The Fine Art Department

 |  December 6, 2009

Last year, artist Tracy Helgeson formed a group called The Fine Art Department as a way for artists to come together and promote each other’s work. I am proud to be part of this endeavor again this year. There are some really wonderful artists who are part of the group, please go take a look, feel inspired, and maybe even purchase a painting as a gift for yourself or someone special! We also have a Facebook Fanpage, if you are on facebook.


133
133
encaustic and collage
5×5 inches
-sold-

The above encaustic painting is available in the Art Section of amanobooks.com.

I am not much of a shopper for myself. I like to buy books, art supplies, things for the kitchen, and art. There is so much art I would love to buy, but let’s face it, buying art can be pricey and other necessities take precedence. As an artist though, and someone who has been selling my journals since 2002 and paintings since 2007, I am so grateful and appreciative of the people who have bought my work and allowed me to keep painting and creating. It is important to me then, to give back to the art community. Support others in their creative endeavors, as others have supported me. So I created an art budget for myself that I call my “Art Tithe” in which I take 10% of what I have brought in the preceding year and I can spend it on art without feeling that tinge of guilt. I can buy smaller pieces or save up and buy just one larger piece of art. This year I bought a beautiful barn painting from Tracy Helgeson and an encaustic painting from Graceann Warn. It feels good to support other artists and it makes me happy to see my art collection growing, slowly, but surely.

10 Comments

  1. by La Dolce Vita on December 6, 2009  12:28 pm Reply

    this piece is hauntingly beautiful! I have found that artists are my best collectores!

  2. by Jeane on December 6, 2009  2:07 pm Reply

    a wonderful idea Bridgette and I really love this piece :)

  3. by Wild Somerset Child on December 6, 2009  5:25 pm Reply

    I think this is such a good suggestion. I suppose it is what I am doing (and blogged about at 'Journaling the Journal' yesterday), spending where I can to buy blogger pieces; which I could not do if I did not have a little personal income from commissioned magazine articles. Thanks for sharing the idea and let's hope it spreads the word.

  4. by layers on December 6, 2009  8:44 pm Reply

    what a great idea-- support artists and get pieces you love at the same time.

  5. by Melissa on December 7, 2009  1:21 pm Reply

    Absolutely love Graceann Warn, she is one of my company, Dream Town Media's clients. Amazing woman and extremely talented artist. Thanks for supporting her!

  6. by Shayla on December 8, 2009  5:17 pm Reply

    I like your idea of art 'tithing' and this piece is wonderful. Love the blue and yellow togther, plus that image. Feels peaceful.

  7. by fheathermoore on December 9, 2009  4:43 pm Reply

    What a beautiful and calming piece. I love that you buy art from other artists - a good way to make lots of friends and to support them.

  8. by Studio Sylvia on December 10, 2009  1:49 am Reply

    A terrific idea and I have just started to do the same Bridgette, though my total is three. Your piece is lovely, the trees look so sculptural in the landscape.

  9. by cathsheard on December 11, 2009  4:34 am Reply

    What a lovely lovely piece - so atmospheric. Thank you for sharing it with us.

  10. by Chris on December 16, 2009  5:22 pm Reply

    Great endeavor. And you are right about giving back. Buying art is one of my favorite things, but sometimes it's not expansive enough!

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