How to look after your Original Art Investment

Today I am giving you a few basic tips about looking after your Original Art Investments. 

This information is good to know if you love Original Art and like to collect it, but are not in Arty circles, or not an Artist yourself.  Much of how you look after an Artwork will depend on what type of Artwork it is e.g. a painting or a drawing or a watercolour and what surface it has been create on e.g. canvas, paper, wood.


To Glass or not to Glass

Even though I Matt seal my fragile artworks before Sale I recommend all fragile and smudgeable Artworks like watercolours, pastels and mixed media (example shown is watercolour and ink Artwork 'Mother's Nature') should usually be framed with glass for long term protection.  Glass framing also protects from dirt, water and fingerprints that may get onto your Original Art Investments. Fragile Original Art, treated well, will be able to be enjoyed for many, many years to come and passed on to family members as treasured memories or gifts.

Oil and acrylic paintings like 'Owl I Want Is You' can also be framed with glass but most people do not do this. Occasionally, people decide they would like the extra protection of glass, or they select a frame for the artwork which is more conducive to inserting glass. Generally speaking, oil and acrylic paintings are enhanced without glass and it is usually not necessary. All my own Acrylic or Oil paintings always include layers of protective Gloss, Satin or Matt Varnish.

Most oil and acrylic paintings are created on Gallery Wrapped stretched canvas (on a wooden frame) so that you can simply hang them as is. This is how I present most of my acrylic or oil paintings so as to avoid the need for my customers to purchase extra frames (unless they want to, and some do).


A Bit of Water Can Save The Day!

Stretched Canvas can also be easily rejuvenated, if the canvas gets a little loose over time by spraying a little water onto the back of the canvas (don't soak it!) and allowing to dry.  As the canvas dries, it will shrink back a little and firm up the presentation of the Artwork again. Simple and no cost fix :)

Of course, if your Artwork has been very stretched, something heavy has been resting on it for a long time, this technique may not work as effectively and you may need to get your Original Art re-framed.

Handling your Original Art

Although it is tempting to run your hands over your Original Art, avoid touching it where you can. Even with the cleanest of hands the natural oils in your fingers will transfer onto the art surface and may leave a mark, which many not be visible until many years later.

Looking for Original Australian Art? Something Unique, Quirky, Colourful or Whimsical?
Visit my web site at: http://www.lisafrancesjuddartist.com ORIGINALS FOR SALE NOW ~ Affordable Pricing too.

Lisa Frances Judd ~ Original Australian Art

SUPPORT ORIGINALITY, SKILL AND PASSION

Thoughts of an Artist

When you look at art, anyones art, do you ever think of the time and effort and skill that probably went into creating it?  I'm not talking about digital art, or the cheap, mass produced imported home ware shop or discount store stuff, but fine art, traditional hand drawing or hand painting by Artisans who continue to develop their craft with passion, skill and imagination.

When an Artist prices an Original piece of Art, they have to take into consideration how much of their time it took to create. 

For example, 'Angels Watching Us'  pictured here which I am still working on is an A3 size mixed media artwork (watercolour, ink, acrylic, hand made papers and archival decorative papers) I have spent so far, at least 8 hours working on. By the time I finish, it will probably be more like 12 hours or more. As Art is my Living (Job) as well as my passion, if I was to calculate an hourly rate for my time, as you would do, if you work in any job, based on a conservative A$25. per hour I would need to sell the Original painting for at least A$300., plus pack and postage to it's destination just to make a return on my efforts.  Some of my acrylic paintings take me WEEKS to complete due to their complexity.

Then, as well as the time, there is the SKILL level involved in the creation of a unique, original artwork and the fact that most Artists don't get paid 'regular hours' worth of work. We work many hours and sometimes get paid when an Art Collector or Art Lover purchases our creations.

My point is.... Hand drawn or painted Original art IS WORTH THE MONEY. Yes you will pay more for a hand painted or drawn piece of art that is ORIGINAL, is signed by the Artist and dated, is a COLLECTIBLE and is UNIQUE.  Something you can cherish for YEARS to come and pass on to those you love in the family.

Next time you think about purchasing Artwork for your home or office or as a gift, think about this first and support a hard working, skillful Artist who's work brightens up the world.

On behalf of all hard working, skillful and imaginative artists ~ Lisa Frances Judd, Australian Visual Artist

http://www.lisafrancesjuddartist.com

http://www.facebook.com/lisa.frances.judd.visual.artist

Pencil Sketches....



