Free 18x24 Poster print!

What a great way to start off our fall session with a GIVEAWAY!

Digitalroom.com is giving away a FREE 18x24 rolled poster print to one of YOU, my loyal readers!

My America (free shipping) or Canadian (small shipping fee) readers can enter by leaving a comment on this blog on how or what you will have printed! If you don't know how to leave a comment you can email me at lwatmough@gmail with your idea and I will post it for you! How's that for easy!
Please let your friends know and have them enter as well. They may want a poster of YOUR ART for Christmas!!! Bloggers and Tweeters spread the word!

Check out our sponsor at http://www.digitalroom.com/poster-printing.html

and Digital Printing at http://www.digitalroom.com/

One of my Giclees 'La Porte' would be perfect as a poster or maybe Rosie, my Granddaughter. It''s going to be hard to choose!

A little cropping and viola! I have a Gift for some very special people! Remember that all you need is a hi -resolution photo file to send to http://www.digitalroom.com/ and they do all the hard stuff!

Have your ideas posted before Monday Sept 28 and one winner will be drawn. You may enter as many times as you wish! Good Luck everyone!

UPrinting.com What is this??

Free Business Cards? Free Canvas Prints? Free Posters? Free Postcards? Free Greeting Cards?
Now, that is something we would be interested in! Artists love having their image on cards and canvas prints. And, I definitely need some more business cards. Besides, did anyone say 'FREE'?
I have partnered up with UPrinting.com and will be offering my loyal readers and students opportunities for special rates and FREE product giveaways. Stay tuned!

FREE PAINTING WEEKEND!!

Where did the summer go? Hope all of you enjoyed the wonderful sunshine. It was great to get a change of scenery (and a chance to paint it!) BUT I am sooooo ready for classes to start and meet up with all of you!
Can't wait to start????
As a special perk to all my students that have re enrolled for Sept. classes- and celebrating Albert Arts Days please enjoy FREE PAINTING DAYS Sept 19/ 20 from 10:00-5:00.
What a great way to kick off the new term! Note: you do not have to come all day. Drop in and claim an easel and paint for the day or a few hours. Reconnect with fellow students! Paint on your current work or new ones. Bring a small plate of goodies and one of your painting to share for lunch or coffee time/gallery. Bring someone along if they are interested! Call and let me know you are coming 780-419-2055.
REMINDERS
Classes start the week of Sept 21. '
MEET Sheree, our digital camera expert. She will be taking names for more camera classes to be held at Hidden Talent Fine Art School.
Art Drive Studio's Open last weekend for the St. Albert Artists Colony members is Sept 19/20 as well! We are hoping for as good a crowd as last year!!!

H1N1 isn't any fun! Fall Plan

St. Albert's Chamber of Commerce is keeping us members up to date with all the preparations that province and individual companies should be undertaking with the growing threat that the H1N1 flu will return this fall and complicated the regular flu season.
As a result of reading many Government and local documents, I have instituted a few changes for Hidden Talent Fine Art School in order to keep that nasty bug out of our art school studio.
1. Hand sanitizer will be available and students are encouraged to use it before class.
2. Paper towels will be used in both washrooms.
3. Students will be required to bring their own "Hold It"( sticky tak)
4. Students are encouraged to bring their own brushes.
5. There will be NO REFUNDS after the second class.
6. If the instructor is ill, the students will be able to come to make up these missed lessons or receive a credit. Students who miss classes must make up missed lessons within the term.
7. Your instructor will have a vaccination against the H1N1 flu and encourages all eligible students to do the same.
8. Proper coughing/ sneezing etiquette is encouraged. Cough into your sleeve, wash hands frequently, staying home if ill, etc.
9. Please contact me if you have any concerns.
The fall is the best time of the year...outdoor painting and the start of art lessons , falling leaves and starting school brings back so many warm memories! Let's keep HT flu free so we can enjoy this colorful season! Like the song says" See you in September!!

Stolen Moments

It has been a long while since I've updated my blog...apologies all the way round!

I have split student info resources and general fun art education from my own personal art journey.

