Stretch Your Art Muscles with a Challenge - Painting & Drawing Tips

"We need Artists Wendy, can you give us a hand?"

OMG!  I knew what it was about. The call was for Artists to make Street Art for the Covid Centers.  All supplies included.  Simple Shapes. Theme: Nature. 

Sounded Great till I read the fine print.. . .

Supplies Supplied for the SURREY STREET ART PROJECT 

The size: 3 ft x 4 ft.  The medium: Acrylic.  You know how often I paint in acrylic. Once.  It turned out not too bad but still, I fought it the whole way.  I never felt that confident.  I didn't think I wanted to go through that again.  

The Artist Call 

But, they needed artists.  All supplies included.  I had thought about it, but was kind of letting it fall off my calendar.  Now I was caught. I said 'yes'.  

I sent in a plan.  

My Plan - keeping to simple shapes is not easy for me.  I love the detail.  

Wednesday came and time to pick up my supplies.  Surprise! Problem with canvas supplies, it is now 2 ft x 4 ft.  OoooKay. 🤔 I think I can adjust my plan to fit that space.  

I must admit I felt a bit panicky.  Will my deer still fit?  Will it look funny if I just make my rocks bigger?  I rushed home.  In my studio I unpacked my supplies and quickly got to work.  Only a few colours: blue, yellow, green, white, rusty brown.  I decided a blue underpainting would do well with the brown tones of my deer. I quickly covered the whole canvas with the blue.  😀

Then I waited. . . .

Underpainting was down but I had to block in some rocks.  I couldn't relax till I could see how my rocks would work.  

I thought acrylics were suppose to dry fast.  This blue was taking forever.  

Finally it was dry.  I blocked in my rocks.  Hmmmm... Not bad.  I took a pencil and outlined my deer.  Things were going to work.  😀 I felt relief. Suddenly I felt like this project might really work out.  OMG.  it was 11pm.  Time to quit for the Day.

Very relieved to see my deer would fit in nicely.   

My anxiety ramped up the next day. 

Can I get enough of the deer into the space so he looks good. I need to cut off so much of his legs.  Time to get serious.  I began painting the rock to get a feel for my colours and to see how the paint would work on the surface.  (gessoed corrugated plastic) Since I don't work that large I needed to fiddle around with a place to work.  The Plastic surface was rigid enough for the paint but wiggled a lot as I painted.  Once I had a bit of the rocks done, I drew more detail for my deer in the space.  He looked good.  (Well I thought so anyway)  My plan was going to work.  Life was good again.  

Wow! Now I am excited.  Sky and rocks looking good.

OMG!!  I can't stop!!

11:30pm and I am still painting in my studio.  I painted my rocks and sky.  Things were really getting exciting.  But those acrylics just couldn't keep up with me.  I started to add my clouds, but the blue was still wet.  I knew I should stop but . . .  Finally I was forced to.  Everything was wet.  I couldn't wait to start on the deer.  

Starting to do the details

Finally my Deer comes Alive. . . 

I grabbed the biggest of the brushes and began to block in my deer.  I loved how my browns and golds reacted with my sky and rocks.  It was very exciting to see him take shape.  

Went to a small brush. . . 

I really tried to stay with the big brush as long as I could but some details just cried to be painted.  The face and the tail I felt were crucial.  They had to be right.   

Close Up of my Black-Tailed Deer

Final touch ups and he was DONE!!

BLACK-TAILED DEER - 2ft X 4ft 

Stretching your Art Muscles and Taking on a Challenge can be fun.  

But don't get me wrong, it is a Challenge.  There will be problems to solve, anxiety will rise and fall throughout the process.  The results may not be great.  But remember, it is all about the journey and the things you learn along the way.  (Note, you don't see me blogging about my FIRST acrylic painting I did a few years ago.)

This time around, my challenge really gave me knowledge.  I learned more about colour mixing - there wasn't many colours to work with; I could see how my glazing with watercolour really was effective with glazing with acrylics; I saw ways to let go of my detail - my sky and rocks have minimal detail and yet fill the space in an interesting way.  I acquired a lot more information on how painting and drawing connect and this will help in my teaching.  I was lucky this time as well.  My challenge resulted in a piece of work I was really pleased with. It was a real confidence booster.  

I am a self taught artist and one of my learning techniques has been to give myself challenges.  I invite you to set yourself a few Challenges and follow the journey.  You will be amazed where they will take you.  

Oh, and if you are in a Surrey Covid Center check out the art.  You might even see my Black-tailed Deer.  

  Wendy is on Youtube:

Wendy has FREE Tips & Techniques on Video now, many with supporting blog posts and FREE download PDF's.  

See a full linked listing here - artbywendy.com - workshop - Videos by Wendy

OUTDOOR SKETCHING SEASON  is Quickly Disappearing !!

