5 Ways to BUILD ART SKILLS while HIBERNATING this Winter - Painting & Drawing Tips

The DARK COLD RAINY DAYS are HERE!! Winter is nearly upon us.

Ok, I'm sorry, I know the rest of Canada is already well into Winter.  Here on the west coast we haven't really started winter yet.  Certainly no snow. And temperatures are usually in the 6-9 degrees area.  But we do have many dark, dismal rainy days.  

IN THE QUIET OF THE DAY - Acrylic & Watercolour 16 x 20 Matted $650

Do you like to Hibernate in winter? . . .

I do.  Of course not in the true sense, I don't sleep all the time but I do tend to cocoon more in the house and of course my studio.  Max and I still bundle up and head out for walks and often a steaming hot chocolate greets me on our return.  

This is a time when my Creative Juices really flow. . . .

I don't worry about building up stock by creating tons of masterpieces.  It is my time to try new things, let my imagination flow.  For the next 6 weeks, that is my focus. 

5 Ways to Build Skills while hibernating in your Studio

1. Try a new Technique

As you know I am a realist and I do not work in acrylic or oil.  Corrections.  I tried monotypes using acrylics and loved it.  It was one of my 'new things' this year.  I loved the mixture of the abstract with my realism.  It was fun to make backgrounds with interesting shapes and colours and then impose my ideas on them.  Below, my project "Ducks on the Water" really took me to new places in so many ways. To learn more see my video with the complete project and take a look at my post "Have You Tried Monotypes?"and video Getting Started with Monotypes.  A piece of glass and a few acrylic paints and you are good to go.  (See above,  In the Quiet of the Day for another example of this type of work) 

Panel from "Ducks on the Water" note the random colour is all created by the monotype process

2. Make a Video

I know the whole world is going crazy with videos so nothing new there you say.  But what about making a video Artist Statement.  I have made two Artist Statement videos and have found them really useful for introducing myself and my work in new ways.  This type of video work involves taking clips, editing, dubbing in sound and . . . .  Lots more than just click camera and shoot.  iMovie's comes with my iPad and has lots of editing features that can really add splash and glitz to your video.  

Yes, it was a learning curve but Mr Google has lots of tutourials to help out with the tech stuff.  Have a look at my post "How to Write an Artist Statement - What the Heck are you Doing?"   and see below my videos for ideas on what kinds of content to include.   

Staging a Virtual Art Show - includes a 3 minute video, an Introductory Artist Statement
5 Keys for Creating a Virtual Art Talk - includes a 12 minute video, an expanded Artist Statement

Having live action clips of you working on a project, provides interest to your viewers

3.  Build Your Drawing Skills

Building skills is always at the back of my mind.  Looking for ways to inspire me to 'just practice' can sometimes be tough.  Here is one activity I find motivating. The focus is on one subject, filling the page with the image challenges you in many ways: composition, rendering, shading and more.  The 'What if I try this?' questions start happening.  When that happens I am usually humming and well into my work.  I love those moments.  Even when I walk with Max, I am busy thinking of new things to try and anxious to get back to work. 

To start you on your Repetition (practice)  Journey see my Post "Can Repetition REALLY be FUN?!" .  I have created a  FREE Downloadable Repetition is Fun Sheet PDF  with tulips to inspire you and a  video   Repetition Can be Fun with more ideas.  

TULIPS IN THE SUNSHINE - Sketchbook Practice - Doesn't this picture make you feel good and want to do more?

4. Retrain Your Inner Critic 

Have you noticed that your Inner Critic never takes a holiday?  He is always there, nattering at you whether you want it or not.  Takes some time in your practice to really work with this guy.  He is full of knowledge but has appalling Social and Language Skills. 

Check out my post "Turn Your Inner Critic into Your BFF" for new ways to communicate with him. It includes a video "How to turn your Inner Critic into Your  BFF" as well as more examples.  

