My Art And Me

Competitions, Shows and Events

2012-01-28T07:59:00.001-05:00

We are heading into one of the busy seasons for an artist ... spring brings the plein air events and competitions. Factoring these into the regular shows and competitions so time and resources are scheduled is not an easy thing for an artist. We also need to keep producing, keep up with marketing and new ideas, framing and inventory, not to mention normal family life!

Porch Vision
Pastel 12" x 16"

I have been busy moving paintings around in my studio area ... deciding what needs to be taken out of a frame and stored (older work), reusing the frames for upcoming shows and competitions, and to take to the galleries ... and to take to a potential new gallery for their decision.

I have a trip coming up and will be teaching my annual workshop in Florida. This year I will be taking a large commissioned painting down to a patron, a sold painting that was bought on time will be delivered along the way, and another sold painting from my Ireland trip will be delivered to a patron.

Along the Coast - Oil
Ireland Series

Before I leave, I must decide what paintings are being submitted to the Southeastern Pastel Society's International Show this year. When I return, I have to jump on another decision for another show at the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association. These are two shows that I always enter and requires looking at the schedules of submission, notification, delivery, receptions and pick up dates .... that is, if I get accepted! Setting aside paintings that are submitted so they are not inadvertently used in another competition, taken to a gallery or sold is important. I always submit my best work to any show ... which means my best paintings are sitting around waiting sometimes for six months or more.

I will be attending the First Plein Air Convention in Las Vegas this spring! This is an exciting opportunity as we get to attend different sessions with very well-known and exciting artists doing demonstrations or discussing aspects of being a professional artist. We will also be painting along with some of the wonderful artists. Another great session will be with Eric Rhoades who planned this event with the Plein Air Magazine ... about marketing. I can't wait! Can you tell I am excited ... and my friend, Candy Day, will be going with me. What fun!

When I return on a Monday flight from Las Vegas, I will turn right around and go to the Callaway Gardens Paint Out that night -- I am an accepted artist for this event. This is a week long event from April 15 - 22. So, if you are able, come watch us paint and attend several showings of the art. Here is one of the paintings I submitted for consideration for this event.

Willeo Park Misty - Pastel
Great Chattahoochee Paint Out
Best in Show - 2010

Just a couple of weeks later, I will be painting in Blue Ridge, GA for the Annual Spring Plein Aire Festival, May 4, 5 & 6 (Friday, Saturday and Sunday). The Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association has some revamping of the prize money, the entry fees, and the location of the showing! This was in response to an invitation I sent out to last year's participants to give some input into how we could make this event better. Thanks for those of you that answered! First Prize will now be $250 and there are a total of five prizes this year. Entry fee for members is still a good deal -- $15, and non-members is $20. Sign up and join us for a great weekend of painting in a beautiful location. Go to the web site Blue Ridge Plein Aire Festivals and read all about it.

The weekend after that, May 12, we are tentatively schedule for another paint out at the Anderson Creek Retreat in the Ellijay, GA area. We have created a group of plein air artists that are looking for opportunities to paint in the State of Georgia. We did out first paint out last fall at this same location and it was quite successful ... though a little cold! This wonderful retreat asked us to come back in the spring when the wildflowers are in bloom. We are "The Outdoor Painters" and a new web site is in the construction stage at this time. Candy Day and a friend came up with an idea and asked me to come on board to help. I will post more information about us as it becomes available.

Hmmmm.... one more thing ... I am still looking for artists in the Northwest Atlanta area to participate in our "Second Artist Studio Tour" this fall. The date has not been decided yet, so you will have input. Please contact me if your are interested at my e-mail: marshasavageart@yahoo.com. Remember we are not about "pristine" studios, but actual working studios ... and all different types of art, not just painters. Well.... it is time to get off the computer and back to work in the studio. Let me hear from you! I'm always interested in what you have to say.

Demonstration and Talk

2012-01-12T15:41:00.000-05:00

On Monday evening, this week, I met the Artist Guild of NW Georgia in Dallas, GA and did a simple oil demonstration and talked about how I market myself. The demo was more to keep the attendees from "nodding" off. I know when I go to an artist meeting and all I hear is talk, sometimes it is hard to keep my mind on what is being discussed. I have found the audience is more attentive when there is something going on at the easel!

All my Stuff!

The first photograph shows my digital photo screen I work from, my half-box french easel and all the other stuff ... along with a pastel on the left of the easel, oil painting on the wall, and oil plein air on panel to the right of the screen. There is even a small 4"x4" painting peeking over the white notebook.

I started out by doing a little talk about the digital screen, books I have published of my paintings, the shows I enter, and notebooks with sleeves of all the events, awards, competitions, etc. in them.

The Audience

Book of Paintings

Digital Screen
And Photo

The Pastel Underpainting

I answered questions about how I start with the pastel and alcohol wash even underneath an oil painting. Sometimes I do a watercolor "washy" underpainting, but for the sake of the demo and drying time, I decided to do the alcohol over pastel. Good questions, too!

The Alcohol Wash
Over the Pastel

Don't Forget Thumbnails

Starting with Oil Paint

After the initial covering of the underpainting with big shapes of oil brush strokes, I talked more about marketing. We discussed using our organizations for networking and being involved in them, other web sites to join, how to use social media sites, how to use a blog, etc.

Loading the Brush

There were many good questions about using Facebook also. I was asked did Facebook help me sell anything. My answer: "Yes, probably three or four paintings in the last couple of years. And I feel it is well worth the time I spend, but I am careful of that time."

Using all these different on-line opportunities helps people learn about you, what you are doing, and also is a good way to give back to the artist community ... not to mention the community in which the artist lives. A question was: "With all the marketing stuff you do, has it helped you to be self-supporting?" Well ..... the answer was "No. But, this economy is part of the issues we face."

That was a good question!

Another item discussed was how two other artists (Deb Cook and Paula Landry) and I started an open studio tour in our Northwest Atlanta area -- we had 11 participants at 9 locations -- ranging from Smyrna, Dallas, West Marietta, Woodstock, and East Marietta. We had several other artists interested in participating, but had a conflict on the Saturday we picked. We will be doing this again this year in the fall and I already know several other artists interested. This is a good way to help people know you are in their area!

Am I a Music Director?
No, just passionate about what I do!

We talked about entering juried shows and competitions. They asked, what is my criteria for entering a show? My answer: "Money, but let me say it is the prestige of the organization or the jurors, also." I told them I am backing off entering too many shows ... though I have never done more than maybe four in a year. So, the answer is probably the best three shows I can find to enter this year. We spend a lot of money entering shows and competitions ... and I said "We get 30 and 40 dollared to death with these entry fees." Be judicious! Do the research into the shows and competitions before you enter them. Figure out why you want to enter a particular show or event. What do you expect to get out of it?

Discussed Making my Marks

The Painterly Beginning

Painting and Talking
During a Break

Talking More About Marketing

There were many things I thought of the next day I wished I had told them. There are so many things we can do to keep ourselves painting and getting our name and work out there. Most of all, my advice was to love what you are doing. Put yourself in the way of as many opportunities as you want, and be friendly. Have some short term goals as well as the long term ones. One other piece of advice I gave was to make "real" connections with potential clients and patrons. Be interested in them. What is it that they want. And I asked the audience: "Who is your client? Who would be interested in your work? That is where you need to be focusing."

I truely enjoy helping other artists. I think I learn more about myself every time I do a demonstration, talk about marketing, do a round table discussion, and ... of course teaching! If you have thoughts, I would love to hear them. Send me an e-mail, or comment to the blog and let me know how you are handling your marketing efforts these days! My e-mail is marshasavageart@yahoo.com .

Have a look at my web site -- though it is still being updated! I'm always producing more work ... besides marketing! It is a never ending task -- the updating is what I mean! Happy painting!

Artists Helping Artists

2011-12-30T20:21:00.003-05:00

I have been talking about a meeting of artists for the purpose of discussing only the business side of our careers for quite a long while. Well.... I finally planned it, invited artists, and held the meeting!

White Pine Light
Pastel 12" x 9"

I had been calling it a round table discussion, but joked that I really did not have a "round" table. It didn't matter, we all sat around the room in various chairs and sofas and they introduced themselves, told their medium and what they wanted or needed to know, or what was the issue they seemed to need the most information about. Of course, since I put it together, I knew all the artists except one that came with a friend. We had 13 artists at this first meeting, and we plan to meet quarterly at a different artist's home ... that way a person that has to drive a distance each time will be different hopefully.

Grey scale of the painting

I put together some questions and e-mailed a Word document to all those on my e-mail list that might atttend the meeting. I created several blank lines after each numbered question so they could make notes. I am going to post those questions here for all to see (without the lines) .... it might make you think about things to help you. These were compiled from years of reading various blogs, articles, and talking to other artists.

Potential Invitees: Do you know another artist that would beinterested in this group?

Topics of conversation: sales, newsletters, blogs, websites, prints, studies, workshops, classes, galleries, organization (inventory,computer programs, photos). Do you have others?

Some questions – Add other questions you would like to seediscussed:

1. Howmany of you do active marketing of your work? What is your favorite method?

2.         Whatonline venue are you showing your work on? How many different venues?
3.         Doyou have a brochure, and business cards? Arethey professionally done, or do-it-yourself?
4.         Doyou have an artist statement, bio updated, etc.?
5.         Doyou have a newsletter? How many times, or at what intervals, do you send outyour newsletter? How do you accumulate addresses (e-mail or physical)? Arethese addresses by an “opt-in” method on the computer?
6.         Doyou sell at an online venue? What is your rate of sales?
7.         Doyou have a set of questions you ask potential customers?
8.         Doyou send thank you notes/cards after a sale? Or,do you have some other follow up procedures?
9.         Haveyou ever been involved in a studio tour?
10.       Whatis the most innovative way you ever sold a painting?
11.       Howmuch has your sales dropped with this economy?
12.       Whatare you doing to find new clients / customers?
13.       Doyou track the sales: who is the client, what income level, how did they findyou, did they sign up for newsletters or notices?
14.       Doyou target a certain audience? If so, how did you come up with this audience? Whowould buy your art .... most likely?
15.       Areyou creating a body of work while sales are slow?
16.       Doyou have a sales tax ID number? Or a business license? Or what is your reasonnot to have one?
17.       Doyou make goals for yourself each year? Ifso, what do you think is the most important?
18.       Areyou entering shows and competitions?
19.       Areyou targeting any galleries for yourself? Or,do you think you would rather be your own advocate somehow?
20.       Doyou belong to art organizations? Which ones, if you do? Doyou get involved? Do you receive benefits (what?) from them?
21.       Areyou willing to share your information on sales techniques? Doyou offer a payment plan? Do you offer any discounts? If so, why and when?
22.       Howdo you support other artists? Doyou think this helps you in your own journey?

Feel free to use these for yourself, or your group. If you get a group together for the same reasons we did, let us know how your meeting went. Ours was successful in getting artists to know they were not alone in the issues we have. Several plan to write down goals, or write down accomplishments .... or just start thinking of a better way to be organized.... and many other thoughts pertaining to some of these questions. Our next meeting we plan to zero in on just one or two topics to discuss in depth.

If you have ideas, let me know ... I would love to hear them and pass them along! Happy New Year!

Paintings of Waves

2011-12-28T10:34:00.001-05:00

I have started a new series of paintings: waves! I so enjoyed standing in the ocean and just watching the waves come and go. I took many photos over several days of doing this -- in the ocean and from the shore. We were in New Smyrna Beach last summer and these paintings are from those photos. I did create a couple of sketches while sitting on the beach, but those are always just for me. The sketches on location also help me with the memories I have when looking at my photos. I can mentally transport myself back into that ocean and feel the water, the sun and breeze, and still smell the ocean! It helps with the painting!

Here is the first one in the series.

"Joyful Exuberance"
Pastel on Ampersand Pastelbord
8" x 10"

This painting was so much fun to do. I started with a watercolor underpainting which helped me decide just where certain elements would be and also the colors that showed through the final pastel application. That dark wave coming in from behind is much of the watercolor showing.

The second painting is a little larger, but still a pastel painting. I even did a little more to it yesterday even though it had been thought to be finished a couple of weeks ago. I had it sitting in the studio because I just knew there was something I wanted different, but just not sure how I wanted it to finish up.

The watercolor underpainting

Here is the second wave piece in the watercolor stage.....

"Wave Action"
- thought to be finished -

and then the "first finished stage" ....

and then here is "Wave Action" as of yesterday.

"Wave Action"
-- still have to put some droplets in! --

In this version of the wave, I knew I needed to place that light portion of the wave as it nears the top even though it is under the curling part of the wave. Though I liked the contrast in what I thought was the finish, it was just too dark and not the way a wave really looks. So .... change it, I did!

So .... here is number three in the series .... even larger, but still a pastel:

"Incoming"
Pastel on Ampersand Pastelbord
18" x 24"

I have enjoyed painting most of these with no sky in them -- just the ocean stretching all the way back and to the top of the piece.

Now, I have planned to paint a large oil painting of a wave on a wood cradled panel that is 3' x 4' .... but first I thought it would be a good idea to do an oil on a smaller canvas. I need to see what difference working with the brush and oil would be to my work of the pastel strokes. Here is an oil that still has some work to do in the curl. The painting is on a gallery wrap 8" x 24" ... so a long piece!

Oil - 8" x 24"

You can see the little bit of orange on the backing board where I have taped this canvas. I toned the canvas with an orange and yellow before starting the painting. I enjoy having a warm underpainting to work on ... no matter whether I am using pastel or oil. That's just me!

And here is a side shot of the gallery wrap.

I'll work on the second painting (pastel) to put in a few droplets that were removed when I changed the water under the curl. Then, I'll put the oil painting back up and correct and finish the area under the curl here. And, there will be a small amount of work around the sides, top and bottom. I did work on those as I painted, but the finishing touches need to be assessed after I finish the front.

I hope you enjoy seeing these different subject matter for me ... not trees! Try something different for yourself!

My Thoughts on The Business Side of Art

2011-12-21T18:47:00.000-05:00

This will be a rather long post on my blog, but I hope you will read the full post....

I have been thinking of have a meeting at my studio of various artists to discuss the business side of art ... marketing ... inventory... organization ... goals, etc. This thought has been going through my head for at least a year if not longer. I had mentioned it to a few artists to gauge their interest in participating in what I began to call "a round table discussion." I finally scheduled a meeting and sent out an e-mail to about 20 artists and we had 12 or 13 attend the first meeting on Thursday, Dec. 15.

Cypress Dance
Pastel 24x20

I happened to read a post on LinkedIn the next morning talking about the business side and marketing. I went to Gary Boyler's (the author) blog to read the full article. I posted a comment and just about an hour or so later I received an e-mail from Gary. Here is what I posted as a comment on his blog, and here is the link to the original article.

"Gary, I came to your blog through LinkedIn …. because what you said hit a nerve with me. I just had a meeting at my home with twelve “like-minded” artists to discuss our experiences, what we are trying new, how we can stay true to our art, and a general discussion about the best way to market. Each artist brought their own unique experiences to the table. Also, I love the comment above about it being about conversations and relationships. I said this many times, it is not always about “me”, but what is it about the client or customer? We need to listen more than we need to talk! We need to be proactive. And that is what this group will be doing."

I think you should read this if you are interested in marketing in these trying times. Gary Boyler: Why Some Artists Will Almost Certainly Thrive And Prosper In The New Economy His article has some very good information in it and might start you thinking!

Here is what Gary Bolyer said to me in an e-mail:

Hi Marsha, I just received your comment on my art blog today (Gary Bolyer Fine Art). I took a look at your paintings and wow, I was completely blown away. They are breathtakingly beautiful.

I would like to feature you on my blog tomorrow. I would like to talk about how you had an artist group meeting and how that inspired you and motivated you. If you could write me a couple of paragraphs of how you got the idea, how you put it together, and if you plan on doing this again, that would be great.

I will be putting links to your website and talk about your work. I would also like your permission to put some of your beautiful images in the article.

Let me know what you think, Gary Bolyer

Gary Bolyer Fine Art

So, I responded to his e-mail with a "thank you" for his kind words, etc. and formulated several paragraphs to give him an idea of what I did and what the meeting was about. Here is my answer to him....

"we will be meeting quarterly and each time at a different artist's studio or home. That way the moderator for the meeting will be different each time. I find that I tend to talk a lot and "impose" my thoughts .... maybe. It is nice to have a different viewpoint even to the moderation of a meeting.

I have been discussing the possibility of a "round table" meeting about the business aspects of our art careers for quite some time. Those artists that seemed most interested were the ones I invited ... which was about 20 - 25. Several already had things that prevented them from coming, but noted they wished to be kept on the list so they could participate in the future. We shall see if they meant it. We had 12 or 13 at this first meeting. Mostly painters (of many different mediums), and two were potters -- one of which is relatively new. We want to be sure to have some ideas from different media, not only painters .... if they suffer from the same marketing issues .... and I think it is universal, no matter the medium of art. We had one that uses Etsy quite successfully, one that does quite a few outdoor festivals (the better ones), and several that go the gallery route. Quite an interesting combination, but what I wanted to have. Each would bring their own expertise to the group, but also gain from another's experiences with a venue that is different. It was suggested that the next meeting we should pick one topic or two and focus solely on that for the evening (or sometimes a Saturday).

One attendee took wonderful notes which she scanned in and e-mailed to me. I have not had a chance to read them yet. Since I was the "moderator or facilitator" of this meeting, I found it hard to keep notes myself (though I am a good note taker). I really tried to keep people on topic. My first talk to them was to have them give us name, medium, and a couple of sentences about what they needed most, or what seemed to be the biggest problem for them. I started, and said I needed to be better organized .... and they all died laughing! They consider me organized. But my thing is to be better at picking the best for me and planning and not missing any deadlines. Also, to keep better address list of potential clients.

