tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6526838453771567082024-03-14T01:08:07.332-04:00Marsha Hamby Savage ArtPaintings mostly about nature, articles about art and artists, the process of oil, acrylic or pastel painting and discussions that pertain to art in some way!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger163125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-652683845377156708.post-17569959550450048852020-08-23T08:40:00.001-04:002020-08-23T08:41:08.898-04:00My Blog Has Moved!<p><span style="font-size: medium;">I moved my website several years ago to FASO. ... Fine Art Studio Online. They have grown and are offering so many things to their artists, like blogs and newsletters, just to mention two. It is a fantastic site and they work hard to help artists do their marketing and show their work.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">But, I have many years of blog posts here on Blogger and am in the process of copying them to a document so I do not lose them. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">As followers of my blog here, I hope you will decide to follow me on the new platform at FASO. I am working hard at getting back to doing blog posts, and being good about sending an occasional newsletter ... at least one per month at least. Marketing has become such a key element on social media and being responsible for doing it ourselves.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Here is a link to the page on my website where you can sign up for my blog there: </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://marshasavage.fineartstudioonline.com/blog">http://marshasavage.fineartstudioonline.com/blog</a> <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Thank you for your following in the past and I hope there were blog posts that helped you in some way. That was the main purpose of my blog... besides marketing my work. I am a teacher and just cannot help myself! 😉 </span><br /></p>Marsha Hamby Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14648337054636844587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-652683845377156708.post-1844179080293864242019-03-29T08:17:00.000-04:002019-03-29T08:17:05.914-04:00Team Teaching Workshop With Karen Margulis!Karen Margulis and I will be doing our "Team Teaching Workshop" again this May in Blue Ridge, GA. You can email me and I will send all the information. You can also see the information and tips on my website: <a href="http://marshasavage.com/">marshasavage.com</a> under the Workshop tab. This workshop fills up fast, so don't delay if you are interested. There are still a few places left in the workshop, but I don't expect them to be there very long. Each time we do this the workshop is full with a waiting list. The dates and a little info is in the flyer shown below and more about the workshop is in a paragraph of info below the flyer image!<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C2QccluL3XQ/XJKoNTjsFFI/AAAAAAAA0BY/b_I9L5glkJoBMnEr-XWvnWVft2DtkegAACLcBGAs/s1600/workshop%2Bflyer%2Brevised.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1056" data-original-width="816" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C2QccluL3XQ/XJKoNTjsFFI/AAAAAAAA0BY/b_I9L5glkJoBMnEr-XWvnWVft2DtkegAACLcBGAs/s640/workshop%2Bflyer%2Brevised.jpg" width="494" /></a></div>
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If you have the idea you need more instruction for plein air painting, or just painting in general, this workshop is the one for you.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m6IQBpPBu4U/XJ4McPRsIyI/AAAAAAAABqI/IQwWPxciydAzHfuawfhxYCGvSfyyp63uwCLcBGAs/s1600/O-APeachOfAMorning12x9%2527180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m6IQBpPBu4U/XJ4McPRsIyI/AAAAAAAABqI/IQwWPxciydAzHfuawfhxYCGvSfyyp63uwCLcBGAs/s200/O-APeachOfAMorning12x9%2527180.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One view of our river!</td></tr>
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The workshop base is the Savage cabin, located on 1 ½ acres on the Toccoa River, 7 miles from downtown Blue Ridge, GA (this is toward the Northeast). My address is considered Mineral Bluff.. There is the river ... of course! There is a barn with lean-to, stacks of wood, pump house, muscadine vines, a few pieces of farm equipment, wagon wheels, a deck at the river, pavilion with table and wooden swings, old-time painted metal glider and chairs, and a dirt/gravel road that winds to the property. Plenty of stuff to paint. It is an old cabin and unique. Some of our neighbors just a few doors down allow us to paint on their property also, with river views and some rock groups in the water... a beautiful area.<br />
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<u><b>More Info!</b></u><br />
We also plan the first day at the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association in their workshop room. We show images on a screen and talk about working plein air. Karen and I both do a quick demo. After each or our demos, the students get to work on a piece that is shown on the big screen and think about the plein air approach. It helps to have a practice day before the next day of being outside with everything and trying to decide what to paint. Takes a little pressure off, maybe!<br />
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Come join us. You won't be sorry! We have great fun, and you learn loads from two teachers! Marsha Hamby Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14648337054636844587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-652683845377156708.post-45511614927298016102017-11-20T10:09:00.001-05:002017-11-20T10:09:32.049-05:00Painting Falling Water<h2 class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Demonstration Painting and Studies</h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-phsH6MwiWGE/WaAXzpuuwxI/AAAAAAAABMI/ntdjGaPWUsEbT11rDHo9UdJJZk_pPn7qgCLcBGAs/s1600/WaterfallIAPS%25231%252714x11%252772.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="792" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-phsH6MwiWGE/WaAXzpuuwxI/AAAAAAAABMI/ntdjGaPWUsEbT11rDHo9UdJJZk_pPn7qgCLcBGAs/s320/WaterfallIAPS%25231%252714x11%252772.jpg" width="251" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">14" x 11" Pastel of Dry Falls</td></tr>
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This "rather long" blog post is about my love of doing subject matter in a series sometimes. I hope you enjoy the conversation and seeing a little into my days and weeks of being an artist!<br />
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Though this was a demonstration, it
is "finished" because I don't want to lose the freshness of it, but not
as finished as many of my paintings. It is a pastel. It was a demo for
the IAPS (International
Assoc. of Pastel Societies) convention this past June in Albuquerque NM. I demonstrated for Ampersand who create the Pastelbord that I use 99% of the time and also Terry Ludwig Pastels.<br />
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Here is my recent Studio Painting!</h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZXHYKL5lg64/WfXRr9ZxbZI/AAAAAAAABP4/1bu437Lsqjgwpse9GrXaYijWSzxp2Y6DgCLcBGAs/s1600/DryFallsWonder24x18%252772.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="648" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZXHYKL5lg64/WfXRr9ZxbZI/AAAAAAAABP4/1bu437Lsqjgwpse9GrXaYijWSzxp2Y6DgCLcBGAs/s320/DryFallsWonder24x18%252772.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Dry Falls Wonder" 24" x 18" Pastel</td></tr>
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This painting is from the same photograph, but done in the studio and has been taken a lot further with details. I still feel it retains a freshness, but with addition of other added elements. This waterfall is "Dry Falls" in North Carolina. I have painted it several times in different formats, from different angles, etc. It seems to inspire me any time I see it, or my photos!<br />
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I'm going to show you other waterfalls or cascades I have done in the past year, some are also in progress, but I love the direction they are going in.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7QSg9SQcs9Q/WfXS3xsxeMI/AAAAAAAABQE/AfelI1lpmMomc5EOeqUlq34_ourvIM77QCLcBGAs/s1600/WaterfallIAPS%25232%252711x14%252772.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="792" data-original-width="1008" height="251" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7QSg9SQcs9Q/WfXS3xsxeMI/AAAAAAAABQE/AfelI1lpmMomc5EOeqUlq34_ourvIM77QCLcBGAs/s320/WaterfallIAPS%25232%252711x14%252772.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">11" x 14" Pastel Demo</td></tr>
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The next one (to the right), also a
pastel, is another demo at the above mentioned convention. And, it is
the same waterfall just from a different perspective! This one is a
little less finished, but I'm not sure I will do anything more to it.
Again, I love the freshness of the marks. <br />
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Below is a 20" x 16" from near Monteagle Tennessee, and is from a
photo I took in a park called "Fiery Gizzard." What a name right?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MNyuTiorQWY/WfXTgsSmmQI/AAAAAAAABQM/k54rfsVFtMU9M7Ltas2IciL349DY36ucQCLcBGAs/s1600/MusicalWater72x6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="517" data-original-width="432" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MNyuTiorQWY/WfXTgsSmmQI/AAAAAAAABQM/k54rfsVFtMU9M7Ltas2IciL349DY36ucQCLcBGAs/s200/MusicalWater72x6.jpg" width="166" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Musical Waters" 20" x 16" Pastel</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4LPmOpLhoyk/WfXV0SQ4AGI/AAAAAAAABQY/34L_8qWUnREp-A1yoqM3fIk222GpxKZlgCLcBGAs/s1600/UnderTheFalls%2527IP%252714x11%252772.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="540" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4LPmOpLhoyk/WfXV0SQ4AGI/AAAAAAAABQY/34L_8qWUnREp-A1yoqM3fIk222GpxKZlgCLcBGAs/s200/UnderTheFalls%2527IP%252714x11%252772.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">16" x 12" Pastel Demo</td></tr>
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The one to the right is the same waterfall as above (Dry Falls again), and also was the last
demonstration painting I did at the Pastel Convention in Albuquerque... I
don't think this one is finished enough, so there will be some
adjustments in the future!<br />
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Below is an oil painting of a waterfall in the Blue Ridge, GA area. This painting is 16"x20" and was recently in a local show, and found a new home! Thank you to the friends that purchased this one!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--qiLJKV0QcU/WfXXATdYqSI/AAAAAAAABQk/mXraSD8ekJgSUMgzHGLD8yqTjWGbUWqtwCLcBGAs/s1600/Freshness16x20%252772.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="256" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--qiLJKV0QcU/WfXXATdYqSI/AAAAAAAABQk/mXraSD8ekJgSUMgzHGLD8yqTjWGbUWqtwCLcBGAs/s320/Freshness16x20%252772.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Freshness" Oil 16"x20"</td></tr>
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Be sure to check out my website for some of my "water and rock" paintings. <a href="http://marshasavage.com/" target="_blank">www.marshasavage.com</a>Marsha Hamby Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14648337054636844587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-652683845377156708.post-9788290977100617402017-09-28T08:11:00.000-04:002017-09-28T08:11:23.344-04:00What did Matt Smith Have to Say?<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Discipline! One word! </u></span></h4>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9k9ccHJFOuE/WW3lE_OBVzI/AAAAAAAABJc/jXBvSI2-aP4ECSXnNbH3YWklVKRgeytsgCEwYBhgL/s1600/1-WaterPower24x18Graphite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9k9ccHJFOuE/WW3lE_OBVzI/AAAAAAAABJc/jXBvSI2-aP4ECSXnNbH3YWklVKRgeytsgCEwYBhgL/s320/1-WaterPower24x18Graphite.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Graphite Sketch 24"x18 "Water Power"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WJ5iXQwq6Qs/WW3lXoxeS0I/AAAAAAAABJg/3-Xfjf7JQcssQ4nZaGfbFRpU43WszxtxgCEwYBhgL/s1600/2-WaterPower24x18GraphiteWash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WJ5iXQwq6Qs/WW3lXoxeS0I/AAAAAAAABJg/3-Xfjf7JQcssQ4nZaGfbFRpU43WszxtxgCEwYBhgL/s320/2-WaterPower24x18GraphiteWash.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Washed With Water! Finish Shown Below </td></tr>
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This is a blog post I intended to finish writing over a year ago, after returning from the Plein Air Convention in Tucson AZ. The draft was still in my blog site, so I decided to finish it. It seemed appropriate for me at this time, and I thought maybe for some of my friends. And... it is a long blog post with many short thoughts he mentioned... very interesting and thought provoking ones.<br />
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Matt's first words I wrote down were: “Thin to Thick” and “Dark to Light” and “Discipline.” As a general rule this is probably the most important thing for an
artist. Then he got down to talking specifics of doing a landscape. So these are little gems of wisdom. Some of them might be incomplete sentences, but they do contain those gems! All these next sentences and short paragraphs were statements he made while painting a demonstration painting. They were relevant to what he was painting, but even by themselves, with no context of a photograph of his painting, they are important things to think about. I hope you enjoy them! I know I did. It made my mind spiral to more thoughts about each one he uttered... so much so, that sometimes I missed the next sentence and I know I missed some very important words. Oh well, such is what happens when trying to write as fast as the speaker was speaking!<br />
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Identify the horizon line first. Why? It is constant. It may be obscured by trees, but be sure to identify where it is. His “horse power” is burnt sienna... his favorite color. (Look up his palette on line.) He also uses Yellow Ochre. (I might need to add this back to my palette). It is a good modifier for other colors. And, it can make a wonderful warm green with blue.<br />
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He holds his brush like a pencil instead of under the palm of his hand. At least I noticed this in the beginning.<br />
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Light references: Natural light, Direct, Reflective, Reflected blue sky light. Decide why the light is a certain one and where it is coming from. Shadows have reflective light in them. Don’t ignore this! The stronger the light source, the more reflected light you will find in the shadows.<br />
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Ultramarine blue with a cool red (alizarin crimson) for the cool shadows. Start with cool, intellectually it keeps him thinking cool in the shadows. There is “light, mid-tone & shadow.” Only temperature change will be for those background mountains. But, it still has to sit in that shadow family. He used cobalt blue saying it was easier to grey a color down. (I use this statement about greying a color down being easier than brightening one up!) <br />
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When working outdoors, an "oily medium" is not as good. There can be recurring issues....( hmmm, I wonder what that one meant. What recurring issues?)<br />
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There is pinky-violet in the lighter sections of the mountains. The Saguaro - more accents than taking over the sense of place. Use less arms!<br />
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In designing foregrounds, dirt patches, sage is a larger element. Whatever is out of harmony must go. <br />
"Modify with the earth colors... which knocks the edge off those 'big' colors!" The "Form of the Land" is linear perspective. (I'll have to think about that one a little more.)<br />
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Viridian hue (has little thalo), puts yellow ochre or burnt sienna in it. Now the shadow side of it. think planes here, value, intensity and temperature. Hue is color: red, yellow, blue. He uses Holbein's Viridian hue. And, he uses Alizarin Crimson and Cadmium Orange to create his reds. (My thought was to take red off my palette and try this.) His only reds on his palette are Alizarin Crimson (his cool red) and Burnt Sienna (his warm red). His three primary colors are Ultramarine Blue, Cadmium Yellow Lemon, and Alizarin Crimson.<br />
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If you build structure into one thing where there are others of that element, the silhouette is recognizable on everything else. Above and beyond the subject ... the way we look at artwork in museums and galleries.<br />
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He said "Maynard Dixon --- look at his work." Staying clean, staying structured! "Allow yourself the freedom to fail." "Follows you into the next painting and the next painting." "The painting is a living, breathing thing!" "Celebrates the organic quality instead of the thumbnail and uses his oil paint early." He said many tend to paint highlights too warm in the distance. And, if you paint the sky first, the rest of the painting will be too dark!<br />
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Back to the painting he was working on, the palo verde blooms were cool yellow mostly. And his strokes are going different ways... not all in one methodical way.<br />
