HI all! Spring classes resume at Hidden Talent! 

New Location: #1-33 Rayborn Cres

6 weeks

Starting week of Mar. 22

Register now1 587-205-4499

SPRING 2019 WORKSHOP SCHEDULE

Register early to ensure your place!


FLOW & POURING PAINTING FUN - ADULTS/TEENS 

Creative fun at its best - learn different techniques to produce the popular flow art paintings.
 All paints and mediums supplied.
 Please bring 3 - 16x20 or smaller canvases.
Limited space. $59 + GST.

Wednesday, Apr 24, 7:00 - 9:30pm OR Thursday, Apr 25, 7:00 - 9:30pm.


LANDSCAPES IN OILS- FAST AND LOOSE

Speed painting techniques, demos, drills and colour palettes to enable you to paint an impressionistic, loose landscape each lesson. Bring your references or use ours.
Supply list at www.hiddentalentartschool.com. $245 + GST

 Thursdays June 6, 13, 20, 27, 6:30 - 9:00pm

HOW TO VARNISH YOUR OIL PAINTING 

Demo and handouts of different products to use to place a final varnish on your oil painting. Limited space.
$20 + GST.

 Sunday, Jun 9, 1:00 - 3:00pm
OR Wednesday, Jun 12, 1:00 - 3:00pm OR 7:00 - 9:00pm.

SPRING 2019 CLASS SCHEDULE

ADULTS

NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY! Can you only draw stick men? Amazing Program! Amazing Results! Do you want to work at your own pace with individual expert guidance from a professional artist in a relaxed studio atmosphere? Hidden Talent’s purpose is to provide the quickest, most successful painting program to help beginners to experienced artists become realistic painters. Do you finally have the time to learn to paint something you are proud of? No expensive supply list - use studio paints and brushes included for BEGINNER oil painters. Makeup lessons available to registered students within the session. Start today! Registration is ongoing and pro-rated IF SPACE PERMITS. $395 + GST

Mondays Apr 1 — Jun 24 12:30 - 3:30pm OR 6:30 - 9:30pm
Tuesdays Apr 2 — Jun 18 9:15 - 12:15pm OR 12:30 - 3:30pm OR 6:30 - 9:30pm
Thursdays Apr 4 — Jun 20 9:30 - 12:30pm
 Saturdays Apr 6 — Jun 29 12:00 - 3:00pm
NOTE: NO CLASSES MONDAY APR 22 and MAY 20
780-419-2055


YOUNG REMBRANDT'S

Take the next step...Realistic Art! Enthusiastic beginners and serious art students learn to paint and/or draw in the realistic manner. This is a “how to” course to empower the teen artist. Individual instruction and small classes ensure the budding artist becomes an accomplished painter/ drawer. Drawing, watercolor and acrylic - most supplies included except for canvas. Supply list available upon registration. Limited space is available. Come join our award winning Young Rembrandts!

AGES 12 - 16 Yrs Old Registration is ongoing and your child may start at any time. $295 +GST
Mondays Apr 1 — Jun 24 6:30 - 8:30pm
Tuesdays Apr 2 — Jun 18 6:30 - 8:30pm
Saturdays Apr 6 — Jun 29 12:00 - 2:00pm
NOTE: NO CLASSES MONDAY APR 22 and MAY 20

JR. DIVINCIS

 Jr. DaVinci Club is a unique and educational fine art program that enables your child to express their INDIVIDUAL creativity in SMALL classes while they are taught the VISUAL FUNDAMENTALS of drawing and painting. Children progress at their own pace with individual and personalized instruction. Emphasis is on drawing and painting skills using innovative teaching methods. Make up lessons available: Now more flexible for your child’s life. Most missed lessons can be made up during the current session. Class size limited to only 12 students to ensure personal guidance. SUPPLIES INCLUDED: Canvas is extra

AGES 6 - 12 Yrs Old Registration is ongoing and your child may start at any time. $245 +GST

Mondays Apr 1 — Jun 24 4:30 - 5:30pm OR 5:30 - 6:30pm
Tuesdays Apr 2 — Jun 18 4:30 - 5:30pm OR 5:30 - 6:30pm
Wednesdays Apr 3 — Jun 19 4:30 - 5:30pm OR 5:30 - 6:30pm
Saturdays Apr 6 — Jun 29 11:00 -12:00pm
NOTE: NO CLASSES MONDAY APR 22 and MAY 20

WINTER 2019 WORKSHOP AT HIDDEN TALENT

WORKSHOPS

Brighten up your winter with a workshop at Hidden Talent!

February's Workshop

PALETTE KNIFE! Focus on NATURE- Scenery, florals, seascapes etc. There will be reference photos available or bring your own!

