Monday's agriculture website - Common Ground

When it comes to getting information, what's better than going to the source? A group of farm women have come together and formed the group called Common Ground. The goal of the women is to start a conversation between the women who grow food, and the women who buy it. The website shares recipes and events where consumers can meet farm women. The site also lists food facts and their reference sources.

Robert Saueressig - How do you decide what to paint?

How do you decide what to paint?

Like most artists, I paint what I know, or am familiar with, although I enjoy experimenting with subject matter and and techniques outside of my comfort zone.

Picture credit: "Black Angus Grazing", acrylic on burlap

Click here to learn more about this Angus painting

Friday's art article - How are retail art prices determined?

I often get asked just how a piece of art gets priced for the amount it does. Retail art pricing is much like any other industry or business; many factors go into the final retail price. Assuming you're not looking at a "world famous artist", a few of the influencing factors most art collectors will run into are:

1. Materials. The price of the materials can have little influence to lots of influence on a final price. For example, precious metal jewelry is heavily influenced by the price of the gold, silver, platinum, etc. used to make it while, the price of the oil paints a painter might use doesn't impact the final price as heavily.

2. Quantity. If there's only "one" of something, you can expect to pay more. Artists that sell prints of their work generally will have a lower price per single item versus a one-of-a-kind piece of art. Buyers can also expect to pay more for limited edition (number produced is specified) versus and open edition (no end) series.

3. Production methods. For example, artists that have their giclee prints professionally printed will charge more since it costs more to them to have the higher quality print (versus printing off a home printer system). The benefit to a collector is that these professionally printed prints will last a lifetime.

4. Demand. Yes, supply and demand applies here too. If an artist cannot keep up with the demand for their artwork, prices will go up.

5. Time involved. This is probably the hardest one for art buyers to consider when buying a piece of art. Sometimes artists will spend 10, 20 or 30 hours getting the perfect piece of art. Even at minimum wage, that makes a piece of art cost $50 to $150, before supplies are even included.

6. Business overhead. Just like any other business, artists and the art galleries that represent them also have fixed costs they must cover to keep a shop open and operating.

These are just a few of the starting points that influence art's retail price. If you want to learn more about art pricing, get to know your favorite artist or art gallery. They can be an invaluable resource to helping you with your art knowledge, including art pricing.

Robert Saueressig - Where did you learn your technique

Where did you learn your technique?

I was taught all the basics at the College of Visual Arts. Since then I learned by doing. I also participated in many workshops by well-known, accomplished artists I admire. The technique I use now is an ever evolving process.

Picture credit: Robert Saueressig paints on location.

Polishing cow jewelry

In getting ready for the Cow Art and More booth at the National Holstein Convention this June, I decided a jewelry inventory was in order.  In doing so, I had some dairy cow jewelry pieces that needed polishing.


Metal doesn't want to be shiny.  If silver had its choice, it will be a dull flat gray color.  We jewelry folks give that bright shine that is so appealing.  This is a group of cows that have been polished (foreground) and another group that need polishing (small pile to the upper left of the picture).  Before polishing, I coat all of the pieces with a black patina (stain).  This will buff off easily, except in the cracks and crevices.  This is actually what I want, since that dark patina will highlight some of the subtle details of the cow charm.

The cow to the far left has the black patina, but has not been polished.  The one on the right of the picture has been polished.










There's a couple different ways of doing this, but this time, I'm using a flex shaft tool with a buff and red rouge polishing compound.   While spinning the buff, I dip it into the red rouge (the mostly hard brick in the right part of the picture), then press the buff onto different areas of the cow charm.







In case you're thinking this looks like your dentist's office, you're pretty much right.  Just imagine the higienist polishing your teeth with that minty toothpaste, except I'm using polishing compound on metal.








It leaves a dark red residue on my hands and fingers, which mostly comes off with soap and water.  It does get into the cracks of your hands and fingernails though, so people will wonder if you have some strange incurable fungus or something similar.

When I'm done polishing, I use Dawn dish soap to get the greasy compound off.  I dry them thoroughly, then they're ready to go!

Click here to see the complete collection of sterling silver cow and farm jewelry charms.

Robert Saueressig - Where do you get your inspiration?

Where do you get your inspiration?

My inspiration comes from life and nature around me.

Monday's agriculture website - Grilled Cheese Academy

Did you know that April is National Grilled Cheese month? What a great idea! (and sounds like a fun way to celebrate) In case you need recipes for inspiration, head on over to the Grilled Cheese Academy. The site is maintained by the Wisconsin Milk Marketing board and includes a variety of recipes within a variety of cheese types. The academy also encourages users to submit their recipes for inclusion on the site.