Painting Blog :: Oil Paintings » Artist

Professional Photography – Portraits – Shoot From the Heart

Tina Young — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 03:41:16 +0000

Emotion first, logic second. A marketing fact: Consumers are emotional beings who make purchasing decisions based on feelings. Logic, in the
end may be used only to justify what one likes. Successful photographic portrait studios over the years have recognized that they were in the “emotion business.” Portrait photographers captured emotion; and when needed, took the time to create emotion. The portrait selling process emphasized how the photographer captured emotions unique to each client and how their portraits would be enjoyed for decades to come.

A good receptionist asked the necessary fact finding questions to determine what made the subject unique. When done properly, such
information was invaluable in the camera room. Simple words or phrases elicited genuine smiles and that all important sparkle in the eye. The person’s true self (soul) was then captured. With the aide of a proof book, each client enthusiastically engaged in the “show and tell” process proudly showing their images to friends and relatives. Word of mouth combined with the visual aspect of proof books was a sure way to build business. The subject’s enthusiasm blended well with the selling process. Portrait sitting averages were commonly high because wall portraits were usually ordered. That was the way it was.

Today, digital photography has created a new culture based on “speed” which has led to far too many “turn style” studios. As a result, those photographers in many cases may have lost sight of what portrait photography with emotion is all about. Low sitting averages are not always attributed to the economy. Missing the heart in the camera room can often lead to minimal orders, plus making the selling process very difficult.

Many times, relying on the “8×10 package” formula saves the day, but the profitable wall portrait and frame sale then becomes more of a rarity. In the end, each subject (senior) or family may become a clone of all other sessions: lacking in soul.

Also, when one is forced to become a technician and software specialist overnight, losing sight of the emotional aspects of good portraiture can easily happen to the best of photographers. A good photo lab can easily take on the “technology” burden to free up valuable time needed in the camera room where revenue is actually generated.

Ignoring the heart results in lost revenue. Losing sight of the fact that the lens must be “shooting for the heart” can be detrimental to the livelihood of any studio. Simply stated: A professional portrait photographer must connect with the subject whether an adult, senior or baby. The photographer’s persona and personality are also crucial and critical factors to a successful and profitable photo studio, but only when combined with the ability to elicit emotions from the subject. This combination will 9 out of 10 times produce more revenue. And this process can be totally natural and need not be staged. Emotions do matter when building or maintaining a successful studio. Good portraiture capturing the true essence of the human being is still in demand.

Important Artists in Black Art Painting

Alan Smith — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 07:58:44 +0000

As a result visual works of art leave the viewer with an impression of an extreme emotion. Whether that feeling is joy or the deepest pits of despair, the artist has done their job if something of their reality shows through their work. Painters of all races and ethnic backgrounds can surely relate to the “starving artist” theory. But for black artist the struggle has been a little more intense. Not only in the U.S. as the children of freed slaves, but unfortunately in their mother continent of Africa, Black American artists have faced discrimination and censorship. Fortunately both sets of unique, gifted artists are beginning to see some of the attention and praise they deserve. Black art painting is finally being seen for the huge contribution to history and the art world that it is.

Both sides of the world have produced amazingly gifted artists. In the Western hemisphere there are certain black men and women who paved the way for the African American artists of today. Horace Pippin is one of those men. After an injury in WWI, Pippin discovered his underlying talent for rich, historical painting. While he avoided the unpleasantness of life for a black man in the U.S. during that time period, he did produce black art paintings that spoke volumes to the viewer. His work was displayed in the Museum of Modern Art in 1938. A less known black artist that contributed to the black art movement in the United States is Walter Ellison. His most famous work is “Train Station” located in the Art Institute of Chicago. That painting is an honest look at the difficulties facing black families as they migrated north in the hope of a better future than the south could or would offer. These two exceptional black artists help give hope of recognition to the many gifted black artists that were to follow.

The scenario for artists from and living in Africa is different though. Despite the struggles with racial discrimination and inherent prejudice in the U.S., African artists are faced with even more difficult issues. Apartheid and censorship have long plagued this long suffering group of artists and painters. While expressing their views of the political unrest and unfair treatment, African artists have been subjected to severe punishment and censorship unheard of in the West. Thanks in part to the academic world’s growing interest in the work of the modern black artist, black art painting is receiving more attention and registering in the minds of museum curators and art galleries alike. Most of the credit belongs to the fortitude and artistic expression of the African artists themselves.

Abstract Paintings with Italian Artist

Fred Peters — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 02:52:28 +0000

Collecting paintings is one of the most hobby of collectors, nowadays. Particularly, collecting abstract paintings is loved and Mario Zampedroni is artist who is well-known on the world about this field. Attended Castello Sforzesco’s High School of Art in Milan, were he followed drawing and painting courses and distinguished himself being awarded many prizes. Until the end of 1970s he took part in painting competitions and won six times. He graduated in Graphics and advertising and studied architecture at Polytechnic in Milan. But first of all, let’s talk about abstract paintings.

Abstract paintings are unique and the most creative style of the paintings. Abstract Oil paintings have been the privilege of the people with high artistic sense. Abstract art paintings can be defined as an art that uses color and form in a non-representational way and it does not depict objects in the natural world. Abstract paintings were often claimed to capture something of the depicted objects’ immutable intrinsic qualities rather than its external appearance.

Abstract painters have the highest artistic sense.There have been many famous abstract painters. Their abstract art work has been greatly appreciated. Most of these abstract painters have produced their Abstract oil paintings on canvas. Picass is one of the most famous abstract painter. His abstract paintings are amongst the most popular abstract art paintings.Picass abstract paintings have earned him worldwide recognition.

Abstract art has deep roots in history. Non-objective art is not an invention of the twentieth century. As the depiction of human beings is not allowed in the Islamic religion, consequently the Islamic culture developed a high standard of decorative arts. Calligraphy is also a form of non-figurative art. Abstract designs have also existed in western culture in many contexts. However, Abstract art is distinct from pattern-making in design, since it draws on the distinction between decorative art and fine art, in which a painting is an object of thoughtful contemplation in its own right. There are also many large abstract paintings.

Contemporary abstract paintings also represent true form of the abstract art. Modern abstract paintings have successfully attracted the art lovers. Modern abstract oil Paintings are of various wonderful styles. These include abstract expressionist paintings, abstract landscape paintings, abstract still life painting and abstract flower paintings etc. The abstract acrylic art is also getting very popular. The abstract art artists are also reproducing colourful abstract art. Mario Zampedroni is among the contemporary abstract painters who works can be seen today.

The abstract art lovers decorate their homes and offices with these wonderful abstract oil paintings. Cheap abstract art is also available from the abstract art galleries. People can buy the cheap abstract paintings from the abstract art galleries. They can also buy the reproductions of the famous abstract paintings from these abstract art galleries.

And now, a good news for the abstract paintings lovers. Get abstract paintings of your choice just by selecting the Model number of the Abstract Oil Painting on website or by choosing the Photo of your required image on website. Mario Zampedroni will make you pleasure with paintings.