February 3&10  SUNDAY 10:00-4:00

Supply list posted on website. $245+gst

March'S  Workshop

ABSTRACT PAINTING:

Composition, movement, texture and balance will be explored.  Acrylic paints and some brushes will be provided. Supply list of optional tools and supplies to enhance and experiment with your art available upon registration.

March  3&10  SUNDAY 10:00-4:00 

$245+gst

WATERCOLOR ANYONE?

I have been asked to have a watercolor workshop. I will need 6 students to run the workshop. Please let me know if you are interested in either a Wednesday afternoon or Sunday workshop! 

Making drawing less of a pain!!

I have a surprise for you!

Last spring I took a HT student survey...and the survey said...

DRAWING

 was one of the top 2 biggest challenges for our artists.

  

Well.. being able to draw anything is the ultimate goal  BUT.. not being able to draw everything accurately doesn't mean you are not an artist! Look at the amazing art created at Hidden Talent!!

BUT...

Some students still find this a bit like torture...

SURPRISE! WE NOW HAVE A STUDIO PHOTO PROJECTOR:

No more tears!!! This makes drawing the major outlines of your next painting very easy-after setting up, you could realistically draw the major areas of your next painting in a short time. (you will probably still have to ENHANCE the projector drawing in order to paint the photo in a realistic manner but the major work is done!)  

The projector is available for all Hidden Talent students during lessons. It is a great way to get your next 2 or 3 paintings drawn and ready to paint the monochromatic at home!

LUCIDA-OLD MASTER'S ART PROJECTOR!

I'm very excited to tell you that I have a LUCIDA camera set up in the gallery.

Come by and see how 450 years ago there was a PROJECTOR that let artists (such a Vermeer) trace people, still life, interiors and landscape in perfect perspective! It will be set up until Thursday Jan. 24. and you can experience this amazing machine for yourself! Also available as an APP!

Gridding, apps and projectors...Is this cheating??? Even the Old Masters used the technology of their times to make the tedious part of painting easier!!

If it's good enough for Vermeer and other Old Masters...

Mastering drawing could take a lifetime.....

I LOVE painting but not the drawing......

It takes the fun out of art....

My philosophy has always been you need to know HOW to get the image onto your canvas without being an expert drawer. That's why we use the GRID system when you drawing for your second and next paintings. I also recommend the COPY-IT App.It  is a modern way to use the grid system and makes it easier. You must have IOS phones and pads.

Special collector perks!

When you have painted for awhile, there a certain paintings that have been a larger part of your artistic journey. There rare painting are selected to be made into giclees- gallery quality canvas prints  that capture the depth of color of the originals.Here are my favorites...

I have a wonderful group of collectors, some having multiple originals or prints. I created "Laura's FIRST CHOICE Art Group" on Facebook to keep them up to date on the progress of my art and because of their continuing support, I am offering new work here first. As an added bonus there are members only pricing on specific art sales. 

January's special is the Giclee collection  offered at 25% off retail for all members.

If you would like to join our group, please look up 'Laura's FIRST CHOICE Art Group" on Facebook and click the join button! 

I am planning a few more show and sales including desserts and wine, florals and Palette Knife. I look forward to sharing my art with you! 

POPUP GICLEE INTRO

POPUP GICLEE INTRO

LOOK AT THESE TEENS!

This is one of our first videos! We love to show you the amazing art work from the teens at Hidden Talent. The HT program works for scared stiff adults too!
Please leave a comment!

SEXY ART TALK!

This week I thought it would be fun to have a handful of SEXY ART WORDS to casually drop when you are at an art event...OCCLUSION SHADOW,  TERMINATOR, UMBRA AND  PENUMBRA!

Take a look at the lowly egg- shine a bright light and viola! we have an art lesson!
As you can see the beginning of the shadow is  the TERMINATOR- where the light terminates or where the dark terminates ( same place).

The triangular shape of the darkest shadow is the CORE SHADOW. Yes, the shadow is darkest there because there is no reflected light from the surface hitting the egg that high. The shape changes with the object.

The crevice shadow is called the OCCULUSION and that is where NO LIGHT ( not even reflected light) is found. Save your darkest value for here!

The UMBRA is the cast shadow- the PENUMBRA is the soft light edge of the shadow furthest from the object.

SOUND SEXY- USE YOUR ART WORDS!

" The transparency of the penumbra is only eclipsed by the richness of the core shadow!... and that OCCLUSION is amazing!"

WESTERN CANADIAN IMAGO MUNDI ARTISTS!

Cathy Freisen

Sylvie Fergusson

Bernie Nuemann

The newest members of the Imago Mundi Project!

Judy Schafers

Ian Sheldon

Linda Aleksa

Betty Dupuis   

Laura wAtmough

Pearl Der

Sandy Dewar

The DARK SIDE......