About being inspired and motivated.... it does not take much to inspire or motivate me. My brain never seems to quit!"

Musical Waters
Pastel 24 x 20

You can read what he took from my answers to his questions at: Blueprint for Building a Community of Artists: An Inspiring Message of Hope from Marsha Savage. And the two paintings I am showing here are what he picked to post along with his feature on the blog.

I really appreciate Gary and many more wonderful artists that take the time to appreciate another artist and their work, and their efforts at making the business of art work in these trying times. Please go to the blog and either "like" it or "share" if possible. This is one way to spread the word about artists helping artists. Very important, don't you think?

I would love to hear your thoughts, so please do comment. I would appreciate it ... and I think Gary would enjoy hearing what others think, too.

International Plein Air Painters

2011-12-07T21:59:00.001-05:00

I belong to an organization called IPAP which stands for International Plein Air Painters. International Plein Air Painters is a blanket organization created for the sole purpose of advancing the execution and enjoyment of Plein Air Painting without the restrictions and limitations of borders or regions.

Membership is restricted to Plein Air Painters, those serious to learn about Plein Air Painting and those who wish to be benefactors advancing the Plein Air movement. International Plein Air Painters Members reside in Brazil, Canada, Curacao, Ethiopia, France, Iran, Ireland, IsraeI, Italy, Russia , Spain, St. Lucia, Sweden, Trinidad & Tobago, United Kingdom, United States (in 41 of the 50 States).

This is a fantastic group of artists that paint in the "open air" which is what "plein aire" means. This the 10 year Anniversary of the group ... and the Executive Director, J.R. Baldini, thought it would be good to feature the artists in an on-line exhibit.

International Plein Air Painters

is holding their first online Exhibit and sale

in their 10 year history as an organization.

Take advantage of this opportunity to get acquainted

with our talented artist members and purchase some Original Art for a Gift for yourself or someone on your gift giving list this season.

You are contacting the artist directly through this exhibit page

and all works are for sale directly through PayPal

Click http://ipap.homestead.com/EXHIBIT.html to go to the exhibit page

We submitted two paintings... one for the exhibit, and one for a back up. Here is the painting I submitted for the on-line exhibit:

Lost Mountain Nursery
Pastel - 11" x 14"

So, be sure to visit the "Exhibit" page ... and it would be wonderful if you would "share" it on Facebook and / or with your mailing list.

Southeastern Pastel Demo And Talk

2011-11-22T11:28:00.001-05:00

It has been a little while since I posted here. Many things have been happening. Two shows, a studio tour, a plein air event, open studio at my place with a new blog for that, planning workshops for next year ... and a demonstration at the Southeastern Pastel Society.

Beginning the discussion about the trip!

The Southeastern Pastel Society wanted me to talk about the trip I made to Ireland this July/August and how I won part of the trip, participated in Art In The Open in Wexford, Ireland ... and marketed this work to my patrons. Well ... I told them many times it is rather boring to listen to someone talk about their trip. So, I asked if they minded if I demonstrated a pastel painting from one of my Ireland photographs while talking about all the other! Yes, was the answer, and so here goes a little of what I did that evening. I'll weave into the discussion part, photos taken while I demonstrated!

The 15" Digital Photo Screen --
I paint from this!

First I had everything set up so I could start the painting very quickly. I brought with me the "heavy" French easel, my 15" digital photo screen, books with photos from the trip, photos along with the paintings I created, and a book with all the information from start to finish about the trip. These books were passed around while I talked and demonstrated.

Showing how I do a thumbnail
and a Notan before I start the painting.

I discussed first how I had won the trip -- or part of the trip, anyway. I belong to a web site called "pleinairartists.ning.com" which Don Maier started several years ago. Many wonderful artists belong to this site, from beginners to professional. Don and a member of the Irish Plein Aire site decided to hold a competition to give one US artist the entry fee into the competition (Art In The Open) and a 7-night stay at a 4-star hotel with bed/breakfast package. All the winner had to do was get there ... so that meant air fare, and whatever else the costs would be ... like eating, and getting from Dublin to Wexford. Wexford is about a two-hour bus drive below Dublin on the Southeastern Coast of Ireland.

Beginning a light
pencil sketch.

So, I submitted three plein air paintings to the competition .... oh yeah ... these were to be somehow "Irish" in nature, or green! That was fun ... green is no stranger to me! The group at the meeting got a kick out of that one! Anyway, I won the entry and hotel, and started looking for airfare, getting reservations for the bus ride, etc.

Here I am starting with a
watercolor underpainting on an
Ampersand Pastelbord.

To fund this part of the trip, I decided to offer a deal to my patrons and family. This was a very special offer and only to those that have been long time supporters of my paintings, classes and workshops. I sent these people a newsletter via e-mail, and then I also sent a beautiful letter by Postal Service. The patrons were allowed to choose a size and pay in advance at a discounted rate. This allowed me to travel to Ireland and participate in the "Art In The Open" Plein Aire Festival.

Watercolor complete, and holding
the photo reference! Don't you love
the faces a camera person catches?

After returning from Ireland, I painted 35 paintings to supplement the plein air pieces. I uploaded images of all the paintings to a Picasa Web Album and sent a newsletter to all the participants to have a look and start choosing their favorites. A date was set and the party was held for the showing the Ireland series! After a little time of partying and conversation, it was time. The first person to "opt in" for the pre-sale chose their painting. The second person was not here, but they had already seen the images online at the web album and had given me their choice with a couple of alternates in case their first choice was already gone. They did get their first choice! Third person, fourth person and so on down the list until all had chosen their painting!

Beginning the pastel
application - standing to the
side so viewers can see.

Though they paid for a certain size, they were not limited to that size. If they wanted a larger one, then they paid the difference. If they wanted a smaller one, they could receive the difference in a refund or apply it to another painting. The first person did "up-size"! The third person did "down-size" and choose another painting (not an Ireland one) and just paid the small difference in what it cost and their credit from the Ireland painting. I believe everyone had a very good time, and left happy!

Taking a look before
continuing!

I rarely ever discount my artwork unless they are buying multiples! This is only the second time I have offered this kind of opportunity. It does not come around very often ... and my patrons and clients know that. So, not a bad deal on both our parts ... I get to go on a trip, I get to sell some paintings, and my biggest supporters get a "Thank You" deal and one of the first paintings from a new series!

Brushing out the foreground

because it did not help the painting.

The remainder of the photos will finish the progression of the demonstration and the process I use to work on a painting. The photos show the thumbnail and Notan, the digital photo screen, a photo that I manipulated in Photoshop Elements, and the initial sketching and watercolor underpainting on the white Ampersand Pastelbord.

Reapplying shadows at a darker
value to help the composition.

After the underpainting in watercolor, I start by applying the pastel in a broad manner, working from dark to light most of the time. On this particular one, when I started applying some of the darks in the trees, and the colors in the sky ... I decided I loved the looseness of the strokes and the values, and so told them I did not think the trees needed any green! And, I even showed how when something did not meet my expectations, I brush off the lower third and reapply pastel in a different value to help the composition come together.

Here I am taking a final look
before stopping for the night.

I added a few diagonal strokes of light to create a little pathway from the foreground to the middle and some strokes of yellow and mauve / purple to indicate there might be wildflowers in the area. At this point, I step back and decide the painting needs to sit for awhile at home and then I will have another look to decide if it really is what I want. My demonstrations tend to look a little looser than my studio pieces ... almost in the same vein as when I go plein air! I think I like it!

Here is the painting as it was when I stopped that night. I have done nothing more to it. It is still sitting where I can see it when I walk through the room.

Marc Hanson Workshop

2011-09-27T20:19:00.000-04:00

I promised I would show the work I did in the Marc Hanson workshop in August. This workshop was in conjunction with the Southeastern Pastel Society Members' Show. Here is a photo showing the workshop setting -- crowded!

The easel on the left is mine with a watercolor underpainting of my second painting. Marc asked us to bring rather large paper or panels. This was taken on the second day of the workshop. I'll show the painting later.

Marc started out with a power point presentation of some of his work and discussed various elements of composing paintings. He works most times from a field study to compose his studio work. He discussed creating a value study, telling us "the color no longer gets in the way" of the concept, which is most important.

Here are some of his jewels and qutoes:
"weight the composition towards a dominant value ... work to a specific point of view."
"work in themes. Set an assignment, exploring a subject. Create interest for the viewer."
"Orchestrate, move and rearrange things if needed."
"If you don't have to put everything in, then don't! Keep the major shapes, indicate a few shapes somewhere, and this will inform the viewer."
"Only say enough! Say so much with so little!"
"Create from your experiences -- people sense your excitement without even knowing why."

Before the "Fix"

Here is the first painting -- on an 18"x24" Ampersand Pastelbord. Two views, one before I fixed some things, and then after changing some small things.

I changed the two little blue bushes so they were not so much alike. I took the larger darker bush and made it smaller by just brushing out the lower portion of it. There was a rather strong diagonal coming toward the bottom of the large bush, and by taking that bottom out, I made the diagonal stop. I also softened some of the marks at the top of the painting which makes it recede.

After the "Fix"

There might be a few other small corrections, but at this point, I have not done anything more to the painting. There are a few things I am thinking of doing near the bottom, but they won't be anything major.

I started the second painting around the middle of our second day in class -- which is what you see in the photo at the top of the page with just the watercolor underpainting. Here is a closer look at that underpainting.

This painting was done from a plein air pastel I did in the "Art In The Open" Festival in Wexford, Ireland just a couple of weeks before the workshop. My plein air piece is an 11x14 and this larger version is 18x24.

Here is the painting as it looks now -- and I might do a little more to the left side where it comes down the wall -- which is just a little too straight for me!

I did two more paintings -- started one on Sunday morning, and then had about an hour left during the afternoon, so I did a smaller one from the first one and a photo taken from the same location. I really think all these paintings are relatively successful.

One more quote: "Edges - are the most sensitive, and gives it the most emotion. Soft focus creates motion and helps the eye move in and over the edges. It doesn't just stop there. It allows the eye to move back in space. Take a color and just break that edge. Here is where you get to be artistic. Sensitivity! Personality, a little more of your own voice."

It was a wonderful workshop ... and I am sure I learned much from his presentation, his demo and the many times he came around the room and made just one or two comments each time. Marc also discussed with me what it is I need to be doing in my art at this point in my career. We shall see if I can do what is needed! The words were very thought provoking. He said to figure out and paint the one thing that I am most inspired by ... guess what ... could that be trees? Figure out what it is that could make mine .... mine! Be known for that. Yep, that's what I need to do. Make them mine!

Two Ireland Paintings and Changes

2011-09-16T16:11:00.003-04:00

Yesterday I started two paintings from my photos from Ireland. Today I have been working on them to make them better. It involved quite significant changes -- such as brushing off some of the pastel so I could place a completely different value and composition in the place of what I had done yesterday. These are both 9x12 paintings on Ampersand Pastelbord ... and take a load of abuse!

Here is one before the change, and then after the change. Below that are greyscales of each of them.

Notice the rocks in the foreground and the little flowers. This is how I left it yesterday afternoon when I closed up the studio. I thought is was coming along nicely though I worried about the rock wall creating a barrier to a person moving into the painting. And, it looks nothing like the photo I was using. I'll post that also.

Here is the photo:

Now here is the second painting, showing you first the way I left it yesterday afternoon, and then what I did with it today. Below those are two photos that I combined to create the scene and the greyscale of each day's work.

I thought there needed to be a harmonizing color and value along the bottom of the painting. I usually put cool temperature colors at the bottom to help a person "jump" over those cool colors and enter the painting.

Tomorrow, I will come down again -- or when I come to the studio again -- I will take another look and see if I still like the changes I made. I will ask myself this question, "Is there any change I would do that would make these paintings significantly better?" If the answer is no, then this is how they will stay. And, I will move on to the next Ireland paintings. Sometimes, you need to just go on to the next painting to implement what you learned on the most recent work!

Southeastern Pastel Society Reception

2011-08-23T20:34:00.000-04:00

Last week was a very busy week in my art world! On Thursday, we went to Gainesville, GA to the Quinlan Visual Arts Center for the Southeastern Pastel Society Members' Juried Exhibition. Out of 257 paintings submitted by 97 artists, Marc Hanson chose 100 paintings. I am not sure how many artists were represented. Marc is a fantastic and nationally known artist and has been featured in many art magazines.

I was fortunate to have two paintings chosen for this exhibition: "Rocky Ravine" and "Cypress Dance." My painting Rocky Ravine was also chosen for a "Merit Award!" Happy day and also an honor ... as there were many beautiful paintings in this show. Our member show rivals our international shows ... they are alternating ... one year we have a "members' show" and the next year we have an "international show."

Here is my winning painting:

Rocky Ravine
Pastel - 24" x 18"
Merit Award Winner

The painting was done from a photograph taken near Monteagle, TN at a wonderful park ... Fiery Gizzard! What a name, right? I did take liberties with the photo, as the scene was quite dark with trees hanging over the distant part of the creek. I decided I wanted some sky and light coming more vividly through. I opened it up and created the light on those distant trees.

Cypress Dance
Pastel - 24"x20"

Here is the other painting accepted into the show ...
I added fine pumice gel to a gatorboard surface, which made the brush strokes show and created quite a rough surface for adding the pastel. I think it adds to the painting when you are up close and looking at the strokes!

Here is a shot of me with Marc Hanson and my painting! And, below are several other shots at the reception.

Ronnie Offen and her
prize winning painting!

Sylvia and Randy Eidson
His painting to his left

And more of the crowd!

In the center of the photo
My Mom (Betty Hamby) and
Haywood (my husband)

On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, I attended a workshop given by our judge, Marc Hanson. I have known him online for about 10 years or more. What a treat to get to meet him in real life. The workshop was great fun, but really hard work. I will do another blog post about the workshop ... loads to show you!

Underpainting and Almost Finished Painting

2011-08-13T09:29:00.000-04:00

Here are two shots of my painting on the easel ... from my travel to Wexford Ireland for the Art In The Open Plein Air Festival. This is a 14" x 11" on an Ampersand Pastelboard which was a "grey" one before the alcohol wash.

The first is the underpainting I did with pastel and alcohol. Just had started putting pastel on top at the top of the buildings in the sky -- the warmth at the bottom of the sky. Then I have where I was when I stopped late yesterday afternoon. Today I will go back to the studio and have a "fresh" look and try to determine what needs a little "fixing!"

This is about the fourth painting from my plein air pieces and photographs. Having a great time painting these and remembering being there!

My Trip to Ireland

2011-08-12T10:46:00.000-04:00

I just returned from a plein air festival in Wexford Ireland ... Art In The Open! What a wonderful place to visit and the artists that put on this festival really worked hard. The people we met were the friendliest people I think I have ever encountered on any trip I have taken!

Here is a link to a fantastic video they produced: Art In The Open Video "http://youtu.be/j_uVrAZPRGk" . It is about a 10 minute video I think, but it gives a great idea about what this festival was about.

Here I am painting and almost finished at the "Quick Draw" and showing the painting with the view. This painting was awarded an "Owner's Award" which was an honor. The quick draw was a horn to start, two hours of painting from start to finish and the horn again to stop! Then they lined up all the easels and paintings along one street to be judged and also for the town people to be able to see! It was great fun.

The painting is a pastel on a Raymar Featherlite panel (which has canvas on it), but I coated it twice with Golden Fine Pumice Gel so I could then do the pastel on it. The size is 8" x 10". This painting is also one I decided to put into the show for the festival ... and it is still over in Ireland in the show along with two other pastel painting.

I'll post more later!

Albuquerque Trip

2011-06-27T22:40:00.000-04:00

I am recently back from attending the IAPS (International Association of Pastel Societies) convention in Albuquerque, New Mexico .... and then a trip up to Littleton, Colorado (Denver area) to teach a three-day plein air workshop for Terry Ludwig Pastels! So .... I wanted to share a few of the photographs I took at the convention and some of the good times too!

Here is a photo of me at the IAPS 18th Juried Exhibition in front of my painting! It was an honor to have been accepted into this show. All the work was stunning and it was so much fun to attend the reception and meet new artist friends and reconnect with those artist friends made at previous conventions. This painting was done plein air and was painted last year at the Great Chattahoochee Paint Out held by the City of Roswell GA.

Eileen Casey -- a Facebook friend
met for the first time in real life!

I was able to meet friends I have made on Facebook at the convention and what fun we had when seeing each other for the first time.

The next photo is of three of my previous students that came to the convention -- two of them for their first time! I do believe they had a wonderful time .... but I bet they were tired when they returned home. We all have a tendency to sign up for a full schedule of sessions!

Karen Margulis, Sharon Lewis,
and Nancy Belknap

Stan Sperlak was also a
Facebook friend I got to meet!

Karen Margulis won the Poster Competition for this IAPS convention. What an honor for her .... and for me to have played a little part in helping her along her pastel journey.... well, that is what every teacher hopes to see ... success well deserved for your hard work, Karen!

The next photo is of two friends, Nancy Nowak and Barbara Jaenicke, from the Atlanta area and are in the Southeastern Pastel Society with me.

Nancy Nowak and
Barbara Jaenicke

I attended three different "sessions" with wonderful artists: Fred Somers, Doug Dawson, and Kim Lordier. What a treat to take 3-hour sessions "hands on" with Fred and Doug .... but the best was a full day, hands on with Kim Lordier!

Kim showing her alcohol technique over a first
layer of pastel. Just laying in the dark masses.

Kim's day class was about creating a "notan" and planning the painting before beginning. We watched her from start to almost finished painting... then we did the same, thumbnail, then a notan, and then the painting. It was suggested that we do several different notan for the same photo, and then choose the best abstract image. I do thumbnails, but the notan only occasionally... but will be doing them much more often !!!