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Now he knows where to add thicker paint. He uses a #2 flat... primed it with medium or solvent, to go over edges of where the sky and mountain meets. The color or value shifts to create where distant mountains go back. Study when you see it and where!<br />
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Whew! All this is my quickly taken notes... 1 1/2 years ago at that Plein Air Convention. But, I had great thoughts when reading the notebook and thought you might enjoy them even in this form.<br />
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Below is my finished pastel painting of the Lower Falls at Yellowstone ... from the above drawing and wash. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iIiwz72825U/WcxqowNre-I/AAAAAAAABPI/-DjFOZzvUtof4mRuWFLqvxCIw_8zCnKBQCLcBGAs/s1600/WaterPower24x18%252772x12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="648" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iIiwz72825U/WcxqowNre-I/AAAAAAAABPI/-DjFOZzvUtof4mRuWFLqvxCIw_8zCnKBQCLcBGAs/s320/WaterPower24x18%252772x12.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Water Power" 24" x 18" Soft Pastel Painting</td></tr>
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<br />Marsha Hamby Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14648337054636844587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-652683845377156708.post-37702211636613236242017-09-12T10:05:00.001-04:002017-09-12T10:05:52.011-04:00Plein Air Festival 2017 Blue Ridge in GA<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="1" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YF1QO7iwJMY/WbdEkUJciyI/AAAAAAAABNI/IWhdSyPTXKg1SwCvABBMm-hycDc2x2C9wCLcBGAs/s1600/5-Judge%2527Savage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YF1QO7iwJMY/WbdEkUJciyI/AAAAAAAABNI/IWhdSyPTXKg1SwCvABBMm-hycDc2x2C9wCLcBGAs/s320/5-Judge%2527Savage.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Three Paintings in the 2017 Plein Air Festival Show</td></tr>
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The past week from Thursday thru Sunday, I participated in the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association (BRMAA) Plein Air Festival. We do it the second weekend of September each year to coincide with the World Wide Paint Out sponsored by the International Plein Air Painters (IPAP). It is always so much fun, and it is not an invitational event. Our purpose is to get as many artists to participate no matter the level of their plein air experience. We believe in taking the pressure off the artists that want to learn and paint from life.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BeynPlEzQlg/WbdG4E6VNCI/AAAAAAAABNU/oZBv60ctcPQi5aytzK8UHp6IKpUrEpL0gCLcBGAs/s1600/8-ArtistsFilingIn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="2" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BeynPlEzQlg/WbdG4E6VNCI/AAAAAAAABNU/oZBv60ctcPQi5aytzK8UHp6IKpUrEpL0gCLcBGAs/s200/8-ArtistsFilingIn.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Artists filing into show to hear awards!<br />
There were 97 paintings submitted!</td></tr>
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There is a one-day workshop usually given on Thursday by a teaching artist. This year it was Carly Hardy, with the premise of the class being "From Plein Air to Studio." She did a great job... I took the class. I feel like you can always learn something! We created a studio piece from a previously done plein air "study."<br />
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The BRMAA sets up a "Quick Paint" usually on one of the days. This year it was Friday afternoon at the Serenberry Vineyards. Artists sign up to participate and must have their substrate stamped, and can only start when they blow the horn ... having one hour to create something ... stopping immediately when the blow the horn after that one hour. We take them to a central location and display them on small easels, and their is a judge. This year it was won by Elizabeth Carr for a sweet little watercolor. Congratulations, Betty!<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="1" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-irO84hWMgMw/WbdICxOGHhI/AAAAAAAABNg/pDT8SbnMBxkLVMU-eH0IT-Zzwb0JPSVVwCLcBGAs/s1600/1-Firstplace%2527Guernsey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="2" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-irO84hWMgMw/WbdICxOGHhI/AAAAAAAABNg/pDT8SbnMBxkLVMU-eH0IT-Zzwb0JPSVVwCLcBGAs/s200/1-Firstplace%2527Guernsey.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1st Place, John Guernsey - Bottom left<br />
"Toccoa River Rocks" Oil</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On all days you can paint anywhere you wish within the parameters BRMAA have set. There is a bounty of beauty in this area for the artists to find many places to paint... Toccoa River, Lake Blue Ridge, Downtown Blue Ridge, Mercier Orchard, various waterfalls, rocks and water, and loads of beautiful farms and land. <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="1" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WLhXHebQIzM/WbdJXiQ-dnI/AAAAAAAABNs/8VqDLt_CKuYbpS2-QRIcuDbUBGuHuaVrgCLcBGAs/s1600/2-Secondplace%2527McDonald.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="2" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WLhXHebQIzM/WbdJXiQ-dnI/AAAAAAAABNs/8VqDLt_CKuYbpS2-QRIcuDbUBGuHuaVrgCLcBGAs/s200/2-Secondplace%2527McDonald.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2nd Place, Shane McDonald - Upper Left<br />
"Farmstead at Old Dial and Newport Rd." Oil</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
I was honored to judge this show... and it was extremely hard to do because there were so many "worthy" paintings. I could have given more awards, but was limited to 1st Place, 2nd Place, 3rd Place, and one Honorable Mention. Here are photos of the winning paintings, and a few random shots of other paintings. They were taken with my cell phone, so apologies for any little inconsistencies!<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="1" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-01G4nDqtyps/WbdKIjW9s5I/AAAAAAAABN0/uCiBYf0y_dk44QQ-mg_ZiUXF0Tbnay7TwCLcBGAs/s1600/3-Thirdplace%2527Rich.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="2" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-01G4nDqtyps/WbdKIjW9s5I/AAAAAAAABN0/uCiBYf0y_dk44QQ-mg_ZiUXF0Tbnay7TwCLcBGAs/s200/3-Thirdplace%2527Rich.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3rd Place, Catherine Rich<br />
"Chroma Flow" Oil-Bottom left</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="1" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZGvh7szxgTo/WbdKwyCC3WI/AAAAAAAABN8/W__QtyzGcBQR7SLAsWnyJ3PKkztx4TdAACLcBGAs/s1600/4-HonMention%2527Cashwell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="2" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZGvh7szxgTo/WbdKwyCC3WI/AAAAAAAABN8/W__QtyzGcBQR7SLAsWnyJ3PKkztx4TdAACLcBGAs/s200/4-HonMention%2527Cashwell.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Honorable Mention, Charles Cashwell<br />
"Mom's Place" Oil-Top</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H6Xq5YEHDmA/WbfluGS16LI/AAAAAAAABOY/5m_WwnoNUfEa_Q4wg7E7OI0KYltcjQ0JACLcBGAs/s1600/6-ELPA%2527Day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H6Xq5YEHDmA/WbfluGS16LI/AAAAAAAABOY/5m_WwnoNUfEa_Q4wg7E7OI0KYltcjQ0JACLcBGAs/s200/6-ELPA%2527Day.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
Candy Day <br />
<br />
Camille "Candy" Day, and Ed Cahill, are fellow members of ELPA (Eastern League of Professional Artists) - Candy's paintings to the left and Ed's here to the right. There were a couple of these that were award worthy!<br />
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<div style="text-align: right;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K2UApc9l6ok/Wbflud4jqUI/AAAAAAAABOc/FkgETedPBuo5wyGEU6g5ulH4GstRWgZuACLcBGAs/s1600/7-ELPA%2527Cahill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K2UApc9l6ok/Wbflud4jqUI/AAAAAAAABOc/FkgETedPBuo5wyGEU6g5ulH4GstRWgZuACLcBGAs/s200/7-ELPA%2527Cahill.jpg" width="200" /></a>Ed Cahill</div>
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<br />
<br />
More participating artists! Wish I knew the names for you. I could have given a couple of these an award!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sn3HT1kHGMk/Wbfluxy_0aI/AAAAAAAABOg/_WwxiXqEUW8KQaVjBu2ANDbpRz730De9gCLcBGAs/s1600/More%25231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sn3HT1kHGMk/Wbfluxy_0aI/AAAAAAAABOg/_WwxiXqEUW8KQaVjBu2ANDbpRz730De9gCLcBGAs/s200/More%25231.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gXqalQQKHUA/WbflvBsJx_I/AAAAAAAABOk/65RipnMjA0cWsp8GylMzsaYL03EMrcB6QCLcBGAs/s1600/More%25232%2527The%2BSchulls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gXqalQQKHUA/WbflvBsJx_I/AAAAAAAABOk/65RipnMjA0cWsp8GylMzsaYL03EMrcB6QCLcBGAs/s200/More%25232%2527The%2BSchulls.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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<br />Marsha Hamby Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14648337054636844587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-652683845377156708.post-73129024009687310762017-08-25T06:46:00.003-04:002017-08-25T06:46:55.556-04:00Working in Series is fun!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ola5-7a3Hh8/WZ9HNGHL0oI/AAAAAAAABK8/XyROPaF5cT8Vq-kUbJ0FhAxmTvnO1FGjACLcBGAs/s1600/FreshnessPersonified16x20%252772.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1440" height="256" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ola5-7a3Hh8/WZ9HNGHL0oI/AAAAAAAABK8/XyROPaF5cT8Vq-kUbJ0FhAxmTvnO1FGjACLcBGAs/s320/FreshnessPersonified16x20%252772.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Freshness" Oil 16" x 20"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I love painting water and rocks, and trees, too. I often paint the same scene over and over again, also... but most times from a different side, perspective, in a different medium, etc. Just not the exact same painting!<br />
<br />
Lately I have been concentrating on rocks and water, which led me to a few of my photos of waterfalls. All of a sudden it seemed I was on a roll with something that just kept speaking to me to do in oil paint, and also in soft pastels. I guess I need to also try something in acrylic. I love doing this because it teaches me so much each time I paint the similar scene, and also when working in a different medium!<br />
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The painting above started out with a pasture behind it, and an early fall dogwood which was turning ruby red. It was not working, so I scraped off some of the paint, and created a different background. The waterfall and rocks and water were working, so I was only concerned about the background becoming something restful! I think it works now... I know I am pleased enough that I will be submitting this one to a show.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p5L1TPdrySI/WZ9HMyyI0OI/AAAAAAAABLI/52V3Ykkp8H0bIGcKf8NfETXypHIEH4rXgCEwYBhgL/s1600/WaterPower24x18%2527180x12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p5L1TPdrySI/WZ9HMyyI0OI/AAAAAAAABLI/52V3Ykkp8H0bIGcKf8NfETXypHIEH4rXgCEwYBhgL/s320/WaterPower24x18%2527180x12.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Water Power" 24"x18" Soft Pastel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Here is another one I did earlier this year. It can be seen at Frameworks Gallery in Marietta, GA. This is the majestic Lower Falls from Yellowstone Park! What a spectacular sight!<br />
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The next post will show you one waterfall where I did three demonstration paintings of it! What fun that was. <br />
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Be sure to check out my website for more paintings... mostly nature, and quite a number of rocks and water.<br />
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<br />Marsha Hamby Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14648337054636844587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-652683845377156708.post-52846445746399935962017-07-17T22:24:00.000-04:002017-07-17T22:24:48.385-04:00"To Draw Like Da Vinci"<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aXwajXXllUg/WW1nN3N67jI/AAAAAAAABJA/hh84wwdpq9Y787Vn4FiRV-hd2mQOU68cQCLcBGAs/s1600/Roses%2526BlueVase%252772cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="699" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aXwajXXllUg/WW1nN3N67jI/AAAAAAAABJA/hh84wwdpq9Y787Vn4FiRV-hd2mQOU68cQCLcBGAs/s320/Roses%2526BlueVase%252772cropped.jpg" width="233" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Roses & Blue Vase"<br />
Graphite 20"x16"</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Do you draw? Do you play? Do you make mistakes? Do you have favorite quotes?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<u>A Couple of Favorite Quotes</u></h3>
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To draw like Da Vinci, you need to follow his advice. “Train your visual mind to understand the shapes of forms and spaces, to recognize angles and directions of lines, to appreciate proportion, to understand perspective, to recognize gradations in tone and, above all, to be inspired by imagination. Without these, all the technical skills in the world will not produce a work of art.”<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><b>And</b></u><br />
<u><b>this one I keep by my easel!</b></u> </div>
<br />
“If you aren’t willing to make mistakes, you will never do anything creative!”<br />
<br />
I love the first one, but the one just above is one of my favorite quotes to tell my students. It teaches me what I don’t want to do, and I remember it much better than if someone told me not to do a certain thing. Learning by making the mistake remains in the mind so much better than what someone tells you!<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NxldMexZUmc/WW1xAMa_wSI/AAAAAAAABJM/5Rp21f0i89kqXRC52cfCez75RvV9PE0uQCLcBGAs/s1600/PurplePastuer180WipeOff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NxldMexZUmc/WW1xAMa_wSI/AAAAAAAABJM/5Rp21f0i89kqXRC52cfCez75RvV9PE0uQCLcBGAs/s320/PurplePastuer180WipeOff.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A pastel I brushed off part!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When working in pastel, the mistake … or let’s call it a path that I decide is not going to work … just gets brushed off with a stiff bristle brush that I cut the bristles down about halfway and at a slight angle. This leaves a ghost image but gets rid of the excess pastel on the board and allows me to add more layers of pastel. So, a little about a technique here, but this is to explain something very important about being an artist. <br />
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Being an artist is not totally about mastery of your medium. Medium means what the tools are you use to create your art. It could be anything from painting or drawing, in any of the “mediums” such as oil, acrylic, pastel, watercolor, etc. It could be that you are a sculptor, a mixed media specialist, builder of three-dimensional art, fine art craftsman building furniture or found object art … many ways of using that creative spirit of yours … being an artistic person with a vision. I believe that is being an artist! And, if we make mistakes, it is part of the process of learning, so why not embrace that part as well as all the other tools we use?<br />
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I heard a young man a few days ago mention he did art. I said, “so you are an artist?” He answered not he was not an artist. I tried to tell him that being an artist is doing something creative, no matter your level of experience. There are artists that are beginners, intermediate, advanced and professional. So if he does something creative, and he showed me a couple of his paintings, then he should say he is an artist. It would be okay to say he is a beginner … to clarify the statement. <br />
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So, make those mistakes, and try again. And, if you are doing something creative that could possibly be called art, then call yourself an artist. I do believe it might make you “own” the title and try a little harder to be an authentic you, an artist!Marsha Hamby Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14648337054636844587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-652683845377156708.post-68944914462924843022017-06-30T21:15:00.000-04:002017-06-30T21:15:43.024-04:00Being an Artist!<h2 style="text-align: center;">
What is it like to be an artist?</h2>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4ExJX4GoPXk/WVbsvFOVsXI/AAAAAAAABHk/rhnL_c552Gc-ajPoerZowmmn7pjkA9ZdgCLcBGAs/s1600/WaterfallIAPS%25231SetUP%252714x11%2527180at8x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1031" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4ExJX4GoPXk/WVbsvFOVsXI/AAAAAAAABHk/rhnL_c552Gc-ajPoerZowmmn7pjkA9ZdgCLcBGAs/s320/WaterfallIAPS%25231SetUP%252714x11%2527180at8x.jpg" width="229" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Demonstration - IAPS Convention</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Part
of being an artist ... besides doing artwork ... is attending
association meetings, doing research into what you want to paint (if
painting is the kind of art you do), accumulating the art supplies,
reading books and magazines on your art, attending workshops,
conventions, etc. And, what do you do with the artwork you create? Sell
