Thursday, May 2, 2013

A WEEKEND WITH ART’S FINEST...

 Some of you have been wondering...if the Dude has said “Hasta” to the fine art world, why did he, I say, WHY did he just return from attending the renowned Art of the Portrait weekend in Atlanta, GA.?
Simply, for the same reason the Dude does not take baby steps to the top; he climbs directly to the top rung.  Meeting the top people in this field has always been my intent, and while most artists are content to drive in the slow lane, hoping beyond hope to spot an occasional Lamborghini, the humble Dude is simply more comfortable going from zero to 80 m.p.h. right in the fast lane.  Thus, my shrewd and brilliant rationale for attending this all-important convention.
So??  Did I have a good time?!
You bet!
Starting on Thursday afternoon, as everyone watched the top artist’s as they began painting from various models during the inaugural “Face Off” contest, I had the good fortune to bump into James Gurney, the author and illustrator of the famed Dinotopia books, and recent winner of the world’s “nicest guy” contest (recently held in a remote suburb of Hoboken, I believe), where we promptly headed off to the nearest restaurant to compare our respective artistic ideologies.  We talked shop, discussed our mutual interest in our favorite illustrators like Sundblom and Loomis, and tried to watch our weight by ordering something under 1,000 calories.
Ed Jonas is the head shaker of the Portrait Conference, and we had a nice chat as I introduced myself to a world mostly deprived of any awareness the name “Dude.”  That’s OK.  We’ve all got to start somewhere...
Mary Whyte is a watercolorist and she’s top notch.  Ever notice how few people actually list watercolor as their main painting medium?  But after seeing how temperamental the stuff is, most can’t run fast enough back to our oil paints.  Mary is a top mover in the field, and as I was pathetically reverting back to my nervous school-kid self upon our introduction, once she realized the inborn prominence of my larger-than-life personage, she quickly offered me the chance to become part of her world-class entourage--namely, she needed someone to heft all the heavy boxes she brought along.  Hey, us boy scouts are always trying to “help other people at all times”, right?  Well, here I am, honey!
The various demo’s featured throughout the weekend by the Society’s top players all had various degree’s of success, as I studiously took note of the individual strengths and failings of each artist’s work.  Talking and demoing is an art in itself, but one in which all serious craftsman should be in pursuit of.  I’ve certainly done my share of public demo’s—they’re always fun and challenging—though some succeed and other’s just plain don’t (see previous blogs for all the failings).  For the serious artist, measured thought must employed to make these demo’s successful, and seeing these other artists up there on stage gave me reason to reassess the next time I myself might be doing the honors—and hopefully do better next time!
The convention smartly reserved space for many of the top vendors, all set up to sell their art supplies—I think Rosemary and Co. sold more badger tail brushes than Trump sells high-rises, and I had the good fortune to meet the famed art manufacturer, Jack Richeson, who sets up shop in Kimberly, WI., not too far from where the young Dude grew up in nearby Madison.  He even gave me a copy of his autobiography, which I’m reading with interest during occasional stolen moments between getting paint all over my hands.
The Portrait convention wrapped up on Sunday, where we all herded on the bus and toured the local museum.  The highlights?  So glad you asked.  For starters, viewing the Robert Henri, the Rockwell, and the Sargent weren’t bad places to begin.  Old Norman would’ve glowed with a knowing satisfaction upon seeing his work displayed just around the corner from such luminaries.  And a previous unknown named Joseph DeCamp (1922) stunned me with a painting he christened “The Blue Kimono”.  It was just amazing what a few tubes of paint and good sense of color and can do for a guy.
So, my friends, that brings us to the close of another new chapter in the life of the Dude, and all the new acquaintances he just met.
But wait--there was still Sunday night to account for, right? 
Well, being the ladies man no one ever predicted I’d be, I spent the remaining evening at the hotel bar with with 3 female artists, who couldn’t seem to get enough of the humble comic-book artist now in their presence.  Of course, I signed books to all of them, for which they expressed their ceaseless appreciation with all the ice-teas they ended up buying me.
Note to future auteurs—always keep enough comics at hand to pass out to the fawning masses.  You never know when they’ll be demanded of you!
And finally, what did the Dude produce art-wise while in attendance during this magnificent Portrait Society event?  Well, that’s Gino’s dept.!
Take it away, Yayness...!
Hotel bartender, just before at the banquet on Saturday night

Open drawing session on Friday

One of several sketchbook pages from the weekend

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

DR DOOM PAINTING COLLABORATION

FELLOW APPRECIATORS OF THE OFTEN LESS APPRECIATED...
 
