Last pieces for 2010

Title: Dangle Size: 24" x 24" Click the image to enlarge

Title: Clockwork Guardian Size: 11.4" x 15.4" Click the image to enlarge

Here's the last couple of pieces sold for this year. The first is a 24" x 24" abstract piece titled "Dangle" and the second is a limited edition screen print titled " clockwork guardian".

Back to work!!

First off I 'd like to wish everyone Happy Holidays.After a weekend of beer and turkey I've finally dragged myself back into the studio.I 've finished a large 30" x 48" abstract and I'm working on a 40" x 60" and a 36" x 36".I'm hoping I get at least one of them done before New Year's eve.

It's almost Christmas!

The year's coming to an end and it's time to take a holiday from the easel. I've always believed that even artist's can become worn out and it always helps to give your creative side a break. For the rest of the holidays I'll probably prep a couple of canvases but I won't do much. Enjoy life and you'll feel rejuvenated when you return to the studio.

Words of encouragement

One of the best things about selling work online is the ability to communicate with the collector. I think it's great when someone opens their package and sees an even more beautiful piece than they imagined.It's like opening a Christmas present! Here's what one of my collectors recently wrote-" I was very surprised when I received your painting today of the Little White Flowers. I am a member of the Cleveland Museum of Art and do not buy works " because they match my colors" I like the textures.Please continue to paint with much passion."

Imagekind

I've recently joined imagekind with the intention to offer prints of some of my work. I've always believed in the importance of buying original artwork,but I believe there's still a place for prints.

Some of my larger canvases are either too large or too expensive and a smaller giclee style print is the best option for them. Everything is done on their end from printing to framing and even shipping. I'll keep you posted on how everything goes. Here's the link to my images(I'll be adding a couple hundred of images). http://cenarte.imagekind.com/

Just Sold

Title:" Across The Sound " Size: 20" x 48" Triptych Click image to enlarge


Title:" The Little White Flowers " Size: 24" x 24" Click to image to enlarge

Here's a couple of pieces I just sold over the weekend.One was a floral piece and the other was an abstract seascape.

New Works

Title: " Floral 4" Size: 24" x 24" Click the image to enlarge


Title: " Floral 1 " Size: 24" x 24" Click the image to enlarge


I was lucky enough to obtain permission to sell a series of florals I painted for one of the galleries I work for. They are a sophisticated palette with extensive use of texture and mixed media.The only thing is that I have to keep the prices similar to the gallery's.They retail for $950usd and I have them in my store for $750usd so it's still a great deal. Here's the links to the pieces-http://cgi.ebay.ca/24-ORIGINAL-CONTEMPORARY-MODERN-FLORAL-ART-PAINTING-/220705611518?pt=Art_Paintings&hash=item3363145efe

http://cgi.ebay.ca/24-ORIGINAL-CONTEMPORARY-MODERN-FLORAL-ART-PAINTING-/320625771589?pt=Art_Paintings&hash=item4aa6c90445

Busy , busy

It seems like when it rains it pours, at least when art is concerned.The last few weeks have been very busy for me on and offline.I'm currently working on a small set of 4 canvases for a very important gallery project and I've also sold several pieces from my online stores.I'm looking forward to a busy holiday season.I'll just have to keep my fingers crossed.

Investing in Fine Art

I recently read an article about the Bank of Montreal holding a workshop for their wealthy investors at the Art Gallery of Ontario.It had to do with buying art as an investment.

Fine Art has been one of the most stable investments during these tough economic times and is often forgotten when people are thinking of what to do with their money.The actual term for it is a passion investment and includes fine jewelery, cars and art. They had some interesting numbers as well showing that all fine art appreciates at a rate of about 5% and highly collectable pieces are around 8%.Pretty good numbers versus standard investments.

At the end of the day I still say buy what you love and feel good knowing that your money has been well invested.

Remembrance Day

It's Remembrance Day today and I'd like to take some time to thank all the men and women who have fought for our freedom.On behalf of myself and my family we thank all those whose sacrifice will never be forgotten.

New Sold Pieces

Title: " Graffiti " Size: 30" x 30" Medium: Acrylic and mixed media on canvas


Title: " Nova II " Size: 24" x 24" Medium: Acrylic on canvas


Title: " Adobe " Size: 30" x 30" Medium: Acrylic and mixed media on canvas

These pieces were just sold over the weekend.Two of them went to a collector in Alberta and the other piece was sold to a collector in California. Click the images to see larger versions.

