Category: Blog Posts

I’m fed up! I can’t begin to express the frustration I’m experiencing with having my name misused by others. Individuals who are using my name, Teresa Bernard, to promote a line of southwest paintings I did not paint. It’s fraud, it’s a scam, and it has been going on for over a decade.

Art Buyers Beware!

You should know that the southwest painting you have just purchased is NOT an authentic Teresa Bernard painting. Contrary to what some unscrupulous art dealers tell their unsuspecting customers, I’m not the artist of the southwest-style paintings they are trying to sell. Let me repeat, I am not a southwest painter, and I have never been.

These so-called “southwest paintings by Teresa Bernard” are being sold on eBay, Offer Up, Let Go, and Fine Art America. I’ve even found them sold on a few auction websites as well. The listings say “Teresa Bernard painted them,” but they are not paintings of mine. I did not paint any of those paintings. Also, the listing agent uses excerpts of my bio without permission, an infringement of copyright. They use my bio in their descriptions to make these paintings seem more legit when they are not.

Why it Matters

When you compare the southwest paintings to mine, you will find my artistic style is entirely different from those paintings. There is no mistaking that fact. One look around my website confirms this. I’ve studied a large sampling of photos of these so-called “Teresa Bernard southwest paintings,” and there is a lack of consistency in artistic style from one painting to the next. It looks like they are the works of multiple artists. There are also variations in the signatures from one painting to the next too. And none of those signatures look anything like mine.

Why it Should Matter to You

I receive emails all the time from individuals wanting verification that a particular southwest painting they have in their possession, or one they’re thinking of purchasing, is one of mine. They even attach a photo for me to look at. You can imagine their confusion when they learn I don’t do southwest paintings and that I’m not the artist of their painting. Still, others become quite indignant to learn their art dealer lied to them and fraudulently used my name to sell them a painting I didn’t paint. I feel bad for these individuals because they have fallen for a scam. All I can do is tell them to do their research; know what they are buying and whom they are buying from.

Who is this Teresa Bernard, Artist of Southwest Paintings?

At first, I thought it was a case of mistaken identity, that there is another artist in the world with the same name as me, and these must be her paintings. So I didn’t give too much thought to the seriousness of this situation until the emails started coming in on a regular basis.

So I did some research to see if I could discover who this southwest artist is. After searching on the internet, I quickly found out that I’m the only artist with the name Teresa Bernard who comes up in the “SERPS” (Search Engine Results Pages). There is no other artist with my name; I’m the only one. Go ahead try a search yourself to see what you come up with. I’ll wait.

Don’t you think it bizarre that there is absolutely NO information on the internet regarding this artist of southwest paintings? Why is it, if she is such a famous artist and her paintings are highly sought after, that she is nowhere to be found?

You won’t find a website for her or the location of her art studio. There are no art shows, exhibitions, or gallery announcements for her work. And you won’t find any press releases, news articles, or magazine articles either. There is absolutely no information whatsoever about this southwest painting artist. Therefore, I am convinced she doesn’t exist, anywhere or anyhow. Please prove me wrong if you can. I welcome it.

Proof of Authenticity

Furthermore, I provide a custom-designed Certificate of Authenticity for each of my paintings. This is something you won’t get with any of the southwest paintings by this imposter.

The art dealers trying to pass their paintings as authentic originals by Teresa Bernard have no proof whatsoever who painted them. All you have is their word for it. Can you really believe  100% of what they say? When you ask them for proof, they tell you to search the internet for the artist and compare the artwork and signatures. Well, we already know what happens when we do that, don’t we?

The truth is they have absolutely no proof at all. You just have to take their word for it. They end the conversation when you push back on them about the matter too. This is further proof something is amiss, and they know it but don’t care. They just want to make a buck at someone else’s expense.

Made in China

I believe these southwest paintings are created in China. Then they are shipped to the U.S., and the Chinese tell their buyers I am the artist. They exploit my name because I am all over the internet. If this isn’t the case, why can’t this other so-called artist “Teresa Bernard” be found? Why doesn’t she show herself? Or step up to make a public appearance and make herself known to the world? I’d be happy to send the individuals who email me to her website if only she had one.

I’m Not The Only One

This scam isn’t an isolated incident either. Joanna Gaines of “Fixer Upper” has also had her name misused in much the same way I’m experiencing.  It was even rumored that she was leaving her show to promote a line of skincare products. According to Joanna, this is simply not true. You can read her story here.

