Sunday, November 20, 2011
Middletown Arts Center: New Oil Painting Class
Middletown Arts Center: New Oil Painting Class: Sign Up For Our NEW Oil Painting Class with Linda Riesenberg Fisler and receive the following: --a free painting apron --a sample of th...
Thursday, July 15, 2010
New Joint Venture with Kevin Macpherson
Wanted to share with everyone the press release that went out this week.
In the 3 days after this announcement hit the press, we've had over a 1000 visitors to the site and new members sign up for both Aspire and Prosper memberships. The in-depth study has started to receive application! It's been a great week!
Subject: Kevin Macpherson Launches Artist Mentors Online!
AMO Provides Mentoring to Improve Your Career
Kevin and Wanda Macpherson announced today that he is launching a joint venture with Linda and Tom Fisler that provides access to a wealth of information and services that specialize in the training, personal coaching and mentoring of artists who wish to improve their art and business skills. This venture is Internet based and can reach anyone with Internet access and a passion to improve their art career.
Artist Mentors Online (http://www.ArtistMentorsOnline.com) will be launched July 1, 2010 and is designed with various levels of membership.
"With 30 years of experience to offer, I enjoy sharing the art spirit especially to committed, passionate artists. From the comfort of their home or from anywhere in the world, AMO's Internet based courses are more interactive than a book and conveniently provides information when and where the artist needs it." Kevin Macpherson says.
The AMO website features self study to highly intense and interactive participation, guest contributors, resource library and experts in the art field offering advice to benefit its members.
"AMO will help artists better represent themselves and their work. I look forward to interacting with artists and unlocking the potential that is in everyone to succeed." Linda Fisler added, "Artist Mentors Online will be a very helpful resource for aspiring artists."
The site's slogan is "AMO to improve your art career".
To join Artist Mentors Online, go to www.ArtistMentorsOnline.com.
###
In the 3 days after this announcement hit the press, we've had over a 1000 visitors to the site and new members sign up for both Aspire and Prosper memberships. The in-depth study has started to receive application! It's been a great week!
Subject: Kevin Macpherson Launches Artist Mentors Online!
AMO Provides Mentoring to Improve Your Career
Kevin and Wanda Macpherson announced today that he is launching a joint venture with Linda and Tom Fisler that provides access to a wealth of information and services that specialize in the training, personal coaching and mentoring of artists who wish to improve their art and business skills. This venture is Internet based and can reach anyone with Internet access and a passion to improve their art career.
Artist Mentors Online (http://www.ArtistMentorsOnline.com) will be launched July 1, 2010 and is designed with various levels of membership.
"With 30 years of experience to offer, I enjoy sharing the art spirit especially to committed, passionate artists. From the comfort of their home or from anywhere in the world, AMO's Internet based courses are more interactive than a book and conveniently provides information when and where the artist needs it." Kevin Macpherson says.
The AMO website features self study to highly intense and interactive participation, guest contributors, resource library and experts in the art field offering advice to benefit its members.
"AMO will help artists better represent themselves and their work. I look forward to interacting with artists and unlocking the potential that is in everyone to succeed." Linda Fisler added, "Artist Mentors Online will be a very helpful resource for aspiring artists."
The site's slogan is "AMO to improve your art career".
To join Artist Mentors Online, go to www.ArtistMentorsOnline.com.
###
Friday, January 15, 2010
Trip to Las Vegas Top Ten Funniest Things...(in Letterman style)
I just returned from Las Vegas and thought I'd post (in the David Letterman style) the top ten funniest things I heard, saw or said myself while I was there. Hope it provides a laugh or two. So...here we go...
Number 10: I'm wondering if everyone is deaf in Las Vegas.
Number 9: I'm wondering why I kept getting handed the "Girls! Girls! Girls!" cards? Where were the "Guys! Guys! Guys!" people?
Number 8: Heard at every casino by every loser...(including me) "Guess I should have stopped while I was ahead." This was followed by "Hindsight is 20/20."
Number 7: "Did you win?" asked one husband. "Do you see my a@@?" replied the wife.."I lost it."
