Posts Tagged arts
EBSQ Art Seen and Blogged in November
Posted by Amanda Makepeace in Artseen, membernews on November 28, 2012
Today’s post is a celebration of art created in November by EBSQ artists who are also dedicated bloggers. Mind you, this is only a sample of the amazing art I’ve seen. I invite you to explore more from our gifted artists:
http://www.ebsqart.com/Artists/
Artist Featured: Kimberly Vanlandingham, Sherry Key, Gretchen Del Rio, Diane Whitehead, Patience, Marcia Baldwin, Karen Winters, Mark Satchwill, Sandra Willard, Torrie Smiley, Christine Striemer, Dia Spriggs, Carmen Medlin, Michele Lynch, Carol DeMumbrum.
EBSQ 1:1 with Caroline Baker
Posted by Amanda Makepeace in Artist Interviews, EBSQ 1:1 on October 9, 2012
Who and where are you?
I’m Caroline Baker. Sometimes I include my maiden name, Lassovszky because it’s unique – only my parents and brother share this name in the U.S., though sometimes I realize it might be too long a string of letters for anyone to remember. I grew up in the suburbs outside of Washington, D.C., both on the Maryland and Virginia sides of the beltway, though at this point I have spent more of my years in far Southwestern Virginia, which is a very different environment. I started my undergraduate art degree in Radford, Virginia, also started a family and then moved even farther southwest to just outside the town of Pound, Virginia. I was able to complete my degree at the University of Virginia’s College at Wise in 2000. The visual art major had just become available there, so it contrasted in many ways with what I experienced in the more established art department at Radford. After working several graphic design jobs and doing drafting with a small local civil engineering business, I got a Master’s degree in education and taught art in public schools grades K-12 for several years. I have come full circle as I am currently teaching visual arts courses at U.V.A. Wise.
Can you tell us how you combined textile arts with your oil painting?
I have enjoyed working with paint for as long as I can remember. I suppose I was in high school when I started playing around with dyes. I was really just experimenting with the drugstore Rit dyes, making t-shirts for friends and so forth. I was introduced to the fiber reactive MX dyes through a surface design class at Radford and continued to just play with them as a side project separated from painting. When I started stretching my own canvases, the idea that canvas did not necessarily have to remain a two-dimensional object throughout my process interested me, and I liked the aspects akin to watercolor involved in simply staining the canvas with the dyes as a sort of underpainting before stretching the canvas and working with it as an oil painting.
I also find the idea of the support/ground matrix intriguing as this object that changes character so drastically once it is prepared to become a painting, the fact that paintings on canvas began their existence as a textile object, something more associated with craft than the idea of “Art” tied to the description of a painting as “oil on canvas”. There is an element of a cycle of deconstruction/reconstruction involved in processing the canvas to remove sizing and folding it into a three-dimensional object or sewing it only to take it apart and flatten it later. All of the things I do in the beginning of my process are tied to the object as a textile, where as the later stages – stretching, priming, sometimes sanding and going through adding passages in paint involve characteristics of the object as support/ground, which feels very different to me, as though I am enabling and directing this metamorphosis. Recently I began to see parallels in this process with what I observe in the management of the land around me through coal extraction and worked through a series of landscape paintings based on those observations. For instance, the winery and a local site used a a flea market interested me because of the reuse of the land in the continuing cycle heavily influenced and accelerated for good or bad by human intervention. As of late I have found myself moving back in the direction of lyrical abstraction and linking this to my feelings regarding a specific sense of place.
How long does it take you from start to finish to complete one of your canvas dyed paintings?
