Art as a Full-Time Career, Take That Plunge!

In the urban landscape, vibrant forms of artistic expression emerge, challenging conventional notions of art and engaging with communities in unconventional ways. Two distinctive art forms that have garnered attention for their rawness and unfiltered creativity are graffiti art and Art Brut. Some of the most notorious names of contemporary art come from the world of graffiti. And while formal training and historic institutions still hold a massive presence in the art world, we are seeing more and more outsiders storm the gates and break through to become major names. That’s why we put together this guide to understand the types of graffiti art and art brut better. With this new knowledge, you’ll be able to better appreciate this diverse and dynamic realm of creative expression. What is Graffiti Art? Graffiti is a kind of art brut. It is any drawing or writing made on a surface, typically in public view. Graffiti itself is about as old as humanity. But beginning in the 1980s, graffiti began to be shown in fine art institutions, like galleries and museums. With the inclusion of many major graffiti artists into the formal art world, the lines have become more and more blurred. Graffiti art now refers to a thriving genre of art that uses the styles and techniques of street graffiti, but with finished products that are meant for more traditional art spaces. Some of the most well known artists of the last fifty years are graffiti artists, including the late Jean-Michel Basquiat. What’s the difference between graffiti and street art? The terms "graffiti" and "street art" are often used interchangeably, but they do have distinct characteristics that set them apart: Graffiti artists, like the famous Banksy, create and present their art in public spaces. Frequently, their art is not sanctioned by the owners of the property that the art is painted on. For this reason, graffiti art typically are revolutionary or otherwise transgressive themes. While graffiti can be seen as a subset of street art, the key difference lies in the legality and intent behind the creations. Graffiti is often associated with unauthorized markings and can be viewed as an act of rebellion or vandalism, whereas street art is generally more accepted and embraced by communities as a form of public art. However, it's worth noting that the line between graffiti and street art can be blurred, and there are artists who bridge both realms, incorporating elements of graffiti within their street art pieces. Ultimately, both graffiti and street art play vital roles in shaping the visual landscape of cities, sparking conversations, and challenging societal norms through artistic expression in public spaces. If you are still confused, see this helpful guide: Graffiti art is often associated with illicit, unauthorized markings made on public spaces using various tools like spray paint, markers, or etching tools. Historically, graffiti has been associated with acts of vandalism and considered a form of public defacement. Street art, on the other hand, encompasses a broader range of artistic expressions in public spaces. Street artists often create their works with the permission of property owners or as part of organized initiatives to beautify urban environments. Street art is typically more intricate, visually elaborate, and conceptually driven compared to traditional graffiti. How Graffiti Art Started Graffiti art began as street art, and people often use the words graffiti and street art interchangeably. But a few New York City gallerists in the 1980s saw graffiti as a blooming world of creative expression. And soon, they were exhibiting the work of graffiti artists. A particular hotbed was the East Village in Manhattan. Fun Gallery and Now Gallery helped lead the way in presenting graffiti art in a new light. By placing the work by these outsider artists in the context of a gallery, audiences began to appreciate the art on a deeper level. Artists like Keith Haring, Crash, Lady Pink, and Jean-Michel Basquiat became major names in the art world. They inspired new generations of graffiti artists to pursue the style — as street art, gallery exhibits, or both. Today, major corporations have hired graffiti artists to promote products . Major auction houses sell graffiti art. And you can buy graffiti art at countless galleries around the world. Famous Graffiti Paintings Curious to see some great graffiti art? We’ve put together a few of the most impressive and noteworthy examples. Untitled Skull (1982) by Jean-Michel Basquiat Copyright Jean-Michel Basquiat This painting is legendary not only as part of Basquiat’s skull series, but also because of the major headlines it made in 2017. It was that year that Sotheby’s New York sold it for a staggering $110.5 million dollars, blowing past its $57 million estimate. Ignorance = Fear (1989) by Keith Haring Copyright Keith Haring Foundation This work epitomized Haring’s use of art as a tool to raise political consciousness. As a gay activist, the AIDS epidemic was central to much of Haring’s work in the 1980s. This painting united his powerful pop and graffiti hybrid style to deliver an important message. The Breakdown Comes (1983) by Lady Pink Copyright Lady Pink This masterpiece of graffiti art by Lady Pink reveals the deep anxieties of the middle class in 1980s New York City as an empowering fantasy of the downtrodden in the same time and place. The vitality and playfulness of the artwork helps the complex themes go down enjoyably. Graffiti art is such an exciting realm of the art world. Now a few generations into its acceptance into the establishment, it still continues to push boundaries and grab our attention. Now that you know a little more about it, you can shop graffiti art from this fascinating genre that RtistiQ has put together for you to explore. What is Art Brut? Art brut is a term coined by French artist Jean Dubuffet in the 1940s, literally meaning raw art. Dubuffet used the term to describe the realm of artwork made outside of the formal and academic art world. Sometimes called outsider art, artbrut contains a broad spectrum of work. The term is often used with a bias toward Western art circles. For instance, artists in hunter gatherer tribes might be highly trained and create pieces inside a well codified tradition, but their work might still be considered art brut to some critics—so a reader has to consider who is using the term and how. Art Brut artists typically have no formal artistic training and often face societal marginalization or live with mental health challenges. Their works are characterized by their authenticity, unconventionality, and a lack of adherence to traditional artistic norms. Art Brut encompasses a wide range of styles and techniques. Artists often work with unconventional materials and mediums, using found objects, discarded materials, or natural elements. Their creations are deeply personal and reflect their individual experiences, inner worlds, and unique perspectives. Art Brut has provided a platform for artists who have been marginalized or overlooked by the art establishment. Figures such as Adolf Wölfli, Henry Darger, and Martín Ramírez have gained recognition posthumously for their extraordinary bodies of work. Art Brut challenges the boundaries of what is considered "art" and questions the prevailing criteria for artistic validation. Famous Art Brut Paintings Many Art Brut artists remain relatively unknown, with their works often discovered posthumously. However, there are a few notable Art Brut paintings that have gained recognition and influenced the art world. Here are a few examples: Adolf Wölfli's crazy controversial Art: Adolf Wölfli, a Swiss artist and psychiatric patient, produced an extensive body of work during his confinement. His intricate and highly detailed drawings depict fantastical landscapes, intricate patterns, and narratives from his own imaginary world. Prisoner Drawings is a series of densely packed compositions that reveal Wölfli's creative vision and psychological complexity. "Götter [gods]" by August Walla: August Walla, an Austrian artist with schizophrenia, created a range of powerful and expressive artworks. "Mystery Train" by Martín Ramírez: Martín Ramírez, a Mexican-American artist, created intricate drawings while institutionalized in psychiatric hospitals. His works often feature repetitive lines and motifs, including trains, figures, and animals. Conclusion: Graffiti art and Art Brut are two distinct forms of artistic expression that have captivated audiences with their rawness, authenticity, and unconventional approaches. Graffiti art, born from underground subcultures, challenges social norms and transforms the urban landscape into a vibrant visual tapestry. Art Brut, created by self-taught artists, provides a platform for marginalized voices and challenges established artistic conventions. Together, these art forms exemplify the power of artistic expression to transcend boundaries, spark dialogue, and redefine the notion of what art can be in our complex and diverse world. Check out the Graffiti and Art Brut Collection on RtistiQ to explore some of magnificent works in recent times.