it by putting it in a gallery or shows? Marketing is a large part of what you do if you are selling. If it is a hobby, then you are probably giving them to friends and family.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">I am in the process of writing a book about "Being an Artist" ... which is my working title. So the ideal of what it is like to be an artist is the gist of the book. I hope to address many of the issues of the life of an artist, not necessarily techniques for painting, but the day to day things we deal with. There is such a misconception about being an artist and how carefree we are. I probably work well over 40 hours a week doing what I do for my art. Yes, our schedule can be flexible, but if not careful, your time gets frittered away before you know it. Respect for what we do, and thinking of it as a job.... yes a pleasurable one ... is a key element in being successful.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">So this is just a small snippet of some of what will be in the book. This post is about the most recent attendance at the pastel convention known as IAPS! </span></span> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o1ONU0XOSfQ/WVbub9QrrOI/AAAAAAAABHw/HYQVlIc_5O4niW2pPYFEweCMgBQg_LTzACLcBGAs/s1600/Waterfall%25231Beginning14x11%2527180at8x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1131" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o1ONU0XOSfQ/WVbub9QrrOI/AAAAAAAABHw/HYQVlIc_5O4niW2pPYFEweCMgBQg_LTzACLcBGAs/s320/Waterfall%25231Beginning14x11%2527180at8x.jpg" width="251" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beginning of the above waterfall! 14"x11"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></span><br />
<h3>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><b>Attending the IAPS Convention! </b></u></span></span></h3>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">This
June 2017, my husband and I went to the IAPS convention (International
Assoc. of Pastel Societies) in Albuquerque NM. I think this was my
eighth convention for IAPS. We love going and Haywood helps out in the
Terry Ludwig Pastel booth in the vendor market... so he keeps occupied
while I do my networking (meeting with my friends) and demonstrations in
the vendor market for Terry Ludwig and Ampersand Pastelbords. In years
past, I would go to different sessions, so it was a good thing he was
occupied and not just bored and sitting around waiting on me. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Above you can see the waterfall painting the way it was when I stopped. And, you can see the small number of pastels in the Strada Easel, that I used for the painting. The photograph is in the upper right, but has a glare on it. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">I probably won't do anything more to this painting.... it has charm just the way I left it! And, to the left you can see how I started the laying in of pastel on a grey Ampersand Pastelbord. You can see the simplicity of the dark and light pattern to the painting... which is a wonderful way to see if the composition will work out well.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">I was at the Ampersand booth demonstrating the use of their boards! I did this for the three days of the convention's vendor market. I also had on a Terry Ludwig apron, and talked a lot to attendees about the use of his pastels as well as the boards. His booth, a double booth, was just a couple away from me. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">I did four more demonstration paintings over the three days, but I think I'll break up this post into a couple more so it won't become so long. Here is an image of just this painting as I stopped that day.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kvFQZ3st82g/WVb3MMTTCPI/AAAAAAAABIY/tlC83HNbCy82jypU1NTm9RYVVcVXvrVvQCLcBGAs/s1600/WaterfallIAPS%25231%252714x11%2527180at8x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1131" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kvFQZ3st82g/WVb3MMTTCPI/AAAAAAAABIY/tlC83HNbCy82jypU1NTm9RYVVcVXvrVvQCLcBGAs/s320/WaterfallIAPS%25231%252714x11%2527180at8x.jpg" width="251" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How I stopped for the day!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span>
Marsha Hamby Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14648337054636844587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-652683845377156708.post-62182961742681330462017-06-25T17:11:00.000-04:002017-06-25T17:11:32.831-04:00What is it like to be an Artist?<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<u>Maybe Being Able to Paint a Meaningful Painting!</u></h2>
<br />
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rFKGO4GM0mE/WVAVDRWLwVI/AAAAAAAABHE/CUrXjALw3LkWa6NET3ZxBCgZ1trhDZjmwCLcBGAs/s1600/NotEnoughGreen16x12%2527180x10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"></a><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rFKGO4GM0mE/WVAVDRWLwVI/AAAAAAAABHE/CUrXjALw3LkWa6NET3ZxBCgZ1trhDZjmwCLcBGAs/s320/NotEnoughGreen16x12%2527180x10.jpg" width="240" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Not Enough Green!" Pastel 16"x12"</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The post title, "What is it like to be an Artist?" could have so many different answers. To me it is the joy I feel when I can produce something that is worthy of a frame, and truly means something to me and maybe to someone else. It means there is joy in the viewing of the painting by others! The painting I am showing at the top is one of those.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<u>A Little History</u></h3>
<br />
I started painting ... or I should say, learning to paint ... 45 years ago with oil paint. My Mother brought me her tubes of oil paint from when she painted, and that was when I was a baby. I had just given birth to my daughter several months before and was staying home to raise her. Mom thought I needed something to do! Was she kidding? I had a newborn and had loads of stuff to do!<br />
<br />
Well, anyway, that is the start of me trying to paint. And, I had a best friend that was painting and taking lessons, so she encouraged me to do the same. I did find a lady that gave lessons at her home about twice a month on a Tuesday (I think) evening. I probably took about 6 months worth. She had us painting from her own paintings. But, she did allow me after the first one to paint from a photograph I had found in an inspirational publication. I still have that first and second painting, and I am rather proud of what I was able to do!<br />
<br />
Along the way my Mom brought me a set of pastels ... Rembrandt ....
that she found at a yard sale. Wow, all those colors, and so quick
to use. Again, I was off on another adventure. I think that event came
about 2 or 3 years after she brought me her oil paint tubes. I also took only two workshops and no other lessons for about 25 of
those first years. Both of those were 5-day plein air workshops, one in oil
paint, and one in acrylic. <br />
<br />
<h3>
<u>Fast Forward Many Years! </u></h3>
<br />
I painted my little heart out and learned loads of stuff from doing so, and from voracious reading of art books, magazines and studying other artists. I made loads of mistakes along the way, but those taught me what not to do. And, it gave me permission to keep trying different techniques, different mediums, and I made lots of artist friends that helped me along the way.<br />
<br />
I started framing some work, showing in a couple of local small gallery/frame shops, and started selling about 10 years into my journey. Ah! Reminds me of my
favorite saying... "It's the journey, not the destination!" But, I
digress. I decided to join the Atlanta Art Center, took on a few volunteer jobs and kept learning. Nineteen years ago, I took my next workshop from a legend in the Atlanta area, Elsie Dresch. This was a pastel workshop, and I took everything she said to heart, and my work seemed to just take off. Elsie, my first mentor, is the one of the reasons I really fell in love with pastels.<br />
<br />
But, you know how opportunity comes knocking loudly sometimes? Around that time I started teaching workshops and lessons. I was being asked to teach some of my friends, so I thought it would be a good thing to do. And it kept me learning so I could keep ahead of my students, right? I participated on a website called "WetCanvas" and meet many wonderful giving artists there! One of those made the most important impact on me, my art and my career!<br />
<br />
<h3>
<u>Now We Get to the Answer for the Above Painting!</u></h3>
<br />
The person in this painting is truly like no other artist I have met. <u>The plot thickens</u> ... he was on that website, and I had participated for awhile in conversations on the forums about pastels, painting and teaching. He got in touch with me and said something to the effect of, "I know you are teaching classes and workshops, so would you like some samples of my pastels?" Well... that wonderful man was the master colorologist, Terry Ludwig! My answer? Of course, it was a resounding yes. I had heard of his pastels.<br />
<br />
Not long after, not to bore you with all the history of it, he came to visit me in the Atlanta area to teach a portrait workshop at the Atlanta Artist Center. Since he was staying with me, we went out to paint plein air, and it being an August morning, it was humid.... and very green! I came around the barn and took this photo, as he was painting. It was a wonderful memory and I have wanted to paint it for years. I had it taped to one of my cabinets for that eventuality. I did so just a few months ago finally. I framed it and carried it with me to the IAPS (International Association of Pastel Societies) Convention in Albuquerque NM this month (June, 2017). The Terry Ludwig "candy store" booth had it hanging behind the workers that helped attendees pick pastels to purchase and take home with them.<br />
<br />
I painted this memory for Terry and his wife, Marie... and it is now hanging in their living room as a gift from me. We create joy when we paint, and some of the best memories when painting, learning, teaching, visiting galleries and museums, attending events, and best of all ... making artist friends! All these things are joyful if you let them be.<br />
<br />Marsha Hamby Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14648337054636844587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-652683845377156708.post-12633532184314270742017-01-18T21:23:00.000-05:002017-01-18T21:12:54.187-05:00Doldrums? Need to Change?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jx_blA4Xlt0/WH7A9a6oDOI/AAAAAAAABEs/H0C-l_5rBqE3ud24RO7xkPV215zZMiFhACLcB/s1600/HealingWaters14x11RockChange180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jx_blA4Xlt0/WH7A9a6oDOI/AAAAAAAABEs/H0C-l_5rBqE3ud24RO7xkPV215zZMiFhACLcB/s320/HealingWaters14x11RockChange180.jpg" width="251" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Healing Waters" Pastel 14" x 11"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h2>
<u>Here are a few items you might want to try</u>!</h2>
<br />
I was reading a blog post by John Weiss that are along the lines I am discussing here about making a change. He gave a list like I have below, but I made my own list with the help of his. And, in the article, he also said, "The question is,
must art become commercially successful and widely recognized to be
powerful? To fulfill the artist's creative vision? To elicit joy in
others? .... Doing the work is enough." I did leave out some of what he
said before that last sentence because what I read spoke to me just
the way I have presented it here to you.<br />
<br />
Make sure to listen to your heart! Change should only be about a passion or an intriguing idea that just won't go away. This might be a great clue as to a direction worth exploring.<br />
<br />
<h3>
So.... what should you do?</h3>
<br />
1. Identify why you feel you are stymied or need something new, or you are stuck in the doldrums.<br />
<br />
2. Visualize what could be .... what intrigues you.<br />
<br />
3. Write down your thoughts, or what you would like to change. Do some research into the things you are thinking need work. <br />
<br />
4. Make a list of steps that might help you accomplish the change you wish to make. Have a plan of study, or practice... which helps you figure out where to go.<br />
<br />
5. Create some reminders of what you want to accomplish .... your goal. Stick them up where you will see them every day. Practice with purpose these things that are change or different from your normal way.<br />
<br />
6. And maybe you need to change your routine so it will be easier to not fall back on your old methods. Move your supplies, have a different order, change the supplies, put on different music.... anything that will signify something new is about to happen!<br />
<br />
Remember ... you might encounter these types of feelings, or the need to change something, many different times during your lifetime or career. This is normal and a realization that it is time for growth or learning something new! You can't grow if you keep doing the same thing all the time.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GE0DjcV4dVA/WH7EHshuClI/AAAAAAAABFA/uL0t_eS_-y8WBowxDLtPIHzFAimol--lwCLcB/s1600/FarmHill14x11%2527180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GE0DjcV4dVA/WH7EHshuClI/AAAAAAAABFA/uL0t_eS_-y8WBowxDLtPIHzFAimol--lwCLcB/s320/FarmHill14x11%2527180.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Farm On a Hill (working title) Pastel 11"x14"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I have a quote taped up right beside my easel which says, "If you're not prepared to be wrong, you'll never come up with anything creative!" I think about it more now that I see this quote beside me. It helps!<br />
<br />
The two paintings in this blog are part of my change from the past three or four years of trying to "simplify" which really led me down a road that was not working for me. So, part of my change was going back to who I really am, and what I love to paint ... use what I have learned in those years to make my work better!<br />
<br />
So ..... sometimes change might be revisiting who you really are, using things you have learned, and understanding what "success" means to you.Marsha Hamby Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14648337054636844587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-652683845377156708.post-4081837656358544372016-09-17T21:23:00.002-04:002016-09-17T21:23:32.672-04:00Rocks Are Fun To Paint!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lixWUKhy028/V93ZXwspj8I/AAAAAAAAA_c/8CGQzgz7JAstMEB8xjxU8SspNTmb9qOswCLcB/s1600/P-RiverRun20x16%2527180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lixWUKhy028/V93ZXwspj8I/AAAAAAAAA_c/8CGQzgz7JAstMEB8xjxU8SspNTmb9qOswCLcB/s320/P-RiverRun20x16%2527180.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">River Run, Pastel 20"x16"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Painting with pastels is so much fun with rocks. You get to choose a stick of pastel and make a beautiful angular shaped stroke... and that first stroke just looks like a rock! How cool is that? Use that broad side of the pastel stick. I break all my pastels in half and it is just the right size to make that mark.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bW5wrQdtwzQ/V93UZKR1XfI/AAAAAAAAA-4/mpAC2wkU3IkC4kt91j8i57MGuyiMvzUSwCLcB/s1600/1%2527StartRocks180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bW5wrQdtwzQ/V93UZKR1XfI/AAAAAAAAA-4/mpAC2wkU3IkC4kt91j8i57MGuyiMvzUSwCLcB/s320/1%2527StartRocks180.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beginning Shapes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
My Method of Breaking the Shapes Down:<br />
<ol>
<li>Be sure to squint to look at your reference so you can see the dark and the light shapes of the large mass of rocks. When you open your eyes, quickly think: "Is the dark a warm or cool dark?" This will help you decide to use that temperature when you pick your dark color. This means the light rocks will be the opposite temperature. So, if you decide the dark is warm, then the light part of the rock will be cool, and vice versa! Does that make sense? </li>
<li>Break the large shape of all the rocks down into a dark mass with no reference to small rocks, just the large dark shape. Choose a dark pastel that is a couple of values lighter than black... this could be referenced as a "middle" dark. Stroke it on the complete dark shape, lightly caressing it on the surface.</li>
<li>This leaves the part of the large shape of all the rocks that you have determined is the light mass. So, choose a light pastel that is a couple of values from white... this would be referenced as a "middle" light. Now, you can caress that shape with this lighter pastel on your surface.</li>
<li>Make sure you have touched the dark mass to the light mass, and by this I mean don't leave the surface showing to create a "halo" effect around or between your dark and your light. You want them butted up against each other. If you leave the surface showing, you have in essence a third value!</li>
</ol>
At this point, you can use a wet under-painting method if you wish, or you can leave it dry. It really does not matter, and is only a personal preference. Sometimes I do one, and others I don't.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HrulADPjiP8/V93UYmGmBUI/AAAAAAAAA_A/LIxLBB6GQa08zWUTfCuJf1pYF7CRbJoTQCEw/s1600/2Add1stColors180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HrulADPjiP8/V93UYmGmBUI/AAAAAAAAA_A/LIxLBB6GQa08zWUTfCuJf1pYF7CRbJoTQCEw/s320/2Add1stColors180.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Second Layer of Pastels</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