Ebay Auction pricing

I wanted to answer some questions several collectors had regarding auction pricing. When I price a piece for online auction, I usually try to ensure I'm covering all of my material costs as well as making a small profit. The price I decide upon is the lowest I can possibly sell the painting for. This allows for an attractive price and some room in case there are several bids.

I also don't believe in using a reserve price,where the auction might show $49.00 but will not sell unless you bid $200! It defeats the purpose of the auction. The price you see is how much you pay.
I'd also like to add that after the auctions end,the pieces are usually priced 2 or 3 times more.

New sold work

click the image to enlarge.

This Absract floral was just sold.The title is " Patchwork Vase " and the size is 36" x 36".

Just Sold

Here's a few pieces that were recently sold to a collector in New Jersey.



Title:Carnivale Size: 20" x 30"

Title: Misty Nights. Size: 40" x 40"

Online Gallery Update

It's almost been two years since I began my journey into the online art world and I wanted to post an update on my progress. My main gallery is Cen Arte on ebay. I've been on several other sites but I've found that ebay is still the most profitable for me. It's extremely competitive and volume is the name of the game. In the last few months I've been able to hit my target price points of $100-$400 on most of my paintings. In that range the collector get's a great bargain on gallery quality artwork.

About shipping

I wanted to talk about some of the shipping methods I use to ship my artwork.For North American shipments I usually use Expedited parcel(Canada Post), Express post , or UPS. Depending on size I've found Expedited Parcel to be one of the most reliable and affordable methods of shipping.It's considered a business class and sits between regular mail and Express.It usually takes about 4-6 business days to most major centers in North America. Insurance is also included up to $5000.There's also no issues with brokerage fees to the U.S. since it's Canada Post.

Express Post is another option I frequently use when a customer requires a piece faster than 4-6 business days.Express Post Usually takes 2-4 business days guaranteed in North America.It costs more than Expedited but Express post is a courier service.Canada post usually subcontracts these shipments to companies like FedEx or UPS.The main advantage being the lack of brokerage fees(crossing the border) and the ability to insure the artwork(UPS no longer insures artwork packed by the customer).If you miss the delivery the artwork will be left at the nearest postal outlet.

UPS is the last shipping service I use. There's just some pieces that are too big to be shipped any other way and UPS has a stronger base in Canada than FedEx. They're fairly affordable but I've found that when shipping to residential addresses they always come in the day when people are usually at work. If you miss the delivery you'll have to call the number on the yellow slip they leave and arrange a time for the next delivery attempt(they make up to 3 delivery attempts).
Then there's the issue of brokerage fees.Packages under $200usd are exempt from brokerage fees.After that there's a fee for bringing the work across the border.This is not a duty or tax(Original artwork is duty free).

Hopefully that shed some light on the confusing world of shipping.

New Pieces

Click the image to enlarge

Click the image to enlarge

I've just finished a new set of abstracts.They're titled "City Blocks(Ottawa)" 1 & 2, and they're part of the Urban tapestry series.They are 24" x 24" on 1.5" gallery stretchers.They'll be up for sale in my store tonight.

Busy In the Studio

I've been extremely busy the past few weeks in and out of the studio.I'm currently working on several new pieces for the web and hope to have some done today.I've been concentrating on larger sized canvases so it takes a little longer to finish the work.

I'm also reworking my website to tie it into my online store. I hope to have that up some time this week.

New Abstract

click the image to enlarge

I've just finished this new abstract piece.It's titled " Hustle " and is part of the Downtown streets series.The size is 36" x 48" and is done in acrylic and mixed media.It's for sale right now in my store.http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=220674043073&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT

Newly Sold Art

Click the image to enlarge

This large abstract was just sold to a collector in New Jersey.It's titled " Misty Nights" and the size is 40" x 40".

Trip to Ottawa

I've just returned from a short trip to Ottawa (nation's capitol).My wife and I decided to take our son for his 1st birthday.It was a great trip and I feel creatively re-energized.All the history, national museums and galleries have given me a ton of inspiration.

