Derek McCrea - Blog
Watercolor Artist posted a photo:
magnolia flower watercolor painting modern fine art still life realistic poster print art
Watercolor Artist posted a photo:
echinacea flower watercolor painting modern fine art still life realistic poster print art
Watercolor Artist posted a photo:
Rose flower modern abstract watercolor painting by artist Derek McCrea
Watercolor Artist posted a photo:
3 daisies flower still life watercolor daisy painting by artist Derek McCrea
The email I got:
You might have seen my post on the eBay group. I've been selling my art on eBay as joyfoundobjects and joyfoundartist for the past several years, but seriously contemplated running it as a business when I did a test run as JoyFoundArtist last year and found I could make a viable living income from my art. So, this semester I am taking a business class to flesh out a business plan and intend to start selling my ACEO again in July. As part of the class, I have to interview several business owners who market similar products. We are required to ask certain questions, and I was wondering if you would help me out by answering them for me? There are 10 questions. The answers and interview are for purposes of the class assignment and will be posted on a secure LCC college intranet. Your responses will only be available to the class (about 30 people) this semester.
My Reply:
I am simply honored to help you with this. I have been approached by many students with the same type of situation and it makes me feel great that a student would select me to write about. See my responses in the word document I attach. I have been a very busy artist for about 25 years now, lately I have started to reach what some would call inspiration and confidence in my works. Tell all your fellow students that the key to success is create art because you enjoy it, success will come when you least expect it, but it will not happen over night. The artistic potential is unlimited, but an artist must think outside of the box. If you do what everyone else is doing, your chances of success are limited. But, if you are unique and if you pursue limits outside of the traditional art arena, or box, you will begin to see results faster. This applies to all arts. The competition today with the age of the internet has created stiff competition for artists. Those who stick with it, little by little, day by day, will see results in the long run. Atleast that has been my experience. It is easy to give up on art if you do not enjoy it. If you do not enjoy creating art, you are in the wrong profession. To me art has always been a hobby as my second source of income. Have options and alternatives to your life, but if you love art, maintain and improve your skills; it will pay off! I got wrapped up in this, so I will send the replies to your questions in my next email as a word attachment. I have to send this before my session times out.
1.Did you create a business plan before launching your ACEO business, and if not, did you develop one later? Why or why not?
I started painting 25 years ago. 2 years ago I began selling ACEOs and trading ATCs, Art Trading Cards. My business plan when I began creating ACEOs was to add an existing art form to my already existing watercolor regular size paintings.
2.If you do have a business plan, how do you use or have you used it in developing your ACEO business?
My business plan was to research venues to sell my ACEOs. I found two primary places online that sell ACEOs. Ebay and The ACEO part of art.com
3. How do you develop new ideas for your ACEO business?
I develop new ideas through research and observing what other artists are doing, you must think outside the box, and be different also.
4. Do you sell only ACEO or a mix of ACEO and other size art?
I offer numerous sizes of work as the customer may want something a different size. The more options you offer, the more customers you will attract and be able to meet their needs.
5. What is the average starting and selling price point for your ACEO size art?
Depends on the time it took me to create the work, between 15 to 60 dollars.
6. Do you specialize in any particular theme, media or subject matter, and if so how do you feel this impacts your business opportunities as an artist?
I concentrate on lighthouses, florals and landscapes. I feel it is important to first master one theme and promote it before trying to do too mush at once.
7. How long have you had an ACEO business, and had you had previous experience in running a business (art or otherwise)? Please explain.
I have been selling ACEOs for 2 years and art for 25 years.
8. Do you also license your ACEO art images on t-shirts and other products? If so, where and why.
I use www.zazzle.com/dereklovessheila to sell my ACEOs on gifts.
9. Do you do all the work of your business yourself as a sole proprietor, or do you hire staff ? What functions do others perform for you in your business, and what was your rationale for using other people to support your ACEO business activities?
I do not hire anyone to complete work for me as the art has not made that much of a budget for me to be able to hire help.
10. What advice do you have for someone starting out selling their original ACEO art as a business venture? Please include your biggest struggles as an ACEO artist, and your greatest triumphs.
Start out with one theme and get better at it before moving onto other subjects.
Use keywords effectively and promote you products to a target audience for your subject. View art.com and see what subjects are selling well. ACEO subjects may be different than regular subjects.
View more art at my gallery at
http://www.derekmccrea.50megs.com
Watercolor Artist posted a photo:
Shrimp Boat Painting 11 x 15 inches original nautical marine Sunbury Georgia GA Medway River boat, Papa T boat watercolor realistic modern painting
Watercolor Artist posted a photo:
Hibiscus flower 3 original watercolor painting still life 11 x 15 inches modern realistic botanical art tropical flower colors include green brown black, red, pink, and peach.
Watercolor Artist posted a photo:
Hatch Chili New Mexico original modern southwestern painting old town in the south west United States where it is known as the chile capital of the United States. They have many chili festivals in this town and this is a painting of a local market store there.
Watercolor Artist posted a photo:
Modern realistic Florida marina boat painting watercolor art by Derek McCrea
Watercolor Artist posted a photo:
Modern realistic Florida marina boat painting watercolor art by Derek McCrea
- The riotous colors of the tropical garden awaken the eye with delight. This delicious McCrea design cannot be missed among the most stylish of drapings. Measuring a generous 40" x 56" is available in a limited edition of 125. The perfect party sarong. Only $360.00 USD. Complete with certificate of authenticity. This is a work of rare beauty.
