JEANNETTE SOMMERS NEW WORKS

Jeannette Sommers with her new  watercolor Totem Pole series.

Jeannette is combining personal totem poles with representations of the animals sacred to native peoples. Her work is wonderfully colorful and authentic. This was her first outing with watercolors and they were very well received! Congrats on a great start to your series! ( Jeannette paints out of Hidden Talent!)

TOO YOUNG FOR AN ART SHOW! NO!

Tom, Kristie and Scarlett enjoying the fantastic colors of the art at CAVA!

Rose, 6 yrs. old has many favorites. Sue and Dave enjoy exposing Rose to the art world

Anthony is only a few months and already Sarah and Cam have him going on the art circuit!

I was glad to see the young families at my art show this November. I remember bribing my 3 sons with ' there is great desserts at the art show' and having them tell me which was their favorite painting. It must have rubbed off because they came and enjoyed my latest experimental art! 

FUN AT THE ART SHOW!

Marla and Betty- artists enjoying an artistic evening out!

Laura Watmough will one of her Garden Series paintings now in the collection of Eliana and Edie!!

Linda and hubby enjoying the ambiance....

Bea and hubby at the CAVA show!

Our favorite shopper- Donna looking over the wonderful pottery at CAVA.

The French art show was a great success! Thanks to everyone who came out! There was a great variety of art. Jeannete Sommers from Hidden Talent also showed her new series. Both Laura and Jeannette will be featured in the next exhibition at CAVA- the Miniature Show which runs until January.

THE 'FABULOUS' ART STORE IS OPEN!

NEW Art supply STORE at Hidden Talent!

How exciting!! After so many requests, there will finally be an art store at the front of Hidden Talent! There will be student and professional grade watercolors and oils, brushes for all media,  sketch books, watercolor paper, canvas, gessoed panels, drawing pads, canvas carriers, palettes for water media, acrylics and gouache,T squares, grids, transfer paper, ready made framing and custom framing. special sets ideal for Christmas giving and we will offer gift certificates!! All easels will be available for special order.
Gasp! and there will be more supplies coming...
There is a permanent discount on brushes and professional oil paints as well as 2 specials. Canvas art totes are regular 22.95 are on sale for $12. A professional set of brushes ( most mediums) is regular $25 on sale for $12.50.
The store hours will be the same as the art lessons or by appointment or chance. If the light is on, the store is open!
It is very exciting to set up another business that supports artists!
We would love to have you come by for a visit!

HOW much snow???

SNOW DAY!

Waking up to a blanket of snow sounds very romantic, but shovelling the driveway three times today is the real wake up call! and thanks to the three wonderful neighbours out pushing me out of the snow drift at the bottom of my driveway. I could not get out of my crescent!
So classes were cancelled by default...most had left messages that the roads/weather was too bad to be out and about. I think I am pretty safe that no one was waiting at the door.
Tomorrow will be a challenge! It isn't likely our property management will have the parking lot cleared, so I am packing a big snow shovel in case my favorite students get stuck!! Have no fear, we'll find some kitty litter and be winter ready ( kitty litter is placed under the tires if they are spinning on ice...who knew??) We've had over 20 cm fall by 3:00...20 cm= LOTS.
I am planning to get my camera ready for tomorrow. The trees are magnificent with the heavy snow on them. That would make a mighty fine Christmas card!

A Special Invitaiton

Winter Impressions - L.Watmough

Once a year I have the privilege of exhibiting at the Centre Art Visuel D'Alberta ( CAVA for short). I have always enjoyed being a part of the francophone community, even though my language skills are dismal to say the least and this exhibition is a major part of my involvement.
Somewhere there is Impressionist blood running through my veins! My recent trip to France and subsequent visit to St.Eustache Cathedral in Paris brought home the importance of acknowledging the  profound importance of one's 'roots'. Yes, there are Artists and Artisans lurking in my genes!
With that in mind I energetically took the palette knife in my hands and  painted with the passion of a rogue impressionist intent on letting color be the main force of my painting. I painted in a near frenzy, covering the canvas with as few color strokes as I could. I upped the ante and painted 20x24, no little piddly painting for this release of expression! Color, Drama and Texture were the only thoughts! 
After a brief separation from the act of creation, I reevaluated the results with a cold, dispassionate eye looking for the connecting threads I have embraced through my journey and art education- balance, repetition, contrast, edges! I tweaked the results and I am pleased to present 8 ( at current count at least) interesting, exciting and lively painting at the Nov. 23 Opening.
Although close to my heart, these works are the beginnings of a new series ( maybe not to be ever repeated!) and will be priced considerably below my current level for realistic art. They were a joy to create and I look forward to connecting with the patron who can re-experience this joyful experience!
We will be gathering at CAVA, 9103-95 Ave in Edmonton Nov 23 from 7:00-8:30.  and afterwards in true Parisian fashion we will visit Whyte Avenue and people watch over a great cup of coffee. I hope you can join us!