Dr Doom Watercolor Collaboration
--An explanation for a recent Dude co-production, by the Dude himself.
 
Who among you has seen this Dr. Doom painting, currently up for sale on the Dude’s (that’s me) website?  Besides me and Gino, that is?
 
Interesting story behind this painting.  Here it is...
 
When a friend of mine called to say that he’d just completed a Dr. Doom painting in watercolor, I was excited for him.  He’d just gotten a new agent, but when my artist friend delivered the painting to this agent, the agent told him it “wasn’t polished enough”.  Regarding this agent’s comment as mostly nonsense, I told the friend to send the original art directly to me, and I would check it out personally.  When the piece arrived in my mailbox, I called my friend, and I told him it was a very worthy piece, but if you’re willing to take the chance, maybe I can find a way to “push the dramatics a bit more” on his painting.  “Would you be OK with me doing that, directly on your original?”  Said friend said yes, so I did. 
 
After sending the new touches I did back to my friend, he then sent the new version off to his agent for a possible revised opinion.  Apparently the agent still wasn’t convinced.  Did I mention how little I think of this agent’s opinion?
 
Still, the results you see on this Dr. Doom watercolor painting are about 75% Dude and 25% my artist friends work.  He and I will split the profits 60/40 with the majority going to him.
 
Those interested in inquiring about this Dr. Doom co-production, I’ll look forward to hearing your comments.
 
--The always curious Dude
 
View online: http://www.steverudeart.com/Steve_Rude_and_Cutter_Hays_Painting_p/drdoomcutter.htm

Monday, March 18, 2013

A NEW ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE HEAD DUDE HIMSELF


http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/steverude/2013-steve-rude-the-dude-sketchbook

"LIKE, WE DID IT, DUDE!"
A NEW ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE HEAD DUDE HIMSELF...

 Well, take a deep breath, marathoners!  We made our Kickstarter goal!  You fans backed us all the way, sent in the bread, and in record time we now have 10 grand to show for it. The 2013 Sketchbook can now get officially underway.

Now we can really pack the pages with more of the right stuff-the many unseen comic art commissions, peeks into my endless sketchbook studies as I prepare for another issue of Nexus, plus an even larger color section featuring all the recent watercolor and oil painting I've done.

So to all you fans out there;  high-five, low-five, I-can't-drive-55--you made it all happen!


Stretch Goals
  • $15,000 Print #4 added as a purchase option
  • $20,000 Print #5 added as a purchase option
  • $30,000 + 18 pages to sketchbook = 90
  • $40,000 Add 16 page minibook FREE for first 100 supporters and as purchase option.  Exclusive Presale only item.
  • $50,000 Add a Steve Rude Portfolio as a purchase option with 6-10 prints in signed folder.  Exclusive Presale only item.
  • $60,000 + 20 pages to sketchbook = 110 pages
  • $70,000 + 10 pages to sketchbook = 120 pages
  • $80,000 + 10 pages to sketchbook = 130 pages
  • $90,000 + 10 pages to sketchbook = 140 pages
  • $100,000 + 10 pages to sketchbook = 150 pages

AN INTERESTING NEW DEVELOPMENT...

Gino has been telling me about something she calls a "stretch goal".  It's where we push ourselves even further, drain our cash reserves even more than before, adding in a few more items to help the cause.


"Like how much farther do we have to flash the cash, Mr. Dude?" 

Well, for example, do you guys feel like backing us with a new scanner to replace ours that went out with disco pants?  Anyone who's ever owned a good one knows how invaluable they are.   2.5 grand and it's ours. 

IN A LEAGUE OF OUR OWN... Mlle Marie

Hard to believe, but I've seen some artists fresh out of junior art school raise over 300 grand with Kick.  I'm not sure how that's pulled off; maybe they promise a box of girl scout cookies with every Zombie X-Men sketch.  Maybe they've got the numbers, but they don't have our class.  Our bud, Alice Cooper, can wonder about "class" and "principles", but to para-quote a famous Elvis cover, "How can 7,000 Dude Facebook fans go wrong?"

Should we find out how far can we streeeeetch this Kickstarter thing?!?

The humble Dude awaits the answer.





