Is Your Self-Portrait Speaking for You?

Has Social Media has changed the Relevance of the Artist's Self-Portrait. 

Walking Buddies - Self-Portrait 

In early days, Artists Self-portrait were very much a Marketing Tool.  Today, Social Media encourages artists to use photos rather than paint for their portrait, but it is still a key Marketing Tool.  

When I was in Ireland this Spring, I had the opportunity to go to the Chester Beatty Gallery. One of the shows I visited was "An Artist's Presence".  The show explored not only the obvious ways but the more subtle ways that through their art, an artist reveals themselves.  I was intrigued with this idea and saw that it had value for today's artist.  

In Marketing Art it is important to connect both the artist and their process with their work.  

Today, much of the Marketing is done through Social Media.  Photos are quick to produce and post.  One doesn't need to 'paint' the picture.  

As I studied the works in the show I was drawn to the women artists.  In the 1500's it wasn't really acceptable for women to be ' an artist'.  Well, except in a convent or in court.  But to have a studio and sell to the public, Scandalous!  

This made female artists self-portraits even more important.  Their marketing had to be far more subtle than men's.  I found studying their work was fuel for 'awareness'.  An Awareness of ways to navigate social structures but still send strong messages.  Creating and staging a self-portrait requires thought and planning. I think this is still very true today.  Remember "a pictures is worth 1000 words".  

Messages hidden in Self-portraits of the Past:

Self Portrait at the Easel Painting a Devotional Panel -  1556 
Sofonisba Anguissola (1532-1625) 

1.  Sofonisba Anguissola (1532-1625) - Sofonisba presents herself in front of her easel painting a very religious picture.  She appears to be a refined, educated, and virtuous woman.  But in more subtle ways, one can see she is skilled and creative.  She belongs in the elite society but she is also a professional.  

Self-Portrait 1880 - Helena J Maguire (1860-1909) 

2.  Helena J Maguire (1860-1909) - Helena presents herself as a refined young lady but also as an aspiring young artist.  One can see her interest is in nature.  Her pose is confident and engaging the audience.  One feels her determination and commitment to her practice.  

Self-Portrait 1890 - Helen Mabel Trevor (1831-1900)

3.  Helen Mabel Trevor (1831-1900) Helen presents herself as an artist.  She has her tools at hand, her palette with paint and her artist's beret and painters smock.  Her stance and expression radiate strength and confidence.  Her work reflects her style and skill. Her portrait says she is a serious professional artist.  

Self- Portrait 1920 - Moyra Barry (1886-1960)

4.  Moyra Barry (1886-1960) - Moyra presents herself in her studio, surrounded by her work and wearing her painting smock.  Everything says she is a painter and a skilled portraitist.  Although it does not show well in this reproduction, there is a window to the left with a landscape.  This with her flower pictures gives evidence of her other subject material. It also suggests the strength of her skillset. Finally, she adds confidence to her  message with her determined look over her shoulder. 

Wendy Mould - Painting on Texada Island, BC

Present Day Self-Portraits on Social Posts: 

I have taken the liberty of including some of my self-portraits to offer a balance to history; modern day Self-portraits that I use as Marketing Tools.  Each of my portraits have common messages as you can see: my professionalism, my love of animals and nature, my passion for studying the environment, and my artistic skill.  

Wendy sketching on the shoreline of Gabriola Island, BC 

However, there is more to my portraits.  They have subtle purposeful messages.  Some are used to promote my Animal Portrait Practice, my Teaching, my Outdoor Sketching, my Fine Art Work and my ability to Mentor others.  

Wendy with "Short Eared Owl: On the Prowl"

What are your Self-Portraits saying about you?  Are they sending out the messages that you want?  Have you put much thought into the subtle messages buried in the pictures? 

Looking at the "An Artist's Presence" show in the gallery I felt there was a message there for all artists; be thoughtful with posts and make sure the messages in your posts are saying what you want for your Art Business.  

