Fresh Paint and Short Stories

Winter Creek | Oil on Canvas | 12 x 16 | © Beth Cole

I love an atmospheric landscape and this piece, Winter Creek, was started with that in mind. My inspiration photo was taken on a cold morning last winter as my husband and I were cruising the back roads of Custer County. We came upon a little pond with lots of bare leafed trees and brush, it was a little misty and foggy, but the sun was out. I was enthralled and took several photos. I had to simplify quite a bit in order to communicate what I felt and saw that morning. It was challenging but rewarding. I won't promise it's completely done, but I'm letting it rest right now.

Unseen | 12 x 24 | Oil on Canvas | © Beth Cole

This piece, Unseen, was inspired by another road trip, I'm not sure exactly where we were, but it was last winter. We drove past this alley and I said, stop, stop. It was the barrels, the rust, the snow, the light, everything about this scene really drew me in. And the fact that is was an alley made it more attractive to me. I have admired alley scenes for awhile, the more rural, the better. This is my first painting of one and I hope it is not my last. There may be a bit more finish work on this one, but I'm letting it be still for awhile.

Thanks for taking a look. Be well my friend.

--Beth
Soli Deo Gloria

Gift Ideas for Artists

What To Buy for the Artist In Your Life

Gift Ideas for Artists, Photo ©Beth Cole

It’s that time of year when we are all thinking of gifts and giving so I polled my FB friends to gather gift ideas for artists. Thanks to all my friends who pitched in with ideas!

• Gift cards. Always a good and safe choice. Some of the places we love to shop online are Blick, Jerry’s Artarama, or Cheap Joe’s. Chime in with a comment if you know another great place to buy art supplies.
• Brushes. We wear out our brushes so new brushes are a luxury and a treat. You can buy brushes at your local or online art supply store. Some artists would thank you to the high heavens for a gift certificate to Rosemary Brushes.
• Fun supplies. One artist receives from her husband art supplies she hasn’t tried before that have been recommended by the art supply store - something that is new or fun to use. Great idea.
• Lighting. Many of us are working in spare bedrooms or basements without good natural light or weird lights. One artist suggested a standing light with a bright natural bulb that can be adjusted to any height or angle. To this I say, yes! Here are some listings. I have an Ottlite for reading which I really love and I know they make floor lamps as well but I haven’t tried them.
• How about a stylus pencil for art apps such as Procreate or Paper 53? This would be a wonderful gift. Pencil for Paper 63, or Mixoo for iPad and iPhone.
• A gift card for an online class, there are so many great ones (here's mine :)) (visit Jeanne Oliver's Creative Network for tons of great classes).
• The gift of travel and tuition for an art workshop.
• Art books, one suggestion is Nancy Reyner’s book, “Perfect Paintings.” Here is another list of books put together by Carolyn Edmund at Artsy Shark.
• Cold hard cash! So we can buy the supplies we need.
• A magazine subscription such as one to International Artist Magazine.
• A drawing board that tilts. Here are some ideas….
• A light board.
• Storage for art supplies as in a cabinet type tool box. Here are some images of cabinet tool boxes.
• Containers that can be used as brush holders, be creative!
• The Sketchbook Project from the Brooklyn Library, brilliant idea.
• How about this little portable chair for plein air painting, great idea.
• And one of my favorite suggestions from a friend…..time to create. Imagine it!

Thanks again to all of my friends for sharing ideas. I hope this list sparked some ideas for you and gives you a grateful heart as you are shopping for your artist.

And please remember along with me, even though we wack ourselves out with all the lists and shopping and buying, Christmas is not all about that. I believe it is all about a perfect gift that doesn't expire, doesn't need to be adjusted, altered, or returned, and keeps on giving minute after minute, day after day, year after year. It is not a thing, it is a person, and his name is Jesus -- Forgiver, Savior, Redeemer, Light of the World. I hope you will celebrate Him along with me.

Blessings to you, dear reader.

--Beth
Soli Deo Gloria
bethcolehandmade.com

New Service -- Art Gift Delivery

Art Gift Delivery from Beth Cole Handmade

Art Gift Delivery

I am happy to announce a new service for people who would enjoy sending or receiving a little piece of Nebraska as a gift. The service is called Art Gift Delivery and this is how it works.

