June 1, 2016

Writing an Artist Statement

Authored By Christy Olsen.

Every artist dreads the thought of writing an artist statement. Think about it. We are "visual artists," not literal ones! We would have been in literary arts if we wanted to write text! That said, whether you are self-represented or showing in multiple galleries. You still need an artist statement on your website to be a professional. 


Why? Anyone who looks at or buys your work may not be an artist themselves. They want to know in plain text or English what you are doing and why you are doing it. It also helps buyers or collectors articulate why they connect with your work, especially after they've bought a piece and are showing it off to their friends or family. 

Everyone has a different opinion on how to write an "Artist Statement" or what it should focus on. It can be just as subjective as your artwork. However, a good "Artist Statement" will connect or bridge the artist and their work to any audience, whether they like the artwork or not. 

It may be written in either the first or third person. Your statement should be clear, concise, and informative. Don't use too many big words; you will lose your audience or make them feel inadequate. It may be one sentence or three paragraphs, but limit the statement to half a page. 

Here's how to get started.

What does it all MEAN?

It's all about you and should be similar to your "Mission Statement."  A mission statement captures what you are doing right now, and a "Vision Statement" is what you want to do in the future or where you want to end up.

If you don't know your mission statement, you will have to flush it out! This is the most challenging part for most of us. It takes years to figure out for some, and it may be a moving target. Meaning that as we grow and change, so does our mission statement. 

You may get frustrated by this. However, first ask yourself, "Why am I doing what I'm doing?"  What does your artwork mean to you? Is there a specific subject or theme that you are drawn to? What is fundamentally driving you to create what you are creating? 

Remember, this is NOT about your technique or how you make artwork; this is WHY you are creating it in the first place.

Examples:  
  • I want to share the beauty of… 
  • My goal as an artist is to make pretty pictures… 
  • I create whimsical pieces to brighten up my day...
  • I abstract forms to make a balanced design... 

What's your INSPIRATION, SUBJECT, or THEME?

A good statement goes beyond the basics of what a single piece of artwork is all about. It will include a little about the artist, their creative inspiration, and their overall body of work. 

What about your subject or themes has inspired you to create, and what is it that you wish others to take away from your art? Beware, this may be tricky, or if you like to work in multiple genres like still life, portraits, landscapes, animal, abstract, etc. 

Examples:  
  • I love flowers because I played in the garden when I was little…
  • I love to paint landscapes because I want to be outside and carry on the traditions of "en plein air" or "in the open air"…
  • I paint horses because I own a ranch...
  • I paint abstracts because I love modern art...

What's your STYLE or MEDIUM?

Besides the meaning and inspiration, include your style and medium, especially if you work in a medium that enhances your style. 

Examples:  
  • I am a colorist who works in pastels. I love the vibrant colors it brings to my flowers… 
  • I am a surrealist who works in pastels because it allows me to make soft edges when I paint my dreams or fantasies...

Putting it ALL TOGETHER!

Now put all the components together (Meaning, inspiration, subject or theme, style, and medium).   

Examples:    
  • "I am a representational artist who paints florals from life in pastels. I played in the garden when I was little, and now I want to share the beauty of flowers with others. I paint flowers from life picked from my own garden, and I love the vibrant colors that the pastel medium brings to my work."
  • "I make balanced designs that put me at ease. I paint abstractly because I love the modern art era that began in the mid-twentieth century. I love to work in pastels because the square sticks help me produce the perfect geometric shapes I am drawn to." 

Am I Finished?

No, you are never done writing your artist statement.  Your statement will evolve as you and your artwork evolve. 

It will need to be tweaked or updated at least once every few years or even every six months, depending on how much artwork you produce. 

Some galleries even recommend that you should have one for each body of work or each genre. However, if you are getting into galleries, don't worry. They will ask you for exactly what they need because it will help them sell your work.

Lastly, always have a friend or neighbor proofread it to see if it actually connects the artwork with the audience and, of course, have them check for grammatical errors. If you need more help with writing or grammar, you can go to grammarly.com to check it, or you can even have a professional editor correct it for you for a small fee.