Wendy in her studio 

Taking Registrations for my Spring/Summer Events: 

• Sept 29, 6-8pm - Art Critique - Join me for a gentle critique on one of your paintings, this is the perfect space for discussion, learning, and creative growth. FREE   Registration Required - Langley Arts Council 
  
  
•  October 5, 9:30 -1pm - Make Friends with Your Pen - This playful workshop helps you loosen up, build trust in your lines and discover pen work can strengthen your overall drawing skills.  Mission Arts Council: Register 604- 826-0029

• Save the Date:  My next set of 3 Zoom classes Thursdays, October 9, 16 & 23. Study of Shadows & Colour - Enhancing Your Drawing & Painting Skills.  Early Bird: $75 after Oct 7, $90

Always  Available at Art by Wendy's Studio

Original work, Commissions, Private Drawing Lessons, Prints and Cards of her Work, 

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,

What's in a Name? - Painting & Drawing Tips

"Pacific Harbour Seal: Sunbathing"

The name came instantly to mind.  I love it!

PACIFIC HARBOUR SEAL: SUNBATHING - Matted 8 x 10 $130 on Etsy 

Have you struggled with naming your pictures?  Paced back and forth in the studio, asked your friends, searched the internet waiting for that illusive name to 'come to you'.  Or worst, resorted to calling it Sea Shore #37.

I have been there. . . .

Finished my picture, bubbling with excitement, ready to share it with the world.  Photographed it,  then ready set up the file to Save.  I can't. I don't have a name. Darn. What. Can. I.  Do.

A name is so important. . . .

It connects me with my work.  It is like a mini Artist Statement, expressing my thoughts.  Telling the world what I was feeling and wanting to express.  And from a financial point of view, having no name for my work, means I am missing out with an important Marketing Tool.  Now, if all that doesn't put pressure on you in the naming process . . .!!??

My solution. . .

I find it easier now to name my pictures and be really pleased with the results.  I have returned to my roots. My over riding Focus for my work: My goal is to bring the Secrets of Nature into your life.

For me it is about wildlife and nature.  I want my viewer to feel they have been out on hike or by the water and suddenly encountered an eagle soaring overhead, an owl resting in the darken forest, or a seal basking in the sun.  To me it is a special moment to meet nature face to face.  One I treasure.  I want my viewers to feel that as well when they see my work.  I want to bring 'the secrets of Nature into their life.'

OYSTER CATCHERS ON THE SHORE - matted 8 x 10. $130 on Etsy
(Part of At the Water's Edge Series)

When I focus on my goals my names come quickly.  They reflect my goal. My newest series At the Water's Edge, was born while camping on Texada.  (See the story of its birth here)  As each piece was completed, the names flowed.  They reflected my respect for the wildlife, and their place/reason for being on the water.  Painting what I feel is important, fills me with a wealth of ideas.

FOLLOWING THE LINE - Part of my Constructive Organics Series

 Another example of how this has worked for me, is an earlier series, Constructive Organic.  It relates real birds and animals with the concept of an environment that is part organic, part mechanical.  My names for the pieces in this series all reflected both of those elements.  For the name Following the Line,  the organic element is the action 'following' with the hard metallic element is implied with the sharpness of the words 'the line'.  (Read more about this series here)

As an Aside . . .

IS THE SNOW GONE - Matted 11 x 14 $225

The Marketing Relationship with picture names was made quite clear to me with my picture "Is the Snow Gone".  Any pet lover can sympathize with little Mojo as he looks out the door to see ALL THAT SNOW.  No way is he going out there!! When I show this piece it immediately catches the eye of animal lovers.  Pet stories follow and talk often leads to Pet Portraits, my specialty. The viewer's connection to me and my art is almost instant.
 (When it poured this morning and Max didn't want to go, I was thinking I could have called this picture "Has the Rain Stopped" and it would still have told the same story. )

Is naming your pictures a problem for you?  What is your solution for the 'hard ones'?

Wendy's Work is always available on her website:  "Art by Wendy" & at her Etsy Store: WendyMouldsArt

Opportunities Coming Up: 

1.  Nov 1, 7:30-9 pm,
The Secrets of Graphite - Thursday Night Art Talks with Wendy Mould AFCA, CDM.  Surrey Art Center, 13750 88 Ave, Surrey.
Learn how to make magic with pencil - Artists have been doing this since 1564.

2.  Wednesday, Nov 21-Saturday, Nov 24. 
Paints'n Bloom Workshops & Art Show & Sale in Support of the Alzheimer's Society of BC
Gardenworks at Mandeville Gardens, 4746 Marine Dr, Burnaby

Workshop Day: Tuesday,  Nov 20
10-12pm - Beginner Watercolour Class
1-3pm Christmas Card Making Class
$40 ea. All supplies incl. Beginner to Advanced Welcome
Registration Happening Now Contact Wendy 

Artists reading this post also find the following valuable: 

How to find the Right Sketchbook Friend - here
Is Your Sketchbook Ready for You? - here
Have You Felt the Freedom of the Line? - here

 Be sure to like and share my posts.

