Jun 28 2010

Jackson Pollock Philosophy

I had never had the opportunity to hear anything that Jackson Pollock had to say before this video.  I have always been a fan of his work, but did not realize the depth of his experience of the world.  Interestingly I too also prefer working on the ground, sometimes I will prop my paintings up so they are leaning up against a wall and I set cross legged and paint.  I think I feel more of a connection being closer to the Earth.  One thing that Jackson said in this  video that really stood out to me was that nothing begins and nothing ends… this is a very eastern way of thinking of which I personally follow.  His paintings are very reminiscent of this philosophy…. there is no obvious beginning or ending…. they just are.

…. Food for thought.

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May 28 2010

Storm Chasers II

This is pretty ridiculous so I had to post… LOL

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May 28 2010

Art for the Ipad

This is just so cool I had to post it!  I wonder how easy it would be to get one of your paintings printed on an ipad.  I would love to do that!

Although mine are mostly abstract, I think maybe something more realistic might work better and give the whole thing character.

Apple’s designs are so artsy already that putting art on top them just makes it that much better.  If you could place one of your paintings on an ipad which one would it be?

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May 1 2010

Interview With – Artist Kathy Steventon

Where are you from?
“I grew up in NJ and when I married in my late 20’s my new hubby and I moved to the UK for about 2 years. He’s British and we thought we would have a little adventure over there for a while. So we quit our jobs, packed our bags, and flew to the UK. We both managed to find jobs after about four months. Neither of us was particularly tied to our work, which for me at this point was pure administrative stuff, so when a chance came to work in Saudi Arabia, we took it. We lived and worked in Riyadh SA for four years, traveling and saving as much money as we could. From there we moved to New Zealand, then Luxembourg, and finally back here to the USA. All during these years, despite working “normal” secretarial type jobs (which were the only ones I could get as a foreigner), I worked on my art on the side. When we finally came back to the USA we found we no longer ‘fit’ into the NJ suburban culture. After a few years of hemming and hawing we finally found the courage to once again quit our jobs, sell the house, and move out to Colorado to start a new way of life. This included ART, something we had both worked on all our lives, but never professionally. We spent the first year in CO hand building an art studio, and once that was completed we began to paint in 2005 full time. By the way, my college degree is in Landscape Architecture, the field I worked in prior to marrying and moving overseas.”

What type of work do you do?
“My work is oil on canvas, primarily but not exclusively painting animals. I work in heavy textures, layers of oil paint, applied with a palette knife. I thought that living in CO would push me in the direction of landscapes, but that has not been the case. There are so many horses, and wildlife here that I’ve been drawn to try and capture their beauty and spirits. I love animals and love to show their spirits on the canvas.”

Why do you do what you do?
“I create art because I have to. I’ve been creating artwork since I was about five or six years old. But it has only been in the five years that I’ve taken the plunge to be a professional artist. I seem to go a little mad and get irritable if I go too long without expressing myself in the studio.”

What inspires you?
“Everything about our life here in rural Pagosa Springs Colorado inspires me. The people, the landscapes, the air, the sky, and most especially the animals. We live with three dogs and three cats and have many friends with horses. We see wild deer, bear, lynx, bobcat, snakes, hawks, eagles, crows, songbirds, and geckos here all the time. Their spirits and beauty are always an inspiration to me.”

Galleries Kathy has been featured in:

“My work can be see at Wild Spirit Gallery in Pagosa Springs, CO, www.wildspiritgallery.com, plus at the Blackbird Gallery in Albuquerque, NM, www.blackbirdgallery.biz. I’m aiming to expand my gallery exposure to Denver and Jackson Hole in 2010 and 2011.”

“Over the next five years my goal is to be showing on both coasts, in up to six galleries, as well as an invited participant at some major national art shows like Prix de West.
Your last question, what shows have I participated in, wow, tons. Right now a piece is showing at DIA in Denver, as part of the Colorado Council for the Arts program. I also just won Best-in-Show at the national juried show, “Fur, Feathers, & Fins National Juried Show”, Parklane Gallery, Kirkland, WA (the image “Trio I” attached was the winning painting).  Earlier this year I participated in the invitational juried show Western Spirit Art Show & Sale, Old West Museum, Cheyenne, WY. In 2008 I was a part of the Colorado Governor’s Invitational Art Show, Loveland Museum, Loveland, CO. There are many, many others but these are a few of the larger shows.
Check out her wonderful website: http://www.steventonart.com

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May 1 2010

Interview with MELISSA Hamel-Smith of Kaotic Ekko’s Curiosities

Mellisa where are you from?

