My Shop!

Ashton Atelier is now open for business!

If you're you a regular reader of my blog, you may have noticed that I haven't posted in a few days. Okay...months. I've been handling several projects at one time, so my monthly updates have suffered.

In the meantime, I have opened an online store. Yes, its true. Etsy.com is a place where you can buy and sell handmade things, such as paintings! I decided to check it out when my sister-in-law, Jenni, told me about it. Its a pretty cool site. I took some time to research what opening a shop involves, checked out a few shops, and even asked a few questions from shop owners. It seemed like a unique opportunity, so part of my hiatus was due to increasing my inventory.

The shop had a 'soft opening' on the third, but I've already been "hearted"! That means that someone out there tagged an item and/or shop as a favorite. In my case, both! I carefully staged each painting to appeal to those with a discerning eye. This is one of the items that will soon be featured. Look familiar? What do you think? Please check out Ashton Atelier, and spread the word!

Thanks, Jenni!!

My Second Auction!

My second auction was right here in my backyard. Well, not literally. Jefferson Dollars for Scholars expands educational opportunities to students in the Jefferson Parish of Louisiana. The Rising Stars Golden Tassel Gala is an event held every spring. New Orleans' top business, culinary, and community leaders were invited to attend this fundraising evening, which included a silent auction. I was excited that my painting was one of the items featured among such prestigious artists like George Rodgrigue, Bill Hemmerling and others.

Can you find my painting among these fine items? I'll give you a minute...

No?

Don't worry, a closeup if shown below. "The Blue Balcony" is an 18x24 painting that features, well, you know. Because the theme of New Orleans was so successful the last time, I decided to stick with that. Again, it was a success! Yay!! Here's what Lisa Conescu, Executive Director, said:

Nichole.... Thanks so much. Your painting is gorgeous and the people who bought it are really excited to have it. I loved it! I just am too busy to ever get to bid on anything.

I can't tell you how much we appreciate that you sought us out and wanted to be a part of us. We are always thrilled to have artwork for our auction.You are welcome to do it again next year, if you want. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Hmm..maybe I will... What do you think of the featured item?

My First Auction!

You'd never believe what happened to me!

I've been a fine artist listed at GURU.com, a freelance jobsite, for quite a while now. Guru is a great way to market yourself to prospective employers. While I don't bid on each project --(why should I sign up for to do a sculpture when I know nothing of sculpting?!) I do submit a quote for projects that interest me -- one in particular.

The project posting was from an employer who needed a unique painting of something related to New Orleans for a charity auction in November 2008. It was the only painting that would be auctioned at the live event. They didn't want any subject matter dealing hurricanes or anything inappropriate. It was perfect for me!

In keeping with the southern theme, my initial bid was for a magnolia painting. To my surprise, I was chosen! Yay!! Although my employer, who I later found out was the ASCP Foundation, liked my magnolia theme, they wanted something based on the Garden District. They supplied me with a few photos of what they were going for and wanted my imagination to run with it. So I ran!

After the project was completed, I was anxious about how everything turned out. How did my painting do at the auction? Did they like it? What were the comments? Did anyone buy it? If so, who? I was later told that the painting, Springtime in New Orleans was "a BIG hit!!" I'm so happy! Stay tuned for what else I'm doing.

My Vineyard

Wow! Its been a while since my last post...mostly caused by grief from Gustav. Hurricane evacuation is a growing trend here in south Louisiana, you should try it! My family and I tracked the storm's path in sunny Florida. Naturally, all projects were put on hold. When we got back almost two weeks later, (Hurricane Ike seemed like it was headed for our home!) and saw everything was fine, (for the most part -- my mom's gazebo was a tragic loss) it was back to work...on home renovations. To be more specific: a kitchen remodel.

It had wallpaper that mimicked tilework. Every other "tile" had a raised rose etching on it. On closer inspection, the wall looked like a checkerboard pattern, and this was repeated on two walls. The counter was pink (which was chosen by yours truly in the early 90s), and the window coverings were seafoam green vertical blinds. It was beautiful! In the 90s.

We wanted the kitchen to have style while keeping the project low-budget. First a design was necessary. Or more importantly, what colors appealed. If we stayed true to the rest of the house, reds, golds and other fall colors would be used. That plan actually lasted three full days. Clearly, finding colors that would appeal to every member in our house would be a problem, and I'm not the picky one. I'm not!!