Newly Sold Work

Title: " Pedestal II " Click image for full view


Title: "Cool Down " Click image for full view


I wanted to share a couple of pieces I've just sold.The first is titled "Pedestal II" it's 24" x 24" and was bought by a collector in the UK. The next piece is a small abstract I painted on heavy print stock.It's titled " Cool Down " and is part of the urban tapestry series.This piece and a second small abstract were sold to a local collector in Bolton ON.

Labour Day!!

The last long weekend of the summer is over and it's time to get back into the studio. September has started out with a bang.With several newly sold pieces and a large offline commission it looks like it's going to be a busy fall.I'm working on several new canvases and I'll post some pics as soon as they're done.

New Floral Piece

I've just finished a new floral painting.It's a style where I use paint drips as flower stems.It's titled-" The Red Tulips" and is 24" x 36".It can be found for sale in my store.

Technical Difficulties

I've been having some computer issues for the last 2 weeks. As of this moment I am unable to post several completed paintings. My brother is a programmer so most of my problems get resolved pretty quickly but I hate sitting on my hands waiting to get new work out on the net.Hopefully I can get the new work up soon.

Custom Canvases

Last week I was building a custom canvas for another artist. It was a large 6ft x 9ft canvas on a 3inch deep gallery stretcher.It was so big I had to construct it in my backyard! I don't know if I'll ever build another canvas that large but it was a great experience. I can't wait to see the finished piece.

New Sold Pieces

Title-"First Snow" click to enlarge
Title-"Ethereal Sunset" click to enlarge

The last few weeks have been very busy for me. I've been flooded with work online and offline. I wanted to show a couple of pieces I sold to a collector in the UK.

Sold Pieces

Title-"Skyline 4 " click to enlarge
Title-" Skyline 3" click to enlarge

I've been very busy in the studio for the last couple of weeks with some commissions.Here's a couple of pieces that were just sold to a collector from North Carolina.

Sold piece

Click to see full image


This beautiful abstract was just sold to a collector in Europe.It's titled "Red Light Haze". The painting is done in Acrylic and mixed media.

New Artwork

Click image to enlarge

This is a large 40" x 40" abstract piece that I've just completed.It's titled" Misty Nights" and it's part of the Urban Tapestry series. It will be up in my store later tonight.

Sold Work

Here's a large 36" x 48" abstract piece that I sold last week. It's titled the "Blue Lagoon".

Studio Time

The last few weeks I've had several relatives visiting for the summer.It's mostly been relatives visiting my son(he's 10months old).I've realized that things are going to be different in terms of how much time I'm able to spend in the studio. Most people don't envision artist's lives outside of the studio. It's even hard for me to believe I've only finished one painting this week! Anyway I'm off to the Toronto Zoo on Friday with the kids.

Buying Art

I wanted to talk a little about buying art. I don't mean choosing art. I mean being able to afford it.I think it's probably an online thing , where a person sees a painting for $300 and asks if they can have it for $50.I feel it's important to help people understand what actually goes into producing an original work of art and why they are priced that way.

Materials are probably the most expensive part of the process. Even if an artist were to work with mid grade materials most large canvases are already $40-$100. The TriArt paints that I use are $30-$80 for a 1L jar. I also use different mediums like modeling paste & acrylic gels which are about $50-$60 per gal. I've not even added brushes,pencils,pastels and so on.

Then there's my time. I paint very fast and even then I only finish a few paintings a week. Most larger pieces take several hours of painting and if time is money how much is that worth?

Lastly, Fine Art is a luxury item. I know many artists that would argue that point,but the truth is it's not a necessity of life. I remember when I bought my wife her engagement ring.I couldn't outright afford one so I saved a bit and even then I didn't go straight to Tiffany's . I think this also applies to art.If you plan on buying a work of art even if it's online, then save a little.There are a ton of great works for under $300 and you'll really help to support us independent artists.

New Abstracts

This is a new set of small 16" x 16" abstract peices painted on heavy print paper.They are titled " Abstract 11 & 12". Check them out here in my store for under $50usd!!!
http://cgi.ebay.ca/16-ORIGINAL-MODERN-ABSTRACT-ART-PAINTING-Cen-Arte-/320568628091

http://cgi.ebay.ca/16-ORIGINAL-MODERN-ABSTRACT-ART-PAINTING-Cen-Arte-/220645577143

Sold Piece

I've just sold this 24" x 24" abstract piece to a collector in Montreal.The title is " The Divide".If anyone is interested in a similar piece just let me know.

