Oil Painting: When things go seriously wrong

What do you do if what you were painting suddenly disappears?
Online Gallery – Originals, Commission, and Artist’s Prints
POD Online Gallery – Giclee, Acrylic, Metal and Fine Art Prints.


I’m just getting back to a project that got interrupted this year with personal tragedy (See Memorial to a Brother), called ‘Different Views’. My daughter had texted me this cell image of her at the lake with her now ex-boyfriend’s dog which inspired this project.

I started wondering about what each of them were thinking looking at the same world. So I decided to do a piece around how friendship bonds overcome our different view for the companionship of each other. I loved the expressions and pose of the girl and the dog, like the fingers curled into the dog’s fur to remind the dog not to get carried away with her dream of chasing the ducks.

Because the piece was going to be about thoughts and the scenes are completely different (yet connected) I decided to do the work as a quadriptych (4-painting set). The first scene would be based on the photo and friendship. The second would be the girl’s view of a romantic sunset. The 3rd would be the dog’s wish to chase the ducks on the lake, and the 4th is the hunting dog owner’s dream of his perfect dog retrieving a duck.

I had completed the basics of the first 3 painting when my daughter broke-up and I lost my dog model. So my early efforts on the 4th painting were just sad - lol. A model change was require, so the Kat's actual best friend ‘Minnie’ takes the stage. Only problem is Minnie is a totally different breed, size, sex, and coloring. So what do I do about a different dog in the first 3 paintings? I had left this problem on hold while I caught the 4th painting up to the same developmental level as the first 3.





However, after living with this on the easel for almost a year then I’m leaning towards not changing the dogs. One, because the pose and expression of the initial photo was the inspiration for the piece, but also because each painting is suppose to be a different dream. The theme and title of the 4th painting is, Hunter’s Pride; the dog owner’s dream where their actual mutt is a champion specimen with incredible training and talent; which Minnie certainly is. But what convinces me to stay with different dogs is the ‘lost dream’ element it brings the piece that mirrors this and all reality. How easily our dreams slip away. “Hunter’s Pride” represents a future lost, not just a lost dream.


However, not changing the dogs isn't going to save me painting time, as I now need to connect these pieces together while not weakening their strength as individual pieces. I want an overall landscape or mural effect, without losing the concept that the scenes are not physically related (happening next to each other) but thought related. But first a bit more work on the individual pieces, that have to stand on their own as well as combing into the quadriptych.



Click on image for larger view. This is as close as can come to with showing how pieces will display together. There is space between the center stacked painting so follows land and horizon lines.

So this catches you up to date on where I am on this project. I've got these prop up for a few weeks while I get through the Christmas obligations and study how to approach this finish. Welcome any feedback.

Come back for updates in 2015, or subscribe.
Mary Ellen Anderson

Memorial to a Big Brother

On Labor Day 2014 my big brother, Bob, passed away. Bob was an avid outdoors man and loved nature. These are a collection of works I did while visiting or traveling with Bob over the years; a wonderful friend and brother.
Mary Ellen Anderson
Online Gallery – Originals, Commission, and Artist’s Prints
POD Online Gallery – Giclee, Acrylic, Metal and Fine Art Prints.



I was actually stranded when this painting was painted as a tree had broken under the weight of snow and killed my car.















Bob loved his dogs and the sentiment was returned.




















Road trips with my siblings, good times.














Colorful Colorado, where the love for nature began.

A deer Christmas card for a Dear brother.       

View from apartment we shared in Lawrence, Kansas while in college.

Floating trips.

Hiking trips.







Thanks, Bob. You were a wonderful guide. Love, Mary.

Introducing Fine Art Rental

Introducing Art Rentals

Anderson Rentals is a pioneer in the equipment rental industry. Back in the 50s Raymond "Andy" Anderson along with some other Kansas City businessmen formed what would later become the American Rental Association, which today is one of the largest trade organizations in the world. Back then the goal was bringing professional grade quality equipment to homeowners and other markets, who had no choice but to buy. Today Anderson Rentals is pleased to introduce the availability of fine art in it's rental products that also were hereto only available in museums and high-end art galleries for purchase.

