Monday, June 26, 2017

TA A Challenge, Selling Art on Line

The first day of the TAA Challenge is here!

We are going to make it as easy as possible for you to participate in this challenge, to show you the absolute minimum that must be done in order to start selling art art online. Today's step? Simply publicly commit to the challenge. That's it.

Okay as you know,I already sell on line so why do this little eight day challenge? Because there might be something I could do better. Isn't there always something we can do better?

Right now I know that I may be with out computer access the last three days of the challenge but maybe I can fins a hot spot somewhere along my way. I hope they have ice cream okay I'm way ahead of myself, but ice cream works well into the challenge. I am really up for this if I get to blog where there is ice cream.





Biker Bees with Balloons
Biker Bees with Balloons, painting by Delilah Smith
About This Painting:
Biker Bees with Balloons
8x8x1.5
oil painting
Media: oil painting
Size: 8 in X 8 in (20.3 cm X 20.3 cm)
Price: $125 USD
How to Purchase:
"post your opinion in the comments" Or, send me an email
Thank You:
Art by Delilah, with a Passion for PaintingAll Images © 2006-2017






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

Tuesday, June 20, 2017

Demo Copper and Limes



DEMO:






Copper and Limes
Copper and Limes, painting by Delilah Smith
About This Painting:
Copper and Limes
10x8
oil painting
Media: oil painting
Size: 8 in X 10 in (20.3 cm X 25.4 cm)
Price: $200 USD
How to Purchase:
"post your opinion in the comments" Or, send me an email
Thank You:
Art by Delilah, with a Passion for PaintingAll Images © 2006-2017
" POST YOUR OPINIONS IN THE COMMENTS" or email me at delilah@artbydelilah.com All work © 2006-2014

Thursday, June 15, 2017

Something to check on Everyday





Daily Painters has a great Facebook page and they are ask a question each day of artist. It is the Question of the day.
Question of the day: What books have helped you the most as an artist? Hop on over and see the comments.




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

Thursday, March 16, 2017

Stand out in a crowd as an Artist

How to find your own style,my advice is just paint. Paint everyday,paint a variety of things and you will find what you really love. Learn to mix colors,find the palette that you like to work with, experiment but just paint.

In a blog post video titled, "How to Make Your Work Stand Out On-line," Cory Huff of TheAbundantArtist.com notes: "True artists spend a great deal of their time creating for the sake of creating, thinking of what matters to them personally and formulating their own perspective of their world. What is then extracted is what can be identified as their unique artist identity. It is that intangible that makes you different from anyone else, because ultimately, you are."

 Similarly, in a post from djtechtools.com titled, "Stand Out From The Crowd-How To Build A Unique Artist Identity," the following was written: "Remember, the greatest of artists in history carved niches that represented the unique expression of their combination of talents, values and beliefs. They weren't trying to be versions of someone else, they were only themselves."

I paint everyday, Lots of small little paintings. Then I tackle the big stuff. I am still just laying down base color on my" Chick Bar ". I hope to have it done by the end of the month so I have to put in several hours on it each day.





I still have a lot of brush miles to go on this one so break time is over back to the easel.




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

Sunday, March 12, 2017

Ways to look at your comosition

There are a lot of ways to look at your composition.

Mirror The mirror is a good tool to affirm a composition choice and will also come in very handy later, when the painting is in progress.

Looking at the subject upside-down in the mirror or viewing the painting and the subject together in the mirror will miraculously show the painter where weaknesses are.I have never been a fan of the upside down thing but if it works for you great.

 View your painting through dark red glass .
If you’ve never heard this particular term before, having “clean values” is simply artspeak for a work of art with convincing colors and strong, visually meaningful values.

Take photo and change it to gray values.

I am still working on the composition of the Chick Bar Painting. As I started the back ground color I realized that I would to have more going on in the foreground. I had originally planned on painting the area under the bar dark. I changes my mind and added legs and bar stools. As I work on this painting it will have many changes.

I am currently just laying down the local color of objects to fill in the real estate.







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

Wednesday, March 08, 2017

Where Do Art Ideas Come From

Frequently I'm asked where I get my ideas.