As you start layering other pastel colors onto those first two, the dark and the light, you will start breaking down the large mass of each. Important point to remember at this stage is to not introduce anything from the light half of the value scale into your dark area, or dark into your light area. You have four values you can use from each half of the value scale, saving the lightest light and the darkest dark for the end as your accent and highlight marks. And, make sure you use that pastel stick in such a way as to look like the angles in rocks... no potatoes please! :)<br />
<br />
Here is my progression of these rocks:<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aYbmJ2c0koA/V93UZbKYydI/AAAAAAAAA_A/9WnAZroIep02HK8TjeUsaXN-e7-Z8nIJQCEw/s1600/3%2527CloseUpLight180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aYbmJ2c0koA/V93UZbKYydI/AAAAAAAAA_A/9WnAZroIep02HK8TjeUsaXN-e7-Z8nIJQCEw/s200/3%2527CloseUpLight180.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breaking up the Light Shape</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FE3Z9Tp2LF8/V93hRuj7DZI/AAAAAAAAA_4/xEo8q4yv6osOxvkZ9b2c1OeKaZ0YO8eqgCLcB/s1600/5%2527AddingDetails180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FE3Z9Tp2LF8/V93hRuj7DZI/AAAAAAAAA_4/xEo8q4yv6osOxvkZ9b2c1OeKaZ0YO8eqgCLcB/s200/5%2527AddingDetails180.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breaking up the Dark Shape</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
I have added details to the dark shapes with warms and cools, but with all those being in the dark half of the value scale. This gives interest to the rocks without making them look too spotty... and of course the same thing was done with the light shapes. All of my marks until the end, are done with a "light hand" instead of a heavy-handed stroke. This is just me. Play around with different pressures of making your mark. Find what works best for you. Sometimes it will be light, and sometimes heavy as the "feeling" of what you want to give the viewer will come through. Also make sure some marks are larger, some middle and smaller and move in different directions or angles. Variety is what we see in rocks!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i8XH2X8TaqA/V93iNwfyb8I/AAAAAAAABAA/qPTbOQ_meV4tVAYSCXrQvZgxtx26aQ0xwCLcB/s1600/7%2527FinalRightAdjust180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i8XH2X8TaqA/V93iNwfyb8I/AAAAAAAABAA/qPTbOQ_meV4tVAYSCXrQvZgxtx26aQ0xwCLcB/s320/7%2527FinalRightAdjust180.jpg" width="313" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adjusting the Greenery and<br />
Creating Interest in the Rock</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
To make it look three-dimensional, I have made sure the part of the rock moving down and inward under the bottom is a little darker, but never as dark as black. The same has been done for the top of the rocks... highlights on a few as if the sun was just touching it. Remember too, the light of the sky will reflect onto the top and make it a little lighter than the angled sides of the rocks.<br />
<br />
"River Run" won an Honorable Mention at the Southeastern Pastel Society's International Juried Exhibition this past Spring. It will be one of my paintings available at Taylor-Brawner "Park With Art Exhibition" in Smyrna GA. The event will run from Friday, Oct. 7th through Sun., Oct. 16th at Smyrna's historic Taylor-Brawner House. The exhibit will be open 6 - 9 pm on Friday for a Reception and meet the artists. The show will be open daily thereafter from 12 noon - 5 pm. On Tues. and Thurs. (11th and 13th) the time is extended to 8 pm.<br />
<br />
Come see me at the Reception! <br />
<br /><br />Marsha Hamby Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14648337054636844587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-652683845377156708.post-18138020394433942762016-07-24T10:59:00.000-04:002016-07-24T10:59:29.377-04:00Creating From Your Memories<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pZyC7pZ4XLA/V5SmEAf7TlI/AAAAAAAAA7w/dRYjJ5sPYt88-2Al8ugC6HTweOdbOpJTACLcB/s1600/10%2527Valley24x30%2527180%25279x12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pZyC7pZ4XLA/V5SmEAf7TlI/AAAAAAAAA7w/dRYjJ5sPYt88-2Al8ugC6HTweOdbOpJTACLcB/s320/10%2527Valley24x30%2527180%25279x12.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Valley (in progress name) 24"x30"<br />
As it is before fresh eyes this morning!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There are many times I have a vision of a scene I want to create. I will go through some photos and plein air pieces to come up with some references that I can use to jog my memory. Crazy right? Well, this painting has been worked on for about three different days, with some days where I did not get to work. I have posted a few of the "in progress" shots on Instagram which then gets shared to my Facebook page. Several have made comments, and when I posted the first stage (which is coming up) I was asked to please show the progress shots. I will say there was a stage I was working on in the ravine/creek area that did not get a photo, before I scraped it out and stopped for the day to come back the next one and start again.<br />
<br />
<h3>
The beginning shots of laying in the idea! </h3>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nKOZA4eVfcA/V5SoALglcUI/AAAAAAAAA8A/rwtFVVWzJgMR3j3T9aU73WlD1EZvoPPmACLcB/s1600/1%2527Valley24x30%2527180%25279x12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nKOZA4eVfcA/V5SoALglcUI/AAAAAAAAA8A/rwtFVVWzJgMR3j3T9aU73WlD1EZvoPPmACLcB/s200/1%2527Valley24x30%2527180%25279x12.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Step #1</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Iv8B69VLQjI/V5Sn__nggrI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/1axDl5BjRDEy6uCSXvh_XQI_CFdx7HMbACEw/s1600/2%2527Valley24x30%2527180%25279x12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Iv8B69VLQjI/V5Sn__nggrI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/1axDl5BjRDEy6uCSXvh_XQI_CFdx7HMbACEw/s200/2%2527Valley24x30%2527180%25279x12.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Step #2</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u><b>Step #1</b></u> drawing with pencil very lightly to give me a road map. And then a start with the distant plane... the mountains!<br />
<br />
<u><b>Step #2</b></u> Here I am adding colors in the pasture, creating the negative image of a tree, combining peach and ochre mixtures with light green mixture, so I could have a pasture with "character" and not a flat color.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Step #3</b></u> I have just moved down the canvas getting a
layer of some colors and values and shapes. This helped create the
stream bed, a slight ravine and the bushy stuff at the bottom... and the
dark side of the tree.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QBcOdXdM6Vk/V5Sn_tGeOxI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/niyc6TjTZL8GH5sH-q-6ZEkw9g1OAX0RACEw/s1600/3%2527Valley24x30%2527180%25279x12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QBcOdXdM6Vk/V5Sn_tGeOxI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/niyc6TjTZL8GH5sH-q-6ZEkw9g1OAX0RACEw/s200/3%2527Valley24x30%2527180%25279x12.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Step #3</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zX26oHX6xfc/V5SoA13T-TI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/643gqtJCjBAQIrA3F65EmUbzNT_9fhQnwCEw/s1600/4%2527Valley24x30%2527180%25279x12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zX26oHX6xfc/V5SoA13T-TI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/643gqtJCjBAQIrA3F65EmUbzNT_9fhQnwCEw/s200/4%2527Valley24x30%2527180%25279x12.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Step #4</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I like using Ultramarine Blue and Permanent
Alizarin Crimson as underpainting colors for my darks. The green tree
actually started out with the Ultramarine Blue as its under color.<br />
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<u><b>Step #4</b></u> I continue adding the pasture colors, and more greens into it as it progresses forward. My greens are a combination of Ultramarine Blue and either Cad. Yellow Med. or Cadmium Lemon. I adjust those, adding some modifying colors to knock them down a little. I'm also beginning to play with what are the trees and stuff coming toward us from the background. I introduced some trees that have a lavender in them... could be trees that are losing their foliage for some reason.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xS7PKWHUkZQ/V5SuGWWNPnI/AAAAAAAAA8o/71yZCRGkqpIqQI-pVXJVE0PIO2yBaKqIgCLcB/s1600/5%2527Valley24x30%2527180%25279x12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xS7PKWHUkZQ/V5SuGWWNPnI/AAAAAAAAA8o/71yZCRGkqpIqQI-pVXJVE0PIO2yBaKqIgCLcB/s200/5%2527Valley24x30%2527180%25279x12.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Step #5</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<u><b>Step #5</b></u> is trying to cover all the white of the canvas except the little barn in the distant middle ground. I added the sky colors, leaving a light section to become a cloud, and also put that sky color in the creek. I have the bank of "Georgia red clay" on the shadow side of the creek... a small ravine. And, I have added more to the tree and little bush, foreground foliage values and colors.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rKbxFtQVN7Y/V5TQk3Rs5lI/AAAAAAAAA9E/hXI4VxUfzSQw83e76QOyQfxuTzYNI4w8QCLcB/s1600/6%2527Valley24x30%2527180%25279x12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rKbxFtQVN7Y/V5TQk3Rs5lI/AAAAAAAAA9E/hXI4VxUfzSQw83e76QOyQfxuTzYNI4w8QCLcB/s200/6%2527Valley24x30%2527180%25279x12.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Step #6</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n4nwmVNyoY4/V5TQj-KG_QI/AAAAAAAAA9I/3uofyp85jREBop57KeJp8A28iox1pIpCwCEw/s1600/7%2527ValleyGreyscale24x30%2527180%25279x12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n4nwmVNyoY4/V5TQj-KG_QI/AAAAAAAAA9I/3uofyp85jREBop57KeJp8A28iox1pIpCwCEw/s200/7%2527ValleyGreyscale24x30%2527180%25279x12.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Step #7 - grey scale</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u><b>Step #6</b></u> This is the image after I had scraped off lots of "nit-picky" foliage in the ravine area of the creek. I had spent a lot of time on creating what you see growing down in those little creeks that snake their way through a pasture. Well, I didn't like it, so I used my palette knife and scraped! This is the image after that, but I have added more color to the little barn, and changed some of the colors in the pasture. I have also changed the distant course of the creek and the near part as it comes to the foreground foliage. And here, on the right, <u><b>Step #7</b></u> is a grey scale ... values only with no color.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D8ut3hwLIog/V5TSaKEzzmI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/1T1QPHge4oYn6ohHtlw20O2HEr3l4jfHACLcB/s1600/8%2527Valley24x30%2527180%25279x12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D8ut3hwLIog/V5TSaKEzzmI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/1T1QPHge4oYn6ohHtlw20O2HEr3l4jfHACLcB/s200/8%2527Valley24x30%2527180%25279x12.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Step #8</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u><b>Step #8</b></u> Here I have scraped out the middle distance... the barn and trees... adding the barn a little more forward and just slightly larger, and creating a bank of darker blue to build some trees on behind the barn. The right side I have changed those lavender trees to a larger shape and a little more forward. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-quhaIdVynw0/V5TSalIoh6I/AAAAAAAAA9U/J_h7DOq6kb8n55xpJwV7JTosgXoPyb0YgCEw/s1600/9%2527Valley24x30%2527180%25279x12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-quhaIdVynw0/V5TSalIoh6I/AAAAAAAAA9U/J_h7DOq6kb8n55xpJwV7JTosgXoPyb0YgCEw/s200/9%2527Valley24x30%2527180%25279x12.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Step #9</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u><b>Step #9</b></u> ... here I have added the colors to the trees behind the barn, worked on the pasture, and am changing the shape and direction of the creek again! And, I have moved the tree from the bottom on this side of the creek to the other bank... other side of the creek.<br />
<br />
When you are not pleased, be fearless and make a change, even a significant change. I have developed a work method of "thinking" this is only me trying to learn, be a better more thoughtful painter even when deciding to scrap off! Why am I scraping off? Make decisions based on your knowledge when you are backed away and sitting on your stool. A mentor of mine, Duane Wakeham, ld me I needed to spend more time sitting on the stool, and a little less time painting... he knew I am prolific!<br />
<br />
It still does not please me... so, <u><b>Step #10</b></u>, I have added to the middle trees, putting shadows under them, etc. I have changed the creek bank more, and worked in the foreground. So here is another photo after reading this long post and looking at all the progress shots... of the image at the top... where it stands as of writing this post. That does not mean I won't change it when I make it back to the studio this afternoon, or tomorrow.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pZyC7pZ4XLA/V5SmEAf7TlI/AAAAAAAAA8I/YVWPIbfIbA0E1DR6Ye4FPv4VymCuEqRjQCEw/s1600/10%2527Valley24x30%2527180%25279x12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pZyC7pZ4XLA/V5SmEAf7TlI/AAAAAAAAA8I/YVWPIbfIbA0E1DR6Ye4FPv4VymCuEqRjQCEw/s320/10%2527Valley24x30%2527180%25279x12.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Step #10</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I hope you have enjoyed coming along with me on this journey of starting, changing, working, changing, and hopefully getting toward the end of a 24"x30" oil painting! Work some from your memory, have things sitting around that will inspire you, things that will give you ideas, etc. But, be creative and unafraid! One of my favorite sayings is, "Crash and Burn" if you need to do so. You might not be glad you did.<br />
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<br />Marsha Hamby Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14648337054636844587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-652683845377156708.post-30675059875154114362016-06-12T23:18:00.000-04:002016-06-12T23:18:58.506-04:00Why change an older painting?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i67qUbrb44I/V14GUh_jWjI/AAAAAAAAA5o/rZ6r3k_iQNIpMfAAPwr2cRf8y8UVcYzEgCLcB/s1600/PeaceInValley72%252736x48%25279x12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i67qUbrb44I/V14GUh_jWjI/AAAAAAAAA5o/rZ6r3k_iQNIpMfAAPwr2cRf8y8UVcYzEgCLcB/s320/PeaceInValley72%252736x48%25279x12.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peace In the Valley, Oil 36"x48" painted in 2011</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Sometimes we paint a piece of artwork that we love most aspects of, and decide it is a finished piece. I am a firm believer that paintings are really never finished, we just decide it is the best we can do at this time in our career. When trying to decide if it is finished, I always say:<br />
<br />
"<i>When you are backing away to make your decisions, be thoughtful. If you don't know anything more to do, that would make it perceptibly better, then don't do anything.</i>"<br />
<br />
The painting above was painted in 2011, and is a 36"x48" oil on a gallery wrap canvas. I was trying to convey a morning with the sun low in the sky and reflecting on those clouds and the land and trees. This painting has been in my gallery in Marietta, GA, Frameworks Gallery, for most of that time. They have moved it around, placing it in many premier spots in the gallery and always getting good comments and rave reviews. But, it just had not met it's owner yet. I brought it home last week, and decided to work on it to see how I could improve on it. You know, we keep learning, and refining our thoughts on how best to present a feeling in a painting. So I stood and thought about what kind of feeling did I want to change this one to?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XQbTWMCCYpo/V14V7wkNHxI/AAAAAAAAA6A/Djh32lYLBfYEP7vTz4iIXTm2QsawSSQ7wCLcB/s1600/PeaceIntheValley%2527Bottom%25272016Redo%252736x48%252772.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="86" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XQbTWMCCYpo/V14V7wkNHxI/AAAAAAAAA6A/Djh32lYLBfYEP7vTz4iIXTm2QsawSSQ7wCLcB/s320/PeaceIntheValley%2527Bottom%25272016Redo%252736x48%252772.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bottom of the painting redone</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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My first thought was change some of the colors in the field to a more traditional green, and then maybe with highlights of taller grasses in the middle ground ... those we see that have seed heads on them making the color a little more on the neutral side, or maybe on a light warm beige or wheat color. These could have bits of peach or pink in them... along with a light green. This was something I was seeing in my mind's eye. I knew it needed something else! I also wanted to lead the viewer into the painting... so next thought, "how about a pathway or road!"<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E64fZbpzt9g/V14WRBNFSsI/AAAAAAAAA6I/JgZ-boH6r84Bal1GwPuoJHuY53eExf8KwCLcB/s1600/PeaceIntheValley%2527Top%25272016Redo%252736x48%252772.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="72" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E64fZbpzt9g/V14WRBNFSsI/AAAAAAAAA6I/JgZ-boH6r84Bal1GwPuoJHuY53eExf8KwCLcB/s320/PeaceIntheValley%2527Top%25272016Redo%252736x48%252772.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The top third of the painting with cloud changed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And, if I am changing the colors of the land, then I need to change the colors showing in the cloud to be consistent with the colors of the land. The light will still be morning light and low in the sky. But, I'm not sure this is the finish of the clouds... I need to refine the shape of the cloud. Right now it does not look believable to me. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZeHxDUJOMDU/V14ZHRt7tBI/AAAAAAAAA6o/r_8leUw6yj4WZllMQAUtJ4sefCa30W4PwCLcB/s1600/PeaceIntheValley%2527Middle%25272016Redo%252736x48%252772.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="94" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZeHxDUJOMDU/V14ZHRt7tBI/AAAAAAAAA6o/r_8leUw6yj4WZllMQAUtJ4sefCa30W4PwCLcB/s320/PeaceIntheValley%2527Middle%25272016Redo%252736x48%252772.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The middle third of the painting still needs work!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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And, the middle portion of the painting might need some color changes too. It is still a little too yellow for my taste. The middle and distant grasses of the painting have been changed a couple of times. Mix a little different color for that distance, and make sure as I change that cloud, the land mass reflects the same kind of light.<br />