See For Yourself

If you are still convinced that I am the artist of your painting after reading this blog post, then before you send me an email with a photo attached, check out My Oil Paintings Index. It is a visual list of just about all my paintings. If your painting isn’t there, then it isn’t one of mine. However, if you find it pictured, I’m happy to answer your questions.

Have a question?

If you have a question about this matter, please contact us, and we’ll be happy to answer any of your questions.

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UPDATED: 10 March 2023

In need of storage for my paintings. They are everywhere!

I’m no longer in the workforce, which means I have more time to paint. My retirement affords me the freedom to paint as much as I want, whenever I want. However, I am now in a position where I require more space to store all of these paintings until they go to their new homes. To address this need, I created a lightweight yet sturdy art storage rack for my fine art creations.

A “Do-It-Yourself” solution for storing my artwork.

Pictured here is the art storage rack that I designed to house my paintings. My husband helped me build it in one afternoon.

The supplies for this project were purchased from a local hardware store.  We used 1/2″ PVC pipe and the appropriate fittings to bring it all together.  Its overall size is approximately 3ft wide x 3ft tall x 2ft deep. Neither my husband nor I had ever worked with PVC before, so it was a bit of a learning experience for us, though not a difficult one. It wasn’t hard to build; it just took some thought as we were constructing it. The only tool required for this project was a PVC pipe cutter. And once the various pieces were ready, the assembly was quick and easy. I now have a sturdy DIY storage rack that works for my paintings and blank canvases.

What do you think of my solution? I’m satisfied with how the rack turned out. I’m quite confident you could build something similar if you decide to go the same route as me.

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UPDATED: 11 March 2023

An Index of Artist Teresa’s Blog Posts

A Painting In The Making — My oil painting process.

Artist Statement — I’m told every professional artist needs an artist statement; this one is mine.

Developing An Artistic Style of Your Own

DIY Storage for Fine Art Paintings — A “Do-It-Yourself” solution for storing my fine art creations.

Magnificence of Texas Sunsets, The

My Oil Paintings Index — A visual reference of just about all of the oil paintings I’ve ever created.

Southwest Paintings NOT By Teresa Bernard

Sunset Paintings, Why I Love Them

Feedback From You

Teresa gets feedback from fans all around the world. We thought you might find it interesting to read them. The comments we receive come from admirers of Teresa’s art, gallery owners, art teachers, students of the arts, and those who aspire to be artists one day. Take a look at what they have to say.

Feedback from:

♦   Satisfied Customers

♦   Art Teachers and Art Students

♦   Fellow Artists and Art Galleries

♦   Fans Around The World

♦   Friends Across America

It’s always exciting to hear from Teresa’s fans and admirers of her oil paintings. We’d love to hear from you too! Feel free to send us your feedback. Thanks!

Other Art Indexes of Interest

Index of Art Articles, Lessons, and Quizzes — A resource directory of art-related articles, information, lessons, and quizzes.

Have a question?

If you have a question about this blog, please contact us, and we’ll be happy to answer any of your questions.

Thanks for reading this!

Feel free to share this with your friends.

Updated: 12 August 2022

Oh, the splendor of Texas sunsets!

One of the most beautiful places in the world to capture a sunset in oil on canvas is Texas. Being a native Texan, of course, I’m prejudiced!

With its vast open prairies, cacti, ghost towns, old west culture, and billowy clouds, the Lone Star State makes an excellent backdrop for some of the most breathtaking sunsets anywhere in the world. Artists like me, who are fortunate enough to reside here, have a plethora of opportunities to capture the setting sun in all its glory and grandeur in our sunset paintings. Those who don’t live here can delight in making trips to Texas to see the setting sun for themselves and take it back to their studios in the form of photos or sketches for future paintings.

With the varied skylines that each metropolitan has to offer, Texas cities can make for a stunning sunset cityscape. Artists can also witness the sunset on the beach along the Gulf of Mexico, or travel west for a more rugged landscape and catch a sight of the mountain peaks of Big Bend National Park silhouetted against an orange glowing sky.

Texas Sunsets

Artists flock to Texas every year to capture the setting sun in all its splendor as it disappears below the horizon. Here’s why:

• • A lovely sunset allows one to enjoy the better things in life.
  • A beautiful sunset helps to inspire you.