Some days (or nights when I can't sleep) I practise sketch things.  Maybe it's an idea for a new painting in my head.  Something I got from a dream (that happens quite often) or it's simply practising.  Some things are hard to draw, like hands and feet, but I find face usually come to me reasonably easily.  Last night I sketched these two ladies with a pencil.  Then I used a bit of white acrylic paint to add depth and interest and a tiny bit of water soluble ink pencils (which are so cool if you haven't tried them you must!). I don't try to make my faces look completely realistic, I prefer a more whimsical version, bigger eyes, bigger lips, awesome hair LOL. When I am stress out to the max, drawing 'heals me'. If you don't draw yourself, why not give it a go. You don't need to be professional, just interested in creating something personally meaningful, an image with a story.  I will post more of my sketches as time goes on.  If you would like to see some of my artworks IN PROGRESS ~ from sketch to finished product, check out my WORKS IN PROGRESS ALBUMS on my Lisa Frances Judd ~ Artist Facebook Page.  

Have a creative and joyful day :D Lisa

LISA'S COLLECTABLE ART SHOP IS OPEN

INTRODUCING LISA'S COLLECTABLE ART SHOP

ON FACEBOOK



A new easy and secure way to purchase any of my artworks, art sculptures or hand made jewellery beads and other arty creations I am sure to introduce as I almost never stop painting, drawing or making things!

You will find ORIGINAL ARTWORKS for sale
You will find PRINTS & POSTERS for sale
You will find ART GREETING CARDS for sale
You will find ART GIFT VOUCHERS for sale

All my items include FREE postage and all items valued at over A$150. include Postage Insurance.
If you come and LIKE my new SHOP you automatically get a 10% discount on all items too.
You can 'like' items, share on Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter and comment on each item for sale. All feedback is welcome for me so that I get to know what you like.

I will also post 'conversations' and 'polls' on my Facebook Art Page where you will find my SHOP.

I'm excited to be part of the growing Facebook Shopping Mall and I hope you come to visit my shop very soon and help me spread the message that it is there.

Lisa <3

'MOTHERS SERIES' ~ Four Different Artworks with love

'Mother's Arms'

Watercolour/ink/acrylic on 300gsm paper

Original currently on Exhibition & for Sale

Enquiries to Artist: lisafrancesjudd@gmail.com

Prints & Greeting Cards available at:

Redbubble (Aussie Printer)

Fine Art America (U.S. Printer)

'Mother's Pride & Joy'

Watercolour/ink/acrylic on 300gsm paper

Original currently on Exhibition & for Sale

Enquiries to Artist: lisafrancesjudd@gmail.com

Prints & Greeting Cards available at:

Redbubble (Aussie Printer)

Fine Art America (U.S. Printer)

'Mother's Nature'

Watercolour/ink/acrylic on 300gsm paper

Original currently on Exhibition & for Sale

Enquiries to Artist: lisafrancesjudd@gmail.com

Prints & Greeting Cards available at:

Redbubble (Aussie Printer)

Fine Art America (U.S. Printer)

'Mother's Heart Garden'

Watercolour/ink/acrylic on 300gsm paper

Original currently on Exhibition & for Sale

Enquiries to Artist: lisafrancesjudd@gmail.com

Prints & Greeting Cards available at:

Redbubble (Aussie Printer)

Fine Art America (U.S. Printer)

CRAZY CAT LADY

'Fence Cats' ~ acrylic painting on 45" x 15" canvas

by Australian Artist ~ Lisa Frances Judd

Original for Sale A$600.

On display at The Old Block Art Gallery from 5th May to 3rd June

Prints of this artwork are now available via: Redbubble Printing Co.

My Thoughts for This Day...

Mundane vs the Spiritual

In every challenging situation you will face in life, there is the mundane view and the spiritual view. The mundane view is easy to see because it’s based on human emotion and human thinking.  For example, you lose your job, you get divorced, you lose all your hard earned money or you get seriously sick.

All of these situations are awful and painful on a mundane level.  But, if you look at these same situations through the spiritual eyes of your soul, you will see a different picture.  That job you lost was a blessing in disguise because now you can pursue a more satisfying job, or even better, go pursue your passions.  Your divorce forced you to get more independent, self-reliant and maybe, released you to find a much more fulfilling relationship. Your financial losses taught  you that money cannot buy happiness and that you can survive and thrive with less ‘stuff’. Your serious health issue showed you that through loving yourself, your body, clearing negative thoughts and habits you could regain your good health, or, your serious health issue has shown you what is really most important to you ~ love, family, friends & joy and that NOW, this moment,  is all you really have anyway. 