A lot of times it depends on how much work I need to put into the beginning part of the process and what techniques I decide to use as well as the results with the dyes. If I bind the canvas using a lot of sewing, it takes quite a bit longer. At this point I am relatively sure of the results I will get from the dye stage, but sometimes the results are not what I need and I set it aside for another idea that aligns with the resulting “underpainting” better and start over with a new piece of canvas. Sometimes I continue working with the same canvas by folding or binding again and over dyeing, or using discharge techniques to remove some dye. The minimum amount of time I have spent on a piece like this is three days including time for the wet, dyed canvas to dry, heat setting if I choose to, rinsing, stretching and priming. Many times it depends on how much I want to meld the results of the dye techniques with the painting. I like the idea that both processes become so integrated in the final product that the viewer would need to look for where one is more prominent than the other or the two dovetail. I tend to spend a lot of time working with layering glazes when I paint so that there are areas where both processes work well together and coexist easily on the canvas, though sometimes a piece will call for bringing attention to the contrasting natures of the processes and media as well.
What’s coming next from your studio?
Some of the surface design techniques involved with the dyes lend themselves to repetition and symmetry, and I want to use those qualities in conjunction with the idea that seems to be becoming prevalent in our information-saturated culture that if you repeat something enough times and in the right places, they necessarily become the truth whether they began that way or not, and how subtle shifts in the way things are repeated reinforce or change that perception of something as fact. I want to work with minimization and regulation in the way I work with potentially repeating shapes and forms that result from my process without losing the expressive qualities I think are also important in dealing with cultural content. I plan to return to square format at a larger scale, but I have some ideas for series of things at a small or miniature scale as well.
Thank you Caroline for sharing your process and your art with us today!
Want more? Follow Caroline and her art here:
EBSQ Facebook Artist of the Week: So Jeo LeBlond
Posted by Amanda Makepeace in Artist Interviews, EBSQ 1:1 on October 2, 2012
Who and where are you?
My name is So Jeo LeBlond and I am a Pysanky / Batik Egg artist living in Nova
Scotia Canada. I use the traditional Ukrainian technique of decorating real
blown eggshells using a writing instrument called a kistka to write designs on
the shells with hot melted beeswax and then color them using dyes. I enjoy
taking traditional and non-traditional elements and producing my own unique
creations.
How were you introduced to Facebook?
I first started using Facebook like so many others as a personal page, using it
as a social platform to keep in touch with friends and family. In 2010, I
created my Facebook Page to display my artwork. I realized that it was the
perfect platform to advertise my artwork and it’s free!
Any tips for other artists starting a Facebook Page?
My tip for other artists starting a Facebook Page is say you want to post a
photo of a new piece to several different groups, post one photo only and then
share that photo to the groups. This way whenever someone clicks on your
photo, it will bring them back to your page.
What’s your favorite Facebook Page feature?
I love that I can incorporate all the individual web services that I use into
one place. It’s like having a second website, as it incorporates my Etsy
store, eBay auctions, Zazzle products and Flickr photos. I also love that it is
so easy to share information and photos of my artwork, plus my posts reach so
many others that might not necessarily come across my work otherwise.
What’s coming next from your studio?
This year I would like to increase my jewelry line, creating more designs,
styles and increasing my clientele.
EBSQ September Online Exhibits
Posted by Amanda Makepeace in Call for Artists, exhibits on September 7, 2012
Voting is underway in our August online exhibits: Cats & Dogs, FOTM: Prairie Plants, and Plein Air: Water. Members of EBSQ have until tomorrow, 9/8, to vote for their favorite artwork in each show. Go show your support for our artists!
Entries are now open for September’s exhibits:
The deadline for entering a September exhibit is 9/30/2012. I’ll be entering the Autumn exhibit. Which exhibit is on your radar?
Interview with Mark Satchwill: Going Digital
Posted by Amanda Makepeace in Artist Interviews, EBSQ 1:1 on August 21, 2012
EBSQ’s Mark Satchwill has long been known for his watercolor paintings, particularly his portraits of amazing accuracy and depth. Over the last year, Mark has taken those skills and applied them digital painting. I had a virtual sit-down with Mark to discuss this transition, his challenges and passion.
Can you tell us how and why you ventured into digital painting?