My art and viewpoints will now be at http://www.artbylaura.blogspot.com/ . I have worked out most of the bugs as I've posted through the summer and will keep my art friends up to date with my 'interesting" paintings, events etc. if you would like to join the mailing list please contact me at lwatmough@gmail.com

I've gotten a wee break from Summer Art Camps and I am in the school studio painting studies based on color combos and warm and cool light. These are my stolen moments to paint non stop and the door will be locked!!!lol There will be a drop-in this Thursday from 6:00-9:00 as well as August 13. The drop ins have been great fun and it is wonderful to get together in a relaxed atmosphere ( especially the refreshments!hah) The studio light is very special when the large doors are open...we are painting plein air so to speak!

One of our long time students is making major life changes- Carol Ewasiuk ( Tues afternoon) has decided to move to southern BC to escape the winters! and has her condo up for sale. We hope to see a bit of her in Sept, but her new home will be ready for her in October! Good Luck Carol, we will miss you!

Our Fall schedule is posted and we are currently taking Registration . September 19, 20 will be Hidden Talent Fine Art School Open House. Sheree, the photographer will also be on hand to explain her classes offered at Hidden Talent. The Further Education Brochure will be delivered by mid-August. All times and dates are posted at www.laurawatmough.com .

You can reach me at 780-419-2055! Enjoy the last warm days of Summer 2009!

Summer Art Hours

Drop-in art classes will be held on Thurs during the summer, except for the last two weeks in August. Time: 6:00-9:00 Cost : $35 If you wish to try glazing, please bring a monchromatic painting , your paints, and some LIQUIN LIGHT ( this is the least toxic product and works extremely well). You can work on your class projects or on any other art you wish! There is a maximum of 10 spaces available, so leave me a message to reserve your place! 780-419-2055
As an added bonus, the St. Albert Artists Colony members will be hosting an open house-complete with wine and goodies. You are welcome to sell your completed and framed artwork in the Gallery that night for a commission of 30%. Drop off your art when you come!

Spring is here and are we ever busy!!
Students at Hidden Talent are finishing many paintings using the methods of the Old Masters. Join us Thursdays in July and the first two in August for a behind the scene peek at how we paint! Members of the St. Albert Artists Colony will also be there hosting a community mural! 6:00-9:00.Don't miss out!

Students Spring Paintings in Progress

More Students hard at work!!

Hidden Talent students!

Focus! More Art Tips

This week we talked about keeping our story simple and uncomplicated. CW Mundy, one of the great living Masters chose a few artists that inspired him-Schmid, Gerhardt, Puttman, Hicks to name a few. He then pointed out why these artists have reached the pinnacle of the art world.
In other words, we should try and have only one focus in our paintings.
Point Taken: too much detail can distract from the focus- keep the hyper detail for closer to the main subject and be a little less fussy leading up to it.
Point Taken: Even in a still life that is shallow, the edges must reflect distance or depth. Fuzz ( soften ) them as they recede!
Point Taken: Squint! This is the easiest way to see like an artists.

I collect the International Artists magazine and highly recommend that you subscribe. They have success stories, educationals, and are a wonderful source of inspiration.

Simple Things

This past week we discussed a still life of very simple things...three onions and a clove of garlic placed on a marble shelf. The artists desire was to instill character or personality in the onions to differentiate them. Because of the simplicity, he had to attract the onlooker with drama, detail and technique.

Point taken! In your painting have a smaller area of detail and broader areas of less demanding detail. The focus of your painitng will never be in question and you can concentrate your efforts on a smaller, more managable area resulting in quicker progress! How many of us pick subject matter that is far too busy or complex? In a portrait the background should never command as much attention as the figure, no matter how complex.

Point taken! Paintings are everywhere and can be the simplest thing. We don't have to wait for the 'perfect' photo op, we can orchestrate it from our own kitchen. Some other ideas are Christmas ornaments, silver ware, perfume bottles, children's toys, collectibles, your favorite chair ( thanks Melanie for the idea!), golf shoes, garden decorations, acorns or weeds, coffee cups etc.