STEVE RUDE 2013 SKETCHBOOK KICKSTARTER DETAILS

2013SKB_Cover
SKETCHBOOK

This year we are starting with a 72 page full color book with an assortment of commissions AND pages from Steve's private sketchbooks.   The book can grow up to 150 pages at NO EXTRA COST for presale orders! 

As we reach our goals we'll "UNLOCK" more pages (10 at a time) for a total of 150 pages.

$20: Unsigned Sketchbook

$25: Signed Sketchbook + Presale only Bookmark/Nexus Print!  




THERE IS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE.
WE EVEN HAVE A HARDCOVER VERSION AVAILABLE! 

A FEW OF THE ADDITIONAL OPTIONS INCLUDE...

2013 Prints 1-3  
  T-Shirt 
   
Alternate Supergirl Cover  


MONEY BACK GUARANTEE 

Everyone who has received commissions from Steve in the past will agree that Steve goes above and beyond with everything he does.  If you're not completely satisfied then we'll give you a full refund of the purchase price.   




For every $2,000 in presale funds raised we will list a new sketch on eBay!  Here's what we have listed so far.  Only Medusa and Vesper Lynn remain.  Black Panther will launch when we hit $12,000!

  Super Skrull    
      
    
 

NEW OPTION ADDED... 
2013 Sketchbook Kickstarter Image

Have Steve draw a CUSTOM headsketch on the inside of the sketchbook!The option is for the Nexus cover, but upgrade to any of the alternative covers, or even the hardcover.

Saturday, March 9, 2013

QUITTING THE FINE ART WORLD

A SMALL THOUGH FAIRLY SIGNIFICANT NEW ANNOUNCEMENT FROM...
 THE HUMBLE DUDE...

*********************************************
"Encore" 19 x 25 Pastel
Well folks,  I supposed it had to happen someday.  As happy and upbeat as I try to be in these personal writings to all you Dude fans, there may on occasion be some news that may even depress the humble and usually optimistic Steve Rude himself.

I wish it was something as relatively paltry as the new “blowhard” destroying some of my irreplaceable art books, or say, the Sillies fighting over what show they’re going to watch, complaining about eating something that’s healthy “but doesn’t taste good” for dinner, or saying  things to deliberately hurt each others feelings—and denying they’re doing it.  Or even something as mundane as the poor Mrs. Dude getting frustrated over still having a disorganized, messy office after 8 years.  No friends, this one is a little more...personal.

THE NEWS..!

After spending 4 years and thousands of dollars in pursuit of getting into the nations various art galleries, acceptance into certain juried art shows, some brief mention in the pages of American Artist, or a smidgeon of real acknowledgment from the strange and insolated world of Fine Art, I’m now basically and politely telling these people—to go screw themselves.

SAY IT AINT SO, JOE..

"Jamie in Cutoffs" 19 x 25 Pastel
Sad but true.  I’ve read all the magazines, know all the top players, and have come to at least one apparent conclusion regarding the actual artists themselves:  I have never heard more useless and fanciful gibberish than from those who toil in the fine art world.

Their deliberate and endless use of “art speak” accompanies their every lecture like an academic banana peel, as they slide endlessly around the point, not once having the common sense (or courage) to simply say it in straight English.  Where one direct sentence will do, they use 50.  They cling to words like “transcendence”, “juxtapose”, or “verisimilitude”, as though their scholarly credibility might crash without them.  Pity the students of these so-called teachers, wondering if they’ll ever hear a single word of useable advice for which they’ve paid so much to finally learn.

But, is all truly lost, you may ask?  Will they continue to bar the work of the humble Dude from their often incoherent and oddly exclusive ranks?

THE HUMBLE DUDE’S NEW PLAN OF ATTACK-ACK-AK...

"Camouflage" 12 x 16 Oil on Board
Fear not, intrepid believers of all things worth attaining...for the hopes of some success in the fine art world is not completely lost on me.  Besides, I’ve actually got a much greater plan in the works, as I strive the bring the funtastic art of the Dude to the greater masses.  It’s something that the psychology world calls...passive resistance.

Instead of spending time, money, and groundless optimism in hopes of helping the hoity-toity fine-art types see the light...I’m simply going to engage in the time-honored practice of doing nothing at all!  Hey, that shouldn’t be hard.