New Piece

I've just finished this abstract floral painting.It's a large 36"x 36" titled " The Patchwork Vase".I've used acrylic and some mixed media on canvas.It will be for sale later tonight .

Textured Landscape

I've just finished painting this textured landscape.It's titled " Midnight Birches".The size is 24" x 48" on 1.5" Gallery Canvas. You can find it for sale in my store-http://jmcenteno.com/store/

Completed commission

I've just finished a large 2 piece commission. Unfortunately I can't post the actual images because of the nature of the project.I can hopefully get back to filling my online store.

New Sold Piece

This piece was just completed a couple of days ago and has already gone.It was actually found by the collector on Etsy. It's titled" In dreams ".For more pieces like this one check out my store-
http://jmcenteno.com/store/

Just Sold

I've just sold this large 30" x 60" abstract triptych to a Collector in the US.The piece is titled" The Red City". For more artwork like this check out my online store- http://jmcenteno.com/store/

White Abstract

I've just finished this new abstract, titled: Antique II. The size is 24" x 36" and is done in acrylics with mixed media and collage. This piece can be found at my CenArte store-
http://jmcenteno.com/store/

New Online Store

After a year and a half of selling my artwork exclusively on Ebay, I've finally opened my own online gallery. No more listing & high transaction fees. I think the hardest part of being exclusively on ebay were the constant policy changes.I had no control over my store. I haven't left ebay yet,but I'm hoping that most of my collectors go to my new site first to find new pieces. The best thing is that collectors can now truly buy "Direct from the Artist".


here's the link to my new store-http://jmcenteno.com/store/

Just Sold

I've just sold this great floral over the weekend.The title is " Summer Bloom II ".

New Painting

With all the holidays going on I was still able to finish this large abstract.It's titled-"The Red City". The piece is a 30" x 60" triptych done in acrylic and mixed media.It will be up 0n ebay later tonight.

Abstract for Sale

click to enlarge

The piece I had in the Art Integration Project is now for sale in my store.It can sometimes be difficult to part with a piece that you've put so much effort into.The painting is mixed media and collage on canvas.It's Untitled and the size is 30" x 40" on 1.5" gallery canvas.You can see it here
http://www.etsy.com/listing/50620387/40in-original-contemporary-modern

Power Seller

I mentioned a couple weeks ago that I reached power seller status on ebay.It turns out that they've changed the program and the PS logo is no longer shown in listings.The only positive to the power seller program is the discount on fees.It 's too bad since it used to be a badge of success on ebay.

Sold Pieces

I've just sold a set of 3 florals to a great collector in Quebec, and a floral vase to a collector in Florida.I'll post pics of the sold pieces later.

New Florals

titled -"Summer Bloom II " click to enlarge
titled-"Summer Bloom I "
I've just finished this pair of 24" x 24" florals. They're part of the wildflower series.The pieces are done in acrylic on 1.5" gallery canvas. They'll be up in my ebay store on Saturday.

Vaughan Art Integration Project 2010

Participating artists(that's me,second from the left)
Myself with my family and local councilman Racco.
that's my piece behind those statues!;)

Here's some pics from the opening night of the Art Integration Project 2010 Juried Art show.The show is sponsored by the city of Vaughan with over 130 submissions and only 24 pieces accepted.

New Textured Piece

I just completed a large 30" x 40" abstract piece.It has heavy texture with metallic paints drybrushed over top.The piece is titled "Metalique II" and will be for sale in my ebay store.

Power Seller!

I've recently earned power seller status on ebay.It's based on monthly sales and detailed ratings by customers. I've always tried to give the best possible service to all my collectors regardless of price. From communication to packing each piece with care,a great buying experience is my #1 priority. I think that the best part is when they receive their new piece and see the quality and care that goes into each one.

Ontario Landscapes

Click the images to enlarge
click to enlarge

This piece is from a series of Rural Ontario Landscapes.The scene is from a little hamlet called Hopeville.It's titled-"Sunset on Hopeville" The size is 24" x 30" and is painted in Acrylics on canvas.

Blue Lagoon

I just added this piece to my ebay store.It's titled " Blue Lagoon".The size is 36" x 48" and it's on 1.75" thick gallery canvas.It's a great piece full of texture. here's the link to my store-http://cgi.ebay.ca/48-ORIGINAL-CONTEMPORARY-ABSTRACT-MODERN-ART-PAINTING-/320549680204