April 1, 2016

Heart of Tucson Artists Open Their Studios (Apr. 2016)

Zocalo Magazine
Heart of Tucson Artists Open Their Studios,
Zocalo Magazine. April 2016. Issue No. 5. p. 8 & 9.

Article by Diane C. Taylor, published by Zocalo Magazine, April 2016.

Excerpt from Article

Listen closely in central Tucson and you may hear the hammering of metal or the whir of a potter's wheel. Some 49 artists in 19 locations are preparing for the Heart of Tucson Art Spring Open Studio Tour April 9-10. The artists will open their studios and share their art from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday.

The Heart of Tucson Art is in the mid-town Tucson Arts District. Defined by the current group, it’s bounded by Roger on the north, Craycroft on the east, 17th Street on the south, and Euclid on the west.

Art media include painting in all its forms (oil, acrylic, watercolor, encaustic, dye on silk, pastel, gouache, ink, charcoal, etc.), sculpture, metal work, wood, ceramics, fused glass, paper, photography, needlework and jewelry.

Zocalo Magazine
Heart of Tucson Artists Open Their Studios,
Zocalo Magazine. April 2016. Issue No. 5. p. 13 & 14.

The group held its first tour in October 2015, in response to the initial cancellation of last year’s Tucson Pima Arts Council citywide fall tour. A survey after the tour provided really positive feedback, Linda Chappel, an artist with the Heart of Tucson Art, said. Visitors were excited about being able to see most, if not all, of the artists on the tour over the weekend. Artists were happy they could finally visit the studios of colleagues not on the same tour.

The activities of the group are all volunteer-driven, Chappel explained, with artists coming together and using their special knowledge and abilities to make things happen and get things done. She takes care of the social media (Facebook and Twitter). Painter and writer C.J. Shane is the driving force behind the effort and responsible for the press releases. Painter Christy Olsen has put together the website with an interactive map. Lynne East-Itkin, a multi-talented artist and graphic artist, the organizer of Many Hands Artist Cooperative and heavily involved in the Blue Raven Art School, created the ads and flyers.

“With a view to the future, we’re looking into Arizona nonprofit status, to be able to apply for grants. We’re planning a couple of pop-up events each year, as well. We’ve already set October 29-30 for our fall tour,” Chappel said. “And the best is, as an artist-centered group, we are having fun working together and bouncing off new ideas for promoting our art.”

The artists in the group are amazingly talented, Chappel said. “You’d be surprised at how many creative people and spaces are hidden in the neighborhoods of Tucson. It’s important to note that not all professional artists are downtown,” she continued. “Many of us have our own individual spaces in the midtown neighborhoods. Artists’ studios are located in all sorts of spaces -- from historic adobes, including Many Hands Artist Cooperative, in a repurposed motor court, to the modern industrial loft-style studios at Metal Arts Village. It’s fun to see all the unique spaces artists have carved out of the central Tucson residential areas to work in.”

“For me personally,” she continued, “participating in the tour lets me show my art work to the community and engage directly with people who are buying my art work. I am very excited to see more recognition of the smaller, regional tours.”

“This is a great opportunity to stop by and meet the artists, learn more about how they work and talk about their work with them,” Chappel said. “Many artists are happy to show you the materials they use, explain their techniques and talk about what inspires their art work. Being able to see ‘behind the scenes’ is fun, and it gives you greater appreciation for the art you see and perhaps buy. The tour offers unique, affordable art and an experience you won’t get at any chain store!”

Reference
Taylor. D. C. (2016, April) Heart of Tucson Artists Open Their Studios. Zocalo Magazine. published April 2016. p. 9-13.


This promotional video, published by Heart of Tucson Art (HoTA), was featured on their website in April 2016 with the flyer below.



Reference

Promotional Video by Heart of Tucson Art (HoTA),
Retrieved from HeartofTucsonArt.info on April 1, 2016.

March 8, 2016

Richeson 75 Small Works
(Juried Exhibition & Art Sale 2016)

North Light Window was accepted into the show as a finalist in the Richeson 75 international art competition! Flower Girl and Peaches also received Meritorious Awards.