Doorway in Venice

ADVANCED TIP:
One of the important concepts of painting is that the tones and colors in the shadows are not ever found in the light... seems quite obvious, doesn't it? BUT... it is the #1 challenge! The blue door has a very sharp division of both light and shade and the various blues. The blue colors in the shadows will NEVER, EVER appear in the light side- they will ALWAYS BE DARKER. The blues in the light will never appear in the shadows. It is the same for the rocks....

• When we look at anything in a serious way- our eyes adjust and what is in the dark side appears to be lighter than it really is. Yes, another occasion not to trust what you think you see!
• This is true when looking at photographs or from life.
• Glancing at your reference, instead of starring at it, will keep you eye from overcompensating for this effect.
• Step back and squint- most values that are out of place will pop out at you.
• Use red cellophane to look through and compare the values of both your painting and your reference at the same time.
• When applying color, separate them on your palette- have a dark side and a light side and premix your colors. 
• Hold your brush up to your reference for a quick way of color matching.

" The lightest dark in the shadow side is always darker then the darkest light on the light side"

WHEN THE DOOR OPENS....Italy and Imago Mundi

Who would have thought all these amazing adventures started with a message on the answering machine at Hidden Talent!?
Jennifer Karch from Verona Italy left a message that at first I thought was a hoax-
 " Hi, I'm a curator working for Benetton in Italy and I would like you and the Hidden Talent artists to be part of a world wide art project! Please call me back!"

Needless to say, she had to leave another message before I took her seriously...

And I am so glad that I responded!

Jennifer was traveling across western Canada in order to visit with artists, see their studios and collect art works. 240 artists would be selected to exhibit in Venice during the Bienniale and there would be a high quality book produced to feature their contribution to the Western Canadian art scene as it is today. The grand vision on Luciano Benetton was to collect small works ( 6x8) from the artists of every country to provide a 'snap shoot' of the art of the world.

I did my research and...yes, it certainly looked legit! so I committed the works of 10 from our school. The small canvasses came in the mail and we followed directions and produced works that represented us individually.



 Jennifer and her husband Guiseppe were collecting art and meeting artists everywhere- including the High Arctic. I offered my place as a base for their Edmonton/ St. Albert stop and they took me up on it.

Hidden Talent Imagomundi

Jennifer interviewed us at Hidden Talent School to record our views of art. That was perhaps the most stressful time!

 Jennifer is an art curator and she documented everything! She will write about Western Canadian art and all images that are selected will be published in a book by the Benetton Foundation and each artist will receive a copy.

Her husband Guiseppie was there to take photographs, and some will be included in the final book.

 Pearl Der, Cathy Friesen, Sandy Dewar, Sylvie Fergusson, Betty Dupuis, Bernie Neumann , Wendy Pfeifer, Linda Aleksa, Michele Sawatzky and Cindy Sorley and myself participated. Cindy has broken her leg and her wonderful hubby came to St. Albert with her in order to get her artwork to Jennifer.

 Now, we couldn't just let them leave without experiencing the renown hospitality of western Canadians could we?????


Next blog post is all about our cultural cuisine exchange!!

Art Projects II

 Did you see yourself? Did we miss you or one of your paintings?We hope to have a collection of all the artists/ art work from Hidden talent- send me a photo of your missing artwork so we can have a complete this project!



Art Projects II

Award Winning Florals

 One of the most popular subjects Hidden Talent students choose to paint is...florals! Their fleeting beauty captures the heart of many artists!

Please feel free to share these videos!

Award Winning Florals

Finished Works

 I have recently opened up the archives and found photos of Hidden Talent students, some over 15 years ago, and their amazing progress. Together with my trusty sidekick, Robyn, we have made videos and will share them here, on YouTube ( artschoolsecrets) and on the revamped website ( www.hiddentalentartschool.com). 

ENJOY!





Finished Works

Paris! An Artist's Dream!

Paris...a trip of a lifetime!  

My husband Ed and I recently guided an ART Vacation with 10 artist/students from Hidden Talent Art School. Where do artists dream of going? PARIS of course!

Most of us traveled together from Edmonton on Icelandic Air, a recent addition to carriers at our airport.

The trip was shorter ( different route of going over the North Pole) and we got off in Iceland only to pass through customs and return to the same plane, BUT different seats- an interesting way to do it!Some of our group were visiting Iceland on the way back- another fabulous opportunity.

We checked into our hotel- 2 blocks from the Louvre in the St. Germaine area. Not enough cam be said about our location- we walked almost everywhere, we ate at amazing cafes and restaurants, we had major shopping districts 5 minutes away. Our hotel was great-a bit of renovation not quite finished but a good continental breakfast and wonderful staff.

