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The Daily Painters

So you’re ready to become an art collector. Those cheap poster prints decorating your room just don’t cut it anymore, but spending six month’s rent on ultra-expensive gallery painting seems slightly insane. Do not despair. You can still own beautiful, original artwork thanks to a welcomed trend hitting the art world. Emerging from the blogging world of angst ridden teens and celebrity gossipers, the “Painting-a-Day” bloggers offer original, affordable art by selling their daily work directly to consumers, without a physical gallery as a go-between. Because their paintings are only slightly larger than a photo, these resourceful bloggers/artists are able to produce a new work each day and keep prices low and affordable. Styles differ between artists, but one can find a variety of subjects, including household objects, food, landscapes, and portraits. Prices also vary, but generally range from $100 to $200, and are sold on the artist’s personal online gallery or auctioned off on sites like eBay.

Not only is this new trend great for aspiring art collectors, its enabling once starving artists to pursue their passion and make a living. One rising star, Justin Clayton, joined the movement early last year and since March 2006 has sold every single painting on his website (justinspaintings.com). Clayton studied painting at Los Angeles Academy of Figurative Art and California Art Institute, using his creative skills as an artist in the video game industry. As a 2006 New Year’s Resolution, he committed to finishing one painting a day, ultimately leaving his job to pursue art full time. He has recently moved from Los Angeles to Austin, Texas, but his California roots are evident in his numerous palm tree paintings. His work captures the quiet simplicity of every day objects--a jar of honey or a single bloom. There is a reverence in his work that illuminates the beauty of day to day living.

In discussing his art, Clayton says, “I call most of my work ‘portraits.’ Typically, a portrait is a likeness of a person but I like to broaden the definition to include many subjects. After all, I feel the subjects I paint have a personality of their own. Whether it is a row of palm trees or a single orange, they all exude a character.”

Clayton is just one of the many painters helping to bring art to the masses. Peruse the work on dailypaintworks.com and you’ll find a wide variety of unique, beautiful paintings, and a feasible way to start your own art collection. Because these paintings are small and affordable, you can buy a series or mix and match. Below are a few ideas to showcase your new collection:


• Hang a series of two or three fruit and/or vegetable paintings in your kitchen, adding a touch of sophistication to the room.


• Dress up your bedroom or entryway with flower still lifes. Display them sans frame for a clean, modern look, or frame them and hang with decorative ribbon for a warmer feel.


• Mix and match for an interesting eclectic display. Pair a portrait with a flower, or a still life with a landscape; pick the pair by finding a corresponding color in each.


So rip down those old posters and start anew. You won’t regret spending a little on art you’ll enjoy for a lifetime.


You can bid on the above Justin Clayton painting at justinspaintings.com.