Only a few Scheduled Sessions Left: 

   Wednesdays, Aug 25, Sept 1 & 8 - 10-12:30pm

    Saturday, Aug 21, 28, Sept 4 & 11 - 10-12:30pm
(Private Sessions/Small Group sessions available upon request)

Twice a week, Wednesday and Saturday mornings, I will take small groups out for Outdoor Sketching.  Get Tips and Techniques for Sketching in Nature.  Beginners to Advanced Welcome. Max. 3 per class. (Other times available upon request) 

Mediums supported: pencil, pen, watercolour, watercolour pencils and coloured pencils 

Location: Parks in North Surrey and Langley

Cost: $50 per session

Supplies: Bring your own supplies, don't hesitate to contact me about your supplies

Rainy Days: Not fun to plein air in the rain.  You can defer to another available day or join me in my studio and work with me. (when Covid rules allow small inside gatherings) 

Contact Wendy to Book Your Spot!! 

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 based on your goals.  I am a sounding board, coach and teacher,  with suggestions, techniques and tips to help you meet your goals and move your art forward.  More info here.   Looking forward to Zooming 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 Successfully Donate Your Art -Painting & Drawing Tips

Have you ever been asked to donate your art to an event?  

FORAGING - 8 x 10 Matted Original, $130. Ink & Watercolour

Times are different now, many organizations that depend on donations to run their programs are in tight financial straights.  Their work in the community is in grave danger of floundering and disappearing. They need help and they will reach out to you. 

 If you haven't been asked before, you will be asked soon. 

Making a successful donation of your ART to a fundraising event can open opportunities for you as well as supporting the organization.  

I see your response going through 3 different perspectives. . . .

I am very supportive of community organizations as I am sure you are as well.  I respond to the request first on an emotional level.  I know I can't support them all but I have areas where I feel very strongly: animals, children in poverty, women in need, children in my immediate community, friends in need. This is where I make my decision to donate.  At this level as well I usually decide if it will be a big or small donation.  My emotional, practical side. 

A selection of Art by Wendy Art Cards - I try and theme the cards and chose a topic of interest to the organizations network

Once the decision is made the Artist in me kicks in.  What should my donation be? Small donations could be a set of cards, a matted or frame print, a drawing/painting lesson.  Larger donations could be a combination of small things, a 3 lesson package or original art.  I start to sort through my studio for ideas.  

Matted Print by Wendy Mould: Winter Berries $18 - Clear Plastic Bag with Artist Bio on back

At this point the Entrepreneur comes to the forefront. The organization is asking you for a donation but in return they want to give you something: An Opportunity to Connect with their Network.  This is a very valuable opportunity to make a connection with someone new.  If this new person has bought your work in a silent auction, this is a bonus.  It means your are making a connection with someone that has not only seen your work but likes it!!

So, how do you maximize the Opportunity that your Donation brings? . . .

My piece Foraging, above, is one of the pieces from my new series Deep in the Forest.  It is a small original piece, matted 8 x 10, Retail $130.  It is going to the YWCA Silent Auction, part of the Women of Distinction Award Ceremony.(Heads up, Sneak Peek of Auction items is not open.)   From every perspective this is a good place for my donation.  As a Finalist for one of the Awards I felt it was a no-brainer.  

To Maximize a Donation of Art, you need a Donation Package. . . 

Donation Package to Accompany Art Donation for YWCA Women of Distinction Award Ceremony 

My Donation Package:

1.  An original piece of work that is high quality and will represent me well.

2.  A 4- page brochure that gives more information about myself, my process and my work. (I have this made up ahead of time and I refresh it continually depending on where my work is going.)

3.  3 Business Cards (this allows 1 to be kept and 2 to hand out.  My cards also have different pictures on them so this is an opportunity to display 3 different images.)

4.  1/3 page brochure on my new Series Deep in the Forest. (Since this piece is part of a series I am working on this is a good addition to the package.)  

Of course there are other things you could do: write-up about the particulate piece; an artist card featuring the piece; flyer of upcoming shows. Once you start thinking you will find there are many things you could add.  Try not to go into sensory overload.  There is a fine line between enough and too much.  

Don't limit this package to just donations of original work.  Donating a print or a collection of artist cards should include the same type of support material.  Each is an opportunity to display your work in a meaningful way.  

Good luck with your donations, I hope that they help your local community as well as bring a sense of satisfaction to you.  

Coming Soon - FACE-TO-FACE Gallery show!!

Artswest Showcase

October 1 - 31, 2020

Landmark Pop-Up Gallery - 15140 North Bluff Rd, White Rock

Full Covid Safety Rules in Effect - Only 6 in the Gallery at a time 

Open: Thur 10-5, Fri 10-8, Sat 10-5pm 

Come see what our Art Group has been doing - Lots of new Original pieces of Art, special One-of-a-Kind Art Items and special gift items for any occasion.  

Bonus Show Activities - Semi-Private Classes:

 Beginner to Advanced Drawing;        Beginner Acrylic;   Ceramics;    Fused Glass 

2 hr classes. Cost $50ea    Time: 10-12:30pm     Dates to be Determined. 

Contact Wendy to get on Waiting Lists

Do you have big/small projects on the go?  

Looking for a sounding board, help, suggestions, techniques. You and your Inner Critic looking to expand your discussions.  I am available for Online Coaching/Teaching  (3 sessions 30 minutes each $75). more info here.   

