Creative Artists at Hidden Talent

I got a bit carried away with the Olympics (Yeah Canada!) so I am scrambling to get these images up for those of you who are following the progress of the students at Hidden Talent.
Many of the students you see here came to lessons with no prior experience in painting. I am as proud as they are of their accomplishments shown here. To be able to paint is a 'teachable skill'. I hope you will enjoy the artistic journey of these inspiring students.

Kasandra has finished her daughters portrait and really enjoyed the design aspect of the background. She used a dry glaze technique to quickly change the colors of her background without covering over all the detail. I am totally dedicated to realism and prefer an honest, well done painting to one that is all about emotions but lacking in technical skill. Creativity is not sacrificed by having painting and drawing skills, it is enhanced! Well done Kasandra!

Dorothy has got a massive canvas going here! She is refining as she paints and is always looking for something to 'fix'. Dorothy is our best kept secret- she keeps us entertained and happy ( butter tarts help too!)...She's got to stop calling me 'teach'everytime I catch her doing something fun!. We are refining the trees and  adding more 'sky holes' for a natural look. The snow shadows are coming along nicely.

Gerry has this commission for his daughter. He had a great reference photo, and can actually see the shine on the fur and the structure of the dog. The chew toy should be finished this week and then off to Calgary it goes. He has some interesting ideas for the next one...stay tuned.

Pat is painting her charming twin granddaughters and brought in the snowman from another reference. The girls will be in bright red PJ's that will go extremely well with the taupe foreground. Jaimie, the girls' mother also attended HT, but you can imagine how busy she is now!

Pearl had a special request to paint this for an office. There is a great overwhelming feeling of tranquility and peace in this painting. Pearl is also a member of our St. Albert Artists Colony and shows at HT and Spot Light Gallery during the summer. She is a very serious painter and because of her dedication and amazing output, she inspires us all. She managed to talk me into participating in ' Career Days' at her daughters school...I LOVED IT! It was so refreshing to see how many grade 4-6 had a career in the arts as a possible choice in life.  The students' excitement was so refreshing! I'm already planning to do it again in 2011.

Dee is another artist that keeps on going and going- and she is definaltely a floral painter. These lillies have many layers and she is really seeing all those colors in the white. Dee got alot out of John from Delta Art's talk about varnishing. Dee uses a spray varnish, and boy do you have to be carefull putting that stuff on.  You can find Dee at HT on Thurs am making the mornings a fun time!

Luise is a natural born landscape artist. She choses subjects that fit her style so well- including bike paths, a beautful winterscape that ended up as her Christtmas card, and this green paradise. She has a wonderful sense of values that allows her to move certain trees and bushes forward or backward on the pictoral plane. She is slowly covering up her brown monochromatic painting as seen at the bottom. Isn't it amazing that the colors cover the brown so well?

                                               
Rana has been working on this 'project' for a very long time....in between studying and becoming a nurse. Her Mother took this photo on her travels and Rana has done a remarkable job of capturing the heat.... and the camels! I am ordering the framing and she is very excited to get this on her parent's wall. She is also gicleeing this painting for a friend.
Check back for more student progress during the next week.
For more art, you can also visit my blog and read about my artistic process.
Spring session starts in April along with the St. Albert trade show...and the Mona Lisa Show! It's going to get VERY BUSY!

Oil Painting techniques at Hidden Talent

Oil painting techniques are very important to master before the artist can be truely creative. It is a pleasure to see the develpoment of the paintings as well as the artists! Here are the latest student updates.

Debbie is working on her third ever painting and is creating great colors! Red is a hard color to keep pure and not go 'bubblegum' when white is added. Light bulb moment: The reflected light is actually giving off a BLUE light on the red petals!

                                                     

Gerry is working on a commission of a family pet. This is his second painting after doing the first two required learning pieces. He has a photo that shows the details and shine of the black dog. He has since added more color to the cushion and eyes-the fur is very well done Gerry !

                    

                                                   

Anita is working on her own family portrait...this beautiful photo was taken by her husband a semi professional photographer among other things. Anita is finishing up the underpainting and dealing only with values. This will give her a strong foundation to apply color to- the darks will be darker, the lights will be more luminous.