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But, do be aware that my grasses aren't that yellow, and greens in the trees are not really the color
you are seeing, but much darker. I do think the photo is not showing correctly... the grasses in the
distance are more yellow in the photo. This photo of the total painting was done inside even though I changed the color cast in Photoshop Elements to be more natural, and less like the yellow light we find inside. The final
one will be done in natural light outdoors and the colors will be more
true.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rgyd6gkgvfY/V14jRUGMH3I/AAAAAAAAA7A/ZFlPxeJXqWo6d4un94-175VU7ZxEP_AKgCLcB/s1600/PeaceIntheValley2016Redo%252736x48%252772x16x12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rgyd6gkgvfY/V14jRUGMH3I/AAAAAAAAA7A/ZFlPxeJXqWo6d4un94-175VU7ZxEP_AKgCLcB/s320/PeaceIntheValley2016Redo%252736x48%252772x16x12.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The redo as it stands from last week's work... ready to start again!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Still some sitting on my stool and thinking about what do I want to convey, and how best to do so. Wish me luck!Marsha Hamby Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14648337054636844587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-652683845377156708.post-3252736839584746172016-05-14T21:25:00.001-04:002016-05-14T21:25:39.187-04:00Third and Last Day of Marketing Boot Camp<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ok1BvsL08BA/Vze7uWh4J6I/AAAAAAAAA28/LjkwXlurDuk7V6ws0jhpEQh6RXWSfWNTQCLcB/s1600/EricPainting72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ok1BvsL08BA/Vze7uWh4J6I/AAAAAAAAA28/LjkwXlurDuk7V6ws0jhpEQh6RXWSfWNTQCLcB/s200/EricPainting72.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eric painting at Old Tucson</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Monday morning was the last day of our Marketing boot camp at 6:30 am! So glad, those long days were killer! This is going to be a long blog post. And I am going to sprinkle it with some of my work, because there were shots of his slides, but I think you need what he said instead of just those "dry" lists!<br />
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Eric started with something to the effect of "you've been marketing and maybe had a little success ... now what?<br />
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His reply to his own comment was "<b>don't go into coast mode</b>." This is something that happens to many artists... success can lead to some sitting back and then you lose momentum. So, to get back on track he said you need to ask yourself some probing questions such as: "What was making me successful?" But, also, you don't need to just keep on doing the same thing. A good strategy is to keep reinventing yourself. You need to eradicate the concept of the starving artists. Many artists fall into this trap of believing it is true.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LPd7qIUeFo0/VzfPgrBW-RI/AAAAAAAAA44/zvLyGt26fBMxWQ7Njov2BJAkPWSK2OgZQCLcB/s1600/DuneTree5x7%2527180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LPd7qIUeFo0/VzfPgrBW-RI/AAAAAAAAA44/zvLyGt26fBMxWQ7Njov2BJAkPWSK2OgZQCLcB/s200/DuneTree5x7%2527180.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Dunes Tree" Oil 5"x7"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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And, sometimes you need to keep the perception of being the "Best" and help others believe it. I took this as a don't make comments that undermine what others think of you or your work. Be positive, and you don't have to share the down side to some of the life of being an artist, or even the parts of your painting you are not so thrilled with.<br />
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After this pep talk, he started talking about a new plan he has. It is a 12-Month Marketing Plan in a box which he is selling. I believe you can order this plan, so check out the Plein Air Convention site.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0gtEfwhFXq0/Vze9x54pBsI/AAAAAAAAA3I/ukzcshVFDhAeZvLbmyfyfYCXlBYDJ0L5gCLcB/s1600/IMG_4372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0gtEfwhFXq0/Vze9x54pBsI/AAAAAAAAA3I/ukzcshVFDhAeZvLbmyfyfYCXlBYDJ0L5gCLcB/s200/IMG_4372.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Things an Artist Needs to Do!</td></tr>
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Two words he used were "Discover" and "Imagine" as important steps in creating a plan.He wanted to know, are you sick of the income roller coaster? The client is a key element. You can increase their lifetime spending by switching the mind-set from a one-time buyer to a continuous lifetime client. This can create cash windfalls as needed, or a cash surge. The plan is you need to invent something for that cash surge... so his "Imagine" was a key to doing this.<br />
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"<b>One and done doesn't work!</b>" He said you should lay it out for the year. And, no negative thinking. He wants you to ask, "how can I make this work for me?"<br />
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There are "<b>five reasons for failure</b>." (1) Not really being in touch with customers, not understanding them, (2) no market differentiation - you need to stand out. Don't use the same old photos of just paintings, but think of things that are a little different. Show yourself in your studio painting, or on location painting. Show your tools and discuss them, (3) failure to communicate clearly - make sure terms are understandable, (4) there is a breakdown at the top, in the leadership, and (5) an inability to have a profitable business model with proven revenue streams.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bJ9267-ZTpM/VzfMzm5CyCI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/Cq1ANqsBpAkT1LLxqmTn3gtX2wSPGJCZACLcB/s1600/CypressDance180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bJ9267-ZTpM/VzfMzm5CyCI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/Cq1ANqsBpAkT1LLxqmTn3gtX2wSPGJCZACLcB/s200/CypressDance180.jpg" width="166" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Cypress Dance" Pastel 24"x20</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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And, "<b>why do you need this?</b>" So you can have (1) predictable income, (2) freedom and flexibility, and (3) a big advantage. What you would get in this marketing plan in a box: Monthly Components, Weekly Components, Twice a Year Components, and Quarterly Components. This plan is more "what to do vs how to do it." You get guidance, discovery, a marketing calendar, and components of what goes on the calendar, listing every strategy you plan to use (advertising, social media, and notes. You will assign dates, assign duties, monthly and weekly. This really was a sales pitch for the plan, but if you listened closely, there were jewels of ideas on how to do it if you were organized and motivated. Many artists are not! They want someone else to do it for them. This was a compromise.<br />
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He did offer many slides of the parts of the "marketing in a box" that were teasers. It did make me think about "do I want to buy this?" I decided I am pretty good most times at marketing, but I am not consistent enough. It just made me want to become more consistent and do it myself. I want to be as he said "market differentiation - stand out" .... be different. I didn't want my plans to be just like the ones that would purchase his plan. I'm sure it is a good one and will work for those artists that follow through and do it just as he has it laid out. And, you do get 4 phone calls, he called them "implementation calls" with Eric and his crew. Here is a shot of the screen that tells all you get in the box.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4lJbAkWR3nE/VzfCj_SjOWI/AAAAAAAAA3s/odmAZJiMyLEIxCTD3QT3esae_K6tPh0EACLcB/s1600/IMG_4393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4lJbAkWR3nE/VzfCj_SjOWI/AAAAAAAAA3s/odmAZJiMyLEIxCTD3QT3esae_K6tPh0EACLcB/s320/IMG_4393.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The list of what is in the box</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dv2Xd1yJKOQ/Vze-D9uYlWI/AAAAAAAAA3g/3jnalu76Y1w4OIMlYoymyQ5Fwcw45FdNwCKgB/s1600/IMG_4376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dv2Xd1yJKOQ/Vze-D9uYlWI/AAAAAAAAA3g/3jnalu76Y1w4OIMlYoymyQ5Fwcw45FdNwCKgB/s200/IMG_4376.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The system components</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Here are some of the points you can do yourself. Eric talked about how to get back to direct mail as it still produces. We don't need to just rely on the internet for email, social media and newsletters. Create something that is different, have a theme, stand out. Even do a "killer offer". Don't forget to have great "killer" Headlines... very important to grab their attention. The mistakes made are (1) not having a "call to action" (2) nothing to differentiate you, and (3) not having a deadline. The offer needs bullet points, a great name, a hot title, to pull them in. Draw them in by using the entertainment factor.<br />
<br />
Have something special for your clients, offer a deal that is more social, have a reception or small dinner, a small private cocktail party, give them a small gift such as a print (the $5.00 type). The client needs to receive this offer by direct mail, using a nice oversized post card with good graphics, too. A great headline, bullet points, the offer, and a deadline to respond (the call to action). Show your artwork in small images somewhere. Here is one of my paintings I like to use when putting on a card. It always sparks interest and questions!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y-vDmiRQNnw/VzfIpLj6E2I/AAAAAAAAA4E/4t5qsNkOyjUcXwq-FdyPNcQ_dsxsd71qgCLcB/s1600/WilleoMisty180x10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y-vDmiRQNnw/VzfIpLj6E2I/AAAAAAAAA4E/4t5qsNkOyjUcXwq-FdyPNcQ_dsxsd71qgCLcB/s320/WilleoMisty180x10.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Willeo Park Misty" Plein air pastel, 16"x20"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
He did a quick run-through of images showing lists that talked about quarterly components, twice yearly, micro newsletters, refer a friend programs, phone calls, personal visits, deals with your gallery. Talk about your integrity. Having a system to remind them to buy! Have a lost customer reactivation plan.<br />
<br />
He said the <b>#1 rule ... the key to crushing it</b> ... don't always make an offer, but when you do, they can't refuse. Identify what's in it for them, describe it clearly, add scarcity, add a bonus, and describe the call to action ... but not in a sleazy sounding way! He commented how do you get this going fast? Spend 2 days thinking, then 2 days creating your theme, create templates you can use, etc. This is designed for local strategy, but may be used nationally. Offer something and get people excited about it. Pick one thing! Make it entertaining and exciting. Stand out!<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t48rKjeKpes/VzfODemYnII/AAAAAAAAA4k/dENewBcDTnMfTYIbvfUzXoxLpabbFwSxgCLcB/s1600/MyRidetoWork16x12%2527180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t48rKjeKpes/VzfODemYnII/AAAAAAAAA4k/dENewBcDTnMfTYIbvfUzXoxLpabbFwSxgCLcB/s200/MyRidetoWork16x12%2527180.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"My Ride to Work" Pastel 16"x12"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<u><b>My take-away from this third session</b></u> ....</h3>
<br />
Keep a marketing calendar, 12 month one, put dates on it for each thing you are going to do. Have someone you can use as an accountability partner. And then use it! Show your clients you care. Know them, and know what can work for you. Make it as easy as possible to keep going on your plan and don't make it overwhelming. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Marsha Hamby Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14648337054636844587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-652683845377156708.post-16132990002870001122016-05-07T17:28:00.002-04:002016-05-07T17:56:55.293-04:00Marketing Boot Camp - Day Two<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AKJttEHdkHc/Vy33UvKs_vI/AAAAAAAAA0o/PoMlWFL7bZ0Xpv4N6A94JXGe3U2gYOZCACLcB/s1600/Eric%2526Stuart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AKJttEHdkHc/Vy33UvKs_vI/AAAAAAAAA0o/PoMlWFL7bZ0Xpv4N6A94JXGe3U2gYOZCACLcB/s320/Eric%2526Stuart.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eric and Stuart Johnson</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Whew, another very early morning, alarm goes off in enough time to take a quick shower, put on clothes and makeup, make it to food court, and eat something, drink coffee... hurry, hurry! We did get a little better seat, actually the front row!<br />
<br />
In our seats before 6:30 am and ready to pay attention to Eric Rhodes second day of Marketing Boot Camp. Today Eric spoke first about being in, or getting in, galleries.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2VhteI4dLiI/Vy34BSM8aBI/AAAAAAAAA0s/eLYm4w759egmaJb8-7sWONdM9s8mVvYWwCLcB/s1600/IMG_4339x10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2VhteI4dLiI/Vy34BSM8aBI/AAAAAAAAA0s/eLYm4w759egmaJb8-7sWONdM9s8mVvYWwCLcB/s200/IMG_4339x10.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of cactus, homes, and mountain<br />
from the back side of El Conquistador Resort</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Eric had Stuart Johnson, of Settler's West Gallery, on the stage to
give advice from the gallery owner’s perspective. We took copious notes,
and photos of things he posted on the screen so we didn't have to try
to write so fast! Very interesting conversation so that it might help
those that were looking to be in a gallery, and how the gallery wanted
to be approached and dealt with if you were taken into it.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dBRfUWd6T-o/Vy35nI1mDEI/AAAAAAAAA08/gaZbFXbK034zfx-JJnJIQZD2-xODFml5gCLcB/s1600/IMG_4348x10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dBRfUWd6T-o/Vy35nI1mDEI/AAAAAAAAA08/gaZbFXbK034zfx-JJnJIQZD2-xODFml5gCLcB/s200/IMG_4348x10.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View the opposite way of the mountains</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vxm5g7Omtok/Vy37K0qMBKI/AAAAAAAAA1M/J7e5jZDl_fsbNVwonfgRPLfUgJOW4tY8QCLcB/s1600/IMG_4344x10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vxm5g7Omtok/Vy37K0qMBKI/AAAAAAAAA1M/J7e5jZDl_fsbNVwonfgRPLfUgJOW4tY8QCLcB/s200/IMG_4344x10.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Art being created of these<br />
views behind the resort!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If someone is referring you to them, he takes into consideration where the information is coming from. When someone mentions you name, same thing, where the information is coming from! <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<u><b>Important Career Advice</b></u><br />
<br />
- Know what the market needs, and for advice about<br />
raising prices (and when).<br />
- They can build a collector base<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dx79B0-O8u0/Vy4J9WgNhwI/AAAAAAAAA1o/SPE1-Yf6ExwAZ2Il6Xtzu-PFvetiTq8VACLcB/s1600/IMG_4350x10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dx79B0-O8u0/Vy4J9WgNhwI/AAAAAAAAA1o/SPE1-Yf6ExwAZ2Il6Xtzu-PFvetiTq8VACLcB/s200/IMG_4350x10.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saguaro and artists on the golf green!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
- They may be observing you unknowingly.<br />
- Establish a relationship before it is needed.<br />
- Get invited in<br />
- Do your homework. <br />
- Understand who your collector is.<br />
- Are you a good fit for the gallery.<br />
- Do you know any of the artists<br />
... They might introduce you!<br />
<br />
<u><b>What is at the top of his list of most important?</b></u><br />
<br />
