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!

A

A

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!!!

GAMBLIN Colors!

Many thanks to Scott (Gamblin colors) and Kim (Paint Spot) for the informative workshop on color space, palette selection and color mixing! The handouts were extremely helpful and we loved the Radiant Blue! I have small samples at the back for those who would like to try it. There are also two different sample mediums , Galkyd and Neo megilp to try.

I am interested in the Sketching Oils and will probably pick up a few.
Let me know what you think of the paint and what your new favorite colors are!

Another One Gone!

Congrats to Pearl Der for selling her "9 Koi" original to JF in Sherwood Park. I went to hang the Sun Sisters Irises and the 9 Koi and they look fab! It's not often an artist can see where their art hangs and how it is presented in the art patrons home.

Studio's Open Weekend

What a great turn out for the St. Albert Artists Colony's first Open Studio! This summer has been a test of the Art Drive Brochure and establishing a Colony in order to share more of our art with more art lovers in the St. Albert area.


One comment we keep hearing is that yes, it is HIDDEN Talent! The Mayor NOLAN Crouse came by and asked why he didn't know of this wonderful gallery....Now he does! He's especially keen to see St. Albert Art as there are a few empty walls in his office. Some of the positive comments are- "Incredible work, I never knew we had this level of art in St. Albert! ". "I came in from Sherwood Park and this is the best display I've seen!" So... the calibre of art is very high, we just have to get ourselves known!
Sold!Judy from Sherwood Park will give "Sun Sisters" a good home!


Many of you have promoted Hidden Talent Fine Art School and Spot Light Gallery and we owe you a great big THANK YOU! Even the students who wish to paint strictly for enjoyment have helped the other students wishing to show in the gallery by bringing their friends and relatives to our Gallery events! With your continued support, we will be on the Art Map in a big way in a short time!


With the success of the Art Drive, we will be opening up the Colony membership to those that come twice and three times a week at Hidden Talent. Our reasoning is that these are the students that are very serious about pursuing sales of their art as well as producing more. There are special meetings dealing with marketing and gallery management, pricing and other subjects that are of interest to those that want to take their art to the next level. We anticipate a Christmas sale as well as a spring Event. We would like to establish a core membership prior to the next brochure being published and have images and bios ready. If this is for you, call me ASAP and I will give you more details. The St. Albert Artists Colony events are separate from the regular art exhibitions that are held for Hidden Talent Students.
We are very excited about the future of the St. Albert Artists Colony! Come join us!

Summer Fun!

Carol and Pam working on a Plein air painting in Pam's tropical backyard!

Hidden Talent Member News and Birthdays

What a summer for students of Hidden Talent Fine Art School!

Barb Girouard's painting 'Spirit Island' was selected for Ducks Unlimited in one of the catagories! We are very proud of her and wish her lots of luck with all the activities and (!) fame!!!

Marianne Konanz participated in the Art Walk on Whyte and sold 2 paintings and had an offer of $1000 for one of her paintings but she couldn't part with her 'baby'-that wonder painting of the the sun shining on the water !

Heidi Ferguson showed for the first time at a fundraiser for the Valley Zoo, of course outside the Tiger's cage and will be featured in the upcoming ART Trends Magazine!!!!

We had a great time painting in Pam's garden and a big 'way to go' to our plein air virgins!! It's alot of fun to paint a picture in a few hours!

Jeannette Sommers , one of our Event Artists , showed at Rock n' August and has a years worth of commissions!!!Dontcha love it when a plan comes together!!

Speaking of commissions, Memory Roth has finished both a pet and a portrait commission and is working on a business commission now!

We will be celebrating Memory's birthday and our Open House this weekend- Sept 20/21 so drop in for cake and if you want to get back into painting, a special drop in is from 10:00-4:00 for only $30 each day on both Sat and Sun.

Gamblin paints will be hosting a demonstration at Hidden Talent on Oct 10th at 7:00 free literature and some samples will be handed out. Mark this on your calendar and get your questions ready!

Plein air time, Drop-Ins and Special Events

Hi Art Friends!
I am finally coming up for air! It has been a busier July/ August than I had anticipated, but my brushes and canvas are now waiting at the door for me!
Here is my tentative schedule:

Plein Air
If the weather isn't great, we'll paint inside! Bring something to drink.
Plan to go for lunch afterwards if possible! Please join me...

Tues Sept 02 9:30 am meet at the School
Sunday Sept 7 9:30 meet at the school
Sat Sept 13, Sun Sept 14 9:30 Meet at the school

Drop Ins
Tues Sept 2 6:00-9:00 Drop In at the School $30
Thurs Sept 11 6:00-9:00 Drop In at the school $30
Sat Sept 20 and Sunday Sept 21 10:00-4:00 Drop In/ Open House for all day $30

Special Event
Saturday Sept 6 is the official Albert Art Day. The School will be open, but there will be no instruction. Come work on any of your projects and bring a donation to the Food bank.