Some Quotes About Sunsets

“Nature paints not; In oils, but frescoes the great dome of heaven; With sunsets, and the lovely forms of clouds; And flying vapors.” – Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

“Peace… is seeing a sunset, and knowing Who to thank.” – Unknown

“The setting sun, and the music at the close, As the last taste of sweets, is sweetest last, Writ in remembrance more than long things past.” – William Shakespeare

“Every sunset brings the promise of a new dawn.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

“When I admire the wonders of a sunset or the beauty of the moon, my soul expands in the worship of the Creator.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Other Sunset Paintings of Interest

⇒ See More Sunset Paintings Here

Additional Reading

Sunset Paintings, Why I Love Them

Paintings Of Sunset By Claude Monet

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UPDATED: 05 January 2023

Texas is well-known for its spectacular sunsets. Growing up in Texas, I’ve had the opportunity of a lifetime of observing many beautiful skies filled with a wide array of shades of orange, yellows, purples, and blues. Is there any wonder that I would choose to create sunset paintings as part of my art repertoire?

For The Love of Sunset Paintings

Sunsets are certainly a favorite type of painting for me because of the many bright colors. I like how I can incorporate the sky at dusk (or dawn) into so many different settings of landscapes, seascapes, cityscapes, and even skyscapes.

And I’m not the only one who appreciates sunset paintings. Here’s why:

• • Sunset paintings are a picturesque representation of the evening sky and sun in all its grandeur and splendor. Just the way God intended.
  • Artists worldwide love to paint the close of the day because it offers them opportunities to include vibrant shades of yellows, oranges, blues, and purples, along with earth colors of dark browns and rich blacks, which work together to create warmth and charm within their compositions.
  • The rays of light that bounce off and peek through the clouds create excitement and drama like no other. They catch the eye of the viewer, drawing him/her in.
  • Early evening is for romantics, and many artists have captured the romance of a setting sun in some of the most exotic places in the world.
  • Sunset paintings look great in just about any room of your home, office, or place of business.

  Other Sunset Paintings of Interest

  

  

  

  ⇒ See More Sunset Paintings Here

  Additional Reading

  The Magnificence of Texas Sunsets

  Paintings of Sunsets by Claude Monet

  Thanks for reading this!

  Feel free to share this with your friends.

  ---

  UPDATED: 05 January 2023
  

One of the greatest compliments I’ve ever received came from a renowned artist who, after seeing several of my paintings, said that I had my own artistic style. That surprised me because, without recognizing it, I had established my own distinct painting style over the years.

Until that day, I hadn’t given much thought to even having my art style, much less trying to develop one. What’s more, I barely even knew what an art style was. I knew all the Old Masters had it, and that it was something good to have. So I set out to find out more about artistic style, what it is, and where it comes from.

What exactly is artistic style?

Artistic style is a specific characteristic or group of characteristics that are consistently present in the artworks of an artist. It’s that extra little thing that an artist does to set himself apart from other artists.

Many artists, whether they realize it or not, have an identifiable painting style. Their artistic style is neither good nor bad. It is simply the result of the particular choices and decisions a painter makes while composing their oil paintings. These decisions define the identity of an artist’s style and are made up of a combination of the mediums, techniques, and subject matter chosen. It’s not that an artist chooses to paint landscapes, still life, or portraits — those are only genres. Instead, it is HOW the artist handles each of the various art elements (line, form, texture, value, color, and shape) that make up the composition. Click for more information about the basic art elements.

Should you develop your own artistic style?

I would say “YES” if you ever hope to be taken seriously as an artist for the following reasons:

1. Developing your artistic style will help to define you and set you apart from other artists. It’s your individuality and uniqueness as an artist.

2. It’s what allows others who see your work to recognize it as yours without having to look at the signature on the canvas.

3. It offers you a way to have personal satisfaction from your artwork by expressing your ideas and inner vision.

4. If you plan to display your paintings in art galleries, then a distinct art style is something a gallery owner or curator will want to see in your work.

5. Finally, developing your style is necessary if you want your paintings to capture the eye of art collectors. Many collectors hold to a specific opinion, “if it looks just like the real thing, then I’ll just take a photograph and hang it on the wall.” For many art connoisseurs, an artist’s style is the essence of the art.