It is important to know that art class is a sanctuary where you can paint with no interruptions and where you can paint and do NOTHING ELSE! Some students want to paint their monochromatic at home, but never get around to it. Too busy, too tired, unexpected things happen!Don't feel bad! There is no homework in art class.....there is no need to try and find the precious time to paint at home. Classes are here to give you the time to paint your monochromatic undisturbed! If you do paint at home, consider it a gift of time well spent!

Digital Camera Basics for Artists

We survived! We learned! WE ACTUALLY READ OUR CAMERA MANUALS!

Photographer extraordinaire, Sheree Zeilke gave us great insight into our camera menus and what our DSL's and Point and Shoots could actually do. There were plenty of " I didn't know my camera could do that!" and 'How did I do this?" "cooooool" and " look how easy they made this for us!"

This afternoon was the last 2 hours of getting to know our camera....very important equipment for artists. Sheree gave us helpful handouts, special photography tips for artists, cheat sheets of terms and how to explore the scene mode etc!
The big realization was that we have alot more going on in our cameras than AUTO!

Sheree will be holding a second class due to high demand on Sat June 13/20 from 1:00-3:00 limited to 12 students. If you don't get into this class please leave you name and number...we may hold a third class for those that missed out!

Sheree is also ready to do DSL Only and Point and Shoot Only classes if enough students sign up. Sheree does photo safaris and personal mentoring sessions as well.( This is FUN STUFF!)

Check her out! Sheree has her work posted on www.flickr.com name: hadassah28 . We saw her photographs of a vixen and kits taken in Riel Park a few says ago. Her photos has gotten world wide attention on the Flickr site!

While you are at Flickr consider opening up a Flickr site for yourself and share photos of your art work / other things with a world wide community!

Many thanks Sheree! It was a blast!

PS Sheree has published a book of her photographs and the stories/inspiration behind them. She also writes a travel blog -www.blog-picajet.com

Day One Mona Lisa Art Show!

The third annual Mona Lisa Art Show `Brush Strokes` is only half way through but... What a great turn out! With the warm weather finally here, we were surprised at how many art friends took the time to visit our wonderful show! We brightened the day of quite a few first time selling artists! Congratulations! It is such a wonderful feeling when someone purchases your art and you know they can`t live without it!

Thanks to Mayor Nolan Crouse for taking time out of his busy day to drop by and enjoy the art!

Inspiration for Artists

Wellington Greenhouse, Edmonton

Happy Easter!

The quick and welcomed change in the weather always seems to invigorate me and sends me cleaning up my studio and refreshing my focus on art. I have learned that this is my best time for original ideas and productivity. I paint longer with more enthusiasm when I come out of hibernation!!

Getting back into yard and garden work reminds me that I have a half done Iris painting begging for a brush stroke.

After talking to fellow artists, I have a list of things that inspire them...and hopefully you. It is hard to keep the momentum going and, for me, a quick review of the list helps me focus.

1. Visit a sanctuary; this means that if you like gardening, visit a place like Wellingtons beside the Odeon Cinemas on 137 Ave....heaven on earth! They actually hire a designer from Vancouver to come and arrange garden paraphernalia , antiques, linens and gifts as well as bedding plants. I have asked and they do allow plein air painters into the gardens . This is definitely on my " to do" list for this summer. Who would like to come with me?

Another refresher could be a gallery visit. The Spring Art Walk is in April .(Edmonton on 124 st. ) This is always a source if inspirational and wonderment...How did they do that? How did they get into a gallery? What color did they use etc!

2. Visit a website. For those of us with limited time seeking out other artists websites or 'how to' sites can be not only educational, but change the way you view your work. Google 'realistic art' or 'painting a day' or "oil painters organisations" and lose yourself!

3. Look for competitions. Nothing like a deadline to get you to the easel! Many times my deadlines are self imposed, sometimes not. I know myself good enough to realize that I do my best working under pressure...

4. Take photos. Many photos. Visit flickr and other photography sites to see what has captures others eyes. Learn from their compositions.

5. The spring trip to the art store...... yes, my art friends turned out to be art supply junkies! A new color of paint, a few new brushes, and maybe even an odd size of canvas gets the gears in motion!

6. Look at the art book at Chapters...not necessarily the ' how to' but the 'already done'. Try the Old Masters.. I have library that continues to educate and stretch my approach to art.