Sometimes the worst experiences lead you to positive realisations and life changes

In recent times, I have had to face the worst experiences in my life. I have been through all the situations I just spoke about before... loss of job, divorce, loss of money and even sickness, but the worst experience in my life so far, has to be my son's Brain Cancer battle.  If you read one of my Blog entries called "So you  think you have Problems" you will get up to date on this situation.

I mention it here, not for sympathy, but because it has taught me so much about myself and life. In the worst situation I have found many gifts. For example, I don't think too far ahead in my life anymore, I choose to live as much as possible in the NOW. James has taught me that by being the amazingly positive person he is and how he embraces every day with such energy and enthusiasm. I no longer stress nearly as much about material things because compared to the prospect of loosing my Son to this cancer, they mean absolutely nothing. I am much more aware of kindness because during the worst months of surgery, recovery and the worst prognosis (James is defying the prognosis so far) the people around me and my son arrived with open arms, open hearts, plates of food, a shoulder to cry on, willingness to listen to my tears and rants and rage (at life). And lastly, I have always thought of myself as a strong person but now I KNOW that I am (and so is my amazing son).

Think about your own life... What blessings have come from your own 'worst times'? What have you learned about yourself? and other people?

Life is both the worst times and the best times. You cannot have one without the other. Happiness is fleeting and mostly connected to outer circumstances. Joy on the other hand, can be found anywhere, any time, if you look for it in the simple things such as a bright sunny day, a strangers smile or the beauty of nature.

Lisa xox

http://www.facebook.com/messages.from.the.soul.community

Make Mother's Day super special with a unique gift she will treasure

I've finally come up for air after painting like a crazy person for my Solo Exhibiton at The Block Gallery in Faulconbridge NSW and for Artfest at Winmalee NSW ~ both exhibitions are in May 2012.

As part of my Solo Exhibition and because Mother's Day is very soon, I have created four new watercolour, ink and acrylic paintings on 300gsm watercolour paper (A3 size).  These Mothers Series Originals will be for Sale at the Gallery Exhibition and are beautifully framed with black matt boards and ready to hang.

Each Artwork in my Mothers Series is unique and celebrates the amazing bond of a Mother and her children.  A great idea for Mother's Day as an affordable print or greeting card (with envelope) that Mum will cherish forever.  My Mother's Day Artworks are here: http://www.redbubble.com/people/lisafrancesjudd/collections/137354-mothers-day-2012

It's a Colourful Life ~ But keep it Organised

I have a lot going on in May this year... I turn 50 to start with and have a celebration parties in both Sydney and Brisbane.  I also have two Art exhibitions... One is a Solo Art exhibition at The Old Block Art Gallery & Cafe for the whole month and the second is Winmalee Artfest which runs over the first weekend in May each year with other artists.

While that is going on, I have commissioned artworks waiting to be create for several clients.  I need a lot of available, saleable artwork for the exhibitions, so I am madly painting to get ready and I like to have more than enough so if something sells, I have a replacement for the Gallery.

It's easy to get flustered to the point where things just don't get done at all. Guess we have all experienced this from time to time.  Just this week, while watching the TV show, The Block (Renovation and design contest on Channel 9, Sydney Australia) I was somewhat amused to watch some of the contestants under pressure ~ time pressure, decision pressure, artistic pressure, design pressure, team pressure.

Some did well and kept calm, others did not, they got very flustered.  The main reason was a lack of practicality.  They were rushing out grabbing curtains and curtain rods for their  rooms without measuring windows. Another couple forgot to purchase a doona for the bed (just a doona cover)!

Getting organised isn't that hard really. Just write down a point form list of what you need to do, when it needs to be done and in what order of priority, then just do one thing at a time and don't think about the other things till you cross off a completed task.

If you can get to my It's a Colourful Life Exhibition (see details in picture) you will get to see 12 of my Original Artworks up close and a bunch of my Art Sculptures too. 

Affordable Prints will be available of all Exhibited Originals too.

Make a day of it and come up to the beautiful Blue Mountains (The Block Gallery has a Cafe too).

I hope to meet you there :D

Lisa xox

http://www.lisafrancesjuddartist.com

http://www.facebook.com/lisa.frances.judd.visual.artist

I'd rather be a Tiger than a Mouse

My thoughts for this day...

I am about to have a bit of a rant guys... just warning you all.

Just got off the phone after a conversation with my Mother. As often she does, she again told me that I am 'too much'.

