A Painting a Day

(Painting by Karin Jurick)

Duane began to publish small original oil paintings on his blog and made them available for sale on eBay. Soon other artists began to use this innovative method for connecting with art lovers around the world.

The paintings are small, typically under 8x6 inches, and their prices start at about $100. Many of the painting a day artists sell their paintings in an auction format via eBay. (You can see some of the work currently available on eBay listed a little further down on this page.)

Collectors from around the world have flocked to these blogs over the last two years. Even USA Today has featured the daily painting phenomena in an article published in August 2006.

While the art marketing angle of daily painting has received considerable attention, not as much has been said about the spirit behind the concept. I have a coffee cup which says, "Go to your studio and make stuff." Doing daily paintings is about the discipline of doing the work. Learning to see as an artist sees is a long-term process that can only be acquired through many hours of diligent study in the studio.

Learning to see requires observation. Until you really look at something, you can never really understand it with paint. Life goes so fast these days that we often don't take the time to really look at what is all around us. The paintings these artists create allow all of us to stop and really see the amazing beauty that surrounds us.

If you are an artist, don't despise the days of small beginnings, but diligently develop and hone your skills and sensibilities. And if you are a collector, search through the clamoring voices on the art blogs...there are some real jewels out there. Take time to see...

(Painting by Julian Merrow-Smith)

The painting a day phenomena has many benefits for the collector. First, it has made original oil paintings affordable for the new collector. Since the overhead of the gallery is no longer in the price equation, artists can offer their work at more reasonable prices. The internet also makes it possible to see many different styles and artistic skill levels. You are no longer limited to the styles or artists offered by your local gallery.

(Painting by Shane Thomas)

There are also many benefits for the artist doing daily paintings. First, you develop the discipline of being in your studio everyday. Too many artists wait around for inspiration to strike, and as a result they end up producing a small body of work with an inconsistent quality. Daily paintings also allow the artist to break free of their normal routine and try techniques or subject matter they would not normally be able to do. It also allows the artist to make a living with their art, while they are building their reputation in the market place.

The painting a day movement is not limited to painters, nor was it created by painters. For many centuries masters in their respective crafts have advised their students to work daily on their craft. Writers are encouraged to write a short story, even a single page, based off of a conversation they overheard on their commute to work. Even some quilters have committed to doing their creative work with their fabric to produce a quilt every week or two. Check out this new "quilt a day" style blog: http://catsartquilts.blogspot.com/

So, whatever your gift, take up the challenge of developing your skill on a daily basis. Then, share the results with others. Share it in your families and communities, share it on the net...but share it.