The Artist's Magazine

Tip file: 5 portrait painting pointers

2009-07-02T09:24:26.5750000-04:00

From Constance Flavell Pratt, in the November 1987 issue of The Artist's Magazine:

To ensure your portraits are strong paintings, follow these five steps:
make your model comfortable
keep your materials within easy reach
control the light
plan your painting from the beginning
and check and recheck the likeness.

Learn more:

Cloudy sky inspirations

2009-07-01T09:20:17.7290000-04:00

I took this picture on a road trip recently—the evening sky was just blowing me away. I fully intend to do something with this image (I've been dabbling in acrylics but don't dare show anyone yet).

I've come across a lot of great cloud images recently. Like the Times Online's 10 best clouds, with great images. And the Telegraph, another British newspaper, put up a slideshow of extraordinary clouds—these formations are so amazing you'll hardly believe they're real.

More books for cloud inspiration:

And some demos and articles about painting clouds:

Wayne's World

2009-06-29T09:26:22.5290000-04:00

One of the best shows in the Rocky Mountain states this summer is at one of the lesser known museums in the West. "Wayne Thiebaud: 70 Years of Painting" opened recently at the Loveland Museum in Loveland, CO, about 45 miles north of Denver.

And what a treat. For starters, there's Thiebaud's signature images of bakery goods: glazed donuts, frosted cakes, and cherry pies. There's also a hot dog on a billboard plus an array of beach scenes splashed with figures—all references to his childhood spent in Southern California.

And the figures, of course, are a reminder that Thiebaud is an esteemed member of the Bay Area Figurative Movement—those Northern California renegades who co-opted New York's Abstract Expressionism and added their own flavors. Many of Thiebaud's cohorts, like Richard Diebenkorn, have passed away, but Thiebaud, 88, is still with us. His pop culture iconography mixed with the California scenes of good life are just what the art doctor ordered for a lazy summer afternoon. The 100-painting exhibition runs through August 16.

—Bonnie Gangelhoff

At top, Bakery Case (1996, oil, 60x72). At right, Two Kneeling Figures (1966, oil, 60x72).

Art News Roundup

2009-06-26T13:27:15.1780000-04:00

I'm cleaning out the old e-mail inbox today, and I found a lot of interesting events happening now or soon!

Michigan Water Color Society 62nd Annual Exhibition travel show will be on display at the Rankin Center Fine Arts Gallery at Ferris State University in Big Rapids, MI, July 6-31.
Also in Michigan, Pulitzer Prize winner Art Spiegelman will give a talk called "Comix 101" on July 15 at the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit.
Admission is free for all of July and August at the Columbus Museum of Art in Ohio.
This is the last weekend to see the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond before it goes offline. The museum is undergoing a major renovation before its grand reopening next May.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons is seeking entries from veterans, surgeons and civilians for its art exhibition "Wounded in Action: An Art Exhibition of Orthopaedic Advancements." The deadline is October 15.
Tougaloo Art Colony's annual events for educators, artists and students in Jackson, MS, kick off July 12.
Bank of America's Museums on Us weekend is coming up July 4 and 5. Cardholders get free admission to more than 100 museums.
Move over, Iron Chef—the Tacoma Art Museum is looking for an Iron Artist July 31. There are a few days left to sign up to compete.
The annual "Form & Figure" show at Trailside Gallery in Jackson Hole, WY, is up July 1-31.

Original Charley Harper paintings found!

2009-06-25T10:27:23.8040000-04:00

From News from the Harper Art Studio—they recently found a number of original paintings comissioned for the Ford Times and Lincoln Mercury Times magazines.

In many instance no one knew that original paintings of some of these were ever made! The discovery of these paintings came as a surprise even to Charley's son Brett. "I felt like I was opening a buried treasure chest that had been locked up for more than 35 years."

The new collection will be on view at Fabulous Frames and Art here in Cincinnati (10817 Montgomery Road, to be more specific) starting July 11 and running through August 8. I will so be there!

