SHARING THE PASSION FOR ART!

Anita Heit and Pearl Der brought their wonderful artistic skills and passion to Ecole Poburan for a special 'CELEBRATE THE ARTS' evening.( Thursday May 12, 2011)
Anita and Pearl arranged an impressive display in the library and had many students and parents come by and paint on a mural and ask questions about art and Hidden Talent Art School. Their own  fantastic artworks inspired and delighted all the parents and students. Thanks for sharing your time and artistic talent!

It is a wonderful thing to donate time and energy to show  and encourage others to give art a try! Congratulations to Jenny Benke, the organizer for a great turn out and impressive show of local talent.  Also performing was Lewis Lavoie ( one of our favorite artists!) who painted on location and donated the work for a charity auction.

ART FUND RAISING THE 'RIGHT' WAY

Hats off to the Allied Arts Council in Spruce Grove!
I gladly forked over (pun intended) $60 for tickets and $55 for a silent auction item....
They auctioned off DESSERTS made by the artists in their group ( those creative types can do marvelous things with icing!!!), auctioned off artwork done by dignitaries ( and mentored by club members) and DISPLAYED artworks for sale by the same club members..
They had a roast beef buffet in a large church hall that accommodated over 100 ft of desserts ( I counted the 8 ft tables! There were approx 75 desserts. The serving dishes were part of the dessert as well.)
The artists were celebrated as creative cooks, none of their artworks were 'on sale', people tried to outbid each other for many of the goodies ( some pies were priced over $75!!!) and it was a fun community based event with a few jokes headed the mayor's way.
All in all, the WORK  was done by the artists, but they never were humiliated or embarrassed into having their ART be the sacrificial goat for a fund raiser.
Come on people! There are tons of creative ways to have us part with our hard earned cash without having it hurt!! Don't make money on the backs of artists! Make money using our creative skills!!

HOW TO RAISE FUNDS THE WRONG WAY!!!

How do you raise money for non profit artists groups or galleries without doing it on the backs of artists?Most artists don't make the financial news so to ask them to donate their paintings is a bit like asking them if they want to hurt now or later.I have avoided particiaping in our local art auction because it is an embarrassing and publically humiliating situation to have to sell my art works for a fraction of what they were worth and previously shown. The art work is a 100% donation. I was suppose to be happy with a ticket to the event! It was terrible to sit there and wonder if my art would reach it's real value or be so undersold I really didn't want to meet the purchaser. I was supposed to be happy with the publicity! but it was not good publicity.
WELLLLL, the result was that I have had patrons who told me that they hoped this particular painting would be in next years auction so they could get it cheap!!! Needless to say I didn't participate again!! I was ruining my reputation, my value and making my art a cheap bargain! and all for a 'good cause'!!
There were repercussions of course: cultural bigwigs would not give me the time of day because I was not donating, and I probably will not be considered for certain events/ exhibitions because of my perceived lack of local support.
I have no problem with raising funds for my local art auction/public gallery. It's just that they took the artists out of the equation and relegated us to 'source of funds'. How sad to raise money for the awareness of art/art programs by sacrificing the artist.A fund raiser should not be an event to get art at bargain prices...in fact, real true benefactors would be willing to pay MORE than the worth of the art to gladly give to the charity. One side is 'what's in it for me?', the other is 'what can I give back to my community?'NEXT: HOW TO FUNDRAISE THE RIGHT WAY

WHO TO INVITE TO YOUR ART SHOW!!

Here is the list of questions to ask that will help you fill an invitation list;
Send out an invite to EVERYONE on your email list and add these to it!!Who are my friends, Doctors, business acquaintances, accountant, lawyer, dentist, neighbours, babysitter, relatives, long lost cousins, facebook friends, bank teller, coffee barista, hairdresser,spa personnel, book club members, high school or varsity friends, travel agent,?Did I cover everyone?HOW DO I ENSURE THEY WILL COME? How about a little 'carrot' to entice them to yourshow?

• draw for a print or small original
• ask them to vote for you so you can win a contest (favorite art etc)
• the exhibition is your  official birthday party
• you are donating a sale to a great charity
• you have A REPUTATION FOR SERVING THE BEST WINE AT YOUR FUNCTIONS!!!
• you have partnered up with another artist- potter, glass, etc
• you have a series of paintings that appeal to your audience ( local scenes, special objects, black and whites, red paintings, garden or floral art etc)
• You have a very exciting story to tell about your art....your travel adventures, your brush (?) with death, your UNIQUE creative process, your discoveries, your new art! etc etc
• 
  

I WANT TO SELL YOUR ART!!

