KIDS ART MURAL!

.We had a hot sunny day, with lots of mosquitoes! BUT......what talented  young artists! We prepared a canvas for the kids to paint on and were one of five activities for Kidsday at Art in the Garden.
Ava and Sydney were our young volunteers and they were fantastic. Many thanks to Marg, Jeannette and Debbie for all the help.

Art in the Garden Display

Jeannette Sommers Artist in the Garden

Our set up

Pearl Der and Nolan Crouse, Mayor of St. Albert

Pearl Der and Lisa Harding

Opera in the Garden!! Madame Butterfly

Penny Frazier Creative Director

Fascinating Fascinator!!

ART EXPERIMENTS and YOUNG VOLUNTEERS!

Summer is sooo much fun...in the Adult classes we are going to try a bit of glazing and palette knife work!!
This afternoon I started a piece for practise and used only a palette knife to mix gel into some acrylic and paint!. The scene is the Italian coast with all the pastel building of stone. Perfect for the knife.
The Liquin Light is poured into small glass jars ready for the students....glazing is by far one of my most favorite techniques. Because glazing is so intuitive I will have to analyse what I do.  I hope it makes sense to everyone!
The Art in the Garden is still in full swing. Everyone is thankful for the sunny weather and hopefully there will be a mad rush of folks heading to First Choice Nursery. I 'll be back on Sat July 02 for the Kids Art Event. I have two adult volunteers (Marg O and Debbie) and two children- Ava, only 8!! and Sydney, 11 yrs old!! I am thanking their parents in advance...it is incredible to have such young persons start volunteering! Well done parents!! Well done kids!! ;D

Hidden Talent Fine Art School Students with Laura Watmough ~ Art in the ...

This is a wonderful testimonial video by Pearl Der, Jeannette Sommers and Lisa Harding, current artists at Hidden Talent. To tour our art studio please call Laura at 780-419-2055 I'd love to show you around and answer all your questions!

Jeanette Sommers ~ Hidden Talent Fine Art School ~ Art in the Garden 2011

Enjoy Jeannette Sommers 'automotive oils' as she pays tribute to the stories and memories of the automobile! Jeannette's artwork is available at Spot Light Gallery. For an appointment call 780-419-2055

Laura Watmough ~ Spot Light Gallery ~ Art in the Garden 2011

This is a one take, one edit tour of Spot Light Gallery and some of my artworks. These videos were made as part of the promotion for Art in the Garden Gala. this summer we are opened by appointment only. Call 780 419-2055 to book a unique art tour!

Pearl Der ~ Hidden Talent Fine Art School ~ Art in the Garden 2011

Enjoy Pearl Der's wonderful art! Pearl will be participating in the 'ART IN THE GARDEN' Gala and Meet the Artists Day ( July 09). Art works are available at Spot Light Gallery, 780-419-2055.

Art Preview June 2011

This is a few of the incredible paintings that are being work on at Hidden Talent this spring. (Try as I might, I can not get them to line up!!) Hope you enjoy this preview...

FREE ART MATERIAL WORKSHOP AND SAMPLES!

Hidden Talent students at the free Winsor Newton art materials workshop

Hidden Talents newest workshop was a huge sucess! JIM BERGESEN direct from New York came to a packed house of over 50 students. Jim is a member of the WINSOR NEWTON ARTISTS OUTREACH PROGRAM and travelled to Alberta  to educate us about Winsor Newton products, color mixing, methods of application, mediums and other techniques. Many thanks to John at Delta Art for arranging this visit. ( There is a rumor that other art school actually charged $20-25 for this workshop.The workshop was worth it, but it's even better when it is FREE!)

At Hidden Talent we supply 'in class' oil paints for our students. The best student grade paint, hands down is Winton oils! Our studio palette is 18 colors.Sure, we could get by with alot less but the range of mixing is fantastic. Many students upgrade to the professional Winsor Newton oils with ease.
Other things we learned today: Loved the impasto (oleopasto) that makes paint thick and extends the color! Davy's grey is a great way to darken a color without losing to much chroma. There is a greenish black that is just beautiful that Joan discovered awhile ago. Bugs really do make a great color (carmine) and so does cow urine ( transparent yellow). Love the liquin light for glazing. All of us were gifted with two tubes of professional WN paint, an oil brush, colorchart, and white paint info. Jim, come back to Edmonton soon! We really enjoyed your wonderful humor and informative teaching style! Many thankto Marg O for the lovely tray of goodies....loved the sugar cookies!

SHARING THE PASSION FOR ART!

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

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

ART FUND RAISING THE 'RIGHT' WAY

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

HOW TO RAISE FUNDS THE WRONG WAY!!!

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

WHO TO INVITE TO YOUR ART SHOW!!

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

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

I WANT TO SELL YOUR ART!!

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

I WANT TO SELL YOUR ART!!

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

I WANT TO SELL YOUR ART!!

Sylvie Fergusson 

 

 

 

 

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

LOVING CHOCOLATE ART!!

Chocolate Raspberry Dessert
8x10      $250       Framed

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

WHAT TO WEAR AT AN ART OPENING?

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

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

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

The Artists Uniform

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

I Am My Art:

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

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

The Stand By:

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

Last word:

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

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