RtistiQ

29 Jul 2021

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Art is a vast and diverse realm that encompasses a wide range of creative expressions. Within this realm, the concept of "Art Medium" holds a crucial role, serving as the bridge between artistic intent and tangible creation. The medium that an artist chooses to work with can have a significant impact on the style and meaning of the artwork. For example, a painting made with oil paints will have a different look and feel than a painting made with watercolors. In the context of Art attribution "Art Medium" has been used interchangeably to refer both the category of artwork and the materials used to bring forth an artist's vision. This article delves into the multifaceted nature of art medium, exploring its dual significance in the world of art. Art Medium as a Category of Art In its first sense, an art medium represents the various categories or disciplines within the field of art. Each medium possesses distinct characteristics, techniques, and artistic approaches. Let's explore some of the prominent art mediums: Painting: Painting is a traditional and widely recognized medium that employs pigments on surfaces such as canvas, paper, or wood. It encompasses various styles like oil painting, watercolor, acrylics, and mixed media, each offering unique visual qualities and expressive possibilities. Painting, Pop Horizon by Barron Holand Sculpture: Sculpture involves shaping and manipulating materials such as stone, wood, metal, clay, or even found objects. Artists create three-dimensional forms that can range from classical figurative representations to abstract and conceptual installations. Sculpture, S-04 BIG FOOT by Aleks Rosenberg Drawing: Drawing is a fundamental art medium that employs pencils, pens, charcoal, or other tools to create two-dimensional representations. It encompasses techniques like sketching, shading, and hatching, allowing artists to convey ideas, explore compositions, and develop their artistic skills. Drawing, Dancer in Red by NK Hong Photography: Photography born from the marriage of science and art, captures moments through the lens of a camera. It employs light-sensitive materials and digital technologies to immortalize scenes, people, and emotions, providing a unique perspective on the world. Photography, La grève Je T'aime by Gudzovsky Printmaking: Printmaking encompasses various techniques such as etching, lithography, screen printing, and relief printing. Artists create multiple copies of their artworks, each possessing its own subtle variations, by transferring images onto paper or other surfaces. Ceramics: Ceramics involves working with clay, shaping it into objects, and firing them in kilns to achieve hardness and permanence. This ancient medium encompasses functional pottery, decorative vessels, sculptures, and intricate porcelain works. Textiles: Textile art employs fabrics, threads, and fibers to create tactile and visually engaging works. It includes techniques like weaving, embroidery, quilting, and textile installations, exploring themes of culture, identity, and materiality. Installation and Performance Art:: These mediums go beyond traditional forms, embracing immersive experiences and the participation of the audience. Artists use various materials, space, sound, and movement to create site-specific installations or enact performances that challenge the boundaries of art. Digital NFT: Very recently Digital NFT is being regarded as an art medium, and more importantly revolutionising Digital Art representation. Utilizing blockchain technology, NFTs represent unique digital assets, such as artwork, music, or videos, providing a secure and verifiable link between the digital file and ownership rights. Art Medium as Material Used in Art Creation In the alternate context, an art medium refers to the specific materials and tools employed by artists to bring their artistic visions to life. The choice of medium significantly influences the aesthetic outcome and the creative process itself. Artists often use it to describe how they created their artwork, which gives a sense of how it needs to be viewed as well. For e.g. Oil paintings ( referenced as "Oil on Canvas") are best observed from a distance to get a more clearer understanding and the depth of the Art. Again depending on the Category of work there are different materials used to fulfill the Artistic vision of the creator. Here are some examples of art mediums in the context of Material Used Paints: Artists use various types of paints, including oil paints, watercolors, acrylics, and gouache, each with its own characteristics and techniques. These pigments, when combined with binders, allow artists to manipulate color, texture, and opacity on different surfaces. A combination of the paint type and the