When you order this gift you will receive four art prints - one each in January, April, July and October. The art will be printed on high quality Hahnemule William Turner Matte Fine Art Paper and you will also receive a storage and display frame which is included with the gift. 

Display and Storage Frame

It's kind of like an art-of-the month club only it's once a quarter. We receive so much junk and bills and whatever in the mail. Sometimes it's nice to receive a special package and that is my heart behind this service.

The prints can be displayed in the frame which is included, or the frame of your choice. To learn more, visit the listing for this gift in my shop.

If you have any questions, I'm always glad to help. I can receive orders for 2018 through 12-20-17. 

If you know of anyone who might be interested in this gift, feel free to share this post. Thank you kindly!

--Beth
Soli Deo Gloria

Social Media Observations

Steadfast © Beth Cole | Oil on Panel | 8 x 10

I am definitely not a social media expert. I do not post very often and when I do it is always preceded with angst. I am not someone with a social media strategy or a plan. But I have found social media, namely Instagram and Facebook, to be a gift for connecting with others around art.

I could take this post in a lot of different directions, and maybe I will think and write a little more on this topic, but for today I just want to talk about one thing, and that is commenting.

It is very easy to hit the like button on someone’s post and this is what I do most often as I am scrolling. But, taking the time to leave a sincere comment, even if it is just one little word, really makes a big difference to someone. As a recipient of such kindness, it just feels tender and good, and helps me remember that person. I don't think it's necessary to always comment on something, I am talking about when something stops you from scrolling and you appreciate it, I think it is kind to leave a good word. 

I did not instinctively know this when I started out on social media. I thought a like was just as good as a comment. Being by nature a quiet one, I certainly love the “like” button more than the “reply” box. And believe me, I have sat for five minutes with that blank reply box staring  at me trying to think of exactly what I want to say. Gah! It is an affliction! But, I have pushed through and it has gotten easier.

All this to say, in a world where we can’t make eye contact or shake a hand, I believe sincere commenting may be the kindest thing we can do. It builds relationships and that can lead to friendships, collaborations and partnerships.

What do you think? Until next time, thanks for following along.

--Beth
Soli Deo Gloria

Happenings! (November 2017)

Kaleidoscope 2017 at MONA in Kearney, November 4-5

You are invited to the Kaleidoscope of Art at the Museum of Nebraska Art in Kearney. It is happening next weekend, November 4-5, 2017 from 11-5 both days. 

I will be taking many small, affordable paintings as well as a bunch of small vintage barn paintings...and a few handmade journals. It will be a festive event, good fun for all.

---

Also, I just received word that one of my paintings, Rainy Place, has been juried in to the 2017 Nebraska 2D Biennial Exhibition at Gallery 1516 in Omaha. Yippity skip! I am overwhelmed and very grateful. The show opens to the public on November 3rd with a reception from 6-8.

2017 Nebraska 2D Biennial Exhibition at Gallery 1516 in Omaha, Opens November 3rd, 2017

The Quiet Zone

At the Mountain Quest Inn, West Virginia ©Beth Cole

We just returned from a visit east to North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia. Beautiful country it is. Our destination in West Virginia was an area with an old steam engine that billows steam and smoke to the photographer’s delight.

Steam Engine, Cass, West Virginia ©Beth Cole

What we didn’t know about this area is its inclusion in a quiet zone. Turns out, the Green Bank Observatory is located here, its mission is to listen to space and in order to listen, there can be no electronic interference…..thus no cell phone reception. Nada. None.

We were unaware of this when we made our reservation.  My trusty iPhone has always gotten us to where we are going, never a worry. But we found ourselves navigating curvy mountain roads, in the fog, and the dark, without a cell phone or a written address of our destination. What a wake up call! We are so dependent on Google and our GPS, I didn’t even realize it.

Fall Colors, West Virginia ©Beth Cole

You’ll be glad to know we made it to our hotel just fine using the old fashioned method, we stopped and asked someone where it was. Problem solved.

We spent a couple of days taking in the beauty of this place and it was quiet, relaxing and quite refreshing.

©Beth Cole

When we drove back into the land of cell reception we knew it instantly because my phone went wacky with all manner of notifications. Ha! I’m so used to it on a regular basis that I don’t really even notice ….. you don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone.