Basically, I’ll just keep doing what I always do; painting from the models and doing some still lifes, but without the expectations and the forking out of the thousands of clams in attempts to get noticed.  And remember what I said about DC calling me about the Dollar Bill job that came out in January?  “If they want you, they’ll call you.”  It applies to pretty much everyone.

But, enough bla-bla-ing.  Hopefully we’re all excited to see what’s coming up from the brush and palette of the Dude.

It might even surprise both of us.

The Dude

2013 SKETCHBOOK LIVE ON KICKSTARTER


We're excited to announce that our 2013 Sketchbook presale has launched on Kickstarter!  Unlike previous years, it's all or nothing -- if we don't make our goal, we don't make our sketchbook!  We've also brought on board a professional designer to ensure deadlines are met and give the book the classy design it deserves.

Explore our rewards below.  Questions and comments are always welcome.  I think we've put together some awesome incentives!

2013 SKETCHBOOK
Signed or Unsigned

$20 - 2013 Sketchbook (unsigned)
+ Presale Exclusive Bookmark + Presale Exclusive Postcard
$25 - 2013 Sketchbook (signed) + Presale Exclusive Print #1 + Presale Exclusive Bookmark + Presale Exclusive Postcard
$40 - FRIEND PACKAGE #1: Buy a 2013 signed sketchbook for yourself and give one to a friend! Includes 2 exclusive bookmarks and 2 postcards!
 $45 - SKETCHBOOK/PRINTS: 2013 Signed Sketchbook, all 3 Exclusive Prints (#1-3), Exclusive bookmark & postcard

ALTERNATE COVERS
Wondergirl, Supergirl, or Choose your own!  
Facebook fans voted on their favorite image for an alternate cover and they chose Wondergirl.  Steve favored Supergirl, so we added her as a sec
Hearing the masses speak, however, we added a "choose your own" sketchbook cover -- everybody happy?!?


$50 - WINNING COVER: Alternate Cover (your choice Wondergirl or Supergirl) , signed + Presale Exclusive Print #1 + Presale Exclusive Bookmark + Presale Exclusive Postcard

$75 - CHOOSE YOUR COVER: Customize your Alternate Cover (from images shown at left) , signed + Presale Exclusive Print #1 + Presale Exclusive Bookmark + Presale Exclusive Postcard

$90 - FRIEND PACKAGE #2: Buy a 2013 ALTERNATE COVER (your choice Wondergirl or Supergirl) signed sketchbook for yourself and give one to a friend! Includes 2 exclusive print #1 + 2 exclusive bookmarks and 2 postcards!

$125 - FRIEND PACKAGE #3: Buy a 2013 ALTERNATE COVER (your choice any cover) sketchbook for yourself and give one to a friend (can choose a different cover)! Includes 2 exclusive print #1 + 2 exclusive bookmarks and 2 postcards!


PRINTS
2012 & 2013 Prints We have a few of the 2012 Sketchbook exclusive prints available, and 3 new prints for sale.  As the contribution level goes up so does the number of prints available!

$10 - EXCLUSIVE PRINT: The fans have spoken and the most popular images are here as prints! Currently choose from Image #1, 2, or 3, and more choices will be UNLOCKED as funding is increased! Prints are 8x10 and professionally printed on heavy stock paper.

$10 - 2012 PRINTS: Set of all 3 prints from the 2012 fundraiser. Prints are 8x10 and professionally printed on heavy stock, glossy.

NEXUS FACE T-SHIRT
Our most popular shirt is back!

 This shirt sells out fast!  For the presale, order ANY size including youth or XXXL.  We're placing a new order and will hook you up!

$20 - NEXUS TSHIRT: One of Steve's signature black Nexus Face T-Shirts in any size. Made from Preshrunk Hanes Beefy Ts + Presale Exclusive Bookmark + Presale Exclusive Postcard

$100 - I WANT IT ALL - SUPER FAN: 2013 Signed Sketchbook + 2013 ALTERNATE COVER signed sketchbook (your choice Wondergirl or Supergirl) + Nexus Black Face TShirt (any size) + Includes all 3 presale prints + exclusive bookmark and postcard!

$500 - DIE HARD FAN: LIMITED EDITION SKETCH COVER + Nexus Face TShirt (Any Size) + All 3 Presale Exclusive Prints + Presale Exclusive Bookmark + Presale Exclusive Postcard (Upgrade to color for $250)

STEVE RUDE ARTIST IN MOTION
Regular or Deluxe Edition If you haven't picked up the Artist in Motion book do it NOW - it's the definitive book on Steve and a must read for fans.  Absolutely stunning!

