Spotting Scammers

Have you ever gotten an email like this one?:

I'm interested in your ( Life Guard)How long have you owned it?And how much are you asking for it?please i can only pay using PayPal.email me your Paypal email or invoice antonymarcus007@gmail.com

Usually if it is a Gmail account you think you have a real person not a scammer ring not so anymore. Artist beware. Now they can only pay with PayPal looks good. A few typing errors, oh well we all make them still might be okay.

So you are thinking PayPal is safe what is the scam. I sent them a bill from PayPal with a note pay and it will go in the mail in the morning. Here is the scam:

Hello,i just got a mail from the shipping company that i will need to pay for the freighting fees before they can schedule pr-shipping/ pickup date,they charged $100 for the pick up and delivery,but the problem is they only accept Money Gram transfer as form of payment which is sent to their HQ in USA.As you are well aware of that i don't have access to my bank account online,but i have it attached to my Pay pal account.That's why am using Pay-pal payment,most post offices have Money Gram section,will it be OK with you if I include the fee together with the amount I am transferring? and as soon as the money goes through you can help me make the freighting fees through Money Gram transfer? You are not obliged to help me, but i will indeed appreciate your help as I am a little incapacitated here. Cheers.

Don't fall for it.


" POST YOUR OPINIONS IN THE COMMENTS" or email me at delilah@artbydelilah.com All work © 2006-2014

Plein Air Painting,How the site is important

 I do both studio and Plein air painting. If studio space is a problem for you Plein Air painting is the answer. You have the great out doors for you studio. When you go out to paint Site selection is important. I often drive around looking for great spots to paint in the future.

Site selection is one of the most overlooked steps. Just because a scene is beautiful or interesting doesn’t necessarily mean it will translate well into a painting.

 Because nature fills our subjects with resplendent color and light, it’s easy to assume that any scene will become a beautiful painting. Unfortunately, this is not the case.

 The three-dimensional “reality” that we see at the actual location and the two-dimensional reality of our painting are two different things. Nature always looks “right” because it’s real and we see it in three dimensions. A painting, though, is a constructed illusion. For a painting on a flat picture plane to be “readable” and suggest depth, its shapes and colors must distinguish themselves from one another and the painting must incorporate as many spatial cues as possible.

Crystal River

My interpretation of nature.

About This Painting:

Crystal River
5x7 oil painting
plien air

Media: oil painting

Size: 7 in X 5 in (17.8 cm X 12.7 cm)

Price: $100 USD

How to Purchase:

click here to bid on this painting

Or, send me an email

" POST YOUR OPINIONS IN THE COMMENTS" or email me at delilah@artbydelilah.com All work © 2006-2014

How to stay motivated with you art

"Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world." (Albert Einstein)

I have a vivid imagination but sometimes I lose the strength to keep going. All it takes is a few negative comments on my art a week or two of no sales and I have lost my magical glow. How do I get that spark going again? A soft warm kitty hug helps but I still need more.

I am a full time self employed artist. I spend 90% of my day in my studio alone. In the summer I have yard work and a ton to other demands on my time but I still have to log the hours in the studio. I become overwhelmed. I get up at 5 go to bed at 12 and still everything does not get done.Its hard to stay creative and motivated when you are tired.

1. Allow yourself a day of rest.


“If people knew how hard I worked to get my mastery, it wouldn't seem so wonderful at all.” Michelangelo




2. Sell some artwork!

 Nothing more motivating than selling some of your artwork. It’s immediately gratifying and motivational that other people find value in your artistic expression. How? List a few pieces on Ebay, enter some local shows, add some Paypal buttons to your website, try newsletter art marketing, contact friends who might be interested and join social media sites. There are tons of things you can do to sell more of your work. Just realize it doesn’t happen automatically. YOU initiate the conversations that result in sales. Once you see that $500 (or whatever) in your PayPal account or an email inquiry to purchase one of your works you will be motivated beyond belief to create more and more work to sell.

Put something small or that has been in stock forever on ebay auction at 1.00 its fun to watch the bidding.


3. Daily Routines and be a self starter
When I feel deflated like an old red balloon. I just keep  to my daily routines. This is hard for me right now I have lots of interruptions so I must push on and try to get those routines back.

4. Don't wait for inspirations just say I am going to paint " pick a number" of paintings this week and painting. DON'T JUDGE JUST PAINT.

5. Organize your studio
I find when things get messy I lose my motivation. Today I clean my studio.

Let me know what helps motive you.

" POST YOUR OPINIONS IN THE COMMENTS" or email me at delilah@artbydelilah.com All work © 2006-2014

Tangerine Painting Demo

This is a quick painting demo of a tangerine on a plate.