Renting Art

People rent art for many reasons. They may need art to stage for a special event or to attract buyers in a home sale. They may simply like the variety of renting instead of owning, or how much further their budget goes with rental instead of sales. Or they many find renting-to-own as their way to collect art. For this reason then we offer both short-term and long term rates, as well as rent-to-own programs. The most common reason for renting, among all types of art renters, is to have pieces rotating in and out of their space that enables them to spark up conversations with guests either on a continuous basis or just for special occasions at a lower cost.

Why Individuals Rent Art:
• People choosing art for their homes are often intimidated by the thought of making a major investment in art. Renting allows the customer to “try” before they buy. Want to check if your art matches your couch cushions? Rent it for a week and see. The vast majority of renters do end up purchasing but renting allows buyers to spread this cost out, afford more art, and allow them to fine tune their collection.
• Renting artwork allows home owners to have beautiful art in their home at any time (maybe they are staging their home for sale, or trying to impress visitors for a party, need ‘props’ for wedding pictures or family portraits, etc), and when they want a new look they can simply rent a different piece.
• Apartment renters and student housing residents like rental because their space may change frequently.
• As your taste change so can your art, or maybe you have limited space. Keep it at least 3 months at low LT rates and you can return it or swap it for new art. Just perfect for a new look each season of the year.
• Just got to have the original or commissioned piece but need to make payments, rent-to-own is for you.

Why Companies Rent Art:
• Many businesses are choosing art rentals instead of purchasing because it allows them to keep their decor fresh without having to invest a lot of money into new art.
• Changing the artwork regularly enables employers to set the tone of the room(s) depending on how they want to be seen by their clients or create an atmosphere for their employees.

Find out for yourself how practical and easy renting art is at MEA Fine Art.

Rental Terms

Weekly short term rates are available on giclee reproductions and art prints. The short-term rates are perfect for the special occasion, or just to take it home and see if it matches the couch. Selling your house? Fine art can make you listing inspiring but it also makes you memorable. Fine art is extremely memorable, people looking at open houses will get confused on which house had what features, but they’re sure to recall the one that had the great art. Are you having a wedding or family portrait taken? Dress up the occasion and your guests’ enjoyment with great art for the occasion. Fine Art is an amazing conversation starter. Even film makers commonly need art on a short-term rental basis. Because we are real fine artists and not just an internet brand, we can advise you on what art is suitable for you needs, and help make your event and space say what you mean and get noticed.

Long-term rates aren't really long-term, just 3 months, and available on original paintings as well as all prints and special orders. How you can rent original fine art at unbelievably low rates and after 3 months return it or swap it out for something new. Our rent to own rates on originals are even lower. Try it before you buy by renting. 50% of the rental fees paid can be applied against the purchase price. Fine turn your collection to perfection with the versatility of our rental programs.

Purchase prices for the originals, prints and merchandise available on the artwork are listed in the “add to cart” dropdowns on the artworks page. Rental rates posted are for a museum wrapped giclee reproduction on canvas, with solid black sides, in the size of the original artwork. The ST minimum weekly rate and LT 4-wks rates are for renting the reproduction. LT Rent-to-own rates on originals are 1/10th the purchase price.

Rentals can be converted into purchase at anytime. 50% of rental fees paid can be applied on up to 80% of purchase price at renter’s request. Purchase credits are not transferable between artworks. Conversions are not automatic or reversible after the fact. Although, we make every effort to notify renters if they have reached the 80% ceiling on purchase credits or qualify to convert the account to long-term rates (rentals > 4 wks), you are responsible for notifying us of any term changes you desire.

Paintings are photographed and condition noted with customer on renting. Customer is responsible for all losses, damages and liabilities on the artwork or other personal, private, or public property while out on rent (including transporting and hanging). Appropriate proof of insurance is required on all original and enhanced giclees, and recommended for all collectors.

A security deposit is required on all art rentals. Security deposits are higher the shorter the term. This is because the wear and tear damages, losses, costs, and risks are higher on ST frequently turned art. Security deposits on LT or RTO rentals are 25% of purchase cost, and abt 50% on ST rentals. Special orders (size and configurations not in stock) can require 3-5 weeks lead time. A 50% cancellation charge applies on all special orders. A full refund is issued on cancelation of in stock items prior to delivery or shipping. Early cancellation fees apply to LT and RTO contracts cancelled during the required term of 3 mos.