 And my post "Have you ever got Trapped in the Web of PERFECTION?"  has a sketchbook activity that will stretch you and your Inner Critic.  It will help you 'get him into line'.  There is also  video support to further your discussion "Moving Away from Perfection" 

SUNFLOWERS GLOWING IN THE SUNLIGHT - Sketchbook Practice 

5. Finish up those Troublesome Projects 

 

There is always projects hiding on the shelf.  You know the ones.  They started with great ideas.  Paint was flying, your heart was singing.  Then suddenly fell flat.  You want to finish them but. You're Stuck.  I know what it is like.  Sometimes I leave them for a bit, take Max for a walk or pull out an art book.  And sometimes this works.  

But what you really need is Someone to talk too.  Someone to bounce ideas with. Someone with fresh eyes. An Art Coach/Mentor.   See my post "Have you every worked with a Visual Arts Mentor/Coach?" for a better idea of what this could look like.  This is that knowledgeable person you are looking for to give you the kind of feedback you need to grow.  This is not a critique, it is a discussion.  There will be examples, demonstrations of techniques, and more. 

 

Online Mentoring Session with Wendy Mould - Flexible schedule,  $75 for 3 sessions 30 minutes each.  

This is my last post for the year, I look forward to starting up once again January 7th. I have a great idea for your Hibernation - Building Skills with a Treasure Hunt! I look forward to sharing it with you.  

Have a Safe, Quiet Christmas and all the best for the coming New Year!!

Be sure to like and share my posts.  You won't miss a single post if you Follow by Email 

Have a great Artful Day,

Wendy  

Can Repetition REALLY be FUN?! Painting & Drawing Tips

You love to paint but your drawing Sucks. 

Not much fun painting something that really doesn't look right.  Despite what they say, colour doesn't hide mistakes. 

TULIPS IN THE SUNSHINE - Sketchbook Practice

Improving your drawing skills requires only 1 thing, PRACTISE.  No surprise there, we all knew that.  But how to make that practice interesting and exciting is the challenge.  

I know where you're coming from.  I am a self taught artist and learning to draw well was a huge learning curve for me.  Pushing myself to practice was something I had to learn to do. 

Things I do to make Drawing Practice more fun.  

1.  Have a special spot with supplies handy.  I have a drawing table now but early on my drawing place was the kitchen table or the couch.  I had my portable kit packed and handy so there was little set up time.  I started with a small basic kit: sketchbook, erasers, set of pencils and a few pens. As I worked I added more things.

 

2.  Have reference material handy.  I always had a collection of 8 or 10 pictures I was interested in drawing.  These are usually in a special Album on my ipad but sometimes I print them out as well.  Depends on what you like to work with.  Using the special Album in your Photos means you can find your picture quickly, no scrolling. 

Tulips in the Garden - I love it when the Tulips start to grow, they are the first big splashes of colour in the garden.  

3.  Be easy on yourself.  Tell your Inner Critic to take a break and just draw.  See post: Turn your Inner Critic into you BFF

4.  Challenge yourself.  I make mini-challenges for myself.  When I judge my drawing it is based only on my challenge. I try not to be critical of anything else.  

 

To me these Tulips are friendly and happy - makes me feel good to work with them.  

A Challenge that can turn Repetition into Fun

Take a picture of a subject that is not too complex.  For this example I used a picture of my tulips from our garden last spring.  Fill you page with tulips.  To provide variety I reversed the picture and drew the same tulip.  

Reversing the image gives variety to your practice

Why draw the same thing?

a.  Your drawing improves as you become more familiar with the subject

b.  Easier to focus on things like colour, values and mediums if you are comfortable with drawing the subject

Sketchbooking - TULIPS IN INK - Trying different mediums brings new ideas in focal points and composition. 

c.  Composition Skills are tested as you try different placements of your subject.  

d.  Inspirational thoughts will begin to bloom. "What if I make them . . ."

A Free bonus offer, I have prepared a Free Download of my Tulip Pictures to help you get started on your practice. ( I know you will have trouble getting tulip pictures at this time of year.) When picking pictures, you need pictures of your subject that show a few different views. They need lighting that shows shadow patterns. And enough information that allows you to build a few different kinds of compositions  (It is important that you inspire yourself with good references when working on a challenge.)  

For lots more ideas and inspiration check out my video: Repetition Can be FUN!! 

Take the Challenge and Enjoy your practice - You will be amazed how quickly you get caught up 'In the Moment' and your drawing becomes FUN. 