Mr. Johnson said the number one thing they look for is consistency! The body of work is important along with a certain amount of available inventory. But he cautioned about producing “too much material” and thinks it is a detriment to your career! Over 40/50 finished pieces is not good probably. It intrigues collectors as well as the gallery... Scarcity is sometimes the key.<br />
<br />
As an artist grows, you start competing only with yourself. ... and this is how you get invited. Be visible! He advised artists to focus, but be broad enough -- fresh -- in your concepts. Staying in the same genre is mostly what is considered acceptable. <br />
<br />
He gave advice on pricing ... and about increasing the prices only gradually. Sometimes the prices are too low and can turn off a collector. Lower price points are for people decorating their home.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QAueXtayVXg/Vy4NJnMpR4I/AAAAAAAAA18/jO7qwJ5_6EosELYpHHDfhyr0WR1cJ3-dACLcB/s1600/IMG_4325x10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QAueXtayVXg/Vy4NJnMpR4I/AAAAAAAAA18/jO7qwJ5_6EosELYpHHDfhyr0WR1cJ3-dACLcB/s320/IMG_4325x10.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prickly pear ... what i wanted to paint.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<u><b>So now you are new in the gallery</b></u><br />
<u><b>... what now?</b></u> <br />
<br />
- Be open for some criticism. A good critic.<br />
- The gallery introduces the artist to the public, maybe other shows.<br />
- Be ready early – work ahead!<br />
<br />
Mr. Johnson said: The Kiss of Death! Sending a painting that has been in another show! Older dated paintings. Missing deadlines more than a day or two.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kHfeBo0ePk8/Vy5dnkzkkRI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/is1UlqC--eoqqk0BvYC1bpB1tcrbyD2PwCLcB/s1600/IMG_4324x10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kHfeBo0ePk8/Vy5dnkzkkRI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/is1UlqC--eoqqk0BvYC1bpB1tcrbyD2PwCLcB/s200/IMG_4324x10.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Palo Verde tree blooms!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Here are some random thoughts, or answers to questions asked at the end of his part:<br />
1. Story of the painting... titles should be better. So what was going on when doing it!<br />
2. Galleries should allow us the name and address of client purchasing a painting so we can send a thank you handwritten note.<br />
3. Out of sight, out of mind<br />
4. On plein air, need to do studio work as well.<br />
5. Size? How important? The larger it gets, the more difficult it is to sell. There should be a variety of sizes in your repertoire. <br />
6. In his gallery, there is a lowest price point of a few under $1,000, and he has a few at the highest price point, with many that are in the middle.<br />
<br />
I hope you are enjoying the notes I took during the Boot Camp discussions. Do know there was probably much more that I missed and spoke to someone else at a different place in their career. I will be working on the notes from Day 3 over the next few days!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Marsha Hamby Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14648337054636844587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-652683845377156708.post-29889810168144138072016-04-30T09:30:00.002-04:002016-04-30T09:30:45.960-04:00Marketing Boot Camp Day One<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4OIM4Sf02BI/VySjK8870KI/AAAAAAAAAz0/zGyTfgXDm6s802rvrH3fO6OzFvPlc3i-QCLcB/s1600/MorningPalmsPhoto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4OIM4Sf02BI/VySjK8870KI/AAAAAAAAAz0/zGyTfgXDm6s802rvrH3fO6OzFvPlc3i-QCLcB/s200/MorningPalmsPhoto.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The scene from our Walkway</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nCVqH1IZFBU/VySjNORaI1I/AAAAAAAAAz4/qfWLVwl3LPkfqnzsxBU_FJo9FPmEkHUvgCLcB/s1600/MorningPalms180%25278x6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nCVqH1IZFBU/VySjNORaI1I/AAAAAAAAAz4/qfWLVwl3LPkfqnzsxBU_FJo9FPmEkHUvgCLcB/s320/MorningPalms180%25278x6.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Study of the Scene, Pastel 12"x9"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Marketing Boot Camp was for three mornings, in your seat before 6:30 am! We had time to get in line for a Starbucks coffee and pastry... but luckily, there was instant Quaker oatmeal, so I had that for breakfast that first morning. The next two mornings, the convention had breakfast for us in the Vendor Expo, eggs done like a folded omelet you could eat with your hands, oatmeal if you wanted that, and coffee!<br />
<br />
So, I am going to do several blog posts with more information than I can put in a Facebook post. I had several people ask me if I would do this. Here is the first marketing boot camp information as I wrote notes... so there will be quotes from Eric Rhodes and Lee Milteer. It might not have a "story" type of progression, because I think the things I wrote were what I "needed" to write down for me to remember.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Eric Rhodes - first!</h3>
Creating people that follow you and become clients is more about Persuasion instead of Manipulation. You need to think of it as helping someone obtain something they need. So persuade! He says momentum builds repetition, or vice versa. Without marketing, nothing happens. It should be an ongoing part of the artist lifestyle...and that repetition builds trust, and trust is brand! A strong brand will overcome most things. Keep the momentum, and be inventive!<br />
<br />
Also, you should never be boring, it should be about emotion. If you are boring you probably will lose 20% of your followers per year. To help with this start with the outcome in mind first. Know who buys your work, know the pattern of their purchases. <br />
<br />
He also mentioned "The Grand View" by Stephan Baumann... I think this is a video that should be watched. I'll have to look it up and see.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Lee Milteer - "The Impact of Your Mind"</h3>
She wrote "Reclaim the Magic," just one of eleven books. She is also an artist, and was attending the Convention as an artist. When Eric saw she was attending, he decided to have her be one of his presenters for the Marketing Boot Camp. She was very inspirational.<br />
<br />
Some of her first words were: "you need a marketing mindset," "no one will take care of you," and "Don't think like everyone else!" I loved this last one. Be different in some way, and be personal and authentic.<br />
<br />
There are "Five Kinds of Energy" that should be used everyday! (1) Mental (2) Physical (3) Emotional (4) Spiritual and (5) Financial. Here are a few of her quotes also: "Art stimulates massive creativity", "Match with their needs!", "And so it was!"<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dhba-9P2scs/VySzVqqg9hI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/7cN0mrvKJZ4Z3FX4ktZOfhr7CJKyH19AgCLcB/s1600/IMG_0635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dhba-9P2scs/VySzVqqg9hI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/7cN0mrvKJZ4Z3FX4ktZOfhr7CJKyH19AgCLcB/s200/IMG_0635.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Artists in the Vendor Expo!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Be interviewed. When she was, she realized that the medial needed her. They were looking for a good story. Find local and national press. Court and woo them. Have tickler files about yourself or ideas for stories. Write letters to them. Use anything previously written about you ... especially previous articles. Be a celebrity in your own area. If you have articles, the media has already christened you. Use this to your advantage.<br />
<br />
"Scripting" ... write up your ideas and thoughts by hand. This can be a form of goal setting, helping you with goal setting. We are deliberate creators! Use it. Talk about how your art business exploded. Use the recognition you have attained. Talk about your house, your studio, your inspiration. Be personal and let them inside who you are. Be interesting.<br />
<br />
Help change your references. In your subconscious, in your brain. You are your references. Use your "intentions" to match a new reference. "Manifesting - Intentions" "Trigger to the World" These can be self-fulfilling prophecies. Have no more negative thoughts. When you do, use the word, "Cancel" and then you say, "That is not like me." This is an intuitive basis for the new references. Have a new "positive thought."<br />
<br />
"Conscious languaging!" "The word is power" ... and "Try" is a disempowering thought. Don't use the word "try," use words such as "I will!" So example is something like, "I will try to do more marketing." Not good. Use "I will do more marketing." Just leaving out the word "try" will help you make a positive move.<br />
<br />
Maybe call colleges to look for interns in marketing. Have them help you create a video with a one-page sheet with bullet points about who you are.<br />
<br />
"What we imagine becomes real!" Use this thought process for 3 minutes in the morning, and 3 minutes before bedtime. Use a notebook to write your deepest dreams in. This is taking action astrologically. Make 2016 a break-through year.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XygTe-I50yo/VySy1jyQPuI/AAAAAAAAA0M/Pc4i8iBzOs8ppKYHNpnsbasQbGIo6hXrgCLcB/s1600/IMG_4221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XygTe-I50yo/VySy1jyQPuI/AAAAAAAAA0M/Pc4i8iBzOs8ppKYHNpnsbasQbGIo6hXrgCLcB/s200/IMG_4221.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tom Christopher also on the balcony<br />
when I was doing my study above!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
FEAR ... Fantasy Experiences Appearing Real!<br />
<br />
Stay in contact with your friends and clients. Handwritten notes are better than email. They are a personal thing and helps your contacts feel you are more sincere. Add photos in them. By doing this you are a little more aggressive, and leveraging your skills.<br />
<br />
"Final thought" ... "Your point of power in this life is right now! Focus turns into direction."<br />
She mentioned going to a site: "fivetypesofenergy.com" ... do this. Share it with your children and grandchildren. It applies to all walks of life.<br />
<br />
----- <span style="color: blue;"><i>I have pretty much written the above with just mostly the notes I took, making them into sentences. I only added a few things about some of them from what I remembered, or to make them a little more clear. I hope they are not too disjointed, and can give you some ideas of your own how to motivate yourself in what you need to do.</i></span><br />
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<br />Marsha Hamby Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14648337054636844587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-652683845377156708.post-43239748617880721122016-04-26T10:22:00.001-04:002016-04-26T10:22:11.273-04:00My Trip Out to Tucson<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2S7jem2EnCM/Vx9vzwTKIlI/AAAAAAAAAyA/5pVS_O-zqy8nUBpk82ZzI8RUPH-uzOYHQCLcB/s1600/PicachioMagicShadows9x12%2527180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2S7jem2EnCM/Vx9vzwTKIlI/AAAAAAAAAyA/5pVS_O-zqy8nUBpk82ZzI8RUPH-uzOYHQCLcB/s320/PicachioMagicShadows9x12%2527180.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picachio Peak State Park near Tucson<br />
Pastel Plein Air 9"x12"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Karen Margulis and I drove together from our homes in Smyrna and Marietta GA to the 2016 Plein Air Convention in Tucson AZ, and also taught a 3-day plein air pastel workshop in Dripping Springs TX on the way out. We were gone a total of seventeen (17) days on this trip. Hectic? Definitely! Fun? You bet! I am going to break this in several posts about various parts of this awesome trip and so I can show quite a few of the photos.<br />
<br />
I picked Karen up on Wednesday evening and we made it to Biloxi MS for the first night's stay at about midnight Georgia time! We rose early the next morning for a 9-hour drive to Dripping Springs TX. We were able to explore the locations of our workshop on that Friday, have lunch, and I visited with a long-time artist friend in Wimberley TX and see his gallery. If you are ever in Wimberley, visit "Art on 12" gallery and ask to see Bob and Zeina Cook! They would love to show you around this wonderful gallery.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v6m9Jre_TDc/Vx9xjOJPMFI/AAAAAAAAAyM/SnmlLInyMg40OdLOwLsQ4SElDlz4xzEOwCLcB/s1600/Arton12Wimberley6x4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v6m9Jre_TDc/Vx9xjOJPMFI/AAAAAAAAAyM/SnmlLInyMg40OdLOwLsQ4SElDlz4xzEOwCLcB/s200/Arton12Wimberley6x4.jpg" width="175" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the front of the gallery</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3kASJcc0TY8/Vx9xsfigKDI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/nvS3i-jKcQgCtDZBk8mgrUPE6Q5qv65VQCLcB/s1600/FriendBobWall6x4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3kASJcc0TY8/Vx9xsfigKDI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/nvS3i-jKcQgCtDZBk8mgrUPE6Q5qv65VQCLcB/s320/FriendBobWall6x4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The wall with Bob Cook Art!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kSKDwuGhAOE/Vx9yEFvWEcI/AAAAAAAAAyY/tNJiV3zDrgAGsrVUvJPNCEqbFjGB_GkrQCLcB/s1600/Dinner%2526Band6x4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kSKDwuGhAOE/Vx9yEFvWEcI/AAAAAAAAAyY/tNJiV3zDrgAGsrVUvJPNCEqbFjGB_GkrQCLcB/s320/Dinner%2526Band6x4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinner just down from the gallery, and a band!</td></tr>
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Here are a few photos of the locations we would be teaching on Saturday, Sunday and Monday along with some of the students.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6YfIJVvEReo/Vx9ye_aFySI/AAAAAAAAAyg/3SnVN_z5ouI1C9aarlNfrKLYLoz_hRfQACLcB/s1600/Bluebonnet%2526Trees6x4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6YfIJVvEReo/Vx9ye_aFySI/AAAAAAAAAyg/3SnVN_z5ouI1C9aarlNfrKLYLoz_hRfQACLcB/s320/Bluebonnet%2526Trees6x4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The scene at Mt. Gainor Inn where I did a demonstration</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-myWEcC_UriM/Vx9yzu0LtYI/AAAAAAAAAyo/JjxDnzhgYyA1JoClW13z3sYqTnnWJr0awCLcB/s1600/CowsComeTalk6x4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-myWEcC_UriM/Vx9yzu0LtYI/AAAAAAAAAyo/JjxDnzhgYyA1JoClW13z3sYqTnnWJr0awCLcB/s200/CowsComeTalk6x4.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Driving to Mt. Gainor Inn, there were cows<br />
so interested in us taking photos of them.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uwUM4LTR5PY/Vx9zLMJAzQI/AAAAAAAAAy0/DEfZ8ljirbAOlnBTNWMxnHtqOv7OVN57ACLcB/s1600/SaltLickBBQPit6x4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uwUM4LTR5PY/Vx9zLMJAzQI/AAAAAAAAAy0/DEfZ8ljirbAOlnBTNWMxnHtqOv7OVN57ACLcB/s200/SaltLickBBQPit6x4.jpg" width="175" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had lunch at Salt Lick Barbecue,<br />
where we would have lunch the third day<br />
and hold a "sharing and Q&A session!"</td></tr>
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<br />
At each of the locations for the workshop, we had a plan for a short demo in the morning by one of us, and the other would do a short demo after lunch. The students had close to two hours after each demo to work on something while we gave advice to each individually at their easel. On the last day, we each did about a 30-minute demonstration on a very specific element of the landscape... something the students might have expressed more information on. Karen did one with clouds, and mine was about trees and sky holes! The students had time to paint before lunch, and then we closed with a question and answer with each student about their experience with the workshop, what they learned, and the goals they had for the workshop.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gqMqshgM1rA/Vx9zwv_dpzI/AAAAAAAAAzA/Sz60pmX1AgULV44z5iDTuYiPxaCEbSU9gCLcB/s1600/CharroRanchParkPath6x4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gqMqshgM1rA/Vx9zwv_dpzI/AAAAAAAAAzA/Sz60pmX1AgULV44z5iDTuYiPxaCEbSU9gCLcB/s200/CharroRanchParkPath6x4.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charro Ranch Park would be Day Two!</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ymQSTEqCyyk/Vx90GOz_iqI/AAAAAAAAAzI/jC6s7gDGwOka3FVzscXzhLUPXgfclqQFwCLcB/s1600/WineryKaren%2526MYoung.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ymQSTEqCyyk/Vx90GOz_iqI/AAAAAAAAAzI/jC6s7gDGwOka3FVzscXzhLUPXgfclqQFwCLcB/s320/WineryKaren%2526MYoung.jpg" width="245" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fall Creek Winery was Day Three, with Karen Margulis<br />
and our hostess, Marsha Young</td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mkVWGk6KTqY/Vx91TrvT6ZI/AAAAAAAAAzY/ww4FOCQ3-8Muy_0vni71xa-oKiQYCLWIgCLcB/s1600/StudentsPhotoBBonnets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mkVWGk6KTqY/Vx91TrvT6ZI/AAAAAAAAAzY/ww4FOCQ3-8Muy_0vni71xa-oKiQYCLWIgCLcB/s200/StudentsPhotoBBonnets.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Students Love Bluebonnets!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I will pick up the thread of the trip in a few days and give you more! We had a fantastic time, talked loads, and laughed a lot! We are better artists for our time together, the team-teaching of the "Two Wandering Artists," and learning and painting at the Plein Air Convention!<br />