support used form the Medium used for the artwork, for e.g. Oil on Canvas, Gouache on paper, Acrylic on Linen etc... Drawing Tools: Pencils, pens, charcoal, markers, and pastels are all examples of drawing tools that artists employ. These tools vary in hardness, texture, and line quality, enabling artists to create intricate details or bold, expressive strokes. Sculpting Materials: Sculptors utilize a plethora of materials such as stone, wood, metal, clay, plastic, and even unconventional materials like ice or food. Each material offers its unique qualities, texture, and potential for manipulation. Cameras and Photographic Equipment: With the advent of photography, cameras and photographic equipment became vital art mediums. Film cameras, digital cameras, lenses, lighting equipment, and photo-editing software all contribute to the creation of photographic art. Printmaking Supplies: Printmaking relies on materials like printing plates, inks, brayers, and printing presses. These tools facilitate the transfer of images from the plate to the chosen substrate, resulting in distinct prints with their own visual characteristics. Clay and Kilns: Ceramics artists employ different types of clay, glazes, and firing techniques to shape and fire their creations. The firing process in kilns transforms the raw materials into durable and visually captivating ceramic pieces. Fabrics and Threads: Textile artists utilize a wide range of fabrics, threads, dyes, and surface design techniques to create intricate tapestries, clothing, quilts, or fiber-based sculptures. The choice of fabric and the application of techniques contribute to the overall visual and tactile impact of the artwork. The Importance of Art Medium The medium that an artist chooses to work with can have a significant impact on the style and meaning of the artwork. For example, a painting made with oil paints will have a different look and feel than a painting made with watercolors. The medium can also affect the way that the viewer interacts with the artwork, an example being, a sculpture that is made from metal will feel different to the touch than a sculpture that is made from wood. The art medium is of utmost importance in the representation of art as it influences the aesthetics, technical possibilities, symbolic significance, and cultural context of an artwork. It allows artists to express their vision, engage viewers, and communicate their intended messages effectively. The careful consideration and deliberate selection of the art medium contribute to the overall artistic expression and impact of the artwork.Different art mediums have evolved throughout history and across cultures, reflecting the societal and historical context in which they originated. The selection of a particular medium can evoke associations and references to specific art movements, traditions, or periods. The Future of Art Mediums The art world is constantly evolving, and new art mediums are being developed all the time. For example, digital art is becoming increasingly popular, as artists use computers and other digital tools to create their work. It is impossible to predict what the future holds for art mediums. However, it is likely that new art mediums will continue to be developed, and that artists will continue to experiment with different materials and techniques. It's important to note that the future of art mediums will be shaped by the creativity and experimentation of artists themselves, as they continue to push boundaries, embrace new technologies, and explore innovative approaches to art-making. The possibilities are vast, and the future of art mediums for visual artists holds exciting potential for artistic expression and engagement with audiences. Digital, Augmented and Virtual Realities, Mixed Media, Eco-Friendly Materials, BioArt and Living Materials, all are being explored, included and evolved for Artists to continously push the boundaries of their creative abilities to produce thought provoking artworks. Conclusion In the realm of art, the term "art medium" embraces a dual meaning. It encompasses both the categorization of art forms and the materials employed by artists. The category of art medium reflects the different disciplines and techniques artists employ to create their work, while the material aspect highlights the tangible tools and substances used to manifest their creative visions. Artists' choices of medium significantly influence the visual, tactile, and conceptual qualities of their artworks. Furthermore, contemporary artists often push the boundaries of traditional mediums by exploring hybrid forms and incorporating new technologies. Understanding the significance of art medium enhances our appreciation for the diverse expressions and the innovative approaches artists employ in their creative endeavors.