7. Paint your monochromatics at home.I know it's easier said than done. Try for 1 hour a week and schedule it.

8. Find your other passion. This is research. Do you love old cars, wine, hiking, wildlife, prairie scenery, barns, kids, travelling? Incorporate this into your paintings and you will be more than inspired...you'll be hard to stop!

Showing off at the Trade Fair

Sylvie Fergusson and June Haring attracted lots of attention by painting on the spot. Next year we will devote much more room for painting , as this was a wonderful opportunity for both artists to explain and promote their work.

The Artists Brigade ( all our volunteers) walked throughout the fair and handed out info and did an outstanding job. Many Many thanks to all of you that helped out!

Trade Show 2009 Set UP

I am soooo tired, but sooo happy. This was a great year at Servus Place. We had good attendance, we had a penalty box to put our coats and drinks in, we had the BEST display, and the greatest volunteers. In fact, many exhibitors said they heard at least two pitches from different apron clad women ....they were so convincing that they had to come by and see the art! I hope you enjoyed the pictures and will come and be part of the fun next year! There is always room for another enthusiastic artist!

St. Albert Artists Colony- Ground Floor Opportunity

We are currently looking for a limited number of artists to join the St. Albert Artists Colony!

This is the second year that the Colony will be showing artwork at the Spot Light Gallery in conjunction with the St. Albert and area Art Drive brochure. We would love to have you be a part of this fun and rewarding experience!

For two Thursdays a month for July and August and at the 'Studio's Open' event in September, the Colony members will be introducing the public to the world of the artist! We will share an evening of refreshments and relaxed conversation as we paint on our current projects and display our artistic efforts in the Spot Light Gallery. We also have plans to have special art events through out the year!

We want you to join us if...

* you will be participating in the Art Drive Brochure.

* have 4-6 artworks to show over the summer.

* enjoy meeting people.

* enjoy the support and friendship of fellow artists.

* like No fees-only pay a low commission if your artwork sells!

Laura has more info for you! Have fun and paint with us this summer!

call 780-419-2055

Trade Show Art Walk

This year's artworks are incredible! I am so happy to be able to put them on display at the St. Albert 'Spring into Spring' Trade Show. There are over 50 and still counting as the last ones trickle in the studio door. The pegboard has been hauled out from the back storage area (we need to update to something half as heavy for next year!) the paperwork is almost finished ( brochures, business cards, handouts etc) and I have 'the men' in place to help build the booth display.

Our faithful volunteers are signed up- this should be a fun and exciting weekend! I really enjoy showing the unbelieving public what fantastic art our students are creating. It is surprising how many students started after seeing us at the Trade Show. We are the ONLY ART WALK FOR THE OVER 10,000 PEOPLE THAT COME TO THE TRADE SHOW! We are going to WOW them! Check out last years set up....

Our school isn't just about learning a timeless technique-it's about the support and encouragment that the students offer each other. The ultimate goal of an art school is to build a community of artists that thrives and inspires many more to push past their limits and discover what beautiful things can be at the end of their brushes. For me, having the opportunity to share the world of art with you has been a priviledge!

I can hardly wait for the Spring session to begin...

Torrit Grey is Here

You can now pick up your tube of Torrit Grey at Delta or Paint Spot! Since Edmonton and area is considered the hotbed of underpainting - let's get started! I must say that I wouldn't pass up the opportunity to win Gamblin products....my new favorite color is ashphaltum, a rich Van Dyke-ish dark brown, but oh so creamy. The new Manganese Blue that Gamblin sent out is a close second.
What will you paint? I am trying to stick to my dessert theme and am stumped! any ideas?

Spring MUST be coming SOON...

Winter session is coming to a close. We will have a short break then back to the easels by April 20th. A trend to larger paintings made it a bit of a challenge getting the canvas into the studio without turning it into a sail! This session saw wonderful paintings including many florals, more buildings than usual, Violins, animals and even a few portraits....the quality of art has never been better.