MEA Fine Art also accepts credit cards and PayPal financing is available on qualified purchases. Shipping or delivery charges are additional. Shipping is an actual cost and sites that offer free shipping have built this cost into their pricing; please call for shipping quotes as we are happy to work with you to reduce these costs. The shipping calculator on our website is the highest estimates of shipping. Actual shipping and handling charges will depend on your method of shipping desired. Call (785) 843-2044.

New advances in printing technologies, bring fine art into everyone's reach.

Making Fine Art Available for Everyone.

Just about everyone loves art and recognizes how fine art is different and the personal connection you have with these one-of-a-kind artworks. The thrill of collecting your favorite artist is the same as the first car you bought with your own money when you were a kid. Years later you’ll still remember when you first saw it or who you were with. Because the artwork is a one-of-a-kind, it’s just yours. This is the joy of buying and gifting things you love.

Why buy Fine Art Prints?

But original fine art is costly. Without digital and printing technologies than in the past artists were limited to just selling originals. Because the entire artist’s cost and expenses had to be recovered in just a few sales a year, than they were very expensive. The more popular an artist got the more expensive their originals became because they were each hand painted custom pieces and therefore rare. For the novice collectors with small budgets, limited art knowledge and no appetite for the intimidating atmosphere at many established art galleries there were few options.

But with Giclee Art Reproductions, artist’s can now offer reproductions at a fraction of the original artwork. Producing Giclee art reproductions is a great way for artists to make their art more widely available at lower prices, and increasing their collector bases by offering affordable alternatives to more expensively priced originals. If someone loves a particular image, and the only way they can own it is by buying it in the form of a print or even as a t-shirt than that's absolutely OK. MEA Fine Art makes these new technology available to some of the best fine artists around the world so that contemporary fine art can now be available to anyone.

Technology has also increased buyers options. Buyers now have many choices in size and configuration of their art, and can order through POD(print-on-demand)services to best fit their available space and budget.

• Prices, are based on material cost not artist’s originals prices. MEA fine artists want to make their art available to even new collectors on a budget. No matter how expensive your favorite artist originals are for a limited time you can buy prints at a flat rate for all MEA artist. Collecting great art has never been so affordable. Now collecting even ‘blue chip’ artists is the same cost as an unknown but personal favorite. Discover your own taste in art with these affordable prints. This is the joy of art collecting or shopping; looking for that perfect piece. How you can afford to explore your taste in art with minimum investment risk. Do your own research and avoid the frustrating, confusing, and intimidating "talk" of high-end galleries? Take advantage of the special limited time offer of cost based pricing on our prints and merchandise to start building your collection with amazing values and your own style.
• Flat Rate pricing. We're serious about wanting to help new collectors experience the joy of collecting fine art, so we're currently pricing our giclee reproductions at flat rates for all artists (as opposed to the traditional way of basing pricing on the prices of the artist’s originals). MEA fine artists want to make their art available to even new collectors on a budget. No matter how expensive your favorite artist originals are for a limited time you can buy prints at a flat rate for all MEA artist. Collecting great art has never been so affordable.
• Lower investment risk.
• Configurations and POD selections
• Commercial uses (resale and licensing)

But the advances in digitizing and printing technologies has given us more than just inexpensive reproductions of fine art that are almost indistinguishable from the original. It has also led to a new original painting called an Enhanced Giclee. This is a print of the original painting on canvas that has been repainted by hand and signed by the original artist. Although pricing on Enhanced Giclee Originals is based on the artist labor rates, the artist is passing through to the buyer the inherent time saving obtained from current printing and digital technologies. Personalize customization is available; want the boy in the original painting to be a girl in your painting, or your signature bike painted into the shop scene? Then an Enhanced Giclee might be for you. In the end you have an original custom painting by your favorite artists for about ½ the price of an original work by that artist. And because it’s just yours and unique than it’s truly an original with the same feeling of connection and proud ownership that was hereto only available in original and limited editions offered through high-end galleries, auctions houses, and museums. Increase the collectibility of your art prints by having it enhanced into a brand new original or having it signed or personalized by the artist.