See you next week.  

Get Free Download of my Tulip Pictures HERE.

Christmas Shopping Online with FREE Shipping in Canada!!

HOLIDAY SPECIAL - 15% on all sales

FREE SHIPPING IN CANADA TIL DEC 15

Lots of One-of-a-Kind items, original art, art prints, art cards, jewelry, pottery, painted scarves, and more. Anything that inspires an artist to create.  
Get your Christmas Shopping Done and Shipped Free 

Art by Wendy Original Work, Art Cards & Prints, Memo Pads and Doodle Cards will be available   

Looking to Move your work to NEW LEVELS?  

  Online Coaching/Teaching  (3 sessions 30 minutes each $75)

Are You and Your Inner Critic looking to expand your discussions.  Here's how it works: Send me a few pictures of your paintings.  I will prepare material to facilitate a discussion.  We meet on Zoom for our sessions and discuss your work. I am a sounding board and coach with suggestions, techniques and tips to help you meet your goals and move your art forward.  More info here.   Looking forward to working with you.  

  
Many find this post helpful: Turn your Inner Critic into your BFF

Be sure to like and share my posts.  You won't miss a single post if you Follow by Email 

Have a great Artful Day,

Wendy  

Using SHAPE to change things up - Painting & Drawing Tips

Are you feeling that your work has lost its freshness? Your SPARK is just not flashing.  

Nurse Stump WIP (Going to be a new piece in my Deep in the Forest Series) - Different shapes require different focal point placement

Max and I walk in our neighbourhood twice a day. We both love to walk and I for sure love to get out.  

Even those dark and stormy days are great.  Everything is different with the wind blowing and rain pounding down.  Max is not so big on the rain part.  In fact on those days he walks very close to me (like a really well trained dog, don't I wish).  He wants me to be the wind and rain break.  

Walking the same route may seem boring . . . . . but its not.  

I like to change things up a bit.  Change the direction. Change the route.  Change the time.  Little things. But they do change my perspective. Make things different. 

The same principle works with your art. . . .

I know you have your favourite subjects/techniques/habits.  They are comfortable.  They support you as you work. But sometimes they can also steal your SPARK.  

Excerpt from RABBITS IN THE GARDEN - changing the shape means different elements in the fill areas. 

Try a different shape for your finished work. . .

This can be as challenging as you want.  If you always work in a landscape format, try portrait.  If you always work in certain sizes, try one bigger. or smaller.  Always do a rectangle, try a square.  Stretch the shape.  Long and skinny or tall and stretched.  Using canvas, paper or sketchbook.  Change it up. 

Why is this good for your artistic soul?

1.  Changing it up pushes you to new places.  Suddenly you need more information to fill your space.  Your subjects/techniques/habits aren't changing.  They will support you as you move ahead.

Gowlland Point, Pender Island, BC - Using both pages in your sketchbook creates a new shape for sketching.  

2. Changing it up creates new compositions.  The shape of your work determines your focal point placement.  New shapes makes you create new paths for the eye to follow in your work.    

3.  Changing it up makes you see different things.  If you walk a path in one direction then turn and walk back.  You will see new things.  Your perspective is different.  Painting your usual subjects in a different format, means your images will be cropped and supported differently.  Ways that you haven't tried before.  

Mouat Bay, Texada, BC.  Changing up your sketchbook with cutouts brings surprises into the mix

4.  Changing it up bring surprises.  These are the SPARKS that can get your creative juices flowing.  You will find yourself asking the 'what if. . .' questions.  What if I try . . .?

Go ahead, make a few changes.  My big change right now is my long narrow drawing "Nurse Stump" at the top of the post. At 9 x 17 inches it is quite different from my usual landscape work.   It did require me to think about the kind of foliage I was going to add and where to put it.  My ink work is done, really excited to add the watercolour!!  

Have fun and see you next week.  

Christmas Shopping Online with FREE Shipping in Canada!!