“I’m originally from a small town about an hour outside NYC. I moved to Buffalo in 1999 to attend Buffalo State College, majoring in Radio Broadcast and Production with a minor in International Studies focused on World Arts. In 2001, I met the man of my dreams and we married Halloween 2004. We currently live in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, his hometown.”

What exactly do you, what is your style?

“I’m a diverse artist. As a Gemini I have a hard time settling on one medium.  I’ll try anything, the messier the better!  Sometimes my scattered interests make for a lot of incomplete objects lying around but I’m trying to fix that!”

Why do you do what you do?

Why do I do what I do? Because if I didn’t I’d probably explode!  It’s a compulsion…and sometimes an obsession! It’s an escape from the real world and an opportunity to communicate with others through a different medium. It’s also a form of therapy to help deal with my bipolar disorder.

What inspires you?

“For some reason I have ‘a-ha!’ moments in the shower or before going to bed. I have to keep repeating the idea over and over in my head until I can grab some paper and write it down. I have a horrible memory.”

Galleries Mellisa has been featured in:

Where you plan to be as an artist in the next 5 years?

“I don’t have any plans. I just do what I do and see where it goes! I love sharing my art and am always looking for ways to broaden my audience.”

What shows or collaborations have you participated in?

Swansea Craft and Bake Sale 2009, Craftzilla 2009, Indie Christmas Market @ Ransack the Universe 2009, Underground Craft Show (Nov, Dec 2009), Bazaar of the Bizarre 2008 & 2009, Artisans’ Gift Fair 2008 & 2009, Artists’ Flea Market 2009, Midnight Markets (June, August, October 2009), Creators’ Marketplace, Hamilton Wingfest 2009, Big on Bloor 2009, Toronto Burlesque Festival Tease ‘n’ Twirl Marketplace 2009, Comrades in Craft 2009.

Check out Mellisa’s awesome work at Chaotic Ekkos Curiousities

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Apr 3 2010

Arts Education Suffering in San Jose Schools

Art programs, such as art appreciation, drama, theater and music, have been suffering across the nation for 30 years, as school officials concentrate on the basics of learning. With federal programs, such as No Child Left Behind, even more focus has been placed on basic learning skills, which excludes the arts. This also means that any extra funding is funneled into these basic learning programs in order to meet state and federal-set standards. Arts education is one of the standards that should be met by schools within the state of California, yet the state does not impose penalties on schools that do not met these particular standards.

A statewide survey by SRI International concluded that of the 1,123 schools surveyed:

  • 89 percent failed to meet state standards for arts education;
  • Nearly 1/3 offered no art education coursework that met state standards;
  • 61 percent had no full-time arts specialist, with classroom teachers without adequate training teaching arts education at the elementary level;
  • Kindergarten through 12 enrollment in music classes declined by 37 percent over a five-year period, ending last June; and
  • Poor schools have the least access to arts education; whereas better income schools (where parents can afford private lessons) are more apt to have it.

Chris Funk is the San Jose schools principal of Lincoln High School, a stellar magnet arts school. He believes that the more San Jose schools students are exposed to the arts the better they will do in testing within other coursework.

Studies have proven that a strong arts program can be linked to improvement in everything from math skills to truancy. Arts education in elementary and secondary schools produce skilled sculptors, actors, musicians, singers and so many other arts-related careers. The arts also improve the socialization skills of students.

Bill Eriendson, assistant superintendent of the San Jose schools, stated that the level of funding for the arts is inadequate. Last year, the state budgeted $500 million for the arts and physical education; however, this amount was a one-time deal. The norm is $105 million, which is about $15 per student. According to Eriendson, the San Jose schools requires about $800,000 to restore just their music programs at the elementary San Jose schools. This figure does not include the purchase of instruments.

San Jose schools are a good representation of the statewide findings. Besides trying to meet state and federal standards in the basic coursework, the San Jose schools were hit with Proposition 13 that was passed in 1978, which imposed tax cuts for Californians and greatly reduced funding for arts education. The arts were first cut in the secondary San Jose schools and then in the elementary San Jose schools. By the late 1980s, arts education was all but gone in the San Jose schools.