                                                        

Kasandra has discovered the joys of scrumbling; a beautiful blue was dry glazed over the grey/yellow ochre and white monchromatic resulting in very realistic water patterns. Finishing touches on the hair and a general look-over and Kasandra will have captured the childhood fun of her daughter!

 

Dorothy, our famous 'Queen of Tarts' has chosen her first oil painting scenery after a string of grandchild portraits! She's not afraid of anything! This is a big painting and Dorothy has to be careful in a stiff wind that she doesn't blow away! The monchromatic was in the grey tones and now she is getting around to the greens and using color therory. Her painting technique involves two to three layers of green...  one dark, one medium amd one light. 

Joan is putting on the finishing touches and by this week will have a rich chocolate brown/red background to showcase the Cala Lilly.  The reds from her underpainting are peeking out throught the top oil paint layer of green and makes the colors very rich. A stunnning painting.

Creativity- the creative minds at Hidden Talent Painting Update

Follow along as I update the oil paintings of the Art School students. This is  artistic creativity at it's finest!

Pearl has selected a large Koi /waterlilly painting. Her oil painting technique is to use an underpainting, then layer on colors to get rich colors and great depth.

Kayla is a wildlife artist and is inspired by Carl Brenders. She is contining her art education and will be a high demand  graphic artist! I love being her art coach...she's going to paint a tiger next!

Cathy is adding the second layer in her step by step oil painting of Sweetpeas.Her approach to Realism is to correctly paint the values in a unified color, then glaze and paint the rich oil paint overtop. Stay tuned...the result will be spectactular!

Janelle is doing an oil painting portriat. This child portrait is larger than life, and is sooo appealing! The background color will really set off the hair. What color will she pick???

Barb is finishing her pencil drawing of an orchid. Shading and details are the last step. Barb does both- painting and drawing lessons.

Hidden Talent Tip "How to Varnish an Oil Painting"

Tricia from Delta Art

Varnishing Workshop

We are lucky to have John and Tricia  from Delta Art give us a seminar on Varnishing oil painting! Thanks!
As usual, it was full of useful information and it was great to get to see a painting varnished before our eyes.
Why varnish in the first place?
Dust, grime, smoke, air pollution are everywhere. Varnish acts like a piece of plastic that covers your painting and helps keep the colors clean and bright. It should be removable, beccause it is the surface that all the dust, grime, smoke and air pollution sticks to. Usually it is removable with mineral spirits or turpentine.
When can a painting be varnished?
Oil paintings oxidize instead of evaporate. You want to make sure you do not trap any moisture under the varnish, sooooo for a thinly painted painting the wait is from 6 months - 1 year!!, more heavily applies paint at least 12 months.
How do I know when my painting is dry enought to varnish?
 Take a cotton ball or Q-Tip , dip it in mineral spirits and rub a small area of the painting...NOT IN THE MIDDLE. Choose sides or edges that a frame will cover. If any color comes off, wait another month.
Is there something I can do now, before my painting is completely dried?
 Yes! Mix Stand Oil 50/50 with mineral spirits and apply very thin coats. This will insure an even gloss to all the painting surface. A final varnish can be added about 3-6 month later. Drying time is about 3-6 hours between coats
How do I put on varnish?
Place cans around your  just varnished painting and cover with stiff cardboard or 'tent' your painting to keep the dust off,. Use  a large soft brush and apply in a rectangle shape as opposed to stripes across the canvas.
What brands are recommended?
Gamvar by Gamlin is the easiest to mix and use. Other MSA varnishes ( Golden/Liquitex) are available, equally as good, but have to be mixed with mineral spirit and are quite smelly.
 What about Damar Retouch Varnish?
Darmar varnish is not recommended anymore! A final varnish can be brushed over the retouch varnish, but Damar varnish of any sort is slowly coming off the market. Seems it was good for it's time, but the MSA type varnishes are better. ( I have used  retouch damar varnish and am relieved that all I need to do is apply a finishing coat of Gamvar!).

Top 10 Artists Magazines!

