Cow Art and World Dairy Expo #WDE12

Wow!  We're heading to World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin, in a couple of weeks, and there is so much to do!  One of the things is (obviously) to take art to sell.  While doing inventory last week, I snapped a few random pictures of some of the cow art that will be headed to the event.

Have you seen our World Dairy Expo exclusive jewelry charm yet?  I wanted a special way to celebrate our inaugural attendance at this year's expo.  It's a limited edition and can be bought at WDE or ordered online.

If you're old school like me and still need a bookmark (I don't know how I could ever go digital on cookbooks), you won't want to miss our magnet cow bookmarks.  They're strong enough to clip several pages at a time.  (and if you have decided you have enough cow decor in your house, there will be other country designs as well)

I have to tell you how much I LOVE LOVE LOVE our bags with cow art by Elizabeth St. Hilaire Nelson.  They come in several different sizes (small purse size all the way up to a beach bag) and are the perfect fashion statement to show your dairy girl pride.

If you're a fan of realistic paintings of dairy cattle, you won't want to miss the art of Robert Duncan.  His paintings also come in cow card sets with blank insides, making them perfect for any occasion.

Just in case you thought we didn't have anything for the Jersey folks, be sure to check out our Jersey Jug jewelry charms.  Fifteen percent of the sale of each charm goes to fund American Jersey Cattle Club youth scholarships.

Looking for a 'little' something to take home to someone as a souvenir?  Our farm animal night lights easily fit into a suitcase or carry on bag and will be cherished by the recipient.  These lights have a 1/3 watt bulb and emit a soft glow.

So what you do get someone who has everything?  How about hours of entertainment putting a cow puzzle together.  Choose from two designs, Holstein or Jersey, both with artwork by Robert Duncan.


You can find Cow Art and More at World Dairy Expo in the Coliseum, main concourse, booth 62 (across from Alpine Ridge Embroidery).  Will we see you there?

Balancing a small art gallery with big business feel

When coming up with the business plan for Cow Art and More, I wanted to make sure customers had the amenities the larger "box stores" offered, but wanted to be equally as sure that people could feel like they were getting more than "big box store" service.

A few of the "big items" that I included:

• A toll free phone number and toll free fax number. It shouldn't cost you to contact us. Both of our phone lines have toll free options (or you can call us on our direct number as well)
• An organized way to ship orders to customers and have them know about it. I can print postage in our office and forward package tracking numbers directly to the purchaser.
• A small commercial space to conduct a little business. Since I have three small children, I usually work from home, but have rented a small space that serves some basic business needs like shipping and receiving and whenever I need to meet with someone.
• A website that could provide customers with the "online experience" they had grown accustomed too. This included not only the ability to purchase cow art, but a website (that at least on my end), made the experience of managing and buying art from an art gallery easy. To be honest, this has been one of the biggest challenges. (more to come on this in a future blog post)
  
• After being online for about 6 months, we added a print catalog to our repertoire. You might be thinking, 'Why am I just now hearing about this?'. Mostly because if you have high speed internet access, you already have access to our most expansive, up-to-date catalog. The print catalog is only done twice year and is intended for our customers that don't have internet access or don't have high speed internet access (Gasp! -- I can't imagine doing this on a dial up connection). The print catalog only highlights our best sellers is almost always out of date by the time it goes out since Cow Art and More is adding new art all the time.
  

So what do I do to keep things "real"?

• Sometimes I answer the phone. Yeah, me. The owner, big enchilada, artist herself. I must admit that love hearing some of the customer reactions when they find out they're talking to the person in charge.
• I make it a point to follow up with everyone who makes a purchase personally. It's not done by some email bot or autoresponder. I send everyone an email asking about their purchase and not only how satisfied they are with their art, but the entire purchase experience.
• I include a small note of thanks with each art shipment that we handle from the home office. I am truly grateful that you find our art worthy of including in your collection or beautiful enough for a gift.
• I write blog posts like this. I think art can be intimidating for some people, especially if you're not schooled in it. You don't have to be an expert to know what you like or don't like.
• I am happy to have conversations with people through social media outlets like this blog, Facebook and Twitter. I talk about more than art, but enjoy having thoughtful conversations, even when the opinions are different than mine.
• Don't tell anyone this, but I check email and make and take phone calls after hours. I am trying to balance being and artist and art gallery owner with being a mom and veterinarian and don't mind working when necessary to get everything done. So if you call, and the phone message says we're closed and you choose to leave a message, I will probably answer the phone if I'm in the office.

