Colorful Thoughts

Artists get asked a lot of questions, and most of us love sharing the answers. COLORFUL THOUGHTS is my way of providing some of this information with everyone who visits the website. From time to time I will address specific inquiries that come my way and try to provide some new insight. Remember! It’s just my opinion and you may well find a different slant elsewhere. Feel free to email your questions or your comments to me so that I can address them. And, if you are in the mood to receive photo deliveries of new work along with short comments you can sign up for my blog at http://cindymichaudart.blogspot.com.

Meanwhile, here’s a colorful comment:

What Does Your Office Say (about you)?
Submitted by Cindy on Wed, 03/16/2011 - 19:21

Don McGee has worked for over 25 years as a Wealth Advisor at the Melbourne offices of Merrill Lynch. He is a real ‘cracker’ and counts fishing, hiking and camping as just a few of his favorite past times; oh, and he plays a mean game of tennis as well. Don contacted me a couple of years ago regarding a painting for his office so I thought it would be interesting to collect his thoughts on art in a place of business. Here's how Don answered my questions: Read more....

Art as a Gift?
Submitted by Cindy on Sun, 12/05/2010 - 11:46

Giving art can be a bit tricky. But with some thought and planning it can be of the most appreciated and memorable gifts ever. Since I love to give(and receive) original items as gifts, I'll share some of my Colorful Thoughts on the subject. Maybe it will help your Christmas shopping be fun. Read more....

Gone Green....
Submitted by Cindy on Sun, 10/31/2010 - 18:40

Being "green" is in these days...and while sometimes that trend borders on the ridulous at other times we stumble upon some really good messages. The Strawbridge Art League chose "Go Green" as the topic of their most recent juried show recently and asked artists to think about messages in several specific areas. The selected entries will be displayed at the Brevard Art Museum for the month of November. I am honored to be selected to be in the show which opens on Nov. Read more....

Is This Price Firm?
Submitted by Cindy on Wed, 07/21/2010 - 08:54

I am often asked as to the “appropriateness” of haggling, or bargaining, with an artist over the price. I’m sure there is a wide variety of opinions but, bravely, I’ll share mine. “Haggling” sounds awful, let’s refer to it as “making an offer.” And my feeling is: in most circumstances, done with discretion, it is perfectly acceptable to discuss price with an artist.

That being said, let me offer a few guidelines, again my opinions, as to how and where this might work. After all, today especially, the real price of anything is what a willing buyer and a willing seller agree upon. Read more....

Move Your Art!
Submitted by Cindy on Thu, 06/03/2010 - 06:48

We recently decided to repaint the bedroom and while everything was off the walls and out of its “normal” position I took a good look at the fresh new color and re-imagined the space. There were no empty nails or un-patched holes, no faded paint shapes…nothing to tell me where any of my previous art had to be hung. So, on a whim, I went “shopping”…that is, I wandered through the house and took a new look at “old art.” Read more....

The Plein Air Challenge
Submitted by Cindy on Wed, 05/12/2010 - 12:25

"En plein air" is a French expression which means "in the open air." For artists it refers to the technique of painting outdoors, on location, and completing the piece on site. This method was employed by many artists travelling to document new world discoveries and it really took off in the 1870's when the now-common tube was invented to hold paint. Seems that having to mix the colors while in the field was a minor deterrent for some painters! Read more....

Dream Come True
Submitted by Cindy on Sun, 04/18/2010 - 23:22

The creative energy was palpable; it was standing-room-only; the mic was on and...I wasn't dreaming! It was for real! April 17 was upon us and the night Fay, Denette and I had eagerly anticipated was exceeding our humble expectations. Back when we had dared to wonder what inspirations might emerge from a convergence of poetry and art, back when we named it "Transformations," back when the Poet Laureate of the State of Florida agreed to be our Honorary Chairman and our muse...we really did not know what might happen. Read more....

My New Website
Submitted by Cindy on Sat, 03/20/2010 - 14:25

This officially unveils the new look to my revamped website!  Hopefully navigation will be easy and allow you to see much more art as well as read some of my wandering musings from time to time.  I get so enthusiastic about art that it is hard for me to think that some folks are simply overwhelmed or shy about getting involved in appreciating or collecting it.  Let me help you out.  I'll write about some of the things that occur to me (and keep in mind I'm sharing my own opinion, I'm not a PhD'ed authority) but feel free to send me a question or comment and I'l Read more....