Tip file: DIY palettes

2009-06-25T10:22:43.3670000-04:00

From Karolle Grondin, in the November 1999 issue of The Artist's Magazine:

Old, yellow photo album pages make great acrylic palettes. The pages are light and easily transportable for outdoor painting. You can also spray them with water and scrape dry paint off with a palette knife.

The art of Up

2009-06-24T09:18:18.3720000-04:00

In his blog, Lou Romano talks about the art production of the new Pixar movie Up:

Similar to the work from The Incredibles, (production paintings, color/lighting design and artistic direction) this was done to help inspire the look of the film.

Every show is a major collaboration requiring the talents of many. The artists who helped define the look of UP included: Bryn Imagire (Shading Art Director) Daniel Lopez Munoz, Albert Lozano (Character Designers) Greg Dykstra (Character Design Sculptor) Don Shank, Nat McLaughlin, Noah Klocek, Daniel Arriaga (Environmental Designers) and Paul Conrad (Graphic Designer).

Despite many challenges, these artists were always focused on what was really important...the art.

The images are totally gorgeous. Here are the blog posts: The Art of Up and Up Color Script

And here are some articles we did about another Pixar artist, Bill Cone, last year:

Last day to register for the webinar!

2009-06-22T13:50:33.5070000-04:00

An online workshop—also called a "webinar"—is a lot like a live workshop or seminar, only it takes place over the Internet. That means you can "attend" the workshop from the comfort of home. All you need a computer and a broadband Internet connection—no special computer skills required. (If you can't make the live session, you can purchase a recording of the webinar afterward!)

The Artist's Magazine is hosting a webinar tomorrow (Tuesday, June 23) at 1 p.m. Eastern time: "Entering Art Competitions: Enhance Your Chance of Success."

Making intelligent choices about choosing which art shows and competitions to enter will go a long way in ensuring successful results. Maureen Bloomfield, editor of The Artist’s Magazine, and Anne Hevener, editor of The Pastel Journal, will offer expert advice on how to make the most of the art competitions you enter. In this seminar you'll learn:

How to read the rules and abide by them
What the choice of jurors can tell you about a show
How to choose works to make a strong, quick impression
How the jurying process works
What makes jurors see red
How to act at the opening or during an interview, once you get in a show or win a contest

Click here to learn more and register today!

Artists' retreat on the Oregon coast

2009-06-22T09:59:52.7880000-04:00

Calling all artists! Are you feeling in need of inspiration? Perhaps you just need time and a place to replenish a flagging creative spirit. Talley Woodmark, the owner of Silver Heron Art Gallery in the charming seaport town of Depoe Bay, OR, is offering a free retreat for artists. The goal, she says, is to provide working space for one week in a beautiful setting so creativity can flourish without the distractions of everyday life.

Woodmark asks only that the artists donate a painting to be auctioned off to benefit a foundation that grants scholarships to emerging artists. The retreat comes with a private beach and miles of walking trails. The first availability is in October.

By the way, Depoe Bay is known as the whale-watching capitol of Oregon. In spring and fall, gray whales migrate through the waters in a long train. Some stick around and take up residence near the shore.

Expect to hear more about Woodmark as she's attracting national media attention with another project. This fall marks the grand opening of Wade's House—a healing place of hope, a home and meditation garden overlooking the bay for people who have lost children. Artists are also welcome. Woodmark established the getaway in memory of her son, Wade, who was accidentally shot and killed by a friend several years ago. The whole town has come together to work on the residence, and artists have donated works to grace the walls. To learn more, visit www.silverherongallery.com.

—Bonnie Gangelhoff

Extra, extra!

2009-06-18T13:34:50.3460000-04:00

Well, hello, it's the June edition of Artists Network News!