You won't miss a single post if you Follow by Email or Like my Facebook Page.

Have a great Artful Day,

Wendy

Preparing to Present or 8 Steps to Success- Art & Marketing Tips

NEW WORKS FROM THE STUDIO OF ART BY WENDY

I know this article isn't for you! - You are an artist, not a presenter. 

You work hard on your art, you are no expert, And maybe you didn't go to Art School. 

But the day will come when someone will say to you

"Wow! That is really neat what you are doing, how did you do it?"

Teaching can sneak up on you like that or can be a direction you want to go. Either way preparation beforehand can make it or break it.

Wendy - Demo - Using Technology to Present Your Art Work

There are huge payoffs for you if you do head down that road. 

-    You meet lots of new and interesting people, both artists and art lovers

-    You learn so much, teaching someone else to do something is a great way to really learn it yourself

-    Your confidence in your work will grow and will be reflected in your work

-    Your network will grow

-    You will have another income stream from your art

But Success means Preparation.

Here are my 8 Steps to Success:

1.     Brainstorm - When I have a topic I begin making notes of things I want to say.  No order, just thoughts.  Writers call it a free flow of ideas.  I jot things down wherever I am.  3 am in the morning is often an "Aha Moment".  I keep paper and pencil by the bed so I can jot a thought and go back to sleep.  (Sometimes those scribbles are hard to read as I never turn the light on. But even a word or two will bring the idea back and I can flesh it out from there.) Think about not only the points you want to cover but activities for your group to do to practise it.  A sit and listen talk will not teach as much as an interactive one. 

My brainstorm notes are in many forms - Demo Preparation for 'Using Technology to Present Your Art'

2. Organize and Prioritize - After a day or two I will sit down with my scribbles and pick the ones I like and begin to put things  in an order.  If you are demoing a particular technique, that will be your focus.  Often I am presenting Business and Marketing skills which are broad topics.  Keeping things simple and not overwhelming is a harder task. For my Technology Presentation I decided to organize technology around the 3 main tasks of Marketing Your Art: Publicity, Networking and Point of Sale. Once I had a structure things really fell into place.

3. Prepare An Outline - Seems like the same as organizing but it is different.  You will not be able to read off your paper. You need to face your group and talk.  A quick peek at your notes is all you get.  There isn't time to read a paragraph, only a few words.  Impossible you might think but remember, you are talking about what you know, not some foreign topic that you just spent a few days researching.  (Those horrible school presentation memories will try and beat you down.  Let them go, this is your topic, something you know and do all the time with your art. A few words will remind you what you want to say).
 If there is a particular quote, reference or note I want to make, I will read it out if I have to.  But it will be short and then I am back to 'speaking live'.

Hands on Activities are Important - This is from my demo "Working with Multiple Reference Photos" 

4. Organize Your Materials - Once your outline is ready, getting materials together is easier.  You know where you are going. I first sit with my paper and visualize my presentation:  from set up to take down.  This really helps in figuring out what you need. Beware: the tendency here is to panic and bring too much.  Relax, it happens to everyone. The fear of not having enough, that 'dead space' is with every presenter. Pack what you need, bring an extra activity/note to keep you comfortable and confident.  

5. Practice - I mean really practice. Go into a room, take your notes and talk out loud.  Say what you plan on saying.  Hearing your voice gives a better feeling for how you will be 'thinking on your feet' when you presenting.  Just reading over you notes and 'thinking through your presentation' is not the same. Jot a note, an example or point you feel you will need as a reminder on  your outline. (I often use different colour pens so I am alerted to that extra point)

6. Packing - Take some time here.  As you are packing you are again visualizing the presentation and activities and it is an opportunity to add things you had forgotten.  Keep it manageable.  Try and condense it to one or two trips from the car,  that you can manage alone.  Who knows where the parking will be or how much help you will have.  I find there is lots of help to pack up but no one is there when I arrive. 