  
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  

Staging a Virtual Art Show - Painting & Drawing Tips

Times have changed

Opportunities are different.

Virtual instead of Real is now the Way of Things

OMG!  I was offered the chance to have my own Virtual Art Show. 

Click for 

Introduction to "Wild n Free" 

I know we have all been part of some kind of online Gallery Show at some time or other.  One picture among a large group.  But this was a full show, 24 pictures. 

How to stage a Virtual Art Show.  There are no rule books to follow, it is really new ground.  Unfortunately/or fortunately, it is one that will be around for awhile yet.  I thought as I set up for my show I would share some thoughts. Somethings are universal but others a groundbreaking. 

***See the Full Show at Arts Council of Surrey Webstite here.***  

Staging my first Virtual Show

 1.  No matter what, you need a theme/purpose for your show. I am a wildlife artist and I wanted my show to showcase my work. Some is quite traditional wildlife work while others is more experimental: I decided to call my my show "Wild n Free", playing off those two ideas.  

PERCHED ON A BARREL - $115 - Ink & Watercolour mounted on Wood Block, 7 x 5 inches

2.  Drafting an Artist Statement  for my show is standard. But this is where I felt quite lost.  Yes, I could write my statement and put it out there.  However, this did not give me a chance to really express myself.  My work is more than a tightly written paragraph or two.  I wanted the opportunity to be physically part of the show and express my feelings.  Really engage and connect with my viewers.  I decided to do a video Introduction to the show which introduced me and my work and acted as an artist statement as well.  You can see the Introduction here: Wendy Mould - Wild n Free. 

SHORT EARED OWL ON THE PROWL - $650 - Graphite, Framed 20 x 16

3.  Advertising the show is a major requirement. But the advertisement has to be internet based in order to include the link to the show.  It needs to be in way to encourage 'the click'.  To follow the link.  I have used several methods: blogging about the event, as I am doing in this blog; sending out a e-newsletter to my network; posting it on local online event calendar boards; posting on Facebook and Instagram. 

4.  Developing activities related to the event is something else I would normally do.  Give a talk, reception, do a demo would be some of the things I did before.  However, they are not applicable now.  This is where you want to think outside the box.  Going Live on Facebook or Instagram for a 10 minute Talk/Show Intro would be neat.  Especially if you were a small group.  Talking about your art and the art show with a small group and taking questions after would be cool event. Ahh. . .  makes you think eh?!    It isn't something I will do this time but will certainly look into it for the future.

I do have a second interactive item.  There is a 3-D piece of art for my show, a Book Art Piece called "Ducks on the Water".  It too has its own video to show it off.  See Ducks on the Water Video here.  

Book Art: Ducks on the Water - $300 Mixed Media 

5. Taking good pictures of each of my pieces is also very important.  Pictures don't have to be framed for the show but good picture files are a must.  Each picture file must be labeled and tagged with all the important information.  

VARIED THRUSH DOWN FROM THE MOUNTAINS - $400 - Ink & Watercolour mounted on Wood Block 16 x 9 inches

All is not Rosy, there are a few problems with a Virtual Art Show to be aware of:

1.  You are not setting up the show, a computer tech with the gallery is doing that.  So you need to send detailed, easy to follow information to be sure your show goes up correctly.

2.  You might have ideas how your work should be set up but it will depend on the restrictions of the software that is used for the gallery.  Some galleries have very sophisticated software that allows for many interesting permutations while others is very restrictive. This will determine the order and placement of pieces.

3. Scheduling is depended on the computer technician.  There is no point sending your viewers to a site that is not yet up and running.  

***See the Full Show at Arts Council of Surrey Website here***  

Definitely Virtual Art Shows are here to stay.  Getting the most out of the exposure is really up to you.  This is my first and I really scrambled to make it happen.  As my computer skills increase I am sure I will think of other things to try.  

Have you been involved with a Virtual Art Show?  Any thoughts on things to do?  I would love to hear them.  This is really uncharted waters for all Artists.  

Outdoor Sketching Classes !! 

Ready to go out and do some sketching?  Have fun painting and sketching while learning new tips and techniques. Capture a moment in time without worrying about the World and the crazy problems of today.  Come Join me for a session or two.  Beginner to Advanced are welcome.

Class Size: max. 3.   Rescheduling for Bad weather.  Covid  Rules and Social Distancing will be followed.  

Sessions 2.5 hours, in local North Surrey Parks, Tuesdays 10-12:30 or Set up Special Times for yourself and a friend or two

Cost: $45 tx incld

August Dates: Tuesday, August 18 - 2 Spots;  Tuesday, August 25 FULL:  Time:  10-12:30:pm

Save a Spot Now. Contact Wendy    More information: artbywendy.com 

 Do you have big/small projects on the go?  

Looking for a sounding board, help, suggestions, techniques. You and your Inner Critic looking to expand your discussions.  I am available for Online Coaching/Teaching  (3 sessions 30 minutes each $75). more info here.   

  
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