Terry Ludwig Pastel and ...
my husband, Haywood working

The vendor marketplace at the convention is probably one of the highlights! The best, of course, is the Terry Ludwig Pastels booth .... those colors are just like candy to us pastel artists. It was an awesome sight! This shot is just after we had set up the booth the night before the opening the next day. That dark shelf at the top held a "sample" set of each of his various pastel sets .... and was even more impressive with them there. Wish I had a photo of that for you to see.

Kate, Donna and Deb

Kate and Deb work for Terry Ludwig Pastels and flew down to help man the booth with Terry and his son, Jeff (sorry I don't have a photo of him!) and my husband, Haywood. Donna and I helped when we were not in class, too!

So, we had a wonderful time .... many good friends were seen and new ones were made.... and we look forward to the next convention in two years! If you are a pastel artist, you really do need to plan to attend the next International Association of Pastel Societies convention in Albuquerque NM! Hope to see you there, and if I don't know you, please do look me up and say hello!

Found one more of the Ludwig booth ...
with the pastel sets up on the shelf above the
individual sticks!

Stay tuned ..... I'm saving the photos and stories about my plein air painting adventure on Monday after the convention closed for the next blog post ... went to paint with Kim Lordier, Stan Sperlak, Lorenzo Chavez, and many more! Painted all day long and then had dinner with many of them!

Recap of the Fabulous Sedona Trip!

2011-06-17T19:28:00.000-04:00

Last year a friend and I discussed entering the Sedona Plein Air Festival which is held the end of October. Then we decided it would be great to spend a month in Sedona ... rent a house for the month .... and do loads of painting. We were already planning to be at Ghost Ranch in Abiquiu, New Mexico for a week long plein air workshop with Ann Templeton at the first of October. So .... no brainer, right?

Ghost Ranch Canyon -- Plein Air Oil, 11" x 14"
at Windrush Gallery, Sedona AZ

I started thinking about what artist friends would be most interested in this type of immersion in the Western landscape .... extreme painting even! To plan a trip of this kind, thinking of the personalities involved, and the hope that all would be compatible .... well .... five women for a whole month in one house and agreeing on what to do next? Was I crazy? .... No Way! I believe that as artists, we are the most accommodating and sharing people on the planet. Fantastic .... no worries!

This past fall, Camille Day, Wanda Crane, Denise Champion, and Virginia Dauth joined me on this adventure ... making the trek to Sedona, Arizona for a month of painting and inspiration in the land of the red rocks. Although we hoped to be inspired artistically, we all experienced far more spiritually than ever expected.

Morning Arroyo
Plein Air Pastel - 12" x 9"

Our unique experiences included friendships formed with artists from the Southwest and the invited artists to the Sedona Arts Festival, encounters with local wildlife, excursions to the Grand Canyon and Jerome, painting a nocturn painting (night-time), the search for vortexes, and many days of "extreme painting" to round out the adventure! “If you asked each of the artists who took this trip, all would say it was an "art-changing" if not a life-changing experience,” says Camille aka "Candy" Day.

Also, one of our group was able to secure a venue for showing the plein air paintings, and the studio ones done after our return. The ‘Sedona Five,’ as we started to call ourselves, shared paintings, journals, memorabilia, and recollections in a special show at the GAHA Gallery in Ellijay, GA, May 13 through 31. The name of the show was ... Sedona: A Journey of Art and Spirit.

de Chelly Bluff -- Oil Studio 16" x 20"

Canyon Blues (Studio Painting)
Pastel .. 9" x 12"

To make things even better, I approached a wonderful gallery in Sedona and was accepted. They have already sold three of the paintings I left with them! Their web site is www.windrushgallery.com. Be sure to visit the site, or the gallery itself if you are in Sedona. Tell John I sent you .... he is the owner!

I will be posting many of the plein air and studio paintings to my personal website as soon as I can. Be sure to take a look: www.marshasavage.com .

Teaching Pastel

2011-05-29T09:56:00.000-04:00

There are wonderful days of painting in the studio .... and of course the best is painting outdoors from life! Spending time with nature is by far my favorite painting past time!

But, having said that, almost as good is when I teach a workshop and get to watch the proverbial "light bulb" go on in the aspiring artist's face.... when they suddenly see and know something they had not been able to grasp just a few moments before! Fun, fun, fun!

My pastel box
This was made by my Dad!

Last weekend I had a pastel workshop -- two days of teaching at a wonderful place called the Atlanta Artist Center. Look them up online and see what this great organization is all about. I will give you a link for them at the bottom of this post. The first day was the busiest --- setting up my easel and supplies, and then helping them set up and decide what they wished to paint this first day. Then I do a demonstration: first the thumbnail, then my watercolor underpainting technique and the starting of a pastel painting.

I start out by talking a little about what pastel painting is to me and the correct way to frame these wonderful vibrant paintings. Then I ask the students questions about what they want to learn in this workshop and why they chose me to take from. This gives me a little insight into what I need to help them with. I pass out a few cheat sheets with information about various aspects of painting in pastel .... and some of the hints and tips can be applied to any of the painting mediums... composition, color theory, value study, etc.

The watercolor "splashy"
underpainting

I continue by showing them my set up, discuss why I choose a particular photograph to work from .... but for me it is a digital image on a 15 inch photo screen. This is way better than looking at a printed photo ... but as most of us know, not nearly as good as being outdoors and painting from life. But, when you teach a studio workshop, then you work with photos or digital images. The underpainting is started, questions are asked, and then some of the first layer of pastel is applied.

At this point, I usually take a break from mine to allow the students to stretch and start their paintings: doing a thumbnail, discussing the reason choosing their image, how to simplify their thoughts, and then do a small bit of the underpainting. This order for the morning seems to keep students from getting tired of just listening and watching the teacher!

Before lunch, I go back to my painting, students return to their seats, and I continue to show the process I use for layering the pastel on the surface. I discuss working on the darks, adding some intense color, what I want in the sky .... and how these things affect the rest of the painting. I keep up a bit of back and forth talk and answering questions from the students. They ask why did I do a certain color, or value ... or shape, .... or why did I change something. It allows them to see how I push and pull the image into something that is an illusion .... making a two dimensional image look three dimensional! It's magic! We fool the eye with our use of value changes, and especially color theory with warm and cool play back and forth!

My plein air painting in oil ...
the resource and then the larger pastel.

The remainder of the day .... after lunch .... the students work on their paintings with input from me. I go back to my piece maybe once or twice for a few strokes and discuss something that I have seen the students need to watch. A couple of the students do enough on their paintings that we decide they need to stop. Better to leave it a little underworked and fresh .... instead of doing way too much and having it look too fussy! Tomorrow they get to start a new one .... and maybe after lunch start another one. I tell them it is more important to plan the painting .... taking the time in the beginning .... and then start the paintings with a better chance for success!

So, this was the first day. On the second day, the students worked on the start of another painting. I tell them it is more important to plan the paintings, then start them, than it is to finish them completely in the workshop. I also started another demonstration as they worked. They are told to periodically take a break from their painting and come take a look at what I have done on this demo. There are times I tell them to come watch a specific thing I am doing to it. But, I am always walking around and offering advice and answering questions.

Here is the second demo .... though I will be assessing both of them to determine what I need to do, if anything to further the idea I had in the beginning!

Chama Chamissa -- Pastel on Ampersand Pastelbord

Here is the link to the Atlanta Artist Center which is located in Buckhead ... a great little area in the Northern part of Atlanta .... www.atlantaartistscenter.org.

Pastel Plein Air Workshop in Littleton Colorado

2011-05-05T20:57:00.000-04:00

Wouldn't you enjoy coming to the Denver, Colorado area to take a workshop where you get to paint the beautiful scenery .... and also visit Terry Ludwig's wonderful pastel workshop where he and staff make these awesome sticks of pastel? You need to look at his web site: www.terryludwig.com. They are my favorite pastels to work with from start to finish!

Willeo Park Misty
"Best in Show"
Great Chatthoochee Paint Out 2010

So .... I will be teaching a plein air (outdoors) workshop the weekend of June 10, 11, & 12 (Fri., Sat. & Sun.) for Terry Ludwig Studio. His workshop is in Littleton, Colorado and will be the meeting place before we head out to the beautiful landscape in surrounding Denver and Littleton.

Two great reasons to take this workshop: Painting plein air in Colorado -- a beautiful area of our Country .... and a perfect opportunity to see Terry Ludwig pastels and to purchase what you want! The cost of this workshop is only $300 for the three days. The workshop will be on location (plein air) and/or his classroom studio weather permitting.

This workshop will be the weekend after the close of the IAPS (International Association of Pastel Societies) convention in Albuquerque NM. So, if you are attending the convention, plan a side trip on the way home to take a workshop with me in Colorado! We will paint on location in the beautiful area surrounding Denver / Littleton, Colorado. My teaching has much to do with developing the ability to really see color relationships, aerial perspective, edges and drawing skills. Be sure to read the article about my painting in the February 2011 edition of the Pastel Journal for more insight on my painting philosophy.

Put this on your calendar -- registration is happening now. Please contact me to ask questions!!!!!
marshasavageart@yahoo.com
...... and ....Visit my web site and see what my paintings are all about!
www.marshasavage.com

Acrylic Workshop in Ellijay, GA

2011-05-04T09:16:00.000-04:00

Although I am better known for my paintings in pastel or oil, I also paint occasionally in acrylic.

"Gladiola Profusion"
24" x 20"

I have done several commissions in acrylic, one of those being eight paintings for a restaurant, Enigma Cafe at Satellite Beach, Florida.

The painting shown here is acrylic and was done from life. I walked into a Kroger and the glads were $1 for a bunch ... so I bought about 10 bunches and had fun painting them for a couple of days!

So .... I have been asked several times, "when are you going to teach in acrylic?" Here is your opportunity!

Studio Workshop -
Acrylic's Split Personality
Gilmer Arts and Heritage Association -- Ellijay, GA

May 14 and 15, 2011
Saturday and Sunday

This is a special opportunity ----
the cost of this workshop is $150 for the two days,
supplies included!

The workshop will follow the "theme" of the GAHA upcoming show sponsored by the Garden Club. The intention for this workshop is to have each student leave with a completed sunflower painting. You will paint along with the teacher, following stroke by stroke as the painting comes to life. I will also discuss learning from the experience, creating studies 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!

Gilmer Arts and Heritage Association (GAHA) members receive 10% off class fees. Call 706-635-5605 to schedule the class.

207 Dalton Street
Ellijay, GA 30540

(706) 635-5605
gaha@ellijay.com

Office Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday --- 9:00 am - 4:30 pm

Closed: Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday

Three Key Benefits of Marsha Savage Workshops

1. 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."

2. 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.

3. 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.

So ..... contact the Gilmer Arts and Heritage Association and plan to participate in a very fun workshop. You can also contact me with any questions: marshasavageart@yahoo.com. I hope to see you there.

Sunflower Fun 1
Pastel

Sunflower Fun 2
Oil

Lost Mountain Nursery Paint Out

2011-04-26T20:20:00.000-04:00

This Saturday, April 30, I will be painting on location at Lost Mountain Nursery which is located in Dallas, GA. I will be joined by my painting buddies from Georgia Outdoor Painters and other artist friends. We should be there when it opens and for most of the day. Here is the information for the nursery:

LOST MOUNTAIN NURSERY
824 Poplar Springs Road
Dallas, GA 30157

Phone: (770) 427-5583
Hours of Operation
Monday-Saturday: 9:00-5:00
Sunday (March-December): Noon-5:00

Web site: http://www.lostmountainnursery.com/aboutus.html
The web site has several pages, but I have included the link to the page telling about some of the wonderful people that work for the nursery and what kind of expertise they have. There is also a map to show you where it is located.

Come see the nursery and some wonderful plants. Enjoy the day watching artists paint flowers, pots, the potting shed, and all kinds of things you would find at a nursery.

Hope to see you there!

Painting in Madison GA and Blue Ridge GA

2011-03-25T08:54:00.000-04:00

My painting and the scene from the
World Wide Paint Out last September

There are several Plein Air paint outs in the Atlanta area in the next couple of months. This is one of our most beautiful times of year here ... we have dogwood and cherry trees in bloom, azaleas will be reaching their peak bloom in the next month, etc. Sometimes it is hard to decide which plein air event to respond to! Here are two I will be attending.

Madison, GA
I will be participating in a paint out in Madison GA on Friday, May 6. It will be in conjundtion with their Madison in May Spring Tour of Homes. This is a beautiful community located East of Atlanta and very easy to find.

Here is the link to the web page about the homes on the tour: Madison Spring Tour of Homes.

I received an e-mail from my contact there who asked me to let other artists know about the opportunity. So, here is her message to me:

"Just wanted to send you the link to the Cultural Center's Tour Homes so you can preview them. You are not required to paint at these locations, but this is where a lot of folks will be walking around during the tour of homes.

I can't wait till May 6th! I will keep my fingers crossed for the lovely weather we usually get for this event!

If you know of any other painters who might be interested in participating, please pass my email along to them!"

Blue Ridge Plein Air Festival

I will be painting in Blue Ridge for their Plein Air Festival on Saturday and Sunday, April 9 and 10. Here is the link to the BRMAA Plein Air Festival page. We may even be photographed for inclusion in a magazine article. We need to have loads of artists painting for this one!

Contact the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association to pre-register for this. But, you can just show up and register that morning! We would like to know there will be many artists there, so pre-registering would be wonderful to know you'll be there.

Blue Ridge is a wonderful place to paint -- in town, along the Toccoa River, Lake Blue Ridge, Mercier Orchard, and the pastures and mountains! There will be maps, snacks, prizes, and you can show your plein air work at the Art Center.

Come join us in the fantastic community and paint! Contact me if you need any more information, or contact either of these organizations. They would love to hear from you.

Atlanta Artist Center Workshop

2011-03-16T09:11:00.000-04:00

I have a pastel workshop scheduled for May 21 and 22 (Sat. and Sun.) at the Atlanta Artist Center which is located off Pharr Rd. in the Buckhead area of Atlanta.

Three Key Benefits of Marsha Savage Workshops

1. 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."

2. 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.

3. Learning to enjoy the journey of painting, 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.

Here is the information you need:

Evening Cypress - Pastel

Atlanta Artist Center
2979 Grandview Avenue
Atlanta, Georgia 30305
Sat. / Sun., May 21 & 22, 2011
9:00 am – 4:00 pm (8:45 arrival please)

Cost:
$225 – Members / $275 – Non-members
Deposit of $50 required

The 8:45 am arrival time is to get your gear into the classroom and set up. A supply list will be given upon registration. Please bring your own bottled water or drink and a snack or sack lunch. You can order from Basil's which is next door to the Atlanta Artist Center. Basil's offers a special for AAC students for $7.

This workshop is appropriate for beginners through advanced. Advanced students will learn how to raise their art to the next level.

The workshop will consist of instruction on composition, thumbnail sketches, value, temperature, and color theory. We will discuss painting from photographs, and how to make a painting look as if painted on location. Critiques will be continually as each student is helped.

A demonstration will start the day on Saturday morning. We will discuss quickly creating a thumbnail sketch to work from, blocking in the darks and lights, finding the colors and developing the painting. You will not necessarily finish each painting. This class is not to paint a pretty painting from start to finish – but how to plan and start properly with less problems.

For more information about me, my bio and my artist statement see my web site, www.marshasavage.com , or you can call 770-926-3623 (Smyrna, GA), or e-mail me at marshasavageart@yahoo.com.

To Register Call -- 404-237-2324 Atlanta Artist Center (AAC)

Website: http://www.atlantaartistscenter.org/

The Art House in Buckhead

2011-01-19T21:22:00.000-05:00

Today, Carly Hardy and I decided we would visit some galleries in the Buckhead (Atlanta) and Marietta GA area. The galleries we visited were Vinings Gallery, The Art House, Lagerquist Gallery, Anne Irwin and the other galleries on Bennett Street along with TULA, and then up to Marietta to visit Frameworks Gallery.

We enjoyed the whole day -- saw many beautiful pieces of art .... and also saw some new artists that we have looked up on the internet to see more of their work. Some wonderful work!!!!

But, this post is about the new gallery we visited in Buckhead .... The Art House. We enjoyed all the art, the jewelry and the owner, Debi Lamb. I think we spent at least an hour just talking! I told Debi I enjoyed it so much, and we would be back .... but I wanted her permission to post something here on my blog about the gallery. I asked if I could copy some the "story" from her web site...... so here is that story.

"As lovers of all things creative, unique and original ~ we wanted to bring art and art lovers together in a warm, inviting and relaxed environment. After many successful years of representing artists for charity events from our carriage house, we knew it was time to find a permanent location. A charming 1938 cottage in the heart of Buckhead found us!

Our "boutique" gallery showcases the works of local and regional artists in all styles and mediums. We represent painters in oil, acrylic, pastel and watercolor as well as encaustics, collage and mixed media. Potters, ceramists, wood-turners, jewelers, metal-smiths, fiber and glass artisans display their latest creations. Cutting edge photography and sculpture is here. Because we have loved mixing traditional with abstract, wood with clay, photography with fiber in our own home ~ we display the same mix of styles & genres in the gallery. It works!

If you are not on our mail/email list, check out our Contact Page to add your name. For gallery hours/location, check out our Directions Page. We offer our clientele beautiful creations from unique gifts to fabulous fibers to treasured originals. We hope you enjoy the art, the space we created and your experience at the The Art House. Debi and William Lamb"

Here is the link to their web site -- the "About" page: http://www.thearthouseatlanta.com/about.html.

When you get the chance, please be sure to go visit The Art House and Debi Lamb. You won't be disappointed! The place is warm and cozy!