MEA Fine Art also uses advances in printing technologies to offer unique products based on artist original paintings. Think how amazing a wet bar or kitchen sink looks accented in custom ceramic tiles. MEA Fine Art is much more than just wall art. Use fine art anywhere you’d use any art. Fine art adds a richness and specialness to any card or merchandise. Don’t miss MEA Fine Art Collectibles - a unique line of artist designed gifts and ornaments. See how many ways we have for indulging your love of beauty.

If that’s not enough to get you to take the fine art plunge, than consider renting art. The most common reason for renting among all types of art renters is to have pieces rotating in and out of their space that enables them to spark up conversations with guests either on a continuous basis or just for special occasions at a lower cost. Why Individuals Rent Art:
• People choosing art for their homes are often intimidated by the thought of making a major investment in art. Renting allows the customer to “try” before they buy. Want to check if your art matches your couch cushions? Rent it for a week and see. The vast majority of renters do end up purchasing but renting allows buyers to spread this cost out, afford more art, and allow them to fine tune their collection.
• Renting artwork allows home owners to have beautiful art in their home at any time (maybe they are staging their home for sale, or trying to impress visitors for a party, need ‘props’ for wedding pictures or family portraits, etc), and when they want a new look they can simply rent a different piece.
• Apartment renters and student housing residents like rental because their space may change frequently.
• As your taste change so can your art, or maybe you have limited space. Keep it at least 3 months at low LT rates and you can return it or swap it for new art. Just perfect for a new look each season of the year.
• Just got to have the original or commissioned piece but need to make payments, rent-to-own is for you.
Why Companies Rent Art:
• Many businesses are choosing art rentals instead of purchasing because it allows them to keep their decor fresh without having to invest a lot of money into new art.
• Changing the artwork regularly enables employers to set the tone of the room(s) depending on how they want to be seen by their clients or create an atmosphere for their employees.

How is Fine Art Different Than Other Art?

How is fine art different than other art?

The line between 'fine art' and 'commercial art' is often hotly debated. Often these debates center on a subjective list of criteria that can be applied to a body of art and judged. Certainly there are such lists, it’s just that each “expert’s list” is different, but this doesn't mean that there isn't some commonality.

Four ways fine art is different.

1. Deeper and more unique interpretation. There have been many ways of describing that eye-catching quality of fine art but perhaps the simple “something you just love” describes it best. Fine art is a sharing of the human experience; it creates a connection with the viewer that is very personal, moving and memorable. From the moment you connect with a piece of art you start a unique connection, years later you will remember the first time you saw the painting, like the first time you heard a favorite song. You’ll remember who you were with and reconnect with what originally drew you. You might wonder about the artist and the meaning. You’ll associate your lives moments that the art was part of. All these connections, this increasing appreciation and involvement are the fine art difference.

Art is our companions in our minds; haunting melodies that are always in your heart. Your collection of fine art becomes a personal statement of your individuality and identity. It sooths you and creates your space. Others remember you by your art for a signature style. Every time someone admires your collection, it’s a personal affirmation of you too. It’s that restorative and reaffirming connection.

2. Master artists are trained and experienced artists. Fine artists are working artists. In all things, including art, there is a road to proficiency that will hone and challenge the artists to reach the limits of their talent. The methods of development will vary (some artists are self-taught, some are college educated) but there is a sincere dedication to ethical growth and artistic improvement built on long records of practice and achievements.

3. Not commercially created. By this I mean two things:
a. That the work is not created solely for commercial or fad goals. That the artist’s motivation was providing that “deeper and more unique interpretation” and not just something that will sell or is popular. This is the basis behind the stereotype that a fine artist must live like a monk and produce art untainted by consumer demand. But an artist must be part of life in order to interpret it, and the success or failure at obtaining a fine art status rest in the actual paintings under consideration not in the lifestyle of the artist.
b. What I don’t mean is that fine art must be a certain discipline or substrate, like a painting and not a photograph or a t-shirt. It’s not the substrate that art is on that defines whether it’s fine art, or the type of artists (photographer, painter, sculpture, etc.), but it does mean that there was an original artist that makes a unique original work. The work was not made from kits or other artists work, and is produced in limited quantities on exclusive original designs.