 So off we go, jet lagged but hungry, to have our first taste of French cuisine! The Petit Zinc, a famous Art Nouveau restaurant was ready for the 12 of us- of course we Canadians ate way to early (6:30) and that's probably why they could accommodate all of us without a reservation! No one eats before 8:00 at the earliest! Our new quest- to find the perfect Creme Brulee!

THE BUSINESS SIDE OF ART- where to start?

I have just watched an interview with Michael John Angel, a famous Master realist artist who has an atelier in Florence, Italy. His students have a 3-4 year program starting with 'drawing flat' (from other drawings), then 'drawing round' (casts), and finally putting color to canvas in the final year.
In his opinion, today's contemporary artists must do 1 1/2 days of art business to 3 1/2 days of art in order to be successful.

Wow! That sure takes the romance out of it, doesn't it? 

What does an artist do when she doesn't have a brush in her hand?
At the beginning there is the 'Get to know and Love me' stage- website, social media, going to opening, networking and getting opportunities to show your art. Updating a resume, website updates, and perhaps a store on etsy or tryuing  to sell through FaceBook....oh I forgot, you must also refine and develope your style and skill- this means lots of paiting at the same time.
No wonder the vast majority of talented almost professional artists get discouraged! That's a ton of work! Even more if you have another job to support you.
I think you can see where the passion of an artists comes from- all this and we still love to paint!

This week it has been 2-8 hour days sitting in front of the computer- fixing the website ( font glitches and updates) and deciding on a few new projects( paint parties, Pino and Speed Painting). Check it out-
www.hiddentalentartschool.com

It's really my own fault, I am not tech savvy enough to get this done fast. But, I want to be able to learn these skills to be able to change things as needed. Artists tend to be a bit impulsive and when the moment strikes them- off they go. Me, too.
After a long walk around the neighborhood, I plan to spent a few hours with a brush in my hand- a real reward for all the necessary things I must do!

For all of you that are just starting this journey here are a few tips...

1. Your Data
Record all your paintings.
Number them.
Write about your paintings- where you were, what you liked, what was the challenge.
Record where you show them.
Record who buys them.
Record workshops and opportunities.
Hard copy and save all press.
Take GOOD photos of your art, number them, save them.
Write your story or some one else might!
Know your costs of materials

Yikes! That's a bit of work isn't it? There's more, but that's for a later post!




  

WHEN A MASTER ARTIST GOOFS!

What do you do when your painting just doesn't work?? or even worse, when you are considered a Master Painter and you've created a 'dog'??? 

John Poon 'tells it like it is' in this candid video that we ALL can relate too! He has a really valuable formula for composing a painting and lets you in on a few of his secrets...ENJOY!

ps I have been a fan for a very long time-amazing colors, amazing landscapes!  TO SEE HIS ARTWORK CLICK HERE

10 Art School Secrets

Laura Watmough, Hidden Talent Art School Supplies

Here are 10 Time Savers for your art studio- and happy painting!
1. Place photo reference in plastic bag or page protector.

      2. Hold up brush with paint to area on reference photo to match value and colors. Paint on plastic to match colors.                                                                                                                             

      3. Turn works toward wall for dust free drying- no peeking!

      4. Sharpen end of brush in pencil sharpener- use this to sign paintings. Also skewers work well- just cut off end on an angle

      5.   Turn reference upside down- always a great way to see shapes and values and not 'things'

      6. Sand your canvas with brown paper bag instead of sandpaper to smooth out. This will stop scratches in gesso.          

     7. Pour linseed oil onto a new wooden palette and rub on both sides before using for the first time.Let the oiul soak in for 6-8 hours, then buff with a soft cloth. 

     8. Use daylight florescent bulbs in your home studio- and an Ott light if you need more 'easy on the eyelight. 

     9.The I PAD is the new tool in the studio- use an app called 'copy-it' to grid your photo and see detail close up.
10.Take a photo of you work in progress with your phone, IPAD or camera- this will reduce the image and you can see value and form issues right way. Do this before you declare a painting done! Also handy to post a painting in progress on your blog.

 

BON JOUR- PARIS DAY ONE!!

Here we are! Wow Paris!

ARE YOU READY PARIS? HERE WE COME!!

Well. We are not going to waste anytime.....even with 8+hours of traveling!
After settling in at our fab hotel 'l'Hotel Acadamie' St. Germain we wandered the streets to get our bearings. The Saint Germain district is vibrant, historical, clean, safe and has great shops and cafes...perfect for our group!! First evening group supper was at the most wonderful restaurant Le Petite Zinc. It was our first taste of real creme broule!! It was across from St. Germain des Press Church, and around the corner was the famous Deux Maggots and Cafe de Flore!!   All a short walking distance!!