Number 6: "It's only one mile down the Strip..it shouldn't be more than $6.60." We said as we got into the taxi. This was based on the rates on the door of the cab. $15.00 later we were at the hotel. The tune "Round About" comes to mind.
Number 5: Guess drivers don't understand the concept of right on red after stop. This was quickly learned after slaming the hood of the car and shouting "I'm walking here!"
Number 4: When I was being solicited by a guy to see the Holly Madison "Peepshow", I replied with.."Honey...mine are real."
Number 3: While standing waiting for the elevator at the hotel, one woman asked her male companion, "Does this go up and down?" (ok-I did see Bette Midler and she rubbed off on me..)
Number 2: I so wanted my picture taken under the "Rent Me" sign, but Tom was laughing too hard."
Number 1: While standing 300 feet about the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon, a woman asked this..."Are there really fish in that river?"
ba-da-bing....
Number 10: I'm wondering if everyone is deaf in Las Vegas.
Number 9: I'm wondering why I kept getting handed the "Girls! Girls! Girls!" cards? Where were the "Guys! Guys! Guys!" people?
Number 8: Heard at every casino by every loser...(including me) "Guess I should have stopped while I was ahead." This was followed by "Hindsight is 20/20."
Number 7: "Did you win?" asked one husband. "Do you see my a@@?" replied the wife.."I lost it."
Number 6: "It's only one mile down the Strip..it shouldn't be more than $6.60." We said as we got into the taxi. This was based on the rates on the door of the cab. $15.00 later we were at the hotel. The tune "Round About" comes to mind.
Number 5: Guess drivers don't understand the concept of right on red after stop. This was quickly learned after slaming the hood of the car and shouting "I'm walking here!"
Number 4: When I was being solicited by a guy to see the Holly Madison "Peepshow", I replied with.."Honey...mine are real."
Number 3: While standing waiting for the elevator at the hotel, one woman asked her male companion, "Does this go up and down?" (ok-I did see Bette Midler and she rubbed off on me..)
Number 2: I so wanted my picture taken under the "Rent Me" sign, but Tom was laughing too hard."
Number 1: While standing 300 feet about the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon, a woman asked this..."Are there really fish in that river?"
ba-da-bing....
Monday, December 21, 2009
Happy Holidays!
So last night I was watching George C. Scott's "Scrooge" and naturally, I started to think back over the year. Like most, I don't like to think of the negative things, but they sometimes are so much easier to recall. Maybe because of the pain and hopefully growth that accompanies any difficult situation. And like most people, I'd rather focus on the positive things that have occurred over the past year. I'd like to take a moment to review these here in the blog, hopefully to provide inspiration and hopefully to make the day a bit merrier before heading down to my studio to paint.
January-May of 2009 was mostly spent on preparing for the "Reflections On A Pond" exhibition at the Middletown Arts Center. I'm very proud of this accomplishment this year and that probably could go without saying. So many people were involved in making this a true success--from our sponsors to the staff and volunteers at MAC to the patrons/artists who enjoyed the 3 day Opening weekend to Kevin and Wanda Macpherson. All were a part of the wonderful positive energy and without them it would not have been what it was. Not only successful in helping us all reach above the usual (whether in our painting or our day to day tasks) it put heads in beds (as a large number of participants were from out of town) and was great exposure for the Middletown Arts Center. My thanks and gratitude to all those who supported my dream of bringing Kevin and his work here to Middletown! Also, thank you to the Board of Governors at the Middletown Arts Center for giving me the "Award of the Year" for this accomplishment as well.
June began the work of cultivating the success of the exhibit into finding another venue to exhibit "Reflections On A Pond" which included forming a marketing plan and then working on the supporting material. One of these materials lead us to working with another good friend, Wayne Johnson. And if you visit the Reflections website you can listen to one of the new marketing ideas. The idea of music to accompany the collection of paintings was initially to create one song that would accompany the montage that we are pulling together for another marketing tool--still in development. It has since grown to many compositions as Wayne has been so inspired by Kevin's work. More details to come as we start to release these tools out to the public. Needless to say I'm very thankful for the work ahead. The website is visited by over 300 people a month and continues to educate fans and friends on the collection.