My sister found some real tiles that looked great to us all, and from there, the project took off. We considered different ways of dealing with the countertop, from a stainless steel film to spreading stone. It had to be durable and it had to look good. We chose paint. It couldn't just be flat color -- been there, done that. I personally wanted it to blend with the rest of the house and our new dishes. I chose a mahogany butcherblock look. My sister suggested a chandelier (as a joke?), but once the idea took root, we found one on sale. Cue Hurricane Gustav! Upon our return, it was time to replace the seafoam vertical blinds, and we put up white shutters.

My role in this was mostly painting. The walls, of course, but I also created a "wall grille" behind the stove, a mural complete with a grapevine and the mahogany countertops. The theme that developed: a vineyard. Its beautiful! We went from pink, seafoam and burgandy to lilac, gray-green and white. Here are our before and semi-afters. Tell us what you think. Are we worthy of Rate my Space?

My Italian Room With a View: Part Two

Well readers, I've finally took the next step that every creative person makes: directing. What you're about to see is the stages of development of a mural. You'll note that three walls are being worked on simultaneously so as to keep the painting in proper balance. The whole process took about 3 months. Does that may seem long to you? My schedule allowed me to work just two days a week, so if you want to be technical about it then it was about 10 days. Please sit back, turn up your speakers and enjoy!

My Italian Room With a View: Part One

Or...

La mia Stanza Italiana con una Vista: Parte Una

Hey, when in Rome...Along with portraiture, my services include paintings of botanicals, landscapes and murals. I recently talked with someone who was interested in the latter. My potential client wanted a peaceful retreat in her master bath. An Italian retreat to be specific. She already owned a painting that I could use to get an idea of just what she was going for.

We talked about a mural that covered two walls, but when seeing the actual working area, it was decided that a 3-wall view would be best. Better and better! The bathroom had 9' walls, two white doors I couldn't paint over, and an overall bay window shape. This Italian view, when completed, would face the sunken tub. Talk about relaxing! The walls and fixtures were neutral, so it would be easy to start the process. I took measurements and several pictures of the space, and gave my client several scenic options. Below, you'll see what I had to work with.

My Stealth Skills

One of the reasons I love being a portrait artist is because I'm part of the surprise. Portrait paintings make the best surprise gifts! A recently completed portrait fell right into that category.

This particular portrait was to be presented as an anniversary gift in May. Part of the challenge was being sneaky around the gift-receiver: the husband. He always seemed to be around! You wouldn't believe what I had to go through to get the job done -- ducking behind columns, hiding in the bushes, crawling though the a/c shafts...Okay, maybe I didn't go that far. That costs extra. But my stealth skills were called on to retrieve the photo to work from, and to hand-deliver the finished painting. The rest was up to the wife, who performed her part admirably.

If a portrait client frequently moves, like this couple, its important to consider the longevity and practicality of the painting. You want them to keep it forever. With that information in mind, I wanted the painting to fit in with whatever decor they chose. I knew they both loved the color red, so I made sure to use that in the clothing. The neutral colored background features my latest learned skill: knifing. It was the first time I'd tried out this technique on a portrait, and I think I did a decent job. I caught up with them a few weeks after the anniversary date. They were so pleased with their painting, especially the husband. I love surprises!

My Nephew, 1st Grader-to-Be!

I have personally participated in three graduation ceremonies. The first was my graduation from kindergarten. It was held in the auditorium of Leon Godchaux Grammer, and had a graduating class of....well, I can't remember that much detail. I was five! What I do remember was that I had to recite a speech, which I did perfectly, thank you, and that I was wearing a beautiful white dress that my mom had made. I still have some pictures. Kindergarten was awesome!

Now my nephew is graduating from kindergarten! I'm so excited for him and his parents! Will he have the little diamond hat with tassels? Does he have to dress up? Will he have a speech too?! I hope his parents take plenty of pictures. I can picture it now, all the little gradu-- Ok..this just in...

"No graduation ceremony is to be
held for the kindergarten class of 2008."

Oh. Nevermind.

Malakai is a total boy. His favorite color is red; he loves cars, sports, video games and more. This kid is active! I captured all of that information and attitude, and put it on a canvas. Yes, his love of cars too. As you can see below, I included one of Kai's favorite cartoon characters, (seriously, that movie is on all the time!) Lightening McQueen. The car he's "playing with" is a Ford GT40, and is what inspired Pixar's profile of the animated character. I also chose that model to portray a deeper meaning: the fact that he's growing up. Congratulations Malakai!! We're proud of you!