During our breaks we talked about what a juror looks for if you enter a competition-Contrast, Color, Composition. We've done well.(winners!) , but remember winning a competition is only an easy start....to win consistently is the goal. Develop your skills, keep taking lessons and who knows where you will end up? Even students who have no desire to sell their works can benefit from entering....many paint faster and more precise when there is a deadline, many are more creative in their approach simply because the art will be judged.

Don't pass up the opportunity to show at the St. Albert Trade Fair..... Another FREE event for Hidden Talent Fine Art School students . Art work should be in this week, call if you will be delayed!

THANKS FOR A GREAT SESSION. TOGETHER WE CAN DO SOME AMAZING ART!!

Losing Time- Learning to Paint Bettter and Faster

Seems to me that every time I pick up a paint brush, the clock goes twice as fast. Students often comment on how fast the three hours of class time whizzes by...and to think I started out teaching only a two hour class!

The obvious benefits of coming to art class are...

1. The challenge: Isn't it nice to know that no matter what great booboos we make, it can always be fixed? Nothing is permanent in oils.

2. Concentration: It is so absorbing that everything else disappears from our thought and we experience a higher level of concentration.

3. Accomplishment: After only a few classes I can actually see my students realize that ANYTHING is paintable-portraits, scenery, their dog, the grand kids, the favorite location, the vacation picture.

4.Education: how exciting it is to be learning a fascinating and complex subject at your own pace! When you look around at the other students work, you can see where you've been and where you can go...it's only a matter of time! Who knew how much thought and planning went into painting?

5. Feedback: It has been scientifically proven that painting in a group accelerates the learning process. Students learn not only from the teacher, but also from fellow students. The whole is more than the sum of the parts.

6. Realism: The return of a valued and respected art form is so welcomed and vital to us, and our society. The pendulum has swung back from just expression to expression with technique and thoughtfulness! How fortunate we are to live in such exciting times!

When you come to class I hope some of these wonderful things happen to you!

Student NEWS! Reserve Your Place for Spring Session

We will be having a break from classes from the end of March until April 20th. In the mean time there is the St. Albert Trade Fair April 3,4,5. Hope to see you and your painting there! Please sign up to volunteer. I promise it will be loads of FUN.
Dates and times for the spring session are posted on www.laurawatmough.com under Fine Art Classes. Register now to keep your spot...

Congratulations to Bette Hogg for winning a ribbon in the Orchid Show this year! She painted her entry at home and did a fantastic job. I will try to convince her to hang her winning entry in the gallery for all of us to see. WAY TO GO BETTE!!!

Heather Dundas is featured on the www.icangarden.com website.
Her inspiration for her painting is a photo from this website. Heather obtained permission and her 'painting in progress' is features under pix, painting in progress. Great Website, too! WELL DONE HEATHER!

MONA LISA CLUB MEETING this SAt March 7th. IF you can`t make it and would like a mini critique, please bring it to class and I will have a look.

Northwest Originals is the gallery hosted at Capitol Ex this summer. Are you interested in showing??? This is a great opportunity and the venue has been upgraded significantly. It is now at the entrance to SIP, the most popular exhibit in Hall A. Only original artwork will be hung, and there is a fee of $100 and 30% commission.....well worth it for the exposure. Included are tickets to the private chairmans opening and you can invite your clients to the Northwest Originals Brunch; PLUS free gate entrance and you don't have to stay and babysit your painting!!Both are stellar events, great decor, divine food, fantastic networking. Make sure your best work will be there. Contact Stephen at sliley@northlands.com . Make sure you request the SIP Gallery.

There may be an opportunity to paint at the Capitol Ex as part of the "entertainment". Would you be willing to join me ? More details later...

Some Camera Help!

As artists we need to know how to take a great photo for reference.....many of us glaze over as soon as the manual doesn't have any pictures on the page!!!! Does your camera have to much stuff on it? Do you use only 10% of the features of your camera??

WE CAN HELP YOU!

I have booked Sheree Zielke, (http://www.visualsbysheree.com/) professional photographer, who specializes in helping us use our cameras to the fullest! We had to book in May as this lady is in high demand! Digital Camera Basics will be held at the studio for owners of point and shoot as well as DSLR (the fancy camera with the interchangable lenses). Bring you manual, a highlighter, and extra fully charged batteries! Be ready to use the info you use in class. Class limited to 12-sign up now! Sat May 9/16 from 1:00-3:00. Advance payment in cash only!

