Critique my NEW abstract website!

[RealAbstract]

www.RealAbstract.com (http://www.realabstract.com/)

I have been learning html code online and at first it was driving me nuts, now its kinda fun. Maybe if you guys & gals have some spare time you could browse around my new site and give me some tips or opinions, Image loading time... links working... etc...

Thanks for your time,
Dave

P.S. I attached some newer paintings for viewing pleasure... :)

[minimonkey]

I love the site -- it is very user friendly, and your work is very compelling. I was wondering, though, as a viewer -- I'd like more info on media used and pricing.

Great job!

[RealAbstract]

Thanks.. great ideas too, this kinda help is what I need

Some info about media used should have been soo obvious to me... Do you think it should go under "about artist" section?
As far as pricing goes... its kinda on a case by case basis... although i should consider listing them because I think people are afraid to ask.

[MountainSong]

AbstractFacts - Over all I really liked your website - the size of the thumbnails are particularly pleasing. As an artist, the work you have with this post and the work you have under ABSTRACT on the site, really 'do it' for me! Hot stuff! :D :p

One little thing though - sometimes you have the dimensions and title of the piece written across the artwork on the blow ups -its takes away from the artwork. Below or above the piece would be great along with the medium.

Some indication of price such as ($500 negotiable or $500 OBO) would help people to begin to know if their even in the price market for your work. A shocking amount of the general public has no idea what original artwork typically runs. In order to make a purchasing decision people need enough information, leaving them to guess is to loose sales because few people will bother to ask. If it’s not posted they will assume they can’t afford it.

As a professional in the art acquisition field I find extreme difficulties though in obviously stating that pricing is negotiable. So a better way might be to determine what your target range is and list that price on each piece - but somewhere on your website state you are flexible on pricing and have been known to work with people as you have an equal interest in connecting the right people to the right piece of artwork which moves them and speaks to their hearts.

Yikes - bargaining is such a delicate territory - lowering the price on a piece of art is a closing move - one of the final moves you have. To state it up front - is to play your trump card prematurely. Strategically your best move on the website is to not state anywhere that your prices are on a case by case basis or negotiable in anyway. That happens when contact is made and it looks like it’s the only way you can close the sale. Only about 10% of the people buying art will try and get a price reduction.

Enough. :)

[shinobi]

Wow, Dave. I really like your work. It's great to see so many SOLD notations on the site! Congrats! :cool:

[Ol' Don]

I would like to chime in with a "I really like your work" and your website is OK for now! I agree with whoever said that the titles, sizes, and materials should be outside of the actual picture of the work.

I really liked the pictures of your installations and shows. Very nice. My favorites works are in the first two pages of your abstracts. Really do it for me. Especially liked the "Blue Note". I'll be visiting your site again to see if you've done some new stuff.

[Tamana]

I've just taken a Sunday Drive through your site. I remember YOU!! I remember how much "No one sees tears when you are in the storm" moved my heart. I think you posted it here (member of quite a few sites so am unsure!! sorry!!).

Nothing like learning to do something and building your own house, is there? :) Nothing really left to add to what's already been said, except -- It's some really good pieces & Well done.

[RealAbstract]

Mountain Song- thanks for writing all that above, fast typer?

Regarding the titles and sizes on the larger images, I did that mainly as a security measure. So if someone decides to save an image off my site, my name is on it and it will annoy them.
I think a target price range is a good idea..... i will think it over.

[RealAbstract]

I've just taken a Sunday Drive through your site. I remember YOU!! I remember how much "No one sees tears when you are in the storm" moved my heart. I think you posted it here (member of quite a few sites so am unsure!! sorry!!).

Nothing like learning to do something and building your own house, is there? :) Nothing really left to add to what's already been said, except -- It's some really good pieces & Well done.

yes tam that was me and it was here :clap:

thanks for all the kind words everyone...
I bought a book on html over the weekend so we'll see what happens. I have alot more planned for the site, its just a matter of figuring out how to do it.

[mame]

Gut reactions to site:
(I'm no techie so forgive my lack of proper terminology)

Maneurvering is convenient- not too many clicks to get to the work

1.an old corporate image thing - your headings/what's in writing are curley-cue, "organic" kind of girly-man looking and your work for the most part is linear (hard-line abstracts/cubist). Maybe use a font/type style that is more cohesive/more in keeping with the work = sends a cohesive visual message.

2. Is it a showing site or a selling site? If you do not wish to "broadcast" pricing, include - as many galleries do on their websites - "contact for pricing" and include an email (and don't forget to check it frequently!)

3. an easy way to identify/describe works (like on slides)
Title
media/support
size (length first always)
date
Price (if you want to include)

Example:
THE FALL
OIL/COLLAGE ON STRETCHED CANVAS
36"L X 28"W
2004
$40,000.00

PS - as a courtesy and as a good will gesture you might identify the installation/exhibit locations (make sure especially the restaurants have no objections to this and include their web URL if they have one and they have no objection
)
Identify the photo something like:
__________(name of exhibition - if there was one)
__________(name of location - The Eatery, Mandan, North Dakota, their web site URL)
__________(time frame - June, 2004)

[christoms]

Hey there- awesome site. I don't know if anyone's said this yet, but I would love to see titles and descriptions of the works, inspirations, mediums used, stories. Put some stuff on there to make everyone feel your art, not just see it. Nice work otherwise!

[RealAbstract]

good ideas mame... Some of my gallery link images text will change, I think there is too much use of the script font. Also the exhibitions area is still in the works, eventually I will have locations, etc.

[RealAbstract]

Hey there- awesome site. I don't know if anyone's said this yet, but I would love to see titles and descriptions of the works, inspirations, mediums used, stories. Put some stuff on there to make everyone feel your art, not just see it. Nice work otherwise!


I have been trying to figure out how to get text directly under the links and I can't get it to work, unless i learn html tables. hmm.... As far as inspirations and stories go that would be a tough one. Im not much of a writer and I just assume the work speaks for itself... haha!
thanks

[fraggles]

I love it. The art works are easy to view and I realy like the intro page. But I have an issue with the grey background,but thats my problem.

[RealAbstract]

Thanks for looking! yah i love the grey... maybe im depressed.
Ive been fine tuning the site to my best ability. Now images open in a new window with size, title, media listed. Maybe I should add prices now... hmmmm

the thread that I wont let die! haha

[d-head]

Liked your site, though it's a little less than new at this point. Right? Also, really liked your art. I too am interested in pricing. My site, ellmanart.com, does not list price or discuss negotiablility. Also, the site was extremely simple to set up. Register.com allows you to plug in stuff with ease. Appreciate your opinion about the site and my art. Thanks. d-head

[dd50]

Hi Dave,

It's just my opinion, but I think your talents are shown greatly in the cubical figures .. such as "Ribbon Face" and "Cubist Guy". In Ribbon Face, the little cubical guy in the lower right hand corner .. would love to see more of that.

"Robot" is another cool one, and so is "Storm" ... the figure part of it I mean.

But that's just my tastes. :)

Hugs,
Dee