For a 3 hour demo, one load should do it. My favourite item: my dolly

7.  A Press Kit - Easy to forget.  Your focus is on making a good Presentation but this is also a networking/marketing activity.  Have a press kit ready:  a bio/statement page, information on your next events, sign up sheet for your newsletter, and business cards or flyers for each person. 

Sample Press Kit and Work Samples - yes have prices on everything. 

8. Samples of Your Work - You are an artist, that's why you are there. Your workshop participants want to see 'what you do'.  Take one or two originals, if possible and some cards,  prints or a book showing some of your other work. That 'dead space' you were worried about can be filled talking about your work and where you are going.

9. Relax and enjoy yourself - Take deep breaths, don't rush. You know your stuff, you do it all the time. 

Special Note: There is only 1 spots left in my all day Marketing Workshops running this month. Sunday, Feb 21 - FULL, Sunday, Feb. 28 - 1 Spots left.  This workshop is only offered in February each year.  More information

 If you can't make the workshop there are other alternatives, I offer 1-to-1 Marketing Sessions focusing on topics of your choice and I am also happy to present to Art Groups on particular topics related to Marketing Your Art.

 Be sure to like and share my posts. You won't miss a single one if you follow by email or Like my Facebook Page.
Keep up with all the art events by joining my email list (see sidebar)
Have a great artful day, Wendy

Are you Ready to Welcome The Red Fire Monkey!??!

NEW WORKS FROM THE STUDIO OF ART BY WENDY

 The Chinese New Year is coming - February 8, 2016.  The Year of the Red Fire Monkey

THE FIRE MONKEY - by Becky McMahon - Chinese Brush Painting 

My guest today, an artist friend, BeckyMcMahon of Triskel Tree Creations. Becky is a Chinese Brush Painter and each year she creates her own interpretation for the Chinese Horoscope.  I am pleased to have her Fire Monkey as a guest today. 

Becky says,"Monkeys are clever, intelligent, have a good sense of humour and open minded. Focus is extremely difficult for them and they can be deeply insecure. But they are never at a loss for words or ideas and can usually maneuver around any troubles their weaknesses get them into. Monkeys are incurable optimists and are generally good with people. 

This year is good news for Artists.

 The Fire Monkey's intelligence and inventiveness bodes well for your artistic creative side.  Also, his nimble mind mine means he is quick to see outside the box and ready to try new things. ( Not surprising Leonardo da Vinci was born in the Year of the Monkey.)

The Monkey is also fast and mischievous. A warning that changes will  come, and quickly.  Long term plans may fall aside, quick thinking and adjusting to change may be in order. 

Sounds exciting, eh?!

Don't let this year happen, be ready for it! 

First off, clean up your house.  Sweeping out the bad luck and getting ready for the good luck is important. Cleaning the house also means cleaning up business affairs, finishing up old jobs, getting your financial books in order.  (Even Revenue Canada supports those values!!)

Secondly, prepare your food ahead for the big day.  Cutting with knives on New Year's Day may 'cut off' your good luck.  Making Red and Gold Banners to decorate; honoring your ancestors; and getting fresh flowers are next on the list. I have already started here.  In China, it is Lucky Bamboo and Orange Trees but I have new tulips and primroses ready to go. 

These are all good things, for you as an Artist, removing the clutter from your everyday life will definitely leave you free to tap into the creative spirit. You will be ready to jump 'outside your box' to try new things.

Have a great Chinese New Year and I hope it brings big creative changes for you. 

Me, I have to get back to my books, not all my financials are done yet!!

Be sure to like and share my posts. You won't miss a single one if you follow by email or Like my Facebook Page. 
 Keep up with all the art events by joining my email list (see sidebar)
 Have a great artful day, Wendy

Answering the Call of Nature - The Business of Art

NEW WORKS FROM THE STUDIO OF ART BY WENDY

WOW!! There is excitement in the air.  You have just completed your most awesome picture ever!  Everything worked.  You know it has taken your work to a new level.

Those feelings don't happen every day in the studio but they do happen.

You decide to enter that picture into a juried show.  You send off your picture, wait, and wait.  It gets declined.  Your devastated.  Your sense of your work is shattered.

Stop right there!

Looking Back - Watercolour - Part of Urban Explorers Series in a Juried Show

Take a look at the file you sent.  Was it the right file size requested?  If the file was too big it may not have loaded properly into their software.  If the file was too small when they projected it for jurying it would have been fuzzy.  Not the best way to see your work.