HOLIDAY SPECIAL - 15% on all sales

FREE SHIPPING IN CANADA TIL DEC 15

Lots of One-of-a-Kind items, original art, art prints, art cards, jewelry, pottery, painted scarves, and more. Anything that inspires an artist to create.  
Get your Christmas Shopping Done and Shipped Free 

Art by Wendy Original Work, Art Cards & Prints, Memo Pads and Doodle Cards will be available   

Looking to Move your work to NEW LEVELS?  

  Online Coaching/Teaching  (3 sessions 30 minutes each $75)

Are You and Your Inner Critic looking to expand your discussions.  Here's how it works: Send me a few pictures of your paintings.  I will prepare material to facilitate a discussion.  We meet on Zoom for our sessions and discuss your work. I am a sounding board and coach with suggestions, techniques and tips to help you meet your goals and move your art forward.  More info here.   Looking forward to working with you.  

  
Many find this post helpful: Turn your Inner Critic into your BFF

Be sure to like and share my posts.  You won't miss a single post if you Follow by Email 

Have a great Artful Day,

Wendy  

Looking to BUILD Confidence and Skill in Drawing - Painting & Drawing Tips

Are you hesitant when you go to draw?

Do you find yourself doing sketchy, broken lines rather than clean swooping stroke? 

Do you have to do everything in pencil first before committing to ink or paint?  

Does your confidence sag when you’re faced with drawing something?

Creating Christmas Cards: Fun. Skill builder.  Confidence Booster. Best of All "Friends Dazzeler".  

Well doesn’t have to be that way. . . .
Of course everyone will tell you, just practice.  That’s the problem, it is hard to practice when your Inner voice is screaming at you.  I know.  I have been there.  I am a self taught artist.  I know how hard it is to draw something when you are constantly criticizing yourself because it looks AWFUL.  Well, I can tell you, me and my inner voice always agreed on that!!

I found practice was way easier if I was doing something interesting and I felt it was successful.  It made me want to try more. Do more.  

I know we are trapped at home right now but this is a perfect time to try something new.  I guarantee this will perk you up, build confidence in your drawing skills and totally dazzle your family and friends.  

Make your own Christmas Cards . . . .

These are not just any Christmas Cards, these are cards to help with your drawing.  I have lots of things to ensure your success.  See my video DIY Awesome Christmas Cards for  ideas, examples, and more.  

 Materials: 

1.Permanent Fine Tip Pens- Micron or Staedler Size 03 & 05.  This allows you to colour with felts, watercolour, and other wet media without ink running.  They also come in a variety of colours. 

Micron and Staedler pigment pens are permanent so won't run if you add a wet media.  They come in different sizes and colours.   

2.  Cardstock/Watercolour Paper for Cards: I use cardstock if colouring with dry media otherwise I get Strathmore Watercolour Cards.  They are creased, cut to size and have matching envelopes.  They come in packs of 10, 25 or 50.  A scrapbooking store has great cardstock in lots of colours and different size envelopes if you want only a small number. Art Stores & Amazon will carry the Strathmore Cards.  

These come in mixed media as well.  

3.  Pencil, putty eraser, vinyl eraser, and colouring materials. Coloured pencils, watercolour pencils, felts or watercolours.  Both Watercolour Cards and Mixed Media Card papers will work for your wet mediums.  Don't forget a few glitter bits from the Dollar Store.  They are even self sticking!!

This card gives me a Happy feeling - The red strip on the side just adds extra pazazz (See my video to learn about this)

4. Inspiration - Christmas Card Activity Sheet - this a FREE Activity Sheet to get you started.  I have mixed candles, poinsettias, holly and doodle patterns to make my cards.  You are welcome to download it and get drawing.  I am sure once you create a few cards you will be inspired to try other things.  

My FREE Christmas Card Activity Sheet is full of ideas to get you started.  

Things to think about as you draw:

1.  Work towards drawing freehand.  I know at first you will want to do pencil first and then ink.  No problem.  But as you work stretch yourself by leaving more and more of the detail to freehand drawing.  

Being aware of your working space makes for better compositions

2. Frame your space. You will be working with your card flat.  It is important to understand your space so use a coloured sheet to block out the back of the card.  