" POST YOUR OPINIONS IN THE COMMENTS" or email me at delilah@artbydelilah.com All work © 2006-2014

Daffodil Painting Demo

This painting of Daffodils was done Alla Prima as is much of my work. I think Alla Prima paintings look more spontaneous. I start with a thinner base color thin add thicker paint as I work to define the subject, I always start with a darker value base and add lighter paint in areas over it. Using the darker under painting for objects that are behind and lighter over painting for objects in front.


 " POST YOUR OPINIONS IN THE COMMENTS" or email me at delilah@artbydelilah.com All work © 2006-2016

Improving your art by telling a story

 Filling the Frame

1. Central subject adds interest

2. Eliminate unnecessary background clutter

3. Know what story you want to tell

4. Filling the frame allows you to show texture and detail

5.  Create drama with your subject to tell your story

6. Fill the frame or crop your image to tell a better story

Sometimes I paint the same subject several times to find the best way to tell my story.

" POST YOUR OPINIONS IN THE COMMENTS" or email me at delilah@artbydelilah.com All work © 2006-2014

Persimmons painting demo

Still life painting demo.

" POST YOUR OPINIONS IN THE COMMENTS" or email me at delilah@artbydelilah.com All work © 2006-2014

Video on painting Half an Apple in oils

This was a small daily painting that did. I have gone over a few of the steps that I used in making the painting.

" POST YOUR OPINIONS IN THE COMMENTS" or email me at delilah@artbydelilah.com All work © 2006-2014

Daily Paintings Done in Feb 2016

Here are a few of the daily paintings I did in Feb of 2016.

"post your opinion in the comments" Or, send me an email
Thank You:
Art by Delilah, with a Passion for PaintingAll Images © 2006-2016

" POST YOUR OPINIONS IN THE COMMENTS" or email me at delilah@artbydelilah.com All work © 2006-2014

Avocado No. 3

Avocado No.3

About This Painting:

Avocado No. 3
24x24x1.5 inch
oil painting on gallery wrapped stretched canvas

Media: oil painting

Size: 24 in X 24 in (61 cm X 61 cm)

Price: $600 USD

How to Purchase:

click here to bid on this painting

Or, send me an email

" POST YOUR OPINIONS IN THE COMMENTS" or email me at delilah@artbydelilah.com All work © 2006-2014

Watermelon Painting Tutorial

The processes I use when painting.

" POST YOUR OPINIONS IN THE COMMENTS" or email me at delilah@artbydelilah.com All work © 2006-2014

Getting Ready to Paint

Getting ready to paint:
1. Start with paint already set up on your palette. I paint everyday so paint is out and ready to go. If you don't paint everyday or you are a plein air artist then pop your palette in deep freeze. Take it out a half hour before your ready to paint an viola you are ready to go.

This is my left over paint and palette set up from last night. I will add some fresh paint and be ready to start today. I have a few piles of left over mix that I will use also.

" POST YOUR OPINIONS IN THE COMMENTS" or email me at delilah@artbydelilah.com All work © 2006-2014

Pepper painting Demo

Chili Pepper

Click to Bid

"post your opinion in the comments" Or, send me an email
Thank You:
Art by Delilah, with a Passion for PaintingAll Images © 2006-2016

" POST YOUR OPINIONS IN THE COMMENTS" or email me at delilah@artbydelilah.com All work © 2006-2014

Jan 2016 Daily Painting review

Both watercolor and oil painting done in Jan 2016.

" POST YOUR OPINIONS IN THE COMMENTS" or email me at delilah@artbydelilah.com All work © 2006-2014

Blue Crab Painting Demo

click here to bid on this painting

Or, send me an email

"post your opinion in the comments" Or, send me an email
Thank You:
Art by Delilah, with a Passion for PaintingAll Images © 2006-2016

" POST YOUR OPINIONS IN THE COMMENTS" or email me at delilah@artbydelilah.com All work © 2006-2014

Be a Risk Taker

"Every good painter paints what he is." Jackson Pollock"

Take a risk, get out of your comfort zone to make a living as an artist you must be a risk taker.

Most artist are not skilled in all areas of Art Business, yes I said business. You must think of your art as a business, here are some of the skills you will need to develop if you do not already have them:

1. Accounting
Good book keeping is a must. I know to many artist that have no idea on how much cost is involved in the sale of their art. They are just so excited about selling something they never consider the canvas cost more then what they sold it for.

2.Marketing
Selling yourself and your art, just because you made it and its great truly great doesn't mean anyone will ever see it.

3. Tax preperation
You will need to keep good monthly expense and sales records whether you prepare your taxes or someone else does. Become familiar with what are legal  deductions and what are not.