My New Strategy

Part of the struggle of a portrait artist is not only attempting to make a portrait look like the subject, but also to find the right coloring for his or her skintone. You must know what colors to mix, what colors compliment or highlight each other, and even what colors to stay away from. Trial and error is the tactic I've been using. I've gotten pretty good at knowing what works best for certain skintones, but for others...well, let's just say that my tactic can get pricey.

I decided to try something different for my most recent portraits. I bought a book. Not just any book, a color mixing recipe book for artists. Yes, there is such a thing! This excellent resource guide is especially for portrait artists. It lists 500 color combinations, has recipes for skin for several nationalities, suggestions for eyes and even hair. Of course, not everyone is the same and allowances must be made, but for the most part the book is great!

With this new strategy, I'm not using as much paint and I have a starting point for what to use. I've also found that my work is going much faster, so now I'm able to start new projects before I've met my previous deadline. Bring on the new clients!

My New Offer!

I once found myself in a situation where I had to complete two commissions in the same week, and had five inquiries to answer at the same time--seven if you count my clients. Not an easy thing to do single-handedly.

Although its good that my name is out there, and people are interested in my services, I don't particularly want to find myself in that situation again. I thought about what I could offer potential clients if I find myself double-booked. I don't want to turn any away, but they usually have a set date of when they need a completed portrait in their hands and I just don't have the time.

I looked at what some other portrait artists were doing: they offered Gift Certificates. I thought that was a nice idea because it allowed a gift-receiver to be more involved which may take time, therefore, more time for the artist to work on other projects. So I designed some certificates based on what other artist's do, and offered that as part of my creative services. I've a few inquiries from last minute gift-givers, but no rushing stampede for them. And to tell the truth, I wasn't satisfied with offering Gift Certificates. Anyone can do that.

I happened to be in the gift wrap section of a store looking for...I forget, when I saw Gift Card bags and holders. I thought to myself, "These are so cute! Too bad I don't need a Gift Card for....HEEEYYYY!!" Um...I kind of slow. To make a long story short, I made a few inquiries of my own to some companies who specialize in making all kind of cards: credit, hotel keys, gift cards and more. From that, as you can see below, I have something new to offer! Gift Cards!

My Sunrise and Sunset

My family had already decided that I was to start a new painting to replace another. The subject of the future piece didn't matter; it just had to incorporate the colors and blend with the theme of the room. I decided to do another landscape.

I bought a 30x40 canvas for this painting. I was so excited--this was the largest stretched canvas to date. Not counting the murals. The living room, where the landscape would be displayed, was getting a complete makeover. Once the painting was completed, the work on the room would commence. My painting was to be the inspiration to get the job done. I got home and saw that my precious canvas had a hole in it!! A one inch hole!! Well the entire project became pointless and stupid. My life was over, so who cared about the living room?!

After about an hour's worth of dark thoughts, I had an epiphany: museums hired artists to restore paintings all the time. Priceless pieces with real rips, tears and holes that needed major surgery. Maybe I could repair my canvas too. I looked up some information, and though I didn't find anything on ripped blank canvases, I did find information for tears in paintings. Its the same concept, so formula for that should work, right? After all, it couldn't get any worse. So I read the instructions, tinkered with some chemistry, and voila! It worked! For 20 seconds. Stupid "specialists".

A closer examination and a gingerly poke revealed that the tear didn't pucker as badly as before. I took some gesso, and sealed the seam. I let it sit for 24 hrs, and then attacked it with my blow-dryer which I set on cool. I then started, and completed my painting, of which I tried a new technique: knifing! More about that later. Until then, tell me...can you see the hole?

My Disappearing Client!

Whoa!! I missed last month's report! So I'll use January to tell you what been happening lately, and why I must say my goodbyes.

Not goodbye to this blog, faithful readers, but to a painting that's been displayed in my home for almost two years. A client commissioned a landscape in mid-2005, right before Hurricane Katrina hit. I took the in-progress canvas with me when we ran from the storm, just in case. Funny thing is that we ran directly into the storm! But that's another story. The following months post-Katrina were complete chaos! Back at home, along with my family, I was volunteering with a rebuilding program and helping out with the household to even think about painting. Like I said, complete chaos. I hope we don't have to go through that again anytime soon.

When things settled down some, I finally got around to the landscape, and finished it in late 2006. I contacted my client, and emailed a picture of my work. Everything was satisfactory! My client told me she was moving and would pick up her painting soon. That was two years ago! I emailed periodically to remind her of the painting, but never received an answer. She had moved and I didn't even have her forwarding address! Eventually, even the email address stopped working. And so, my lovely landscape has been displayed in my house, and admired for nearly two years.

