"Artist's Eviction, watercolor by Harry Sellers

You're looking for just that right piece of art when you see a "starving artists sale" in a convention center or motel. Sofa size paintings for just $49.95, what a deal! Or is it?

So what is "starving artists" art? There is actually two different types. One type has been used since the 1800's. A machine prints an image on canvas and then clear varnish is used to cover the print in order to simulate the brush strokes of a painting.

The other type helps to support sweat shops and encourages horrible labor practices. Most of these are located in Asia. Factory workers have to stand for fourteen hours in front of long rolls of canvas that is supported on machines. Each "artist" will paint an item for the scene. As an example, if it is a bouquet, one artist will paint the background, another will paint the table, the next will paint the vase and so forth. This same process will be repeated over and over. The canvas will be cut and stapled to stretcher strips.  Workers that specialize in signatures will sign a Western name such as Smith or Jones to the paintings to give it an appearance of legitimacy. These look alike paintings are boxed and shipped out to a hotel lobby, furniture store or offered on EBay.  At best, they are void of any artistic freedom or expression. At worst, they represent and support a type of enslaved labor.

So now that you know the starving artist is not a romantic misunderstood artist trying to sell his paintings, you may want to consider other options for collecting art. You can easily find good student art for $50. and this would help to encourage them.

Art enriches all of our lives. Visit museums, galleries and art shows. Ask questions about the art and artists. The more you know the more you will enjoy this wonderful world.

Illustrated is "Artist's Eviction", watercolor by Harry Sellers. This is one of the miniature paintings from the 20th International Miniature Art Show.