3.  Try a few doodle patterns.  Doodle patterns are made from small parts that work together to make a pattern.  Drawing them freehand goes a long way to build confidence.  Try scallops on edges, little open circles, simple three petal flowers.  They can be powerful in perking up an empty space.  I live the power of a simple line or dot.  

4.  Sign them.  Be sure and own your work.  Add a signature.  I have my own Doodle Signature for my Doodle work and another for my other work. 

Get more information on my video: DIY Awesome Christmas Cards  and be sure and download the FREE Christmas Card Activity Sheet .  Now get ready to have some fun!  

Christmas Shopping Online with FREE Shipping in Canada!!

HOLIDAY SPECIAL - 15% on all sales

FREE SHIPPING IN CANADA TIL DEC 15

Lots of One-of-a-Kind items, original art, art prints, art cards, jewelry, pottery, painted scarves, and more. Anything that inspires an artist to create.  
Get your Christmas Shopping Done and Shipped Free 

Art by Wendy Original Work, Art Cards & Prints, Memo Pads and Doodle Cards will be available   

Looking to Move your work to NEW LEVELS?  

  Online Coaching/Teaching  (3 sessions 30 minutes each $75)

Are You and Your Inner Critic looking to expand your discussions.  Here's how it works: Send me a few pictures of your paintings.  I will prepare material to facilitate a discussion.  We meet on Zoom for our sessions and discuss your work. I am a sounding board and coach with suggestions, techniques and tips to help you meet your goals and move your art forward.  More info here.   Looking forward to working with you.  

  
Many find this post helpful: Turn your Inner Critic into your BFF

Be sure to like and share my posts.  You won't miss a single post if you Follow by Email 

Have a great Artful Day,

Wendy  

How to Write an Artist Statement - What the heck are you doing??? - Painting & Drawing Tips

AWESOME OPPORTUNITY!!! 

We would like you to be our featured artist for our newsletter next month. Please send 2 pictures and 250 words about you and your art.   

PEPPER - WIP Commission Piece - 16 x 20 Graphite Drawing 

But now wait a minute . . . .

What pictures should I send?  What should I say?  OMG!!  (Read, breaking out in cold sweat)

Do you feel like that?  

You start writing.  You have only 40 words or suddenly 500. You are feeling so happy to have the opportunity and yet overwhelmed by what to write.  I use to feel this way.  I would agonize over what to write.  Doubting myself.  Editing forever.  But I have found ways to deal with it. Now I proceed with more confidence.  (Although I still edit like crazy and fuss a bit). 

What is an Artist Statement/Biography?

I find these terms are usually blended and mixed.  Unless you are making a formal application for a major project/grant/residency they are usually looking for information about you and your work.  It is your option to include a bit of your Artist Journey(Biography) on the way.  It really depends on the length.  If they want 25 words, few sentences or 50 words - stick to the important stuff.  Your work.  Once you get into 200 words or more you can expand on a bit of your Artist Journey.  

Remember this is a Marketing Opportunity. . . .

Here I go again, right.  Talking about Marketing. I know as an artist it is annoying to worry about marketing rather than creating, but paint isn't cheap.  Before you start to write, think about who is going to read it.  Why are they going to read it?  What do you want them to take away?  What do you want them to do when they are finished?  Now picture one of those readers, now known as THE READER.  Talk to him, tell him what you want him to know about your work.

  

Painting Outdoors is an important part of my creative process, whether in camp or on the trail. 

What Should be in your Artist Statement/Biography

Of course everyone's is different, it does need to reflect you and your personality.  But there is a lot of commonality as well.  If you are going to talk to THE READER, then you first need to answer some hard questions. Please remember this is not written in stone.  Your ideas and direction can change.  This is about the here and now.  

1.  What do you do?  - What do you really like to paint/draw?  Never mind the mediums, what really gets your heart pumping and fingers twitching.  Clouds? Figures? Colours? Textures? Shapes?  

Myself, I like to work with nature.  I use to feel that my nature always needed to have a bird or something in it.  I still do but I do like to focus on leaves, trees, even mossy rocks too.  

2.  Why do you like to do it?  - What really draws you to create?  I really enjoy: the peace, the challenge, the texture, the sleek line of ink, the blends of watercolour, the magic of the creative process, the soft touch of pencil, the breeze on my face.  It is an innate need within me.  It has always been there. The mediums have changed but the desire hasn't.  