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<br />Marsha Hamby Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14648337054636844587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-652683845377156708.post-91155735334774464982016-02-04T08:14:00.000-05:002016-02-04T08:14:08.560-05:00Painting out of My Comfort Zone<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M72UMAML7AY/VrNDE8NKFrI/AAAAAAAAAfk/lPnqGFfWwi8/s1600/EarlyMornCanoe%25234UpClose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M72UMAML7AY/VrNDE8NKFrI/AAAAAAAAAfk/lPnqGFfWwi8/s320/EarlyMornCanoe%25234UpClose.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up at Stage 4 shown below<br />
Pastel, 18"x24"</td></tr>
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I have painted many years mostly landscapes with rarely people in them, or without much in the way of man-made objects. The occasional barn or street scenes but mostly the "pure" landscape. Lately I have tried to move a little more out of my comfort zone of trees, rocks and water. And, I have gone to live model sessions to help me do something that is harder for me! This is a good lesson for anyone that is an artist ... do things occasionally that are not what you normally do!<br />
<br />
So, I am going to show the progression shots of the one currently on my easel. I have completed two other paintings that are technically not landscapes... where this one is more about the landscape, but with the added element of the canoe and three people in the canoe. I'll show you those other two at the bottom of the post.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sqEXZ0GzSow/VrNDKfAw1cI/AAAAAAAAAfw/3KL1phAEFT0/s1600/EarlyMornCanoe%25231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sqEXZ0GzSow/VrNDKfAw1cI/AAAAAAAAAfw/3KL1phAEFT0/s320/EarlyMornCanoe%25231.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First light layer of pastel</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UubPxE6yYto/VrNDJz3VWLI/AAAAAAAAAfs/eW2STqva-3M/s1600/EarlyMornCanoe%25232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UubPxE6yYto/VrNDJz3VWLI/AAAAAAAAAfs/eW2STqva-3M/s320/EarlyMornCanoe%25232.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wet with alcohol for under-painting</td></tr>
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<h4>
<u>The first layers of pastel!</u></h4>
<br />
Here is how I laid in the first of the composition with a light layer of pastel after I had done a "road map" type of drawing. The road map for me is not a detail drawing, but more placement of the elements in the correct proportions and placement on the surface.<br />
<br />
The colors chosen for this first layer help me in my later choices of color and value. I tend to paint rather cool paintings, so it has helped me to use warmer under-paintings... it sparkles through some of the later layers! It gives it life in my view.<br />
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<h4>
<u>The under-painting in alcohol!</u></h4>
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I put a small amount of denatured alcohol in a small glass jar and using a soft brush, I liquify the first layer of pastel. As you can see above, I am light-handed with that layer, but it created quite a solid mass of color, rather more opaque.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4cV9Pws8rLU/VrNDJNNkHII/AAAAAAAAAfo/VTiQZ8ycGw4/s1600/EarlyMornCanoe%25233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4cV9Pws8rLU/VrNDJNNkHII/AAAAAAAAAfo/VTiQZ8ycGw4/s320/EarlyMornCanoe%25233.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beginning to add more pastel on the under-painting</td></tr>
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I really didn't want it quite that solid. Some color pigments seem to do this while others will give me a more transparent coverage. I will have to remember the stick I used and decide to try a different one next time... such as something with alizarin crimson ... more transparent.<br />
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<h4>
<u>Choosing Colors!</u></h4>
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At this stage, I am deciding to add the colors and values I have in my mind that will help tell the story. I am very lightly adding those most of the time since I love the process of layering in pastel. I like trying about three colors for the sky, which sets the tone of the rest of the painting and maybe I will not go back into the sky except for adjustments as I work on the trees above the bridge.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vH8wS2gcr-I/VrNDLaFZXlI/AAAAAAAAAf0/zNpjB1Hm1j4/s1600/EarlyMornCanoe%25234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vH8wS2gcr-I/VrNDLaFZXlI/AAAAAAAAAf0/zNpjB1Hm1j4/s320/EarlyMornCanoe%25234.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Refining some of the possible focal point</td></tr>
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This stage also helps me determine if I have shapes and sizes that are in the right proportion. I did decide the bridge was a little too thick at the top and adjusted the sides it to a slimmer proportion.<br />
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<h4>
<u>Playing with adding some details!</u></h4>
<br />
Adding more pastel and a few details... which helps me decide how many details. What will help and what will hurt! I know at this stage, which is where I stopped for the day, those tree limbs will be too much detail, and will be adjusted as I go along... a little too picky for me!<br />
<br />
But, I don't know that until I try it. I love the process of brushing off... which many times is really the effect I was trying to achieve in the first place! It will be fun to enter the studio with fresh eyes today.<br />
<br />
Here are two of my latest paintings that were out of what I call my "comfort zone." <span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span>I
guess I mean "out of my comfort zone" to be out of my landscape
arena... which is my first love... you know trees, rocks and water! Enjoy ...</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h8ZZwQzhCvc/VrNL5KlZ8NI/AAAAAAAAAgI/T5y9BGeP0wQ/s1600/I%2BLike%2Bthe%2BSun18x24%2527180%25279x12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h8ZZwQzhCvc/VrNL5KlZ8NI/AAAAAAAAAgI/T5y9BGeP0wQ/s320/I%2BLike%2Bthe%2BSun18x24%2527180%25279x12.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"I Like the Sun" Pastel 16"x20"</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jk-4boP7zAk/VrNML7UVbGI/AAAAAAAAAgM/PY9SV4lssAY/s1600/MyRidetoWork16x12%2527180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jk-4boP7zAk/VrNML7UVbGI/AAAAAAAAAgM/PY9SV4lssAY/s320/MyRidetoWork16x12%2527180.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"My Ride to Work" Pastel 16"x12"</td></tr>
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<br />Marsha Hamby Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14648337054636844587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-652683845377156708.post-60884216759727584602016-01-21T08:55:00.000-05:002016-01-21T08:55:53.438-05:00Changing the Focus of a Painting<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-54GIrUoceJ4/VqDZG3TogeI/AAAAAAAAAe0/EgPYmQEjm2Y/s1600/RiverEdgeGreen11x14%252772.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="251" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-54GIrUoceJ4/VqDZG3TogeI/AAAAAAAAAe0/EgPYmQEjm2Y/s320/RiverEdgeGreen11x14%252772.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Joe-Pye Weed</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Here is a pastel painting that I started near the end of 2015 and the focal area of the painting was intended to be the Joe-Pye Weed. I love painting rivers or creeks and rocks so that was why I chose the photo to work from. As I was painting, the tree in the upper slight right was becoming the focal point because of the vivid yellow-green color... where the sunlight was hitting the tree. As I worked on the rocks, they started taking on the role of the "focal point." What gives here? Why can't I stick to the point of the river and rocks?<br />
<br />
I set it aside for a few days, and when I came back to the painting, I knew the weeds growing on the sandy spit sticking out from the rocks should be my focal point... those beautiful Joe-Pye Weed flowers, the mass of purple flowers, at the top. No matter what colors and values and temperature I tried, I couldn't make it work for me. Okay, let it sit more. Go on to other paintings.<br />
<br />
That painting sat there for a couple of months.... taunting me to do something to take it from soft and quiet, to becoming a "painting." I just didn't know what I wanted ... so my mantra is to "do nothing" if you don't know what to do.<br />
<br />
Serendipity happened ... I did a small demonstration painting for a student this past week of a beautiful dogwood tree as it had turned to the ruby reds and rust colors against a backdrop of green... North Georgia mountains greens and early morning atmosphere. After the student left, I had the thought of why not change my "Joe-Pye" painting to have something more concrete like this dogwood color scheme?<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WaSebSscV6g/VqDdNovilRI/AAAAAAAAAfM/2omgh9AfhGo/s1600/RubyLight8x10%2527180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WaSebSscV6g/VqDdNovilRI/AAAAAAAAAfM/2omgh9AfhGo/s320/RubyLight8x10%2527180.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Here is the demo painting. Ruby reds, dark burgundy, burnt oranges to play against the greens and blues of early fall. Even the dried grasses were wonderfully warm colors supporting the focal area of the "Ruby Dogwood" trees.<br />
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Below is what I transformed the above painting into and I have put the first one next to it so you can see the differences without scrolling back to the top. It is probably not finished even yet, but it is "becoming" something more.<br />
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<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O-roXvnIdq0/VqDdFo2YzvI/AAAAAAAAAfE/dO1lZPlmWeE/s1600/RiverEdgeRuby11x14%2527180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O-roXvnIdq0/VqDdFo2YzvI/AAAAAAAAAfE/dO1lZPlmWeE/s320/RiverEdgeRuby11x14%2527180.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
You can even see where I created a different grouping of background
trees... by brushing off the pastel which created a soft effect, and
then enhancing that with more neutral greens, adding some ruby and burnt
oranges, and... my favorite ... sky holes to see through!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-54GIrUoceJ4/VqDZG3TogeI/AAAAAAAAAe4/LNEjgwBmKKQ/s1600/RiverEdgeGreen11x14%252772.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-54GIrUoceJ4/VqDZG3TogeI/AAAAAAAAAe4/LNEjgwBmKKQ/s320/RiverEdgeGreen11x14%252772.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
I don't give up on a piece when I see it has some wonderful "parts"... but those parts did not make a whole painting to me. It now seems to be getting closer to being a painting... about my feeling for what this scene could become! I still have the Joe-Pye Weed flowers, and maybe more of a story in this painting about how fall progresses.<br />
<br />
Take the time to really look at what the painting is becoming, and is it where you want it to be. What is the painting about? Ask yourself important questions. I've been told I need to sit on my stool and think about what I am trying to accomplish. I am doing that more... thank you my friend and mentor, Duane Wakeham! <br />
<br />
<br />Marsha Hamby Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14648337054636844587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-652683845377156708.post-46492690915570973402015-05-05T09:01:00.000-04:002015-05-05T09:01:56.496-04:00Double The Fun With Team Teaching?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oTZBQpwtX3g/VUilOyAMMTI/AAAAAAAAAbo/uVYNQaEf_q8/s1600/RockHopscotch72%2711x14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="251" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oTZBQpwtX3g/VUilOyAMMTI/AAAAAAAAAbo/uVYNQaEf_q8/s320/RockHopscotch72'11x14.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Rock Hopscotch" Pastel 11x14</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3>
<u>Have you taken a class with two teachers sharing the teaching?</u></h3>
<br />
You don't want to miss this information I have for you. Karen
Margulis and I will be team-teaching some workshops. Here is how it came
about!<br />
<br />
I received an e-mail about the 5th Plein Air Convention
which will be held April 15-19, 2016, in Tucson, AZ. I went to the first
PA Convention in Las Vegas and had a great time. I was intrigued this
time because I have been through Tucson and have painted a few paintings
from one of the Saguaro Parks. I decided I would try to get a friend or
two to consider going also. I also love driving across our Country and stopping along the way to paint and see the sights.<br />
<br />
I
sent an e-mail to very good friend and previous student, Karen
Margulis, to see if she might be interested in a road trip. We enjoy
painting together and traveling and spending time learning more about
our art. Karen has become quite a star in the pastel world with her
paintings and her workshops. I am so proud of her! We will both be
attending the International Association of Pastels Societies (IAPS)
Convention this June and both of us will be receiving the Master Circle
Gold Medallion, a three-inch medallion engraved with our name and the year the honor is bestowed engraved on the back. <br />
<br />
<h3>
<u>How Did This Happen?</u> </h3>
<br />
Karen
was definitely interested, and had an intriguing idea and asked would I
be interested in teaching along the way... teaching as a duo! I thought
it was a fantastic idea and we are now planning the trip and the
workshops.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OhfE0QX5GvY/VUiniV6LnwI/AAAAAAAAAb0/_oSoflz0Vjc/s1600/Wherethe%2BFairiesPlay18x24%2Bcopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="253" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OhfE0QX5GvY/VUiniV6LnwI/AAAAAAAAAb0/_oSoflz0Vjc/s320/Wherethe%2BFairiesPlay18x24%2Bcopy.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Where The Fairies Play" Pastel 18x24"<br />
Karen Margulis</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<u>The Benefits of Two! </u></h3>
<br />
So you would have two award winning instructors for
double the educational value and twice the fun! My expertise and what I am often told is "I want to learn color from you." My teaching style is more by individual thoughts as students ask questions. I have patience and am gentle... but, I ask the hard questions to get inside each student's head to see where they are going.<br />
<br />
Karen's strength is organization and step-by-step instruction. Her biggest request and what she focuses on most is how to simplify and paint with more expression. She teaches you to loosen up and add spice to your paintings... one of her favorite topics.<br />
<br />
We both like simplifying the plein air
process making it less overwhelming and fun.<br />
<div class="">
<br class="" /></div>
<br />
<h3>
<u>Where Will These Workshops Be Held?</u></h3>
<br />
We are working on
details for possible Louisiana and Texas workshops, but would like to
hear from you. If you have connections and/or resources to host an April
2016 workshop (from Georgia to Arizona) or would be interested in being
added to our interest list, let us know.<br />
<br />
You can <a href="mailto:marshasavageart@yahoo.com" target="_blank">e-mail me</a> or
<a href="mailto:kemstudios@yahoo.com" target="_blank">Karen</a> if you have information, or are interested in signing up. We will
be deciding the dates very soon, but don't miss this opportunity to
reserve your spot in our special workshop. Marsha Hamby Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14648337054636844587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-652683845377156708.post-13153608668873425252015-04-20T08:30:00.000-04:002015-04-20T08:30:10.112-04:00Prints? Are they worth doing?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GA_SmC3nVVQ/VTTuF8mLYMI/AAAAAAAAAa4/iVXGqNm-RSE/s1600/DunesShadows8x10%27180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GA_SmC3nVVQ/VTTuF8mLYMI/AAAAAAAAAa4/iVXGqNm-RSE/s1600/DunesShadows8x10'180.jpg" height="256" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">"Dune Shadows" Pastel 8"x10"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/MarshaSavageArt" target="_blank">My Etsy Shop for Purchases</a> </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><u>Two big questions </u></span></span></h3>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1. Have you ever considered purchasing a print of your favorite artist's painting? </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">2. Would you prefer there to be no prints of an original that you did purchase?</span><br />
<br />
<h4>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><u>Some of my opinions -- and a few more questions</u></span></h4>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">What do you think about prints of
my fine art originals to supplement what I offer? At this time I do have "<a href="http://fineartamerica.com/art/all/marsha+savage/all" target="_blank">Fine Art America</a>" as a site that produces "print-on-demand" offers for my originals along with the pricing for the original itself. I have made this a link so you can take a look there also!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">One of my galleries
was contacted by a company that saw my work on their site and liked what
they saw. I was asked if I wanted to talk to this company about
producing prints for me. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I think it could hurt the sale of my originals.