I FOUND MY HIDDEN TALENT #3

B.is excited about adding color to her third realistic oil painting.

 

A few more painting in progress from the artists at Hidden Talent. As the weeks go by we hope you find it as fascinating as we do when we see a beautiful realistic painting develope before our eyes!

Pat has mastered the waves!

 


Pat S. is painting an unbelieveable sunset !

Carol is half way through her very accurate monochromatic!

I FOUND MY HIDDEN TALENT #2

Cathy's black and white monochromatic under painting comes to life!
 

 Looks like another banner fall session! There is an amazing variety of subject matter that the artists at Hidden Talent has chosen. We have two exhibitions a year- Christmas Show in early December and at the St. Albert Trade Show ( over 9000 in attendance). Many of our artists enter and receive awards at the annual Edmonton Orchid Show. Hope to see you there!



Linda's cool under painting !

Barb is just starting color on her second oil painting

Karen is figuring out her soft edge background.

Michelle has a hot one- peppers that is!



Bernie is getting ready for the February Orchid Show

BUCKET LIST! PAINT IN ITALY!

2013 Paint In Italy

ONLY 2 SPOTS LEFT!

Imagine painting the world class villas of Lake Como! Imagine visiting such romantic places as Bellagio and Varena! We will arrive just in time to see the Lake Villas in bloom!

This ‘bucket list’ worthy trip will bring us to the shores of Lake Como in Northern Italy where artists, aristocrats, philosophers and senators have been drawn to its beauty.

We will visit many of the beautiful towns and villa such as Bellagio, Villa Melzi, Varenna, Mennagio, Villa Carlotta, and Villa Balbienello. We will be staying in a family owned Albergo on the lakeshore and will experience authentic gourmet Italian meals from the owner/chef.

When:  May 03-May 11, 2013

What’s Included:

·         Accommodations: Hotel Villa Aurora. ( www.hotelauroralezzeno.com)

The rooms are ideal for couples, families, and singles. They are all are bright and comfortable, if not very big, and what you lose in size is made up with tasteful furnishings. Some of the rooms have views of the lake, others look onto the mountain.
All the rooms are en-suite with shower and wc, hairdryer, satellite TV, free wifi internet connection, safe, ceiling fan, and double glazed windows. Check  Trip Adviser to see their ‘excellence’ rating and reviews.

·         Meals: Breakfasts and Suppers with wine, coffee and dessert.

·         Transportation: Local transportation to and from our chosen painting location . Entrance fees to the Villa grounds.

·         Beginner to advanced Watercolor Workshop with Laura Watmough

·          PRE TRIP  INTRODUCTION TO WATERCOLOR!

COST:     $2400 Single          $1800 Double

PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE: airfare, (We have booked our flights and will give you this information if you wish to travel on the same flight.)  mid-day meals, meals and incidentals on travelling days, gratuities, art supplies, optional ( but highly recommended) cooking class fees. 50E

Non Workshop spouse/partner – less $300.

At this time there are only 2 places available. A $500 deposit is needed to secure your place with the remainder due by Feb 1^st.

WE FOUND OUR HIDDEN TALENT!!

Sylvie working on the finishing touches on her oil painting of a peacock


 

 What fun it is to get back to art class! Every year there are more and more amazing and jaw dropping art produced by the artist at Hidden Talent. Here is a snap shot in time as we show artworks in progress.


Upside down helps with seeing form

Christine's grand painting of a Baby Grand

Lisa's European watercolor is  ready to hang!