©Beth Cole

I don’t believe I’d want to take up residency in the quiet zone, but I wouldn’t mind creating my own little quiet zone every now and again, and I know a super easy way to do it…..it’s called an OFF button.

©Beth Cole

Enjoy the day my friends.

--Beth
Soli Deo Gloria

Art Camp Recap

Syncopation | 8 x 10 | Oil on Panel | ©Beth Cole

I got to experience five days of uninterrupted painting at the autumnartworkshop.com a few weeks ago in Aurora, Nebraska, and it was glorious! I am still soaring on such a fun and positive experience.

I signed up for the oil painting workshop, the instructor was David Mensing and he was fantastic. He demonstrated different colored background wash colors and block-ins with alizarin crimson.

So fantastic and effective. His palette knife technique was amazing to watch and we all benefitted from the individual time we received as he went around the room.

One thing I really loved was the concentration on big shapes and values. The first exercise we did was to do a small painting using only one color and white.

One Color and White Exercise | 8 x 10 | Oil on Panel | ©BethCole

The next day we were challenged to use two complementary colors and white. These exercises were so good for helping me see and practice the shifts between the values of the landscape.

Two Complementary Colors and White | Patience | 8 x 10 | Oil on Panel | ©Beth Cole

It was the 50th year of this workshop so we celebrated with birthday cake and entertainment. This was only my third time attending, but I hope to attend more often in the coming years. It was held at the Leadership Center in Aurora, there is a wonderful walking trail adjacent to the camp and this cool old truck was parked nearby.

Here are some of the pieces I worked on during the five days.

Fog | 8 x 10 | Oil on Canvas | ©Beth Cole

Dry Creek | 8 x 10 | Oil on Canvas | ©Beth Cole

May I just say I loved being able to start painting just as the sun was coming up without having to worry about cooking a meal, answering the phone, changing a load of laundry or going to the store. It was a wonderful retreat and I am very grateful that I was able to attend. Maybe I’ll see you there next year? Here's some video footage from 10/11 news to get you thinking about it!

--Beth
Soli Deo Gloria

Some of My Favorite Things

Complementary Color Study, 8 x 10, oil on panel, © Beth Cole

I always like to read people’s lists of favorites whether it be books, or household items or food or whatever. So I wanted to share with you some of my favorite things of late. Some are art related, some are just life.

This scrubby brush for dish washing is great, I usually use a sponge but even sponges get yucky, this brush, not so much. I should have bought one sooner.

I have eliminated gluten, most dairy and sugar from my diet so this recipe for cauliflower rice has become one of my go-to’s. So delicious. (page 15 in this PDF)

Hot tea is one of my favorite things and this electric kettle gets the job done.

Lately, I have been listening to this as I paint.

Love this podcast.

This serum helps my coarse frizzies and it smells heavenly.

Great painting panels.

My daughter encouraged me to take in this beautiful book, really good.

Artist Barbara Jaenicke is a wonderful painter, I have enjoyed this oil course she has online.

This restaurant in Kearney (Nebraska) is delish. Lots of gluten free options.

This little tripod saved my life when I was learning to shoot video for my class. Wonderful little guy.

Ummmm, that’s about all I can think of right now. What are some of your favorites?

There's a Celebration and You're Invited!

Dawson Home First Anniversary Celebration, October 5th, 5-8 pm, Cozad, Nebraska

Tom Gosinski of DawsonHome in Cozad, Nebraska is celebrating his one year anniversary on October 5th and you're invited to the Open House from 5-8pm at the store. The address is 829 Meridian, Cozad, Nebraska.

There will be refreshments and I'll be showing some larger oil paintings and smaller vintage barn paintings, there will be something for everyone.

I do hope you can join us, if you have not made the trip to DawsonHome, it is worth the drive, such a beautiful store with many beautiful pieces of furniture and decor. 

DawsonHome Open House

Hope to see you soon!

--Beth

Do You Have a Creative Routine?

Aglow | © Beth Cole | Oil on Stretched Canvas | 12 x 24

I visited the library a few days ago in search of a landscape painting book by Edgar Payne. I hit a dead end with that book but in perusing the art section I found a couple other books to check out, one of which is all about the rituals of art. It is titled Daily Rituals: How Artists Work edited by Mason Currey. It is an interesting compilation of descriptions of daily routines of well-known artists such as Mozart, Beethoven, Hemingway, Updike, Einstein and the like.

