More Paintings from December Student of the Month

More of Wendy Pfeifer Art!

“Entrepreneur”

“At Day’s End”

" Friends Forever"

“The Golf Bum”

“A Father’s Wisdom”

“Reflections”

Read all about Wendy Pfeifer in the last post! Enjoy her wonderful paintings! All images copyright of artist.

Student of the Month DEC 09- Wendy Pfeifer

The honor of being Hidden Talent's first Student of the Month goes to Wendy Pfeifer!
I've known Wendy for many years. We have been friends almost since I began teaching over 15 yrs ago. It helped that we were each mothers of three sons...we had lots in common! We've even golfed together in Ladies League ( I'm not sure if what I did could actually be called golfing, but Wendy has a great shot and doesn't seem to mind me exhausting myself with those 'worm burners' We were jealous of her- she actually got the darn ball in the air! ) Wendy is very active-yoga, exercising, golfing, travelling to exotic places, and that includes visiting every curling venue in the world!
Wendy is one of the few students who took lessons in my home as well as in my present location in Campbell Park. She was a great support and encouraged me to take the leap to a commercial space!
It is hard to believe, but it took some coaxing to get Wendy to switch from watercolor to oils! She is an amazing talent and has an instinct

for a great composition. You can find Wendy at Hidden Talent most Tuesday afternoons!

Wendy Pfeifer Interview
How did you start art at Hidden Talent?
My mother painted when I was a teenager. She did wonderful watercolor paintings. She sparked an interest in me. I saw an ad in the St. Albert Further Education Brochure for a painting class at “Little White House”. The first lessons I took were Dye on Rice Paper when Laura was giving lessons in the basement of her home. I took watercolor lessons off and on while my sons were growing up. When Laura opened Hidden Talent, I was still working with watercolor but after a few sessions she encouraged me to try oil.

What is your favorite subject to paint?
I didn’t think I really had a favorite subject until I looked back at the paintings I have done. Most of them are of nature or people, some of which I know and some of which I took photos of while on vacation.

What was the reaction of family and friends to your oil paintings?
Their reaction has been one of surprise (they wondered where this passion came from and how long it had been hiding within me) and of support. They are strongly encouraging me to paint more.

What will you paint for your next painting?
My next painting will be one of a Thai lady. I took this photo at a river market while on a meditation retreat in Thailand.
What is your favorite color or tool?
My favorite color has always been green. I think it is because I love the outdoors so much. But, I just finished two water lily paintings with lots of green in them; so I am ready for a change. I have not found a favorite paint brush yet. I am still trying different ones. In the New Year, I have made a commitment to myself to purchase a few new brushes and try them. Also, I would like to try a painting on a larger canvas.
What is your most important tip to pass on?
If I was to pass on a tip to a beginner painting, I would tell them not to be too critical of themselves (although my husband tells me I am I own worst critic), relax and enjoy the learning process. I wish I would have started painting when I was younger because I might have learned more. However, at this time in my life; I have more time to paint. I can relax more easily and am more patient with myself. A 3 hr class goes by and I wonder where the time went. It leaves me wanting more.

Special Gallery Seminar- What Galleries Want!

I had a great meeting this morning with Alex Patterson from Tu Gallery 10718-124 st in Edmonton. He and his wife Lorna operate a welcoming, casual gallery that features art of all kinds- the display of furniture and wood working is remarkable. No where else in Edmonton area can you find as large a collection of artisan work of superior quality! Photography and art adorn the walls, statues, jewelery. Alex and Lorna have themed show each year, the lastest being the Ukrainian Show, the next one Yardly Jones ( Dec 14) .
Alex picked four of my paintings to hang on the walls until Dec 14- he selects what appeals to him and he is more than interested in Hidden Talent Fine Art School students! Drop by and see the gallery, get a feel for how they operate. Is this a gallery you would feel comfortable showing in and bringing all you relatives to? Both Alex and Lorna are very approachable and would welcome any questions.
Alex and I have so many ideas- including a JURIED STUDENT show ( MAY?), and painting in front of Tu Gallery on 124 st Saturdays in June, July and August. Alex gave me the nod for a show of my work in his gallery. We are brainstorming the best ways to promote my wine/dessert painting...any ideas? TBA
So, what is expected of an artists if they show in a gallery? I know for some of you this may be the first time you will be juried, price your art and 'put it out there'!
I am happy to announce that I've made arrangements for Alex to come to Hidden Talent Art School to discuss the finer points of gallery representation SUNDAY FEB 21 at 1:30!! This free seminar will be available for current HT students ONLY! Do Not miss this opportunity!!