What else do you see that you would like? What else have you noticed that is missing from this list?

How Cow Art and More artists are selected

*Another version of this post appeared on this blog in October 2010.*

One of the questions I get asked by the art and agriculture communities is how artists and their work are selected for inclusion on Cow Art and More. I would say only one in eight artists, where contact has been initiated by myself or the artist, end up exhibiting their art with Cow Art and More.

Why is that the case?

First, while Cow Art and More is not a traditional "brick and mortar" gallery, we still hold ourselves to the same top standards. We not are not like an Ebay or Etsy site where anyone can list their art. If an artist's work meets an initial appeal, I make a point to interview the artist.

I like to get to know the artists because we like to include ones who have a genuine interest in agriculture. More than half of our artists live on a farm and/or own livestock themselves. It is that understanding, we feel translates into the beauty of creating the art of farms and farm animals.

Once the artist has passed an interview, the work is reviewed by committee for its uniqueness and appeal to our customer base. We feel very strongly that the art must "add something" to the agricultural art portfolio we offer. That same art must also offer good value; it needs to be something the new owner will cherish for years to come.

If the committee finds that the artist is a good fit, an official invitation is extended. While there are a few artists that find they're unable to make a commitment to us at this point, the ones that do understand our business and the efforts we make in providing high quality art and excellent customer care.

Robert Saueressig - Other interests

What else do you do besides your art?

Living in Madison, IN where the entire downtown (122 blocks!) is a National Historic Landmark District, inspired me to get involved in historic preservation projects. I also served on the city’s Historic District Board of Review.

Picture credit: "Two Angus Heifers", acrylic on burlap

Click here to learn more about this Angus cattle painting

Painter Paula Jones - painting Hereford cattle

How did you get interested in creating art of farm animals?

I spent so many wonderful summers at my grandparents farm in central Kansas....it was the happiest time of my childhood. I love farms, I love farm animals..... It, was a no-brainer!

Interview with Kevin Webster - Other interests

What else do you do besides your art?

I work full time as a police dispatcher and I love to travel.

Picture credit: "The Look", oil on masonite panel

Click here to learn more about this beef cattle painting

Interview with Kevin Webster - Advice to artists

What advice to you have for aspiring artists?

Practice everyday. Paint something everyday, even if it is a small painting, to hone your skills.

Photo credit: "Red Ears", oil on masonite panel

Click here to learn more about this beef cattle painting

Interview with Kevin Webster - Future plans

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

Brahma bulls and bison.

Picture credit: "Longhorn", oil on masonite panel

Click here to learn more about this Longhorn cattle painting

Interview with Kevin Webster - Do you make mistakes?

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

Yes. I even have a collection called the Kevin Webster unfinished art gallery.

What would you like to know about Cow Art and More

What questions do you have for us? What would you like to know? Techniques? The business inner workings? How do I get a job at Cow Art and More? List your questions and comments here and we will answer questions in future posts!

Interview with Kevin Webster - Painting farm animals

How did you get interested in creating art of farm animals?

I have always loved wildlife and sporting art but began painting professionally as an Army Artist. After I retired from the Army in 2004, I decided to start painting wildlife. The first animals I painted were cattle. I have always found them to be an interesting subject matter. I love painting the noses and enjoy capturing their different expressions.

Photo credit: "Grazer", oil masonite panel

Click here to learn more about this Longhorn cattle painting

Interview with Kevin Webster - How do you decide what to paint?

How do you decide what to paint?

I look for animals that will make an interesting composition. I believe that less is more in a painting and I find interest in capturing shadows in a painting.

Picture credit: "Approaching Storm", oil on masonite panel

Click here to learn more about this beef cattle painting

Interview with Kevin Webster - Where do you get your inspiration?

Where do you get your inspiration?

My greatest inspiration comes from my grandfather but I have also been inspired by the work of wildlife artists Bob Kuhn, Ken Carlson and Luke Frazier.

Picture credit: "A Shoulder to Lean on", oil on panel

Click here to learn more about this beef cattle painting

January Featured artist: oil painter Kevin Webster

The featured artist for January is oil painter Kevin Webster. Kevin is a retired U.S. Army artist that now enjoys painting portraits of the livestock and wildlife around his Alabama home. Kevin also makes it a goal to paint one new picture a day, in an effort to improve on his skills and expand his portfolio. Follow the blog this month as Kevin answers a series of questions about his art, techniques and personal life.

View all of Kevin's work on the Cow Art and More specials page. Purchase any of his paintings this month and receive free shipping.