I’m only one-third of the way through but so far….very interesting. I am taken by the dedication to uninterrupted creative time that seems to be a common denominator. Aside from that, there is much variety in the tempo, time of day and circumstances in which these artists thrive. I’m also struck by how many of them did not take care of themselves physically, that is to say there are many with weird food and drink habits ….but also many who held to at least two or three hours of hiking or walking outside as a way to feed the creative mind.

So this idea of working when inspiration strikes sounds beautiful, but from what I gather….doesn’t work. It appears to me that people who successfully create do so with the discipline of a structured routine. One artist said his art practice could be compared to milking a cow….he must create.

I enjoy listening to the Savvy Painter podcast on my drives and one question Antrese always asks is “do you have a ritual or routine to help you get started in the studio?” The answers are all so varied and good.

So I’m curious about you. Do you have a creative routine?

Here’s mine. I try to paint for at least four hours a day, usually from 10:00-3:00 with a break for lunch. To get started, I take my paint palette out of the freezer, crank on the music and put on my apron. I usually have an idea of what I’ll be working on because I try to leave the studio with the next day in mind. I ask God to work through my hands and then I just pick up the brush and get started.

Many times, I do not feel inspired, in fact, most of the time I don’t. But I have found, after my brush starts moving, it isn’t long before I am immersed in what I am doing and concentrating so hard that I lose track of time. That is a great feeling, actually, a marker of sorts that helps me know I am doing what I should be doing.

As I am painting, I consistently step way back from the painting, sometimes taking it outside so I can view it from a distance. This helps me check the harmony and make sure the values and shapes are reading correctly. 

I try to quiet my brushes on the weekend so that my reserves can be built back up and I’m ready to paint again on Monday. I have found this practice to be one of the most important ones….creating is hard work and the body, mind and heart need a break. For me, the time out of the studio is just as important as the hours I spend inside the studio. When I am stuck or really tired, I will sometimes take a break and go for a walk. This really stimulates my mind and helps me feel energized again.

Okay, your turn. Let’s hear it.....comments open and welcome.

With you all the way,

--Beth
Soli Deo Gloria

Painting Something Meaningful

Barn No. 1 | © Beth Cole | 6 x 6 x 1.5 | Oil on Wood Panel

How do you find your subject matter to paint? For me, it is my camera, whether driving down the road and snapping photos with my iPhone, or driving the backroads on foggy mornings with my big girl Nikon. I usually take shots of anything to which I am drawn. Many of them go into the trash bin, but I have found several keepers through the years using this method.

Barn No. 2 | © Beth Cole | 6 x 6 x 1.5 | Oil on Wood Panel

Lately, I have been yearning for a little more cohesiveness and meaning in my work. That is to say, I love everything I paint, but I want to deep down feel connected to a subject matter. And I am happy to say, I think I have found something.

In preparation for an upcoming show at the Museum of Nebraska Art this November, I wanted to paint a collection of pieces that were unified, small and affordable. I looked through all of my photos and found something that I have shot over and over and over……vintage barns. You know the wooden ones that they don’t build anymore….the ones with peeling paint, crooked doors, broken windows, rusty roofs and tall grass all around. I love them with all my heart. Why? I don’t know. Except for my upbringing on a wheat farm where there were barns like this on every home place. I have great memories of climbing into the hayloft or playing hide and seek barns like this.

Barn No. 3 | © Beth Cole | 6 x 6 x 1.5 | Oil on Wood Panel

But I think it might go deeper than that. People of the land use a barn, it is not just for show. It is keeper of precious things…..horses, hay, tools, machinery….sometimes overflow of crops. It is a symbol of goodness and plenty….God’s provision through hard work and effort. Barns are noble as they rise above all the other buildings on the place. They are at once anchors, landmarks and protectors.

Barn No. 4 | © Beth Cole | 6 x 6 x 1.5 | Oil on Wood Panel

So I’m painting me a few vintage barns, twelve to be exact. And I’m loving the process with my whole heart.

Barn No. 5 | © Beth Cole | 6 x 6 x 1.5 | Oil on Wood Panel

I hope you enjoy the work of my hands so far. More to come. Thanks for reading to the end, love you for it.