An Artist's Story-Cheryl Wilkes

Cheryl Wilkes is a dedicated painter and has been chosen to show one of her works at the McMullen Gallery in Edmonton. Her work was chosen from over 190 entries and I'm sure it will the one that stands out!!
This is Cheryl Wilkes' story on why she is an artist; an inspitation to us all...

I remember receiving an old wooden box of oil paints and used brushes from my grandfather when I was 12. He had included some turpentine for thinning and cleaning and my parents provided me with an easel and a canvas. The summer days were warm and endless as I sat behind my rickety easel in the backyard painting a beautiful night sky picture from an old Christmas card of a glistening creamy moon peaking out from behind inky blue clouds. I imagined myself to be a famous artist dabbing away at the canvas and could feel a suave Parisian accent welling up inside of me. Of course we lived just 20 miles from Montreal so the accent wasn’t difficult to muster. I recall being so relaxed and feeling so carefree as I painted while listening to the birds singing and the squirrels scolding in the trees of my backyard. Certainly, the fumes from the paints and thinner may have played a small part in creating my feeling of tranquility, however, the sheer joy of replicating on canvas a small piece of this earth’s splendor was like a sweet elixir to my soul. That rapturous feeling kept me coming back to my easel, day after day until summer waned and my days were filled once again with the rigours of school.

Now I am much older and have seen many summers glide swiftly past. As a Registered Nurse, Wife, Mother and Grandmother, I have felt the weight of countless weary hours caring for clients, tending to family and struggling to survive in a ferocious world, which has left its mark on my body and my psyche. Unquestionably the joyous days of everlasting summer have ended for me and the gift of childhood oblivion has long since disappeared. The cold, harsh reality of life now dictates that I must choose daily to seek out the happiness that once upon a time was so easily grasped. I have chosen to return to painting again in an attempt to regain some of that cheerful tranquility that I had as a child and to provide a tangible balance to the rigours of daily life. Unfortunately finding time to paint is not paramount in my life as the clamour from demands of work and family quite frankly overpower the little voice that says, “Take some time for yourself.” In order to ensure that I do take the time, I have signed myself up for painting classes where I attend at least once a week. There are many evenings when I would prefer to stay at home with my feet up on the couch and forego class, but I coerce myself to attend, knowing that as I paint I will feel renewed, reenergized and at peace. The hardships of the day will be forgotten with each stroke of my brush and I am assured that I will be physically and mentally healthier for having taken some brief moments for myself to rejuvenate today, so that I may be better equipped to serve others tomorrow.

Walmart Art

Aubergine

12x16

Sold

More reasons THEY are buying at Walmart continued from the last post!! Read it first.
3. Isn't everyone an artists? I can get Johnny (my child, my friend, myself) to do exactly the same thing for cheaper! The truth is that they never do get some else to do the art! Ignorance is bliss in this case...it takes skill, determination, guts and passion to put our art out there for the public to judge! If it were an easy thing we would all be artists and only originals would hang on walls. Another thing, self expression is a wonderful thing, but not necessarily art. Again Walmart has that covered ie: the craft/ art section of the store!

4.Buyers of original art want to share in the life of an artist by possessing a unique moment of the artist's life captured on canvas.
Does Walmart do this? They sell prints that are made to attract the lowest common denominator in art choices...something safe, everybody has it and it goes well with the sofa!
It is hard to wean people of this notion and present a whole different idea when it comes to buying original art. Is this really Good art?Galleries are wonderful because they select art they consider 'good/ valuable' so people don't have to try and figure it out. In our culture art is not nearly as prevalent as in others. Galleries are the front line for artists. They insure that the artists presents themselves as a professional. Select your gallery carefully...many are now not as stuffy as they once were. I have been to great openings with jazz in the background and cut up fudge for refreshments. Remember that a gallery will do what ever it takes to get a potential client through the doors to look at your work!

