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Tyrone Webb

9 Years Ago

Fine Spray Paint Art

I am a self taught fine spray paint artist that has had some great recognition over the past couple years. However it is very hard for anyone to critique my work because without knowledge of the process one cannot assume that something is either done well or if a practical application of technique is even possible. Needless to say it has been frustrating and i am trying very hard to get out of the niche nature of my work. It has taken a long time to develop techniques and i am always experimenting. For an example the image i have posted with this is a commission i just finished with a strong Wiccan theme(purchaser is Wiccan)

Anyways i would love to discuss the merits of trying to emerge this medium and find ways to legitimize its inclusion into the scope of discussions when it comes to painting.

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Xueling Zou

9 Years Ago

Very nice, thanks for sharing it!

 

Tom Druin

9 Years Ago

Sell Art Online Photography Prints hi tyrone two favorites from your gallery ...

 

Dan Turner

9 Years Ago

I'm not sure what your question is, Tyrone, but your art is beautiful. The technique is absolutely legitimate.


Dan Turner
Dan Turner's Seven Keys to Selling Art Online

 

Tyrone Webb

9 Years Ago

You know what you are right, i have not really asked a question. I guess the best way to put it is, What do you think of my efforts to create a new medium and does it lack coherent techniques that can be critiqued or should it stand on its own merit? Its not like you can take a class on fine spray paint art.

 

Drew

9 Years Ago

Like your art Tyrone! I tried airbrush 30years ago. Could not do it. Was a big fan of HAJIME SORAYAMA many years ago.

 

Dan Turner

9 Years Ago

Whether with an airbrush, paint can or industrial sprayer, spray painting is a real medium. It has a look that's hard to replicate any other way. I think you're doing well with it.

How you are producing your work is certainly part of the story, but not all. Ultimately, the art has to be judged on traditional criteria: composition, clarity, skill, technique, meaning, uniqueness, intent, etc.


Dan Turner
Dan Turner's Seven Keys to Selling Art Online

 

Bruce Nutting

9 Years Ago

I have only been digitally painting and creating for the last four years and I have learned a whole lot about this artform.
I have also seen a number of pray paint artists both on the Internet and live on the street corner. I have always wondered what it would be to venture out into this new area of painting.
I like the way spray painting looks. Does anyone have any suggestions on where to start?

 

Susan Sadoury

9 Years Ago

Your art is wonderful.

 

Chuck De La Rosa

9 Years Ago

Beautiful work Tyrone! You may not be old enough to remember, but your work reminds me of original airbrushed murals on the sides of custom vans in the '70s and '80s.

 

Suzanne Powers

9 Years Ago

When an art form is new it struggles in some circles for acceptance. Digital is not always accepted either, that's just the way it rolls until someone comes along who becomes famous and opens up things (legitimizes it) for everyone else. That's why I so appreciate artists like Andy Warhol. Some complain about "production" art like silk prints, but they are priced generally not as high as oils, so what is the beef?!

Even artists that seem to be doing off-the-wall-art, some are opening up avenues for the rest of us. I really like your art by the way, it's beautiful. Don't some of the famous graffiti artists use spray paint? I learning quality images take time to do no matter what medium it is.

 

Ursa Davis

9 Years Ago

Tyrone, it is great that you are opening yourself up to criticism in order to grow, that is always a good thing! I think spray paint art is totally legit and really cool, but I can tell you that the most common statement from my friends and family (our even strangers) that I overhear when we see spraypaint art is that it is weird or strange. I think probably the hardest selling point for this type of art is that it has a reputation for being hippie-ish or overly fantastical. Now as a fantasy art lover I would disagree! However, this would mean you maybe have a dilemma. Ideally an artist should stay true to themselves and create work they love, but there is also a necessity to live in the real world and sometimes creating more marketable products can pay the bills. It might be an interesting experiment to maybe try to make some paintings in your medium of a more traditional subject matter and composition, and seeing if it impacts your sales. Your skill and passion are obviously not in question. I hope you don't feel like I'm suggesting you sacrifice your integrity, and please keep in mind this is just the impression of one person. :)

 

Tyrone Webb

9 Years Ago

First off, thanks to everyone that has taken the time to respond to my post. There are a lot of things i have learned over the past couple years.

1. Even though we struggle now, the time i took after i was laid off, and the money from my severance and 401k i used to keep everything going while i taught myself to paint with spray paint was worth it.

2. The community i'm involved with here in Colorado is poised to build a new and powerful art district in abd around Boulder and i cant think of a better place to emerge.

3. Sharing is caring ---- The more we as artists share of each other openly the better things get. Sometimes the difference between painting and not on a given is a few kind words someone took the time to post in regards to one of my pieces. Cheers to all those that can and will do that.

4. Social Media is what the art world always needed --- not only did i learn to paint but i had to learn how to become a social media strategist/director/etc. I can attribute almost all of my sales (As paltry as they are) to self promotion on the internet.

5. Being an artist has taught me to volunteer my time and get involved with the arts in general not to mention my kids having an increased interest in learning and helping.


What i need help with now

I have gotten some pretty amazing accolades in a short period of time however i am uncertain how i can parlay those into sales or additional traffic. If anything i would like to display more of my works physically in galleries. Any ideas how best to approach galleries here in Denver or anywhere for that matter. Are there certain things that are part of the method or process for applying or is it a cold call walk on in and drop what i am doing on them kind of scenario?

Thanks again for the responses.



 

Tyrone Webb

9 Years Ago

Ursa,

That is a very good point and i have tried to do a few pieces that are of a more "Down to Earth" variety, its just that each one of those pieces forces me to experiment and often times leads to a less than my skill level piece.