How do you develop your artistic style?

Before I can tell you how to do that, I need to tell you how NOT to develop one. You won’t develop your artistic style by copying the works of other artists. Let me repeat that. If you copy the works of another artist, you will never develop a unique art style of your own. The reason for this is that when you copy someone’s work, you are merely imitating the choices and decisions already made by the artist whose work you are copying.

Novice painters often do this. They copy the works of other artists they like, and this is a disservice to the world of art. As long as they continue to do this, they will never develop their unique artistic expression and move beyond being a mere hobbyist to a serious artist or even a professional. Your artistic style is shaped by the decisions YOU make about the numerous elements that go into your artwork.

An artist’s unique artistic style does not develop overnight. It evolves over time due to either conscious or unconscious effort on the part of the artist, and it will most likely change many times as the painter grows as an artist. The best way to develop a style is to do a lot of painting. In doing so, you can expect your art style to progress as you acquire more experience, knowledge, and skills. As you move from painting to painting, you will find that specific artistic characteristics or qualities will reoccur repeatedly. This is your unique style. It’s important to remember that you don’t have to continue with the same art style for the rest of your life. You have the ability to change it at any time, and you will be surprised to learn that it can, and frequently does, evolve.

Additional Reading

A Painting in the Making

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UPDATED: 10 March 2023

This blog article is about my painting process. How I take an empty canvas to a finished painting.

I compose and paint all of my works on stretched canvas that has been commercially primed. I prefer the type of canvas that wraps around the stretcher bar support. This allows me to carry the painting around the edge of the canvas giving it a more finished look. It also means the painting will not require a frame for display unless one is desired.

Gesso Primed Stretched Canvas

Even though the canvas I use has already been pre-primed by the manufacturer, it’s not sufficient. To provide appropriate support for the pigment, further layers of primer must be applied. The canvas must be prepped and ready to receive the oil paint before I can begin painting.
I apply two layers of gesso on the stretched canvas and allow each layer to dry thoroughly between coats. The canvas is next carefully sanded to remove any rough edges. I make an effort to prime as many canvases as possible. That way, whenever inspiration strikes and I want to start a new painting, I have a ready supply of prepped canvas on hand.

Click for more information on what to know about gesso. For step-by-step instructions on how to prime a canvas using gesso, check out this article on WikiHow: “How to Prime a Canvas.”

Sketching The Image

After the canvas has been adequately prepared, it is time to start sketching the image onto the canvas’s surface. Every painting begins as a simple grid drawn on the canvas. This grid serves to aid in the placement of the focal point and other elements where they will best complement the overall composition. Using a pencil or stick of charcoal, I begin sketching the image that will eventually become the painting. I try to make the sketch as detailed as I can, making sure to include the shadow areas too.

BTW, I don’t usually make my grid lines this dark. It’s best to keep them light. I only made them dark so they would show up better for this example. I will erase them before the layer of under paint goes on.

The Underpainting

An underpainting is the first layer of paint applied to the canvas, and it serves as a foundation for the subsequent layers of paint that will be applied as the painting progresses. It’s a crucial layer that’s largely made up of pigment and medium (a blend of mineral spirits and linseed oil). I use this underpainting layer to get rid of the stark white canvas surface and begin blocking in color, which also helps define the image’s basic outline. I keep this layer thin, making sure not to cover up my sketch lines. That will happen later as I develop the painting as I add more layers of pigment. Once the underpainting layer has dried, I begin laying in oil paint layer upon layer and adding more and more detail as I go until the painting is complete.

Painting In Layers

I paint in layers and allow each layer some drying time before applying the next. This takes longer to finish a painting, but this technique will enable me to achieve the effect I’m working toward on each of my paintings. Depending on the amount of detail that needs to be included in the composition, some paintings will have more layers than others. Allowing each layer to dry reduces the overall drying time required before applying the varnish layers.

Applying Varnish

After the painting is finished and has had time to thoroughly dry, I will apply at least two coats of artist-grade clear varnish to protect it and bring out the colors.

The Finished Painting

The Large White Dog
Domestic Pet Painting by Teresa Bernard
16″ w x 20″ h
Oils on gallery wrap stretched canvas

Read more about this painting here.

Additional Reading

The Importance of Varnishing Oil Paintings

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Updated: 10 March 2023