If you've been keeping an eye on the Etsy shop or my instagram account then you've seen my latest painting experiment. The idea to create and sell magnets came from wanting a smaller plein air painting setup. This setup was perfect to make tiny paintings of desert landscapes that I planned to sell. After realizing I could adhere magnets to the back of these paintings, I decided to cut a batch of masonite and test out the idea. So far they've turned out great and have become a perfect way to warm up or test ideas in my studio.
With new collectors in mind I wanted to offer original art at an affordable price. In the past I've noticed a stigma about precautions potential collectors may have towards handling and approaching fine artwork. With my magnets I want my audience to feel comfortable connecting with and sharing them in their home. Art is something to be engaged with and should be accessible to those who wish to live with it.
Beyond the plein air landscapes, I've also began using the magnets to study paintings by various masters including da Vinci, Rembrandt, Monet, and Van Gogh. As another experiment I wondered how audiences would react to seeing my homage to these prolific painters at such a small scale. It also gives me a great challenge in color theory and composition.
Each magnet is painted by hand and can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours to complete. Thus far all have been finished in one sitting.
Unfortunately, I've ran into a few problems with shipping these, but have worked out the kinks. A Van Gogh self portrait I posted to facebook was quickly inquired by a collector in Milwaukee and when I shipped his magnet he only received the envelope. Although I was disappointed with the service of USPS, I was excited to paint another Van Gogh and resend it to it's collector. The second Van Gogh's process can be watched in this video.
If you act fast you might be able to win my Instagram Magnet giveaway! Follow this link:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BTR6_kCh9EY/?taken-by=acuna.art
Be sure to keep an eye on new magnets available at etsy.com/shop/acunaart
Have a great day!