Friday, December 31, 2010

Keeping up with Technology

Every once in a while I let my inner geek come out to play.  I recently generated QR codes for my website and this blog.  Now, I don't have a phone with apps that can read these codes, but I know many of you do.  (Actually, I don't have a phone with apps, period!)

BethJohnstonArt.blogspot.com
BethJohnstonArt.com
I feel like I now have the secret password to play with the cool kids.

I now need ideas for how to use these codes.  If I have paintings in an exhibit, I'll see if I can put little cards under the painting with these images. I'll try making mock-ups of my business cards to see how they look.  I'm open to any other suggestions.  Thanks!

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Little Shop of Wonders - Anything Goes

Shopping in general is not my favorite past time; I guess I didn’t inherit that shopping gene.  I love to I find the perfect gift, but it is not always easy.  During the holidays, I vacillate between spending the tremendous amount of time finding that perfect gift and just buying gift cards.  I loathe the crowds and traffic. 


There is one special place where I don’t mind spending time or money.  Anything Goes is a little gem in Rhode Island.  They sell hand-made, hand-crafted giftware, fine art, photography and so many one of a kind items.  The variety of products and designs are quite amazing.  They always have a cheery “Hello”, let you browse at your leisure but will tell you what is new in the shop (for repeat shoppers as myself).

Now I might be a little biased, as they also sell my smaller paintings.  From the perspective of an artist, they are the best gallery managers, too.

I encourage my local followers to check them out.  Not just for my work, but for the beautiful work of all the artists.  You might just finish all your shopping in one stop.  

Anything Goes
1161 Main Ave (Across from Crowne Plaza)
Warwick, RI 02886
401-773-7776

Sunday, December 19, 2010

More Mini Masterpieces

Beached Canoes
SOLD 
Sunset Glow
I've been painting a lot more "minis" lately, for a number of reasons:  1) I'm taking classes at Rhode Island School of Design and there isn't much time left after homework, 2) they help me work out some color and designs that will help should I want to do a larger scale painting, 3) I love that feeling of accomplishment when and painting is done, 4) I can try different techniques and not have to scrape down the painting if it fails and 5) with tough economic times, more people can have original art hanging on their walls.

Here are some paintings that I'll explore on a larger scale.  I've already made notes as to what I'll do differently next time.  If you are interested in purchasing one of these mini-masterpieces, send me a note.

Late Day Sparkles
SOLD