What surprised me recently is that my client contacted me! I learned that things had been really hectic during those two years. She still wants her landscape and I finally have an address to send it to. My problem now? Soon we'll have a blank space where the painting prominently hung. What to do? What to do?

My First Step

For me, the photograph is the most important step because it determines how great a portrait will be. Before I even start sketching my subject, I carefully study the photo I've been given. I have a mental checklist of things I look for:

• Detail
• Clarity
• Color
• Expression
• Lighting
• Sizing
• Positioning

If I find that the photograph doesn't work, I either ask my client for another to replace the first, or for more photos for detail. Sometimes I even take the picture, or work with several photographs to get just the right look. Once I've sketched my ideas, I present that for approval. Usually it works out, but sometimes changes are necessary. Its all part of the process.

My Turn!

Since finishing my mom's bathroom with its gorgeous view, a few of those privileged to actually see it in person have been wanting to see my room as well. Why? Because if the artist's work is nice for a bathroom, then its reasonable to conclude that the artist's main living space is equally as nice. My problem? There was nothing there for anyone to see.

I took the opportunity between clients to make a few changes in case another room-viewing request came along. I am completely enamored with Indian, Arabian, and other Eastern cultures, but I like Spanish architecture as well, and wanted my living space to reflect that. How could I blend these different cultures and make it look awesome? I found an article in a magazine that featured Alhambra, a building which is in Spain that has all of the cultures I love made into one. I immediately fell in love. It was exactly what I was looking for!

I studied everything about the building and even incorporated some of its unique architectural designs into my work. Its coming along very nicely. You can see one part of my completed project -- a new and improved fireplace on my closet door. Not much I can do with the doorknob. The tilework is based on tiles found in Alhambra, and the woodgrain reflects the main pieces of furniture . The vase is based on this vase...much cheaper too. But this is only the tip of the iceberg. More on what's happening at home later.

My Original Subjects!

My latest portrait involves a particularly special couple. Not only are they my brother and sister-in-law, they are the subjects of my very first portrait. As seen to the left, my amazing artistic skill and phenomenal photography talents were still developing. I've slightly improved since then. At the time I was so proud of myself and of the painting that I submitted it into an art exhibit and later gave it to the couple as a gift.

I've been working on this latest portrait since May 2006, and my dad was critiquing it for me through its progression. Since he was no longer around, I've literally avoided doing any work on it, and focused on other clients. I finally reached a point where it became necessary to complete it. I think even my dad would be satisfied with the results.

Jenni and Ulysses, professional wedding photographers in New York, celebrated their wedding anniversary this month. I thought the timing was great for the unveiling. Happy 18th!!

My Scene

In late July, I was approached by a friend of mine who wanted to get a portrait painted. The portrait was for her sister and brother-in-law--also friends of mine--who were moving to another state. My client/friend wanted this picture to be a great conversation piece and something that they'd love. Another criteria was that she wanted it to be big!

I was just too excited! The photo she provided was of the couple during their engagement. It featured them gazing into each other's eyes. The picture was slightly faded, but my graphics program quickly fixed that, and the true reference picture was ready. My client/friend also requested a scenic background, which was also featured as a framed picture behind the couple in the original photograph.

To the right you'll see the finished product -- an original 22x28 portrait of my friends. I really enjoyed during this for them. Feel free to click the image for a more detailed view.

My Sketches!

I've often been asked if I do other artworks besides paintings. My answer is "Yes". I meet a lot of people who are more interested in sketches than paintings at first. I like to think that they're finding out if the artist's work is up to their standards, and that's understandable since they are the ones who have to live it. More often than not, clients who commission sketches return for paintings if they're pleased and will recommend you to others.

In early May, I was contacted for portrait information for a gift. This potential client wasn't interested in a painting or a gift certificate, but a sketch that included three people. The challenge of it was that the three people were on three separate photos. For each project I take on I use a graphic program to get the overall composition right. I may even change the lighting and flip the direction a subject faces. Sketches are different from my portrait paintings because they aren't as detailed, come only in black and white and my style is unique. As you can see, I leave a portion of the subject undone. My client was really happy with the end result and so was her mom! They're even talking about future projects with their family and friends. I look forward to working with them.

My New Category!

In the beginning of May 2007, I received an email from a man with an interesting request. He would soon be celebrating his first wedding anniversary and wanted to give his wife a unique gift -- a portrait. He told me that he was known for his fantastic gifts. What made this portrait so unique and fantastic was that it was of his beautiful Siberian Husky, Lexi.

