Art + Such Monthly News

If you are an art collector, art enthusiast, art learner or just want to keep in touch, I would love to stay connected.

I invite you to my read my art blog via email and my monthly newsletter, Art + Such where you will receive paintings in your inbox, updates on art happenings and invitations to shows, workshops and learning opportunities. Your privacy is ensured, I will never share your email address with anyone for any reason and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Click here to subscribe to Art + Such Monthly, and here to receive the blog by email. And thanks!

 

Connect on instagram @colehandmade

Hey there. How’s your day? I’ve been working on another big project.....started a few weeks ago and got more time in today. It’s for the most special person and I’m grateful to be painting it! I started in the garage to make sure the drawing worked between canvases....now I’m back to my studio.....whew! These guys are 4’x4’— big ones for me! Good workout. Long way to go! Thanks for looking! #art #commission #landscapepainting #nebraska #sandhills
This photo from a farm along Highway 2 made it into the oil and cold wax. It’s always fun to see how each piece turns out, I wasn’t sure this one would work, but I’m okay with it. How’s your day? #art #oilpainting #coldwax #photography #nebraska
Hey there. Whatcha working on today? I’m deep into a oil/cold wax/photo commission. Getting there. More to go. Thanks for looking! #art #oilpainting #coldwax #photography #nebraska
“True North” 8 x 10, oil on panel. SOLD. Hope you have a good Wednesday, thanks for looking! #art #fineart #oilpainting #landscapepainting #nebraska
Oh how I’ve missed my paints these last few weeks as summer happens. Today I’m practicing whispers in the sky. I’m thinking gentle....delicate.....soft. Hope it comes through. How’s your day going? #art #nebraska #landscapepainting #oilpainting #instagramart #fineart
Thanks to everyone who dropped by our art tents at Art in the Park, yesterday. Gary and I are grateful for so many who brought smiles and kind words and those who took things home—thank you! We had some special visitors in the afternoon, love those littles! It was a great day.
You are invited to Kearney Art in the Park! It’s always a FUN day. Gary and I will be set up side-by-side. Kona may be handing out kisses. Always lots of great art, yummy food, good vibe all around! #art #nebraska #kearney #artinthepark2018
We have a new lil sidekick! Her name is Kona Joy, she’s a Cavapoo and we are smitten. ❤️ she will be my studio buddy for sure! What are you up to today?
Fabulous workshop with Chris Groves at the Townsend Atelier in Chattanooga! If you ever have a chance to take a class with him or the Townsend, do it. Both are top shelf! It’s always fun to paint with others and this was a great group. Other than wearing my shirt inside out one day, all went well, ha! Have a good week everyone.
I’m taking in the sights and sounds of lovely Chattanooga. The painting workshop I’m here for at the Townsend Atelier with Chris Groves starts tomorrow. My heart is already so full and we haven’t even painted yet...can’t wait! Photos: Rainy morning Coolidge Park, Karen Lamonte’s fabulous sculptures at the Hunter Gallery, fun lunch at Stir in the Choo Coo train station, my awesome Airbnb. So grateful. Hope all is well in your corner of the world!

Recent blog posts

Featured
Taking Photos For Your Art - Part II
Taking Photos For Your Art - Part II

Editing Your Photos

By Beth Cole

This is the second in a series of posts about taking photos for art, you can read the first post here.

Rarely does a photo come straight from the camera ready to paint. I have found that taking a little time to analyze and edit the photo makes for a stronger inspiration photo and a stronger painting.

Taking Photos For Your Art - Part I
Taking Photos For Your Art - Part I

Taking Photos For Your Art - Part I

by Beth Cole

This is a new series on taking photos for your art. I believe taking your own photos is a big part of the artistic process. When you use your own photos for painting you are already connected in a way to the scene you want to paint. It is always just a good policy to work from your own photos.

You're Invited to Kearney Art in the Park 2018
You're Invited to Kearney Art in the Park 2018

You're Invited

Kearney Art in the Park is happening this Sunday, July 8th, in Kearney, Nebraska at Harmon Park. It is always a wonderful show with lots of beauty to behold, great food and an all around great vibe. If you are local, I hope you can come, and if you do, please stop by and say "hi."

Dealing With Disappointments
Dealing With Disappointments

I was reading an article in Tabletalk magazine recently about disappointments in life and how we shouldn’t be surprised by them because the world in which we live is not perfect and WE certainly aren’t perfect. The article is much deeper than this and I thought it quite helpful. I mention it because I believe the principles also apply to art or any creative endeavor, as well as to our attitude about ourselves and our relationships.


The Gift of Time
The Gift of Time

I believe paintings have a mind of their own, and sometimes we just need a little time to bring them to their better selves.

Case in point, here is a sunset painting I did about a year ago. I was inspired by spectacular cloud formations and what the light was doing as it sank down toward the horizon.

What I Have Learned About Teaching Online
What I Have Learned About Teaching Online

What I Have Learned About Teaching Online

by Beth Cole

Last spring I was asked to teach a painting class online. I had been thinking of teaching, but I hadn’t come up with a plan or a deadline. Being asked to teach gave me both! And I must say, it is amazing what you can accomplish when you have a plan and a deadline.

I wanted to write a little about the practical steps I took in order to get stuff done. I am not an expert! I am just sharing what I have learned so far.

Getting Ready for Art Fairs - Part III
Getting Ready for Art Fairs - Part III

This is the third post in a series about getting ready for art fairs. Here are links to the first and second posts.

Following Up With Collectors

By Beth Cole

So you’ve done all the hard work of painting, hauling and setting up your work and guess what? Someone buys a painting! Boom! Congratulations! Now what?

You're Invited -- May 5th Art Opening at Minden Opera House
You're Invited -- May 5th Art Opening at Minden Opera House

There's an art show opening coming soon and you're invited!

I will be showing my most recent paintings of the land in the months of May and June, 2018 at the Minden Opera House in Minden, Nebraska. 

Minden Opera House Art Show Opening
Saturday, May 5th, 2018
4:00 - 6:00 pm

Getting Ready for Art Fairs - Part II
Getting Ready for Art Fairs - Part II

This is the second in a series of posts about getting ready for summer art shows. You can read the first post here.

Art Fair Checklist

By Beth Cole

The first time I went to an art show I was amazed at how much time it took me to get ready. Not only do you need to prepare your paintings well in advance, there are many other little details to consider before you can say “let’s go.”

Getting Ready for Art Fairs - Part I
Getting Ready for Art Fairs - Part I

Art fairs can be so much fun, but honestly – they are a lot of work!

My husband and I have been doing art fairs for a few years now, so I thought it would be fun to share a few of the things I have learned through the experience. I would love to hear about your experience as well, so feel free to comment.

This first post will be about the number and type of paintings to take, the second part will include an art fair checklist to help you remember everything, and the third part will be about relationships and following up after the show.