RTISTIQ TEAM

28 Jun 2023

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What is art forgery and why is it wrong? One of the main reasons why high-end art, especially by the masters, is revered is because of its originality, that undefinable touch, which is so unique to that artist and which sets it apart from the rest. The concept of imitation of art has been going on for hundreds of years, where an artist or student copies the artwork of a master they admire. There is nothing wrong or illegal in this. Art forgeries however are a different ball game altogether. In this, the artist or institution tries to pass off their artwork under the name of an established or famous artist, usually for financial gains. A forged Picasso painting can look as aesthetically pleasing and refined as the original one, sometimes even to a trained eye. Then why is authenticity so important in the art world? The primary reason why it is crucial to distinguish between an original and counterfeit piece is due to the monetary value attached to the piece. Each piece of art would be inspired from a unique creative source and it then passes through the personal cognitive skills of the artist before it is translated onto the medium. This gives the artist an intellectual property right over his piece of work. To study a false piece of art as an original work by a revered artist, would at the very least, taint our understanding of the artist as well as the evolution of that piece of work. The financial and moral implications of this duplicity have the power to disrupt the very fibre of the art world. Notable Art forgeries that rocked the Art world Art forgery is every art collector’s or art institution’s worst nightmare. Yet, despite the best efforts by experts and security personnel, widespread fabrication of artworks continues to be a looming menace. Some notable instances of art forgery in recent times, exploring the techniques employed, the consequences faced, and the lessons learned The Wolfgang Beltracchi Scandal: One of our time's most notorious art forgers, Wolfgang Beltracchi, stunned the art world with his impeccable reproductions of famous artworks. From Van Gogh to Picasso, Beltracchi masterfully replicated renowned artists' styles, materials, and signatures. It was only in 2010 that his deception was uncovered, leading to his arrest and a significant blow to the art market. The case shed light on the vulnerabilities of authentication processes and the allure of owning a "lost masterpiece." The Knoedler Gallery Case: The Knoedler Gallery, a prestigious art institution in New York, fell victim to one of the largest forgery scandals in recent history. Over 15 years, the gallery unknowingly sold dozens of fake paintings by artists such as Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, and Willem de Kooning. The elaborate scheme involved a art dealer from Long Island named Glafira Rosales got the help of a Chinese artist based in queens to paint abstract expressionist style paintings, in the style of famous masters . She managed to pass them off to the reputed Knoedler gallery, as part of the unlisted works of the artists, which they had sold directly to an anonymous buyer. This resulted in collectors spending around eighty million dollars on these forged pieces. This case highlighted the challenges galleries and experts face in verifying the authenticity of artworks. Zhang Daqian's Fake Scroll Paintings: Zhang Daqian, a highly esteemed Chinese painter, became a victim of forgery even after his passing. Forgers capitalized on his distinctive style and subjects, creating convincing imitations of his scroll paintings. Before experts detected the fraud, these counterfeit works entered prestigious auctions and private collections. This incident emphasized the importance of extensive research, provenance verification, and scientific analysis to prevent the circulation of fake artwork. The Modigliani Forgery Ring: A group of skilled forgers in Italy produced a series of remarkable fake Amedeo Modigliani paintings, successfully infiltrating the art market. Their sophisticated techniques and attention to detail fooled collectors, experts, and auction houses. The operation was eventually dismantled, leading to arrests and confiscation of numerous counterfeit works. The Modigliani forgery ring revealed the lengths to which forgers will go to imitate the unique styles of celebrated artists. The Fake Frans Hals Portrait case: One of the biggest scandals to rock the art world in recent times, was the ten million dollar Frans Hal portrait sold through a private sale in which modern day materials was found to be used, when tested by Orion Analytical, a US based company which investigates art work. Sotheby’s refunded the buyer after this unfathomable forgery came to light. This forgery circle is rumoured to involve works of up to 25 old masters, escalating the amount collectors are said to have spent on these fake pieces, to an outrageous 255 million US dollars. The most surprising facet in this whole issue was that most of the reputed