Are galleries affected by so many people attending art classes?

I have been thinking a lot about the new trend of so many housewives and others attending art classes, sometimes offered by an obscure "artists" or "art teachers" no one really knows or who has never exhibited in a gallery themselves or with no training to speak of. Art classes seem to be offered in every little dorpie, town and city all over South Africa. Is this trend hurting galleries or does it not influence the sales of art? Remember, I am not talking about costly investment art being affected.

So many people are creating their own "art" and hang these creations in their homes, or give their efforts to their children, family and friends who don't want to dishearten them, and then hang the creations in their homes.

Another trend possibly affecting the sales in galleries, is the printing of pictures and photographs on canvas. You see these printing places in all the malls, centre courts and on the Internet. It appears to me that the ordinary person in the street would rather print a photograph of his child or family on canvas and hang that on his wall, than buy a painting.

I would love to hear what you think. Am I right in making these assumptions?

Landscape art

Display paintings of moody skies and serene seas

Read an article in Houzz about the displaying paintings in your home. 

This John Smith landscape is available.

Click here to read the August newsletter

What St. Francis of Assisi said.....

August newsletter will be sent out soon

Our latest newsletter will be sent out soon.  We are featuring John Smith, renowned SA artist in this newsletter.  Here is a preview of some of his works:

Art for everyone

Art was not something everyone could afford when I was a child. I always longed for the day when I could have my own home with lots of beautiful paintings. 

Many years ago, when I was till a young student, I visited friends who knew the artist Bettie Cilliers-Barnard personally and were fortunate to have quite a few of her paintings in their little cottage. The furnishings were not expensive but well put together and the paintings made it a wonderful place to be.

In the gallery...

This morning an elderly gentleman from Alberton visited the gallery and it was an absolute delight to show him around the gallery, because he appreciated the art we show so much.  He told me about all the art books in his collection and his love for art and all things beautiful. He is going to bring his wife in later today.

I pray that I will never get to a stage where I won't be able to appreciate beauty anymore. I want to be surrounded by art and beauty until my last day. I am so lucky to be surrounded with art all day!

New opportunity beckons

I am excited about the opportunity to exhibit a few paintings at the new La Mosaic Restaurant opposite the Gautrain Station in Centurion. The exhibition will change every six to eight weeks. I will keep you updated.

Interior decor

Hi Everybody

I have been away attending an interior decor course and have a learned a lot.  It was a most enjoyable experience.

I hope you all have a great week!

New Sue Maas paintings

Sue Maas is painting the most beautiful portraits of women. Have a look at these works:

Sue is willing to paint similar works. Please contact me if you are interested.

Amazing vidoe

If you have not seen this amazing video yet, please watch it; it is worth it.
500 hundred Years of female portraits in Western Art.

Enjoy!

Mixed media

I want to highlight some art terminology in my next few blog entries.  First of all we will look at the term mixed media.  I came across a video that explains it very well. I hope you enjoy the video.

Watch this video:Mixed media

You may have wondered what different people view as "real art".  I have been reading quite a bit on this subject and opinions vary from " There is no such thing as high art or low art"  to " An artist's work appeals to people on the same intellectual level as the artist" . What is your opinion?


Watch this video and tell me what you think of this guy's interpretation.

Now watch this video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsfX6xqCBks&feature=relmfu

I am very impressed with the South African Artist, a new glossy art magazine which was first published last year.  The magazine features some South African artists in every issue and covers quite a variety of art related subjects. To subscribe send an email to info@thesaartist.co.za

Visit their Facebook page The South African Artist magazine

Happy reading.

Visit Absolute Art Gallery

I still enjoy walking into the gallery each morning.  The paintings are like dear friends and I have difficulty parting with them. On the other hand, the excitement when a potential buyer finds the work of art that speaks to him or her, is so rewarding. Buying a painting or any other work of art is after all an emotional and financial   investment. It feels good to know that a buyer will enjoy the painting for many years to come.