An X-Mas Post!

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Merry Christmas! This post is a bit sappy, so thanks for reading :)

Painting from the first bit of 2017!

Painting from the first bit of 2017!

Looking back on the year 2017, I can’t believe that it is almost over. This year has gone by in a flash. I started the year off a bit directionless, I knew that I wanted to paint, but I was not sure how to make money doing it. The first half of the year was spent doing freelance design and working on selling paintings I had made. I wanted to try being a “daily painter” (an artist who paints a small painting every day and then posts it online to sell) this, however was not my style. It was a lot of stress, and thinking of something new to paint every day was awfully hard. I was ready to apply for graphic design jobs and go back to the 9-5.

Some of the design work from the beginning of 2017.

Some of the design work from the beginning of 2017.

Looking forward to 2018 I really hope to continue to go down this path, and grow my business. Thank you for reading, encouraging and working with me in all aspects of my life! I now am going to explode from eating way too many cookies and watch the Grinch for the millionth time! Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays!

Love, Kendra

Small Business Need to Fight for Net Neutrality!

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This post is a bit different than usual, but just as important. 

On December 14th the FCC is most likely voting to dismantle Net Neutrality.

Net Neutrality allows that every service (websites, information, products) on the internet competes on a level playing field and are treated equally. Without Net Neutrality big companies with lots of money will be able to speed up or slow down websites based on corporate or political interest. This could undermine small companies before they even have a chance to develop.

Without Net Neutrality companies like Comcast, AT&T, or Verizon can set up tiered package costs, meaning customers can’t access your website quickly without paying more. Internet service providers could pick the market winners and losers – for example, your website could not show up in google results as rankings depend on speed. (Your website being slower as than others because it’s not in the fast tier.) Or those companies allow your website get a decent connection to customers - as long as you pay $$$ for prioritization. Small business can’t afford $$$, but the multi-million competitors can, putting your small business in the slow lane, cutting off your customer’s road to you.

This all matters to small business owners – especially ones that do most their business online like artists who take commissions and sell online! Make your voice heard, take action.

Start Here: 

https://www.battleforthenet.com/

Write Congress first, then call, then join the day of action December 12th.

 

Caring for your New Painting!

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Great so you just got a new painting! But how do you keep it looking its best and care for it?

I try to include a little sheet with a version of the following with the paintings I send out. I thought it would be good to post about it and let everyone know my tips for caring for a painting.

I try to include a little sheet with a version of the following with the paintings I send out. I thought it would be good to post about it and let everyone know my tips for caring for a painting.

HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR PAINTINGS  

It is always a good idea to handle a painting with care, they aren’t the most fragile things, but they are not rock solid either. Try to avoid touching the front surface of your painting. Holding and touching your piece won’t ruin it, but the oil from your fingers can linger on the surface and that’s something we’d like to stay away from.

Your painting is protected with varnish*, so it is okay to blow away the dust from the surface on an as needed basis with compressed air. Another option is to take a soft bristle brush and wipe away the dust.  To clean the sides, use a soft, non-abrasive cloth and apply gentle pressure to wipe. It is best to only clean the front if absolutely necessary.

HANGING TIPS

Keep your artwork away from direct sunlight. The best type of light for your painting is indirect sunlight, recessed lighting, or halogen lights.

It is not advisable to place your artwork above a heat source such as a fireplace. Keep your painting away from Ultraviolet light.

It is not advisable to hang paintings in a moist environment such as a room which has a bath or shower. Try to display your paintings in a place where the relative humidity and temperature levels are fairly constant.

TRANSPORT & STORAGE TIPS

Storing canvases vertically is ideal!

Storing canvases vertically is ideal!

Canvas can be stretched or punctured fairly easy. So avoid stacking or leaning anything with an edge or corner on your painting. Even stacking or leaning one painting against another can leave an imprint. If you need to store your painting, it is best to store it vertically.

If you are needing to ship or move your painting, I would suggest wrapping it in an acid free paper, or if that is not available, wax paper.

 

 

*Acrylic paintings are protected with a final varnish. Oil paintings have a retouch varnish on the surface. Oil paintings cannot have a final varnish applied until it has been dry for 6 months to a year. If you can get your painting to me to apply a final varnish I would be happy to, otherwise take it to a professional to varnish.