$75 - ART FAN: Artist in Motion (Regular Edition) + 2013 signed Sketchbook + Kickstarter Exclusive Print #1 + Kickstarter Exclusive Bookmark + Kickstarter Exclusive Postcard

$100 - SUPER ART FAN: Artist in Motion (Deluxe Limited Edition) + 2013 Sketchbook + Presale Exclusive Print #1 + Presale Exclusive Bookmark + Presale Exclusive Postcard

$300 - SUPER FAN: 2013 Signed Sketchbook + All in stock sketchbooks + all years on pdf + Artist in Motion (Deluxe Edition) + Presale Exclusive Print #1 + Presale Exclusive Bookmark + Presale Exclusive Postcard

ORIGINAL ARTWORK EVERY $2,000
Incentives to keep momentum going

For every $2,000 in contributions, we'll post a new sketch or other original piece of artwork for sale as last year's prices!

The first 4 pieces are The Thing, Vesper Lynn, Super Skrull, and Medusa (shown left).

Most sketches will be done on 11x14 inch bristol with permanent artist marker.  Amazing sketches at great prices.  Only with the presale!


PAINTING WITH THE DUDE
One on one art lessons in Steve's studio!
$1,000 - PAINTING WITH THE DUDE: Private weekend art lesson with the Dude at his studio in Arizona! + 2013 Signed Sketchbook + Presale Exclusive Print #1 + Presale Exclusive Bookmark + Presale Exclusive Postcard


NEXUS SPACE OPERA PAINTING
TPB Cover for Sale 

$3,000 - ORIGINAL ARTWORK! The cover to Nexus: Space Opera Trade Paperback! + 2013 Signed Sketchbook + Kickstarter Exclusive Bookmark and Postcard! Original watercolor, 20" x 30" on cold press board. + 2013 Signed Sketchbook + Presale Exclusive Print #1 + Presale Exclusive Bookmark + Presale Exclusive Postcard

2013 SKETCHBOOK COMING TO KICKSTARTER




We're starting to plan for the 2013 Sketchbook!  This year we're changing things up.  Along with the regular cover, we're going to offer a limited edition of an alternative cover.  If you haven't voted yet, go to our 2013 Sketchbook album and "LIKE" your favorite(s).  The image with the most likes by Wednesday, 27th, will become our alternative cover.  3 favorite images will also be chosen for this year's prints!

WHAT SHOULD STEVE DO -- If we reach $100,000 then we'd like to see Steve do something special, something crazy, give us your best ideas.  Free sketch if we choose yours.

TENTATIVE KICKSTARTER IDEAS...

ITEMS BEING OFFERED:

Previous Sketchbooks on PDF (8) (03,05,06,07,08,09,10,12)
Previous Hardcopy sketchbooks (5) (07,08,09,10,12)
2013 Sketchbook
2013 PDF
Artist in Motion Book Deluxe Edition (International shipping due up to $40)
3 Prints – 8x10 – overstock from 2012 SKB Presale
Prints (1-3)
Dollar Bill Postcard
16-page exclusive minibook
AIH Nexus Archive V1 Black and White
Nexus 99-102 as set
Nexus Face TShirt
Doodle in 2013 Sketchbook
Kickstarter Exclusive Bookmark
Kickstarter Exclusive Dollar Bill Postcard
Commissions
Skype
Personalized Art Instruction Weekend