Shortly following June was the request to exhibit Reflections On A Pond at the Salmagundi Club in New York City (Greenwich Village to be exact). The Salmagundi Club is the oldest art club in the United States, followed by the Cincinnati Art Club (the second oldest Art Club in the USA). It's many prestigious former and existing members present quite an honor for Kevin and Wanda. This exhibition is jammed packed with events including a painting demonstration, weekend workshop and a presentation by Kevin. Also, Kevin will be exhibiting in the Patron's Gallery new work entitled "Portrait of China". These works were created from a painting trip to China that Kevin and Wanda took in Sept. 2009. If you find yourself in NYC in February, please make sure you stop in or join us for an event. This opportunity has kept me busy with PR and agreements and all the details that any event brings. It's shaping up as another fantastic opportunity and I've enjoyed meeting new people and working with everyone involved in this effort!
Work always continues on the "What's next for Reflections" and that work is in high gear and will shift into an even higher gear in January as materials for this are finished and sent out. So, stay tuned!
On my painting experiences this year, I spent a week or so with Kevin and Wanda at his Taos painting workshop where not only was Kevin's instruction and guidance given so generously, but where I met like spirits whose love and passion for painting was so evident and abundant. The week starts out with you painting at the pond, the very subject of the series, as you get the jitters of being there and getting that one painting done out of your system. Then you gather in Kevin's studio (and a gorgeous place it is!) to listen to Kevin's insight on painting, the first of many lessons to be learned and practiced during your week. In the tradition of looking over the past year, I remember returning from my first year workshop totally depressed and wondering if I'd ever get what Kevin was trying to teach me. I could have given up, but I didn't. I wanted to return this year with a determination to do something right! Comparing 2008's results with the 2009's results, I can see such a difference in how I'm painting. At this time, it warms my heart to see this progress and refreshes my commitment to the goals that I'm setting for 2010.
The months that followed the June workshop have been full of hard work and critiques. And I'm happy with the progress. There is more work to be done and I look forward to the next steps on road of improving, continually improving, my work.
I'm thankful to my friend, Steve and Marianne, who allowed me to paint at their home this past year. I'll be there again in the Spring, preparing for yet another Taos Workshop adventure. Goals have been set for what I want to accomplish in the year to come. Without this wonderful location, complete with at pond and gardens, my progress would not be where it is today.
I'm also thankful to all my friends and family, who are probably tired of hearing me talk about art. I appreciate your patience with me. I know I have a one track mind, but hopefully you can enjoy the journey with me as well as my artwork!
I spent some time this year teaching Customer Service to young adults and I'm hopeful that the skills that were taught in these sessions have left a positive mark on the students that I've taught. As I say in the training sessions, these skills are life skills and every encounter whether with family, friends or strangers is a customer service encounter. This training goes beyond just a retail type of customer service but at the values of being and giving respect(ed) and importance, being and making one feel valued and welcomed. It is amazing seeing these young adults walk in unprepared and unaware of these skills and watching them leave with a better understanding on what is needed to not only be able to provide a excellent customer service experience, but be able to face the adversity of life with new skills that will help them succeed. I hope that in some small way, I've helped them accomplish something they have wanted to accomplish this year.
So, this year has been a rather successful one. Progress has been seen, felt and enjoyed albeit not without some or in some cases much frustration. But--oh has it been worth the journey! Thanks to all who are here with me, supporting me and encouraging me along the way. You make it all the more enjoyable. I am looking forward to 2010 and will continue to improve. The intentions of what I would like to accomplish are being gathered and sent out to the Universe. I hope you'll join me along the way. In the meantime, Happy Holidays and have a merry, healthy, happy,and prosperous New Year.
January-May of 2009 was mostly spent on preparing for the "Reflections On A Pond" exhibition at the Middletown Arts Center. I'm very proud of this accomplishment this year and that probably could go without saying. So many people were involved in making this a true success--from our sponsors to the staff and volunteers at MAC to the patrons/artists who enjoyed the 3 day Opening weekend to Kevin and Wanda Macpherson. All were a part of the wonderful positive energy and without them it would not have been what it was. Not only successful in helping us all reach above the usual (whether in our painting or our day to day tasks) it put heads in beds (as a large number of participants were from out of town) and was great exposure for the Middletown Arts Center. My thanks and gratitude to all those who supported my dream of bringing Kevin and his work here to Middletown! Also, thank you to the Board of Governors at the Middletown Arts Center for giving me the "Award of the Year" for this accomplishment as well.