Was the file named properly?  A picture file called "IMG_0150.JPG" can not be easily matched to your paperwork.  And will get lost in the system.  Most entries ask for a specific naming sequence but they don't a good standard is to name the file with: your name; image name;size;medium; price.

Now look at the image itself.  Is it a good representation of your work?  No glares, shadows, fingers, or frames showing.
These may sound like trifling things but I was involved in an International Watercolour Competition last year that received over 8000 entries.  40% did not make it past the first level of jurying because of these issues.  I was shocked when I saw those numbers.  (I was also relieved that my work made it to Level 2. No, I didn't make it to the top but my work was in there representing me.)

Your Art is your business and good images are your way of getting your work out there. Whether it is for competition, juried shows or publicity. Making some changes in handling your image files may be in order.

A Friend in Black - Watercolor - Part of Urban Explorers Series in a Juried Show

Naming files and adjusting file sizes does require software.  Photoshop, Photo Elements and Lightroom are good programs that will allow for setting different file sizes and resolutions and saving in a variety of formats.  They are also good programs for cropping out frames, fingers and fiddly things that sneak into the background.  But no program can deal with the glare and shadows of a poor photograph.  That requires a good camera shotwith good lighting.  

Hmm. .  Interesting - Watercolor-  Part of Urban Explorers Series in a Juried Show

No, you don't need to go and spend a fortune on camera and lighting equipment but learning more about lighting does help.  The salesman at your local camera shop is a good resource.  I spend a few hours talking with the fellow at the Kerrisdale Camera Store near us.(no, not all at once, I had to go back several times with questions) He really helped me understand what I was doing with my camera. The result was a mini photo booth in my studio.
Attending a few photography classes helps, and if you have a friend that is a good photographer take him out for dinner.  He can be an awesome resource.

Review your files, make those changes and get into juried events.

My cats are part of my Urban Explorers Series, they will be part of the Ensemble 2015, a digital juried show.  Show Opens Nov 21 and runs to Dec. 19, 2015.  The ACT Art Gallery, 11944 Haney Place, Maple Ridge, BC.  Reception Saturday, Nov. 21 3:30-5pm,  Gallery open Tues-Sat. 11-4pm.

Your Art Business is an important part of you as an Artist. February is Marketing Month for Artists and I have two all day workshops set up: Sunday,February 21 & Sunday, February 28, 2016. Spend a day learning more about Marketing your art and developing your Market Plan for 2016.  (I do have room for out-of-towners).  Registration and more Information: www.artbywendy.com  - Workshops
See more Marketing Tips on my Points to Ponder Page on this blog.

 Be sure to like and share my posts. You won't miss a single one if you follow by email or Like my Facebook Page. Keep up with all the art events by joining my email list (see sidebar)
Have a great artful day,
Wendy

6 Steps for Victory over the Monster in the Closet

 You want to sell your artwork.  

You have been showing with your Art Club and group shows but you know you need to do more.  You know you need to spread out, meet new people, and expand your network.  

Indoor or Outdoor Markets give you a chance to connect with your Collectors

You need to do some Art Markets -The Monster in your Closet.

This may seem like a crazy time to talk about it, the outdoor Market season is over, but it takes time to win that battle.

So take the Offensive and start:

Step 1.  Identify the Enemy

Not all Markets are the same.  Flea markets and craft markets may attract Art Lovers but not necessarily Art Buyers. Check out local Art Market events with other Artists to see what is happening.  Were they well attended? Well organized? Well advertised?  Were there sales?

Step 2. Reconnoiter the Enemy's Territory

Outdoor markets are finished for the season in BC but Christmas indoor shows and Art Crawls are starting up.

Wondering around Artist studios and Christmas Sales Events will quickly give you many ideas for easels, stands and display items.  Many can be made if your handy, Steve is my handyman and I keep him busy making all kinds of stands, shelves and easels to use for my displays.  The chief thing to remember is make them lightweight, sturdy, and sized to fit in your vehicle.

Step 3. Mobilize the Troops

For any battle to be a success the Troops have to be properly outfitted and prepared.  This I think is key to your success.

You need lots of original art both framed and unframed.  Also some middle and lower priced items, many will like your work and want to take something of your art with them.  Open stock small prints, art cards, artist books, calendars, and bookmarks are just some of the little things that artist will have on hand.  Of course all bearing images of your work!