4. Collectable and Archival
Many factors will influence the value of an individual piece of art and the collectibility of an artist. But in order to be collectible than an artist’s must have gotten their work out there, had it seen and a reputation established. Besides being working artists than fine artists often participate in juried shows and contest, and hold active memberships in professional organizations and acclaimed art guilds. You might not understand what an art judge sees in a particular artists work but you can understand that it’s between the artists that entered the contest. Likewise, you might not understand why an artist is popular, but you do understand that you see it everywhere. If the artist, you’re collecting isn't out there working on building a reputation, than it’s unlikely that the collectibility of their work will increase.

Collectible art also requires archival methods and materials involved in creating the artwork to ensure longevity for the work. Only quality materials and substrates are used. Collectible work will be passed down for generations, and with proper care will stay beautiful indefinitely.

Collecting fine art is the ultimate personal statement. New technologies have made collecting fine art more affordable and versatile than ever before. Giclee reproductions are almost indistinguishable from the original, and at a fraction of the cost of original work. Having the entire collection of your favorite artist's works is now possible for all. Signed and dated prints are highly collectible, and enhanced giclees are custom new originals. Nor are you limited by size and configuration of the original or just to wall art. Wallpapers, ceramic tiles, apparel, even cards and stationary don't have to be limited to mass produced choices. Fine art is available today on almost every substrate but was first created as a unique fine art original (even if the original is digital) that succeeds in connecting with the viewer. Bringing the deeper connection that you have with fine art into all aspects of your life has never been more possible.

Defining your home and business with affordable, collectible and unique original fine art by contemporary (living) artists is new and exciting. Artists don't have to be dead to be collectible; contemporary artists with growing reputations are both the most appreciable but also your personal discoveries.

DISCOVER THE FINE ART DIFFERENCE! MEA Fine Art Website:

Online AW Gallery

Artist’s Designed Merchandise Store Links:
• Zazzle
• Spoonflower

MEA Fine Art Collectibles

Making fine art available to everyone is a mutual goal of MEA Fine Art artists. So we challenged our artists to design a unique line of one-of-a-kind gifts and ornaments for the 2013 holiday season and are proud to announce MEA Fine Art Collectibles.

Master artists have recreated the charm, variety, and skill lost in the mass production process and with these wonderfully unique designs and original fine art. An artist's eye can capture so much more than a machine or camera. Art should be personal and individual, and now it can be. Each gift comes gift boxed with a Certificate of Authenticity. New works are arriving daily, and commissioned work is still being accepted for the holiday season. We don't get every piece posted on the web so call or come by our gallery for current selections. Check back regularly or follow us on social media as new pieces are posted.

MEA Fine Art are licensed artist with the University of Kansas and is offering its first ever 2013 KU Christmas Tree Ornament for all our Jayhawk fans. On one side the WWI memorial campanile against a striking KU blue winter sky. On the other side the Jayhawk logo (see Jayhawk Christmas below).

Each ornament is an original unique piece of art and a truly special keepsake and collectible. Comes in a stunning gift box with a Certificate of Authenticity.

4" diameter glass or plastic ball. Custom, personalized, and commissioned work available. See website for all ornaments and gifts by MEA Fine Art Artists.

Start making fine art a part of your style, with truly unique designs and products by master artists. MEA Fine Art is more than a traditional gallery selling originals. The gallery has teamed with different POD (print on demand) services to offer a wide range of products based on our artists professional and award winning work. Our Giclee reproductions are the finest quality and produced in North America. Collecting fine art has never been such a value, so versatile, and so affordable.

Please note: Photography doesn't do justice to these beautiful ornaments, due to distortion of curved surface and reflection.

Please join us at the Maple Leaf Festival in Baldwin City, KS on October 19 & 20, 2013. MEA Fine Art is proud to be a part of this annual historic fair. Artists will be present during the fair, so we welcome you to come by and browse. Our booth is located in the school gym. We will also be introducing our latest gallery artist, Monty Sneegas latest line of benches, tables, and home furnishings.

Anderson Rentals, Inc. - Ornament - Jayhawk Christmas

Start off the holiday season with this wonderful hand-painted original ornament by MEA Fine Art. Sure to please every Jayhawk fan, comes wrapped in stunning gift box with Certificate of Authenticity. Anderson Rentals, Inc. - Ornament - Jayhawk Christmas