The "Richeson Small Works" annual exhibition will be shown at the Richeson School of Art gallery and is open to the general public. Admission is at no charge.

North Light Window, original painting by Christy Olsen
North Light Window. 8x10. Oil on board by Christy Olsen.

Juried Exhibition & Art Sale

Richeson 75 International are art competitions that offer a venue where established and emerging artists can show their latest, best work to a broader and more appreciative audience. The Richeson School of Art facilitates each competition with a unique genre. Artists from all over the world submit their pieces annually, where only 75 pieces are chosen, which is why it is called the "Richeson 75 International.

Jack Richeson & Co., Inc. underwrites large cash prizes for Best-In-Show and generous prizes of Richeson art studio furniture and materials for each contest cycle genre. The 75 finalists for each regular contest genre exhibit their work in the beautiful Richeson Gallery, which appears in a hardcover book for that annual competition genre.

There is also a companion online exhibit that reaches a broad audience. Medium categories include 1) oil, oil pastels, & acrylics, 2) Other media (soft pastels, drawing /dry media, watercolor, gouache, casein, printmaking, etc.).

Flower Girl, original painting by Christy Olsen
Flower Girl. 8x10. Oil on board by Christy Olsen.


Peaches, original painting by Christy Olsen
Peaches. 8x10. Oil on board by Christy Olsen.

Dates

February 24 - April 2, 2016

Artist's Reception

Tuesday, March 7, 2016 (5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.)
Refreshments served.

About the Host

Richeson School of Art is located in Kimberly, Wisconsin. They are proud to utilize locally and nationally known artists that teach a variety of art mediums at their on-site location. Their studio functions as an educational classroom, life drawing session studio, and local meeting space for artists to work during our open studio times.

Jack Richeson & Co. is a leading manufacturer and supplier of high-quality art materials. In 2005, company founder and CEO Jack Richeson realized his lifelong dream of creating a resource for artists to exhibit artwork, gain inspiration and further their artistic education.

About the Gallery

Richeson Gallery features over 700 original works of art composed by the Richeson Permanent Collection and regional and local artists. As part of its mission to support the visual arts community, the Richeson School of Art operates and sponsors an art gallery on-site.

Richeson Gallery in Kimberly, WI

There are two rotating exhibit spaces where world-renowned artists hang alongside up-and-coming artists' work, creating a beautiful harmony for visitors to experience. The permanent collection holds over 500 works by artists, including Stephen Quiller, Zoltan Szabo, Ramon Kelly, Richard Schmidt, Urania Christy Tarbet, Erica Norelius, and many more.

Richeson Gallery in Kimberly, WI

Location

Richeson Gallery
557 Marcella Street, Kimberly, WI, 54136

Hours

Tuesday, Thursday & Friday (10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)
Wednesdays (10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.)
Saturdays (10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.)
Sundays & Mondays (Closed)
Or call for an appointment.

Sales

Artwork may be purchased during the show at the gallery but must stay hung throughout the exhibition. For Purchasing Information:
- Visit Richesongallery.com.
- Phone +1 (800) 233-2404 or +1 (920) 560-3777
- Or email: artschool@richesonart.com



Post-Exhibition

Artwork may be viewed online during the exhibition or post-exhibition dates.
- Richeson75.com
- Small Works 2016 Home Page
- Small Works 2016 (Oils & Acrylics)



Publications

North Light Window, Flower Girl, and Peaches were published in the limited edition Richeson 75 International exhibition book.

All Richeson 75 International competitions are capped off with the publication of a collectible, limited-edition, full-color, hardcover exhibit book. These books include the finalists' work and feature meritorious awards from the competition.

Richeson 75 International
Small Works 2016

February 21, 2016

Why We Like Charcoal!

Authored By Christy Olsen.

Charcoal is a dry drawing material used much in the same way as graphite, but it has a few advantages.

Charcoal, like graphite, varies in hardness and is also available in pencils or powder. Shading may be produced by smudging the marks made using a stump (made with cotton), tortillion (made from rolled paper), or even a Kleenex.

Carla. Charcoal on cream-toned paper. 18x24.

