The Art of Shows

Art Shows: Heartbreak and Joy

BBAC Art Show 2015

Something that I have learned is that most art shows allow artists to submit work as long as the artist pays an entry fee. Although paying an entry fee is no guarantee that your artwork will be accepted into the show.

Last year I payed entry fees to two local juried art shows (different judges, different venues). I was rejected from both shows (heartbreak). However, in talking to other artists who have different styles and mediums than I, many were rejected from the show (ah, a relief to know that I am not alone).

The Dowager, BBAC Student Show

Joy! I just learned that one of my works was juried into a student show (a victory as this is a difficult show to get into). In the past, I have tried and failed to get work into this student show. 

Additionally, my fellow artists also encouraged me to join a member show (guaranteed to have one artwork in the show). This means that for February 2015, I will be in two shows!  Art Shows are very exciting and are wonderful for an Art Resume.

The Dowager : Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center from Jan 24^th to Mar 27^th! 

Topaz Blue: Northville Art House from Feb 6^th  to Feb 27^th! 

Topaz Blue, Northville Art House

There is so much that goes into whether or not you should try to get into a show. A key takeaway is to ensure that you have a good understanding of what the show and or juror are looking for so that you don’t waste your entry fee money. Another important art show detail is organization. To get into a show an artist has  to get  applications in on time, drop off art work and eventually pick up artwork on the slated dates (drop offs and pick ups are usually restricted hours).

Hope to see you at the Art Shows!

A Stack of Unfinished Works

AKA The Busy December

Kate 18 x 24", Unfinished

December was a month of events and to-dos which led to a stack of unfinished artworks. I continued to attend art group and paint, but did not have time to work on paintings at home—so now I have a stack of paintings waiting to be finished and that is a little overwhelming. 

Dana, Unfinished

I am unfinished and unhappy with the Dana portrait. I loved her hair and the green wreath setting on her hair, although the greenery needs a bit of a punch. Also, her face looks too long and her frown makes her look like a witch. I have some "maker her happier" work to do.

There are those who would say, well you don’t have to finish every painting. TRUE!  I absolutely agree that not every painting is a winner. When an Alla Prima (Wet) painting is not working for me, I will wipe it out with Turpenoid and a large paintbrush (leading to a nicely toned canvas).  Often I know when a painting isn’t working and I wipe it out within a few hours, this happens at least once a month. 

Meredith, unfinished

Meredith (scarf and long dark hair) is almost done. I like the scarf and her face but need to work on her shoulder, blouse, and the background. 

I really loved the whole 40's vibe with the cloche and furry collar on Becca. I have worked on the grey of the hat, the fur of the collar and the color of her face. I just want to add highlights to the flower and work on defining/shadows on her nose and neck. And maybe add some depth to her right (shadow) eye.

Becca, unfinished

This is some of my "to- finish" artwork list but I am unsure of how soon I will get all the work done as I start a new art class tomorrow! It may get done, it may get done, it may get done someday...