Why Bother To Frame Your Work? We have all been there.  The prospect of spending money on framing your work, in order to sell it can seem counter-intuitive. The arguments against framing normally go something like this: You save money From a practical perspective, pieces are easier to transport Both of these are moot points and we will set out the reasons below.  In short, frame all original work and as a minimum mount and wrap Limited Edition prints you have for sale. Now for the details: Instant Value As soon as a frame is added to your creation it adds value.  It opens a dialogue with your prospective buyer telling them, "this work is worth more, this deserves to be hung on a wall, your wall" It adds instant value.  Of course, the cost of getting your work will be added to the price of your artwork, so the cost is neutralised or net-zero to your profit margin. There are two routes every artist can go [...]

This topic will most probably resonate with every creator on earth.When you are in the zone creating and you step back from your work for the last look, asking yourself "Is that enough?".You will see that line that needs softening, that place which needs a little extra work where the colour is not quite how it could be or that mistake you would like to correct (even though only you will ever be able to know it was a mistake).This is arguably the most dangerous time in the process. It is the difference between something with is complete or something at risk of being 'overworked'.No one can help you. You are on your own. Only you can decide.It's a difficult balancing act and every other creative empathises with you.In the end, you will need to down your tools and move on to the next piece.In reality, if there were no pressures on you, the adage "For an artist, a painting is never finished" is apt.The difficulty is knowing [...]

At ArtMarketDirect.com we have a section set aside for 'Featured Artists'. The concept behind the informal interview style of the interactions with the Featured Artists is to help collectors read about and form a relationship with the artists; all in pursuance of marrying that perfect piece of art with the collector who wants it.An unintended consequence of the interviews is that we are able to take a look at all of the wonderful pearls of wisdom in the answers to specific questions and between them, create a wonderful resource for fellow artists to look at, consider and maybe learn from.So lets take a look at our artists Best Art Tips: Gill Bustamante 19th October 2018 “Be your own advisor, keep your own counsel and select your own decisions."– L. Ron Hubbard Corné Akkers1st October 2018 Do tonal studies to start with. I see so many promising ideas stranding in the mist of low tonal contrasts, making them disappear. I like to impose a zen koan for beginner artists by [...]

Support ethos We are a community bound by creativity and inspiration and where we can, we need to support one another’s events.  That support comes in many different fashions.  It may be that an event is local to you and you can physically give support by going.  It may be that you can share the event on social media – however, we can support one another – there is a moral incentive to do so.  At ArtMarketDirect, we believe that the art market is big enough for all to win. Events you can list Events which we routinely list include: All events can be shared to social media platforms. art fairs biennials & triennials (FREE TO LIST) consultations call for submissions degree shows (FREE TO LIST) exhibitions festivals installations markets (such as Christmas markets) meetings (AGM or routine/scheduled) networking open studios (FREE TO LIST) panel discussions performances pop-up shop opening private view talks/lectures training or workshops shows (group or solo) social (such as quiz, drinks or dinner) What are you waiting [...]

Who would have thought making a FREE entry level to our subscription plans would have had an unplanned impact on one of our Facebook groups? Yet, this is exactly what happened with THE ART COMPETITION. Part of what has made THE ART COMPETITION prize less relevant was because we made the entry-level tier of our subscriptions FREE. This took the wind out of our sails but we have been talking and thinking about how we might resolve this going forward. It is true, THE ART COMPETITION has been a little sidelined. But that is now to change. It has been some time since we last announced a monthly prize winner but in that time dedicated artists have been busy posting their work for you to Like or Share and you, to your credit, have been Liking and Sharing. That does provide us with a great opportunity to go back on the groups Discussion and determine who has done the best and allow us to catch up with ourselves. [...]

It's a strange thing.  I am never usually short of words, yet I found myself this morning staring into my cup of coffee.  Inside the cup I was watching a miniature reflection of myself staring back at me. "What to write?" This hollow shroud of doubt seems to have cast its shadow since I was told by our Development Team, "The Blog is Live." "Where to start?" A strange question when there is in fact so much I want to say and share with you all. I guess like any journey, the beginning is normally the most difficult, but once the first step has been taken; then the world is full of opportunity. To my mind writing a blog taps the same creative juices as starting a painting commission I have been putting off.  Procrastination is something I find myself doing.  I even find myself singing 'The Procrastination Song' to the melody of the late, great Roy Castle's theme to the kid's TV series Record Breakers.  I am [...]

Hi All! Hopes for the blog are high.  Our international team have spent the last four months talking and planning, weighing up the merits and demerits of a whole raft of things we know our collectors and uploading artists, in particular, will love.  I must be careful not to spill the beans.  Suffice to say that month-on-month, the offer of ArtMarketDirect.com continues to improve, develop and focus more on the original inspiration beyond the project.  The original question: "How do we make ArtMarketDirect.com the best option you have?"  Sometimes this question seemed like an insurmountable giant leap.  In truth, it is not.  It is a vast constellation of small steps, small changes until in a moment of magic; the energy came. At the same time, let's keep it real.  This is only a blog, but we have plans and ideas which include: Editors choice pieces of artwork from the market will be promoted Events will be shared Directory entries Some outreach to highlight the work of folk who [...]