Advantages to Charcoal

Soft Edges

Charcoal is an excellent tool for getting those soft edges, atmospheric or sfumato (the Italian word for "to tone down" or "to evaporate like smoke") drawings like Leonardo da Vinci is known so well for.

Produces Intense Blacks

Charcoal produces a wide range of values, so it can create highly realistic and sensitive drawings. Vine charcoal makes lighter values, whereas compressed charcoal can create super intense blacks.

Work in Any Size

It is excellent for expressive drawing and can be used for more significant works. You just buy more giant chunks of charcoal.

Inexpensive

Vine charcoal is lightweight and inexpensive.

Less is More

It's hard to get stuck in details using charcoal because it has more of a blunt mark than the precision of a pencil. However, it can also be sharpened for finer details.

Works Great on Textured Paper

When buying paper in the art store, look on the label for "charcoal paper" or feel the texture with your hand. If it has a textured surface called the "tooth" of the paper, it will work great with charcoal. The "tooth" allows the paper to hold the tiny particles of the charcoal so that it adheres to the surface better. Note that the amount of texture or "tooth" varies among brands, so you will have to experiment to find what you like.

Nitram Fusains HB Charcoal

Nitram Fusains

This medium soft charcoal is the one most preferred for drawing and sketching. Nitram HB's superior hold is perfect for homogenizing tones and retaining tonal detail. Each package contains five batons, each measuring &frac14" square × 6" long. (5 mm × 152 mm). Read more about it at Nitramcharcoal.com.


Why I Like It?

I am a huge fan because it's easy to use, low maintenance, and low cost. It's natural, simple, has a wide range of values, and I can use my fingers as an eraser. I am picky about the type of charcoal that I use because I like to sketch with a sharp point.

The only charcoal I have found on the market that is strong enough to hold a good sharp point like a pencil, and dusty sufficient for me to erase with my fingers is Nitram Académie Fusains HB (Medium). It's wonderful!

I sharpen a point using a flat piece of sandpaper, put the charcoal in a brass charcoal holder, and then use it just like a pencil plus, I get the same luscious effects and qualities that I love about this beautiful drawing medium.

February 15, 2016

The Drawing Studio (TDS) Gala
(Silent Auction & Art Sale 2016)

Italian Opera will be up for auction in this charity art sale and exhibition!

Italian Opera, original painting by Christy Olsen
Italian Opera. 18x25. Pastel on Sanded Paper by Christy Olsen.

Gala Charity Art Sale & Silent Auction

Join us for a festive celebration including food, music and art! All proceeds from this event help directly support the Drawing Studio.

The event is open to the public with purchase of admission. Tickets are available in advance or at the event.

Date & Time

February 27, 2016 (6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.)
Refreshments served.

About the Host

The Drawing Studio (TDS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that enriches people's lives by providing artistic inspiration and studio art instruction for people at any age (from 9-90+) at any level of experience. For more information, visit The Drawing Studio TDS.org.

About the Auction

Art will be auctioned and available to anyone who purchased a ticket. You may direct your tickets toward any piece or pieces of art you want to take home! The winning tickets will be drawn for each piece at 8:30 p.m. Artwork is "cash & carry," which means that if you win the auction, the piece may be taken home immediately.

Whistle Stop Depot

Location

Whistle Stop Depot
127 West 5th Street, Tucson, AZ 85705

Parking

Street parking is available. Please call us if you need special accommodations


The Event

This painting was auctioned during this event.

February 1, 2016

Richeson 75 Still Life & Floral
(Juried Exhibition & Art Sale 2016)

Romantic Getaway and Peaches & Cream each received a Meritorious Award in the Richeson 75 international art competition.

The "Richeson 75 Still Life & Floral" annual exhibition will be shown at the Richeson School of Art gallery and is open to the general public. Admission is at no charge.

Espresso, original painting by Christy Olsen
Romantic Getaway. 16x20. Oil on board by Christy Olsen.

Juried Exhibition & Art Sale

Richeson 75 International are art competitions that offer a venue where established and emerging artists can show their latest, best work to a broader and more appreciative audience. The Richeson School of Art facilitates each competition with a unique genre. Artists from all over the world submit their pieces annually, where only 75 pieces are chosen, which is why it is called the "Richeson 75 International.