art institutions accepted these paintings as genuine masterpieces and even displayed these pieces in their galleries. The total lack of provenance for most of these paintings was a red flag in this multi-million dollar scandal. This casts a shadow on the effectiveness of age-old techniques like connoisseurship, which uses less of scientific methods and relies on intangible elements, like the ability of the expert to detect the ‘hand of the artist’ in the painting. In this case the technical analysis done by Orion Analytical, helped bring the forged pieces to light. Other Major forgery cases In another startling case, The Uzbek state museum discovered that many of its original art pieces was replaced by forged pieces by their own staff. They had sold the original pieces in the black market for a fraction of the cost. The State Art and cultural museum in Ankara, Turkey was also a victim to forgery when almost 302 of the original works were planned to be swapped by its staff in association with some art criminals. The case came to light when the museum discovered that many pieces in its collection were copies. The forgery case was solved with the help of a tip by an anonymous caller. In an equally sensational scam, dubbed operation Voyeurs, the Spanish authorities busted an operation selling counterfeit works by world renowned artists including Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse. A Zaragoza based art dealer, was planning to sell these for millions of Euros. How Technology Can Prove An Effective Weapon Against Art Forgery Art forgeries continue to challenge the authenticity and integrity of the art world. Recent cases of forgery remind us of the intricate techniques employed by skilled forgers, the vulnerabilities within authentication processes, and the enduring allure of owning a genuine masterpiece. These incidents have prompted art institutions, experts, and collectors to strengthen their efforts in research, provenance verification, and technological advancements for the detection and prevention of art fraud. With modern technological breakthroughs, many online art platforms and institutions can now be prepared to protect themselves and their investors from such hoodwinkers. Digital art is now a formidable name in the art world, with both collectors and reputed online platforms waking up to its value in the modern art market. The universal concern when dealing with such art is the plagiarism concerns which arises, when a copy of it exists on the internet. To solve this issue, many high-end online art platforms like Rtistiq, employ blockchain technology in their art asset management. Using this technology, once the provenance and ownership details of a particular artwork have been uploaded onto the company’s secure and distributed database, it can be tracked and verified online and in real time. Thus, every single event that has occurred in the lifetime of the artwork now becomes a digital block, which is linked to a previous block of information. This enables prospective clients to confirm the authenticity and provenance of the piece of artwork. Rtistiq, a digital online platform for art connoisseurs, and investors is one such enterprise which employs technological prowess to ensure that their clients have a secure space to conduct their dealings. Using blockchain technology it records every piece of information connected to a piece of artwork and the digital fingerprint thus created would be impossible to duplicate. The unique architecture of this technology ensures immutability so that data once fed cannot be altered while allowing the users to maintain anonymity. NFC tags are another highly effective way to counter forgery. In this method NFC tags or microchips, like the ones used in passports or credit cards are attached to the piece of artwork. The chip, which is invisible to the naked eye, holds a private key with a corresponding public key stored on a blockchain. This forms a sort of digital link, connecting the artwork and the information about it. It is stored on a secured network and is virtually tamper proof and nearly impossible to replicate. This data can be accessed by a potential client at any time by scanning the chip with the help of relevant apps. Using these tags, the artists can authenticate their latest piece of work by attaching them to the art work or an art gallery can use this to authenticate the provenance of an old renowned piece of work and also provide their customers with a bona fide certificate. Art forgeries other than having a severe monetary impact, can have a profound effect on the art market. It can damage the hard-earned reputation of many people involved in the process. So, effective methods to identify and prevent forgeries is the need of the hour. With new technological advancements, more and more fool proof methods are being introduced. The stakeholders in the art world must embrace these new techniques to stay one step ahead of these forging masterminds and safeguard their assets in this ever evolving and volatile art industry. Author: Anupama

