How to Create a Product from Nuthin to Sumthin

Once in a while, you create an image your reeeaaallly like. 

"Jaguar Sunset"

A few years ago I painted a 3 foot tall cat statue for a charity auction. It was titled Little Cat's Four Season Fantasy. Each side featured the different seasons of the year.

It was the second one I painted, the previous statue having sold at auction for $1100. So of COURSE they nicely asked me to paint another! I was happy to help, since it was for C.A.T.S., Committed Alliance to Strays.

But since I donated it to charity - and seeing as how I loved some of the images on it - I decided to photograph them for my own collection. This fantasy setting of the jaguar swimming in a cool pool at sunset was one of my favorites. 

To put it into context, here is the completed

 3 ft tall statue from different angles:
(can click on any images to enlarge)

But how do I translate that into a product to offer collectors??

Here's what I did.

It all started with a nekkid statue:

Underpainting  getting started:

Giving him some spots:

Continuing around the jaguar:

All done:

So how does he look when you put his image onto products? I found a site that does "POD"  (print on demand) and I'm very happy with their quality. Here are some of the things they can do with my jaguar. I was so tickled when I saw these for the first time!

This is the main page for my "Jaguar Sunset"

And here is how he looks on a throw pillow.

The newest to join the product line is this cute Tote bag

I think the metal prints are cool!

They even have smart phone case covers.

Naturally there are also greeting cards, framed prints, canvas prints,  and posters.

And there you have it. From blank white statue to all kinds of fun stuff to put your image on. 

I hope you found this interesting. I sure had fun seeing my little jaguar on all these items. If you have any questions about Fine Art America (FAA), the folks who do my printing, just give a holler in the comments and I'd be glad to share my experiences. 

Now, imagine something YOU created.  If you have paintings, images of your creative endeavors, or photographs that you'd like to have printed, I can wholeheartedly recommend FAA. You have your original, yes. But by creating "multiples" of your efforts, you can offer your art to more people in many more forms, including gift giving.

If you try FineArtAmerica, I'd love to hear how it went for you. :-)

Thanks for reading,

Retta

How To Instantly Feel VERY Encouraged!

The answer: shock yourself by winning a contest for your art!!! :-D

I am sooo excited to announce that a painting of mine won first prize in a contest. Wowzer! That's a first for me, and I could get used to it, ha ha!

The backstory: Recently I created my own website for my paintings at RettaStephenson.com  

This is in affiliation with Fine Art America,  a print-on-demand publisher of quality photographs and art prints. 

Before I chose them as my publisher, I ordered some products myself, to check out the quality. I didn't want my name going out on something I wasn't proud of, ya know?

I was impressed with the quality. The colors are true to my originals, and the finish on the papers, cards and prints is outstanding. So... I signed up.

One of the things I enjoy at FAA (Fine Art America) is the community. There are forums, discussions, groups, and.... contests!

That brings me back to my exciting news. I entered "Shoot for the Moon" in a contest called Spring Churches. There were tons of beautiful photographs and paintings entered. So imagine my joy when mine WON! 

Really, it was my friends on Facebook that supported me by taking their time to go and vote. I am truly humbled by that. I know how busy everyone is these days. So I thank you so much.

Whenever I get discouraged, and feel like a tiny drop of water in a huge ocean of art, I will look at this and remember the kindness and support given to me, and to never forget to shoot for the moon!

Happy painting,

Retta

Some Favorite Proverbs

This year is almost a memory... about time to post some favorites. These are 3 prints from my Proverbs series. The originals were painted on watercolor paper... acrylics and watercolors. Each one contains a scripture verse somewhere in the painting.




This first is "Wisdom... Search for it as for hidden treasure."

Besides the obvious meaning, at the time I painted this I was

starting to really believe that we all are like unique Treasure Boxes...

and if given a chance and opened, we are full of precious treasure. And in spite of the dangers--shark, poisonous Rockfish, stinging jellyfish,

giant octopus, etc--it is worth the journey to discover our true selves.

The next one has: "Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones."

The baby bears are intently watching from the safety of their cave, as the Momma Bear is approaching a hive hanging from a dead snag, to get her prize: fresh honey.

And the last one says: "A friend loves at all times."

When I painted this, I was going through a very difficult time in my life and my marriage. I felt alone. Yet NOT alone. I experienced such friendship, hope, companionship and love from God... I discovered that when you feel that you have nothing left but God, you discover that God is enough. And then... He sent healing into our lives, and our relationship.

Enjoy,

Retta

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