Jack Richeson & Co., Inc. underwrites large cash prizes for Best-In-Show and generous prizes of Richeson art studio furniture and materials for each contest cycle genre. The 75 finalists for each regular contest genre exhibit their work in the beautiful Richeson Gallery, which appears in a hardcover book for that annual competition genre.

There is also a companion online exhibit that reaches a broad audience. Medium categories include 1) oil, oil pastels, & acrylics, 2) Other media (soft pastels, drawing /dry media, watercolor, gouache, casein, printmaking, etc.).

Peaches & Cream, original painting by Christy Olsen
Peaches & Cream. 16x20. Oil on board by Christy Olsen.

Dates

March 3 - March 31, 2016

Artist's Reception

March 7, 2016 (5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.)
Refreshments served.

About the Host

Richeson School of Art is located in Kimberly, Wisconsin. They are proud to utilize locally and nationally known artists that teach a variety of art mediums at their on-site location. Their studio functions as an educational classroom, life drawing session studio, and local meeting space for artists to work during our open studio times.

Jack Richeson & Co. is a leading manufacturer and supplier of high-quality art materials. In 2005, company founder and CEO Jack Richeson realized his lifelong dream of creating a resource for artists to exhibit artwork, gain inspiration and further their artistic education.

About the Gallery

Richeson Gallery features over 700 original works of art composed by the Richeson Permanent Collection and regional and local artists. As part of its mission to support the visual arts community, the Richeson School of Art operates and sponsors an art gallery on-site.

Richeson Gallery in Kimberly, WI

There are two rotating exhibit spaces where world-renowned artists hang alongside up-and-coming artists' work, creating a beautiful harmony for visitors to experience. The permanent collection holds over 500 works by artists, including Stephen Quiller, Zoltan Szabo, Ramon Kelly, Richard Schmidt, Urania Christy Tarbet, Erica Norelius, and many more.

Richeson Gallery in Kimberly, WI

Location

Richeson Gallery
557 Marcella Street, Kimberly, WI, 54136

Hours

Tuesday, Thursday & Friday (10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)
Wednesdays (10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.)
Saturdays (10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.)
Sundays & Mondays (Closed)
Or call for an appointment.

Sales

Artwork may be purchased during the show at the gallery but must stay hung throughout the exhibition. For Purchasing Information:
- Visit Richesongallery.com
- Phone +1 (800) 233-2404 or +1 (920) 560-3777
- Or email: artschool@richesonart.com


Publications

Romantic Getaway and Peaches & Cream were published in the limited edition Richeson 75 International exhibition book.

All Richeson 75 International competitions are capped off with the publication of a collectible, limited-edition, full-color, hardcover exhibit book. These books include the finalists' work and feature meritorious awards from the competition.

Richeson 75 International
Still Life and Floral 2016

January 1, 2016

Introduction to Gouache
(Spring 2016)

Use this fast-drying medium for painting on the go, color studies, or to even create a masterpiece. Experiment and expand your knowledge of painting using gouache, an opaque form of watercolor. The reverse of normal transparent watercolor techniques will apply, such as working from dark to light or on a mid-tone or toned paper. Intermediate to advanced painters will improve their current skills, while beginners will acquire the core skills needed to work with gouache independently.

Gouache study. 5x7.

Visual Art Class

Adults are welcome to register or enroll via The Drawing Studio (TDS).

About the Host

The Drawing Studio (TDS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that enriches people's lives by providing artistic inspiration and studio art instruction for people at any age (from 9-90+) at any level of experience. For more information, visit The Drawing Studio TDS.org.

Instructor

Christy Olsen

Dates

January 9 - February 13, 2016

Meets

(3) Saturday Mornings (9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.) 3 hours per session

Location

The Drawing Studio
2760 N Tucson Blvd, Tucson, Arizona 85716

Level

No prerequisite. All levels are welcome, from beginner to advanced.

Enroll

Online (The Drawing Studio TDS.org)
Or phone: +1 (520) 620-0947

Course Code

N/A

Tuition

$125, $105 (Associate Members)