The troops need more than just great art.

Never turn down a helper!  (note some of the containers in the background)

They need carrying containers, tablecloths, business cards, pricing labels, and a receipt book. Of course a float for cash sales ($100 is plenty) and a card reader for credit card sales.  I find the Square is great for that. Some of the little extras I carry are a Contact Book, brochures for my next events, calculator (never know when you will have a big sale), bags for purchases and a small portable dolly.  (You never know how far you will have to walk from your car to your spot.)

Your are not outfitted yet!

 

Loaded in, now to set up.

 Don't forget the weather.

Markets go ahead rain or shine.  

Will your containers keep things dry and protected?  At my last summer market it started to rain right after I off loaded my car!!  Fortunately it was only for a few minutes but it could have spelled disaster.  

Don't forget wind and sunshine?  You lucky artists with your acrylics and oils, my work is under-glass and needs to be protected from falling easels and hot glaring sun.  At several shows this summer I saw easels flapping in the breeze with horrifying results - ripped canvases and broken glass. 

Okay, take a big breath, it seems like lots but you can start small and gradually add to your supplies.  This is not a just a one shot event, you will be using this equipment many times over the coming years.

 

Rusty is checking out the flow pattern for my layout

Step 4. Outline your Strategy

Organizing your display ahead can save valuable time in setting up.  Most markets will give you a 10 x 10 space but it is not always a square.  They may provide a tent (Yeah!! if they do) and a table and chair.  Have your plan ready as to how things will be set up and where & what pictures you are taking.  There will always be surprises when you arrive so the more prepared you are the better.

Lists are always good.

Step 5. Plan a Skirmish

That's right! Get the troops out there for a few small missions.  Rent a table at a local event. For example,  the small business Network Group in your area often offers table space at their meetings.  This would give you a real life opportunity to run a small display.  You will quickly see how your display works and what more you need to do.

Step 6. Launch a Full Attack

The troops are assembled, your ready to go.  That monster will be shaking in its boots as you advance.  With a smile on your face you are ready to meet and greet all your new collectors. 

 

Set up and Ready to Roll

Art Markets aren't the only way to sell your work but they are a good way to expand your network circle.  You will meet lots of  people and have the opportunity to connect with your collectors.  Once you have mastered the local markets you will be ready for the BIG MONSTER under your Bed - the out of town market! 

I really wish you luck with your Art Markets, I have been doing markets for 11 years and have found it valuable in so many ways:

-      gained confidence in talking with people

-      learned more about my work and what people like about it

-      met and made some very good friends

-      mastered the feat of setting up a good display that fits in my Toyota Matrix

Of course it has also helped to my expand my network, sell my work and make solid connections with my collectors. 

  For more thoughts on Art Marketing see my page Points to Ponder - Marketing Skills

 Be sure to like and share my posts. You won't miss a single one if you follow by email or Like my Facebook Page. Keep up with all the art events by joining my email list (see sidebar) 

Have a great artful day, Wendy

PS.  The stands I use were designed by a member of our Art Club.  Lightweight, sturdy, adjustable for large and small pictures, work great on uneven ground and stack easily for loading.   I would be happy to share the plans with you, just Contact me. 

Have you seen the River Run??

NEW WORKS FROM THE STUDIO OF ART BY WENDY

Squawk!! Screech!!

It's mine!!

No mine!!

I found it!!

Squeals and Screeches fill the air.

The river is alive with sound!

During the hot summer things were quiet, the water a slow trickle weaving through the rocks, in no special hurry out to sea.

But now it's fall!!

The winds are howling, leaves are dancing and the river is a raging beast, filled by our heavy rains. This is the time of the salmon!

River Run - 12 x 16 - Watercolour -Available

They have been waiting out in the bay for the rivers to rise so they can start their trek up to the spawning grounds. With them comes a collections of others: eagles, bears, seals and gulls.  To name just a few.  All waiting for the salmon.

To watch the run is breathtaking.  How can they do it?  The water is so fast, the rapids so rough and  the elevation changes so steep. Still they move on, up river to the spawning grounds.

This year on the coast it was a bumper year, a record numbers of sockeye were returning.  We decided to join the migration and head to Adams River, the site of biggest sockeye spawning ground in southern British Columbia. It was amazing to see the fish at the end of the run, brilliant red and green shining in the sunlight.