Well. I certainly opened a can of worms! I posted on facebook that I needed ideas for Spot Light Gallery and had great responses. CHECK THIS!
Are ALL artists on facebook? Are you artists SELLING on facebook  or just hanging around doing the ol' sociall media thing??
If any of HT students are interested in getting Spot Light Gallery into the mainstream, just let me know. We will be having a meeting soon and will compare notes. This is the perfect opportunity to be on the ground floor, get a university education in gallery studioes ;) and hopefully give you all the necessary tools to make it in the art world.WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Group or individual art shows?
Themed shows?
Show every 3 weeks or every month?
Outside artists ( not HT) showing?
Pottery and dimension works?
What kind of new signage?
How do we create buzz for new gallery?
Hire a designer? a social media guru?There are many things to consider if we are going to make  Spot Light Gallery a viable selling vehicle for art. Art is a challenge to make and an even greater challenge to sell.
I'm looking forward to your brainstorming ideas!!!!

I WANT TO SELL YOUR ART!!

 The ideal for an artist is to show up with the art, have it sell out and then collect the big check at the end of the month.
Let me change my hat and put the "Gallery Owner" one on. What are you willing to do if you show in my gallery?
Are you willing to trade a commission for a flat fee?
Are you willing to pay a higher commission if you do less?
A lower commission if you do more?
Are you willing to demo in the gallery?
Are you willing to bring your clients to my gallery?
Are you willing to share your mailing list?
Are you willing to share advertising costs?
Are you willing to man the gallery?
Galleries and artists have been doing business the same way for a long time. Do you have a unique way to help me sell your art?

I WANT TO SELL YOUR ART!!

Sylvie Fergusson 

 

 

 

 

I run a gallery- Spot Light Gallery. It is a wonderful intimate space to hang art. I have a limited amount of art exhibitions a year and feature my art and Hidden Talent students works only. I WANT TO CHANGE THAT!I am dedicated to my students and I admit, I have neglected my wonderful addition to the art school by not having shows year round.I must say I am sadly motivated by the sudden closing of TU Gallery and the impending retirement of the owners of Art Beat Gallery here in St. Albert. They will be missed! Under these circumstances I am playing with the idea of jurying outside artists to hang their shows. Perhaps pottery, photography or glass. I am even entertaining the idea of having various 'functions' held in the gallery.
People love to meet the artists, compare the paintings, enjoy the textures and nuances that are just not found online. Part of being a gallery is to create an EVENT or BUZZ that makes the art more memorable and desirable.
What I need from you are ideas!!! What would you like to see in the gallery? Would you attend exhibitions every month? 6 weeks? What is your most memorable gallery experience? Would you lease the gallery for your own show? What events would be suitable for a gallery? What would make patrons flock to our gallery and give YOU a sold out show??
I need feedback on how we can SELL YOUR ART!

LOVING CHOCOLATE ART!!

Chocolate Raspberry Dessert
8x10      $250       Framed

Can't stop thinking about chocolate? Waiting for the Easter bunny? Do you know how many 1000's of websites there are about chocolate??? How many millions of recipes?
In my local newspaper chocolate has been featured 4 times since Febuary. The cost of chocolate is skyrocketing and only thoses with thick wallets (and good taste) will be able to buy the 'good stuff'. Chefs around the world are creating sculptures, centerpieces, new desserts and even main course dishes with our favorite bean! For the past few years I have truely appreciated the culinary arts and the divine creations that can come out of a kitchen....and not just from a hungry perspective. I LOVE to paint all the textures from ooy gooey to spongy cake to glossy chocolate! What a challenge!!The colors are usually dramatic, the composition exciting, and presentation is awesome! The chef's tell us we also eat with our eyes.Have you ever thought about painting food? What would inspire you? Colors? Textures? My husband and I visited a chocolate factory on Fishermans Warf in San Franscisco. Even the air was choco scented! Top three reasons to paint chocolate:1. Everybody loves it.2. It's an easy to set up still life.3.You can eat it after the painting is done!!Judy Schafers, a fellow artist, has invited me to join her for a Dessert Gala Fundraiser.( Allied Arts Council, Spruce Grove) Artists make incredible desserts and they line them up ( over 50 ft!) for silent auction. I get enough inspiration for a whole year! If I am even more fortunate I win a dessert to share with my table.Take a look around. Your next inspiration for a painting could be in your kitchen!

WHAT TO WEAR AT AN ART OPENING?

How do I want to look at the Art Show Opening night?

Yes, we all second guess ourselves! elegant? artsy? sophisticated? earthy? new age? Do I reflect what I paint or dress the artists part? How casual is too causal?

After a few somewhat embarrassing choices I offer the following advice:

The Artists Uniform

This is color blocking at its best: usually a dark color ( navy, black, brown) with a colorful accessory that makes the statement ( chunky funky jewellery, a handmade scarf, a standout hat, tiger print high heels etc). Think of this as dressing up with one focal point!

