This issue's opinion What's Originality in Art? And related issues I receive quite a few requests for information about art pieces and/or artists which are posted on at cowboyartshow.com/inforequests.htm. Most of the requests deal with art originally purchased form gallery/auction houses in the 1970s and '80s. These companies sold art at various locations and were, for their time, apparently very successful. A few of the artists have a following, although information about their work is difficult to obtain, since the aformentioned galleries are no longer in business. Most of the requests are interested in the dollar value of the art. Since the only way most of the paintings' values will be determined is by what the owners can get for them in the open market, because of the scarcity of information available, I suggest that the the work is worth at least the price paid, particularly if the art is enjoyable to look at and the works owners enjoy having them hanging in their homes or offices. Which brings me to an oft-repeated caveat - "Don't buy art for investment purpose, particularly if you are not an experienced collector". Buy art because you enjoy looking at it, because it "does something for you". Purchasing art is a personal thing - although many people buy art because the artist is currently popular, and it's the "in thing" to do. When this becomes your criterion, you'll probably overlook some very interesting work by unknown ("unpopular") artists, which, over time, will provide more enjoyment and satisfaction that the work you can find wherever you go. Another situation is found in the art information request I receive. Much work bought is not original work. Sometimes the art is produced in the studio of the major artist, done in the style of the artist, but the only actual work of that artist is the signature. The signature line should indicate that the work is not the artist's, and that is done by using words such as "por (name)", or "for (name)". Otherwise the work may be a forgery or just a bad copy. One area in which artists works have been copied without consent (a theft of property issue"), is when the paintings, or part of the painting, is used as a design for a product such as needlepoint and related craft work. Artists and art students copying paintings as a means of learning is not a problem, it's when that work is used commercially that the theft of work is an issue. Unfortunately, as in crime, there's often no honor among artists. It's one thing, for example, to use paint or brush in the style of a well-known artist, but when the content is very close to that of the artist whose style is copied, then I believe there's a problem. Art ghould be original, not a copy of what someone else has done. Artist may have talent, but too many are "idea lazy", and we find much art which looks as though it has been turned out in some kind of idea factory. This is particularly true in cowboy/western art. Too many artists and art organizations figure, so to speak, they don't have to reinvent the wheel, so why not, they decide, use what has been created prior to their existence. That action is truly repugnant, and displays a total lack of initiative. For more on art piracy, read this article Joe Chernicoff, CAPA Exec. Director Artists and Art Galleries - Protect Your Work From Burglars and Natural Disasters Glass show cases, gallery windows, and skylights are subject to breakage fro thieves, and high winds. Protecting your property against loss from wither scenario can be accomplished effectively, and a low cost. The use of safety and security film, both clear and tinted, not only holds glass together when an attempted break-in occurs, but the sun's ultra violet rays are almost completely reduced, thus preserving works on display.

Recent Bull Riding Photos The Las Vegas Review-Journal does a good job on covering the major rodeos when they're in town. Here are a couple bull riding fans should enjoy. Matt Bohon is bucked of his bull in less than eight seconds in the fifth round of the Professional Bull Riders World Finals. [photo by John Locher/Review-Journal] Photography is Art In the pre-camera days, portraiture was the only way to bring people to life for eternity. When cameras took over this task, portraits still were highly desired because of how the subject was presented. Today, with computer assistance, specialized cameras, and ever improving photography techniques, the camera can substitute for the brush or pen, and in many cases, photography looks like a painting, particularly when large prints are digitally produced. It's all a matter of taste, however, so paintings can look like photographs, and photographs can look like paintings. The innovative photographer artist can produce real fine art. With that thought in mind, The November, 2004, issue of Art Business News features a story by ABN contributing editor Laura Meyers on what some creative fine art photographers are doing with alternative photography processes and techniques, some of which are the use of pinhole cameras and x-rays.