18 Tips on How to Sell Your Art on eBay

October 9th, 2009

EBay is ONE way artists can start selling their artwork online and get instant exposure to art buyers around the world.  However, as more and more artists are selling their artwork on eBay, the competition has become fierce. With over 60,000 works of art currently being sold directly by artists on eBay, it can seem like your artwork disappears into the abyss.

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“Sorry” / “Excuse Me” in Japanese: Sumimasen

October 4th, 2009

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Yes and No In Japanese: Hai / Iie

October 4th, 2009

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Certificate of Authenticity Sample (For Your Original Paintings)

October 3rd, 2009

When I sell my original paintings on eBay, I make sure to include a Certificate of Authenticity (C.O.A.). This is a great way to include all the information the art buyer might want to have on hand about the artwork. Read the rest of this entry »

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How to Say “Thank You” In Japanese: Dōmo Arigatō

October 3rd, 2009

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How to Say “Please” In Japanese: Kudasai and Onegai Shimasu

October 2nd, 2009

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15 Tips on Packaging and Shipping Paintings

August 15th, 2009
These tips are for Canadian artists who want to package and ship their own small to medium-sized paintings.  (Of course, other people may benefit from this post as well.) Read the rest of this entry »
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An Orchid Painting Inspired by Patience (Nintai)

July 24th, 2009

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The Orchid and Patience

At the end of its blooming cycle, the orchid is less appealing without its stunning flowers.  However, with continuous nurturing of the orchid, one day it will unexpectedly bloom again.  Your patience is rewarded.

My Impatience

Although I’m a Canadian artist, 90% of my customers used to be Americans buying art to furnish new homes and buildings.  By early 2008, I could feel the economic crisis begin to sneak up on my business.  However, in September 2008, it hit me right in the wallet.  I lost about 80% of those customers within a few months, and my struggle as a self-representing artist began. Read the rest of this entry »

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Bonsai Painting – Dokutoku (Uniqueness)

July 18th, 2009

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The bonsai tree is the perfect representation of how being unique is truly beautiful.  By carefully and patiently crafting yourself to be authentic, you don’t blend into the background.  You grow into an eclectic, inspirational soul.

I love painting bonsai trees because I don’t care too much about ‘fitting in’ or ‘following the crowd’.  This was especially obvious in my high school years.  I was called a freak quite a few times, was constantly made fun of the way I looked and dressed, got my head smashed into a locker (and locked in a locker once) and people had trouble categorizing me into a group or ‘click’.

Even though I felt misunderstood and my heart was aching for a good 6 years, I knew that someday I’d look back and think, “This is ridiculous”.  So, I kept on learning how to be my own person no matter the criticism, the rumors, and the betrayal of friends. Read the rest of this entry »

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Mount Fuji Painting

July 17th, 2009
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Buy the Mount Fuji Art Print

I love Mount Fuji because it’s one of the best subjects for landscape paintings.  In my opinion, the majesty of this mountain is a great visual representation of sacred power.

In order to add contrast and accentuate Mount Fuji’s grandeur, I painted delicate pink cherry blossom branches.  The cherry blossom also balanced out the painting quite well.  I decided not to paint any Japanese calligraphy because it would have made the painting too complex.

You can read about my Mount Fuji climbing experience, and view another painting I made of this mountain, by going to my blog post ‘Satori (Enlightenment, Awakening) Painting – Art inspired by Mount Fuji‘. Read the rest of this entry »

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