--Beth
Soli Deo Gloria

Thank You, Painters!

Rising © Beth Cole | Oil on Panel | 8 x 10

Thank you to all those who have already signed up for my online painting class, Earth, Water, Sky. I appreciate you and look forward to seeing the beauty you create in class.

If you have been considering the class, I wanted to let you know the earlybird registration expires tomorrow, September 4th, you are invited to join us!

Earth, Water, Sky Registration Now Open

Earth, Water, Sky Online Class

I have been invited by artist Olga Furman to teach an online landscape painting class and I am excited to announce the opening of registration for the course - Earth, Water, Sky: Painting Atmospheric Landscapes.

I have been working behind the scenes on this video based class all summer and having a great time. I am very excited to share these paintings with you and I am GIFTING THREE SEATS to the course. If you are interested in this, here is more information about how to join in.

For more information and details about the course, you can visit the course information page here.

I hope to see you in class!

Lately

Here's a little video of recent work....I hope to begin sharing more via video and look forward to connecting with you this way. Thanks for watching.

Selling Your Art Online

Prairie Sky © Beth Cole | 10 x 10 | Oil on Canvas Panel

Selling Your Art Online
by Beth Cole

We just finished our art club’s annual art and photo competition, whew! We displayed over 130 entries from around the area, what a beautiful exhibition. Especially fun was the interest from young people, we had lots of grade school age entries as well as those in the high school years.

Which brings me to what I am writing about today. I was asked by a young person and others as well, “how do you sell your art online?”.

Whenever I’m asked this question I always think, there are lots of people who do a better job at this than me, I am always asking the same question! But I am glad to share my thoughts about what has and hasn’t worked for me.

The first thing I would say to any artist who wants to sell online is keep practicing as much as you can to create your best work, then save your best work for posting online. We have all seen WIP (work in progress) photos in our socials, and I have done this, too, especially when I was starting out. But seriously, people don’t read, they just scroll the photos, so if you are sharing works in progress, they probably aren’t your best work. Instead, if you want to show your process, share a series of photos from beginning to the end so people can get a true picture of your work in progress.

I also think good photography is important. You can stage your art in situ or just show a clean photo of the art without a frame. Always sign your work before taking a photo and give a description of the piece in the comments i.e. title, medium, size. I usually don’t put the price because if someone is interested, they will contact me.

I have found also that choosing a certain platform as your favorite and then sticking to it by posting regularly has really helped. I like Instagram very much and it is my choice for posting photos of my work. I also have a Facebook business page and personal profile. I post to my business page maybe once a week, and less than that to my personal profile. I don’t have a large following for my Facebook business page, but it is steadily growing as I am involved in more online and in person shows. My Instagram has grown more quickly, I think that is because of more consistency in my posts.

There are other online destinations available for artists. I have used Etsy, this is where I started in 2012 and I have sold small original pieces and lots of art prints from this site. I also created some hand drawn graphics for downloads and these have worked pretty well.

I have listed a few pieces on Saatchi Art recently and had a sale, this is a place I may invest more time in down the road.

There are many sites that offer print on demand services for artists such as Fine Art America and Society 6. Several artists I know have used these sites with success, I have not ventured into them yet.

I also have my website which is home base for me. I try to keep it updated with my work, and share through writing the blog and the monthly newsletter. This is a creative outlet for me that I really enjoy so it doesn’t feel tedious. I think an online home for your work is really important because it is an entry point for people to get to know you. I believe some people choose you just as much as your work when they purchase art. So it’s important to be yourself and do your thing and a website will definitely help you do that.

There are many free website tools such as Wix, Weebly or Wordpress. There are several choices for artists like FASO, etc. Google “websites for artists” and you will find lots of choices. Do some checking and see what you prefer. I use Squarespace and highly recommend it.

That’s about all I can think of right now, I hope these thoughts are helpful and if you have any questions, feel free to reach out in the comments or by contacting me.

Thanks for reading, enjoy the day.

--Beth
Soli Deo Gloria

Problem Solve Your Paintings

Untitled © Beth Cole | Oil on Canvas Panel | 10 x 10

One of the things I have come to realize on my painting journey is that painting is all about problem solving. When you begin to think of each painting as a puzzle to be solved, it makes the process less about you and your self-talk (I’m no good at this, I want to break this brush, why am I even trying…..etc. sound familiar?) and more about the painting and its potential.

