I Just Can't Stop Loving the Website

I've spent many hours recently updating my website. This is something I learn as I go. I don't make major changes very often, so when I do, I forget how to operate the various functions and almost have to start from scratch. I'm working on ease of navigation, simplicity, lots of links but want to avoid visual clutter. This is an issue in many sites I visit, where the eye jumps around the page without a central focus. I want the art to shine and keep the viewers eye on it, not distracting text.
So, here is the latest version, still a work in progress-
http://www.artbyannegilna.com/

Tulip Crazy

In my effort to add some new botanical paintings to my collection, I've painted another tulip watercolor, based on some cut flowers bought at a Trader Joe's. I plan to frame both of the new tulip paintings the same, and no larger than 11 x 14 each. Here is the latest:

Tulips, Watercolor by Anne Gilna

Keeping It Simple

I haven't painted a botanical subject in a while until now. I admit to having a preference for birds, with or without a botanical component. Now, however, I have decided to downsize some of the dimensions of my original art. Until recently, I felt that the smallest size painting that potential customers would prefer would be 16 x 20, and I have several larger paintings as well. I'm getting the impression, though, that smaller works may be appealing, too. I guess it goes with the general trend these days, and that needs no explanation here. When this tulip watercolor is framed, it will be 11" x 14", and I may do another one to display as a pair.
So, here it is...

Turn the Page

I'm starting to put together the art show schedule for 2012... more to come in future posts. I'll probably come up with one more new painting in time for the first show at the end of April. FOCUS!

Finished

Downy Woodpeckers look best on a monotonous background, in my opinion. It accentuates the red patch on the male. The bird is done in watercolor, the tree is mostly colored pencil, with some watercolor accents in the shadows of the tree bark.

It Starts. . .

I have started receiving applications for 2012 shows. There are a few decisions to be made: try again for the ones that haven't done so well recently hoping that things will pick up, or go in a new direction? Known versus unknown?

Room for One More

So the art fair season is long over, and I'm filling in some gaps in the bird painting inventory. The Eastern Bluebird is a big favorite, so I'm hoping it sells next year. I had an idea that I would paint it perching on a sumac branch, but though I wasn't sure if bluebirds were ever seen on this tree, I thought the color combination would look good. After some internet research, I learned that bluebirds have an affinity for sumac. So do I.

"Eastern Bluebird & Sumac", Original watercolor by Anne Gilna