Category: Art and Creativity

Most often when you purchase an original painting, you choose it because it speaks to you in some special way. It may bring up memories of a place or time in your life or simply be aesthetically pleasing to your eye. Original paintings can refresh your living space and be a gift of daily inspiration.

Additionally, when you buy a piece of original art, you are investing in the years of training, education, and untold hours of artistic practice. Your investment provides the artist the means to continue to create. It also helps build a vibrant local art community as you support the arts/artists one piece at a time. Art is a great gift that lasts generations and can also be a good investment as it often appreciates over time.

So often we are asked why an original painting costs so much?

First, the process. Each art piece is original and unique and over time will appreciate in value.

Next, what makes an artist? The journey to become an artist is a lifelong endeavor. A good artist never stops learning. It may start with classes in High School, private lessons, and a college degree but all good artists continue to take lessons all throughout their career. This requires time and investment. All of this is factored into the cost of a piece of art. The more developed and known an artist becomes, the more valuable and in demand their art becomes.

Cost of materials and time are another huge factor. Art supplies are expensive and oftentimes need to be replaced. One paint brush can be more than $100. An artist spends hours creating one piece of artwork.

So why do they do it? Artists have a passion for creating. It is in their soul and it’s the love of the process that keeps them developing new works of art. When you purchase a piece of art, you help the artist to be able to continue to create. As a collector of art, your pieces over time will become more valuable.

Often times we are asked why do artists require a nonrefundable deposit to begin an art commission? The answer is simple. Making art and selling art, while a labor of love for most artists, is still a business and the artist’s livelihood. It’s not often, but occasionally someone will decide to cancel a commission; the artist has already spent their time and the cost of materials to begin a commission. Would a contractor updating one’s kitchen or bath start without a deposit?

A reputable artist will meet a few times before starting a commission to ensure that they thoroughly understand the vision for the piece and to set a timetable for delivery. If the client wishes to see the work in progress, the artist will send updates accordingly and make adjustments where appropriate. If the artist hasn’t begun the work, most will refund the deposit to the client.

A working artist must generate income from their work in order to continue to produce work. This would be true for all businesses. There should always be a written agreement between the artist and client as to what is expected and the terms and conditions of the commission.

Youth Art Month encourages and supports quality school art programs, throughout the United States. Visual art experiences give students an opportunity to problem solve, create, observe and communicate.

Art and creativity can build skills for success in life. By engaging in artistic activities, children develop confidence and they learn how to innovate. The arts encourage exploration and self-expression.

Creativity is not just for kids! Engaging in arts for older adults can alleviate loneliness and boredom. One feels more engaged and focused in the creative process. Studies have shown that art engagement can alleviate anxiety, depression, and stress.

At Whitepine Studios, we offer art opportunities for all ages and abilities. It is our mission to teach art fundamentals in a supportive and relaxed environment. Our painting pARTys provide a social outlet and an opportunity for folks who have never experienced the arts, to spend a couple of hours enjoying the creative process. Our Sound and Art events merge the health benefits of a beautiful sound bath with the meditative benefits of Art. While listening to the soothing, melodic tones of the singing bowls, our patrons are guided to paint a watercolor composition.

“I started painting as a hobby when I was little. I didn’t know I had any talent. I believe talent is just a pursued interest. Anybody can do what I do.” Bob Ross