Step3
The painting begins.
A timescale will be drafted up so you have a rough date of when to expect your painting.
Most painting will take no longer than 2 weeks.
Videos will be made of the process.

Step 4
Mid way, photographs will be sent to show progress. This is an opportunity to make any minor requests, and give feedback.

Step 5
Artwork is completed. Photographs are sent for your approval.
Final payment for the remaining 50% is to be paid.
This is the cost of the Artwork only.

Step 6
Varnish: matt, satin, gloss. I will recommend what I think best suits the Artwork.

Step 7
Optional Framing, I can arrange framing at an additional cost.

Step 8
Artwork will be shipped by a reliable courier.
Shipping will be an additional cost outside UK and Ireland.
Please note International shipping will have Taxes and Fees to pay, please see your government website to find out more.
Commissions in Northern Ireland will receive their paintings directly from me.

Step 9
Hang your painting.
You may also receive a short video as a time-lapse of some of the stages in making up your piece. This is an excellent keep sake and also informs you of the process and materials, for when you are talking about the artwork to friends and family.

I am so excited to finally post up my first abstract piece.
I cannot lie it is a bit scary to put your work out there and not be sure of how others will recieve it. Will they see the hours and many many layers that have went into these?
Or will they simplly say ''Why circles?''

Time will tell.

 Introduction to Abstraction
Abstract art is more than just representation but more a message of what the artist is exploring, a feeling they are trying to evoke or sending a message. Rather than starting out with a reference and a planned outcome, this form of painting is based more on intuitive painting.
Abstract art is a perfect balance or colour, composition, line and shape.
My approach is to simplify this form by taking out the line and shapes and using a series of circles, all similar in size. This is so the viewer can focus more on the colour palette selection and the over all composition.

So why circles?
Lots of shapes hold symbolic meaning and circles has some very interesting references. Circles, ovals and ellipses tend to project a positive emotional message. Using a circle in a logo can suggest community, friendship, love relationships and unity. In fact, circles are psychologically proven to be the happiest shape and pale pink is known to be the most calming of colours. Engaging with these visual tools, my practice responses directly to the current world wide anxiety through acrylic paintings.

The repetitive nature in repeating the circles over and over hold a similar familiar routine of our jobs and role in a job, or household duties. The creative thoughts come when doing this repeatedly. Apparently studies have shown that being bored gives the brain more freedom to be creative and from that comes the creative thought.

The paintings will have a play on light, which can resembles a camera effect such as Bokeh (out of focus) A balance of dark and light, or a range of tones and complimentary colours placed beside each other.

Many of the paintings start from a place of being overwhelmed. Too many things to do, too many balls to juggle. It is when we step back and see that picture as I whole… then you see the beauty and how it is made up many small things, each one formed with patience and thought. In the same way the job list never ends the layer of balls could go on and on. But there comes a time to stop and see the beauty of what it is. While still providing enough for you to continually come back to the piece over and over. Eventually making the painting seem peaceful and part of the environment it’s placed in.

So you know how to begin. You can draw out, block in add detail but
when do you stop with the finishing touches. When is enough to stop and call it done.

I know I’m not the only one that has trouble with this.
And the only answer I can seem to come away with, is to stop.
Set it aside for a few days and then revisit it with fresh eyes.
After a new glance, you will notice if it is done.

Other ways would be to look at it through a mirror, it has a way of
tricking the brain to take away the familiar image you know so well
and show it differently allowing you to notice things that doesn’t sit so well.

I have also taken photos of my work, played with the brightness
contrast and filters to see if it can look better. I sometimes load the image into a room app to see what it might look like on someone wall.
It helps to evaluate your work, without sounding like science class in
high school after completing a project. But this reflection can have many benefits to your personal growth.
And learning techniques of what worked what didn’t so much. Elements you really enjoyed.

You build on the things you like and your style will form.

"The Everyday Life of a Working Artist".
And yes, that working artist is me. Arlene Marks

I have a tendency to take on a variety of projects whether they be murals, commissions, or my own fine Art.  I frequently have to update my Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. And don’t get me started on YouTube, Tik Tok and Pinterest. I love those platforms and rarely post on it as I love browsing on them more.
So how do I get all done in a week. I have decided it is time for me to tell it all. The good and the bad. (To be more specific, the good is my accomplishments. The bad is the crazy stress, moment of being overwhelmed and then things I don't ever get done.)

This NEW blog will be full of tips and advice for anyone who has ever thought to follow their dreams and are just at the early stages of their journey. By starting my blog now, you will hopefully see my business grow and maybe by following me in my journey you can learn from my mistakes made and things I get right.
 
This includes all of my ideas, both the good and even the really bad ones (because I don't usually figure out they are bad ideas for quite some time). I will share how I manage my time, my tips to organization and the apps and software I use to get the work done. One of the most gratifying parts of my day is crossing off items on my to do list.

My goal is to blog all of the time instead of none of the time.
It will be a crazy ride but I think you will learn a lot or at least get a look into my world and have a better understanding of the work load a Full Time artist does.. Don't feel sorry for me as I am doing this all to my self. Since I am my own boss, no one is making me do all of these things. Except me.
 
Here we go.
Arlene