There were a few factors involved. One was simple curiosity – I was seeing a lot of digital art around and wanted to try it. I was also doing regular illustration work and had ended up with a big pile of drawings that were just taking up space – I figured if I began to do that work digitally it would save on space and materials! I also felt I needed a new challenge, something new to learn. So, I bought a drawing tablet and then did some research to decide which art software to buy (I bought Painter, ArtRage and Manga Studio), then set about learning to use them!
What have you found most challenging when working in digital?
I think the hardest thing was learning to use a tablet and pen. It’s almost like learning to draw again, as instead of looking down at your hand on the paper as you draw you, your hand is drawing on the tablet and you are looking at what you’re drawing on the screen – so there is a disconnection that takes some getting used to. I think the other challenge is to retain your own artistic personality and style. So much digital art has a rather generic look to it, it’s lacking that stamp of personality that traditional has but I think coming to digital with good traditional skills makes a big difference in your approach.
For you, what is the biggest difference when using digital vs. traditional tools?
I think it’s the freedom digital allows. As I don’t have to think about buying new materials or wasting materials I can be free to be more experimental. I’m free do much larger work as I don’t have to worry about space. Thanks to working with layers if I paint something and it doesn’t work or I mess it up I can just delete it rather than have to start the whole image again from scratch. And there’s no mess or tools to clean up!
Have you encountered any issues selling digital art compared to traditional?
Yes. I think there are a couple of reasons. One is that if you purchase a digital artwork you purchase it as a file or a print, so that feeling of buying a physical object that someone has created isn’t there. I think people will gradually come around to the idea though. The other reason, relating to my own work, is that people have got to know me for traditional watercolour work and are less receptive to my digital work. I think there is mistrust from many traditional artists about digital – they think that it’s trickery and that it’s somehow easier and needs less skills, that it’s sort of cheating. Of course there are tools that can be used to cut corners if you want to but if you don’t have the basic traditional skills they will only take you so far. Ultimately digital is just another medium and it’s the end result itself which is most important. I’ve barely scratched the surface of what’s possible and I’m loving working digitally. It doesn’t mean I will totally give up working traditionally – there is plenty of room for both!
http://marksatchwill.ebsqart.com
http://marksatchwill.blogspot.com/
Mark Satchwill Art on Facebook
EBSQ Friday Five
Posted by Amanda Makepeace in membernews on August 17, 2012
1. Dolphin Daze by Fawn McNeill – Gorgeous and serene! Do you see the dolphins? Take a closer look on Fawn’s blog.
2. Sunflower Art Tote Giveaway – Maria Soto Robbins is having a giveaway for a lovely tote bag featuring her sunflower painting. Check her blog for details!
3. Japanese Artist Yajoi Kusama – Miriam Schulman has a guest blogger featuring a polka dot Japanese artist. Yes, you read that right. I wouldn’t share it here if it weren’t worthy!!
4. Selling Art on Pinterest – If there’s a will, there’s a way. Delilah Smith has some tips for hooking buyers via Pinterest.
5. Do you have a blog post that’s news worthy? Contact me at amanda[at]ebsqart[dot]com.
Have a creative weekend!
EBSQ Friday Five
Posted by Amanda Makepeace in membernews on August 10, 2012
1. Some like it Hot – I can almost feel the heat in Alice Harpel’s new painting! Take a look at her blog for this and others in her “show box” series.
2. Top Six London Art Adventures – When the Olympics are over there’s still plenty to see. Miriam Schulman has a schedule on her blog.
3. Better Homes and Garden Holiday Crafts Fall – Our very own Janell Berryman was featured in the Better Homes and Garden magazine! Congratulations, Janell.
4. FAQs – Natalia Pierandrei recently posted some FAQs on her blog. I think this is a must for every artist.
5. Volunteering at Northville Art House – Took Gallagher shares her day volunteering at Northville Art House. Great images and commentary!
Have a great weekend!
EBSQ Facebook Artist of the Week: Christine Krainock
Posted by Amanda Makepeace in Artist Interviews, EBSQ 1:1 on August 7, 2012
Who and where are you?