Too much of what? Am I too much because I am strong, dependable, capable and direct?
Too much because she feels too little herself? Too much because I speak my mind?
Too much because I call a spade a spade?
Too much because I take an idea and run with it rather than dilly dally around?
Too much because I have tried and succeeded, tried and failed, but got back up to try again?

Maybe I am 'too much' for some people and you know what? I don't care. While I am moving forward, doing what I love to do and hanging out with lots of friends that 'get me', the others are sitting back, too afraid to do anything, too afraid to put themselves on the line and too afraid to of being different or standing out.

This is your life people! LIVE IT BOLDY.

Let's start a Too Much Club and be proud members of who we are ~ bright, bold and determined and yes, sometimes loud and strong willed too.  Who's with me?

I'd rather be a tiger than a mouse!

Come Join us at: http:facebook.com/messages.from.the.soul.community

So you think you have problems?

Today's blog, is not about Art.  Today's blog is about my beautiful son James.

James is 21 years old and he was diagnosed with a Glioblastoma Brain Cancer (stage 4) on 1st August 2011. That is a date I will never ever forget ~ just him and me together with the Surgeon, who had to deliver the news that would change his life forever.

How does a Mother cope with news like this? Well looking back, not very well... I lost it. And James? he went cold and clammy and into shock. There were many tears from many people in the days, weeks and months that followed.

James had everything to live for... just completed his four year apprenticeship as a Diesel Fitter for an International Crane Company.  Just purchased a 'new' car and just turned 21 years old. He was fit, happy and he thought, we thought, healthy.

During his early diagnosis, James endured two brain surgeries in two weeks, followed by radical radiation treatment and chemotherapy for 7 weeks. During the first three or so months, because James and I live in different cities, he in Brisbane and me in Sydney, I left my family to go live with  and care for him in Brisbane, taking him to daily hospital visits etc. Once he got past that intensive treatment stage I came home and he then had 6 months of regular chemotherapy.

The Doctors at the P.A. Hospital gave us a grim prognosis for James. The fact is, most people with a Glioblastoma, stage 4, do not survive very long. They also said that he would never work again and never drive a car again and, although he has no deficits as a result of the surgeries, they sent him to Palliative Care meetings.

James had his life taken away from him. Many people in his position would just give up.  Not James.
He always remained positive and kept his zany sense of humour. He was strong when those of us who love him struggled to do so.

Today... It's been 8 months since this 'journey' began. Jame is defying the Drs prognosis so far.  His MRI's are stable, the brain cancer is not growing and when he took his medical records to a Private Neurosurgeon, he got the opportunity to sit extensive tests to ascertain his fitness to work and drive again. 

Guess what? James passed every test they threw at him with flying colours! So now my son is soon returning to work and to driving. Things that the public hospital Drs said would never happen.

Of course, we do not know what the future holds for James. He may stay perfectly well for many years, or, he may not.

What I do know is that my son will continue to live passionately.  As he said to me today, "Mum, if anyone can beat this thing I can."  I believe him and I believe in him.

God bless James.

Lisa xox

My thoughts for this day....Define Yourself!

My thoughts for this day....

Whether you are an Artist, a Book-keeper or a Bus Driver, other peoples opinions of you are none of your business is a great quote to remember during times when you may feel 'picked on' or 'judged' by others. Just remember that this behaviour simply indicates that the ...individual who is doing the 'picking' has unresolved issues relating to their own self worth. YOU define who you are, not others, so stand by yourself. ~ LFJ ♥ Messages from the Soul Page.

Besides being a professional Artist, I am also a Certified Life Coach and a Psychic Reader.  Yes, I have a few strings to my bow.

  

My passion is my Artworks and Arty Creations and Art is a wonderful expression of my Soul.

I am also aware that my purpose involves helping others which is why I started Messages From The Soul Community Page at Facebook at the very end of December 2010.

 Now in March 2012 we have an growing, active audience of over 18,000 people. Anyone is welcome to LIKE the Page and participate, as long as posts, comments and pictures are in line with personal growth, spirituality, positivity and inspiration.  Please come check us out at: Messages From The Soul Page

COFFEE, GOSSIP AND GIRLFRIENDS

If you are a woman, you have most likely spent a morning or afternoon gossipping and catching up over coffee and cupcakes with a trusted girlfriend, or two. It's a wonderfully pleasurable time where you can relax, reflect and reveal the goings on in and around your life, and share things that you wouldn't tell your husband (or your Mother!).

CELEBRATE THE GIRLFRIENDS IN YOUR LIFE

Girlfriends are essential to a woman's life. I know that I couldn't get by without my great girlfriends and I always look forward to our coffee catch ups. To celebrate this important relationship, I am working on a new watercolour & ink pen artwork called 'Coffee n Gossip' which you can see below.