OFFERS:
  1. $5 KS Exclusive Dollar Bill Postcard
  2. $10 Nexus As It Happened Archive B&W + Exclusive KS Bookmark + KS Exclusive Dollar Bill Postcard
  3. $10 Set of Nexus 99-102 + Exclusive KS Bookmark + KS Exclusive Dollar Bill Postcard
  4. $10 Set of prints from 2012 (Limit 30) + Exclusive KS Bookmark + KS Exclusive Dollar Bill Postcard
  5. $10 Black Nexus Face T-Shirt, Any Size (S-3XL) + Exclusive KS Bookmark + KS Exclusive Dollar Bill Postcard
  6. $15 Nexus Archive + Nexus 99-102 + Exclusive KS Bookmark + KS Exclusive Dollar Bill Postcard
  7. $15 Pick a PDF (includes 2013)
  8. $20 Pick a previous sketchbook (not 2013) + Exclusive KS Bookmark + KS Exclusive Dollar Bill Postcard
  9. $25 hardcopy 2013 sketchbook no print + Exclusive KS Bookmark + KS Exclusive Dollar Bill Postcard
  10. $30 hardcopy 2013 sketchbook + Print #1 + Exclusive KS Bookmark + KS Exclusive Dollar Bill Postcard
  11. $50 All 8 previous sketchbooks in PDF
  12. $60 All 9 sketchbooks in PDF (includes 2013)
  13. $75 Deluxe Edition of Artist in Motion book (int’l shipping $40) + Exclusive KS Bookmark + KS Exclusive Dollar Bill Postcard
  14. $80 2013 SKB + all (9) PDFs + all Print #1 + Exclusive KS Bookmark + KS Exclusive Dollar Bill Postcard
  15. $100 2013 SKB with a Doodle + Print #1 (Limit 20) + Exclusive KS Bookmark + KS Exclusive Dollar Bill Postcard
  16. $250 all 6 sketchbooks + all 9 PDFs + Print #1 + Exclusive KS Bookmark + KS Exclusive Dollar Bill Postcard
  17. $300 all 6 sketchbooks + all 9  PDFs + Print #1 + Deluxe AIM + Exclusive KS Bookmark + KS Exclusive Dollar Bill Postcard
  18. $500 SKYPE chat with Steve + hardcopy 2013 sketchbook + Print #1 + Exclusive KS Bookmark + KS Exclusive Dollar Bill Postcard
  19. $500 B&W, 11x14 Marker Commission Sketch (Limit 5) Steve + hardcopy 2013 sketchbook + Print #1 + Exclusive KS Bookmark + KS Exclusive Dollar Bill Postcard
  20. $750 Color Marker 11x14 Commission Sketch (Limit 2) + hardcopy 2013 sketchbook + Print #1 + Exclusive KS Bookmark + KS Exclusive Dollar Bill Postcard
  21. $1,000 India Ink B&W Commission Sketch (Limit 2) + hardcopy 2013 sketchbook + Print #1 + Exclusive KS Bookmark + KS Exclusive Dollar Bill Postcard
  22. $1,000 – weekend of private art lessons with the Dude in Arizona in his private studio.  Steve will custom design a weekend based on your interest.  Travel expenses to Arizona, hotel, etc, are not included in the price. (limit 1) + hardcopy 2013 sketchbook + Print #1 + Exclusive KS Bookmark + KS Exclusive Dollar Bill Postcard
  23. $1,250 India Ink w/Colored Marker Commission Sketch + hardcopy 2013 sketchbook + Print #1 + Exclusive KS Bookmark + KS Exclusive Dollar Bill Postcard
  24. $1,500 India Ink w/Watercolor Commission Sketch + hardcopy 2013 sketchbook + Print #1 + Exclusive KS Bookmark + KS Exclusive Dollar Bill Postcard
  25. $2,500 Watercolor Commission, 12x18 or larger + hardcopy 2013 sketchbook + Print #1 + Exclusive KS Bookmark + KS Exclusive Dollar Bill Postcard
  26. $2,500 “Tango” Watercolor on board (???, size???) + hardcopy 2013 sketchbook + Print #1 + Exclusive KS Bookmark + KS Exclusive Dollar Bill Postcard
  27. $5,000 Watercolor Commission , 18x24 or larger + hardcopy 2013 sketchbook + Print #1 + Exclusive KS Bookmark + KS Exclusive Dollar Bill Postcard
  28. $10,000 Oil on Canvas, 20x30 or larger + hardcopy 2013 sketchbook + Print #1 + Exclusive KS Bookmark + KS Exclusive Dollar Bill Postcard

1 hour skype chat (or in person if you are in Arizona) - review your portfolio, or talk about anything you want for an hour (Limit 2) + 2013 sketchbook + Print #1 + Exclusive KS Bookmark + KS Exclusive Dollar Bill Postcard

Private Weekend Art Lesson with Steve – (Travel to Arizona not included).  Arrive Thursday/Friday and leave Sunday. (Date time decided later)  Private lessons in Steve’s studio customized just for you.  You keep final art. (Limit 1) + 2013 sketchbook + Print #1 + Exclusive KS Bookmark + KS Exclusive Dollar Bill Postcard