Now I'd never painted a pet portrait before. Hadn't even drawn an animal in years, but I told my client that I'd be happy to take on the assignment and have it delivered in time for his anniversary at the end of the month. I was nervous, but so excited! I did a search for pet portrait artists to find examples of what a typical pet painting would look like, its sizing and other info, and saw that the majority of pet portrait artists come from the UK. I knew of one artist in particular who I admired very much. Her website features a forum and even before-and-after demos. I emailed her for a little information, which she gladly gave to me, and I joined the forum to ask the other artists a few questions. I met a lot of friendly and extremely helpful people who were very willing to help me with my assignment.

As is my custom, I kept my client up-to-date with photos of Lexi's work-in-progress. I do this because if any changes are necessary, I can easily make them. Everything was going so smoothly and doing a pet portrait was so much fun! A few of the artists at the forum even asked me if I'd do another pet portrait. The answer to that: if requested, sure!

In the end, Lexi's portrait was gorgeous! The painting was delivered on time, and the couple loved it -- particularly the wife. I'd like to thank them for adding a new category to my portfolio: Pets!

My Adventures in Advertising: Part II

Well, faithful readers, I couldn't let one person's rejection stop me. That same week, I thought about the type of people who could be interested in owning something as unique as a portrait: parents, couples, professionals...brides. There are websites designed to help the wedding party find whatever items or services needed to make their event an unforgettable occasion. They list everything from Beauty & Spas to Wedding Supplies. These websites are extremely convenient, and go a long way in helping a bride get more ideas for her special day.

Louisiana is no exception. NOLABrideGuide.com is a website that caters to the brides of New Orleans. The site started because one New Orleans bride understood how stressful it was gathering all the vendor information and other details together, and so a little organization was needed. It now has a comprehensive and rapidly growing list of local vendors that make a bride's dream day come true. It also has a forum feature so that prospective or former brides can exchange ideas or ask questions.

The site administrator has generously agreed that I could be listed with the vendors! But would a bridal couple be interested in my services? I'll have to wait and see. The picture above was an engagement gift to a bride-to-be. "Admiring and Adoring" is a reproduction of John William Godward's "Youth and Time", circa 1901. Personally, I would love to have my and my fiance's portrait displayed at say--the reception. In the meantime, my portfolio has to be updated specifically for this category. My best friend has graciously agreed to model for a bridal pose. Her photo shoot is scheduled at a future date, but the finished product will be amazing. If you're engaged, a newlywed or have a special occasion coming up, feel free to contact me about your free portrait consultation today.

My Adventures in Advertising: Part I

In the last couple of months, I’ve been involved in the business of promoting my artistic skills. Advertising is new to me, so research was needed in order for this to be a success. One of the ideas mentioned was to find a local business owner, and offer a free portrait in exchange for displaying the completed work. Although I’ve read conflicting thoughts on this marketing strategy, I thought I’d give this interesting idea a try. After all, who turns down a free portrait?

A frame shop was the perfect place to start, and we have a nice one in our small town that boasts of having works done by Louisiana artists. Perfect! My presentation was very important—this was not unlike a job interview. My personal appearance was professional, my business cards were at hand and my portfolio was ready. The image on the right is one of the paintings featured. I speak to the general public on a regular basis, so I was only slightly nervous.

Well, I gave my presentation to the owner and was shot down approximately 5 seconds later! Reason being: The shop has no insurance for that. I explained that the portrait would belong to the owner and therefore did not need to be insured unless desired. I was told “no” again. Reason being: If the shop owner did it for me, they’d have to do it for everyone. WHAT?! That’s ridiculous! If you own a frame shop in a small town, especially if you advertise LA artists, why not support the local artists? I didn’t understand, and frankly, I still don’t. Needless to say, I politely thanked the shop owner for their time, and distraught, discouraged and disappointed, I went home.

Being turned down, especially with such a lame excuse really upset me. I tried not to take it personally, but in reality it was personal. That frame shop lost any potential business I would’ve thrown their way, either by the advertised portrait or if a client asked about framing recommendations—which often happens. You can guess who won't be getting my endorsement. More about what happened the next week later. Currently, I’m extremely reluctant to try that particular advertising tactic again. No one likes rejection. What was I going to do now? How was I going to find clients? Who would be interested in having portraits painted? Craigslist ads made a nice jumpstart. I’ve answered a few inquiries and hope that interest climbs. If you’ve seen my ads or have a few marketing suggestions, drop me a line!