According to Funk, there currently is a waiting list of 225 San Jose schools students. He finds San Jose school students are drawn to the dance, theater, music and visual arts programs offered by his school. Without the support of the Lincoln Foundation, which donated $75,000 for this school year, this San Jose schools arts magnet would not exist.

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Jan 25 2010

Where Can I Find a Good Art Exhibition in Singapore

The museum is a wonderful place for you to find good art pieces to look at, and they constantly update their collection with art pieces, sculptures, abstract drawings and monuments of the art world – the world over. Recently, the National Museum of Singapore worked closely with the French Government to bring over pieces of art from the famous Louvre in Paris. Singaporeans, for the first time ever, were able to be enthralled by the famous art pieces that stretched from the Renaissance Period – where art and culture exploded in Italy.

national museum of singapore
Works by Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent Van Gogh and other luminaries of the time were transported with care across the ocean and were placed in the National Museum for all to see. Singaporeans and expatriates alike flocked to the centre of town where the building was located and it was packed to the rafters for days on end. Anyone who would say that art and culture has yet not found a place within the chaos of our eclectic and modern society would have been speechless as long queues were forming just for a peek of some of the famous and multi million dollar works by some of the best painters and artistes the world has ever known.
There was also the history of Singapore exhibition in sight and sound done splendidly in the same location – audience was taken through a visceral performance and exhibition with music, painting, sketchings and old ‘headstone’ of that era bathed in iridescent light. These are just some of the examples of art exhibitions you can find in Singapore. If you are looking to buy, then private art galleries galore offer you paintings by famous regional artistes from Hong Kong, Korea, China and even India. If you have the money to view and buy, then hop down over to the MICA (Ministry of Information, Culture and the Arts) Building just opposite of Clarke Quay and you will find a whole host of art galleries for you to quench your creative thirst.


These galleries represent some of the works by Asian and Middle Eastern Artistes – and they range from paintings, ornate furniture and even abstract art in all its forms. Prices range from below $1000 and can go all the way up. Art is about passion and not many people can put a price to that. If you feel that a work is worth its weight in gold and you have the money to spare, then you will be able to adorn your house with a work that spoke to you. Not only limited to this building, there are plenty of private exhibition houses like the Armenian Church, Takashimaya, Asian Civilisation Museum etc – just to name a few. This may be a small country but it is one with a taste for art and all its forms, as the population slowly matures even more with age and time, there will be many more outlets where the voices of the world will be seen and heard by Singaporeans.

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Jan 24 2010

Art Lawyer New York – a Person Who Struggles for the Rights!

The job of an Art Lawyer New York is not restricted to making contracts however there is a lot more. Representing a landscape or human emotion in terms of literature and art is not a simple task. However a few have made them their strong point. Seeing the reputation of great writers and artists, people tend to duplicate their paintings or print part of their work devoid of any consent as well as also sell them.

People considering the beauty of paintings as well as the dollars they worth out of hunger stole them. They can cut the frame and role piece of art in tube carrier as well as sell them afterwards. To evade this or any other offense, Art Lawyer New York services can be employed. They struggle for the cases, build contract notes, which avoids the mishandling of painting and secondly defend the right of an artist.

You definitely would have come across the popular art theft which comprised admired works like Gainsborough’ The Duchess of Devonshire, Last Judgment Triptych By Memling, Panels from the Ghent Altarpiece, The Mona Lisa and many more. For a few thefts such as the one of Mona Lisa’s painting, burglar did spent some months in jail. From time to time you would have seen in news about the art being utilized by the offenders as security for selling weapons and drugs.

To make earnings, they purchase false paintings as well as sell them at very higher prices. A good Art Lawyer will assist you if you have fallen in their trap. Whenever you realize that such thing has happened with you, it is better to consult and discuss with them. They will lawfully assist you in getting back your hard earned currency.

At times, it has observed that the clients purchase the painting from the gallery and have not paid the money. In such cases an art lawyer will battle the case from side of a seller and obtain the money he ought to have.

Job of an Art Lawyer -

The job of an art lawyer is to struggle for the rights of people. If you are hunting for an Art Lawyer, then browse on the Internet. Nowadays several attorney firms proffer capable lawyers. So you can get in touch with them. But prior to hiring one Art Lawyer, just check his record of deeds and accomplishments. With their help and support one can without any doubt succeed their case.