On Knowing Richard Schmid

2011-01-13T08:40:00.000-05:00

I am reprinting an article I read on the FineArtViews newsletter! I thought it particularly important for many of my artist friends to understand how we help each other! Enjoy reading and I would love to hear your thoughts, so please leave some comments. And .... Visit the FineArtViews newsletter and sign up. You'll thank yourself. It is the best newsletter out there (along with Robert Genn)!
-------------------- Article ---------------
On Knowing Richard Schmid

by Lori Woodward

Today's Post is by Lori Woodward, Regular contributing writer for FineArtViews. She also writes "The Artist's Life" blog on American Artists' Forum. Lori is a member of The Putney Painters, an invitational group that paints under the direction of Richard Schmid and Nancy Guzik. Find out how you can be a guest author.

I get more than a few requests from artists - wanting to know how to get an invitation to the Putney Painters. I usually explain what the truth is; I have no power with Richard Schmid or Nancy Guzik. In fact, I'm fortunate to have my own place in this group. I was invited permanently after two years of teaching workshops and classes at Village Arts. In my experience, artists get invited after having been guest artists for 3 or more years. My guess is that Richard will eventually bow out of showing up. It's amazing to me that we meet even if he doesn't attend.

The bad news is that it's a closed group and everyone who has been a guest over the years either knows Richard or Nancy personally or knows one of their closer friends in the group. Many are hopeful there will be a spot for them in the future, but that hope rarely comes to fruition. My guess is that artists see how Richard's fellow painters have gone on to being able to make a living as an artist, get into big-name galleries and show up in magazine articles.

The good news: Richard has never made a single recommendation for any of Putney artists to a gallery, show, or otherwise. He simply has nothing to do with helping us market our work -- so, you're not missing out on a recommendation. But still, you're wondering... why do Richard's group painters so often hit the big time?

Because he teaches us the essentials of making quality representational art. Another fact that is not widely known: These aren't classes, workshops or otherwise. He just invites a few of his friends to paint along with him several times a year. He enjoys the company. We all share the cost of the building, heat, model fees, and food... except that Carol Arnold often bakes a chocolate cake or brownies.

The most enjoyable part of being in the Putney Painters (I call them the PP's), is the long term relationships that I've gained with the other painters. We're truly friends and fellow supporters. Even though Richard doesn't help our career efforts, many times we help each other. I've learned as much from Rosemary Ladd and Kathy Anderson - just by painting by their side.

So... what does this mean for you? It is an example of what can be done when like-minded artists meet to paint together informally. Information about opportunities are shared, there is mutual art instruction, visits to museums, and even painting trips. We PP's do all these things even when Richard and Nancy aren't around. We get together in other cities at shows too. The glue that holds us together is our mutual support and encouragement. We each compete with ourselves, not with each other. When one of us wins an award or gets an article in a magazine, we all celebrate. Jealousy is absent.

There's nothing stopping you from doing the same thing. The best groups have a couple of successful, knowledgible artists who are willing to share their experience with the others. The groups work when all the people who attend are serious about becoming the best they can be. While painting, the PP's are not allowed to talk much. I do have a habit of talking - especially when I paint next to Rosemary (Roladd). Richard will often turn his head toward us, breaking forth with a deep, crisp QUIET! If Kathy Anderson and I start harmonizing to The Boxer, Richard will change the CD.

There is much to be gained from a small group of friends who paint in a similar way. You can meet at a studio regularly - having a model or bringing your own still life set ups. You can plan painting trips. Did you know that a number of plein air painters (some well known) regularly plan several paint outs in beautiful locations? If you all get along well enough, you can name your group and hold your own exhibits.

I believe the wave of the future for artists to learn is by sharing information, and helping each other - for free. That's what Richard does for the few of us and he expects us to carry the torch of information onto the next generation of artists. Some of us who like to teach are doing just that.

Richard isn't the only artist in this world who knows the science behind art and seeing. There are many others. If you can't put your time and money into studying at an Atelier, there are plenty of books to teach you. For example, the best two "classic" books for landscape painting are written by John F. Carlson and Edgar Payne. They're not easy reading and definitely not for the Sunday Painter, but they are cherished by well known landscape painters as the very best learning tools.

So I leave you with this fact. Hanging on a famous artist's coattails will not do anything for your art career because, It's not Who You Know, It's What You Know - and how you put that knowledge to use.

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Mentoring and Open Studio Sessions in Smyrna GA

2011-01-11T15:49:00.000-05:00

I have decided I will have what I am calling "Open Studio" and these will be a studio painting session or a mentoring session. I will put a calendar out for the days I will be in the studio painting, organizing, marketing, or something to do with art. On any of these days, you can come -- you can just show up. Or, if you have a particular need, call or e-mail in advance. On the days I am "in studio" you are welcome to paint along with me, talk about specific painting problems, discuss ways to raise your level, talk about marketing, etc. You can paint in pastel, oil, acrylic, draw, sketch, study books, or whatever you want help with. The session will cost you only $25 for how ever long you stay that day. I will be open for students from 10:00 until 4:00.

Most times it will not be the same days each week -- they will vary. And, I have already had some previous students ask about coming sometime on a night or Saturday -- they do work a normal daytime job! I have said I will definitely work something out, just ask!

You can decide to come on any day I say "Studio Day"! You can taylor sessions to your own schedule. And, if for some reason something is keeping me out of the studio on a particular "Studio Day", I will send an e-mail to everyone at least the day before -- such as getting sick, or some type of emergency. I won't change a day just because some one calls and says "want to go to lunch today?" or something of that type. I am committed to being in my studio painting or doing something art related on those days I say I will!

So . . . you can decide to come one day and skip a week and then another day ...... whatever suits your schedule! Most times I would expect there would maybe only be one or two students ... much like a private lesson! But I will be working along with you . . . or we will be studying how to market, or what you need to be doing to raise the level of your work!

If you are a potential new student, then you must e-mail me to take advantage of this opportunity. I need to talk to you about your art, ask questions to see if you can benefit from this type of teaching -- most people can. But, I have had a student in the past say I was not structured enough for them .... so not everyone can benefit from all teaching styles. I will only put out my schedule by e-mail to those on my list .... so .... here is my e-mail .... marshasavageart@yahoo.com.

I have had my first student of the year and we had such a great time doing oil color charts. She had been so frustrated trying to mix various colors to match what she saw and wanted to put down on the canvas. When she started doing the most elemental charts, she was amazed and said "This is just what I needed! I never knew." She has her homework to do several more charts, and will bring them in next time. Sometimes a class that meets every week is not what a student needs .... so I have decided to try something new! And, it forces me to be in my studio!

Be sure to read the newest Pastel Journal -- Feb. 2011 -- for an article featuring four regional artists. I am the featured artist for the Southeast -- and if I do say so, it is a good looking article. Two full pages of discussion about what inspires me and how I go about my art..... and two paintings of creeks to show you!

Mossy Creek - Pastel
One of paintings in the Pastel
Journal article!

AND ..... There will be a "framing" workshop scheduled at my home -- so if you are interested, please e-mail me. I held one last year and it was a huge success and several students that could not attend have asked me to do anther one.

I have been teaching in Smyrna for about eight years, previously at Concord Gallery and for about a year and a half before that at the Mable House located between Smyrna and Mableton, GA. The Concord Gallery closed its doors just before Thanksgiving in 2004, so I have been holding classes with the City of Smyrna at their Community Center located in downtown Smyrna on Atlanta Road. It was time to try a different format for teaching, a little more student friendly, and now my home!

E-mail me at marshasavageart@yahoo.com to talk to me about what you want to do in art. If you need to discuss anything by phone, I'll send you the phone number by private e-mail.

Date Change for Woodstock Show

2011-01-04T14:31:00.000-05:00

My apologies, but the dates for the show in Woodstock at Ann Litrel Studio have been changed.

The new dates are: open of show-- Jan. 21, and close of show-- Feb. 28. The First Friday Night Live is the official reception for the show and the artists will be there -- date is the same -- Friday, Feb. 4, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

The rest of the information in the previous blog post are correct! Thanks!

Sunflower Potting Shed
Pastel -- 11" x 14"

Two Shows Coming Up: Canton and Woodstock, GA

2011-01-01T22:32:00.000-05:00

This is a copy of what I just sent out in a newsletter to as many of my e-mail contacts as possible. I have a site on Fine Art America and they offer the ability to sent newsletters. It is a wonderful and easy thing to use. If you are an artist, check out joining their site. I basically use it for another advertising venue!
So . . . here is a copy of what I sent:

Canton and Woodstock GA Shows for Marsha Savage

I am combining the information for two shows into this one newsletter! Both of these shows will be worth attending -- wonderful artists and art!!!!

Rocky Path
Pastel - 12" x 9"

Show #1:

North Georgia Artists' Association

Cherokee Arts Center
Reception: Sat., Jan. 8, 2011
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

The Cherokee Arts Center will be hosting a show of the North Georgia Artists' Association. This talented artist group has come together again for a showing of some of their best artwork. Please join us at the Opening Reception on Saturday, January 8, 2011 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The show runs until February 4.

Cherokee Arts Center Mission Statement:
To enrich the quality of life by promoting, developing, and coordinating excellence in the Arts.

Cherokee Arts Center
94 North Street
Canton, GA 30114
Call: 770.704.6244
info@cherokeearts.org

Hours: Mon.-Fri. 10am-4pm

To find the Arts Center:
From I-575, take Exit 19 to downtown Canton. The Arts Center is just north of the town square and adjacent to the Cherokee County Court House. Parking is available in the lot just in front of the building.

Marsha Hamby Savage is a juried member of this group of hard working artists. Make plans to attend the reception and meet Marsha and other members of the North Georgia Artists' Association. If you can't make the reception, be sure to make a trip to Canton, GA and the Art Center to view some of the best artwork in Georgia.

Show #2:

Ann Litrel Studio, Woodstock GA
Five Georgia Artists

Old and Forgotten
Pastel - 16" x 20"

Show Dates: Fri., Jan. 7 - Feb. 10, 2011
1st Friday Night Live, Feb. 4, 2011, 6:00-8:00 PM

Ann Litrel Studio is located in downtown Woodstock, GA -- upstairs and above the bicycle shop. Damon Carter, Bill Davidson, Ann Litrel, Tracy Snyder and myself are contributing recent or favorite pieces of representational art for this show. This is a talented group of artists and I am honored to be asked to show with them! Please come to Woodstock anytime during the show dates ... but you could join the artists at the First Friday Night Live on February 4, 2011 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The show runs until February 10.

Ann Litrel Studio:
8594 Main Street, 2nd floor, above Outspokin' Bicycles
Woodstock, GA 30188

For open hours and more information call 770-517-3060

Directions from Atlanta:
Take 75 North to Exit 268/ 575 North
Take 575 North to Exit 8/Towne Lake Parkway
Go right on Towne Lake Parkway toward downtown Woodstock
Drive 0.6 miles and turn right at traffic light on Main Street
Ann Litrel Art is on your right, above Outspokin’ Bicycles,
very close to the light.

Parking: on Main Street in front of the studio

Alternative parking before you reach Main Street:
Turn right immediately after the red brick building which houses a new cafe, just before reaching Main Street. Park in the lot behind the studio. There are also large parking lots on the right and left (behind the church) at 0.5 miles after turning off 575.

Alternative parking after you reach Main Street: And after crossing the railroad track, turn right and a public parking is on your left just past the hardware store.

Cypress Evening - Pastel Painting

Let me know if you wish to be taken off my e-mail list. I also would appreciate your mentioning my shows to your friends! You also might enjoy reading my blog -- not an everyday thing, but probably once or twice a week at most!

www.marshasavage.blogspot.com

Thanks for your support.

Marsha Hamby Savage Web Site

New Gallery in Blue Ridge

2010-12-19T20:32:00.000-05:00

I want to let everyone know about a change for me in Blue Ridge, GA. I have been associated with High Country Art & Antique Gallery for over 12 years. It has been a wonderful association and many new friends were made. The gallery is a very nice one, and has some very good artists, but at this time it felt like a time to move my artwork. The focus and style of the artists in the gallery has changed gradually and I was now the minority with my representational art. So . . .

Now I am represented by Wrapsody in Blue which is just down the street -- on East Main Street where there are many wonderful shops and loads of people visiting Blue Ridge walk and shop. Most of the time, when you walk into the store, you will be greeted by the owner, Michael Brunson. Everyone that works with him is just as friendly and helpful! Here is a photo of the front of the business:

The business sells high end furniture and accessories -- along with decorative items . . . and now my art! The artwork actually shows very well as the interior of the business is set up with little areas of seating, tables, and accessories like a home would be. They put one of my larger paintings over a fireplace (The Stand, Pastel, 36" x 24") . . . here is a photo of myself and the owner, Michael, standing in front of it.

A new adventure for me and hopes for a great buying experience for my patrons in North Georgia and the town of Blue Ridge.

I will also be showing a few pieces with art at the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association (called BRMAA for short). I have been a member for many years, but had an exclusivity clause in my contract with High Country and was not able to show -- except if a "group," a competition, or another art association was having a show, I could exhibit with them.

Be sure to stop in Wrapsody in Blue if you live in or visit Blue Ridge . . . and tell them you read about it on my blog. Here are a few of the paintings you will find if you do.

Barn Beauty
Oil, Plein Air -- 11" x 14"

Autumn Pickets
Pastel -- 20" x 16"

Rope Mill Rocks
Pastel -- 11" x 14"

Forest Edge
Oil on Birch Panel -- 20" x 16"

McCarthy Dogwood Turning
Oil, Plein Air -- 11" x 14"

February Workshop in Melbourne FL Area

2010-12-09T08:16:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I sent the first e-mail to previous students about my upcoming workshop in Melbourne/Indialantic FL. The workshop is a design your days workshop -- meaning you can choose the days you wish to come from Tuesday through Sunday, February 22 - 27th.

Here is the information I sent to the previous students:

I hope you have all had a wonderful year. I know times have been very tough for most of us, but hopefully everyone has had a decent year. Have you had time to draw or paint? I hope so. I have attached a photo of a recent painting that won "Best in Show" at the Great Chattahoochee Paint Out this past August. It is a pastel with a water color underpainting, done on Ampersand Pastelbord, and is a 16"x20". Thought you would enjoy seeing one of my favorite paintings I have done recently!

"Willeo Park Misty"
Pastel 16" x 20"
"Best in Show"

I have been working hard marketing and ramping up the learning on my end! Studying how to take my art to the next level -- which means I have more understanding about all the issues I have already been teaching. I have something new I want to put before you this year. I have been doing mentoring sessions in Woodstock. It is something slightly different than just taking a class and learning how to apply paint or pastel to the surface. We sit down and discuss various aspects of painting, look at work that might show a specific theory, etc. Then we paint something that might illustrate those points we have talked about. This means getting very specific about what you are painting!

I also have a new session I will be offering this coming year in my home town -- Smyrna -- where we moved a couple of months ago. I will be providing session where we can do more investigation and discussions about marketing your work, organization, research, social media, competitions and what to submit, etc. Discussion will be about where you want to go with your work, what you see as your strong points, etc. If you are interested in a "mentoring" session while I am in Florida, please let me know and we will schedule one for you in Indialantic. These can be more one-on-one sessions, but if I have a couple of students at one time, it might make it more interesting.

Here is the workshop information for this next February -- 2011!

Florida – Indialantic / Melbourne Area –
WORKSHOP 2011 -- Studio, Plein Air, Mentoring:
8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Tues., Wed., Thurs., Fri., Sat. & Sun.
Feb. 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 & 27

Again this year -- You Can Choose Your Days! And I am keeping the cost the same as last year.

Session cost is $60 per day. You also have the option of choosing three days at a cost of $150 - saving you $30 off the daily cost. Deposit of $50 will assure a spot in class. Please call Jeanne Andre, 321-773-2434 in Indialantic or me in Smyrna (770-926-3623). Classes: 3800 N. Riverside Dr., Indialantic, FL 32903 and local area. E-mail me at marshasavageart@yahoo.com to let me know you are interested in the class and for address to send your deposit. Please tell your friends about the workshop and how much you have learned in the past and also what a good time we have. All the information below is the same as last year.

The workshop will be studio and/or plein air (outdoors from life) according to those students that sign up for each day. Locations in the Melbourne/Indialantic area yet to be determined if we leave the Riverside property. This workshop is geared for any medium, and some demonstrations will be in pastel and some in oil.

This workshop is appropriate for beginning or advanced student. All students still receive individual attention geared to their level. If you are painting in studio, bring photographs (no copyrighted material, please), or you may paint from mine. You may choose which of the days you can attend, according to your needs, and plan studio or plein air. The property at Riverside Drive is beautiful and has many great painting spots.

Pastel is my main instruction medium, and beginners will be very comfortable taking this workshop to learn pastel techniques. Students taking the workshop using oil or acrylic will receive the benefit of my experience in oil and acrylic. And, most theories are the same no matter the medium you use. Call me if you have questions. A supply list will be given upon payment of deposit.

Emphasis is on composition and value, with temperature and color a strong second! There will be added emphasis on quickly creating a thumbnail sketch to work from, blocking in the darks and lights, and finding the colors and developing the painting. This class is not just to paint a pretty painting from start to finish * the principles of planning, starting and working through the painting are foremost.

"Ghost Ranch Canyon"
Oil Plein Air 11" x 14"
Now at Windrush Gallery in Sedona AZ!

The class fills up in a hurry, so if you are interested, please contact me or Jeanne Andre ASAP! Returning students are given priority, but there is usually space available for several new students each session. This is a fun class, especially inspirational with all the artwork being created around you by the other students! Class size is small!

For more information about me, my bio and my artist statement, see my web site http://www.marshasavage.com/, or you can call 770-926-3623 (Smyrna, GA), or e-mail me at marshasavageart@yahoo.com. To get an idea of what I have been doing with my art lately, you might enjoy reading previous posts here on my blog. Read about my fabulous trip out West -- Ghost Ranch in Abiquiu NM for a week workshop with Ann Templeton, painting in Canyon de Chelly in Northwest AZ with Wanda Crane and Denise Champion, and then a whole month painting in Sedona AZ with five artist friends - and with side trips to the Grand Canyon and Jerome AZ.