Driving up from the west coast east to the Interior of British Columbia, we really appreciated their journey.  They had entered the Fraser River early in September and reached the Adams River by mid October.  Quite a feat if you have ever seen the Hell's Gate section of the Fraser River Canyon!!

Once the eggs are laid the fish die. Their bodies litter the rivers, providing food for gulls and eagles. They come from everywhere to share in the feast.

River Run is part of this story.  The gulls have found a dead fish, wedged in the rocks and now they are squawking and screeching: announcing their find and claiming their share.  The river is full of these sounds as this ritual is happening at every crevice and rock along the shore.  Quite a sight to see!
Have a great day,
Wendy
Special Note: February is Marketing Month for Artists!!  My all day Marketing Workshop is set for Sunday, February 22, 2015.  Build your Marketing Skills to become an Independent Artist. See my Marketing Page for more information and registration. 

February is Marketing Month

NEW WORKS FROM THE STUDIO OF ART BY WENDY

Primroses, my favourite sign of Spring!!

As all artists know, winter means time to paint!!  No interruptions!!   A favourite time of year!!

But . . .  it is also a time to learn new skills -  Give our Art Business a real push for a Successful Year.  To help I have:

1.  Started a new page on my Blog - Marketing Skills - it is my Points to Ponder - to help polish and expand your Marketing Skills.  My goal is to publish 5 weekly installments this winter to get the ball rolling.
Building your Marketing Skills is a valuable step in moving your Art Business forward.

2.  Designed a Marketing Workshop: Let's Get Our Art Out There!!  Sunday, February 23, 10-3 pm. at my Studio/Gallery in North Surrey.  Looking for new ways to market your work? Want to make your marketing more effective? This day will get your Marketing Plans fired up to new more successful levels. Looking at both online and offline activities to move

Pre-registration is required to join our group on February 23.  See my Workshop/Classes Page for all the registration information.

See you on the 23rd or on my Points to Ponder Page.  Hope they bring new life to your Marketing this Year!!
Have a great day.

Miniatures Make It to THE SHOW

NEW WORKS FROM THE STUDIO OF ART BY WENDY

SUNLIGHT ON THE TRAIL - 3 x 4 -$140 framed

My miniature pictures are headed for the big time!  I am one of the featured artists at the Federation of Canadian Artists Gallery on Granville Island for 7 weeks! I am very excited to have such a wonderful spot for my miniature art. I have 15 pictures there but of course not all will be on display at once.  I tried to put in a mixture of sea and forest life here on the coast so hopefully there will be something for everyone. Sunlight on the Trail will be part of the show. The show runs June 26 to August 12 so lots of time to catch it.  The gallery is open daily, 10-6 Tues-Fri, and 10-5 Sat-Mon.  (Gallery: 1241 Cartwright St., at the opposite end of Granville Island from the Market)

Marketing week in Kelowna was a super experience.  I met some great artists at the Gallery Art talk, I presented for an hour and then we discussed more for another hour.  I really felt we connected and ideas were flying.  We had a great group for the all day workshop and I must admit the day just flew.  I am sure the synergy we started there will carry all of us for some time.  I do have a few people to thank: Sea Dean of www.facebook.com/BlueSkyRedEarthGallery , did a fabulous job organizing everything and found us a great spot to stay;  Petrina McNeill, at Lake Country Gallery,  who did a great job setting up and supporting the Art Talk and I am looking forward to working with her again; Dan and Carolyne, the place where we stayed, they have a wonderful suite with a view over the lake, a great place to stay if you are in the area. 

Taking Care of Baby WIP at the White Rock Pier

NEW WORKS FROM THE STUDIO OF ART BY WENDY

TAKING CARE OF BABY - 11 X 15  Available

My baby Sandhill Crane is my next big project.  Steve and I were at Riefel Bird Sanctuary last spring and I got great reference material for the baby crane.  The cranes are used to people being around so you can get fairly close but if you cross that line the parents very quickly let you know!   I have had this picture percolating in my mine ever since. When the Federation of Canadian Artists annouced their Open Call for a  Drawing Exhibition and I decided my baby was going to try and get into the show.

First Day at the Pier - Yes I have on tons of Sunscreen!!