June began the work of cultivating the success of the exhibit into finding another venue to exhibit "Reflections On A Pond" which included forming a marketing plan and then working on the supporting material. One of these materials lead us to working with another good friend, Wayne Johnson. And if you visit the Reflections website you can listen to one of the new marketing ideas. The idea of music to accompany the collection of paintings was initially to create one song that would accompany the montage that we are pulling together for another marketing tool--still in development. It has since grown to many compositions as Wayne has been so inspired by Kevin's work. More details to come as we start to release these tools out to the public. Needless to say I'm very thankful for the work ahead. The website is visited by over 300 people a month and continues to educate fans and friends on the collection.
Shortly following June was the request to exhibit Reflections On A Pond at the Salmagundi Club in New York City (Greenwich Village to be exact). The Salmagundi Club is the oldest art club in the United States, followed by the Cincinnati Art Club (the second oldest Art Club in the USA). It's many prestigious former and existing members present quite an honor for Kevin and Wanda. This exhibition is jammed packed with events including a painting demonstration, weekend workshop and a presentation by Kevin. Also, Kevin will be exhibiting in the Patron's Gallery new work entitled "Portrait of China". These works were created from a painting trip to China that Kevin and Wanda took in Sept. 2009. If you find yourself in NYC in February, please make sure you stop in or join us for an event. This opportunity has kept me busy with PR and agreements and all the details that any event brings. It's shaping up as another fantastic opportunity and I've enjoyed meeting new people and working with everyone involved in this effort!
Work always continues on the "What's next for Reflections" and that work is in high gear and will shift into an even higher gear in January as materials for this are finished and sent out. So, stay tuned!
On my painting experiences this year, I spent a week or so with Kevin and Wanda at his Taos painting workshop where not only was Kevin's instruction and guidance given so generously, but where I met like spirits whose love and passion for painting was so evident and abundant. The week starts out with you painting at the pond, the very subject of the series, as you get the jitters of being there and getting that one painting done out of your system. Then you gather in Kevin's studio (and a gorgeous place it is!) to listen to Kevin's insight on painting, the first of many lessons to be learned and practiced during your week. In the tradition of looking over the past year, I remember returning from my first year workshop totally depressed and wondering if I'd ever get what Kevin was trying to teach me. I could have given up, but I didn't. I wanted to return this year with a determination to do something right! Comparing 2008's results with the 2009's results, I can see such a difference in how I'm painting. At this time, it warms my heart to see this progress and refreshes my commitment to the goals that I'm setting for 2010.
The months that followed the June workshop have been full of hard work and critiques. And I'm happy with the progress. There is more work to be done and I look forward to the next steps on road of improving, continually improving, my work.
I'm thankful to my friend, Steve and Marianne, who allowed me to paint at their home this past year. I'll be there again in the Spring, preparing for yet another Taos Workshop adventure. Goals have been set for what I want to accomplish in the year to come. Without this wonderful location, complete with at pond and gardens, my progress would not be where it is today.
I'm also thankful to all my friends and family, who are probably tired of hearing me talk about art. I appreciate your patience with me. I know I have a one track mind, but hopefully you can enjoy the journey with me as well as my artwork!
I spent some time this year teaching Customer Service to young adults and I'm hopeful that the skills that were taught in these sessions have left a positive mark on the students that I've taught. As I say in the training sessions, these skills are life skills and every encounter whether with family, friends or strangers is a customer service encounter. This training goes beyond just a retail type of customer service but at the values of being and giving respect(ed) and importance, being and making one feel valued and welcomed. It is amazing seeing these young adults walk in unprepared and unaware of these skills and watching them leave with a better understanding on what is needed to not only be able to provide a excellent customer service experience, but be able to face the adversity of life with new skills that will help them succeed. I hope that in some small way, I've helped them accomplish something they have wanted to accomplish this year.