Dimensions: (width) x (height)
Price: 360.00
http://www.designerscarvesbymarlena.com/more-info.php?item=00065
Dimensions: (width) x (height)
Price: 220.00
Purchase this limited edition designer scarf at http://www.designerscarvesbymarlena.com/more-info.php?item=00064
Dimensions: (width) x (height)
Price: 220.00
To purchase go to this link http://www.designerscarvesbymarlena.com/more-info.php?item=00063
Playing with The Wind
Walking down the pathway, doing what I do
I suddenly saw a flower playing with the wind
It took me by surprise to see this new play
Flowers shooting colors and laughter my way
The wind was romping ,which made the flower laugh
Drawings in the field, made me stray off the path
I had to look closer, such joy made me grin
Hey little flower, can I join you and the wind
The wind took my breath away, the flower held my heart
Would you like to stay with us , just sit back and laugh
Sitting with the flower, who was playing with the wind
Swaying back an forth, cradled my soul within
Stop rubbing your eyes at the things you can't believe
Curtsy to this theater that brings you to your knees
Carol Anne Henderson
Your Gift
I watched you this Winter, aloof and tall
Standing all alone, putting writing on the wall
I wondered where you came from to be here alone
Your feet in the water, as I sat upon my throne
I wanted to touch you, so you could tell me more
About the life you have, standing on the mirrored shore
I prayed no one would hurt you and allow you to stay alone
So all could watch in glory, at this statue like a stone
Some days you were here, some days you were gone
I missed you this spring when you left me all alone
Feathers soft and stoic, upon blueness rippled grace
Its almost like a whisper, a secret took your place
The gift you left for me , I'll always wonder where you are
Softness of the unspoken, flying with the stars
Carol Anne Henderson
The Light House
The Lighthouse is calling, calling with His light
To all those in need to come in from the night
There's plenty of room inside for all who are lost
The starving and the hungry who cannot find the cross
The children and the women the men can all come in
Children no longer hungry, the homeless are welcoming
This is the place of sanctuary that stands upon the shore
Come on all you people, come all you rich and poor
The tied and the lonely, the children with no shoes
The man who cannot read , sharing all his news
The Lighthouse beam is shinning ,this brilliant light is on
Calling at the distance singing sweetly at this storm
Of love and of comfort for the people of all streets
Safety for all who enter where truth and beauty meet
The night if full of darkness when your lonely in the cold
Step in this warm Lighthouse, to open arms that hold
To lay down your anger, to wipe away your tears
Gently soothe the pain that filled your heart for year's
There's a fireplace inside, all are welcome here
Beds and food and blanket's to cover all the fear
So look towards the night sky and see this mighty rock
The Lighthouse beaconing, His protection time can't stop
Carol Anne Henderson
I first saw Carol's work on You Tube and have placed a link to it below:
It is a very emotional, moving, youtube video about Death row dogs in New Mexico and the USA.
The video is directed by Gisele Veilleux.
send me an email
View more art at my gallery at
http://www.derekmccrea.50megs.com
Watercolor Artist posted a photo:
Southwestern Elephant Butte Lake State Park New Mexico near Truth or Consequences, NM the old town that used to be called Hot Springs. This lake has a green color near the shallows when observed from the lookout point on the road where this painting was completed from. Original watercolor southwest painting. Marina del sur is located in this image. This lake is the largest and most popular lake in New Mexico. Around 100 million years ago the lake a was part of a shallow ocean. When the ocean dried the area was the favorite hunting ground of the tyrannosaurus rex dinosaur. Original mountain and lake painting 11 x 15 inches on Arches archival professional watercolor paper
Watercolor Artist posted a photo:
Yucca flower southwestern botanical floral watercolor original painting. This western plant is scattered throughout the desert of the southwest. The yucca flower is the New Mexico state flower. The yucca is a member of the lily family and a symbol of sturdiness and beauty. In the early summer, pale ivory flowers bloom at the tips of its long, fibrous stalks. At the base of the plant are broad, sharpedged leaves that look like stilettos. The yucca sometimes grows to the height of a small tree. What really amazes me about this plant is the American Indian's use for it. When I spent some time in El Paso Texas I traveled all over the west. My favorite thing to do is spend time visting the historical southwest areas and especially when Indian history is involved. One time I went to a spot where Indians were using the yucca root as an edible food and it is really good. I tasted the root once again when I ate at a restaurant in Orlando Florida called Texas da Brazil. If you are ever in Orlando and you want to be spoiled rotten eat at the Texas da Brazil. It is expensive but it is an experience with food that you will never forget.
Watercolor Artist posted a photo:
American Route 66 gas station southwestern and western old highway cityscape gas station American watercolor painting poster fine art modern print. Gas pumps back in history when the United States gas prices were much lower. Mobilgas old pumps along the old road when traveling through historical USA. Pen and in and pencil drawing watercolor wash. Colors are very America blue, red, white, green and yellow.
Watercolor Artist posted a photo:
Tybee Island Georgia near Savannah GA shrimp boat nautical marine seascape boat on the intercoastal waterway river canal. These white boats are a gorgeous sight when traveling by water transportation waterway vessel original modern realistic watercolor painting.
Watercolor Artist posted a photo:
American Route 66 southwestern and western old highway cityscape gas station American watercolor painting poster fine art modern print. Gas pumps back in history when the United States gas prices were much lower. Mobilgas old pumps along the old road when traveling through historical USA. Pen and in and pencil drawing watercolor wash. Colors are very America blue, red, white, green and yellow. Trees and mountains are in the background along with a light blue sky
Watercolor Artist posted a photo:
Captain Memo's pirate ship from Clearwater Florida painting is at night watercolor painting
US