The answer is simple, everywhere. I am constantly picking up bits and pieces; a picture from a magazine here, a photo there and the internet has so much to give me ideas.. It seems any place I look something interesting catches my eye. It sometimes is hard for me to get all the ideas down.

I have a small notebook I keep notes.

Today I am back working on my large painting,

I have the figures in place and putin the a start on the back ground.


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

Tuesday, March 07, 2017

Daily Routine baby steps in the right direction to become an artist

For better or worse, life is made up of our small daily habits. High achievers have habits that reflect their values and aspirations in life.

 Unfortunately, most people have habits that keep them comfortable but do not achieve the things they want in life.

 Over time, work to remove habits that hold you back, but it's even more important to add positive daily habits that reflect your highest and best qualities.

I paint each day. I finish a small painting each day I strive for progress not perfection.Today I have sketch out two small painting that I will finish but the large 24x48 that has been percolating in my mind is just starting to form on canvas. This is one of my fun whimsical painting and is a joy to paint.




It doesn't look like much right now but it is a great start.



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

Monday, March 06, 2017

Backgrounds

For most paintings, regardless of subject matter or media, it’s essential to consider the background as part of the composition. Even if you decide to just leave empty space around your image, then you're still creating a background.


I have started a large 24x48 inch painting and have benn trying to work out the details. I have been going over ideas for about a month now and have just starting placing images, I have lightly sketch the placement of the images.I think the back ground will be very dark. This is a whimsical oil painting.

Here is the start.


The light pencil drawing is easy to remove and try something else.

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

Saturday, August 20, 2016

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

Tuesday, August 16, 2016

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
Crystal River, painting by Delilah Smith
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:

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

Sunday, June 19, 2016

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

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

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

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

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

Friday, March 11, 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

Sunday, March 06, 2016

Persimmons painting demo



Still life painting demo.

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

Saturday, March 05, 2016

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

Friday, March 04, 2016

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

Thursday, March 03, 2016

Avocado No. 3


Avocado No.3
Avocado No.3, painting by Delilah Smith
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:

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

Thursday, February 11, 2016

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

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

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

Thursday, February 04, 2016

Pepper painting Demo




"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

Tuesday, February 02, 2016

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

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Blue Crab Painting Demo



"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

Sunday, January 24, 2016

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

Friday, January 15, 2016

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
Orange Still Life No.4, painting by Delilah Smith
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

Tuesday, January 12, 2016

Shades of Gray


Shades of Gray,birds
Shades of Gray,birds, painting by Delilah Smith
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:


" 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
Shades of Gray,birds, painting by Delilah Smith
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:


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

Friday, January 08, 2016

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

Monday, January 04, 2016

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

Saturday, January 02, 2016

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

Friday, January 01, 2016

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

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Art Prize 7 starts tomorrow and Winery art show

Art Prize 7 PLAN YOUR VISIT ArtPrize is a radically open international art competition decided by public vote and expert jury that takes place each fall in Grand Rapids.

 I will be showing "SONG OF POPPIES".

 For 19 days, art entries from all over the world cover three square miles of downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan-and it's all free and open to the public. Click here toread more. 


To view my work and locationclick here. Song of Poppies will be on display at :Plaza Towers Apartments 201 w Fulton St Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Sept 23- Oct 11, 2015. 

I hope to see you there. 


 Song of the Poppies 


I currently have a show at the Laurentide Winery located at 56 South French Road Lake Leelanau, MI 49653. 

Click here to read more aboutthewinery. My paintings will be on display there and available for sale until the first of Oct. 2015. I have many of my small 6x6 inch oil paintings at the winery along with some larger works.



Blueberries and Raspberries 6x6

 
cantaloupe 6x6 
 The fall Shows are in full swing now. I am so grateful to all of my collectors and those of you who follow my work and leave such uplifting comments to keep me motivated. This is Delilah with a Passion for Painting have a great day.

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

Thursday, May 07, 2015

Advice to Artist

1. There is no substitute for miles on the brush.

You can only learn to paint by painting. Nothing teaches like experience.