RtistiQ

27 Nov 2020

5 min to read

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Don't Give Away Too Much Information. The best way to write an art description is to use words that will intrigue potential buyers. Use adjectives to describe the subject matter, and avoid using technical terms. If you're selling a painting, try to keep the description short and sweet. You don't need to go into detail about the materials used or the techniques employed by the artist. Instead, focus on describing the piece's style and mood. Use accessible language and avoid using over-sophisticated concepts or art professionals' specific jargon. Be cautious not to fall into the opposite extreme and create a basic description, “art for dummies” style. After all, the art enthusiasts and collectors are a highly educated public. Take advantage of free marketing tools. Most of art collectors research and buy art online in the post-pandemic world. Using search engine marketing is possibly one of the most effective marketing tools. Begin drafting your art description by listing keywords and phrases relevant to your art and that people might use when searching for art. Spread them across your entire text and make sure your final description makes sense. Do not go overboard and abuse this tool. Do not repeat the keyword more than twice in the entire text. Exceeding this limit could cause the text to be flagged for keyword-stuffing and could affect Google rankings. Keep it brief. At Rtistiq, we recommend your art descriptions to be between 200-500 characters. In an ever-accelerating world, like the one we live in, the attention span is surprisingly short. We all look for relevant information in the shortest amount of time. You can always follow the example of the world-renown art museums that are reinventing their exhibition labels, for example, they offer a potential interpretation and historical context for abstract artists and their body of work. Many institutions are now considering a more socially and culturally diverse audience that is likely to return if not bored, overwhelmed, or confused. Do not write a description for the sake of writing one. Avoid repeating your bio or the information related to physical aspects such as size, orientation or packaging and delivery. This information is collected separately. During the upload process, you will be asked to fill in all this information one by one. Engage with your audience. Your story and your art are unique, make yourself heard. Art collectors are looking not only to expand their art collection but also to get insights or access to the untold story of an attractive piece of art. This is a great opportunity to communicate directly to your audience without being mediated by a curator. It might sound scary, but we encourage you to take the plunge and tell the story in your own words, it will make you stand out from the rest of the original artwork for sale online. Highlighting specific details in your art, special techniques, or placing a particular work in a larger context of your career will make your art description enticing. To answer your question “where to start?”, we’ve put together a set of questions that could serve as a guideline for an engaging and relevant artwork description: ● What inspired you to create this artwork? ● What is the message you want to convey in this particular artwork? ● What meaning do you attach to it? ● How does this artwork fit in with the rest of your artistic portfolio? ● What kind of techniques did you use? ● Has this artwork been part of an exhibition or referred to in a publication? And finally, leave a little room for mystery. Don’t give it all, let your audience want for more. RtistiQ artmarketplace offers you the opportunity to showcase your art in a way that suits your vision. You can always take advantage of the rest of the tools to organize your portfolio under series so that all visitors can enjoy and appreciate your creation, and ultimately be the decisive argument that converts a “like” into “I have to have it”.

RtistiQ

08 Jul 2022

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With a rapid transition from brick-to-mortar galleries to digital art marketplaces, many artists face almost every day the challenge of digitizing their art. The art buyers are now online, on social media platforms, and on specialized curated art platforms. To help artists bring their art into the digital realm, in the best possible way, we’ve put together a guide on how to photograph your artworks by using a device that is already in your pocket, your mobile phone. Since many art buyers are not able to experience your art in person, they rely solely on images provided by the artist. Taking good pictures of your works of art will enable the buyer to appreciate your art and make their purchase decisions. At RtistiQ, we accept images up to 30MB (we recommend up to 10MB for faster response) and at least 1920x1080 pixels, JPEG/JPG/PNG files for any potential buyer to have a detailed view of the Artwork. A Full HD has an image pixel count that equates to only 2MP and for a 4K display, it bumps to 8MP. Just about every phone that isn't a pure budget handset is likely to shoot 8MP - iPhone 6 & above / Samsung Galaxy S2 & above. So you are usually set with the Mobile Phone's rear camera to take acceptable-resolution images. Below are some of the photographing tips when using your mobile phone: Choose the right lighting Lighting is one of the most important aspects of photographing your artwork. It affects everything from exposure to color balance. So, before you take a picture, make sure you understand how light works. Take advantage of natural light. Use natural light/daylight, most smartphones handle natural light much better than artificial light. Make sure you position them in front of a window or other source of bright light. Shoot with the sun behind you. If you're shooting indoors, use natural light as much as possible. This will give you the most flattering lighting. If you're outside, avoid direct light onto the artworks. Adjust your position to avoid casting a shadow by not stand between the light source and the Artwork. Manging color gradients If you notice color gradients in your pictures (the part of the artwork closest to the light source might be lighter than the rest), use a simple piece of white paper to bounce off the light on the darker part of your artwork. You might need a second pair of hands for this operation. Positioning your Mobile Phone for best results Hold your phone parallel to your artwork to avoid distortion. Be extra careful with the framing. Move your phone slowly until the sides of your canvas are parallel with the edge of the screen. Leave as little as possible space around your canvas, this will help achieve the best resolution. Hold the phone still. If you plan to upload many artworks it might be worth purchasing a tripod. Tap the best part of the Image When you get the best image on the screen, just tap it, this will help with exposure and the sharpness of your image. Avoid Zooming in too much for better Resolution Move yourself closer to the Artwork rather than zooming in too much using your mobile phones. Most phones support digital zooming only, which reduces the image resolution and will not give the best results. Basic Editing using your phone Almost all smartphones support basic editing of the pictures taken, which should enough without spending on image editing softwares. If the image is not straight, you can slightly rotate it or crop the edges, if required. Job done! You are now ready to upload your art. External Links Additional link references for you to get further details on your Camera and other tips from Pro Photographers, which we found to be interesting. Phone Camera Resolution 10 Tips From the Pro Photographers Contact US You may reach our curatorial team by writing to curators@rtistiq.com or visit our Contact Us page to drop us a message. For additoonal support articles on registration and other queries visit our Help Center for Artists. To register as an artist on the platform please follow the link for registration on Rtistiq now!