Hidden Talent Christmas Exhibition Nov 29

Officially it is the 16th Annual Christmas Art Exhibition! Six of those years have been in Campbell Park , the others in my home is Akinsdale. Sixteen years of teaching has gone by with incredible speed!
My favorite time is the Christmas show when loads of relatives and friends get to see what the students have been up to. I get quite a kick out of the famous phrase " You did that?!!!"
The gallery is currently showing the Mon/Thurs/Sat Painters and starting the 16th will feature the Tues Painters. Tues group can keep their artwork up until the end of the Annual Exhibition on Sunday Nov 29th, Mon/Thurs/Sat Painters please drop off your paintings by Thurs Nov 26th. Takedown is at 4:00 Nov 29 or you can pick up your art on Mon ( Nov 30)or Wed ( Dec 02).
Invites will be ready this week-please handout as many as you can, friends, relatives, neighbours,teachers. Please bring a small plate of goodies to share with our guests; I will have coffee, punch and Cider!
Annual Student Exhibition
Sunday Nov 29th
1:00-4:00

Half way done!

Hard to believe that the term is half done! This has been a great fall and there are so many different subject being painted! For the next two weeks we will have some of the Mon/Thus/ Sat painters display their works of art in our front gallery.
I am SO PLEASED with the drawing lessons! Some of the students were very afraid to start, and first of all, hats off to you for signing up and jumping into the deep end! and much to their surprise and my relief they are producing great drawings and understanding the concepts of structure in drawing. The two hours goes soooo fast and they are exhausted from the intense concentration! I am strongly considering having more drawing classes in Jan. I will figure out a time schedule and let you know.
There are a few house keeping reminders.
1. Please throw away your dirty rags and used up palette papers. WE NEED MORE CUT UP RAGS!
2. Dance on the mop once the snow comes. We don't want anyone to slip on a wet floor.
3. Make sure your brushes are CLEAN when you put them away. Clean up your area before you leave.
4. When you are making up a class, please let me know what one you will be attending. Please DO NOT ask me to confirm. I will only phone you if THERE IS NO ROOM.
5. Please use the hand sanitizer.
6. Night Classes- Mon 6:30-9:30, Tues 7:00-10:00, Thurs 6:30-9:30
7. I have more brushes available and am on the look out for more sticky tak.
All make ups must be done in this session. There is no carry over of missed lessons.
I can hardly wait to see what paintings get done in the next month. Get ready for our Christmas exhibition that you can invite friends and relatives to!

Laura's Next Art Show

Bonjour
Some exciting news- A good friend of mine, Marta, had a wonderful lunch and invited Kim from the Blue Pear- a chef-run intimate restaurant on 124 th St. Kim is a sommelier- a food/wine pairing expert and we talked art/food and wine! What could be better! Kim steered me in the right direction...certain things go better with certain food and wine so that I can be very accurate in my wine/food paintings. I can hardly wait to get to dine at the Blue Pear-Kim promised the food is the fantastic and she'll make you feel like royalty! Don't miss out on dining at a chef's table, it 's a unique and must-do experience!
Speaking of dessert and wine paintings-I am excited to be showing some of my more recent works at Centre d'arts Visuel de l'Alberta ( CAVA ) Nov. 13 to Nov 24 in a group show that will feature a bit of everything!
I am a member of the French Association and when we have group shows, it can be anything! The gallery is a renoed old fashioned grocery store and has jewelry, woodwork, pottery, quilting and of course paintings. This time of year it is chock full of hand crafted gifts for Christmas! This is a great example of a casual venue/gallery. Gisele runs a tight ship and has an opening night to meet and greet the artists and artisan complete with refreshment ( wine). Sharon Lynn Williams, Emma Cayer, Therese Bourassa and Luc Josh will also be showing. Mark it on your calander...it will be well worth the drive.
CAVA
Reception- Nov 13th 7:00-8:30
9103-95 Ave. 461-3427
Mon-Fri 10:00-6:00 Sat 10:00-5:00

And the Lucky Winner is...

The winner of the 100 Free postcards is....Pearl Der! Thanks so much for all of you that commented online! More giveaways before Christmas!

And the Winner is...

The winne of 250 full color, two side business cards from Uprinting is.....Melanie Hsiao who will use them to promote her Pressed Flower Business!! Melanie will receive an email with a special code and instructions in the next week. Congrats Mel!!

Top Painting Organisers

Creative people are the best ones to have around! Many of my students at Hidden Talent Fine Art School have come up with ingenious ways to carry around their art supplies.

Jeannette Sommers is just recovering from knee surgery and needed something sturdy and big enough to carry paints and canvases but wasn't to heavy- and she found it at Canadian Tire. I think it might be the best way to travel with your art supplies...perfect for workshops and plein air situations.
Shawn Acorn found a tackle box with fold out trays that fit all the tubes of his favorite paint and kept his brushes in great shape....again a Canadian Tire find.

