Local Blue Ridge artist, Janet Wimmer has a goal to complete and post online one painting a day of the Blue Ridge Parkway for one year. When she became aware of the upcoming 75th anniversary of the Parkway in the year 2010, she decided to celebrate and challenged herself to a higher level of discipline in painting. Wimmer says “Even if I do not make any money at this endeavor, daily painting has already proven to be quite beneficial to me as a painter. My style is changing and my skills are advancing each day. I will be very excited to see the results after a year of daily painting.”
In the last few years, a new phenomenon has occurred on the internet. An art trend called “ A Painting a Day” has combined an artist’s practice of daily work with the technology of online auctions and blogging. Artists promote themselves through the blog and post each day’s work for sale for as little as $50.each. In the process, artist/bloggers are using the Internet to change the making and selling of art. Dealers and galleries, who command high commissions, no longer have exclusive control in defining who is emerging or successful. With direct selling to consumers, prices are more affordable to the average buyer. Because of this new trend, interest has increased in original contemporary art as an inspiration for interior design; acceptance has grown of original art for gifting. New internet galleries are allowing artists to become independent entrepreneurs. Richmond, Va. artist Duane Kaiser actually began the phenomenon with his daily blog in 2004. Artists all over the world are now jumping on the band wagon. Local artist, Janet Wimmer, found the “Daily Painting” website of Julian Merrow-Smith from Provence, France when searching online. She was not only inspired by his work but also became interested in his online auctions. After retiring from 30 years of teaching art, Wimmer is now making, selling, packing and shipping the small paintings she produces every day. She paints still life and botanical designs, but her primary focus is the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Living within walking distance of the Parkway she haunts the overlooks in different seasons and at various times of the day taking photographs and taking in the incredible beauty of her surrounding countryside. Wimmer says “People are so busy they don’t take time to really see what is around them. I want to make them see the sunlight, feel the breeze, smell the mountain air and rest in a moment of time. Beauty is a transcendental experience; it transports you to a higher place. My passion is to share this love of beauty and creation with others.” Check out Wimmer’s blog at Janet Wimmer.blogspot.com