UNLOCKED GOALS! 
  • $15,000 Print #2 to all tiers with a print
  • $20,000 Print #3 to all tiers with a print
  • $30,000 +18 pages to sketchbook = 90 pages
  • $40,000 Add Exclusive 16 page minibook to all tiers
  • $50,000 + 10 pages to sketchbook = 100 pages
  • $60,000 + 10 pages to sketchbook = 110 pages
  • $70,000 + 10 pages to sketchbook = 120 pages
  • $80,000 + 10 pages to sketchbook = 130 pages
  • $90,000 + 10 pages to sketchbook = 140 pages
  • $100,000 + 10 pages to sketchbook = 150 pages

STEVE RUDE COMMISSIONS ANNOUNCEMENT




STEVE RUDE COMMISSIONS ANNOUNCEMENT

The Dude is pleased to announce that the much sought after commission list is finally reopened for orders after finishing up the current list.  Orders can be placed at www.steverude.com/commissions.

But wait....what's that?...OMG, the prices have increased!?!?!

WHAT'S UP WITH THAT?

Fellow Rude fans, after several years of doing commissions for pennies on the dollars and being able to commission a custom watercolor for drastically less than the price of the finished paintings, the Dude and Gino have made the hard decision to finally increase the prices.

After taking nearly 2 weeks to complete a $500 watercolor while putting aside pressing new Nexus pages, it was determined that something had to give and it was not to be buying groceries, gas, or the Sillies dental check-ups.

FEAR NOT--PENNY AUCTIONS ARE BACK!

Can't afford a custom commission piece??  No problemo!  While you're saving up your dollars for that special piece we are once again offering EBAY PENNY ACTIONS!  Original pieces by Steve starting at only 1 penny with no reserve.  Look for these starting on Tuesday's and ending on Sunday's.    

MARY JANE WATSON AS THE HARVEST QUEEN...

Shown above is a Mary Jane Watson watercolor painting as some kind of goddess of the harvest.  That’s right.  That’s what the guy wanted me to paint for his commission.  He said the idea for this piece was based on a vintage poster from his hometown in Ohio that seemed to get too little exposure for the fine piece of mural art that it is, and if I, the humble Dude, could do my “take” on it.  Well, as you can see from the reference of the actual mural, I did my usual “way-different” version from the actual painting he supplied me with.  Typical.

ABOVE AND BEYOND

I think everyone who has received commissions from Steve in the past will agree that Steve goes above and beyond with his commissions.  If you're not completely satisfied then we'll give you a full refund or Steve will redo the piece.  This gives him the artistic freedom to alter the request, and the customer the right to say he liked the original idea better.

RECENT COMMISSIONS:

10 THINGS ARTISTS SHOULD BE THANKFUL FOR


By Sylvia White, Art Advice
http://www.artadvice.com/blog/2011/09/22/10-things-artists-should-be-thankful-for/

“Gratitude is when memory is stored in the heart and not in the mind. ”  Lionel Hampton

By the time most artists come to see me, they are usually beaten down and depressed by the struggles of the artworld.  They have been abused by their galleries, taken for granted by their collectors, misunderstood by their families and exhausted from juggling real life with creative need. It is so easy to forget how special you are, when there is no one around to remind you, but you.  So, in the spirit of Thanksgiving, I give you my list of 10 Things Artists Should Be Thankful For.  Print this out, fold it up and put in your wallet.  Send it to your artist friends.  Read it whenever you feel all your work is for nothing and you are thinking maybe you should just stop making art and grow up.  Post it in your studio when you are wondering what the heck you are going to do with all this work?  But, most of all…believe it. Remember, it is impossible to feel thankful and be depressed at the same time.

1. I am thankful that I am not one of the majority of people in this world that wakes up every morning, goes to a job they hate, just to come home and do it all over again.

2.  I am thankful that when I am away from my studio, my ideas come with me, they keep me company everywhere I go.

3.  I am thankful for this passion that gives me so much joy (and angst) but mostly joy.

4.  I am thankful that when I have left this earth, I will leave something meaningful behind.

5.  I am thankful that I have a mind that can not sleep, I will never be bored.

6.  I am thankful that there is a part of my life that nobody can control, except me.

7.  I am thankful that no one in the world can ever take this gift from me.

8.  I am thankful that I am brave, it takes courage to pursue my gift.

9.  I am thankful that I am never satisfied, it forces me to move forward and grow.

10.  I am thankful I discovered this list!  Pass it on.