RtistiQ

30 Jun 2022

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An interview with artists Aude Rech and Lynne Godina It is that time of the year again when we can let ourselves look forward to the coming year and hope for a new beginning, despite the past year being so outlandish. RtistiQ wishes you happy holidays. The art market trends are constantly in flux with the current pandemic. As businesses try to return to normalcy after a tough year, demand for art is bound to increase, though the reason could also be the fact that people have become hopeful with the arrival of vaccines in the market. As more art lovers look to buy art online, RtistiQ interviewed two of the prominent artists featured on our website to ask them what they would do to increase sales during the holiday season. Introduction to the Artists: Aude Rech was born in an artistic family with an art gallery owner mother and a well-known ceramist father. She believes she is lucky to have art in her genes. She studied at the Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs in Nice and at the Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-arts de Paris where her teachers and mentors were Debré, Alechinsky and Cueco. Aude has been working as a virtual artist for the past 40 years, and she currently works from a studio in the south of France. She has been exhibiting her work in Paris, Berlin, San Francisco and New York and her work is featured in a few private collections. Aude believes her art is a personal journey in terra incognita, full of surprises and discoveries. In her words – “I feel like a director casting a play that I rewrite every day. Art is the only thing that elevates me, giving me the feeling of being positively alive. I depict the world, my world, the forces at play in most live forms. For me it is all a question of energy balance and colors!” Lynne Godina Maybe a new er name in the art scene, but within 2 years, she has had her first solo exhibition and has been a part of three group exhibitions. Her solo exhibition featured over 60 original pieces and she also has to her credit, 50 pieces in private and corporate collections around Australia. Lynne got a breakthrough in international art sale when she sold her art to a private collection in Milan, Italy late 2019. Lynne likes to use a lot of texture and heavy collection of paints in her paintings. She primarily uses stretched canvas, although she has also dabbled in glass framed works. Additionally, she has started using hardboard bases. See below the interview with our featured artists Aude and Lynne. Interview: Read on to find the detailed responses of Aude and Lynne for our questions surrounding their art styles, their motivation, their career paths, challenges and their experience with our platform. You will also find some motivation and some good advice in their responses. Q - How has the art market scenario changed over the past decade? Aude – Over the past decade, the art market has evolved strongly due to the implementation of numerous online platforms dedicated to sell and promote art.Social media have been playing a major role in the exchange of information regarding all matters related to art. Networking, promoting, selling, exhibiting has been so mucheasier than it used to be. Having a worldwide vision of the art world in real-time is now possible. Lynne - The online gallery presence has surged in the past decade. Globally there are hundreds of online sites and platforms to promote your art. Some are better and more professional than others and have been around for a longer time, others are smaller boutique galleries that focus on a closer relationship with the individual artist. There is something for every level of artist to be able to display and promote their art. As you get a higher profile, galleries will come to you, but at the start being part of just one gallery can be very exciting and proactive in getting your works out there. Obviously Covid-19 has had a huge impact on exhibitions and bricks and mortar galleries. Depending on where in the world you live, lockdowns and restrictions vary. Here in Australia we are now very lucky to be able to go out and have large groups again and the galleries and venues are reopening, so I am looking forward to exhibiting and having people come to visit my studio/gallery again in 2021. Q - What are some of the challenges that you faced in your art career? How did you overcome them? Aude - One of the biggest challenges that I have faced in my art career is to be in touch with my personal creativity and to be aware at the same time of my surroundings in time and space, keeping in perspective of where we stand in the history of Art. To create is to give someone the ability to see a piece of the world through someone else’s mind at a certain time and place. You are becoming a witness to our society. In order to feel connected, you need to be able to feel the energy that surrounds you and to harvest it. This is a challenge, practicing self-awareness helps achieve this state of mind. Lynne – The major challenge is to get your art seen. That takes a lot of hours and persistence, it is a fulltime job. I have always said the painting and creating the art is the easy part, it’s the backend that takes time and commitment. I am not very good with social media, but I have to push myself to be consistent with uploading and continually showing what is happening with my art, sales, commissioned