You can learn about painting by listening to others, reading books and magazines, and by watching teaching DVDs and videos, but it is only in the act of painting that you learn to paint. So read watch then paint...and then paint some more.




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

Thursday, April 30, 2015

What is Creativity?

Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep. Scott Adams 

If you don't know who Scott Adam is I am sure you are familiar with his work.He is  an American cartoonist, creator of the Dilbert comic strip

I used to think Dilbert was living my life that was in the way back machine and before I decided to move my life to next level and work at my art full time.

Snacks in my office/studio you bet and coffee all the time. All nigher yep and I love them. So no more Dilbert life he's on his own and the studio cats and I are laughing ourselves fuzzy with happiness.









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

Friday, April 24, 2015

quotes to make you think

"Go not to the object; let the object come to you," (Henry David


 Thoreau) or "There is no art without contemplation," 


I am always thinking and reading. I listen to audio books while  

paint to get just a little more out of my day. There is never 

enough time to do all. I find ways so  that I can stretch my 

day where I can.

I let my watercolors dry between glaze coats while I'm on 

the computer.

What do you do to add just a little more value to your day?To 

make the object come to you?


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

Tuesday, March 31, 2015

The Art Sprit

I am always amazed when I wake up in the morning and go to daily painters web site or daily paint works on how many artist had the same idea of what to paint that day but in how differently each handle their idea. I think there are many ways to paint an orange as there are oranges and artist combined.

So do not paint what you have seen and think should be your inspiration but be yourself.

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

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Oh, Bad Delilah

The simple fact is that people will become loyal, trusting potential buyers of you and your work when they know they are dealing with a human, especially one with flaws like them.
When you show more of who you are, you are morphing into the product. The product is not just your work and your skills. You are the full package. And that is what people invest in – their time and their money.
I know this but I don't share. I need to do more of this; if you are an artist like me you also need to do this. So today I am making a change a commitment to share more. To show more of the process and the frustration of being a one woman show. The creator,the marketer ,the book keeper,and the self motivator. 

Have a bright and sunny day and paddle your way into a great year of painting



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

Monday, February 23, 2015

Art is Imagination at its best

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


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

Saturday, February 21, 2015

Life is short

"Ars longa, vita brevis" "Art is long, life is short." (Hippocrates)



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

Tuesday, February 03, 2015

Fly with your Dream

Tony Anony - From the Dreams category:
We beautiful creatures born in mystery / Fly best on wings of dreams. (Tony Anony)



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

Saturday, January 10, 2015

Demo of Beach Swimmer



The Swimmer
The Swimmer, painting by Delilah Smith
About This Painting:
The Swimmer
10x8 inch on a canvas panel
Media: oil painting
Size: 8 in X 10 in (20.3 cm X 25.4 cm)
Price: $200 USD
How to Purchase:

Buy this painting on PayPal
Price: $200 USD plus $12 USD s/h



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

Tuesday, January 06, 2015

Fun Products for the Arts

Product of the Month Hey watercolor painters, did you know that you can permanently fix your watercolor paintings?


This may not be overly important if you frame them under glass, but if you are like me you may want to mount them on a canvas or a wood panel. If you need a good fixative that is non-aerosal and made with all natural ingredients, try SpectraFix. 

I use it in a pump bottle with a couple of light coats on the painting. No odor, no mess - it just works. You can use it on watercolor paintings, pastel, graphite, charcoal, colored pencils or nearly anything else. Give it a try and see how you like it. Pump bottle of Spectra-Fix





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

Monday, January 05, 2015

Painting Demo












10 x 8 inch
oil painting
"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

Thursday, January 01, 2015

Humor for the New Year

The Four Stages of life: 

 1.'You believe in Santa Claus

2. You don't believe in Santa Claus

3.You are Santa Claus

4.You look like Santa Claus'



Santa Chicken
Santa Chicken, painting by Delilah Smith
About This Painting:
Santa Chicken
12x9 watercolor on 140 lb cold pressed watercolor paper.