I love a good art book or art magazine. They are helpful, usually contain alot of info that I can use or pass along and they motivate me to get back into the studio and keep painting. These are the ones I will continue to subscribe to, probably forever! They did not pay me to promote them!  but I'm going to anyways! :) Here IS THE COMPLETE LIST!
1. International Artists
Great high quality photos and articles that speak to the beginner and experienced artist. I have been with them since issue #1. They publish every two months. You can reserve your copies at any book store, or if you don't want to chance missing an issue, subscribing is easy!
Look for:
Their  popular art competitions.
Support for portrait artists.
Interviews with well known artists.
Something for oils, watercolors and acrylic painters.
Marketing tips.

2. American Art Collector
If you are a serious artists and can only afford one magazine, THIS IS IT! Galleries across North America spend big bucks promoting their best artists. These are the people you need to know!  A treasure chest, not only for the collector, but for the aspiring gallery artist!
Look for:
Glimpses inside of galleries across the states.
Ideas on how to promote your work.
What is popular in certain areas so you know your market.
Price rages for professional and emerging artists (extremely valuable info).
Art  that is actually sold from being seen in this magazine.
Representational and some abstracted  artworks
All mediums.
Major Art Exhibition locations and information

3. The Artist's Magazine
The Artists Magazine has been around forever. It is the magazine that covers every niche! I 've enjoyed the high quality images and the advice and step by step instruction that this magazine offers every month. It now has a sizable online presence and very worthwhile to join up (for free) There is a blog, marketplace, networking area etc. A great advantage is now back issues are available on CD and DVD!

4. American Artist
Sister site http://www.artistdaily.com/
This is the oldest publishing art magazine that I have read. I have copies from the 70's hanging around somewhere in the basement. Just can seem to throw away any art book! It's getting a bit thin, but the online network is fantastic...they have a great and helpful newsletter ( a bit to sales oriented at times), but a way to communicate in an arts community. They are embracing the future of online mags and providing free infomation, an easy means to keep in touch with other artists and great promotions like the Weekend with the Masters.

5. American Artist Oil Painting Highlights
6. American Artists Workshop
All from the same publisher and all availalbe through the same website portal. My personal favorite is the Artists Workshop because I happened to be at a featured workshop with Greg Kruetz and the write up was bang on. Once you've been to a professional artists workshop you soon realize that it is impossible to remember everything! The next thing question is who do I take a workshop from? This magazine eliminates hours of research on the computer and if you like a certain teaching style, you'll find the right workshop by going through the magazine. NEVER throw them out!

7. Art Business News
Art Business News was recommended to me when I first passed my professional framing course. It offered advice on framing tachniques, gave me the trends in the art industry, colors for the year, what is a giclee, what are print companies interested in and their newest lines, how to run a gallery and how galleries were doing across the United States.It now has a submission area online for articles and art, along with regular catagories of emerging artists, print and original artwork, what is selling where and also a great newsletter. This is for the serious career artist!

8. Decor Magazine
It is the art and framing resource that I trust. They are also sponsors of art expos around the US and have the lastest art and trends and advice. I use to get it when it was almost a thick as a phonebook, but those days are fast disappearing! Go online and check it out and see if you want to subscribe. Again, for the serious career artist.

9. Canadian Brushstroke Magazine
Great and timely writing, high quality pictures and it's free only online. There are contests, reviews, hints and tips, interviews and it is great to see an upstart magazine do so well...and it's Canadian! Be sure to sign up for this up and coming ezine!

10. Southwest Art
This is a must have if you are interested in highest quality images of contemporary realism. I use the images in this magazine to instruct on color and composition. I think the Southwest has been a hotbed of great art for many years and has a loyal and well educated following. I have visited Scottsdale and have seen many of the featured galleries and yes....the art is THAT good! Inspiring and educational.



Did I miss your favorite magazine? I'm sure there are others and I'd love to promote any that help us artists!

Drawing for the scared stiff beginner!

I am teaching some 'stickman' and scared stiff' students how to draw! Two of them have never taken an art course and after a bit of a pep talk they found out drawing isn't what they thought it was and it's a whole lot of fun! Now they are the first ones coming early to class! This is the FIRST PROJECT-Lemons and Pears

Five Drawing Tips for the Beginner!

