjoys painting livestock and farm scenery from his studio in the midwest. Currently, Robert's work is available only as originals. Robert's work can be seen in the Cow Art and More new products section.

Q & A with Carolyn Molder: Part 4

Where did you learn your technique?

I’ve taken numerous workshops with really talented and well known instructors. I’m enriched by each learning experience sometimes only taking one little idea. I can always bring home a new technique or way of doing something.

Picture credit: "Myers Cow"

Click here to learn more about this cow pastel drawing

Anyone have Happy Heifers out there?

In case you haven't become a fan of Cow Art and More on Facebook, we invite you to come over and join our community. Every Thursday, we have our "Happy Heifer tHursday" contest, where the person who shares a picture of the happiest heifers receives a $10 Cow Art and More gift certificate. Don't have happy heifers? Come on over and leave comments to help influence the judges.