Here is what a friend sent me as a comment on my recent post regarding gas prices

Gas Prices Could Slam Summer Travel
Tipping Point for Daily Driving Is $4.38
Three in 10 Americans say the soaring price of gasoline will keep them from taking a vacation road trip this summer, and the tipping point for most people to cut back on their routine driving is within sight -- on average, a bit more than $1 a gallon away.

The owners of this gas station in Rochester, N.Y., show what they think of gas prices on their street front sign.
(Forest McMullin/WpN)
With gas now averaging $3.22 for a gallon of regular unleaded, Americans on average say that at $4.38 they would significantly cut back on the amount of driving they do.
Another apparent impact is already at hand -- a potentially damaging one for segments of the tourism industry. Twenty-nine percent of Americans in this ABC News/Washington Post poll say that – specifically because of the price of gasoline -- they're not planning a long-distance driving holiday this summer.
The economic impact may be broader still, reaching out across the retail industry that powers much of the nation's economy. To pay the higher price of gas, 43 percent of Americans say they're cutting back on other spending,

Up for the Challenge? With Gas Prices...

Check out the latest on Gas Prices...Geez...

Look what this guy is doing about it.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080516/ap_on_fe_st/odd_no_more_gas

Listen to my challenge.

http://www.utterz.com/~u-NTA3ODM0NA/utt.php#uttNTA3ODM0NA

My Latest Purchase----not art but, can it be considered as such?

Ok..my blow dryer went kaputt...the other day..so I hurriedly had to replace it. I am fascinated with my new purchase. It is compact in size ..has a cool Artsy design and color flare to it and it works FABULOUSLY! It blow drys my hair in two minutes...wow.... I am in love with it.

Whoever was the designer on this piece did a fine job...someone had to design the look on each product around our homes...ever think about that? Even the car we drive...there is design and creativity in our day to day lives..

Here is a pic of my latest...Remington "It's all that!" blowdryer..a little Pop Artish in design.

Great Art Collection Magazine...Recommend it

Hi there...I indulge in one magazine the most out of all magazines available.

American Art Collector --it is $36.00 per year ...12 issues.

But the Content is great material to read due to tips for collectors on who's HOT and also an inspiration magazine for artists. You see how other artist are selling their work at how their values are going up...

Tips that I found in one article are the following.

From the October 2005 issue. --pg. 20 Article by Aldo Castillo from the Aldo Castillo Gallery in Chicago. Visit www.artaldo.com

"Most clients will claim that they buy art because they love art. The bottom line is that in the back of their minds, collectors are looking for a good investment that is also a pleasing creation and makes a statement."

Do's and Don't of Art Collecting

I would advise to future collectors to:

• Do ask for payment plans where necessary


• Do look at different venues for purchasing art: artist studios, art festivals, galleries, antique shops


• Do ask for information; venues are gennerally happy to provide information at no charge


• Do trust your instincts and your personal style


• Do consider the purchase of art as you would real estate investments


• Do know when to negotiate the price

I would tell future collectors to beware of these 6 traps:

• Don't forget to check a gallery's reputation


• Don't deal directly with controversial artists


• Don't be pressured into purchasing a piece too quickly


• Don't overspend on works that are percieved more as decoration than art


• Don't agree on an unfair deal due to lack of research about pricing.


• Don't be intimidated by galleries.

The tips above were taken directly from the magazine for your information.

Since I am also an art collector...which do's I have followed are the going with my instincts and following my style and the payment plan option...since I am on a budget.

The Traps that I have experiences...buying something under pressure...tipsy on wine...and then waking up the next morning...not liking my purchase....shame on me...I kept the piece instead of returning because I figure it was nobody's fault but mine...so I am waiting for the right person to walk into my home and saying that the LOVE the pieces I don't care for to give them as a gift or maybe I will give them away to an auction for a good cause.

New Gallery in Little Rock, AR Representing my work

For all of you art Lovers or if you know anyone in the Little Rock, AR area...tell your friends....my artwork is now available in Little Rock at a gallery.
Gibraltar Gallery
221 W. 2nd Street, Suite A, Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone is 501-375-4700 (BY APPOINTMENT ONLY)

As most of you know, my fresh work is always sent to the galleries first...then after a six month gallery run for each new piece it is then offered to everyone through my online e-store at http://www.miczedesignstudio.com/available_originals.htm/

But, some people like to buy art directly from the galleries because they can actually see the artwork LIVE in person. Different strokes for different folks.
check it out.

~Matilde

Here is my latest painting---for a Cupid Exhibit in February

New Art---Reflections on the Season

Well Summer is almost over and we will be welcoming the Fall Season. I live in Sunny South Texas so Fall is sort of unusual for us. We tend to enjoy not having to deal with 100 plus weather. I really enjoyed this Summer Season the most and my work reflects it. However, I am welcoming the Fall through my Art As well.

Here is my "Farewell to Summer Painting"---

And here is my Welcoming the Fall Painting....

I decided to pick up mediums that I haven't used in a while ...and I experimented. Watercolors, pencils, oil pastels, acrylics, glue and more....They are both available for Sale through my online store.

These two pieces are a great mix of abstract contemporary art. I enjoyed the freedom this style provides. Hope you enjoy them as well.

Until next time.

~Matilde

Enjoying the Summer Life

My favorite month of the year is here and I am still enjoying the summer's heat and greatness of the season. I am especially enjoying coming home and changing the work shoes for the flip-flops.

I have been inspired to paint summer paintings by my indulgence of summer. My latest and favorite is shown below....the freedom that my feet and toes have is certainly a delight. My collector's have already purchased a few of my newest, "Summer Fever" paintings so I guess my enjoyment is getting passed along so others can indulge as well.

While the paintings shown in the slide show below are quite representational of the subject matters not, all paintings are but instead representational of emotions...etc....and are painted distinctively to where the viewer has to look for its symbolism. Artist's that paint non-representational art work want to cause a visual sensation for the viewers. This is tough to achieve for even artists, as myself who focus on painting art that reflects the subject matter. Here is my only piece I did that is semi non-representational but, still reflective of some subject matter...therefore, again, painting non-representational pieces can be difficult even for an artist to produce.

Titled: "Suffocation"

Here is a great website that explains a bit more on non-representational art : http://www.humanitiesweb.org/human.php?s=g&p=a&a=i&ID=589

If I bump into any of my artist's friends that paint in this format I will ask to photograph and post on this blog. So that I can share with my web viewers.

Well, I hope that you are all having a fabulous 2007 summer and stay on the look out for more of my "Summer Fever" paintings.