I Am My Art:

If you are known for a unique style or subject, many artists will wear clothes that reflect and emphasize what they paint. I have seen John Seerey Lester, renown wildlife/safari artists wear a 'safari' suit to a black tie event and his lovely bride Suzie wore a pink safari costume as well! Many nature painters will wear natural fabrics and 'stone or rock' jewellery in keeping with the green and holistic approach. If you are into spiritual essence paintings and auras it is a real disconnect to wear a business suit! Think long flowing and probably purple and sandals. One local artist attends her Opening in long flowing black dresses that compliment her long hair and give her an artsy fashion forward image. Another artist attends her openings in her studio attire- painting smock and paint splashed clothes. If you are all about color don the screaming orange dress or wear pink from head to toe! Great marketing!

If you are doing ‘you own thing’ and are a rebel….wear your torn jeans and work boots but make sure they are cleaned up for public consumption! You really don’t have to be THAT authentic!

The Stand By:

The best advice I got from my Mom was never be underdressed! I wear classy business causal and never blue jeans. I never make a big deal if someone wears the same thing…deal with the big elephant in the room right away! Go over and compliment the other artists on their wonderful sense of fashion that you both share! Think of it as each of you liking the same brand of paint!

Last word:

You want to be comfortable because you are meeting your adoring public. Wear shoes that wouldn’t make you limp. Wear a top that lets you shake hands or hug a good friend, bring a small purse so it would be trouble when you juggle your wine glass and goodie. Wear lipstick that wouldn’t come off on someone’s cheek and nothing to tight that you might pop a button and show too much cleavage! (experience is such a good teacher!)

Enjoy the fruits of your labour! The best thing you could possible wear is a smile.

MOSAIC MURAL MADNESS!

What a great turn out! We had close to 40 artists drop everything and show up to paint on 2 days notice! This mosaic mural, brainchild of Lewis Lavoie and Phil Alain will be unveiled for the Governor General Art Achievement Awards held in St. Albert April 9th.
After scanning the mural, each panel will be gifted to a VIP or arts winner never to be assembled again! Each artists will receive a reproduction of the whole mural and one large copy will hang in the Enjoy Center (HOLE`S).
I am so pleased at how many HT students rose up to the challenged and probably painted faster than they had ever done before...and in oils! Such a small price to pay for being a part of the rich history of St. Albert!
( I am still getting use to the video camera...sorry about the`swaying`!)

Floral ART CONTEST WINNERS

Cheryl Wilkes award winning orchid

 Congrats to the winners of this years Orchid art competition! Cheryl is very passionate about flowers and it shows! They are always breathtaking!
This is her first win at the orchid Show. She already has a few more ideas and is painting large glowing canvases of lilies and orchids.

Yoon Joo Kim has won again! She took three firsts last year and a first again this year in the Sr. Adults.  There is no stopping this bundle of energy- she has a room full of monochromatics ready to go! Her unique style and dedication to painting have amazed all of us. We love having her in the Tues. am classes as we enjoy her stories and all the Korean goodies she brings us!

Sydney Rusnak is our Under 12 First Place Winner and Grand Champion winner!The ribbon is as big as her face! Sydney has been a student at Hidden Talent since she was 9 yrs old! She has a bright future as an artist!

Helping out our Japanese Friends

Just like you I am shocked and saddened by the earthquake and resulting disasters in Japan. I feel helpless and wish to show my support in a tangible way.
Jill Lussier's,( a Hidden Talent student) son owns a Famoso Pizza down St. Albert Trail by the Cinemas at Christy's Corner. Here is his answer to helping out. I urge you to find a way to contribute as our world has gotten so small EVERYTHING affects us.
"Just wanted to let you know that Famoso has organized a fundraiser for Japan for this coming Tuesday March 22.  All locations will be donating 100% of profits from all sales/all locations to the Canadian Red Cross for humanitarian efforts in Japan.  We're hoping to double our normal sales and shooting to donate $10,000.  If any of you can make it down for a pizza that we be awesome!  Spread the word!
Thanks,
Justin
Do what you can, share when you can, lend a helping hand.
Laura

TOP 4 QUICKEST WAYS TO PAINT ACCURATE COLORS

If you are painting and your colors seem 'off'', here a few quick ways to refresh you artistic vision.
1. Fast Glance!
This has worked very well for me as a teacher. When I go from student to student I haven't been staring at their photo or still life. If you look too long at a certain part of you subject, you eyes become desensitized and the color is not near as fresh and clear as if you quickly glance at it. A fast look is far more beneficial in nailing the correct color on the first layer or stage of your painting. Note: You may have to study your subject much more intensely for details!
2. Here's Looking at You!
Get a mirror! Compare your reflected colors to the subjects. Why does this work? You have a fresh view when you see a mirror image and your brain has not adapted to it yet so more elements are viewed as if they are fresh and viewed  for the first time.
3. Freeze Frame
Take a photo! Look at your digital image and compare it to the larger painting. Because the photo image is smaller, less detail  will block the overall effect and color notes. Mistakes JUMP off the page!
4.Get Outta Here!
This works wonders. Get up and move away from you work in progress. Time away from the easel, even 5 minutes, is a sure way to ensure richer color and more accurate values. Your eyes and your head need a changing stimulation in order to work at peek capacity. Go get a coffee, walk around the block, look at a magazine. All these things excite a different set of visual stimulus that keep you in top working condition.
Now, I'm NOT saying you can goof off!! BUT all work, and  no play really does make Johnny a poor painter!