FOLLOW MY ART IN PROGRESS PHOTOS ON FB

If you LIKE my Art Facebook Page (see the new Badges on this Blog to click through) you will get to view all my Art Albums, Art Sold, Art for Sale, Art in Progress, Art Sculptures etc.

The Artworks in progress Albums (2011 & 2012) are popular as many people like to see how an artwork is created from the initial sketch up, through various stages of painting/drawing and then the finished product.

GET PRINTS, POSTERS AND GREETING CARDS OF MY ARTWORKS AT RB

The Artworks shown here and many more are now available for purchase as affordable prints, posters and greeting cards (with envelopes) at my Redbubble Portfolio.  Just CLICK this link: LISA'S REDBUBBLE ART PORTFOLIO 

GIRLS GIRLS GIRLS

Before I finish today's Blog, and get back to painting I wanted you to see several of my other GIRL themed Artworks.

'Girls Shopping Day' (Left' is a watercolour & ink Artwork on A3 size 300gsm watercolour paper
~ the Original has SOLD but prints are still available.

'Three Girls Celebrate' (Right) is a large 30" x 30" Acrylic painting that took me weeks to complete. It currently hangs on display at Kemps Kafe, in Raymond Road, Springwood, NSW, Australia (Blue Mountains Town) and is for SALE A$600. + pack&post. Both Australian and International purchasers are WELCOME.

 

QUIRKY IS MY MIDDLE NAME!

The word QUIRKY is often used together with my Artworks.  I like to see the world as it could be. In Art, there is no need to paint a tree green, just because it IS in our world. To me, Art is all about IMAGINATION... and mine has always been rich and full.  I could paint exactly what I see in this world, but WHY? when creating something else is just so much more FUN.

I want people to purchase my artworks because they INSPIRE them to DREAM, to REMEMBER HAPPY TIMES or EVOKE a positive emotion. 

One NEW way I have extended my Artistic Creations recently is through introducing my Air Dried Clay Art Sculptures... They are each Hand Made and then Hand Painted and Varnished and no two are exactly alike.

I have so far made chickens, penguins and owls and other animals will be introduced soon.  CUSTOM ORDERS can be made for these quirky creatures on request.  I've already made one custom owl and another one has been ordered in sea greens and blues.

So here are some of my Arty Sculptures to check out...

Precious Penguins Small A$85 & Large A$100.
OR A$150 together. + pack n post.

Briony (Smaller) and Hariette (Larger) Owls
Briony Owl is Custom & SOLD
Hariette is for Sale A$95. + pack n post

Funkie Chicken Large A$110. + pack n post

Welcome to my colourful world....

EARTH WOULD BE 'EH' WITHOUT ART!

I wanted to start my new Lisa's Arty Life Blog with this art quote, which is one of my favorites. Can you imagine a world without ART??? How drab would life be without colour, design and imagination?

I can't even imagine it.

My Artworks are designed to evoke happy memories, joyful feelings or just bring a smile to your face and your day. 

Colour is an obsession of mine.... and combining colours to create something magical to view is an artform in itself.

Since this first Blog post at Blogger is about Welcoming YOU to my colourful world, just take a look at my Website: http://www.lisafrancesjuddartist.com to see my COMPLETE on-line Art Gallery of all my artworks ~ sold, for sale and available as prints.

Right now I have been somewhat obsessed with watercolour and ink artworks, so here are a few...

'Girls Shopping Day' ~ A3 size Watercolour and ink pen Artwork
ORIGINAL SOLD ~ PRINTS AVAILABLE

'Bird House' 5"by7" Watercolour & Ink Artwork
ORIGINAL SOLD ~ PRINTS AVAILABLE

'Sepia Cats'  A3 size Watercolour, Ink and Acrylic Artwork
FOR SALE NOW A$150 Unframed.

'I Choose You' 5" by 7" Watercolour and ink Artwork
FOR SALE NOW A$90. Unframed.

I have lots more to share, but bit by bit... If you would like to purchase any of these artworks, or those you see at my Website: http://www.lisafrancesjudd.com please contact me via the website CONTACT ME PAGE which sends me an email with your message.

All of my Artworks over the price of A$200 are available to purchase using LAY BY (3 MONTHS MAXIMUM).  I also accept Credit Card and Pay Pal.

I look forward to getting to know my Blog followers and I hope that you will get to know me through my regular Blog Posts.

Have a wonderful and creative day :D