Let me hear from you -- I would love to have you in my workshop in Florida in February!

Windrush Gallery in Sedona AZ

2010-11-21T16:37:00.000-05:00

Canyon at Ghost Ranch
Oil, 11" x 14"

It has now been just a little over a week since I returned home from the longest art trip I have ever taken! And it was a very successful trip . . . many paintings and good times . . . and the best news . . . I am now represented by a wonderful gallery in Sedona! Please have a look at their web site, Windrush Gallery, the best one in my opinion in Sedona. Their artists are mostly representational -- many plein air (outdoor) and studio artists you read about in our best art magazines. I feel honored to be included in such wonderful company!

Grasshopper Point
Oil, 10" x 8"

Wanda Crane and I spent four days driving out to Ghost Ranch for a workshop with Ann Templeton, and my friend Denise Chamption joined us in Santa Fe the day before. After the workshop, the three of us drove to Canyon de Chelly for a night and day, hired a wonderful Indian guide to tour the Canyon and we painted a small painting while down in the Canyon.

We then drove to Sedona where we were met by two other of my friends, Virginia (Ginny) Dauth and Camille (Candy) Day. We spend one whole month painting our way through and around Sedona. We were also there during the time of the Sedona Plein Air Festival and met some of the best and friendliest artists from around our country that were invited to participate. It is an honor to be one of 32 invited artists to participate in this festival.

Boynton Cactus
Oil, 10" x 8"

So . . . back to being represented by Windrush Gallery in Sedona. If you are in Arizona, you should really spend some time in Sedona and be sure to visit the Gallery. It is located on Hwy. 179 right in Sedona across the street from a major shopping and artist venue, Telaquepaque! This is only about two blocks off Hwy. 89 which runs through downtown Sedona.

Chavez Cactus
Oil, 7" x 5"

The images of the paintings in this post were what gallery owner, John McCullough, chose to keep for his gallery. All of them were painted while I was on this trip and are "plein air"! There were five oil paintings and three pastel paintings chosen. One of the pastels will be photographed tomorrow and all three of those will be framed and shipped back to Sedona. The oil paintings were left with them.

Red Rock Shadows
Oil, 7" x 5"

I will post the images of the three pastel paintings in the next blog post -- since I need to re-photograph one of those paintings.

If you have family or friends anywhere in the Southwest and they travel, be sure to let them know about Windrush Gallery and what a wonderful place to view great art. The owners, John and Jane are friendly and a real treat to talk with. They enjoy the customers browsing the gallery
. . . . . but of course buying something is even better!

Be sure to let me know if you go into the gallery . . . would love to hear what you have to say . . . I know it will be good! Until next post . . . have a great Thanksgiving and be safe if you are traveling or loved ones are traveling to you!

Last Post from Sedona

2010-11-09T00:06:00.001-05:00

Now for the last part of the trip and some of the paintings . . .

On Wednesday we visited Upper Red Rock Loop Road to paint again – this time Candy came along. We had told her how beautiful the area was and Ginny and I would love to paint there again. I decided since I painted this spot in oil the first time, today I would paint in pastel. I think they are pretty successful, with one that still needs a little work.

Watercolor underpainting
On Ampersand Pastelbord

The first painting I did, I took my time doing the drawing and watercolor underpainting. I was so in love with the underpainting, I decided not to do the pastel on top -- just at this time. I want to enjoy what I love about the underpainting just for a bit.

Red Rock Cliff
Pastel - unfinished

Second painting - and somewhat unfinished . . . I cut our painting day a little short -- I talked to Mark Hemleben from Jerome about painting on Thursday morning with him and near Jerome . . . but he asked if we were interested in coming to Jerome that evening to do a nocturne painting! I asked the girls and we decided -- "what the heck" -- let's do it! So we arrived there about 6:00ish and scouted out a good spot. Mark and two friends arrived just before 7:00 (the appointed time). The two friends were Carol Marine and James Coulter . . . both excellent artists. We had a great time and met new artists! Good stuff, yes?

Nocturne (night painting)
Jerome, AZ - pastel 12x9

Thursday we decided to visit Cathedral Rock again – at Red Rock Crossing – and this time I would paint the same scene in pastel since I had done it in oil a couple of days earlier. And we wanted to get good use out of our weekly pass into the Red Rock areas. It was another beautiful and warm day for painting in the sun – thankfully I had my umbrella to give me a break from having the sun in my eyes.

Again, these might not be the best paintings to frame, but are good resource material and I am learning more each time I paint the red rock monuments! I only painted one at Cathedral Rock -- 16" x 20" -- but a little closer view than the previous one.

Cathedral Rock - Pastel - 16x20

Schnebly Hill was our destination for Friday morning – after we visited Michael Chesley Johnson’s new studio and workshop location. What a great facility he is leasing for his workshops and studio – right across the street from Tlaquepaque! One of the best areas of town – and right next to Oak Creek and a historic old rock pump house. He has even named his studio Pumphouse Studio. Michael went with us to paint on Schnebly Hill. That was a treat also. He said he had not painted the whole of this week since the end of the Sedona Plein Air Festival and needed a break from getting his studio ready for students next week.

What a beautiful day painting those magnificent mountains just right there on the edge of the main street of Sedona. Many of the jeep tours take people up this hill and to see one of the most beautiful sights and overlooks in Sedona.

Here are three paintings I did that morning.

Schnebly Shadows
Pastel - 10" x 8"
Will be going to Windrush Gallery in Sedona

Schnebly View
Pastel - 10" x 8"
Will be going to Windrush Gallery in Sedona

The Schnebly Shadows painting has been tweaked a little where the tree is on the left -- to create a more balanced looking tree for the foreground and the blue behind has been modified somewhat to create a prgression down the hill -- I did these small corrections before I showed the painting the the gallery owner, John McCullough, at Windrush Gallery here in Sedona!

And the last one of the day . . .

Schnebly Cactus
Pastel - 10" x 8"

Tomorrow morning we will leave Sedona about 7:00 a.m. to start back home -- Amarillo, TX will be our first stop for the night . . . Little Rock, AR for the second night . . . and then we will be home on Thursday later in the afternoon.

Thanks for joining me on our adventures here out West! Later!!!!

Here are more paintings I have done in Sedona

2010-11-07T09:09:00.000-05:00

The days are winding down here in Sedona, and we have probably painted our last paintings of the trip. There is a slim possibility Candy and I can paint close to the house either Sunday afternoon or Monday afternoon. We will have to pack on Monday and get the car loaded for our trip leaving early on Tuesday morning.

Here are a few paintings from previous days that I had not posted:

Chavez Road Cactus
Oil 7" x 5"

Chavez Road View #2
Oil - 5" x 7"

These two views are just across the street from the house and we painted one day here because it looked like it would rain!

Red Rock Crossing
Pastel - 9" x 12" I think

Red Rock Crossing #2
Oil - 10 x 8

And here are two others -- one done at Red Rock Crossing / Chavez Ranch Park -- and the other one is one I did at the house in oil from this pastel painting.

On Monday, we painted just North of the town of Sedona, driving up toward Oak Creek Canyon to a spot called Grasshopper Point . . . part of the Coconino Forest. It was pretty chilly when we arrived, so we walked around and took many photos and decided what we wanted to paint. There were many, many rocks, Oak Creek, and some wonderful old Sycamore trees . . . and three different cascades coming into the Creek. Here are paintings I did there.

Grasshopper Point #1
Oil, 10" x 8"

Grasshopper Cascade
Oil 11" x 9"

Grasshopper Point #2
Oil, 5" x 7" -- Palette Knife!

On Tuesday, we drove back to Crescent Moon Ranch and Red Rock Crossing to paint at Oak Creek and Cathedral Rock. One of the artists from the Sedona Plein Air Festival, Betty Carr, was teaching a workshop this week and happened to have her class there also on this day. But, we got the prime spot for the morning! Standing out on a little spot that looked into the view of Cathedral Rock and it’s reflection in the waters of Oak Creek! It is the most photographed area here in Sedona and is on all their advertising for this area. It is also one of the “vortex” areas people visit. It was fun and a beautiful and warm day to paint.

I painted a couple of paintings this day – maybe not frame ready, but here they are anyway. They will be good reference material along with my photographs for future studio paintings.

Cathedral Rock
Oil, 12 x 16 I think!

Crescent Moon View
Oil, 12 x 9

The Cathedral Rock painting is a little "scattered" looking with the trees -- they need to be softened and not so many different looking trees. One of the issues with plein air for me, is I love trees and forget that the rocks are the star of this show (this painting). And the second painting, there were those beautiful tall poplars and I wanted them in it. But, I think I have two different paintings in this one. I think I will cut it in half and have two good paintings -- the house and trees in the upper half, and the rocks and water in the lower half -- each will be their own painting. Why not?
So, I will show the last of the week in the next post -- which will bring you to the end of our stay here in Sedona. We will start our drive back early on Tuesday morning!

End of Festival and Next Days in Sedona

2010-11-06T10:15:00.001-04:00

Saturday morning was the “Public” art sale – and final festival day. It was billed as meet the artists day and see the work that had been created all week. Though, there was a “Gala” the evening before, and possibly some paintings sold that we did not get to see. The cost for the gala was $100 to attend and we opted not to do it. We were there early on Saturday. It was fun to see so much plein air work and in so many different styles of art. They had also awarded ribbons the evening before. We said goodbye to many new artist friends and hope to keep up with them and even trade information. Each one we spoke with during the week was willing to share any knowledge they had! What great people!

Here are a few more photos of the festival and artists.

The Quick Draw Sale
and Ginny looking at some information

Michael Chesley Johnson, his set up that day
and mixing some paint to apply!

So . . . The Plein Air Festival is now over and we are on our own once again! And . . . painting is the order of the day each day! Where do we wish to paint? Some of the festival artists have told us of various places they had a good day painting. But . . . we also want to visit a few of the shops we have not seen and a revisit to “Windrush Gallery” for more inspiration. We decided to have a “goof off” day and visit shops we had not been in and galleries.

We had seen some tents on our way to the sale, so we went back to the "art" show. There were some wonderful Native Americans playing music and showing dances. I bought one of the CD's of music and it is lovely. The CD is Estun-Bah and title is "Sounds of Beauty", Native American Flue & Acoustic Guitar. They have won awards for this CD and have already produced a second on that Wanda Crane bought. Okay, having typed that, I now realize this visit to the Native American art show happened earlier in the trip because Wanda was there! I guess that is what happens when I don't post every night!

Anyway, here are a few photos of them.

Playing their beautiful music!

We bought some family souvenirs and had a light lunch at one of the downtown “tourist” joints. So, we have that out of our systems – and hopefully finished with any spending other than food, gas and travel!

Here is a photo of the first dance we watched

Here is the second dancer

Sunday we wanted to paint – but Candy decided she needed to organize, photo paintings, clean her palette, etc. So Ginny and I went to paint close to home on a road we had not been down before, which was Red Rock Upper Loop Road, on the way to the Red Rock State Park.

We found a wonderful ravine to paint . . . so I completed three paintings and I think Ginny did the same. I think it is some of the best oil paintings I have done so far! I have not been using my painting knife much in the last few years, and after watching some of the plein air festival artists create these "darn" rocks . . . I decided to pull them out and see what I could do. What a difference! I only used the knife for the end of the painting and to highlight the rocks or to add a darker accent.

Here are a couple of the paintings from that day.

Oil, 7" x 5"
Red Rock Ravine #1

Oil, 8" x 10" - same scene
Red Rock Ravine #2

Oil, 9" x 12"
Just looking the other way at some cactus!

We painted all the following week and visited the galleries, Jerome again to paint a nocturne (night painting), Cottonwood and antique stores! I will post more paintings from this past week, but in the next post.

Yesterday (Friday) was probably our last day to paint. I think I did my best three paintings -- pastel of course!

Today is Saturday and we are going to Cottonwood to "junk" around and also to visit the Arizona Pastel Society member show. Michael Chesley Johnson told us about it and the reception is today from 2:30 - 4:30.

Also, Ginny is packing her stuff and getting ready to leave early on Monday morning for her ride to Phoenix to catch a plane home. Candy and I will start our drive back early on Tuesday morning -- Santa Fe, Oklahoma City, and Little Rock -- before we arrive back home on Friday late afternoon or early evening.

So . . . I will leave more words and photos for the next post.

Art Class and Mentoring in Smyrna GA

2010-11-04T10:20:00.000-04:00

This is just a short post! I woke up early this morning while still here in Sedona and was thinking of my classes in Georgia -- in Smyrna actually. I want to again put out there what I plan to do.

I have moved to Smyrna and have a wonderful space in my basement -- with a driveway and entrance -- that will be a great space to have small classes, mentoring sessions, open studio, etc. There are some windows, and it was an "in-law suite" -- so there is a full kitchen and a full bath right there! All the amenities we could need.

I will publish a calendar and send it out via e-mail to those that wish to sign up for the e-mail. It will contain the days I will be in the studio all day. You can call me, e-mail me or just show up. Of course, it would be nice to know you are planning to come! But, I will only have these sessions for students that contact me about them. This will not be for unknown students that could just show up at my door -- apologies to you -- but I need to know who is coming to my home and I am sure you understand this. You will only receive my address by private e-mail.

What I want is a true "mentoring" session for students -- not just showing you how to place a stroke on the canvas or paper. I will share all the knowledge I have accumulated in my art career. It also forces me to be in the studio and thinking about the "art career" aspect of being an artist -- not washing clothes, being on the computer, etc. Remember, this is not a "class", but a thinking and planning, goal-setting, etc. course of study (along with painting, of course, if you wish). We will paint, discuss certain aspects of painting, critique, talk marketing, shows, framing, etc. . . . and I can gear it to what you need from me! All you have to do is let me know there is an aspect you wish to discuss.

The cost will be $25 for four hours of intensive work or thinking -- a very reasonable fee! You may be sharing the session. We will be able to have it from 8:00 - 12:00, 9:00 - 1:00, 12:00 to 4:00 . . . or I can be flexible! If you have a day job and need a night or weekend session, we will work something out. Though I mention putting out a calendar of days in the studio, please feel free to tell me your schedule and we will work something out to fit.

Now, for those students that feel they are more in the beginning of their painting career -- we can discuss a different kind of session. I don't mind special sessions just for you. We will discuss this on a one-on-one basis and the fee for that kind of session. You could consider this a private or semi-private class.

I do love teaching and have missed it -- since I have taken almost a year off.

Let me know -- I will be home from my Sedona trip about November 15th. I do still have some straightening up in the downstairs studio to do when I return. I don't think it will take me much to get it straight and ready for students. You can send me an e-mail to marshasavageart@yahoo.com and let me know your wishes and plans and we will structure something. . . . even at this time of year! You don't want to let this opportunity go even during the holiday season.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Long Post from Sedona

2010-11-02T10:44:00.004-04:00

Wednesday dawned rather cool and cloudy, but we headed off to Jerome to watch the plein air festival artists create paintings of the historic town perched high on a hillside. Jerome is a fun place, having been an old mining town, then a ghost town, and then repopulated by hippies and artists. Now it is a haven for artistic types! We had a great time, except that I lost one of my most favorite silver and turquoise earrings. We left Jerome and painted at the deserted real estate office parking lot – in the cold and wind. But . . . we painted.

That evening we attended a talk and visual presentation of the personal work of the Keynote Speaker – Stuart Shils – for the Sedona Plein Aire Festival. I was so worried I was going to fall asleep during the slide presentation. The room was dark, I was tired, and sitting at the back of the room – and it did get a little boring – sorry Sedona Art Center. But, I will say I did like his work – but it is very minimalist, abstract and contemporary.

Michael Chesley Johnson and myself
perched in Jerome -- cool day!

Mark Hemleben in Jerome -
a new friend we admire!

David Lussier in Jerome - a Facebook friend
and now in real life!

On Thursday, the festival artists had exactly two hours – from 10 am to 12 noon – to create a painting at Los Abrigados and Tlaquepaque – this is called a “quick draw”. There was a sale of the artwork immediately after the finish of the painting. What a treat – this was a location with a creek, rocks, etc. which was so different from the earlier work of “red rocks”! This would be our last opportunity to see the festival artists at work. How sad!

Tom Lockhart at "Quick Draw"
A fantastic artist with Ginny Dauth

Joshua Been at the "Quick Draw"
The little painting on the ground -
well, I bought that one.

Greg La Rock at the "Quick Draw"
He and his wife, Lori - new friends
And he is a fabulous artist!

When we left for lunch I contacted a friend, Leslie B. DeMille and we were invited to his house in the Village of Oak Creek. This was a special treat – we arrived at his home, saw some of his artwork, and then he surprised us with saying “Okay, which of you will sit for me to do a conte drawing?” Of course, I was going to be the one – since I was the instigator of this visit. But, it did allow Candy Day and Virginia (Ginny) Dauth to have the honor of watching one of the “masters” create a drawing!

I have the sketch and will treasure it. What a special day and a great visit! He is such a wonderful artist. We left his house and painted at Bell Rock and Courthouse Rock. What a full day!

Oil from the Bell Rock Vista parking lot -- but
not Bell Rock! Still trying to evaluate color mixtures.

Dry Creek Tree - Pastel 9 x 12
This is previous day of painting -
second of the day!

Friday we drove out Dry Creek Road again – to Boynton Pass Road – further than we drove the other day. We painted on top of a small hill and had views of the buttes, and the mountains – but more blue than red! I painted three paintings that day – all oils and probably my best oil paintings so far. I was trying to simplify the larger shapes and not get to “decorative”! Which is very hard for me.

Oil at Boynton Pass Road -
Second painting of the session that day!

Oil at Boynton Pass Road -
third painting of that day!