Tip file: Change up your format

2009-06-18T10:13:11.3430000-04:00

From John Loughlin, in the May 1985 issue of The Artist's Magazine:

Changing your painting format can quickly get you out of a compositional rut. I find that I keep my ideas fresh if I break away from the standard canvas sizes because they lead to traditional compositional solutions. When I go into the field to paint or sketch, I carry a number of offbeat sizes—14x7, 10x17 and squares like 14x14.

Learn more:

Renegade Brooklyn craft show in pictures

2009-06-16T16:24:35.6800000-04:00

I'm no stranger to the indie craft show circuit, but last weekend I made my first attempt at a monster show: Renegade Brooklyn. More than 300 crafters put up their tent stakes in Williamsburg's McCarren Park this year. I shared a booth with my friend Jessica, who crafts under the name of Miss Chief.

You don't even want to know how much time I spent crafting journals and notecards before this show. Let's just say, my living room is only now starting to look like a place to relax instead of a crafty sweatshop.

Going around the park was a little overwhelming, but I saw some really cool stuff, such as these art prints by Virginia Kraljevic.

There was even a gypsy band!

Selling at Renegade was a crazy experience, and honestly, I don't know if I'll attempt it again. (If nothing else, it was good to test out some of the advice I give in my own book.) But I highly suggest checking out all the artists who showed their work there! Click here for the whole list.

This week: New York report

2009-06-15T12:25:36.9780000-04:00

Hi, all! I'm finally recovered from my trip to New York. I've so much stuff to show you, I'll have to spread it out over the rest of the week. Including:

a report on the Renegade Craft Fair
a great artist from Franklin Bowles Galleries
and a general report on New York City

In the meantime, I wanted to share this: a killer sale at 20x200, which I wrote about last year! I wanted to go to the Jen Bekman gallery in person while I was in Soho, but it happened to be closed the day I was in that part of town. But when I got back to Cincinnati, I was overjoyed to see a big sale at 20x200: everything's 20 percent off all their editions of fine art and photo prints through tomorrow night! I snagged this beaut last week, and it arrived today. How gorgeous is this?

Secret Language 3 (9x12, mixed media and collage on wood) by Valerie Roybal

I can't wait to get it up on my wall!

Fried eggs, feet and flapjacks

2009-06-15T09:23:56.1470000-04:00

Big. Bold. Bodacious. Coming upon As Above So Below (above) for the first time, these are the words that sprung to mind. The painting is by Riva Sweetrocket, and her colors are so vivid you can't believe they're pastels. No sugary baby blues or pale pinks here. Sweetrocket's images—on view at Denver's Plus Gallery—are as fresh and original as her colors. Quirky juxtapositions bring together hands, feet, fried eggs, and flapjacks to create striking compositions.

In one of my favorites, Ruby Slipper Revelation (at right), the artist turns Dorothy's red slippers on their allegorical heels and offers viewers a Western take on the "Wizard of Oz" shoes—a woman exuberantly thrusts a pair of red cowboy boots toward the sky. For Sweetwater, the boots are a more powerful symbolic image than the sparkly pumps from the movie.

The artist's visual banquets are usually packed with metaphors and meanings. They are to be savored on many delicious levels. If you’re in Denver between Sept. 21 and the end of the year, stop by the Buell Theater, where Sweetrocket will have 12 new paintings on view. To learn more about the Colorado artist and the show, check out the September issue of Southwest Art.

—Bonnie Gangelhoff

Tip file: Use negative space

2009-06-11T11:27:45.9370000-04:00

From John Bickford, in the August 1993 issue of The Artist's Magazine:

Drawing what "isn't there" is often the best way to draw what is there more accurately. The voids, or empty spaces, around your subject can be the key to drawings that look like what you see. The next time you draw something, pay special attention to these "negative spaces"—the spaces not filled by the "positive" forms of the object you're drawing.

