I've never really enjoyed talking politics. Who does? I'm not even sure politicians enjoy talking politics. It usually results with people getting mad at each other because no one is willing to bend or see the other person's point of view. Nothing is resolved. Nothing changes. Unless you're actively involved in it, it doesn't seem to do anyone any good.

My boyfriend and I have opposing views on many topics. Early in our relationship, we just avoided them completely. As we've gotten to know each other better, we can discuss some of the hot topics, but I find that it just stresses me out.

So, for my own sanity, I've decided to retire from discussing politics. I'm not saying I'll totally tune out if I'm with a group of friends and it comes up. I just don't want to get into any heated debates about policies that I have no control over. I'll still vote and I'll still educate myself on current events and issues, but it won't be a huge priority in my life.

Instead, I'm going to focus on bettering myself. Instead of listening to NPR during the news segments, I'll listen to an empowering audio book. Instead of reading the news, I'll take an online class. Instead of engaging in heated arguments over who's puppet is better, I'll lift up my discussion partners by encouraging them to follow their dreams.

I'm sure I'll get plenty of folks who say I'm part of the problem by not being part of the solution. However, I think that if more people focused on bettering themselves instead of complaining about things they aren't actively trying to change, maybe we wouldn't have as many problems as we do. People would be happier and more content with themselves so they wouldn't have to project their insecurities on everyone else. I'm gonna give it a try and I'll let you know how it turns out. I encourage you to do the same. Peace.

#fridayfeature #politics #artistofinstagram #youdoyou #peace #peacefulliving #joyfulliving #takingabreakfrompolitics

I have to admit it. When I first saw Dallas-based (we're practically neighbors!) contemporary figurative oil painter Eli Ruhala's work, I didn't get it. His broad-stroked portraits on medicine cabinets, mirrors and pillow cases - while strikingly beautiful and disarmingly personal - didn't make sense to me. And then I read the stories behind them. Taking a stroll through Eli's Instagram page (@ruhala_arts) is like watching a coming-of-age film. Eli's story unfolds before you through his art. He opens himself up to you, giving you a glimpse inside his head, leaving you feeling a bit like an eavesdropper but unable to resist wanting more. Cool hues bring on feelings of an oncoming storm...or perhaps one that has just passed. At times, his themes make you feel sad and lonely. Other times, they bring about feelings of calm and hope. His story is just beginning. I won't give it away. You'll just have to check it out for yourself. I look forward to following him and watching him grow throughout what I'm sure will be a fruitful art career and a happy life. To purchase his art, contact him through Instagram or visit the galleries in which his art is currently being shown.

Q: Who are your favorite artists? A: Favorite artists are Felix Gonzales-Torres, Gustav Klimt, Egon Schile, and Jenny Seville

Q: What's your preferred medium and why? What are the best and worst things about working with this medium? A: Preferred medium is Oil Paint because it has such a diverse arrangement of application. Oils can be thinned to act like watercolors or applied thick to create texture and depth. One of the best and worst factors of oil is the time required for the medium to dry. It’s slow drying process allows for one to rework an area to their content bust can also create a gap of time in between stages of a painting.

Q: What's your trademark? A: My Trademark is the heavy use of blues in my figurative paintings. It pushes contrast between the warm highlights and cold shadows that ultimately create form.

Q: How has your style changed over the years? A: As of recently the work I’ve been doing has changed drastically. For years I had painted on flat surfaces such as panel and canvas, but my work has shifted toward viewer interaction. Now most of my paintings are done on domestic objects to further a relationship with the viewer.

Q: What's the best advice you've ever received? A: The best advice I had ever received came from my high school art teacher. He told me to pursue what I was passionate in and dissuaded me from going into a field of work that I would not enjoy just for financial reasons.

#artistofinstagram #oilpainter #dallasartist #dallasart #texasartist #texasart #figurativeart

Welcome and thank you for your interest in my work! I can't wait to create a one-of-a-kind piece of art for you. Below is a quick rundown of what you can expect when working with me. I know it may look like a lot, but it's mostly just boring (but necessary) details and paperwork. I'll handle most of the mundane stuff so that it's super easy for you and we can get to the fun stuff as quickly as possible! Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

THE DETAILS

(Isn't that where the devil is?)