Is learning to draw your New Year's Resolution? Here are five tips to help you get to your goal!

Five Hidden Talent Drawing Tips!

1. Sharpen your pencil the right way....with a razor so more of the graphuite is exposed and you can lay down broad strokes.
2. Hold you pencil correctly.....like a wand or a baton. This allows greater arm and wrist movement.
3. Have a good grade of drawing paper, not photocopying paper!
4. Find you ultimate eraser- There are so many great ones out there, don't settle for the one at the end of the pencil.
5. Come with an open mind! Like most things in art, it isn't what you thought it was going to be like!

Remeber that drawing is accurate measurements and angles...period!

Stickman and scared stiff wantabe drawers get ready. The second section of our drawing course is taking registration for Thur or Sat from 12:30-2:30.  Open to all! Starts in Feb!

Art Instruction! How to Varnish an Oil Painting

How do I varnish? Why do I varnish? What happens if it doesn't look good? How many types of varnish are there?
Get art educated! Join us on Sat. Feb 06 at 3:00 at Hidden Talent FineArt School for Delta John's workshop on the do's and don'ts of varnishing your painting. I have asked John to varnish an actual painting!  Sign up sheet is by the door.

A Special Word to my students.....

Yet again another year has zoomed by, quicker than the last! I am excited to start the next session of art lessons...every January is another opportunity to see intense artistic growth in the dedicated Hidden Talent Students/Artists and to introduce our special school to others that want to learn to follow their passion!
I am gratefull to all the students who have helped me throughout the year-lots of set ups at our art shows, manning the guestbook or the 'goodies' table, trade fair fun and promotion, and Artists Colony evenings, to mention just a few things. Hidden Talent is so sucessful because of your deep sense of caring and community, your eagerness to learn and your part in making HT a welcomimg studio.

The growth of Hidden Talent is in direct relationship to the artistic growth of its students...Every year we attract larger crowds, more returning patrons, more sales, more opportunities. Every year word gets around that our kind of art,' realism' is exceptional, that Hidden Talent students are exceptional!

This year watch for-new drawing lessons, a Gallery owner workshop in Feb., Edmonton Gallery exposure, and special workshops! I am looking forward to being with you and sharing a  very memorable artisticly-rich  New Year!

December at the Art School

Recap:

December has been a wonderful month. Our Student Exhibition has attracted more and more fans who marveled at the quality of artwork...they keep telling me they can't believe their eyes! Each year we expand the gallery and each year we are CROWDED!

This year the exhibition had a few surprizes- paintings went out on approval! Alex from Tu Gallery came by and was excited by the art!, and I sold Rendezvous, the large french restaurant painting!

It is apparent that there is an expectation that this fantastic art should be for sale as well as for show.We will definately remember this next year!

Thanks to all that invited our guests, brought goodies, help man the tables, clean up after the exhibiton, and for all the lovely and thoughtful gifts. The excitement, enthusiasm and dedication of the Hidden Talent students is what I live for! It is so fullfilling to see these wonderful student/artists blossom. I have the best job in the world!

                  

A Special Offer for the Girls! Dress Party time!

A DRESS PARTY, not a party dress! Let's get serious...shopping can be a chore! My friend Marta has found a way to put the girl's night out into shopping for clothing...but in a unique way. She Matters, a fun and famliy run clothing store is booking PRIVATE SHOPPING PARTIES!!
 The focus is on holiday wear but the store is filled with terrific tops, pants and skirts for everyday wear, scarves, hats, purses and jewellry. To have your PRIVATE SHOPPING PARTY  a minimum of 4 people, can book a party any night of the week, or Sunday afternoon. The owners will be at your beck and call and they are experienced in picking out the perfect piece to suit your body type. They supply refreshments (wine and a little something to nibble on) and just ask that you come and enjoy the store. Now, that`s shopping! Just mention you heard this from me or Marta.
SHE MATTERS located at 12234-107 Ave., phone #780-488-4043, or call Marta, 780-451-2286 to book private shopping parties.

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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

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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!

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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!