Another fun book cover story

Twin covers? Really? Friend and writing critique partner Deborah Raney and I have ended up with the same cover for different novels! But you know, I don't really mind...

Find out why!

Critics don't always have the last word

Are you a creative? Struggling to find your niche? 

History is rife with stories such as Albert Bierstadt's (below), but I always love happening across them. When I was writing my Colorado Territory fiction, I had images of Bierstadt's paintings scrolling by on my second monitor. So inspiring. What a gifted painter he was, despite the disparaging opinions of critics of his day. So all you creatives, keep creating! And do it for the glory of the Giver of the gift, not for recognition of the gift itself. 

Albert Bierstadt (1830-1902), was a member of the Hudson River School. Bierstadt's use of light, often referred to as “luminism,” is his trademark. Known primarily for his depictions of the American West, Bierstadt was the leading painter of the ever-expanding frontier during the 19th century. Today, the few Bierstadt works that become available at auction continue to bring in ever increasing prices. 

Born in Solingen, Germany, Bierstadt’s family moved to Massachusetts when he was just two years old. In 1853, his blossoming interest in art lead him to formal study at the Düsseldorf School in Germany. 

Upon his return to the United States, the artist’s subjects concentrated mainly on the New England area, until 1859, when he accompanied a land surveyor for the U.S. government to the western frontier. The sketches Bierstadt returned with became finished works that garnered him much financial success. Officially finding his niche, he would make numerous trips to the West throughout his career, creating paintings that detailed the bountiful beauty of the vast landscapes he encountered. 

In the critical art circles of his day, Bierstadt did not fare well. Despite his commercial success, opponents of his work often considered his use of large canvases, light and romantic subject matter to be out of style and inappropriate with the tastes of the time. With the rise of Impressionism and the Boston School, public tastes also moved away from his highly detailed landscapes. Bierstadt eventually declared bankruptcy in 1895. (Text of the story excerpted from: www.rauantiques.com)

See more of Albert Bierstadt's work

Are you a creative? What's your creative outlet?

Blessings your day,

Tamera

Book Clubbing with Morgantown Ladies

I had the pleasure of Skyping last night with the ladies of the Wisdom Seekers Book Club at Sabraton Baptist Church in Morgantown, WV who read my book The Inheritance (Women of Faith Fiction). We had a blast! Thank you, gals, for letting me join you! 

 

Kneeling: Jeannine Brand

1st row (L to R): Hazel Oldland, Judy Dalton, Dollie Barker, and Tye Kramer

2nd row (L to R): Jennifer Derrick, Melissa Forinash, Julie Snowdon, Phyllis Craig, Lil Bezjak, and Patty Frankenberry

Ryan Hanson (their wonderful media guy), and Judy Dalton

Judy shares that the saddle in the picture is her daughter's (Jennifer Derrick). The little chair was made by Judy's husband from horseshoes and West Virginia Black Walnut wood for their granddaughter. Both Judy's daughter and granddaughter are into barrel racing. "Jennifer has always enjoyed reading and horses," Judy says. "The Inheritance was the perfect fit for her."

And you gals were a perfect delight, Judy! Many thanks, again, for allowing me to join you!

If your book club is reading one of my books, I'd love to "join" you at your meeting too. Click for more information on Virtual Book Club Meetings!