5. The value of a print goes up in time.....does an original painting do that? How do I know?
A good measuring gauge is to ask what has the artists done to further their career, technique and exposure. Once an artist is professional they will invest in their career and this will mean an increase in prices. Some artists are 'discovered' after many years of hard work, and it seems that their prices climb very fast. Luck are those supporting clients that bought before the big discovery!
All in all, Walmart has a role. Better to have some kind of art in a home that none at all! Better yet to have a unique piece you love than one that leaves you cold but looks good with the drapes!

Provence 8x10 SOLD

Art Marketing 101 Why THEY are only buying Walmart art

Good Company

14x18

Sold

Last class a student forlornly told me she knew many people who spent $1millions on their homes getting granite counter tops, the best hardwood floors available, the top of the line appliances BUT... went to Walmart or Homesense to buy art .

The six obstacles to buying original art I thought of are;

1.People redecorate with the next trend and don't want to invest in art, as it is an accessory to a room.

We're still in the era of the painting has to match the sofa! It's a hard lesson, but good quality doesn't go out of style. A painting defines the collector, not the home he lives in. The more interesting your personal story and the painting's story, the more symbolism or message you have in your art, helps to define your collector as more thoughtful, astute and intelligent.

Old China

9x9

$175.00

2. People don't know what is good value in original art...some new artist charge the same or more as recognized artists. There are no comparison price lists.If you can hit the canvas with the paint it is for sale!

Educating the public is our responsibly as artists. I am of the minority opinion that yes, Virginia there is BAD art! Sharing your education about art, justifying your choices and explaining your influences can give a collector motivation to buy. Just as you are motivated to paint , your collector wished to share in that complex process of creativity.


More on the next post!

Bette Hogg's Poem "The Teacher"

When Bette came to class on Sat. morning, she gave me one the most SPECIAL presents I have ever received. Bette has been attending Hidden Talent once a week on Saturdays and it was our Fifth Anniversary!!.Five years sounds like alot, but I counted the hours-(just shy of 500 hours or just 3 1/2 months of painting full time). She has grown immeasurably as an artist , has been an inspiration to others and is a wonderful friend. I will share her kind words as she has captured what I wish to do with each of you, my students.

The Teacher

I want to paint, so where do I begin? To see it all clearly,
And lay it all down so that others might see.
The bright springtime sky with the broad sweeping clouds,
Or the sunlight dancing 'mong leaves of a tree.

How can I do that, Where to begin?

I'll look for the chance, for they all say

When the pupil is ready the teacher will come.

Someone to teach me the night from the day.

The teacher arrived and so we begin,
"The shape is to start, so make sure that is right.
You must draw it correctly but shape is not all,
Composition will show it in just the right light.

Now I will teach you, it's values that show
The shape of the rose or the curve of the grape.
Yes, that is right, no colors to start,
It's the lights and it's dark that will give it the shape.

The shape is correct, you've done a great job.
Now comes the color, it's also called hue.
You must maintain the values and color's applied.
A little more red will warm up the blue.

That part's in the shade, in the dark so to speak,
So you'll need to make it a little more cool.
Yes, that's right, there is temperature there
Shade's cool, sun's warm, it's kind of a tool.

There are edges we watch as the masterpiece forms
Keep the focus quite sharp with edges so clear

With contrasts most great, the most light and most dark.

Line up side by side. You've nothing to fear!

No, you're not quite done, there is one more thing.

The highlights are added and the sparkle appears.

The very last touches will bring it to life

Put the sunshine on water, the glisten on tears.

Now sign your name. " is this really mine?

Did I really do that? No, it was not all me.

My teacher was there every step of the way.

Guiding hands and eyes , as I came to be,

An ARTIST, the dream of a lifetime. That's ME!

I can keep all the beauty, and moments in time!

Thank you my teacher, my life is now changed.

The gift you have given, is received . It is mine!

Bette Hogg

Two WINNERS!