My name is Christine Krainock and I am a contemporary artist residing in beautiful Southern California. I paint contemporary, modern, oil and acrylic paintings in my unique style by palette knife. I create paintings in a textured, impasto style, which are described as possessing texture, depth, movement, and vibrancy of color. I am fortunate to live just outside of San Diego in the gorgeous, wine country city of Temecula, CA. I hold a Master’s of Arts Degree, and in fact, taught for many years before “quitting my day job” in order to pursue my passion for painting. Although I still adore teaching a few hours a week, I am a full-time artist painting daily. I am currently kept very busy selling my paintings to collectors from all over the world. I sell locally from my studio in California; however, a great portion of my work is sold or commissioned through my online presence.
How were you introduced to Facebook?
I was first introduced to Facebook by my best friend, Dianne, in 2008. I was extremely hesitant at first to join, in fact, I argued with her for months stating all sorts of reasons why I did not want to sign up. She finally convinced me to open my personal account in Dec. 2008, with the argument that, if for nothing else, Facebook would be a great way for us to share photos with each other since we lived so far apart. I quickly got “sucked in” to Facebook, and had fun connecting with current family and friends, as well as finding it was a great way to reconnect and develop new friendships with old high school classmates. In 2010-2011, I very reluctantly threw a very few photos of my artwork onto my FB profile, however, I was always very hesitant to do that because I didn’t want to come across to my Facebook friends as being obnoxious with my paintings. So, in the spring of 2011, I decided to start my Facebook page for my artwork. http://www.facebook.com/Contemporaryartbychristine. I was shocked at how quickly my page “likes” started adding up! I truly love my Facebook page, and often find myself utilizing it more than my personal account. It has been a fabulous tool for me to quickly and easily communicate with those who enjoy following my art and what I’m up to.
Any tips for other artists starting a Facebook Page?
There are several tips I can give to other artists who may be wanting to start a Facebook page. First of all, the goal of maintaining a Facebook page for art or any other business is to increase your sales. To do that, you need your page to be seen and followed. On Facebook that means receiving “likes”. One question that I often receive is, “How did you gain so many “likes” your page?” Well, what I do is I add links to my Facebook page to the majority of my emails, business cards, post cards, and most importantly the internet sites that I am present on. This includes my primary website, http://www.contemporaryartbychristine.com/, my Etsy Shop, Fine Art America (where I sell prints), EBSQ, and any other online artist site or news release mentioning my art. I find that if collectors are online, see and like your art, but aren’t necessarily ready to purchase, offering them a link to your Facebook page is a way for them to know that they have a connection to you for the future, and that they can follow your latest works, and can contact you when needed. Many assume that I must recruit people whom I personally know to “like” my page. This in fact, is the opposite of what I do! Out of my over 1800 “likes”, only 39 are mutual friends of mine from my personal Facebook account. Pretty low! Most Facebook users are aware of a feature on Facebook that is available for you to promote your page, it allows you to ask your personal Facebook friends to “like” your page. They will then receive a notification inviting them to your page. This can be a great way to obtain your first few “likes”, however, I DO NOT want to annoy all of my personal family and friends with the requests of liking my page when perhaps they don’t even care for my art. Therefore, I have only once sent that request out, and to only a very select few of my closest family and friends. Many of my very closest friends haven’t even “liked” my page, and that’s fine. (Although, I must say, my feelings ARE a little hurt. 
Ha!) I also do not participate in what many artists will try to gain followers, the old “Hi, I “liked” your page, will you “like” mine?” My belief is, you truly only want people “liking” your page who are honestly interested in following you, and someday perhaps in purchasing your art. That should be your goal; – gaining future clients and future sales. Your goal should not be to get as many “likes” as possible from people who are just being nice, and are following your page because you asked them to. These people are not the ones who are going to gain you more followers by commenting on, and sharing your work and posts. In fact, you will likely become hidden from their newsfeeds in the future. So my advice is do not waste your time begging for “likes”.