EARLY SNOWFALL - Newest Piece to my Deep in the Forest Series. 
 Matted 14 x 11 $225

3.  Do you have a message/passion/mission?  - I find I like to think of it as a mission.  I want to connect people with nature and wildlife but in a certain way.  I want them to feel like they are in the wild.  I want my animals real, their environment can be loose but they are real.  I love to walk in a forest and 'catch an animal'.  I was thrilled to see 3 young barred owls on my walk this spring.  How do you feel about your work?  What do you want THE READER to take away from your work? How do you want him to feel?  What is your message to him. 

These are hard questions but if you answer them you have the basis for your Statement.  Spend some time here.  Map it.  Write things down.  This is your fodder for those statements.  Keep a folder and add to it.  Keep copies of your statements to refer to and build on.

When the opportunity comes to be that featured Artist, you will be ready!! With Confidence. 

Further Reading: 

5 Keys for Creating a Virtual Art Talk - includes a 12 minute video, an expanded Artist Statement

Staging a Virtual Art Show - includes a 3 minute video, an Introductory Artist Statement

Exciting News!! 

CASCADING - from my Deep in the Forest Series has been accepted in the 2020 Signature Medal Exhibition, Federation of Canadian Artist Gallery, Van. BC.   Nov 30 - Dec 13, 2020

Christmas Show Happening Now Online!!

HOLIDAY SPECIAL - 15% on all sales

FREE SHIPPING IN CANADA TIL DEC 15

Lots of One-of-a-Kind items, original art, art prints, art cards, jewelry, pottery, painted scarves, and more. Anything that inspires an artist to create.  
Get your Christmas Shopping Done and Shipped Free 

Art by Wendy Original Work, Art Cards & Prints, Memo Pads and Doodle Cards will be available   
Do you have big/small projects on the go?  

  Online Coaching/Teaching  (3 sessions 30 minutes each $75)

Are You and Your Inner Critic looking to expand your discussions.  Here's how it works: Send me a few pictures of your paintings.  I will prepare material to facilitate a discussion.  We meet on Zoom for our sessions and discuss your work. I am a sounding board and coach with suggestions, techniques and tips to help you meet your goals and move your art forward.  More info here.   Looking forward to working with you.  

  
Many find this post helpful: Turn your Inner Critic into your BFF

Be sure to like and share my posts.  You won't miss a single post if you Follow by Email 

Have a great Artful Day,

Wendy  

5 Key Tips for Creating a Virtual Art Talk - Painting & Drawing Tips

OMG!! I have to do an Art Talk as a 15 minute Video!

It was suppose to be a live event!  Now, of course, it is Virtual.  Not just Virtual but Live Streaming on Facebook.  Are you ready for something like that? 

CASCADING - Part of my newest series 'Deep in the Forest' - Pen Art in Action 

Deep Breathe.  Don’t panic.  You can do this.

 Well that is my mantra.  Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. 

Last year, when the world was a different place, I was asked to give an Art Talk on my Art.   I had really started to do a lot more work with my pens and decided to focus the Talk on my Pen Art.  An In-Person talk is doable.  I know you might think otherwise but you would be surprised.  If your work is in front of you it is easy to tell the inspiration stories and talk about the process.  Then People ask a few questions and before you know it, your time is up.

Now suddenly it is taking that information, talking about it, and creating a video with it.  A video that will be thoughtful and interesting for viewers to watch.  For 12-15 minutes.  A daunting task. 

Welcome to the new reality. . . . 

Virtual. Online. Streaming. Podcasts.  All the new parts of marketing for Artists.  The learning curve is back with a vengeance.

As many of you know, I have been working on making videos since Covid started.  It has proved to be a good time to ‘learn a new skill’.  It has been interesting, fun and an amazing road of discovery.  I urge you to start down the road. 

Working with Ink & Watercolour on location

My Art talk was Nov 5, 2020.    It was hosted by SAGA (Surrey Art Gallery Association).  It is now on Facebook where you can see the whole presentation including the Q & A. @SurreyArtgGalleryAssociation  Or see the video on YouTube: Chuck Your Brushes & Grab a Pen. 