I just got my approval to one of the Painters at Painter Square in White Rock.  I picked up my license last week and I gave it my first go.  It is going to be great!  I really enjoyed sitting down by the pier painting and drawing to my heart’s content and chatting away with the people wondering by.  There is a bit of a breeze at times, which makes watercolour a bit of a challenge (everything dries very fast) but for drawing it is great.  The breeze doesn’t bother my pencil work and people were just as happy to be quietly hanging over my drawings as my paintings.  I haven’t really worked out a schedule, my plan is to go down once or twice a week in the afternoons when the weather is good, of course.  So if you are down there for a walk, check out the artists, it might very well be me!!

Fishing Buddies and More!!

NEW WORKS FROM THE STUDIO OF ART BY WENDY

FISHING BUDDIES 3 X 4 Available

Fishing Buddies is the second in my heron series and one I have wanted to do for some time.  Several years ago Steve and I were camped at Deep Bay on Vancouver Island and treated to a lovely fishing expedition in low tide with the herons.  I waded around the water with my camera getting as many shots as I could. Thank goodness for my zoom lens!!  I have had those pictures peculating in my mind ever since and it is nice to get them out there.

"The More" is my new newsletter.   I have been sending out a letter for years and trying all kinds of different formats but there are always problems:  pictures get lost or scrambled; too many pictures; too many links; email security kicks them out and on and on.  I decided to give Mail Chimp (an internet email service) a try.  So last week I was watched their tutorials and learned their lingo and WOW, was I pleased with the results.  I was able to put together my news with several of my latest pictures and links to other things and it turned out great!  (Well I thought so anyway)  Take a look at it and see what you think.  If you wish to sign up to receive my newsletter there is even a link at the bottom of the page.  If you are interested and want more information about using Mail Chimp just drop me a line. 
Link to my latest (and I think greatest) newsletter.   http://us2.campaign-archive1.com/?u=5f5e61f3908b05a4102276e84&id=0ae9695d77

Visiting Yellowknife and Marketing More

NEW WORKS FROM THE STUDIO OF ART BY WENDY

Yes, Yellowknife has called me back!  I was there in the summer last year and I heard so much of the winter adventures I had to return and see for myself.  Already it is my last day and time to go home, where did my time go?  I have been out every day, roaring down the lake on a snowmobile, sitting in the sun having a snow picnic (yes a snow picnic) and of course viewing the Northern Lights.  I went Scottish Dancing and I spent all day as part of the safety crew for the FrostBite 45 cross country ski race.  Lots of fun and all at temperatures I could hardly imagine!!
One of the most artist experiences I had (besides the incredible snowscapes) was to run a Marketing Workshop for a couple of artists here in Yellowknife. Shawna and Lynn are moving forward with their art business and we had a great evening working through the Marketing World together.  Having the opportunity to meet with artists in other areas is such an valuable experience.  To see Shawna's work http://dancingravenstudio.wordpress.com/2012/03/16/thursday-emerging-artist-marketing/ 

I will be home soon and pictures of Yellowknife will soon follow.

Artists in Residence Program

NEW WORKS FROM THE STUDIO OF ART BY WENDY

SPRING DANCE

No, I have not started in a new direction in my art.  This picture, Spring Dance is by artist Becky McMahon who will be with me at the Newton Cultural Center, 13530 72 Ave. Surrey, BC for the Artists in Residence program.   On Tuesday morning 10-12pm, October 11 and every Tuesday after that ending on Dec 6, Becky and I will be at the Cultural Center in the main gallery area.  We are there to meet and talk with anyone visiting the gallery.  We will have some of our work there and will discuss it but more than that we are there to have art filled discussions with everyone on any topic: art, techniques, mediums, critiquing, events and basically anything artful.  Also we will be looking for direction for visual art programs to offer.  Becky already has a Chinese Brush Painting Class scheduled to start Saturday, Nov.  19, 26 and Dec. 3  and I have a One Day Marketing Workshop for Emerging Artists set for Sunday, October 23.  We think that being artists in residence at the center will be lots of fun, a great way to increase the profile of arts in the community and a real source of information and networking for artists.  I wish that all my internet friends could join us but I guess in a way we have our own artful talks here in our blogs. 

To check out more of Becky’s work or sign up for her class see www.triskeltreecreations.com .  For information and registration for the Marketing Workshop: Let’s Get Your Art Out There see my website www.artbywendy.com