An art lawyer can even assist an art vendor obtain his money from a client who has purchased an art piece however has not compensated the due money. In these cases, art dealer or vendor can acquire the assistance of an art lawyer to fight a lawful case against the client and then to obtain the money which he deserves. It is not hard to get an art lawyer. The internet could be a great help in this case plus you can simply get to recognize about an art lawyer via the internet.

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Jan 3 2010

Art, Photography & Reproduction

It is nothing new. Commercialism maybe somewhat more aggressive now than in Rembrandts day, but the studios of his era were just as equally skilled at producing the same painting many times over, than a digitally enhanced limited edition of today’s genre.

The question it raises is that as technology moves apace where is the line drawn between what could be described as an artists preparation and that which is computer generated origination More specifically does it matter?

One could argue that artists have always sought to enhance their work and utilizing today’s technology is no different to the past. The fact is that what can be achieved today is far greater than anyone could have possibly imagined even 20 years ago.

It really all comes down to how you define what is art and what constitutes an artists preparation.

Projection and scaling tripods through to Obscura cameras were commonly used in the works of many of the masters, so why should using photoshop be viewed any differently.

Photography and art are like two cousins, related disciplines. But that ignores the fact that painting was the photography of its day. Royal courts would send ambassadors with realistic miniature portraits for prospective suitors, in much the same way as a photographic portfolio captures the lines and cheekbones for a model agency.

People often forget where they have come from and this is also true of all types of art including abstract art and contemporary art. It was as much about advertising, marketing and politics as the beauty or skill of its creator.

To me the use of any technique or process by the artist must be seen as part of the work and methodology. Surely the point is this. It is not the technique or process that is important, it is how you use them. Indeed there is a whole separate area of creativity here.

A good artist will always try something new. They will embrace techniques and use them to create and whilst a purist may not agree, they do so out of ignorance to the past.

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Jan 2 2010

Why You Should Give Your Art Away – Learning to Paint

One of the most rewarding things you can do with a finished framed painting is to give it to someone as a gift.  Yes, you can sell your art, but when you give a painting away, it is like giving a piece of your heart to someone you care about.  Lets face it most of us aren’t going to become rich selling artwork.  Most people take up the craft as a hobby to fulfill their creative inner spirit.  I started painting as a hobby as my children grew and didn’t “need” me anymore.  I have never really had the desire to travel to shows and get my work out in the public for sale.  I have and do sell work, don’t misunderstand me, I just want you to know that true beauty in art comes from within your desire to make someone happy by presenting them with something as original as a painting done by you!

You can personalize your work pretty easily as well.  For example, painting the mountain scene from the family cottage or camp would have an insurmountable sentimental impact to the recipient. My niece’s first painting was titled “Pops’ Cabin” whom she gave to her 90-year-old great grandfather. The painting was that of a cabin in the woods.  It didn’t resemble his cabin at all.  The painting represented an important time in her grandfather’s life and the time he spent there with his loved ones.  The painting was from her heart and he knew that.  Needless to say it brought him to tears because he was so touched by her thoughtfulness.

Landscapes, homes, vacation scenes, and portraits all can be created into un-price able works of art when given to someone you care about.  Another reason to give your art away is this; Holidays and special occasions when you ask what to give the person or family that “has everything”.  I bet that they don’t have a painting of their children playing on the beach on the last family vacation. They don’t have a painting of the tree swing at the old farm house. Get the point!  I know what your thinking, I’ve just started painting and I can’t paint people!  Believe me there are ways to paint the suggestion of just about anything – including people. The key is to practice, practice, practice. Do yourself a favor, don’t be a perfectionist.  Accept what you can do, do it, and then give it to someone.

Yes you will need to practice your painting skills before you feel confident enough to give your works as gifts and I’m not saying that your going to love every thing you create.  If you are thinking about developing your skills as a painter, consider the pleasure you’ll get and give when you give it away!

Now I have explained the joy and pleasure you will receive when you give a painting to someone as a gift. I sincerely hope that this article has been useful.  If you are just starting out as an acrylic painter – keep it simple, have fun, and enjoy learning to paint.

Julie Shoemaker is an avid painter and hobbyist who regularly gives paintings as gifts to family and friends.  To read more articles like the one here, and to see more free art tips, tricks and techniques and free step by step lessons please visit http://www.IamPainting.org

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