Here are some very general things I have said about my paintings many times and what I have tried to solve the problem.

Problem: It looks too blah.

If your painting is dull you might not have an obvious focal point or your values may not be working. I’ve heard it said that values do all the work and color gets the glory. This is so true! Try taking a photo of your painting and turn it to black and white. Does the painting stand on its own without color? This is a great way to diagnose a blah painting.

Problem: It’s just not working.

You know that photo you fell in love with and couldn’t wait to paint? Uh huh. I’ve done the same thing. The photo might have a little of your heart in it, but the composition is too weak for a painting. If your painting isn’t working, check out the composition and see if you can tweak something here or there to get back on track.

Problem: I don’t like it.

There could be many reasons why you don’t like the painting, but color harmony may be the culprit. Try using a limited palette (google it – there are different variations) and you might just win that painting back. If you are painting with oil, remember, you can always scrape it off and start over. I have done this many times and it always makes for a better painting.

Problem: I want to throw it away.

If you don’t see one redeeming part of the painting and you seriously want to throw it away, I say heave ho. Chalk it up to a learning experience and start with something fresh. Every painting teaches you something, keep a loose grip. You will know when you have a winner.

Problem: I don’t know what to do.

If you are stuck with a painting, here are a couple of ideas. First, set it somewhere where you can stand waaaaaaay back and look at it. I set my paintings on the ledge on my back deck and walk out to the middle of the yard. The distance helps me see strong and weak areas and if the values are holding together. If you still don’t see anything obvious that needs to be corrected, put it away for a couple of weeks. When you pull it out again, you will be surprised at the insight you will have. Time can really be your friend when it comes to painting.

There are other more technical problems, i.e. do I need more warm or cool colors, do I need to adjust the chroma, hue, value, am I following the golden ratio, etc….but that is a post for another day. I hope you feel encouraged that you are not alone with your problem paintings. Don’t give up!

--Beth Cole
Soli Deo Gloria

Art Auction August 1-3, 2017

Light Show © Beth Cole | Oil on Wood Panel | 11 x 14

Heartful Soul Collective Facebook Auction 

I'm excited to announce I have been invited to participate in the Heartful Soul Collective Art Facebook Auction happening August 1-3, 2017. In addition to "Light Show" (above), I will also offer these three pieces.

Contentment © Beth Cole | Oil on Canvas Panel | 11 x 14

Calm Waters © Beth Cole | Oil on Wood Panel | 11 x 14

Winter © Beth Cole | Oil on Wood Panel | 12 x 12

The title of the auction is Light and Shadow and artists have begun posting their works and works in progress, it is so fun to see the creativity. Here is the link to check it out....

This is my first time doing anything like this and I feel happy and grateful. Thanks for taking a look and please let me know if you would like an invitation to join us on August 1st.

Enjoy the week!
--Beth

Plein Air Season

Painting Plein Aire at Standing Bear Lake, Omaha

I try to take my paints and just go whenever I can. I have been visiting the little in Omaha and I thought it was time for a trek to Standing Bear Lake. This was a beautiful spot to paint. The water is accessible and I saw several spots where I might set up, maybe I will go back another day. Painting from life is such good practice, I need more and more of it.

Hope you are enjoying the beautiful sights and sounds of summer.

-Beth

A Great Day

Beth Cole | Booth Setup - Art in the Park - Kearney Nebraska

Thanks to all those who came out to Kearney Art in the Park yesterday. It was great to see so many friends and enjoy art together. A special thanks to those who made new homes for my artwork or asked about a commission. My heart is overflowing with gratitude.

Enjoy the day, my friend.

-Beth
Soli Deo Gloria

Kearney Art in the Park July 9, 2017

Light Show ©Beth Cole Oil on Wood Panel, 11 x 14

Gary and I are looking forward to sharing our art and photography at Kearney, Nebraska's Art in the Park on Sunday, July 9th. This is always a wonderful art show. The atmosphere is festive with music and kettle corn and tropical snow and the like. 

This year I'll have several new pieces and I am excited to introduce a new art print gift service, more details to come, but I'll have the special frame and example prints to show.

If you come, please stop by and say hi, would love to see you!

--Beth