Do you have a great artist Organiser? Blog me!

250 Free Stickers

This is so easy to win!! Check out Uprinting.com. They have a very friendly web site that walks you through all your printing needs AND their prices are VERY GOOD.


Giveaway Prize Details
250 Stickers/Labels for One (1) lucky winner
Sizes: 2” x 3.5”, 2” x 4”, or 3” x 3”
Paper: 70 lb Label MatteSpecifications: Full color front, blank back;
4 Business Day printing
FREE UPS Ground Shipping in the USA (Canadian residents need to pay shipping and taxes). Offer is not available to residents outside the US and Canada.

In adherence to the FTC ruling on Blogger Reviews and Sponsored Postings, I will be receiving 250 Stickers/Labels from UPrinting.com for hosting this giveaway.3. Encourage your readers to learn more about our stickers! Check out the sticker printing page at UPrinting for more details.
How to enter:
Enter by leaving a comment on what you would use the stickers for. Let me know what are your creative ideas for these stickers! For more entries blog or Tweet about this giveaway and link back to my post and to UPrinting.com or @uprinting on Twitter. Check out their Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/UPrinting
Deadline: Oct 29th The prizes will be awarded via coupon code on November 6.

Will Wilson and showing your art in our gallery!!

This week we had our educational talk at coffee break about the wonderful artist Will Wilson , The Artists magazine article was just the start. Be sure to take a look at his website-INCREDIBLE!!! He is the master of trompe l'oeil as well. The very best thing was to find out he isn't as young as I thought- he was born in 1957.
His dedication and mastery of painting are so evident, and to discover all the academic and intellectual thought behind his art is so awe inspiring..... Do I sound like a raving fan???Yep, and proud of it!
This week's drawing lessons were fantastic...the students were energetic and hard working and I know we will make alot of progress in a short time!
Would you like to show in the gallery?
Many students are wondering how some of the other student paintings turned out...they missed seeing them when they were done. How about having Mon. /Thurs and Sat Painter hang their works up for all to see??? We can have them up for two weeks, then the Tues painters can show for another two weeks. No, they do not have to be for sale.
I would love to feature you and your art!!
Would you like to be student of the month......any volunteers? This would mean answering a few easy questions and getting a photo of your art to me to put on my blog. We have such great talent in our school, we should let more people know!!
I'm looking forward to a great week!

.

Free! 100 Postcards

Well, another Giveaway! I am keeping track on the sidebar of all the giveaway deadlines! Don't forget to enter..... be creative-tell me what you would do with the postcards if you won them!!!

Giveaway Prize: 100 Postcards for One Lucky Winner

Size: 4x6; Paper: 14pt Cardstock Gloss; Printing: Full color both sides

Shipping: FREE UPS Ground Shipping in the US (Canadian residents pay shipping and taxes. Offer not available to residents outside of the US and Canada)

Pursuant to the FTC ruling on Blogger Reviews and Sponsored Postings, I will be receiving 100 Postcards from UPrinting.com for hosting this giveaway. Deadline is Oct 28th, winner announced Oct 29th. How to enter: You must comment on this post about what you would put on your postcards if you were to win OR email me at lwatmough@gmail.com and tell me what you would use these postcards for-invitations, announcements, etc. If you can tweet, or put this on Facebook, let me know and you will get another entry!

Top Ten Art Studio Tools

At halfway through our 3 hour painting session at Hidden Talent, I enforce (!) a coffee break just to give everyone eyes a break.Yes, sometimes I have to pry the brushes out of their hands!
Our talk this week -What is in your studio that you wouldn't want to live without ?
Here is a top 10;
1. Masterson's stay wet palette
I love putting my paint and dirty brushes in them, and forgetting about it. Oils stay fresh for 3 days and even longer if put in the freezer. Make sure your lid is completely sealed!
2.'Kim' towels or lint free clothes.
These blue paper towels are cheap, non patterned and very durable. Available at Costco, Canadian Tire, Home Depot etc.
3. Turpenoid Brush Cleaner ( in the green can). Safe on your brushes and safe for you.
4. A jar with a screen or coil in it for dragging your brush over to open the bristle for cleaning.
5. Paint pushers- set of 5 for $20, cheaper if you are a student. Great for erasing those over painted lines. It is the hard version of sticky-tak.
6.Old telephone books.-great for wiping excess paint off prior to cleaning-saves dirtying your Turpenoid Natural.
7.Palette and painting knives. The ones that look like regular cutlery are the palette knives and the ones with the bent handle are the painting knives. Good for premixing values and colors like Daniel Greene does.
8. A cart for organising your 'store'. I keep all my supplies handy in an old microwave cart from a garage sale. It has wheels and I can move from easel to easel . One student has a mechanics tool cart from Canadian Tire( black with bright yellow trim) Fantastic wheels! and some have wheelers from Michael's. I'll try and get you some photos!
9. Lighter or matches-used to warm up a tube lid so that it can be opened more easily
10. Clear heavy duty page protectors to keep all reference photos /drawing in.
Feeling comfortable in your painting space MUST be a priority. You will get into the 'zone' faster, be more productive and feel less aggravation if materials and supplies are set up in an easy to use way. A basic rule that doesn't seem to be basic (!) is if you are right handed-keep you palette on the right side, left handed on left side.
Happy painting!