Meet Montana acrylic painter Wendy Marquis

Acrylic painter Wendy Marquis was the featured artist on Cow Art and More for November 2010. Wendy's decision to relocate to Montana a few years ago allowed her to focus painting her favorite subjects: antique vehicles and the rustic countryside. As Wendy explains, "I invite people to savor the distinct time and place that my trucks evoke…a romantic, simpler time of unspoiled landscapes that so many of us long for and long to hold on to."

How did you get started?

I got started by being born into a family where I was exposed to wonderful art. My mother was a gallery owner and an artist. Our house was filled with a variety of art from pottery to lithographs to paintings. In art class in middle school, I remember how intrigued I was with every project we did. My art teacher encouraged me which make me very happy as a child.

Why do you paint/do art?

I paint because nothing makes me happier. It calms me when I am anxious and I am still fascinated by the magic of what comes out of my paintbrush.

How do you decide what to paint?

When I see something that inspires me it just hits me…something clicks inside my heart and I instantaneously see the painting in my head…

Where do you get your inspiration?

I am inspired by the natural world around me here in Montana. I am blessed to live in a place of beautiful light and spaciousness. I also am inspired by many of the artists around me and on the internet.

What is your technique?

My technique starts off with observation of the rural views around me. I look for farms, old trucks, animals, and vintage buildings. Then, I photograph the subject when the light is falling on it just right…when the shadows describe the shape and dimensions. Then I come home, print out my pictures, and start drawing. Sometimes I combine elements from the different scenes that I have found. So I kind of create a puzzle for myself to solve. Then I lay down a colored wash and draw out the images with a watered down sienna color. Then I start painting in the darks and the lights in acrylics, using glazes and layers of colors…

Where did you learn your technique?

I was an art major in college. I majored in graphic design and studio art. Then later on, I took faux finishing classes. My paintings are a combination of these three influences. I combined what I learned from each one and created my own style.

How long does it take you to get an average creation?

A couple of weeks. I get the main composition down in a few days…I need to leave it alone for few days and then I come back and work on it some more till I am satisfied.

How did you get interested in creating art of farm animals?

I am in love with the rural landscape. Farms fascinate me. The machinery intrigues me. The animals make me smile and lend a humorous vibe to the whole scene.

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

Large paintings of farms, buildings, trucks and herds of horses, sheep, goats, or cows and beautiful skies.

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

Oh definitely. I just repainted a new painting over an old one that I was not happy with.

What else do you do besides your art?

I love to hike with my dogs. I love to be creative in the kitchen. Entertain. Practice yoga. Play with plants…Listen to beautiful music..Spend time with my daughters and go for scenic drives with my husband.

What advice to you have for aspiring artists?

Get ready to work really hard but don’t forget that you have to learn to be a good business person as well.

Introducing new painter, Kevin Webster

Cow Art and More is happy to introduce new oil painter and retired U.S. Army artist, Kevin Webster. Kevin's interest in art and painting began at an early age. He received several awards for his art while in high school, but chose to enlist in the military upon graduation. Kevin's last mission was in Iraq, serving as the artist for the 101st Airborne Division. Now retired from the military, Kevin enjoys painting nature and wildlife. Kevin's paintings will be featured in the Cow Art and More new products section until the end of the month.

Elizabeth St. Hilaire Nelson featured artist

March's featured artist is painter and mixed media collage creator, Elizabeth St. Hilaire Nelson. Elizabeth makes her favorite images into paintings. From there, she layers them with papers, fabrics, feathers and anything else with texture, to create unique three-dimensional pieces. She completes her pieces with a hand assembled barnwood frame. In addition to being an artist, Elizabeth maintains her own design firm, Nelson Creative, with her husband Doug. She lives with her husband and two children in central Florida.

Enjoy free shipping on all of Elizabeth's art for the month of March. See her entire collection on the Cow Art and More specials page.

Shannon Grissom: Video montage

Enjoy a video of more of Shannon's cattle and rodeo paintings, even some not on Cow Art and More.

A conversation with Shannon Grissom: Part 10

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

I'm laughing... I sure do. Sometimes I paint over them and sometimes they go in the John Smith collection. (Our local landfill.)

Photo credit: "Marie", oil on canvas

Click here to learn more about this beef cattle oil painting

A conversation with Gary Sauder: Part 9

What else do you do besides painting?

Right now I distribute an amazing nutritional beverage called Mona Vie. It is a product that has wonderful health benefits.

Picture credit: "Ideal type Ayrshire cow", colored pencil on paper

Click here to learn more about this Ayrshire cow drawing