Jill Van Sickle

Desert Paintings

jill_vansickle — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 18:05:51 +0000

I’ve been lucky enough to spend some time in AZ (thanks so much house/pet sitters for allowing this trip!) and have been inspired by the colors and blooming plants. Here are some of the pieces I’ve been working on. :)

New Show up in Minneapolis

jill_vansickle — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 02:21:26 +0000

In addition to my exhibition at Hennepin County Medical Center, I have a show that opens today at Theater in the Round in Minneapolis. It is open during regular workday hours M-F, and during theater productions. The building will not be open weekend days.

So Pretty

jill_vansickle — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 15:24:27 +0000

I often feel guilty when a painting turns out to be rather ‘pretty’. In the fine arts world, contemporary artwork that is ‘pretty’ is considered fluff; sell-out, unimportant, easy-to-write-off artwork. Being that I am a worry wort news junkie who is constantly shocked by the selfishness and cruelty that humans embody, anger, fury, and outrage are all very easy emotions for me to embrace. So, when I sit in front of a blank canvas, what comes out is an attempt to calm my nerves, please my eyes and give my brain a little break. This is exactly what I hope someone who looks at my work can experience. Yes, it’s a pretty simple concept, but still relevant, I think. And if you disagree, come and talk to me about it face to face. I will eat you alive. And then perhaps I’ll use all that energy to go and paint another ‘pretty’ piece. ;)

Wowzers! New work!

jill_vansickle — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 23:23:18 +0000

I’ve just posted loads of new work I’ve been working on for my Hennepin County Medical Center show that will be going up next week in the Blue building – check it out!

Commissions

jill_vansickle — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 19:51:51 +0000

I often have folks ask about sold pieces . . wanting something similar by way of a commission. Below is a piece I recently did for a couple who wanted a much larger piece based on the original they liked. It turned out great!

Original Piece 'Bristled Landscape'

5ft Commissioned Piece

Hawthorn Branch

jill_vansickle — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 15:13:37 +0000

I’ve been trying to remember to post new pieces on both my website and my facebook page. (Usually I just post on facebook.) In case you are not a social network geek (like me), a facebook page is not the same as a typical account. All you have to do is hit the ‘like’ button at the top of it to get updates on my artwork. I dont get any of your personal updates. So log in and ‘Like’ my page! –> Artist Jill Van Sickle

Hawthorn 18x36 $720

Here is a piece I finished last night! Where I walk my dog there is a pretty row of Hawthorn trees. I’m always happy to see those little red berries, even on a gloomy winter day.

Bloomington Art Center Exhibition

jill_vansickle — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 14:08:59 +0000

Thanks to Rachel, the Bloomington Art Center’s exhibition director, this show is displayed beautifully! Check it out! 2nd floor of the center – up until Nov. 13th.

Plentiful Paintings at Krista Artista

jill_vansickle — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 03:34:53 +0000

This morning I dropped of some new work at Krista Artista Gallery in Anoka. Of all the galleries I work with, she, by far, has more of my work than any other venue. I snapped some photos of her shop (below). My only complaint about her place is that it is quite difficult to leave empty handed! Today I treated myself to a ceramic piece by Chad Briggs. My sis, Cassidy Van Boylan, came with me to replenish her jewelry stock there, and also left with a piece by Briggs! Great minds think alike . . ;)

Expanding My Market – A Conundrum

jill_vansickle — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 14:38:51 +0000

This winter, one of my goals is to broaden my selling area. Though I love that Minnesotans have a wonderful art scene, I would like to begin to sell work to markets further away.

Here is the tricky part; shipping paintings to galleries is expensive! And, if those pieces don’t sell, I have to pay to have them shipped back. This can potentially be a big financial stab.

Online selling can be tricky too, because people often (and understandably) want to see the work in person before purchasing.

Anyone have any insights on this issue? I could really use the advice!

Website Woes

jill_vansickle — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 01:16:42 +0000

Hey all,

I’ve had several people complain that my site has too many sold items and not enough pieces available. I’m working on it! It’s tough to keep everything updated. I’m thinking I may change the site to have just two galleries, one for pieces sold and one for pieces available. Thoughts?