Saturday morning was the “Public” art sale – and final festival day. It was billed as meet the artists day and see the work that had been created all week. There was a “Gala” the evening before, and possibly some paintings sold that we did not get to see. The cost for the gala was $100 to attend and we opted not to do it.

We were there early on Saturday and it was fun to see so much plein air work and in so many different styles of art. They had also awarded ribbons the evening before. We said goodbye to many new artist friends and hope to keep up with them now and even trade information. Each one we met and talked with was so willing to share any knowledge they had! What great people!

I have more painting to show and what we have done -- but will save it for the next post. I know . . .
this was a very long one with many pictures! I know you are enjoying seeing everything I can load up on here. I don't usually post to my blog this often, as I don't like to inundate everyone with so much. But, I did say I would post as often as possible from this fantastic trip out West!
Until next time!

The Sedona Plein Aire Festival Week

2010-10-31T01:21:00.000-04:00

So . . . now I need to catch everyone up on our trip to Sedona! This past week has been the Sedona Plein Aire Festival. What a blast! I think I have already mentioned a couple of the days . . . but here is a recap and maybe new information.

Saturday there was a “Main Street Paint Out” from 1:30 to 4:00 p.m. The artists were all strung out along Main Street on both sides and we walked around and watched them creating artwork that would be for sale in front of the Sedona Arts Center from 4:30 – 5:30 pm. This was the first time for the public to purchase Festival Art. That was a real treat – and we were able to really meet and talk to them while they were working. We met some fantastic new up and coming artists: Joshua Been, Bill Cramer, Michael Chesley Johnson (I already knew him), Linda Dellandre, Greg La Rock . . . and many more!

Michael Chesley Johnson

Joshua Been

Sunday, the artists were creating artwork along Oak Creek Canyon and in and around Sedona. We did not see any of them that day. I think because of the “public” hoopla on that first afternoon, they were interested in getting off the beaten path and creating in silence on this first whole day of painting. So, we decided to paint ourselves. But, there was a Festival opening and artists exhibit that evening. The artists were allowed to bring several of their paintings (not created here) and hang for the public to see their work – and purchase if they wished. Wine and a few nibbles were provided. It was fun meeting more of the artists and talking art! We met a wonderful wife of one of the artists – Laurie La Rock – and it seemed to be a friendship forming!

Chavez Ranch Road Bush -- Oil 5" x 7"

Chavez Ranch Road View -- Oil 9" x 12"

On Monday, we attended a demo and lecture by Bill Cramer – which was in oil. I took many photos all during the demonstration. I will probably post only one or two of those photos here. He is an exceptional artist, and seems to be a wonderful teacher as well. He was very giving of information about his plein air set up and his process. We visited Windrush Gallery, some other shops, and then drove up Schnebly Hill and took more photographs. The days were quite cloudy and windy and rather cool.

Bill set up and starting the painting

Finished Painting and his palette

Tuesday, we saw our friend Wanda Crane off to the airport by a shuttle. Then we drove out Dry Creek Road and set up to paint the buttes and a beautiful area of yellow flowers and a dry gulch. I created two pastel paintings – I think my best of the trip so far! We left for lunch back at the house, and then set up to paint the view across the road from our rental home. Later that evening, we were invited to meet one of the festival artists and his wife for dinner – Greg and Laurie La Rock. They are a wonderful couple and we have had loads of fun seeing them all week and getting to know them. A truly talented artist, and extremely interesting and nice couple.

Dry Creek Vista - Pastel 14" x 11"
My favorite so far!

Stay tuned – I’ll post the rest of the week in the next one!

More from Sedona

2010-10-27T10:15:00.000-04:00

We had a beautiful first week here -- short sleeves and knee length jeans! Then the second week hit us with cloudy skies . . . which were dramatic and beautiful . . . but we had to worry about somewhat cooler temperatures, and some rain! We have visited some great little shops and also wonderful galleries! We went to Jerome on one day, and then last week on Friday, we made a day trip to the Grand Canyon! What awesome beauty there!

Here are more of my paintings:

Watercolor underpainting for Chavez Road pastel painting

Pastel of Chavez Road View - 12"x9"

At Crescent Moon Park
Pastel - 12" x 9"

Oil - Late one Evening -- in a hurry!

I have several more, but need to size them for uploading to the blog. I will try to get that done this evening after we return from Jerome and watching the Sedona Plein Air Festival artists work in that wonderful hillside town!

Here are a few shots of the area surrounding Sedona!

Cathedral Rock from the "Landing Pad"
This is 5 minute hike from our house!

The view as we drive to our house!

View from Airport Road Hill --
One of the vortex areas!

Wanda at a view from Schnebly Hill area

This week we are enjoying seeing the Sedona Plein Aire Festival artists, meeting them and watching them work!

Stay tuned for more paintings and scenery!

The First Days in Sedona

2010-10-26T10:43:00.000-04:00

So now the story moves on to our arrival in Sedona and the first days of painting here! On our first day, we had a great time – Wanda, Candy, Denise and I. Here is my first painting from the Sedona stay! Again, remember it is untouched after leaving the painting location and has all its faults and also its good stuff! It seems that my plein air ability is a little non-existent at this time. I think the study with Ann Templeton was wonderful, but it has given me too many things to think about. I've now the need to get back to "who is Marsha Savage?" and paint like me!

Near Cathedral Rock at Crescent Moon Park

On the evening of our second day, Virginia (Ginny) Dauth arrived! We now were complete with our original five artist friends for the stay here. But, not everyone is getting to stay the full month. Denise left on Saturday after a week in Sedona -- because she will have been gone from her home in Bellingham, WA for almost a month. She had a previous week or more in California at a Women’s Conference and the week at Ghost Ranch before arriving here. And as I have done, she also drove, which adds about 4 days travel time to each end of her journey.

Then, a friend of Ginny’s (Chriss with two “ss’s) arrived on Saturday for a stay of one week with us. We painted and we did some sightseeing. We went to Jerome, and also to the Grand Canyon on two of our days.

Here are a few more of my paintings from the first two weeks of our stay. Some okay, some will be scraped off, some will be saved as resource material for paintings done in the studio. Maybe I will have a few that can make it to a frame for showing or selling.

Abstracted Rocks at Cathedral Rock
Oil, 12"x9"

View from Schnebly Hill - Oil, 5"x7"

Looking Up at Schnebly Hill
Oil, 11"x14"

Here is a watercolor underpainting for a small piece I did across the road from the home we are renting on Chavez Ranch Road. And the next image is the finished pastel. It is a 7" x 5" pastel on Ampersand Pastelbord.

Of course, I reserve the right to correct an item in the painting or add a highlight or accent spot!

The finish of the pastel on Chavez Ranch Road

Canyon de Chelly Day

2010-10-25T10:42:00.000-04:00

When we visited Canyon de Chelly, we hired a guide. We loaded ourselves in the Jeep – and started off. The first part of the drive you are driving over a very sandy area – guess what? We bottomed out and the Jeep had to be towed out. The guide made the driver of the “REAL” Jeep give us that one which was way cool! We were open in the back and Wanda and I were able to stand up through it to take pictures. It was a rough ride and we did receive some bruises from the jostling around – but they were well worth it.

We paid for four hours, but when we stopped to paint, we decided to add another hour so we could drive down Canyon de Chelly to Window Rock (I think that is what it is called). Our guide told us we needed to drive in Canyon del Muerto because of the light and the distance between the cliffs. I was a little disappointed that we were not in the "actual" Canyon de Chelly part of the canyon. But, after the painting session, we did drive back to the junction of both canyons and go quickly down to Window Rock. Here are some photos in Canyon del Muerto and Canyon de Chelly.

I am not totally happy with the painting I did – but here is the oil painting. It will be a good resource only -- and not frame worthy! Just my own personal piece to remind me of a wonderful day in Canyon de Chelly.

We were painting in the shadow and I was quite cold. The cliff on the right that is so bright orange was really that colorful – reflected light on it. It is really the only thing that bothers me about the painting application. But . . . I set up to paint, started the block in, and then realized I had situated my panel in the landscape position! Not good. The walls were so tall, it really needed a “portrait” position so I could make those cliffs very tall. Oh Well, live and learn. And I did not want to start over – we only had a limited amount of time – on the clock for the tour guide! It will be good reference material to have along with the many photographs I took! That is what I normally use my plein air paintings for – not to frame, but for reference a “memory.”

Paintings In Shows

2010-10-24T10:47:00.000-04:00

Evening Cypress - Pastel, 12"x9"

Some wonderful news has come my way! I received an e-mail notifying me of a painting accepted into the International Association of Pastel Societies (IAPS) Web Show. There was a panel of three jurors: Lorenzo Chavez, Margaret Evans, and Bill Hosner. I was also told there had been over 850 images for them to choose from -- and only 72 paintings were chosen. So . . . it is a great honor to have been chosen to be in the on-line show. The IAPS organization is a fantastic one and helps so many of our local or regional pastel societies with ideas, material, and a wonderful convention once every two years.

The painting is pastel, of course, and it is named "Evening Cypress." I painted in the studio from a photo I took at Lake Seminole at the Florida / Georgia border. The light was magnificent as it was going down that evening. Everything was tinged with the most fantastic oranges and pinks.

. . . And, my husband just sent me an e-mail a couple of days ago -- since I am still in Sedona AZ on a trip. He said they called from the Pastel Society of North Florida to notify me a painting I had accepted into their show had won an "Exceptional Merit Award!" The painting is "St. George Windswept" and it is a painting from the Florida island of St. George.

St. George Windswept - Pastel, 9"x12"

This painting -- I think is a 9x12 but could be 11x14. I have not looked back at my information to be sure -- but I don't think I even have this one on my web site to look at. My inventory book is back home and I am in Sedona! I have a friend that has already spoken to buy this painting if it does not sell at the show in Florida.

Good things are happening! And, I will be in the January/February issue of the Pastel Journal in an article about regional painters! So, be sure to pick up a copy and read it. There will be two of my paintings of "creeks" in the article.

Okay, now I need to finish the next post about my trip I am on right now. Later!

More From Ann Templeton and Ghost Ranch Workshop

2010-10-20T10:32:00.000-04:00

We had such a wonderful time at Ann Templeton’s workshop at Ghost Ranch in New Mexico. Here are a few more of my paintings from the workshop. Now, be sure to remember I am posting them with no editing to the paintings. These are exactly as I did them in the workshop --- the bad ones, the okay ones, and even one or two that I really like.

Day Two - Third Painting, Oil
At the Casitas

Day Three - Chama River, Oil

The Chama River day of painting, I produced three paintings, but I am only showing you two of them. The first one is kind of light and would not show up very well in the blog. It is a similar scene to the one above, but a little "tighter" in the style that is more of what I would have done before the Templeton workshop. Again, the Chama River is something that Georgia O'Keefe painted in many ways -- of course, very abstract most of the time.

Day Four - Painting No. One, Pastel
At Log Cabin on Ghost Ranch

These two paintings are from day four, and at the "Log Cabin" which is on the road as you are driving into Ghost Ranch. I decided to do pastel paintings on this day. I was far away from Ann and when I finished the first one, I trapsed over to the cabin where she was in the shade to get her review of it. She looked up at me and smiled and said "This is beautiful. I would not change a thing."

I also found out at that moment, Irby Brown had just stopped by and spoken to Ann. He was not introduced to anyone since he and a friend were in a hurry. I was devastated because he is one of my all-time favorite painters. We had just looked at his work in Santa Fe at a gallery, and if I had the money, I would have come out of that gallery with one of his paintings! Oh well, Ann said she would try to introduce me to him sometime in the future. Sounded good to me.

Day Four - Painting No. Two, Pastel
At Log Cabin on Ghost Ranch

Day Five - Last Day, Painting No. One, Oil

The next painting was done on the last day and at a place they call "High Ropes". This is a suspended playground area of ropes you can climb, swing from one to another, etc. The view was beautiful in any direction we looked. By the time we set up, it was getting later in the morning, and I was not able to finish this one before we were called to lunch. We had a critique session after lunch. By then another class had invaded the "High Ropes" and we could not return there. So, unfinished it stays.

I painted two 5"x7" paintings from the front of our room in the "Tumbleweed" group of rooms. The intent was to stay simple, and I think I did manage to do so somewhat.

Day Five - Oil, 5"x7"
Last Day, Painting No. Two

Day Five - Oil, 7"x5"
Last Day, Painting No. Three

Ann was so good with all the students. She seemed to recognize exactly what each student needed. She was very complementary to me, which put me on the “hot seat” with the other students. Her words were on the first evening when we met, “Marsha is a wonderful and talented artist.” Okay, now, how was she going to help me be even a better artist? Her most encouraging words were something similar to, “learn to simplify, it is easy! When you finally can do that it will feel easy.” So, I am still struggling a little with the simplification. And . . . this is also what I tell my students! So, how am I not able to do it myself? Any ideas?

Here are a few digital photos from Ghost Ranch. Hope you enjoy the view of what we were seeing while staying there.

One of our views at Ghost Ranch

Ann Templeton and her first demo

View of some of the buildings
of Ghost Ranch

Can you believe this view?

The Trip Beginning to Ghost Ranch

2010-10-19T09:41:00.000-04:00

We are in Sedona, having a very good time! I have told several and I have posted that I would be doing a little 5”x7” painting each day and posting it here on the blog. It has been difficult to do that. We get up and start talking about art, breakfast gets going, dressing and discussion about whether we will paint, visit galleries, buy groceries, etc. Here is a shot on our drive to the home we rented! Absolutely beautiful!

The first day here we were so tired, so Wanda Crane, Denise Champion and I decided we would use that day as a rest day and gathering day – groceries and stuff for the house. We also had to visit the rental agency for a couple more keys. Candy Day would arrive that afternoon about 3:30 and we would pick her up in town. But, before going to town, we took a wonderful walk, just up from our house. We followed one of the trails that takes you to a fantastic view of Cathedral Rock – I think it might be called the “Landing Pad” but I am not positive. It is quite a massive rock, mostly flat on top and overlooks Crescent Moon Park. Candy arrived, and by then we were telling her about our adventures at Ghost Ranch and Canyon de Chelly.

I started looking for the cable hook-up and finally found it upstairs in the loft, but it is in one of the artist’s bedroom! But there was no cord to hook to the laptop. We were told to just buy one and they would reimburse me. By then it was too late to get going. And, we have to take turns plugging in and being on the internet.

View from our room at Ghost Ranch!

Canyon de Chelly

I have been uploading my photographs – many, many photographs – from the camera and that takes some time. No telling how many photos of our places visited I will end up with. And, I have just started talking photographs of the paintings I did at the Ann Templeton workshop, the day we painted at Canyon de Chelly, and now one day of painting here in Sedona.

I will show you a few of the workshop paintings – now remember when an artist takes a workshop, we do some of our worst work. If you don’t, then you are not stepping outside your comfort zone and trying new ideas. Ann’s idea is (as many good teachers) to simplify the landscape into larger masses and then start refining. I have usually done this, but when in this new landscape – red rocks, cliffs, sage, chamisa (and not sure if I spelled this correctly either) and such – it becomes a little more difficult. I wanted to put many of the new things I was seeing into my paintings. I made them quite busy and many times I was tricked into thinking the darks were so much darker than reality. There were many new things to ponder while trying to battle the sun, the dryness, and the winds. So, I will post the first few in the order they were done.

First Morning Painting in Ann's Workshop

This painting is an oil and I think it is 16"x20" -- early morning and the light was just beginning to come over the top of the butte.

The painting below is one I did on the first day also, but after lunch and looking out the other direction, but my easel was in the same spot. The mountain in the distance is the one Georgia O'Keefe painted many times -- "Pedernal."

Oil Painting number 2 - afternoon light at Ghost Ranch

Day Two - First Painting in the morning - Oil, 11"x14"

Day Two, Afternoon Painting - Oil, 9"x12"

These two paintings are the second day and were just up a canyon at what they called the "Casitas" and I loved the arroyo. Ann Templeton loved that I wanted to paint this, and said "You have given me a new inspiration to want to paint the arroyo." I thought the comment was exceptionally nice.

Okay, until next post! I'll try to get on in the mornings, since it seems we have discussions here at evening time and then we are tired and retire to bed early. Later!

The Trip West 2010 Beginning

2010-10-02T23:20:00.000-04:00

Hello from Santa Fe! . . . we are about four days into our trip out West! Yahoo!!! And, I am sorry I have not posted anything, but I have not painted yet. It has been three days of driving, looking for accomodations, eating dinner and then resting for the next day of driving.

Wanda Crane is my partner in this first part of the adventure (and for the most of the rest of it)! After the four days of travel, we will hook up for the first week with Denise Champion from Bellingham, Washington. When we do arrive at our final destination of Sedona, AZ, Candy Day and Ginny Dauth will fly in to join us for a month of painting in Sedona! The Sedona Plein Air Festival will happen while we are there, so we will enjoy watching some of the best artists in the country paint the local scenery in and around Sedona.

Our first stop along the way was for a night in Little Rock, Arkansas. We had decided to make what we thought would be the longest drive that first day. Each of the other days, the plan was to have about a 5 ½ hour drive so we could stop anywhere we pleased along the way.

Little Rock, Arkansas -- River Market Area

We did stop along I-40 at Checotah, OK on the second day of driving because we saw billboards on the side of the highway advertising it as the home of Carrie Underwood and then one about an antique mall. So, being lunch time-ish, we decided to take a break. It was a cute little western country town and we enjoyed shopping at a couple of little antique stores, eating a hamburger and fries at a diner and talking to the locals about Carrie! Wanda and I both love her music and songs, so it was a treat. I did take a picture of the downtown, though it is not really a good shot, but will post it here.