Joyce has mastered the copper kettle@

PALETTE KNIFE PAINTING

Foresr Glow, Acrylic palette knife painting by Laura Watmough

Those little knives are a bit tricky to use!
I picked a variety of white plastic palette knives to experiment with. The metal ones are coming in my Richeson Art supply order but I thought I would work out a few kinks before hand.

First off, I am painting in acrylic. Yes, not my favorite media, but a little can go a long ways and I am definitely going to go through a few tubes. I will graduate to oils once I have an idea how the knives perform.

My other dilemma was how much medium to use? I prefer light moulding paste and heavy gel mixed. I tend to mix  on the palette which means there are always inconsistencies. The approximate percentage is 30% gel, 70% moulding paste. This keeps the painting from weighing a ton! Heavy gel really means heavy....

My discoveries:

•  acrylics can be used straight, without mediums, especially in the first thin coating of the canvas/board and the final layer that is just accents.
• a variety of different paint is a must- heavy body AND regular AND almost fluid.
• FORGET DETAIL. This is all about visual impact. If detail is what you are going after, select a LARGE canvas!
• I prefer board over canvas- easier to scrape off paint, easier surface for making edges and no fear when using the 'sharp' edge of a palette knife.
• other tools work just as well or better for certain effects-combs, paint pushers, cardboard, brushes, stamps etc. I can see myself collecting an assortment of' 'junk'  just to get certain marks on the painting!!!
• Not every painting will be 'good'. I repainted on entire board three time from top to bottom. If it doesn't work, wait about 3 days, sand vigorously, then start again. This will appeal to  the penny pincher in all of us. Nothing wasted!

Who is interested in giving this a try? If you have dabbled with palette knives, can you add to the hints and tips?

BRUSH WITH SUCESS!

Joan Stang with her painting " Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto"with
Joan Berwyn accepting for the winner.

Giving back to the community just got a whole lot more artistic!
Hidden Talent's Joan Stang decided to help our her church by painting the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto (behind the  Historic Catholic church) and donating it for a raffle prize.
The St. Albert CWL raised $1259.00 and the money will be used to build a Marian Garden in front of the bell tower. Congratulations Joan -a wonderful painting for a wonderful cause.

CORRECT WORKSHOP DATE

Leopard Lounge by Guy Combes

Ok, Ok  I goofed......Guy Combes, International Wildlife Artist will be coming to Hidden Talent in July 2013!
Many thanks to all my sharp eyed friends that keep me on my toes!
So far we have 15 people interested with only two classes getting the information. I may have to do a lottery draw! or arrange a few more tables. Check out Guy's thumbnails of available work on his website....amazing talent!

THIS SHOULD BE A PAINTNG!

Italian Riviera

Ed and I were overwhelmed on our second visit to Italy this year - The beauty, the history, the food, the HEAT! So it is already three weeks since we returned and the photos have hardly been touched!
I hope to get some of the 'incredibles' and 'must paints' together over the long weekend, but it is quite a task with over 4,000 photos to go through! It is so hard to part with any of them.....it's like choosing your favorite child. Do you have this problem too??



Great light on staircase in Pisa, Italy

A BIG SURPRISE!

Saw it here first! World famous wildlife artist Guy Combes will be giving a workshop at Hidden Talnet Fine Art School early JULY 2013 !!  We will only have space for 17 artists so be ready when we make the official announcement!

 

 

                                                       

Artists sharing art!!!

Joanne at Nickerson Art Days

Last year Pearl Der and I spent a lovely day at Leo Nickerson School as guests of Andrea Daly. Andrea was in charge of filling the halls of the elementary school with artists and creative types to help expose young children to the wonderful world of art.
This year two more artists from Hidden Talent joined Pearl answering questions and encouraging young artists. Congratulations Joanne Lewis and Joan Stang! Thank you for putting a little art into a small persons life!

Joan At Nickerson for ART Days
 

TIME TO START ART CLASSES! And NEWS

It has been so wonderful to see all of you, new and returning students! I love the first week of classes reconnecting with you, catching up on all the adventures and news and meeting our newest soon to be oil painters!
There will be big changes in store for Hidden Talent in the next few weeks. I am very excited to announce that there will be a FABULOUS ART STORE set up in the framing area within the next few weeks. AND there will be opening specials!AND there will be very cool things for artists. AND Hidden Talent students get privileges. I am smiling so hard my cheeks are hurtin'!