4. Sales
This includes selling and pricing your work.

5.Planning
Planing your studio,yearly expenses,shows,goals,education,marketing and much more. I know when I first started I had no idea that in order to get into an art fair  you had to apply months in advance. I also had no idea of the cost to do these shows. Start your research now.

When it comes to marketing artist have so many excuses as to why they just can not do it.
Here are a few:

1. I still work at a full time job
2.I don't know how to price my work
3.I'm really shy
4. It sounds like bragging to talk about my own work
5. The art market is is full
6. I don't have business abilities
7. True artist are not in it for the money

If you believe any of these you will get nowhere. To make a living as an artist you must be a risk taker.

Be prepared to take rejection it's part of life. Just keep trying and you will find your niche.

As an artist you have two jobs: 1.Creating wonderful amazing art and 2. Marketing your art.

So start today with a plan and make some amazing art.











 POST YOUR OPINIONS IN THE COMMENTS" or email me at delilah@artbydelilah.comHome Page Art by Delilah = http://www.artbydelilah.com

Are you Tired of Dreaming? or Do you Dream Big?

I'm tired of... “I'm tired of dreaming. 
I'm into doing at the moment. It's, like, let's only have goals that we can go after.”

 - Bono (1960-), Irish singer-songwriter, musician, venture capitalist, businessman, and philanthropist

I will have to admit that I'm a big dreamer, but I make my dreams real by going after things that I want with goals that are all most dreams but with work can be reached.

How about you are you tired of dreaming? Well if you are a dreamer like me....Let's Dream Big!

“Dream lofty dreams, and as you dream, so shall you become. Your vision is the promise of what you shall one day be; your ideal is the prophecy of what you shall at last unveil.” – James Allen

Orange Still Life No.4

About This Painting:

Orange Still Life No.4

  "post your opinion in the comments" Or, send me an email
Thank You:
Art by Delilah, with a Passion for PaintingAll Images © 2006-2014
" POST YOUR OPINIONS IN THE COMMENTS" or email me at delilah@artbydelilah.com All work © 2006-2014

Find Your Voice

 “Finding your voice,” your unique way to let the world know you exist. Some do this naturally and become entertainers, politicians or whatever. Others struggle to express themselves, but winners eventually find a way.Be a winner,find that voice that is truly you.
Moving From “Copycat” You to Truly You
Finding your artist voice can only happen when you decide to make the leap from “copycat” you to being truly you.
In developing your artistic style, it is best to make sure all aspects of your being are lined up with your art.

1. Start by doing the brush miles. Paint get to work and keep painting every day.

2. Always use positive self talk, you are what you say you are.

3.Journal in words and in pictures: write it, draw it,paint it. I just ran across an old travel journal I did wow, I looked at those sketches and couldn't believe they were mine, They were quick good colorful unstressed a reflective joy.

4. Dream Lofty dreams

Dream lofty dreams, and as you dream, so shall you become. Your vision is the promise of what you shall one day be; your ideal is the prophecy of what you shall at last unveil.” – James Allen

" POST YOUR OPINIONS IN THE COMMENTS" or email me at delilah@artbydelilah.com

Home Page Art by Delilah = http://www.artbydelilah.com

Shades of Gray

Shades of Gray,birds

About This Painting: Last year early on a rainy morning I stopped at a very visible street light when I was taken away at how the colors of light looked against the dreary gray of the sky. I knew right then that I would paint that light against the gray of the sky because it is stuck in my head. 

When the light turned and I was just about to head off on a day of to do's ,I looked to the right and as far as I could see into the gray mist of the morning rain  a line of birds just sitting there dripping in the light morning rain waiting. I knew that I would paint those birds again and again because they also became stuck there in that foggy place in my head where images sleep and magic happens right there tucked away for an artist.

Shades of Gray
12x9 inch watercolor on 140 lb watercolor paper

Media: watercolor

Size: 9 in X 12 in (22.9 cm X 30.5 cm)

Price: $35 USD

How to Purchase:

click here to bid on this painting

Or, send me an email

" POST YOUR OPINIONS IN THE COMMENTS" or email me at delilah@artbydelilah.com All work © 2006-2014

Thought and Observations on being an Artist

Thoughts and Observations on being an Artist

Sometimes when you look at that blank canvas it can be overwhelming, where to start,what idea,and nothing is there. You are as blank as the canvas.

Where do I do when the well seems dry? For me a run or yoga are always good to get the blood going to the mind and wake it up.

Here are a few ideas for you:

1. Keep and idea journal
2. Keep folders of pictures
3. find ideas and great art on pinterest
4.Don't ever wait for inspiration, just do it
5. Have a daily routine, it really works. When I started doing a small daily painting it was a difficult task but it became one of the best thing I ever did for myself as an artist. The routine of finishing a painting everyday forced me to become organized and prepared.
6.Venture outside of your comfort zone, be a rebel spirit.
7. Take notes on your Iphone when ideas come to you.

