Hey there everybody!
It's been
quite the productive couple of weeks since
the last show and nOOzledder. Cleanin' house, seein' movies, and I've taken over 100 reference photos for about
a dozen paintings I'm presently grilling on. I'll be sharing a few in the next issue! In the meantime, I really want to thank everyone for their
generosity (and good taste in art) this month. I've been able to raise
nearly twice as much money as I expected for the 12on/12off
Foundation. I'm going to keep the offer open for the remainder of the month
- any purchases by July 31st will be made as a donation to 12on/12off,
replete with letter for the IRS for a tax-deductible donation to a 501c(3) corp.
(above) Rod in 12on/12off attire!
REStevensArt
on
!!!
That's right - I'm trying the world of 'Art on
EBay' on for size. I dabbled
with it a bit earlier this year, and found it an interesting mix of low
bids, but intriguing follow ups, and just plain fun
additions to the mailing list! So I'm diving into it with the usual,
notorious REStevens enthusiasm! PLEASE check out some of my auctions on
there! I would love any feedback on the formats, how easy or difficult it is
to find my art, etc. etc. - AND it's an opportunity for YOU to save money as
well. If for instance there are any matted prints you might like to have,
you'll find them on EBay for literally pennies on the dollar . .
. well . . o.k., maybe nickels and dimes on the dollar! I
will be dangling one or two giclee's out there at significant discounts as
well as I test the waters and see what comes ashore!
The remainder of this issue I'd like to dedicate to sharing some of my thoughts on quality
and whatnot. As many of you know, I've spent many years working as a
cinematographer. This often meant trying to make the best possible images, while
working with substandard equipment and sometimes even inexperienced crew
(not the crew in this picture, however!)
When this silly little notion of 'painting' was (thankfully)
dropped in my lap a couple years ago, I saw
an opportunity to start from 'scratch' and build something with only the best
possible quality from the beginning. I imagine many folks may not even
realize the difference in some of the extra steps I take - but it sure feels
true and liberating to know that I am. Here are some
examples.
Many of the matted
prints you find at these art shows, are simply standard inkjet dye prints on inkjet paper, with a scrap piece of matte
board backing. Even my small prints are created with the longest lasting
'pigment' inks on archival quality papers (including watercolor
paper -rated to last 200 years without fading). I then use only guaranteed
acid-free backing boards to store them with. I inadvertently received a pack
of standard backing boards once, and was sure tempted to use them
considering their affordability. Lots of people use 'em! But, I sent them
back and exchanged them for my usual acid-free boards (which cost 6 times as
much).
I've been surprised at how little many artists do to protect their work
(especially reproductions). I always add a double coat (at minimum) of clear
acrylic medium over top of my reproductions. I've tried several different
sprays and brush-on products, oil based, water based, etc. - and have
decided that for durability, color-fastness and consistency, and for HEALTH
reasons - acrylic medium is my preferred option.
It is for reasons like these (and others) that I am happy to offer
things like -
* Unlimited trade-in opportunities. At any time, a collector can trade a
piece in towards another of equal or greater value and receive full present
value towards their new painting. If a giclee is now selling for more than
what you originally paid for it, you will get today's price towards your new
purchase.
* Full refund, if within 14 days a collector is not sufficiently giddy about
their REStevensArtwork - it can be exchanged or returned for a refund (less
shipping costs).
(above) "The Parallel" feature film camera crew
on the beach, with an Arri 535B . . . nice camera!
Lastly - just a reminder that well . . being an artist;
philanthropic cash-flow is generally not as abundant as I might like, but
ART is aplenty! I try to keep a fairly steady stream of my work (generally
in the form of prints and giclee's) moving into the hands of people and
organizations who can put it to good use. To that end, I enjoy getting input
from this community about charitable groups, events, etc. that may benefit
accordingly. I like to emphasize that this is not a publicity effort (though
I see nothing wrong with that either), but rather my way of returning
the favor. I figure God blessed me with a particular abundance, and it's my
obligation to share it. I like to do so rather quietly most of the time, so
just send me a note if you've got any suggestions.
I'm actually right in the
middle of a few new paintings, which I'm going to get back to work on now so
I'll actually have some NEW ARTWORK to share in the next "noozledder" rather than
just a bunch of blah, blah, blah from me! :-) Thanks all - Talk to ya' L8R,
Roderick!