Media: watercolor
Size: 9 in X 12 in (22.9 cm X 30.5 cm)
Price: $100 USD
How to Purchase:
Buy this painting on PayPal
Price: $100 USD plus $10 USD s/h
Or, send me an email

"post your opinion in the comments"or email me at delilah@artbydelilah.com,,Thank You:Visit my web site Art by Delilah http://www.artbydelilah.com


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

Sunday, December 28, 2014

Painting Demo of Peaches







Peaches and Crab Apples
Peaches and Crab Apples, painting by Delilah Smith
About This Painting:
Peaches and Crab Apples
8x10 oil painting on a canvas panel
Media: oil painting
Size: 10 in X 8 in (25.4 cm X 20.3 cm)
How to Purchase:

"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

Sunday, December 21, 2014

Panting Demo of an Orange Still life in Oils

Today I am doing a painting demo of an Orange. The still life is simple and the painting has lots of think paint and great warm colors.






Orange Still Life No. 6
Orange Still Life No. 6, painting by Delilah Smith
About This Painting:
Orange Still Life No.6
8x10 inch oil painting on canvas panel
Media: oil painting
Size: 10 in X 8 in (25.4 cm X 20.3 cm)
How to Purchase:

"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

Saturday, December 20, 2014

Apples and Grapes painting Dmeo

Today I have a painitng demo of apples and Grapes for you. I hope you enjoy it.



Apples and Grapes still life
Apples and Grapes still life, painting by Delilah Smith
About This Painting:
Apples and Grapes
Oil painting on canvas panel 8x10
Media: oil painitng
Size: 10 in X 8 in (25.4 cm X 20.3 cm)
How to Purchase:
" POST YOUR OPINIONS IN THE COMMENTS" or email me at delilah@artbydelilah.com All work © 2006-2014

The Fear of Making It.

The paralysis that comes from the fear of making a mistake is often the mistake…” 
 - Jason Hirschorn,
As they say, just do it. I always tell myself if I paint it they will come. It's my field of dreams.



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

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Oil Painting demo Landscape with Sunflowers

Today I am painting a field of sunflowers. In this quick over view you will see how I work from back ground to foreground. I hope you enjoy this video.
The painting is done in oils on an 8x10 canvas panel.



Sunflower Field, painting by Delilah Smith
About This Painting:
Sunflower Field
8 x 10 oil painting on panel
Media: oil painting
Size: 10 in X 8 in (25.4 cm X 20.3 cm)
How to Purchase:
" POST YOUR OPINIONS IN THE COMMENTS" or email me at delilah@artbydelilah.com All work © 2006-2014

Monday, December 15, 2014

Painting demo

Today's painting demo is of a mountain landscape with flowers blooming in the spring.





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

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

If You've never failed you have never lived

With the Holidays coming up  like a fright train coming around the bend and I know you have so much to do just like me, it can be so over whelming. You feel like everyone else does it better, gets more done, and just seems to win when you fail.




Fell better now? I know I do.


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

Saturday, November 15, 2014

Drawing the head demo

If your like me and drawing or painting the head is difficult here is a quick tutorial on how to draw the head. I can always draw it when the person is looking at mme but how do you do it when they are turned and you only see part of one of the yes ? How do you get that head tilt right?

I've been working on a painting for days try to get the shadows and tilt of the head just right. So I know how difficult it can be.

I hope this helps.







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

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Creating art is not a bus ride to easy street.

Creating art is not a bus ride to "easy street".


What's your BIG idea? What challenges and excites you? What takes your breath away, keeps you up at night, makes you smile all day long?

Sometimes it's "distant and far away," but it's in there! Find it, dust it off, honor it. Pursue it! People will join you and things will unfold in amazing ways. Dream bigger dreams and take action. It's what makes life worth the living!

But here’s the thing: starting a business is always a lot harder than you think. More important is that you must think of your art as a business.You just need to know that it is, so that when you do go through harder moments, you can tell yourself that that is to be expected, and so you drive through it.

Successful creatives push through the pain because they know it is ‘supposed’ to be hard work. Then the rewards really do come.


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

Monday, November 03, 2014

Painting Demo Venice

Today I take my paint brushes to Venice to paint the Gondolas on the canal. Bring your paints and come along with me.

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