New website on the way
Posted by Kevin Mason on March 29th, 2008 filed in UncategorizedHey folks .. I’m working with a some new Tools and new found tech skills to build a better website . Send me an email with the features you think you would like to see
Moving and New studio
Posted by Kevin Mason on February 23rd, 2008 filed in UncategorizedWe just got done moving. Boxes Boxes everywhere . The best part is that when we are able to find the floor under all these boxes I will actually have a place to paint.
Custom Painting Sessions
Posted by Kevin Mason on September 8th, 2007 filed in BodypaintingI recently received an e-mail from someone asking for info:
“What would it cost to paint my wife? I am not in your area, but you are the first I have found and I kind of want to know what the ballpark is if I find a local artist” I get these a lot - so I figured I would post my response here.
Every artist is different, and it can really depend on what you mean by “painted”. Full body coverage? Simple or intricate design?
I can whip out a lynx or tiger in about 2 hours with full body - and I do not use airbrush, as many body artists do. But an intricate tribal or black light could take longer. Some designs might require up to 4 hours. Then there is the backdrop. If you want a full custom piece like my integrated art, the backdrop is customized. Minimum you are talking is about $500 for a backdrop and simple (1 hour or under) paint session. You would need to do the photos or provide the photographer. You keep all rights to the work.
When I do party sessions (events where I provide a backdrop and do a live painting of a model) it runs about $1,500.
In my area I am trying to establish connections with local photographers where I’ll do some basic pre-themed backdrops and then the session is like a boudoir photography with a twist. The sitting fee is $350 ($150 to photographer) but then the client has to pay the photographer for the prints. (Interested photographers with an actual studio - PLEASE e-mail me. This could bring in big $ for Christmas/Valentine’s day!)
Finally, if a potential client fits my needs for a specific fine art piece - then the entire session is free, the model gets a free 8 x 10 and 10% of print sales - but I get all rights.
Other licensing agreements [somewhere between fully private and only my use for art sales] can be negotiated.
So - there you have it - more info then you ever wanted!
As for guidance on picking a “local” artist …be sure the artist you pick uses the medium you want. All my work is sponge and brush, most artists use airbrush and it is a different look. As most photos are digital these days, be sure if you pay for a private session - it stays private. You provide and keep the memory stick, but then DON’T try to sell that art off - personal use only. Ask about the makeup used. Normal clown or face painting type makeup should be avoided as it is cream based. I use theatrical makeup applied with water (or rubbing alcohol which is sanitary and dries faster) It’s the utmost of hypoallergenic and washes off easily - with a wash cloth.
WARNING: Paint scratchy and tastes bad - painting not foreplay, WASHING is 
Finally - Imp has pointed out that we never get any time away together, what with our budget (artist and grad student) not fitting our desire to travel. So depending on where a potential client lives (and whether or not they seem like fun people) I am open to trading a painting session for 2 round trip tickets and a night of couch surfing.
Will paint for food - and airfare:)
I paint Drunk People
Posted by Kevin Mason on July 5th, 2007 filed in Kevin's RantsThe problem with art sometimes is that you get caught in a rut . your art starts to look like your last painting, and the painting before that and the painting before that, I’m not immune to this .. in fact a few years ago I had a big problem with this . all of my paintings were very similar in nature. So How do I break out of this Rut ?
PAINT DRUNK PEOPLE !
Well here is the reason why .. Someone who is drunk is going to ask you to paint something way “OUT THERE” . I’m telling you the Big adult parties that I have painted at were some of the most odd requests that I have ever got. “Paint a windmill on my ASS” … Do I look like someone who paints windmills? Or the “Paint an Alien Fetus on my Beer Belly”. Its a challenge for anyone who is doing body painting. the other part of painting on Drunk people is that their Idea of Quality could be Very different from yours. Some are going to be Very Picky (nothing short of Rembrandt will do) or they will be so relaxed that a stick man will do just fine.
I have always and the philosophy that “I have to paint so that everyone knows I’m an artist not just a facepainter” . Too many times I have seen some face painting and heard someone say ” I can do that” ! and though that is not bad I’m just trying to raise my art to a fine art level. I really work hard to make everyone in the bar go WOW that is freaking Awesome. Sure there are those who request that very limited “I want my Boyfriends name painted on my chest”. But you do what you can .
Painting Backgrounds again
Posted by Kevin Mason on July 5th, 2007 filed in UncategorizedThe problem with moving is that its too easy to forget about your Art when its all in its boxes. With Boxes strewn all over the place, and a to do list a mile long bodypainting becomes a low priority .
Being that bodypainting is more then a hobby for me I get that Kick in the ass now and then to create. Second Saturday would be one of those boots that get my ass in gear. I have showing at the smith gallery in less then two weeks and all of sudden I’m motivated to pick up the paint brush and paint .
I’m going to start today by doing some sketches for the overall plan. fallowed by cleaning up the backyard (My new painting area). next I will paint over my previous canvas.
Sometimes you just need to force your self to pick up the brush. by doing so parts of your brain say “OOOH COOL I GET TO PAINT!!! ” From there it becomes hard to put it down. and isn’t creating what we are all really in it for.
Too many “Body Painters” feel that they need a human canvas in order to create as if on the human body is the only available canvas. But I strongly disagree. Yes there is nothing like painting on a human to create that finished product . but you need to create when there is nobody around in order to hon your skills .
So with this said I’m going to stop talking about painting do some unpacking
New Podcast
Posted by Kevin Mason on July 3rd, 2007 filed in UncategorizedOk I’m not Quitting coloring outside the lines . but I have been toying with and idea for a Sister podcast to augment the current one . called Open Source Ideas . Where people call in ideas that they would like others to work on ..
Example : Story
I would like to see someone Write a story about Samurai in Space. Kinda like Firefly but with Samurai. Low Tech Swords mixed with Space flight .
I’m not a good writer but I feel that others maybe.
Example : Program
I would like to see a program that Sync’s then disconnects from a Thumbdrive . This way your thumbdrive is always safe to unplug .
Though I’m learning to be a Programmer I don’t have the skills yet ot make such a thing
All submitters would agree that their Ideas are Creative Commons. And would allow someone else to profit from their ideas as long as they got credit for the idea in the first place.
My concept is to create a brainstorm of Ideas that may inspire someone who has the skills but not the inspiration to build, Make , Program , Paint something cool .
I’m looking for feedback on this . Tell me what you think by commenting on this blog … OR emailing me at Artofpaint@gmail.com
I’m also looking for perhaps a co-Host for this … Any takers?