works and within my studio. Q - How do you think technology has helped to boost art sales? Aude – In my own experience and especially during this Covid period I have been able to use a virtual environment to showcase my work therefore I have generated some sales. At the moment the use of technology helps me to identify potential art galleries, curators, or art collectors with whom I can start conversations with no time or space barrier. It is quite incredible to be able to reach art connoisseurs worldwide in that manner. Lynne – Everything has gotten faster and sleeker in the last decade. Computers are now so much quicker and more reliable to upload and be part of the web to search and keep in contact with the world. When I first started uploading my art I bought a very expensive Nikon camera with all the best lenses to capture professional shots, now I use my iphone. The cameras within the phones have just been getting better and better with each new version and it is so simple to edit and then connect to the computer and upload. Q - Which feature of RtistiQ do you find the most interesting? And why? Aude – The RtistiQ features I enjoy the most are the blockchain certification, the digital certificate, secure transaction, and shipment methods. The reason why I do enjoy those features is that they gave the potential collector a sense of being secure and it shows a very professional environment. As an artist to know that I can trace my art after it being sold is amazing. It offers many new possibilities, keeping track of its sales record, its location, and ownership. Having these pieces of information can help an artist generating broader interest in his work. As well I came to enjoy the sense of community and the ease of building an online portfolio. I can not wait for the platform to shape up with more artists and to see what we could organize together. Lynne – Since joining the RtistiQ website I have enjoyed finding so many interesting artists from every corner of the world. To be able to go into their galleries and see the amazing quality and diversity of art is something that gives me great pleasure and boundless inspiration. Q - How is RtistiQ different from other sites that you have used? Aude - I have had a better experience with RtistiQ, I found it more engaging I like its design and its simplicity and professionalism. Lynne – Because RtistiQ is a fledgling gallery the one on one interaction with me as an artist is refreshing and new. I feel that the team are really interested and willing to promote my art and find out what and who I am as an artist. Q - What are the prospects the holiday season brings in for art sales? Aude – It is difficult to say, but more potential buyers are going to browse the net in the research of a unique gift. The seasonal aspect is interesting and can generate great opportunities to have someone discover your work, start collecting or simply to enjoy offering a very original, interesting, meaningful gift. Lynne – Traditionally the lead up to Christmas is fairly slow as people are more concerned with celebrations with their families, friends and work colleagues. Money is being spent on gifts, but a piece of art is a very personal purchase and normally people wouldn’t look at making a large decision like that as a surprise. Things get busy in the New Year when people have been given money to ‘buy themselves something they want’ and think about that artwork or sculpture they have been eyeing all year. Q - Could you give an insight into the marketing strategies you use during this season? Aude – I will not use a specific marketing strategy during the holiday season, but I will definitely communicate more and will bring people to the site so that they can discover my newest work and enjoy the RtistiQ key features. Lynne – I have a sale on my website for the first two weeks to see in the New Year. Also, I offer a gift certificate on my site to give to loved ones to prompt them to buy a piece from my gallery. I make sure to keep painting and upload as many new artworks as I can to keep a high presence on all the sites. Q -Your advice to budding artists to promote their artwork this gifting season. Aude - As an artist, I would advise anyone to help potential collectors, either by having a set of work that is financially accessible to be offered as a gift or being an incentive to start maybe a new relationship with collecting a new artist. Lynne - The main thing is to upload, upload, upload. To the online galleries and platforms, you are on, to your own websites if you have them and of course, as much content on social media as you can physically do every day. My aim is to upload at least twice a day, even if it’s giving earlier pieces another upload to refresh people's memory and get them looking at the newer creations. ******** Aude and Lynne are impressed with RtistIQ’s way of working and the diverse art collection. If you are an art enthusiast, browse through our online art gallery to find something you like. Explore all arts for sale which are perfect as a gift for yourself or your loved ones to mark the beginning of a better year. If you are an artist, contact us to showcase your art on our website and use our unique features to reach a larger audience. RtistiQ wishes you all A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year ! Author: Manisha Bhati

RtistiQ

24 Dec 2020

5 min to read

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