End of November

Cyber Monday

November 30th not only is it Cyber Monday, but for me it marks the end of the Autumn season. Most of the leaves have fallen by now. The gorgeous orange & yellow colors will soon be replaced. I've been pretty good at avoiding the stores with Christmas holiday decorations. It's just too soon. Sometimes I think Christmas decorations and music should not be allowed until December 1st. Having all that come on too soon and for too long spoils the magic of Christmas.

At least today, Cyber Monday is after Thanksgiving!

Happy online shopping everyone!

http://squier.etsy.com

Rainy Days and Butterflies

Butterfly in Green Blue

by Artist Rita Squier

Original Watercolor Painting

Size: 5 x 7 inches

Summertime reminds me of butterflies fluttering about the garden. Today, it is pouring rain. It is coming down in buckets. I wanted to post a cheery bright butterfly, so I did. However the rainy day helped me choose the color.

Butterflies

Butterfly in Green Blue

by Artist Rita Squier

Simplicity in itself can be an art form. The warming weather has me thinking towards spring time ... flowers, butterflies, birds.

This butterfly watercolor painting is available in my

Etsy Shop: http://squier.etsy.com

A Little Escape to the ACEO Seaside

Seaside I

by Artist Rita Squier

Wouldn't you just love an escape to the seaside right about now? I know I certainly would.

Not only is this an original watercolor painting but it is also considered an Art Card often times called an ACEO or an ATC.

ACEO stands for Art Cards, Editions or Originals. ATC stands for Artist Trading Card. The only requirement for them is the size which is 2.5" x 3.5", the same size as baseball trading cards. They were created for artists to trade amongst each other. Art lovers wanted them too and if they are bought and sold they are considered ACEOs. They are created in pretty much any medium.

All of my ACEOs are original watercolor paintings. This one and more are available in my Etsy Shop: http://squier.etsy.com

Just a warning ... once you buy one, you will want more! It is a great way to purchase a little piece of affordable art and start a collection.

Art in the Park

Art Fairs ... Thing of the Past?

Last summer, we signed up for several art fairs ... indoors and out. We created what we thought were esthetically pleasing booths, one for indoors and one for outdoors (as seen here). Yes, it is nerve racking preparing for the first show, worrying about weather for the outdoor shows, but in the end ... it was fun.

As for the shows themselves ... it was great to connect with other artists. It was fun watching the people wander around the art fair. Talking with people who were actually interested in our art was great. However, the overall turn out of visitors seemed to be low. Talking with other artists who have done the shows in the past, they said the turnout was a lot smaller. People seem to be "just browsing". With the shift in the economy from bad to worse, what will this summer bring?

Are art fairs a thing of the past?

I hope not. It is a fantastic way to get people out and about in the fresh air. Take in the sights of creative artisans displaying their wares to the world. Supporting local artists by purchasing goods directly from them. We all have rent to pay in one way or another.

Original fine art is so important to keep alive in our culture today.