Just so you know......we will be organising a workshop with a WORLD FAMOUS oil painter. We will be bringing him to Hidden Talent exclusively for our students...more details to follow ;o)

AND, I've saved the best for last.......We are going to Italy May3-11 and, hold your breath, WE HAVE ONLY  3 SPOTS AVAILABLE for this bucket list art experience! I will send out more details but it is first come, first serve, so you can reserve your place immediately. Come see me for details.
Oh, Tuesday morning are full, full, full. If you are making up a missed class, Tuesday morning will not be available this session.
I looking forward to week 2!!

An Artist in Italy -Pisa

Leaning Tower of Pisa

Yahoo! Back to Italy! This time it is a hot hot hot August and Ed and I headed further south. We rented an apartment within blocks of the Tower. ( YES, IT REALLY LEANS THAT MUCH!)Third Floor, no AC, but with 10 inch thick walls ( didn't help).Needless to say, we were out late at night to catch a breeze or two  before sleeping in our lovely apartment with 2 fans blowing on us all night.
No complaints though! Italy is magical and we really experienced being more local than tourist.
Our mission was to see if this area was worth bringing more artists to. We'll let you decide. I'll be posting more photos and information in the next few weeks.Right now I'm running on 5 hours of sleep after an 18 hour return trip- Milano-Zurich-Chicago-Edmonton!!!! It may have saved us some moolah, but I think I'll try a more direct flight next time!!! Ciao

$ 1 Million Realistic Art Sales at the Calgary Stampede Art Auction!

Juried artworks at the western Showcase Auction

We headed to Calgary Thursday and arrived just as the auction was starting. ( delay on Hennday, delay on Deerfoot, the usual)l This was our second year, and we leisurely enjoyed seeing the Quick Draw artists and all the activities that happen before the auction actually starts. A big shout out to Doug Swinton, who participates in the Quick Draw and donates to the School Art Scholarship every year.

Awards are given for best FLAT and 3D works. It is amazing that 97+ pieces are auctioned off in only 2 hours...you have to be on your toes the whole time! This year there was an extra large turn out with celebrating the 100 year of the Calgary Stampede. Some works went for over $50,000 and some as low as $1500 but the overall quality was very impressive. You could see the collectors were very excited and there was some fierce bidding going on.

Our ticket was $75 and included grounds admission, auction admission, appetizer buffet, free beer and wine. a full color catalog and a collectors pin. We ended up saving our admission for Sunday after we returned from Waterton National Park. We toured around the Western Showcase Art Pavilion and talked with the over 40 artists that set up their booths for the full 11 days of the Stampede. Sales were impressive with one artists selling out with a total of over $95,000! Now we know where all the moolah is....in Calgary!!!
What I enjoyed the most is that these very successful artists were by and large painting REALISTIC art. yes, mostly cowboys, saddles and chuck wagons , but very well done, very sought after realistic art. There is DEFINITELY a market for the type of art we produce at Hidden Talent!

Free Gamblin Paint, Workshop and Product demo

Getting a good seat at the workshop!

 Over 40 students packed into the studio last Sunday for a free workshop with Gamblin's president Peter Cole. WE LOVE having the Gamblin people come by- so much to learn and some very innovative products.
We were introduced to Gamblin's FASTMATTE line of oil paint. It all drys to a matte finsih and dries quickly. This is great for our underpainting technique!!!!We also learned a great deal about Gamsol  and varnishing.

Pete Cole. president Gamblin Colors

I checked out the website and Scott is demonstrating the oiling out process...something I always get asked about. YES, different colors dry shiny or matte, Yes, it isn't your fault or the paints fault, and YES, it can be corrected when the paint film is dry!! Please check out the website for the exact procedure.
Also a big thank you to Gamblin, we all ended up with some samples of the Fastmatte and gamsol...pretty sweet, eh?
It was great to see Lisa H, with her 2 month old daughter Lillianna at the workshop.....our youngest artist ever!!!
A reminder that there are drop in classes this summer on Tues or Thurs morning and Tues evening until Aug 16th. Fall classes will start the week of Sept 23.......I will have some 'interesting' photo references to share with you then.