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma - River Walk

We drove on to Oklahoma City and spent the night. We walked along their river walk and had a snack at one of the local eateries before calling it a night for the drive the next morning to Tucumcari, NM. Well . . . as we were approaching the town, we decided it was only another 2 ½ hours to Santa Fe, which was our next stop. My plan had been the 5 ½ hour drive to Tucumcari and spend the night with a short drive the next morning to Santa Fe. That would give us most of the day to visit Santa Fe – Wanda has never been there! We stopped, had lunch in Tucumcari and then drove on and arrived Friday night in Santa Fe and hooked up with one of my best friends and our fellow artist, Denise.

We walked around Santa Fe, looking in gallery windows, cute little shops, and then had a very nice dinner and called it a night. On Saturday morning the plan is to go to the Palace of the Governors to see if there is any Indian jewelry or trinket we wish to purchase from one of our Native Americans! I have done this twice before on trips and am always very pleased with my purchase. They have to be a “native” to be able to sell here under the awning of the Palace. They have a lottery for the spots under the awning and you won’t always find the same people there.

Palace of the Governors

After that we will go into several galleries to fill up our minds with some fabulous paintings and then on to an Indian swap meet. Denise will travel on to Ghost Ranch this afternoon, while Wanda and I will have one more night and morning here in Santa Fe before we continue our trip up to Ghost Ranch. So, Wanda and I decided to visit the Georgia O'Keefe Museum! Here I am in front of the banner at the Museum.

Georgia O'Keefe Banner and Me

We will be there for the next week taking a workshop from Ann Templeton – a plein air workshop – and we will not have internet access. Ghost Ranch is where Georgia O’Keefe painted quite often – a very stark landscape – so we shall see what Marsha Savage can come away with in this very different landscape. I will have to post those paintings the following week because of no internet access while there.

When we leave Ghost Ranch, we will travel to Canyon de Chelly for two nights and the opportunity to take a guided trip into the Canyon to paint. This is an Indian reservation and an must see for any artist! Hopefully the morning we leave the weather will permit us to paint from the rim of the Canyon also. Then on to Sedona for the next month!

So, with no internet at Ghost Ranch, the posts will not come again until about Monday or Tuesday of the following week.

Demo at High Country on Saturday 4th September

2010-08-27T08:46:00.000-04:00

Be sure to join us on Labor Day Weekend, on Saturday, Sept. 4th, for me to demonstrate my painting techniques and talk to you about art!

I have so much fun when I demo at the gallery -- High Country Art and Antique Gallery -- in Blue Ridge, GA. They are located on East Main Stree in downtown and are the best gallery in town! Many different styles of artwork and great stuff to buy. Prices can fit any budget too! Cheryl and Mark Engledow are wonderful to work with and like making friends and new customers.

Here is one photo of a wall with my paintings on it. Sorry for the glare on the oil painting! Remember that when taking photos inside, the lighting will have an effect on how the photos of paintings look. This was a nighttime event held at the gallery and loads of fun was had that night also. When you visit the gallery, be sure to sign their guest book with an e-mail so they can let you know about important events at the gallery ---- like me demonstrating!!! But, seriously, do it so you can be informed about gallery walks, shows, etc.

Last time I demonstrated -- only about two weeks ago -- I sold two paintings while I was there, and talked to many people and demonstrated my pastel painting techniques. I even had a visit from a schoolmate that I had not seen in many, many years! So . . . come visit Blue Ridge and High Country Art Gallery on Saturday, Sept. 4! And, let us know you saw it here on my blog.

New style of classes coming soon!

2010-08-24T21:23:00.000-04:00

Here is the plan in its enfancy!

This is a shot from one of my Smyrna Classes last year or so.

I decided last fall that December of 2009 would be the end of my weekly classes in pastel -- even though I had backed them down to every other week. I needed a break and wanted to think about my own art for more time than I was getting! I did plan some mini-workshops here in Woodstock -- on a Saturday so more people could have an opportunity to come. We studied composition, value and temperature. I have missed my teaching and have been thinking of something I want to do a little different than I have in the past.

Now . . . we are moving back to Smyrna -- this is where my husband and I grew up -- and where parents, siblings, children and grandchildren are living and it will be so much easier to see them.

I did enjoy the mentoring mini-workshops. Many students told me they were learning more than they had in other classes. That my way of teaching these was exactly what they had been looking for! So . . . here is a little of what I am thinking and planning. It is not set in stone yet -- just ideas that are still in the formative stages.

I plan to put out a calendar by e-mail to my previous students, and potential students that have asked to be on my mailing list. It will cover several weeks and most likely a couple of months. You must e-mail me or call and let me know you are interested in these sessions. That is the only way you will receive my address. This is more of a security type of thing for me. If you don't know me, then you need to establish some type of contact with me so I can get to know something about you and where you are in your art.

The calendar will tell you what days I plan to be in the studio and that I will have it open to students wishing to come paint with me! There will be a small charge for the amount of time you are there. I am thinking maybe 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and most weeks, I will be available on two different days of each week. I am calling this an "open mentoring session class". At this time I am thinking the charge will be $20. And, you can paint in the medium of your choice. My thinking is this is not a session for beginners. You must have some experience in your medium, as this is more about advancing to the next level of your art.

You don't have to give me a plan as to what days you are coming. You can call me, e-mail, or just show up. Of course, letting me know would be good, but I will be there and if you can come at the last minute, you can do so. If I must change for some reason, there will be a posting on my blog. Students can check the blog before leaving to come and will know something has happened for me to cancel that day. I don't foresee that happening, but there must be a way to notify those students that haven't called or e-mailed. You just never know when there is an emergency that I can't foresee!

The sessions might be just painting on something of your choice, or on something specific. It might be divided between discussions on some aspect of painting that is needed, like the mini-workshops I had earlier this year. It could be critique of work, or looking at past artists and discussion about their life, inspirations, etc. Weather permitting we might plein air! You can let me know what you need!

So, if you are interested, please e-mail me or call and let me know your thoughts. Again, it won't happen until at least after I return from my six-week trip out West (November 15 I'll be home), and most likely not until after Jan. 1, 2011.

Here is a shot from a workshop I gave in Blue Ridge, GA.

And one more from my Smyrna classes.

Hope to hear from you!

The Great Chattahoochee Paint Out

2010-08-16T20:55:00.003-04:00

This will be a long blog post. There is so much to show you and also to tell!

Last Thursday and Friday, I was involved in a paint out sponsored by the City of Roswell, GA and the Chattahoochee National Park Service. We applied about a month or more ago, and were then sent instructions about where we could paint officially. There were five different places in and around Roswell GA along the Chattahoochee River and its feeder creeks, the Chattahoochee National Park and Roswell City Parks.

I drove over to find the headquarters which was in the beautiful Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area at Island Ford. I'm glad I did, because I would have been in trouble trying to find a place to paint if I waited until the morning I was to paint. The gave us three days, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday to paint from 8:00 AM until 8:00 PM each day. On Saturday morning from 9:00 - 10:30 AM we could turn in two of our pieces to be judged for the competition and the reception to be held that evening.

Here are some photos of locations we could paint.

View from Chattahoochee River National
Recreation Area at Island Ford

Vickery Creek Falls at the Roswell Mill

Covered Bridge at Roswell Mill / Vickery Creek

Willeo Park

Now what did I do?

So the first morning I was able to attend was Thursday and I went to the Willeo Road Park. It was 8:00 AM when I arrived and there was only one place left to park -- everyone got there before I did! Darn! But, guess what the place I wanted to paint was in the sun and no one wanted it. Here is a shot of my easel with the first painting of the day and competition. The mist was still there when I started but was leaving fast.

I painted one, then a second painting and then a third one before I decided the water dripping off my face was driving me crazy. I packed it up and headed for the bridge on Riverside Drive underneath I-400. I did not see anything I wanted to paint, so I headed to Island Ford so the sun would be behind me and I would be shaded along the river bank. But, when I got there and trekked down the hill with all my supplies, I decided I did not want to paint there. I carried it all back up, put in car and headed over to the Roswell Mill. Now, I had it in a backpack, and so it was heavy, but not really too bad . . . just dang hot!

Here are the three paintings I did that morning - they are all pastels. The painting I did in the afternoon did not get finished before the long shadows got me and the hot day too! I thought I would return the next day to finish it.

Painting No. 1: "Willeo Park Misty", 16" x 20"

Painting No. 2: "River Entrance", 14" x 11"

Painting No. 3: "River Sentinels", 12" x 9"

I did go back on Friday to Willeo Park and painted the same scene I did the first day, but in oil. It is not as successful, but worth keeping for reference for a larger work!

Day 2: Vickery Creek Falls, 12" x 9"

Now I did go back to the Roswell Mill Park and hope to finish the painting I started the afternoon of the first day . . . but there had been rain somewhere upstream and Vickery Creek was much higher and muddy. It covered the rock I had been standing on to paint! So . . . I scouted out another location and decided to paint the falls.

Here is the painting from the Vickery Creek Falls. Oh, I forgot to show you I had a visitor and he watched me for about an hour -- a vulture (and then a friend of his also flew in to watch). I was a little nervous, but they kept their distance. Here is a photo:

Now, I submitted two of these paintings to the competition: Willeo Park Misty and River Entrance. I decided these were the two best of the four pastel paintings. I did not consider entering the oil since I really didn't feel like it was a finished painting worthy of framing. You know, they don't all turn out, not even half of them normally. So, I had to have them there on Saturday morning and then we went to the reception that evening at 7:30.

When we arrived, I was greeted by a friend who said "Congratulations"! I was surprised, but thought I had won an award. She immediately pointed in the direction of the painting across the room and you could see it above the heads of people . . . and it had this big bright blue ribbon! I had won Best in Show / First Place! Yahoo!!

The painting is shown here with me standing by it, but there is a reflection from the lights in it. But you can see it above -- Willeo Park Misty! I felt I had done a good job, and also that I left the painting before I did way too much to it. I left some of the scene for the viewer to fill in -- let the viewer's brain have an active part in looking at the painting, filling in some of the detail I left out.

So, though I was dreadfully hot and dripping, I managed to produce four paintings worthy of framing and one of them won Best in Show. And, my birthday was the next day -- what better way to start celebrating that. And there was prize money to boot! What more could I ask for -- beautiful places to paint, friends to paint with, four worthy pieces, and a ribbon!

Pastel Painting in Progress

2010-07-27T07:55:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, I posted my wish to start the day with a tree painting. And, I wanted to create something in oil and then one in pastel. In my previous post, you saw the progression of the oil painting. Here is the painting I did in the afternoon / evening in pastel. The scene is from a photo I took in Sudden Valley, Washington -- which is just outside of Bellingham. My friend, Carly Hardy, and I were visiting a friend, Denise Champion, last year in August. She has the most beautiful location to live! They are both wonderful artists, so here are links to their web sites: Denise -- http://www.denisechampion.com/ ; and Carly -- http://www.carlyhardy.com/ .

This June, I went back to visit Denise and take an abstract workshop from Diane Townsend -- the maker of wonderful pastels. The workshop was at Dakota Pastels in La Connor, Washington. I was quite out of my element, but think I might have learned many things. Much of the learning was about art history and abstract art in the past. I believe that after you learn to manipulate the medium, then the next step is to learn what came before you and try to get inside the head of our past master painters!

So here is the progression of the pastel painting.

The painting went through several changes and will sit in the studio for several more days for me to keep it in view for thoughts about what might need changing -- or nothing! And, as always, I appreciate any comments you might have -- or questions.

Oil Painting In Progress

2010-07-26T15:59:00.000-04:00

Today, I posted on Facebook that I felt like painting trees. I challenged others to post what they were doing or paint trees today with me. Several have responded they were either painting something with trees, or would. And I had one friend say she was making steel leaves and did that count. Why not, I said. And, I told them I would post on the blog and it will post to Facebook.

I wanted to start with an oil painting since I have some paint on my palette. Then I wanted to do a pastel. Well, I did not get started until about 11:30 a.m. and have just now quit on the oil painting. Like most artists, I need someone to tell me to stop. After this post, I will go start a pastel painting. We shall see how far I get!

Here are the photos I have taken at various stages of the painting. The painting is a 9x12 on an Ampersand Gesso Board -- quite a slick surface, but this is what I use when I am plein air painting. I have decided I am not real fond of the "laid" look of canvas. I think I will be trying some linen that is a little finer weave to see how I like that. Okay, to the photos!

So there are seven shots of the painting in progress . . .

now you tell me what you think! I look forward to hearing some comments.

Working in the Studio

2010-07-20T22:01:00.001-04:00

So . . . since the last post, I have been trying to work in the studio as many days as possible. This week has been a good one and the end of last week. I have been working on oil paintings: a 3'x4' gallery wrap canvas, an 8"x24" gallery wrap canvas, a 12"x12" gesso cradled panel, and a 12"x16" diamondback cradled birch panel that I gessoed.

The large canvas (3'x4') has been giving me fits. I am trying to simplify subject matter, but in a larger format, I tend to revert to "decorating" my trees. So, I went to the art supply store (Binders in Atlanta) and bought two #18 large filbert brushes. These were only one size larger than what I had, but it does make a difference. Still after using one of these brushes, I am giving the painting a rest while working on the other sizes. I need to study and figure out what it is I don't really like about the composition of this painting. I also think the group of trees on the right are very stiff -- almost like something you would see in an animated film. They are not quite real to me.

Tonight I loaded a photo of it into Photoshop Elements and created a larger shadow area which would connect the trees on the right with the lone tree on the left. I like that better, so tomorrow, I will create more shadow linking the two shapes. Here it is before doing that -- and also a gray-scale image of the painting as it is now.

I'll be sure to show you in another post whatever I do to this painting. Just because I am spending time on it, does not mean it will ever be allowed to leave my studio as a finished piece. I have no qualms about sanding it off and starting another painting! There is a lot to be learned just by doing it. I like some of my brushwork -- mostly on the left and in the middle ground and sky areas.

Sometimes when I am working in oil, I get this feeling that I am a fraud -- calling myself an artist. I actually talked to a very good friend today and told him what I was feeling and of the troubles I felt today. Terry Ludwig is such a wonderful friend and always gives me good advice. He said he had made some pastels in a square and printed on it "artist's block" -- since writers can have it, why can't artists? He also asked me what size brush I was using -- and when I told him #18, he said to extend it with some duct tape so I could stand further away while painting! Good idea.

Now, here are the other three paintings and the gray scale of each one. You can let me know what you think. I always care!

Saturday Demo at High Country Art in Blue Ridge, GA

2010-07-07T08:09:00.028-04:00

Saturday, July 10, I will be painting live -- doing a demonstration -- at the gallery that represents me in Blue Ridge, GA. The gallery is High Country Art & Antiques Gallery. It would be a great day trip to the cooler mountains of North Georgia. I will be painting with pastels this demonstrations, so come watch me start new paintings -- and hopefully finish at least one or two. I will be creating paintings in the 9x12 or 11x14 or smaller sizes.

Here a couple of samples of some of my recent work:

The first painting is a scene I created from two different photographs. One had the little farm drive and trees, and the other photo has the barely seen barn and truck. I thought they could be a good combination. This painting is a 16x20 pastel and is framed and hanging in High Country Art at this time.

The next painting is a demonstration I started at the Oglethorpe University when I was sitting for the Southeastern Pastel Society's International Show. I think this painting is finished, but it is unframed and sitting in my studio for daily evaluation when I walk by. This was a photo I took a few years ago at a sunflower farm near Rutledge, GA. I was intrigued by the sun hitting that one side of the little potting shed and what you can see through the windows into the shed.

This is the type of scenery that really draws me in. I am a confirmed "tree" lover and most of my paintings will have at least a couple of trees. If not that, then it will be a scene of rocks and water -- as in North Georgia streams -- the kind you want to take your shoes off and go wading in! Here is a photo of one of my paintings in this type of scenery:

I hope you can come to Blue Ridge and High Country Art on Saturday and watch me create paintings. I love to talk while I am painting and answer questions. It makes me feel good to discuss the process of painting and share my passion with others. People are part of what makes creating art possible. Your pleasure in viewing what I have created is one of the things that keeps me creating. Of course, it goes without saying that I must enjoy the creative process. And . . . believe me I do! I can't wait to see what the next painting will turn out to be. We don't always know. We may have a vision of what we intend, but sometimes the painting itself tells us the direction it wants to go in. I always listen.

Come see me this Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until 4 or 5:00 p.m. in downtown Blue Ridge at High Country Art & Antiques Gallery! Say Hello!

L. Diane Johnson and "Butterflies: Not the Painted Kind!" Blog Post

2010-07-06T22:59:00.002-04:00

Butterflies: Not the Painted Kind!

The above is a link to a wonderful blog post by a friend of mine, L. Diane Johnson. I am reprinting it here with her permission, but not all the formatting will come from my copied portion of her blog. But the link is for you to visit her blog and peruse the rest of her entries. Even sign up for this blog. It will be well worth your time to read. So . . . here is the copy from her text. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Butterflies: Not the Painted Kind!

July 1, 2010
By L Diane Johnson

IF YOU’VE EVER COMMITTED to or been asked to speak in front of a group and had “the butterflies”, you are perfectly normal! Butterflies are good. Stage fright is good. Everything I’ve read by professionals in the field of psychology say, that both of these attributes are normal; actually necessary when confronted with a group. Without these two elements, you’d be dull, look and act uninterested and make those around you feel very uncomfortable. So three cheers for butterflies!

For the professional artist, solo shows seem to be a major trauma to face. I remember my first to the latest show I have been a part of. Some experts say, that if you don’t have some tiny measure of the “willies”, then you may even have a problem. The problem? Not really being prepared to be with/talk with people.

A good place to start is with a small show. If you can participate comfortably in smaller solo or group shows, you just need to work a bit harder to deal with the larger crowds.
People do not believe me when I say I am the quintessential introvert. I am comfortable in crowds but better one-on-one, especially when the center of attention. Nevertheless, once in any group interacting for a few moments, I relax and am just fine. I even end up having a great time. After an event, is when I can get into trouble…reliving, re-evaluating, analyzing and sometimes fretting over an event which is already over! “Did I say something wrong? Did I sound shy or even proud?”, etc. If I had a great time, why do I get depressed and feel so badly after having a fine experience interacting with folks? It really seems silly but this happens. It does not occur as often as it used to. But when it does, I simply let my brain go through it’s gymnastics and it eventually wears off in a day or two.