Come and sign the congratulations card at Hidden Talent!
Do you remember the Gamblin Torrit Grey contest? The one that you had to use that special grey paint and submit online along with 100's of other artists? Remember having Scott, the Gamblin representative come to our School and talk about Color Space? Remember that contest that has only one winner and two runner-ups from all the 100's of entries?????
Well,well, well, come by and shake MEMORY ROTH'S's hand....she is one of only three winners ( FIRST RUNNER UP) and will have her painting plastered over all their advertising, website and next years forms! http://www.gamblincolors.com/ What a fantstic and well deserved accomplishment Memory! I've managed to talk Memory into hanging the winning painting in our Spot Light Gallery, so don't miss it!
Speaking of well deserved-Check out the Featured Artist interview with our artist HEIDI FERGUSON in the Art Magazine Alternative Trends- http://www.alternativetrends.com/rts_heidi_ferguson.html
Great story, fantastic paintings! Can't wait to see the glossy magazine!Will she still talk to us now that's she famous?!!
Congrats to both Artists-you really inspire us all!

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Year End Stats

Just a few stats-I promise!
I know how much we artists like dealing with numbers....

Stats for http://www.laurawatmough.com/
Total visitors -39,000
The most actual visitors (not hits) were in April (4033) May (4190) June (4147) July (4248).
Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario were the top Canadian visitor locations. The top US locations were California (by a large number) Arizona, and Virginia, Germany UK and Sweden were the top three in Europe.
I am hoping to decipher how to get blog stats very soon...any suggestions?

Thanks for spreading the word!

The Artist's Christmas

I would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and thank you for following this blog. I love all the comments and suggestions, even spelling corrections. I am especially thankful for being able to share my artistic life with you!

Christmas has just passed! If you are very lucky, your loved ones will have guessed ( with strong suggestions from you) what to pick out of the confusion at either John's or Kim's and you have a wonderful new-( insert art supply here) to play with. If you are only a wee bit less lucky, you will have the GIFT CARD, and have to postpone your enjoyment a day or two. Now the fun begins...

There have been a few new toys this year, but even the old standbys will be appreciated because of the advanced warning of an over the board price climb the beginning of 2009. This is truly the sign of real inflation coming to the market ...

After collecting a few supplies, the artists needs a place to set up and paint. One of my students has to put everything away after painting and time is wasted setting up each time she gets a few hours to paint. Two things need attention here. First, you can paint for mere minutes and still show progress. You don't need a few hours, just squeeze a few minutes in when ever you can.
Keeping your easel in view lets you paint those precious few minutes at a time and helps sharpen you artistic eye, BUT...it also keeps the mess in plain sight.
The second solution I've found is to throw a vinyl table cloth over the whole thing, easel and all, with an 'Under Construction' sign on it...sometimes a 'Don't touch' sign is a better choice!
So, if you have the time,( and now we know we really do) enjoy the holidays with a brush in your hand! I'm looking forward to a productive and colorful 2009!

Insider Scoop on Ducks Unlimited

John Eggerton from Ducks Unlimited visited us again on Sat Nov 22. He brought a print of this year's Sponsorship Print Winner- our own Barb Girouard! The prints look fantastic Barb! Well done!

John explained that the artists get to keep their original painting, but gives up only the copyright for paper prints to D.U. for one year.The artists may sell canvas Giclees of the image at any time.

There are 2000 paper prints made to give to people who donate to D.U. thus the Sponsorship Print. 12 of the 2000 prints will have a Remarque, or a small painting (acrylic or watercolor) on the bottom of the artist's print) that relates to the big print. The size is about 2"x3"These special Sponsorship prints will be auctioned because they have a mini original on the print and are more valuable. The artist will receive 100 AP( artists proofs) to sell once the year is up.

There were 86 entries this year, including some from students from very well known artists ( RB). All entries are sent to Ontario to see if they will be chosen for the Merchandise catalogue. John will deliver one as soon as it is available.

Changes for 2010

The Provinces will no longer have individual sponsorship prints. the top three picks from Alberta will be sent to Ontario and three National Sponsorship prints will chosen. One entry will be chosen as the D.U National Artist. There will be the regular procedure for the Merchandising Catalogue.

John uses Priority Printing for all the D.U. prints. If you are interested seer Ann Bussy. They are located at 107th Av and 178st in Edmonton.

This is a unique and wonderful opportunity to get National Recognition for your art! all the info, Forms and subject categories are available at Hidden Talent. The submission date is early July! Lets keep the brushes busy and see what happens!!!