I would also advise artists to post often, but not too often. There is a fine line between keeping your followers interested, commenting and sharing, and annoying them by spamming their newsfeed 5 times a day. Over posting is sure to get you hidden from their feeds. I vary on how often I post. At times I post as much as 2-3 times a week, but other times only once every 2 weeks. It really depends on what you have going on that is meaningful to your followers, and what you have to post about.
As far as what to post- if you are an artist, post about your art! Keep strictly to posts about your art, your newest pieces, news and events, and your creative process. The majority of my posts are photos of my paintings. I will add a pleasant comment about something to do with the piece, my life, or even a quote. This helps to personalize the post to me, the artist, while still keeping my posts professional. I do not believe Facebook pages related to any business should be filled with posts containing too much of the owners personal life, political or religious views. This can become a turn-off for future clients, and will limit your audience. Have fun with your posts, be positive, and let your personality come through. Provide information on your newest art, events, etc. in a professional manner to your followers without becoming annoying.
What’s your favorite Facebook Page feature?
My favorite feature on Facebook Pages is a pretty basic one – Photos! If you are a visual artist, what better way to reach thousands of eyes than to post pictures of your work? Many of these images that you post may also be picked up in Google image searches, so add photos! I post photos of paintings a few times a month and make sure I also add a link within the post to where they can view close ups of the painting and can purchase that piece online. Photos are so important in selling any product online, and what do your eyes gravitate to as you scan your own Facebook newsfeed? Photos! Most people are very visual and just describing your newest piece won’t gain nearly as much attention as showing it. People who have liked your page are also much more likely to “share” a photo than just a text or link post.
Another favorite feature on my Facebook Page includes the apps that you can have displayed on the top of your timeline. I am able to have a link to “My Shop” which, when clicked, gives customers a Facebook version of the listings that I currently have available for sale in my Etsy shop. I also have the same type of app link which directs visitors to my gallery on Fine Art America where I release a few pieces as prints and giclees.
I truly find so many positives in maintaining my artist Facebook page, and recommend having one to any artist or small business owner. Visitors can view information about you such as where you reside, your website links, they can view albums of previous works and sold art, and most importantly they can correspond with you in a fun, casual manner. The comments and messages that I receive from followers of my page are hands-down the best part! I am a very humble gal, always believing I can do better, and the when I am feeling a bit down- reading the overly kind comments on my Facebook page can really pick me up and even be inspiring!
What’s coming next from your studio?
I am currently beginning a new series of landscapes; abstract tree paintings with earthy color palettes. I am combining a bit of brush work with my typical palette knife created, impasto style. I am also working on completing some larger pieces to be exhibited this fall and December locally.
EBSQ Friday Five
Posted by Amanda Makepeace in membernews on August 3, 2012
1. Into the Rabbit Hole – I love this new painting by EBSQ artist, Hilary J. England. She’s been exploring Fletcher’s color control theories. Read her blog post for more details.
2. Follow your Passion – Christine Krainock shares with her blog readers how she went from being a teacher to an artist.
3. Photo vs. Life – Erika Nelson shares some her process on painting. The photos in this blog post are beautiful!
4. John Marin Watercolor Show – Miriam Schulman shares her accidental find at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
5. MOTM: Priorities – Maureen Frank has her free downloadable mandala for the August available on her blog now. I can relate to this month’s theme!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Exhibits: Last Chance and What’s coming next
Posted by Amanda Makepeace in Artseen, Call for Artists, exhibits on July 31, 2012
Today is the last day to enter the July Online Exhibits. We have three diverse shows: African Wildlife, Victory Garden, and Pointillism. Entry to these shows is open until this evening at 11:59 p.m. EST. Are you working on a last minute entry?
What’s coming next?
Entries are already being accepted for the August Shows. Here’s a sneak peak at what’s to come next month:
Log into your EBSQ portfolio and enter a show today!
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