It';s funny you should say this because my least fantastic, sci fi , fantasy piece was selected in the top 10 submissions for Scene360 online for 2014. If that isnt a true testament to your advice i dont know what is.

Check it out its the 4th piece down --->http://illusion.scene360.com/art/67508/best-submissions-2014

 

Suzanne Powers

9 Years Ago

The advice I have read about galleries is finding one that show your kind of art (fantasy). I have also read if you are not accepted try again in three months, sometimes it's just timing and they have to schedule showings. I have also read submissions should be submitted on line to galleries with a letter of introduction and profile. Youtube has some great and informative advice on marketing your art to galleries.

Your fantasy art has an audience and may be more of a niche. It may take longer to find the buyers than for a more realistic scenic piece.

 

Julia Hamilton

9 Years Ago

Your artwork is beautiful, Tyrone! I agree with Suzanne's suggestions regarding galleries. Most galleries have submission procedures posted on their website. Here's a page with some tips regarding galleries: http://www.finearttips.com/2010/08/7-creative-ways-to-approach-an-art-gallery-for-representation/

I think this piece is my favorite. I love the colors and the composition.
Art Prints

 

John Crothers

9 Years Ago

I ran into a spray paint artist at a show last year and was very impressed.

Like you the work was impressive but it was even more impressive when I found out it was spray paint.

I think you have one of the more unique art mediums and I would think that would be great for marketing.

I'm a photographer. Big deal! Dime a dozen. You have something a lot of people haven't heard of and something people can't do with their phone!

 

Tyrone Webb

9 Years Ago

Suzanne, Julia, John

Thanks for the feedback and advice. I have already shown at one of the better galleries here in Boulder and was commissioned to do a piece. I plan to do something with them again soon. I just want to make sure that i dont waste any built momentum. I am a Niche artist which makes it very hard to get people to invest in my work. I am going to try some sci/fi and Fantasy conventions. Also i need to put together a strong portfolio of say 10 works. If you would like to suggest some pieces in my gallery you think would be a good fit i could use the outside opinion.

Thanks again.

 

Michelle Wrighton

9 Years Ago

Beautiful work Tyrone!

Perhaps consider some youtube videos showing how you work? You can do fast motion speedpaints, as well as tutorials, then use the videos to help educate others about the technique you use.

 

Tyrone Webb

9 Years Ago

Michelle thank you.. I have done 2 so far... problem is in my garage in the colder months its hard to do.. buildup on the lens however here are a couple i did so far. thanks for the response.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUIPng0Cm1o

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_G7GadYSUU

I also have done a couple tutorials that folks who dontate to my patreon site gain access. I recommed that any artist use patreon to get some additional funding for their works. Especially if you have an online following.

http://www.patreon.com/user?u=283121

 

Suzanne Powers

9 Years Ago

This is speculation, the feeling I get is Thomas Kinkaid (don't love his art) was on the right track in his beginnings of selling in a parking lot. We need to jump start our art careers (I haven't done this but I have been gradually forming ideas) because many don't get us unless we inform them, it's not just your art, trust me! Many of the great artists banded together in the beginning of their careers with similar style artists, there is strength in numbers.

I'm thinking it is probably a good idea to join an art guild and possibly show your work in a space with other like minded people you feel comfortable with and their art (easier said than done but I think you can't wait for galleries and you are searching other avenues). If there is opportunity show your work on a First Friday on the sidewalk if need be, your work will speak for itself and people will respond. I would even dress in better sportswear like you are someone who is going somewhere with their art. You could even have an "event" where you and fellow sci-fi or paint spray artists show your work on the sidewalk. From discussions it seems it is all about Exposure, Exposure, Exposure.

I want to take a closer look at the well known artists, the early groups they were with and find out more how they functioned. Thanks for this thread! I like all your art, I would show what you are most excited about.

 

Ursa Davis

9 Years Ago

Tyrone, I wish I could remember where I read this, but there was a great site that said to start approaching galleries first visit them as a customer and see if you could imagine your work fitting in. Next engage an employee (about anything) and talk with them. Are they nice? Can you imagine that person representing or selling your art? Next ask the front desk person if they are accepting new artist submissions. If they say no, that is the end of your time at that gallery. Just say thanks and walk away. Keep a list with dates you approached them, and make a note to try again in 3 months.

If they say yes, be prepared with 3-5 digital images on a tablet to show them. If they want to see more have a thumbdrive or CD ready with more digital images. Just your best work that you want to sell. Personally, I am working to put together a kind of packet to give to gallery owners or interested parties. I plan on putting my business card with a brochure and a thumbdrive on a kind of ring. This would have my best images, and could be reviewed at the owner's leisure. If you want to contact galleries that are not local and you can't visit in person then put together a template that you can email that is professional and consistent. Send no more than 3 images. That is enough for an owner to decide if your work would be a good fit or not.

Above all remember you are a business person and always conduct yourself in a professional manner. Be nice and keep the conversation professional, and be ready to accept rejection in a classy calm way. :)

I am currently working with a small business advisor who said that the most important marketing I can do is to create a website, blog, and use accurate metatags on my art and sites. Apparently this will get you more hits when people are searching for art like yours. Mine is www.ursadavis.com, which I am not finished formatting yet, but hopefully I'll be done this week. Take a look if you want.

Personally I also feel that networking is super important. I use the "Meetup" app and joined a lot of photography groups here in Seattle, and have been networking within those. I also joined some small business meetups, and always ALWAYS carry my business cards with me.

If you want to discuss the business side of art some more you can contact me through my website as well. (Click on the networking/teaching tab under "what I can do for you" and you'll see I love to talk shop with people!) I would be happy to talk to you on the phone also. Sometimes it helps even to have a friend to bounce ideas off of.

 

This discussion is closed.