I have been of the opinion that there are a very few reasons an artist
should produce prints. .... #1 if the artist takes a long<span class="text_exposed_show">
time to do an original, which might mean the original is pricey. Making
prints of these would make sense. #2 is if the artist is selling most
of their originals, then making prints would be a smart thing to do
also. So... that is kind of three things: (1) Price of originals is
high; (2) long time to produce work / intricate originals; and (3)
selling most of their originals! </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="text_exposed_show">What do you think?</span></span>Marsha Hamby Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14648337054636844587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-652683845377156708.post-36978714197377179122015-03-22T10:06:00.002-04:002015-03-22T10:20:35.543-04:00Teaching is Fun<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uueBzX3PE0o/VQ7Ky_e2M2I/AAAAAAAAAag/lyJWC7qEhFg/s1600/HotRose%273x3%27180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uueBzX3PE0o/VQ7Ky_e2M2I/AAAAAAAAAag/lyJWC7qEhFg/s1600/HotRose'3x3'180.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/227142095/hot-rose?ref=listing-shop-header-1" target="_blank">Purchase Hot Rose</a><br />
Acrylic 3"x3"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3>
<b><u>Having Fun</u> </b></h3>
<br />
When I am teaching a student, many times we talk more than we paint... but this is a very good thing. It helps me get inside the head of the student and find out what they are all about! Most teachers don't want to create a student that paints like "the teacher!" <br />
<h3>
<b><br /></b></h3>
<h3>
<u><b>Work?</b></u></h3>
<br />
Do I consider this work ... definitely ... but fun also. My brain is constantly thinking, how do I help this student? What can I show them?<br />
<br />
I paint with the student, working on something that might be along the lines of what the student is working on. I will set up a still life, or we might work from photographs... of course this is in the studio. If we are painting "plein air" which means "in the open air" ... or you can just call it "painting outdoors" ... we are usually looking at the landscape and choosing what to paint. Vista, or close-up, trees, grass, lakes or streams, etc.!<br />
<br />
<h3>
<u><b>One Idea For You! </b></u></h3>
<br />
A recent student asked me how to make paint drips or runs on the canvas. So to show her, I created an 8x10 showing her to dip the brush in the paint, apply random strokes, "be happy strokes," onto the canvas. Next, I took the brush with paint still on the tip and lightly dipped it into my clean water. Applying the brush tip to the acrylic on the canvas, I added blobs of water that ran down the canvas. Now... the canvas was on a stand-up easel, but if you are painting flat, you just pick it up and tilt it different ways. <br />
<br />
What did I see in these drips? I saw stems and leaves of flowers. The only thing to do was imagine I was looking at roses... this is what I saw in my "mind's eye." The above little "gem" was the next one I did after the original 8x10 showing the student. This one is a 3"x3" acrylic on a small stretched canvas and is offered along with several others, and more to come, in my Etsy shop.<br />
<br />
I had about a dozen little 3x3 and 3.5x2.5 canvases taped to a foam core board ... boy was I having fun! And, the student was encouraged to do something a little different!Marsha Hamby Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14648337054636844587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-652683845377156708.post-73212494700090237222015-02-04T08:49:00.000-05:002015-02-04T08:49:19.903-05:00What is your reality?<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OuDFLTH_aKs/VNIfqclUjmI/AAAAAAAAAZY/TtS2ZL7NPgA/s1600/DunesFailed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OuDFLTH_aKs/VNIfqclUjmI/AAAAAAAAAZY/TtS2ZL7NPgA/s1600/DunesFailed.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Reality in my mind!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NgCanA1l2Qk/VNIfpS1uuII/AAAAAAAAAZQ/-uHXOakx78E/s1600/DunesWPastel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NgCanA1l2Qk/VNIfpS1uuII/AAAAAAAAAZQ/-uHXOakx78E/s1600/DunesWPastel.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Mood in my mind!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
Happiness, for most of us, is a choice. Reality is not. It seems,
though, that choosing to be happy ends up changing the reality that we
keep track of. (Seth Godin - his newsletter on 1/27/15)<br />
<br />
<h3 class="entry-header">
<u>Your mood vs. your reality</u> </h3>
<br />
The first image above was the reality I saw when looking at my reference photo! I had changed many elements ... their actual location, or size, or more sand, less sand, more low foliage, etc. So I was already changing the "reality" of the photo. And it was not going in the direction I wanted. So, I put it aside for another day.<br />
<br />
The second image was a few months later, when I revisited the unfinished painting... and tried using a new process and creating the mood I felt! I'll talk about the process in another blog post.<br />
<br />
It is not exactly what I want, and still rather unfinished. But, it is going in a direction I "feel" rather than sticking too close to the reference photo. I will be sure to show the finished painting ... or at least a finished experiment ... when I get there. There are many little things that are not up to my standard in the composition and design of this piece, but I do believe they are still evolving.<br />
<br />
So... I would say, I am choosing to change the reality of this scene to my own view of what I felt when at this location ... my own happiness!Marsha Hamby Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14648337054636844587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-652683845377156708.post-69422744243795727002015-02-02T09:44:00.001-05:002015-02-02T09:44:47.209-05:00Special Workshop - Florida!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9FWB4ZApbDM/VM-DRw3kb8I/AAAAAAAAAY0/JD45mClTqKs/s1600/OceanView180x8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9FWB4ZApbDM/VM-DRw3kb8I/AAAAAAAAAY0/JD45mClTqKs/s1600/OceanView180x8.jpg" height="320" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Ocean View" Oil, 7"x5"<br />
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/196813160/ocean-view-7x5-inch-original-oil?" target="_blank">Purchase Painting</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<big><big><span style="font-weight: bold;">My Annual Florida Workshop - 2015!</span></big></big><br />
Pastel, Oil or Acrylic -- Studio or Plein Air<br />
Melbourne/Indialantic, Florida</div>
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-weight: bold;">Feb. 25 -
March 1, 2015</span> -- <span style="color: black; font-weight: bold;">Wed.,
Thurs., Fri., Sat. and Sunday</span><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">$90
per day -- choose your own days! Take three or more, at $10 off
per day.</span><br />
<br />
Florida is a special workshop I do each
year ---- And you can choose your own days, take one, two, three, four or all
five! This is a relatively small class... because of students deciding to paint in the studio (with the doors open to the outside, or outside in the beautiful landscape on this property!<br />
<br />
I have done this workshop for 11 years, this would be #12. There are many returning
students each year, and several new ones each year! The intention for this workshop
is to have each student plan the days they can come -- just one day, two, etc. ... or all
five. You can paint in the studio or plein air on the grounds of my
host for the workshop. This location is beautiful and is along the intercoastal
waterway. I will discuss creating studies, working from photographs as if you were outdoors, doing
thumbnails and notans .... among all the other theories you may need to
create your own personal vision.... instead of thinking of creating a
"painting." This thought
process most times takes the pressure off trying too hard! Try it,
you'll like it and it might just give you a boost to try more!
And, I do not teach you to paint like me ... we find your vision!<br />
<br />
<center>
<span style="color: blue;"><big style="text-decoration: underline;"><big>Three Key Benefits of Marsha Savage
Workshops</big></big></span></center>
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">The workshop engages the
student to study the key elements of
starting a painting in a controlled way. A plan is made, started and
keeps the student on track, instead of just "flying by the seat of
their pants."</span><br />
<br style="color: black;" />
<span style="color: black;">Study with a teacher in a
workshop allows students to ask their own
questions, but more importantly to see and listen to other students'
questions and processes.</span><br />
<br style="color: black;" />
<span style="color: black;">Learning to enjoy the
journey, not necessarily trying to finish a
piece is a key element in my discussions during the whole of the
workshop. This also means to follow their own path, taking what they
need from the workshop and are capable of at their stage, not just
learning to paint in the style of the instructor.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
Registration is by e-mailing me for the workshop. I
will give the address and a supply list if you need
one. I am not a teacher that wants you to go out and buy new supplies
if
you don't need them! All the classes are kept between 10 - 16 students
at most. Many times there are only about 5-6... which is how I am planning my workshops most of the time these days! Take advantage of this more relaxed atmosphere, no pressure, and small group!</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><u><b>For more information</b></u> about
me, my bio and my artist statement look through my
web site, </span><a href="http://www.marshasavage.com/" style="color: black;">www.marshasavage.com</a><span style="color: black;">
, or you can call 770-926-3623 (Smyrna, GA), or e-mail me at
marshasavageart @ yahoo.com. </span></span>Marsha Hamby Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14648337054636844587noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-652683845377156708.post-43562594073068122792015-01-27T06:58:00.001-05:002015-01-27T06:58:21.446-05:00How Do You Work Thru Difficult Times?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HelPzjDnVdg/VMd1s1o3-1I/AAAAAAAAAYg/D7B4-Ubsx60/s1600/SplishSplash%27O%275x5%27180%408x8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HelPzjDnVdg/VMd1s1o3-1I/AAAAAAAAAYg/D7B4-Ubsx60/s1600/SplishSplash'O'5x5'180%408x8.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Splish Splash" Oil 5"x5"<br />
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/199884232/splish-splash-is-a-5x5-breaking-wave-oil?ref=shop_home_active_5" target="_blank">Purchase Painting</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
This is a quote from a newsletter I read this morning: "When You’ve Hit The Artistic Wall: Frustration and Creativity"...By: <span class="by-author"><span class="author vcard"><a href="http://www.artistsnetwork.com/articles/inspiration-creativity/when-youve-hit-the-artistic-wall-frustration-and-creativity?lid=CHarnnl012615&et_mid=718583&rid=236454384" target="_blank">Lee Hammond</a>,</span></span> <time class="entry-date" datetime="2014-08-27T00:29:18+00:00">August 27, 2014. </time><br />
<br />
"I know it’s difficult to not take bad outcomes personally, but that’s
what we do. To truly succeed as an artist, you must move through it, and
know that art isn’t easy. If it was, EVERYONE would be doing it! I’ve
said it before, and I’ll say it again: There is a reason they call it
Art-WORK!"<br />
<br />
This is something we, as artists, deal with many times. Not all our art comes easily! Many times we wonder ... as the successes come, and then we become a little dissatisfied with our progress... why?<br />
<br />
<h3>
<u>What questions do you ask yourself?</u> </h3>
<br />
Do you work through a painting that is giving you fits? Or ... do you say to yourself, I think I'll play today with my art and just see what comes out of it? <br />
<br />
The painting above is one I did several months ago when I was feeling very frustrated... so I changed the medium (pastel) I was working in at that time, to this one (oil). And, I decided to work small and not feel the pressure of having a lot of art supplies tied up, or time, ... and I actually did three paintings... oooh, let's call them pieces of artwork, that morning. <br />
<br />
Another thing I do, is take the pressure off by not calling them paintings! It sounds silly maybe, but it works. It frees me up to have loads of fun and not care quite as much about the outcome. This was not for a show, or a gallery, or to sell... but guess what? It worked, I loved the freshness of the pieces, and chose not to go into them and try to correct every little thing that "could" be considered wrong!<br />
<br />
When I do pieces like this... they get relegated to my "Studies" group of artwork! You might be surprised at the price of this piece, unframed... have a look! And, enjoy!<br />
<br />
<br /><time class="entry-date" datetime="2014-08-27T00:29:18+00:00"></time>Marsha Hamby Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14648337054636844587noreply@blogger.com0