The Problem?
It’s taken me years, but I still have to work on being in large groups at a solo show in particular. Seemingly, everyone wants a piece of me at the same time. Here is one thing that helps when this happens. When I am the “star” of the show, I try to focus on one person at a time as I speak with them. (Sometimes it’s merely the volume of people that can produce anxiety within me.) It can be brought on by the anticipation of greeting and meeting collectors or talking to other artists. It is sometimes associated with feelings of not knowing what to say. Well of course, I don’t know what I will say…I don’t even know what the questions or comments will be ahead of time! That means I’m putting unnecessary pressure on myself.

What Can You Do?
It’s not fair to yourself to fret over something that has not yet happened.

•Try to relax the day before an event.
•Boost your confidence by reminding yourself that you are the expert at what you do.
•And most of all, remember that the audience is friendly!! They are coming to your show because they want to, not because they have to! Therefore, it’s not a test, but rather, a party.
•Parties are meant to be enjoyed not dreaded. No darts no dragons, just friendly people attending a wonderful show. They are not out to get you, they just want to see and interact with you – the artist of the hour!Trouble Marketing Yourself?

Not good at selling yourself? Don’t like to visit other towns to seek representation? Extend your reach with a physical presence at times to market yourself is a good thing. You may find if you get out in front of people more, the more comfortable you will become. Take your gallery owner to lunch one-on-one. Interact with the staff. The more you communicate with them the more they’ll get to know you; and more apt they will be in telling potential clients not only how great work you do but that you’re a great person too!

Is there Hope for You?
Absolutely. Some artists are extroverted and love the spotlight and crowds. For those of us who have to work at it, here are a couple of books I highly recommend:

Non-Manipulative Selling
Excellent volume! Learn how to sell when it does not come natural, how to “mingle” with people – extremely insightful. This is one of the most “dog-eared” books in my library on this subject.

Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You
Sounds like it may be “psychobabble”, but is a tremendous and practical book for those who find it difficult to socialize easily. This book will show you how absolutely “normal” you are and how being sensitive can be an asset not a liability.

So go for the big shows as well as the little ones. Just as with everything else, preparation is key. Expect to be a bit anxious, full of butterflies and overwhelming, yet all can be overcome! Furthermore, you can have FUN at the show!
Share and Enjoy
----end of my copy of her article---

Diane Johnson is a wonderfully giving artist and teacher. I hope you enjoyed this and please do go to her blog and web site. You will read some good stuff, and see many beautiful paintings. Let me know what you think.

Paintings At Georgia State Capitol

2010-06-29T07:24:00.000-04:00

David Ralston, Leishea Johnson (staff) and me with my painting "Dawn of A New Day"

"Area Art Fills David Ralston's Capitol Office" is the headline in The News Observer dated Friday, June 25, 2010, which is a newspaper of Blue Ridge, Georgia. David Ralston is the new Speaker of the House and decided he wanted artwork from North Georgia. He commented "I never want to forget my roots. These people have been good to me, and I want to be reminded of this daily."

His interior decorator, Marcie Culpepper, contacted me during the winter and said they had looked at my work in High Country Art & Antique Gallery in Blue Ridge, and then went to my website and were interested in several paintings for his suite of offices. Unluckily, two of the three were already sold. One of the sold paintings was named "Golden Opportunity" and she told me how much David Ralston loved that scene and also the name since he felt his new position was a golden opportunity! She asked if I had something similar or would I suggest work that was from the North Georgia area. I had just finished a new 4'x3' oil painting and told her to look at it online. I had posted a photo of it on my blog -- but not on my web site since I had not officially finished it and named it. She loved it and couldn't wait to see it in person. We set up a time for her to visit the studio to see paintings. I will tell you, they always look better in real life!

When she walked in and saw the painting, she turned to me and said "This will be perfect. When can I pick up the paintings?" She did choose another replacement one that was from Ellijay, GA and liked the framing on it. The only one that was not sold from her initial list was a plein air piece from downtown Blue Ridge. I did have that painting, but the frame needed to be changed since she wanted to hang the two smaller paintings together. I also needed to sign the large one and spray a preliminary light varnish on it. Two days later I had them ready for delivery! And, the name for the large one . . . "Dawn of a New Day." Here is a photo of the painting:

The article shows several photos of three or four of the artists and their piece of art hanging in the suite of offices for the Speaker of the House at the State Capitol. There is a photo of me, David Ralston, one of the staff and the painting where you can get a good sense of the painting. Also, the last paragraph in the article is great! . . .

. . . "One of Ralston's favorite pieces of art in his office is entitled, "Dawn of a New Day," an oil on board by Marsha Hamby Savage that portrays the mountains of Blue Ridge. 'It's a new day in the House of Representatives,' he said."

I couldn't be more pleased! The reception they had for us once the decorating of the office was done was wonderful also. I have a couple of photos from the reception here for you also. The top one before my writing is essentially the same photo shown in the newspaper article.

This last photo is the reception room of his suite -- the top painting is the plein air pastel of the train and station in downtown Blue Ridge done during the World Wide Paint Out last September, and the other painting is an oil from outside Ellijay, GA.

Many people enter the Speaker of the House suite of offices! They will all have the opportunity to see artwork from our North Georgia mountain area. It was quite an honor to be chosen!

Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association Auction

2010-06-21T10:51:00.002-04:00

This past Saturday, the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association (BRMAA) held their annual auction to benefit the association. It has been my pleasure to participate for many years and give back to this wonderful Art Center. I paint from beginning to end, then frame a painting and it is auctioned off live toward the end of the evening.

Talk about pressure! But, I totally enjoy it and talking to everyone as they come by to see how the painting is progressing. I painted on an Ampersand Pastelbord that was 18" x 24". This is a sanded surface, and I put a watercolor underpainting on the board before I left home. Knowing this was a rather large piece to complete in the span of about 1 1/2 to 2 hours -- I thought it should be done. This way I did have the gist of the scene down, and I did not have to wait for the surface to dry to begin the actual pastel painting.

Here are photos of scenes that I combined elements to create the painting! The first image is the creek snaking through the pasture, and some of the background for inspiration.

The next image is for the mountains -- hopefully I have arranged these in the "blog" and it took them correctly. But, you can see the tree and pasture, and then the mountains in the distance. This scene is from Mrs. Parks property where I paint plein air quite frequently!

Here is the little creek snaking its way through the pasture and the lonely tree I have based my foreground tree upon.

The next photo shows a chicken house -- but I have not included it into the painting. I just wanted more information for the creek and the foreground grasses. And . . . the last photo in this group is for the grasses with the flowers and the creek information.

So, you can see I had my work cut out for me. I did a thumbnail at home to work out some of the elements, but I did not follow it religiously. Maybe a mistake, maybe not. So the next shot should be a view of the courtroom where the Art Center is located. You can see my underpainting, and all the appropriate stuff for me to paint with the pastels. You can even see three paintings that I brought along for reference and to show attendees what some of my work looks like.

And here is the finished product on the easel -- with Jack Morton and Jill Becker in the background. They were the emcees (did I spell that correctly?) for the evening. I think this is their third or fourth year to do the Art Auction. And, below this text is the painting itself. Remember, I only had a limited amount of time to produce the piece, get it into the frame and back out to the floor for the "live" part of the auction.

Title is "Around Blue Ridge" because many of the photos were taken around Blue Ridge, but you cannot find this actual scene if you are riding around.

Successfully finished and auctioned off to a wonderful patron of the Art Center!

Southeastern Pastel Society International Show

2010-06-04T10:19:00.000-04:00

I promised to post a picture of the painting that was accepted into this prestigious show. I did show you the two that were not. Here is the pastel titled "Morning Mist" and it is on Ampersand Pastelbord, and the size is 18" x 24".

Best news is . . . drum roll please . . . I did win an "Exceptional Merit Award" for the piece. The judge and juror of awards was Duane Wakeham. He is a highly sought after juror and workshop instructor. But, the bad news is that our workshop associated with this show is to be his last workshop. He is signing off on teaching workshops in the future.

I also was able to take his last ever workshop. This was a special treat. He is a wonderful person and instructor. His premise for workshops has been "The thinking part of painting". It really is what I need at this time in my career. I know how to use the materials, but now I need to raise my art to the next level. Thinking and planning more before starting the painting will result in a better chance of creating what I have in my mind. Here are a few shots I took during the workshop of his demonstration and some of the students in the class. Hope you enjoy the photos.

Here is a photo from a projected image of his notebook where he was planning the structure of the painting. He brought the tree in, put it in the distance, middle of the page, left or right also. This was a shot of many he showed from a power point presentation of his planning process. This is not the plan for the demo that I will show a few shots of. The next photos are shots of his start, during the middle, and then the shot of the finish. Though he did tell us that it is not really a finished piece . . . it is a study for a larger painting and he might work on this "study" even more when he goes home.

Hope you can tell the room was quite crowded and we had to contain our supplies to 1/2 of the table. Everyone worked hard for the three days of the workshop. You can see my first day's attempt on the easel right there in front. The study for this one was on the easel behind what you can see here. It just peaks out at the top. Duane is helping another student just to the right of my painting. Karen Margulis and Nancy Belknap are the two students to the left of my painting . . . and they are previous students of mine. There were a total of 20 students in the workshop.

So much fun . . . and I got to transport Duane every day to and from the workshop venue and we had loads of time to talk about all aspects of the art world and painting. That was worth the price of the workshop! Duane Wakeham is a wonderful part of the art world in all ways -- a nice person, a thoughtful person, a wonderfully giving artist, and one of the most knowledgeable artists I know. So, until next post . . . keep on painting!

Pastel Exhibit at Oglethorpe University in Atlanta GA

2010-05-17T09:03:00.000-04:00

This week will be a very busy one! The Southeastern Pastel Society is having their International Juried Exhibition at the Oglethorpe University on Peachtree Road in Atlanta, GA. The reception is Thursday evening from 7 - 9. It is free to attend the reception and if you are in the area, you should come! There will be some of the best pastels in the country at this exhibit!

I am also the Workshop Chairman for the SPS and so will be busy with duties for the workshop which is held on Friday, Saturday and Sunday this weekend in Norcross GA --- and I am enrolled to take the workshop from our judge and juror, Duane Wakeham. This will be his last workshop and I could not resist the opportunity to take from such a wonderful artist and teacher. I have taken a one-day intensive "thinking" session from him at the IAPS (International Association of Pastel Societies) convention about three years ago.

He and I started a friendship at a convention in Raleigh, NC which was five years ago. Now everytime I see him, it is so much fun catching up. He loves to give me a little hard time about my "southern" accent! Yes, I do have one!

Also, I do have a painting that was accepted into the show. I think the numbers were 362 pieces were submitted for jury and only 65 pieces were accepted. So . . . it is an honor to have one accepted into this show. There are many well known artists accepted into the exhibit and from quite a number of states in the US and some from Japan. It is truely an international exhibition. Our organization is one of the best in the country. I submitted three pieces and so I won't show you yet the one accepted but here are the two that were not accepted!

The "Creek Shadows" painting is on Ampersand Pastelbord and "Cypress Dance" is on gatorfoam and has a created surface of acrylic and pumic. On this one you can see the brush strokes where I laid on the pumic mixture and much of the orange underpainting shows. I love this painting! I thought it would be the one accepted if I got one in. You just never know! They are both 24" x 18" in size.

I do plan to make some changes in the cypress painting since I have had some time to look at it. The reflection is a little bright and also some of the distant tree trunks need to be "blued" a little to create a little more aerial perspective and help them recede more. The creek painting is still sitting with a cover over it and I will wait to have more input into it at a later time. I really want the focus in this creek painting to be in the middle background which is not a normal thing for me. So, I will have to figure out a way to knock those rocks in the foreground back a little more. Right now it seems the bright green leaves are stealing the show. What do I really want to be the star of the show?

It is always fun to revisit the paintings after a space of time away from them to see what would make them better. I'll show them another time when and if I make changes.

Here is the information for the reception and show:

Southeastern Pastel Society 2010 14th International Juried Exhibition

Oglethorpe University Museum of Art
4484 Peachtree Road, N.E, Atlanta, GA 30319
404-364-8555
http://museum.oglethorpe.edu/

Exhibit Dates: May 18-June 27, 2010
Opening Reception Thursday, May 20th, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Museum hours: Tuesday-Sunday, noon - 5:00 p.m.
Come see me at the reception and all the wonderful work that our juror accepted into the show!

Fund Raisers That Do It Right by Lori Woodward

2010-04-29T08:00:00.000-04:00

This post was an important one for me so I thought I would repost it here for others to see!

Today's Post is by Lori Woodward, Regular contributing writer for FineArtViews. She is also a contributing editor for American Artist's Watercolor and Workshop magazines and she writes "The Artist's Life" blog on American Artists' Forum. Lori is a member of The Putney Painters, an invitational group that paints under the direction of Richard Schmid and Nancy Guzik. Find out how you can be a guest author.

The towns of Peterborough and Jaffrey in New Hampshire do their annual town fundraisers right. They understand that in order to get the best artists to participate that they partner with the artists to raise funds, not take advantage of them.

Undervaluing The Worth of Art, Hurts the Community

Many artists struggle to make a profit each year, and although it might sound noble to give art away, sometimes it does the community of artists more harm than good. Fund raisers who ask numerous artists for outright donations devalue the worth of the art in that community. When there is no minimum (reserve) price set for a work, it often sells for less than the cost for materials. Even worse, the buyers return each year to pick up unbelievable bargains, and they rarely contact the artist to pay full retail price on additional paintings. This is the kind of "exposure" that actually hurts business for artists.

Educate The Organizations You Support

The folks that put on these fundraisers are not malicious people. They just don't understand how selling donated art at low prices hurts the art community. Often, when I've explained why it isn't a good idea, the people in charge decide to go with a reserve price and percentage to the artist. It might mean that fewer paintings will be sold (at least in the first year), but I've seen that organizations that do it right often reap much higher rewards over the years because the best artists in the community begin to participate, and the scene becomes a place to buy great work for a tad less than they would pay otherwise. Everybody wins! The artists get their due, the organizations get 40% of each sale, and the collectors get great art.

Interestingly, the local towns in New Hampshire that do auctions the right way, make far more than those who accept artists full donations and sell the art for any price. That's because once the auction becomes known as the place to get great artwork, it brings out serious collectors. Usually, there is a gala dinner involved, where the tickets are pricey. I've seen expensive works (say in the $10K range) sell at these classy auctions. The best and most expensive art goes quickly. My guess is that the collectors there enjoy the competition.

Several years ago, I attended a huge show in Denver, Salon D'arts. While there, I ate breakfast with a number of artists who participated, and Scott Burdick listed his favorite fundraisers - most were invitational museum shows where the artist reaped a 75% of the selling price. Even so, the museums made a great deal of money.

The thing that I especially enjoy about participating in fundraisers that return me 60% of the selling price is that I usually pick up a new collector when my painting sells. Unlike most galleries, auctions give the artists the names and addresses of the buyers. When someone buys my work at, or near my regular retail price, they're usually pretty serious collectors.

Artists Can Only Deduct The Cost of Materials

When I've participated in auctions where I've given a full donation, the work sells for under $100, and nobody wins because the artwork was devalued, the organization only got $100, and I am in the hole for all my supplies. By the way, we artists can only deduct the amount of the supplies we used on our incomes taxes - not the value of the artwork. Alternately, if I simply give the organization a check from my business account, I can deduct the full amount of that check. They make just as much money or even more that way, and I am not out a painting that I could sell otherwise.

What if the Work Doesn't Sell?

If my painting doesn't sell, then I get the painting back and I'm out nothing. Sure the organization doesn't get anything from me, but it probably made more in the long run because it got a greater amount from the other artists whose works did sell. Nobody loses, and the integrity of the art community is not eroded.

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This article originally appeared at: http://clintwatson.net/blog/19114/fund-raisers-that-do-it-right
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I hope you have enjoyed this article. Let me know your thoughts or even what has happened to you! Marsha

Demonstration in Blue Ridge

2010-04-27T22:01:00.002-04:00

This is just a quick note to tell everyone I will be at High Country Art & Antique Gallery in Blue Ridge, GA on Saturday, May 1 from 11:00 AM to about 4:30 PM (maybe 5:00) to demonstrate my painting techniques.

High Country Art & Antique Gallery is located at 715 East Main Street in downtown Blue Ridge, GA. It is very easy to find. The gallery is directly across from the train station and has a large green awning over the windows and door . . . about 4 or 5 businesses up from the traffic light on Main Street. The gallery is very eclectic and carries a wide variety of styles and mediums in art. Paintings of local scenes, abstract flowers, metal work, pottery, wonderful artistic jewelry, etc. can be found here. There is something for everyone.

On Saturday, I don't know yet if I will do a pastel or an oil -- haven't quite made up my mind yet. I love them both and have been alternating between both of these mediums the last year. I am more known for my pastel work, but I originally started out in oil painting. I love getting back into my oils in a big way. Lately, I have been creating oil paintings that are 4' x 3' on birch panels. But, this is too large for me to demo at the gallery. I might decide to do at least a relatively larger piece than is usually done for a demonstration -- maybe something like 18" x 24" or a similar size.

If I do plan a pastel painting, I will also do a larger one. Many times I will take several smaller pieces in and try to do 2 or 3 paintings during the course of the day. This time I am thinking larger might be a good demo change for me and the gallery visitors.

So . . . come by and see me and the wonderful High Country Art Gallery in Blue Ridge on Saturday, May 1. Be sure to let me know you saw this on my blog or on Facebook!