Orchid Art Competition WINNERS!

CONGRATS TO HIDDEN TALENT STUDENTS
YOON JOO KIM ( first place Adult Sr)
CHERYL WILKES ( First place Adult )
SYDNEY RUSNAK ( First place AND GRAND PRIZE Children)
Stay tuned for article and photos in the Gazette. 

WONDER WHAT THEY'RE PAINTING NOW?

  

Here are some of the DEC/JAN paintings from Hidden Talent. This seems to be the year of the large painting. We will be preparing for the St. Albert Trade Show in early April as well as the mid May jury for the TU Gallery. This fall we will have our salute to St. Albert with our Mona Lisa Show. 

SPEED PAINTING!

We are getting the creative juices flowing with another Hidden Talent exclusive!

Starting in February there will be a 1/2 hour speed painting session at the beginning of every class.

Students may opt to do a ½ hour SPEED PAINTING at the beginning of each regular class in order to be able to paint faster, still be precise while developing their own brush strokes.

You may bring any paint colors that you wish but these are the suggested paints. Any brand acceptable. (A warm  and cool of each major color.)Titanium White, Ivory Black, Cadmium  yellow light, lemon yellow, cerulean blue, ultramarine blue, Alizarin Crimson, Cadmium red light, Viridian green, permanent green( light) Van Dyke ( or burnt umber) burnt sienna (or transparent earth red) 

      Canvas, canvas board or canvas paper no larger than 8x10 preferred size 5x7 or 6x8. These will be going home with you.

4.    Objects to paint: Simple, not a lot of pattern, not a lot of pieces Ex: one coffee cup. a paint tube, one cookie, Lego piece, one fruit.

GOALS:

 Quickly decide on a composition

Paint with more confidence

 Eliminate unnecessary detail

 Paint with more expressive brush strokes

Paint wet on wet

Mix colors on your canvas

Quality of brush strokes becomes more painterly and individual.

More experience with color and color combinations. 
Improvement of drawing and observation skills.

Global view of an object.

 Paint faster

Paint from life

Optional: If desired there will be a max. of 10 mins of feedback at ‘coffee break’

Action at the studio!

Our annual Christmas Art Exhibition was very well attended. Many thanks to all that came and for all the artists that hung their artistic efforts on the walls!
We enjoyed having JOHN from SNAPS ST. ALBERT at our function and photos of our event are available at their website:

We had a special surprise for PAPA NORMAN whose dedication to the orphans of Rwanda is so inspiring. Our own SYLVIE FERGUSSON painted a touching portrait of PAPA NORMAN hold the hands of the orphans during the many trips he and his family take to help build an orphanage. Read more at Sylvie's blog.
( links up soon)

My first youtube video!

Grab the popcorn! here is my mini art  movie ( under 2 mins)!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHQspPo-xNM

Some things aren't working in the blog ( including spellcheck) so I couldn't embed this video! I hope you will click on the link and enjoy a fast forward shot of me painting a monochromatic pear. Shawn, our very own computer/video wizard is putting together the whole thing including the color layer. We will be posting it in the 'artschoolsecrets' channel at youtube in the near future. You can subscribe to the artschoolsecrets channel now to make sure you get all of these educational and 'star quality' videos.

Sad News

It is with a heavy heart that I tell you that Shayne Page (Tues morning class) pass away on New Years Eve. We will remember his easy laugh, wonderful baking, garden tips and slips, and positive outlook. Shayne loved painting southern Alberta, particularily the old homestead. His latest painting was the view of the inside of an old front porch, We will miss him.

Our condolences go out to Cheryl Wilkes who recently lost her father- a wonderful and courageous man.  He was a shining light for many.

Happy New Year!

There is nothing like the fresh start of a new year. I have been anxiously waiting for classes to start, of course I missed you! (from the number of students who came one week early for classes, I think they missed painting too!) Our year will be a busy one. There seems to be many opportunies for HT artists to show and sell their works. Jan-Feb  
HT is finalizing a HSBC Art Show
A reminder there will be no adult, teen or children classes FEB 18-27
April
The annual St. Albert trade show will be held April 8,9,10
May-June OR Sept
Annual Mona Lisa show
Dec
Annual Studenr art showI am excited about classes starting and look forward tosee you!Laura