Time Lapse Catch Up + Cyber Monday!

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I hope that everyone had a good and very filling Thanksgiving!

Here are a few time lapses that I have not posted here yet! It has just become part of my process to film while painting so I get these videos for nearly all paintings. 

Also today is Cyber Monday! I didn't end up doing a Black Friday deal.  So if you are reading this and would like to order a painting, use the code CM10$OFF for 10$ off on any order!  Valid though 11:59 PST Nov, 27th! 

Pet Profile: Theo

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Today’s blog post is a bit different than usual, today we are going to do a profile piece on none other than the Birthday Boy Theo! (It does relate to painting in the end!)

Theo and his litter, he was the goofy looking one! 

Theo and his litter, he was the goofy looking one! 

Theo, still tiny.

Theo, still tiny.

Theodore was born this day 6 years ago, dubbed Rollie at birth, and I really can’t believe that my little Corgi is 6 already. He is technically a mixed breed dog known as an Augie, a mix between a Corgi and a Mini Aussie. He is 7/8 Corgi and only 1/8 Mini Aussie, so I just default to Corgi.

Theo is my athlete, all 20 lbs of him. He loves nothing more than fetch, he lives for it. I will be lying in bed and be brought a ball, a bone, or anything his little mouth can pick up that he thinks should be thrown. He perks up all happy and just stares until you throw it or he will push (he knows this command as I am too lazy to move forward to get his items) it at you. It can get annoying but I really wouldn’t have it any other way.

Theo’s best dog friend is probably Rainier, my 9 year old Corgi. He has just known her practically his whole life so he is okay with her. Theo seems to hate :( most other dogs though, he just thinks he is bigger than his britches in this sense, as most other dogs could body slam him. This hate includes Atlas the German shepherd puppy that joined the family last year this time (Atlas loves Theo though).

Theo, Rainier and Atlas in a very rare photo of all 3. 

Theo, Rainier and Atlas in a very rare photo of all 3. 

Knowing all this I feel like I can capture a little more of Theo when I paint him. I can really see what the expressions behind the photos I am working from. That is why I really like to learn as much about the subjects I am painting, allowing me to have a greater understanding of them, and let that show in the painting.

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Theo 6x6 Painting by Kendra Aldrich.jpg
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Always majestic...

Always majestic...

Anyway, Happy Birthday Theodore!

Photo Tips for Getting Great Pet Photos

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The photographs I receive and use as references for my paintings are a large part of the painting process as a whole. Since I work from photos, the completed portrait depends on the quality of the photos you send me! When available send photos that are high quality and taken with a digital camera. 

For a close up portrait of your pet, make sure you fill up the viewfinder with your pet, rather than taking a far off photo that you have to zoom in on. This will make sure we can see the details.

For a close up portrait of your pet, make sure you fill up the viewfinder with your pet, rather than taking a far off photo that you have to zoom in on. This will make sure we can see the details.

Paintings can be goofy! A good photo does not always have to be a serious one. 

Paintings can be goofy! A good photo does not always have to be a serious one. 

•  Take photos outdoors, on a fair day, in early morning or late afternoon, or indoors in a bright and well-lit room. Taking photos in natural light, preferably in the shade to prevent harsh shadows, will help reflect the true coloring of your pet. 

•  Take the photos in a place where your pet is comfortable being themselves, such as in your yard, in the windowsill, etc. 

•  Have someone help. One person should be free to take the photo and someone else to pose or entertain the pet.

•  Get down or up to pet eye-level to take your pet’s photos. Remember that the eyes are the most expressive part of an animal’s face! This is helpful for creating good perspective, and this will translate best to canvas. 

•  Take lots of photos, from many different angles and different poses. 

•  If your pet is dark-colored, try to take photos in front of lighter backgrounds; if your pet is light-colored, try to take photos in front of darker backgrounds. In general, keep backgrounds simple and uncluttered is really helpful. 

•  Photographing your pet on a hard surface such as wood flooring, concrete or windowsills is ideal as it allows us to see their paws. 

•  Use a camera with an automatic focus. Animals move quickly and often, and adjusting the manual focus can take a little time.

•  Let your pet take breaks and act natural, sometimes tiring them out before a photo session makes for some great smiles! 

•  Don’t forget to pay your model! Treats, toys, love and affection are all good payment!