Win FREE Business Cards!

Can you keep up? My sponsor, Uprinting is a non stop giveaway machine! Ordering online is a snap! This Online printing company has many different templates for business cards and MUCH MORE. Ready to add ARTIST to your business card?

This week's Giveaway Prize:

250 business cards for One Lucky Winner (Free UPS Ground Shipping in USA)

Sizes: 2 x 3.5”, 2 x 3”, 2 x 2” (square card) or 1.5 x 3.5” (skinny card)

Paper: 14 pt gloss cardstock, 14 pt matte cardstock or 13 pt recycled uncoated cardstock

Specifications: Full Color Both Sides; Offset Press; 3 Business Day Printing

Restriction:Free UPS Ground Shipping in the USA. Canadian Residents must Pay Shipping and Taxes. Residents of other countries are not eligible.
These folks are so generous that I get a set of business cards as well! Watch for them!

How to enter:
Enter by leaving a comment on 'how you might use the 250 Free Business cards if you win.'
Look for the grey 'comment' at end of this post and leave your email so I can contact the winner! Additional entries -blog or tweet this contest and link to my post or uprinting .com.5!

Contest closes and winner picked by October 21, 2009.
All Business Card Prizes will be awarded by coupon code on October 23, 2009.
Good Luck !

Poster Print Winner!

Sylvie Fergusson, (Monday night) was the winner of the 18x24 poster print from Uprinting. We will get a photo to post when her print arrives.
I am getting my friend Celina to come over and photoshop an image for me then I will send it in. I am excited about the possibility that I can take a photo , not a scan of my artwork, and get a decent print. Should save tons of money.

It's Another Uprinting.com Giveaway!

First the contest, then.....read about the advanced drawing/painting classes...
The great folks at uprinting.com are holding a second giveaway!!!... a 24x36" 15 mil vinyl banner of top-notch quality and doesn't look cheap like low-end banners. Artists and creative types have used vinyl banners (with photo quality printing) for weddings,birthdays, parties, graduations, advertisements,exhibition,rallies, and art show backdrops. The banners come with heavy metal grommets that make them easy to hang for any event. The durable material and archival ink will ensure that these banners will last for years to come! A $62 Us value!! Deadline is Oct 30th Midnight!!!! Our winner will be notified by coupon code Nov. 02/09!!!

How do you win this Banner??

Leave a comment ( located at the bottom of this post- light grey in color. Press comment and fill out the screen). Tell me what you would use a banner for if you win it. Check out the banners and more about printing banners. For extra entries, blog or tweet and link to this post!

ADVANCED PAINTING/DRAWING CLASSES

At Hidden Talent the fall session is just underway. Many of the students are ready for drawing/advanced painting classes....just what is that about?

We have enjoyed painting accurately, slowly, and learning to distinguish VALUES, the basis of all art. Our general fear of drawing was eliminated by use of the age old tool- a grid. We learned blending techniques, adding color to shadows, color harmony, and many helpful hints and tips to make our painting standout from the crowd!

The next step is to learn to draw accurately without a grid...because our goal will be painting a monchromatic without a grid. EVERYONE CAN ATTEND THE DRAWING CLASSES, EVEN THOSE THAT HAVE JUST STARTED. Drawing will be ongoing. Course dates and times will be announced in the coming week. Be sure to sign up to save your spot!

Classes to follow: gridless monochramtic, drawing with a brush, painting from life, adding and subtracting to your painting, stroke development, style development.

Contest Giveaway!

For all of you that need a bit more help...click on the light grey 'comment' at the end of this post. A window will open and then you write your answer to this question in the box, -What would you do or reproduce if you won the poster???? give your name and close the window. IF you are the winner,( you'll know by Monday!) you will get a special email and instructions for claiming your prize. Please take a photo of you and your poster print and we will post it in the blog.
S'ok?

Arts Days Open House

Welcome back ! It's so good to be in the studio getting ready for students!
We had a fun 'warm up" this weekend in honor of Alberta Arts Days. So nice to reconnect with the great people ( artists) at Hidden Talent.
News: I was selected to giveaway free product! Our very first contest closes Sunday Sept 27th, so make sure you check out the last post.........

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!