The initial consultation is free. We can discuss your project over the phone, through e-mail or preferably, in person. In order to provide you with an accurate quote, I will need the information outlined below. I may do a some very basic sketches or digital renderings to determine the intricacy of your desired style. Additional resources to help determine these details are available at http://www.shellydenning.com/faq.

For Freestanding Artwork and Murals

1. What size would you like your final artwork to be?

2. What is the subject of your artwork?

3. Do you have a photo to work from, or will additional design work be required?

4. In what artistic style would you like your artwork done? (examples include pop-art and photo-realism)

5. Does your project require any special materials like gold leaf or sealants?

6. On what surface would you like your artwork?

7. Do you have a deadline for your artwork?

For Freestanding Artwork Only

1. How will we be getting your artwork to you? Shipping and delivery will incur a fee, but you may pick your art up from my studio near Denton, Texas for free.

2. In what medium would you like your artwork done?

For Murals Only

1. Is your mural going to be indoors or outdoors?

2. How high up will your mural be painted?

3. Will it be on a ceiling?

4. Is the surface ready to be painted or will priming/repairs be required?

THE PAPERWORK

(The boring part. Yuck!)

Proposal

Once I have a clear understanding of the above, I will send a Proposal that includes pricing and other information. If the price is acceptable, you will e-sign the agreement through the online signature request that will be sent to you.

Non-Disclosure Agreement

If extensive designs are necessary, I may include a Non-Disclosure Agreement ensuring that my designs are not executed by another artist. This document must be e-signed as well prior to commencement of the design work.

50% Deposit

I will then send an Invoice for your 50% deposit. Payment options are listed on the invoice. If you are unable to pay the entire 50% at the time, payment arrangements may be available.

Commission Agreement

With the Invoice, I will send an e-sign request with your Commission Agreement that outlines all financial and legal details surround the transaction.

Final Payment

Once complete, an invoice for the remaining 50% will be sent. If your item is to be shipped or delivered, these costs will be included on your invoice. If you are unable to pay the entire 50% at the time, payment arrangements may be available. (I believe everyone should have art around them and I'll work with you to help make this a reality for you!)

Receipt

When the final payment is received, I will provide you with a receipt for the full amount paid.

Statement of Maintenance

A Statement of Maintenance outlining the products used and proper maintenance of your artwork will be provided.

THE ART PROCESS

(The fun stuff! And the reason you're here! Yay!)

Once the deposit is received, I will provide basic drawings/designs, if required. When we've agreed on a final design, I will purchase any necessary items needed to complete your artwork and I will begin working. Throughout the process, I will share progress photos with you to ensure that the project is headed in the right direction.

I often record time lapse videos of my work and post them on YouTube. It's always fun to see your project come to life in a matter of minutes! If I do this for your project, I will send you the link when it's ready.

All art will be varnished for long-lasting protection from environmental factors and to make it easier to clean.

PRICING

(I'd do it for free if I could, but I like to eat almost every day.)

Very general price lists are available at http://www.shellydenning.com/pricing. Your project may fall into one or between any two of these categories, depending on the factors outlined above. ​

Additional fees that may affect your quote include:

• Design fee may be assessed if merging of photos or other design-related tasks are required. No design fee will apply if you provide a single photo on which to base the artwork. The rate for design varies between $50 and $1,000 and includes up to 3 initial designs and 3 revisions of one design. Additional revisions are available for $150 each.

• Design modifications or additions made after the design has been accepted and work has begun may incur additional fees, depending on the scope of the changes.

• If you do not currently have a photo from which to work, I may be able to arrange a quick photo shoot for an additional fee, provided that you are in my geographical area (Denton, TX).

• Additional subjects (human or otherwise) will incur an additional charge. The rate is dependent on the number of subjects and size of the artwork.

• Non-traditional surfaces may incur an additional fee. Please let me know if you wish to have your project completed on a surface other than standard gallery-wrapped canvas, Bristol Board (thick drawing paper), watercolor paper, charcoal paper or a finished wall (for murals).

I hope that this information has taken out some of the mystery and cleared up any questions you may have had about working with me. If not, just ask! I'm not scary (as long as I've had my coffee).

#artprocess #workingwithme #artist #art #artcommission #portrait #mural