I am learning stuff all the time on this road and thought you would like a few ideas. 
Here are 5 Key Tips to get your journey underway.

1.     Get the IMovie App:  There is more to doing an Art Talk video than making stories on Instagram.  To prepare an Art Talk you need to do editing: joining videos clips; voice overs; chopping things out; integrating still pictures with videos; titling slides .....  Don’t panic.  You can do all this and more with IMovie and it is free for IPads, Mac’s, IPhones.  (No, I don’t get a commission for suggesting it.) Get the App and watch a few tutorials.  You will be amazed at what you can do. It is very user friendly.  

Tripod, phone clamp and remote - Get one that is light weight, folds up and allows phone to tilt and turn in a full circle.  They are very inexpensive

2.    Get a Tripod: You can not always be holding your phone/camera to take the pictures.  You shake too much.  12-15 minutes of a shaking video is not going to show your work off well.  Amazon has lots of lightweight tripods with a clamp for your phone.  Some offer a remote too.  Get the remote.  It is very handy. 

Outdoor Sketching at Tynehead Park - It is makes for a more interesting talk if you have clips showing your process at different locations/and times. 

3.    Take little clips:  As you work on a project, take little video clips of the process.  Regular speed and Time Lapse.  Close ups. Stepping Back. A bit of variety is great.  I had several months warning so I took clips from a variety of locations. 

4.    Prepare a Script: For a 1 or 2 minute video you can wing it.  But to entertain someone for longer you need some plans.  Your script does not need to be word for word script that you read, it can be notes as to ideas, key phrases and directions you want to go.  Voice overs are easy to do.  Don’t feel you have to record the ‘whole’ video at once.  I did mine in sections and found it was more interesting to have my voice changing with each section.  I can’t take credit for thinking of that, it just happened.  I worked on different sections at different times so my voice just ended up being different. 

5.    Buy some ICloud Storage: As soon as you start taking all these video clips you are going to run into storage problems on your phone.  A 12-15 minutes video is 1.5 - 2 G and all those little clips you took add up to way more.  I like having ICloud Storage as I can use ICloud to easily move things back and forth between my IPad and computer.  I also have separate drives on my computer to store all those clips for future productions.  One problem with IMovie is it does not work on a PC and there is really no reasonably priced, user friendly alternative for a PC. So all my editing is done on my IPad and then final storage is on my computer. 

Have a look at my Art Talk “Chuck Your Brushesand Grab a Pen”.  Find out why I turned to Pen Art, the struggles and joys in my journey, some of the crazy directions it took me to, and where it is at now.  At the same time, check out some of the tips I have been talking about. 

If after watching my video, you decide you DON’T want to do a Virtual Art Talk you might decide to pick up a pen and try some pen art.  It's all good. 

You might also like: Staging a Virtual Art Show 
You will find more of my videos on Youtube - Search Wendy Mould

Christmas Show coming SATURDAY 

Heart to Home - A Holiday Market

is Coming to You Online

Nov 15 - Dec 15

www.sagabc.com

HOLIDAY SPECIAL - 15% on all sales

FREE SHIPPING IN CANADA TIL DEC 15

Lots of One-of-a-Kind items, original art, art prints, art cards, jewelry, pottery, painted scarves, and more. Anything that inspires an artist to create.  
Get your Christmas Shopping Done and Shipped Free 

Art by Wendy Original Work, Art Cards & Prints, Memo Pads and Doodle Cards will be available   
Do you have big/small projects on the go?  

  Online Coaching/Teaching  (3 sessions 30 minutes each $75)

Are You and Your Inner Critic looking to expand your discussions.  Here's how it works: Send me a few pictures of your paintings.  I will prepare material to facilitate a discussion.  We meet on Zoom for our sessions and discuss your work. I am a sounding board and coach with suggestions, techniques and tips to help you meet your goals and move your art forward.  More info here.   Looking forward to working with you.  

  
Many find this post helpful: Turn your Inner Critic into your BFF

Be sure to like and share my posts.  You won't miss a single post if you Follow by Email 

Have a great Artful Day,

Wendy