Learn more:

Fantastic Visions in Albuquerque

2009-06-08T15:18:16.1480000-04:00

Dreams That You Dream Really Do Come True by Joshua Franco

Santa Fe often grabs the spotlight in the national press as a major art center behind New York City and Los Angeles. And when collectors come to New Mexico, that's where they head to feather their nests back home. Friends of mine who live in Albuquerque always grouse that their fair city is unfairly overlooked by the visiting art crowds. Indeed, when it comes to a thriving art scene, the Duke City has plenty going on. (Though it could use a new nickname.)

A few days ago, an intriguing show opened at Albuquerque's South Broadway Cultural Center. "Days of Future Past, Surrealistic Paintings + Installations" features works by Los Fantasticos, a group of artists who have come together to display their takes on imagination and reality. From haunting portraits to humorous narratives, their paintings offer up a world where magical realism meets pop surrealism. Flying dogs, cartoon characters and Day of the Dead skulls coalesce to create some highly original and fantastico visions.

Organized by Santiago Perez, the band of visual brothers also includes Joshua Franco, Chris Perez and Brandon Maldonado. I think we'll be hearing a lot more about Los Fantasticos in the future. The show runs through July 27.

—Bonnie Gangelhoff

Tip file: Graded watercolor washes

2009-06-04T13:07:56.0370000-04:00

From Arthur Barbour in the June 1985 issue of The Artist's Magazine:

To make a graded watercolor wash, turn the paper so that the part you want darker is at the top. then dampen the paper with a sponge and clean water. Start with a loaded brush of color and stroke rapidly across the top of the paper, moving down with even strokes across the width of the paper. When the brush is nearly depleted, recharge it with paint and start again at the top, stroking across and down until the desired depth of value is reached.

Learn more:

This is not a T-shirt

2009-06-04T09:10:23.0550000-04:00

Why can't every day start off with a Surrealist joke? I am laughing my butt off:

Concept via Rene Magritte, twist via Super Mario Bros., T-shirt via Threadless.

Inside the competition judging room

2009-06-03T09:48:11.3680000-04:00

Did I mention we're in the middle of the second round of judging for our Annual Art Competition? If it wasn't already apparent by my lack of blogging, we are totally in the thick of it.

To give you a little insight, here's how the competition works after you send in your art:

All the entries are processed by our competitions department (who have been working overtime once the deadline passed).
We send the entries along to our screener judge, who does the first round of viewing.
The screener judge's selections are sent back to the main office, where The Artist's Magazine's editors have the arduous task of cutting down the number of entries in each of the five categories from a few hundred to about 50, who are our finalists.
Then we send them to the final round judges—this year the "celebrity" judges are Nelson Shanks, Jane Jones, Susan Shatter, Jimmy Wright and David N. Kitler. They select the winning images from the finalists and send their results back to us.
Then we get working on the December issue, where we get to reveal the winners! (Here's last year's.)

I tell you, this is a grueling process. Right now we're still working on step 3. All of us have favorites out of the finalists, and I'm really excited to see if any of my personal picks make it to the top.

David Bradley's Native American sendups

2009-06-01T10:41:13.5750000-04:00

In August, Southwest Art publishes its annual Native American-themed issue. One of the talented painters featured is the award-winning Chippewa artist David Bradley. Bradley's intriguing images arrived this morning and made me smile. I found myself scouring Pictures at an Exhibition (click above to enlarge) looking for famous faces amid the art crowd at his imaginary Santa Fe opening.

In American Gothic (at right), Bradley's wry social commentary brings together television and art world icons. The Santa Fe-based painter sent me this statement about the piece:

"Georgia O'Keeffe and Alfred Stieglitz meet Tonto and the Lone Ranger. Tonto and the LR are retired and running a B&B called the Silver Bullet. O'Keeffe & Stieglitz are tourists. Stieglitz is rolling his eyes after their encounter with Tonto, who sold them some curios from his stand."

What sendups. Bradley gives us much to think but softens his message with a dash of the ironic among the iconic.

—Bonnie Gangelhoff