Shades of Gray,birds

About This Painting: Last year early on a rainy morning I stopped at a very visible street light when I was taken away at how the colors of light looked against the dreary gray of the sky. I knew right then that I would paint that light against the gray of the sky because it is stuck in my head. 

When the light turned and I was just about to head off on a day of to do's ,I looked to the right and as far as I could see into the gray mist of the morning rain  a line of birds just sitting there dripping in the light morning rain waiting. I knew that I would paint those birds again and again because they also became stuck there in that foggy place in my head where images sleep and magic happens right there tucked away for an artist.

Shades of Gray
12x9 inch watercolor on 140 lb watercolor paper

Media: watercolor

Size: 9 in X 12 in (22.9 cm X 30.5 cm)

Price: $35 USD

How to Purchase:

click here to bid on this painting

Or, send me an email

" POST YOUR OPINIONS IN THE COMMENTS" or email me at delilah@artbydelilah.com All work © 2006-2014

A New Year and Time for Action

"It takes considerable knowledge just to relize the extent of your ignorance" Thomas Sowell





1. What about your art make it's special?
2. Who is following my work?
3. What age  is your target audience.
4. Who are my best clients?
5. What are the current trends?
6.A good plan will lead you in small easy steps.
7. Develop a signature style.


 " POST YOUR OPINIONS IN THE COMMENTS" or email me at delilah@artbydelilah.com All work © 2006-2014

Looking for Love in All the Right Places, The real job of art

When setting your goals for the year think about these things:

1. Start small and build a following one collector at a time.

2. You can choose a niche or look for a pattern in your current collectors.

3. Turn your passion into your art.Sailing,Flower Gardening,golfing,Landscape painting and find collector who have a similar passion.What makes you you?

4.Look at a lot of art , where does your work fit how is it unique?

5.Be a Big Fish in your small niche pond.

6. Be all you can be, take advantage of small opportunity as they come to you. The grass is not greener somewhere else.Click those ruby slippers together and repeat after me there is no place like home.We all want to find the right collector, ones who appreciate our art as much as we do.They are the ones who give us the freedom to be as creative as possible.You don't have to change for them like in "Bridget Jones Diary" they will like you just the way you are.

" POST YOUR OPINIONS IN THE COMMENTS" or email me at delilah@artbydelilah.com All work © 2006-2014

The Job of Being an Artist : Focus

Staying Focused on your Art



"Insanity," said Albert Einstein, "is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."

You can not be everything to everybody.Ask yourself who is your audience? If you answer everyone, you are in big trouble. Your goal is to have a narrow and deep target and focus your work like an arrow on that target. The thing that really lights up your life is what make you happy will attract a market a new audience for that .

When you focus your efforts on a specific area you'll see your results multiply faster. Get outside of the label..."I'm a Painter".What else are you?

You must know who your are, what your art is, and what direction you want to take it before you can promote yourself. Concentrate on your strengths, find your happy place and create your art from there it will show in your work and audience will love it.

" POST YOUR OPINIONS IN THE COMMENTS" or email me at delilah@artbydelilah.com All work © 2006-2014

Is your Real Job "Being an Artist?"

It's a New Year

Time for review, time for goal setting, and time to ask yourself some questions.

Is your real job " Being an Artist".

Here are a few questions to ask yourself:

1.How important do you think an artist's web site is? So, you want your artwork to get attention. How long does it take for people to notice your work? How visible is your work to the public? If you want the public to see your work, a web site is one of the first things to make your artwork visible to the public. Every serious professional artist knows that.

If you don't have a web site, why not? As a professional artist, you need to have a web site. There are more reasons to have a web site than to NOT have one. (I suggest you try FASO.)

Okay now you are getting your art notice, what next:
Let's just be frank - as an artist trying to get your art out to the world and into galleries, you are going to run into some rejection.

 Few artists have found success in the art world without first enduring failure. Not every gallery is going to see the merit of your work, and some of them are going to be pretty forthright in telling you what's wrong with it.

You're going to have to face some "no's" to get to that much anticipated "yes." As an artist, you would be well served to begin developing a thick skin. Don't let criticism or rejection stop you from pursuing your passion.

Remember, any opinion given by a gallery owner or director is just that, an opinion.Look, not everyone's going to like you (or me). That's reality. Different strokes for different folks. But if you want to create anything meaningful in this world, it's important to develop your own winning strategy for handling criticism. Both tactically and emotionally.

This is the first in a series of being an artist.

" POST YOUR OPINIONS IN THE COMMENTS" or email me at delilah@artbydelilah.com All work © 2006-2014