Salon Style Sunday

We get inspired by so many things over here at Lemley House.  I can't think of a better way to view all the wonderful art created and the many images that inspire us than to display them salon style on a wall.  So I'm introducing a new weekly (I hope!) feature called Salon Style Sundays.  (It will be very similar to my TGI Art on the Wall over at Zesty Nest.)  Each Sunday I will post a new room full of art!  Enjoy!!

Source: housetohome.co.uk via Zesty on Pinterest

J Peterman Talent Show Winner!!

The J. Peterman Company recently hosted a talent show for all types of artists.  And our own Jeannie Stone won FIRST PRIZE with her painting "Campfire Confessions!"

Way to go, Jeannie!!

Leah Giberson

Artist Statement (as pulled directly from her Etsy shop): "My current body of work falls somewhere between the worlds of photography, painting and collage. I begin with photographs of seemingly ordinary and mundane scenes, which I then paint directly upon to distill and reveal the visually poignant moments that exist all around us, but are often overlooked. 

There is a quiet anxiety and loneliness in these images of isolated houses, empty chairs, abandoned pools and vacant streets. Shadows loom from unknown/unseen sources, horizon lines become uncomfortably close, people are absent and geographic clues are obscured. Despite all this uneasiness, there is also a sense of bravery or at least a blind and determined optimism."

I've admired Leah Giberson's work for quite some time now.  But it is so hard to decide which subject matter is my favorite.

Is it her collection of houses....

Or her collection of campers (it's amazing how shiny and reflective she is able to paint!)....

Or some of her lounge chair/poolside work, like this piece featured in West Elm...

I love them all!

Check out her blog, website, and Etsy shop!

Happy Mother's Day!

by Margaret Owen via Permanent Magenta

Artist Spotlight - Sharon Schock

I've been loving the wonderful light on these paintings by California artist, Sharon Schock!

Source: etsy.com via Zesty on Pinterest

Source: sharonschock.com via Zesty on Pinterest

"I am so blessed to live in such a beautiful area, there are SO many things that inspire me here.  Tall palm trees contrasted against the sky, seaside cliffs, adorable bright buildings, quaint little towns.  My goal is to isolate and build upon things that I find beautiful, things that others may have overlooked." - Sharon Schock  

Source: sharonschock.com via Zesty on Pinterest

Source: plus.google.com via Zesty on Pinterest

See more of her work on her website or buy some pieces in her etsy shop!

Local Art Show a Smashing Success!

This past Sunday was the opening reception for "Speak to Me" by Beth Whitlow and "Just Breathe" by Jeannie Stone at the Arkansas River Valley Arts Center.

[Jeannie and Beth before the show]

We really could not have asked for a better turnout!

It really felt like the whole town came out to show their support!

[Emory Molitor, recent inductee to the Beaux Arts Academy for her work in performing arts]

And many members from the Lemley House were there too!

[Maysel Teeter and Sherry Killingsworth]

[Troy and Sandi Whitlow]

[Joy Mason and her sister]

And, of course, Betty LaGrone, executive director for the ARV Arts Center, and one of our lovely hostesses, Amy Whitlow.

Jeannie and I were so pleased to see so many of our wonderful friends there!

[Beth Whitlow and Rachel Trusty]

[Jeannie Stone]

If you or someone you know would still like to view the show, it will be up all month at the River Valley Art Center.  So hop on over and take a look!

Alternative Ways to Market Artwork

 Opening this month's Country Living, I was struck by a wonderful monthly segment called "Making a Country Living."

I often try to think of alternative ways to sell my art.  Most artists offer prints and note cards because most people can't afford original pieces. But why limit ourselves?  There are so many other ways to market our artwork.  I've actually put my art on handmade throw pillows before, but I used iron-on transfer paper.  I LOVE the idea of having an original fabric made!  

Most recently I created an iPhone cover from Zazzle.  I love that I can carry my art around with me and market myself everywhere I go.  And speaking of marketing, why not offer buttons (if your artwork is conducive to this) or totebags?  Many people would love to carry around a small piece of happiness!

All that being said, it is important to remember not to sell out or make yourself look cheap.  Pick one or two things.  Selling online?  Offer a couple postcards or a button with a sold piece to entice buyers back.  Going to art fairs, how about small magnets?  Your target audience will take these pieces home and see them everyday.  And maybe when they need a present or just something fun for themselves, they'll be back because they just can't get enough!