I was wondering how Galleries were going to move forward with technology and develop new biz models to meet the changing ways that people move through life and leisure. American Art Collector is putting one way out there - Gallery Show Online. It says "September 2010" so I am assuming that it will change each month. And it represents many different Galleries from across the country. Very interesting.

You go to their Gallery Shows Online main page, there are 22 shows to see. When you click on one it takes you to a window that opens with a flash of silhouettes with drinking glasses as if at a gallery opening. Also, it has the accompanying gallery exhibition background 'noise' . It's a surprise but it's not annoying because it quickly fades to silent so that you can see the art in solitude. I viewed a few of the "shows" and I think you might like it as I did. Enjoy. (Update: Links no longer work)

For those of you who have said you are having a little trouble setting up the RSS Feed to Shannon's Studio this might help. 

1) Click on RSS icon in the right hand column. It takes you to a feed of my blog posts.
2) You have to copy the URL address (the address says -  feed://www.shannonsstudio.com/5/feed )
3) Go to your feed reader (I use Google Reader) 
4) Click where it says to "add a subscription" or something similar
5) Paste in the URL address <feed://www.shannonsstudio.com/5/feed>

I'm not tech genius but I hope this helps.

THAT will be the title of one of my posts. But I won't have to go to Denmark to see them. The are coming to Utah. Soon. And I am going to see them. Don't know when but it will happen. I have loved his work since I got interested in art. So much so that I did a study (copy) of one of his paintings - Christ 

I am soooooooooooo excited. 
So. Ex. cit. ed.

These paintings are LARGE. The photo below gives an idea of the scale that these paintings. I believe all of them are large works. And I don't know that they have ever been outside of Denmark. What a great opportunity!
NOVEMBER 2010 - MAY 2011

Since we are talking about Carl Bloch, here is a link to a paper I wrote for a religion class on one of Bloch's paintings. The one below. It's of artsy-smartsy sort of paper so only read if you like that smartsy-pants sort of thing.

I got this information here. There are 2 videos about Bloch there as well. 

In Step 7 - Accompany a Creative you ventured into art arenas that were non-commercial. The next step is to venture into the commercial realm and 

The goal of the emerging collector is to Acquire Art so at some point the commercial confrontation has to enter. But, the necessary ground work has been accomplished so that this won't be a totally foreign experience. In fact, you can see an art opening in play at the link below -

After watching the video you might notice it's a fun, relaxed, party-like atmosphere. When you find one to attend have fun with it. Take in the art and talk to people. Here are a few places you could do that at -

• Opening Reception of an artist at a local gallery
• College BFA shows with the artist's at the opening
• Alumni Art Shows and the reception
• Open Studios, artists open their personal studios and sell art
• Art Street Fairs

Whether you attend an opening or not, attend an Art Gallery and accomplish the following process:

At this point, you've made art connections. Hopefully through Adopt an Artist or Accompany a Creative  or some other way. Now is the time to ask them to show you their world. 

At least not this time. The goal is to acquire art but that doesn't have to happen the first time you walk in a gallery. In fact, it's best if it doesn't. So leave your Art Fund home this step.

Even though the point is not to purchase this step, money is still part of the process - gain an understanding of pricing. What is the price range for small works, large works, differing genres and particular artists. If price is not posted go ahead and ask. 

Since this is a commercial art establishment there is a likelihood that someone will approach you and ask if you are interested in anything or need any help. The natural response is, "No, I'm just looking." But, you are doing more than looking, you are an emerging art collector and are willing to learn from those who know things you don't. 

So instead say, "Yes, I am looking to increase my art understanding. Though I am not going to purchase art this moment I am going to acquire art in the future. Can you share anything that would be helpful in that direction and any art or artists that would be a good place to start." You have just stated all that they the gallery owner needs to hear and also taken the purchase pressure off of you.

This should be a habit by now. But, just in case it's not here's the reminder. Writing down first-time thoughts and experiences never comes again. First times, are first times. Write down what you think.

Here's a special offer for a Christmas Portrait.
See details on Commissions page. 

So far, there's been a lot of art to look at, money to set aside to purchase art, friends to look at art with, a genre to narrow down and adopting an artist. A lot of ground has been covered in The 10 Steps of an Emerging Art Collector but it has mostly been virtual territory. Now is the time to see the light of day. For step 7 you are going to -

Let's talk about what that means.

"Creative" as in a noun, meaning someone who is creative. Your Creative doesn't have to be an artist though they can be. But it needs to be someone who has an imaginative outlook, is an original thinker and has stimulating ideas. (It doesn't hurt if they are a good conversationalist too.) A "Creative" is a self definition not a title given by anyone else, though people tend to recognize it in others. You probably know people who you consider "creative" (maybe even yourself) that's who I am talking about. 

Pick someone (or a couple of someones) like that who you'd like to invite to go somewhere with you. Let them know you are taking them for their creative nature and that you want them to share their thoughts at a particular art institution. 

You'll take your Creative to an art establishment that is non-commercial. It is to be a learning, exploring art outing without the pressure of sales people, gallery owners or someone who's primary need is to make money. If there is an art venue that has the specific genre you are interested in that would be a bonus. Here is a list of ideas of places to look for -

• museums
• university galleries
• graduate BFA shows
• library collections
• traveling exhibitions
• art groups

Graduate BFA shows usually run on a school calendar year. Larger universities and libraries will have collections available to see. There are art groups that have membership fees but have access to private collections and resources. In museums they have docents (a knowledgeable art guide) who will give commentary through the course of the exhibit. Look for a local place.

After a tour go back through without the docent. Really look at the art. Look at the level of skill involved. Ask what it means to you. Let the Creative share any specific insights they have of art principles or theory. Have the Creative ask you questions to bring out your thoughts. Make observations. Make critiques. Make it personal. 

Remember to record it all in your Art Journal.

Offer lunch as a return kindness to your Creative.

Date Night Idea: Now that you have gone to an interesting art venue and know something about it go back with a date and razzle-dazzle them with your new knowledge. Then take them to the museum cafe or like eatery.