So, this year has been a rather successful one. Progress has been seen, felt and enjoyed albeit not without some or in some cases much frustration. But--oh has it been worth the journey! Thanks to all who are here with me, supporting me and encouraging me along the way. You make it all the more enjoyable. I am looking forward to 2010 and will continue to improve. The intentions of what I would like to accomplish are being gathered and sent out to the Universe. I hope you'll join me along the way. In the meantime, Happy Holidays and have a merry, healthy, happy,and prosperous New Year.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Middletown and a Pendleton Arts Center?
I know I'll be asked over the coming months about how I feel about the article that was published today in the Middletown Journal regarding the city of Middletown talking with the Pendleton Art Center owners about bringing a Pendleton Art Center here. So, here's my answer.
Let's first look at some facts that are pretty hard to ignore.
1. The Middletown Arts Center(MAC) has been serving Middletown and the surrounding areas for over 53 years. The have a great exhibition space and offer art instruction/education classes in a variety of medias (oil, watercolor, acrylics, drawing, pottery, jewelry making, stain glass to name a few). They hold workshops, some with nationally known artists, and also hold lectures. They have fundraisers and are always looking for volunteers and great ideas to implement.
2. The demographics in Middletown are such that those who have supported our fine arts programs (like the Symphony, the MAC, performing arts, etc) is, unfortunately and quite frankly, aging and dying off. There has been little effort through our community schools and through the city (public and private ventures) to plant the seed to support these organization in our future generations. There have been a few, but these efforts have their barriers and not without internal controversy, shall we say.
3. The following facts are from a study conducted by American Artist Magazine and NAMTA (The International Art Materials Trade Association).
-Elementary school art programs build the future. 63% of professional artists and art students first became active in art when they were in elementary school age or younger. 40% of professional artists and art students said an art teacher helped them with their first significant artwork. Today's active artists have a median age in their 50s. This indicates a 30 YEAR LEAD TIME to build the artist market. The art materials industry therefore needs to support elementary school art teachers NOW as they create the market for 2040.
--There is a faded distinction between professionals, students, and recreational artists. 60% of non-professional recreational artists noted they sold some of their artwork. 55% of recreational artists had attended classes and workshops.
-There are 4.4 million active artists. 3.2 of which are recreational artists.
1.8 million of the recreational artists took an art class or seminar. There are 600,000 professional artists and 600,000 college students taking art classes. There are 122,000 art degree seeking college students.
- $4 BILLION on art-related materials and services are spent by these 4.4 million active artists. $2.1-2.6 BILLION on art supplies alone. Market growth is about 4% per year.
--Artwork created: Professional Artist create about 75 pieces per year. Recreational artists create about 36 pieces per year and students create about 57 pieces per year.
--This study lists as one of its key findings that the growth area in the art market is in products (such as canvas, drawing tools, paints, aerosols, classes, framing, kids' art supplies and print making) and customers (meaning attracting and keeping customers to buy your products).
4. Artist who are renting studio space typically teach classes or workshops. This is done to pay the rent on the rented studio space with some of their revenue coming from sales. While some artist can account for their total rental cost through sales, the majority cannot. It was told to me by an owner of a artist studio building that most artists rent on average a year and then can't afford or can't make it through another year. Said another way, turn over rate at some studios is very high. Most artists are not full time artists--having one or two jobs in addition to being an active artist.
5. Middletown hosted the USA's leading Plein Air/Impressionist Artist this past May. Number of tickets to his lecture and demonstration bought by Middletown residents-- ZERO (0). Number of different states of those who attended this exhibit-- NINE (9) (Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Maryland, New Mexico, Indiana, Michigan, West Virginia, Ohio). Economic Impact of that weekend to the city of Middletown approximately $90,000. This was a very successful weekend for the Middletown Arts Center and an excellent opportunity for Middletown to be seen by those outside the area. The visitors had wonderful comments about the weekend.
Ok--so there are some facts. Some surprising I'm sure. Some we already knew.
With the above in mind, I'll now give you my thoughts. I've never adhered to the "If you build it they will come." theory. I don't believe in coincidence either. Well placed intentions with lots of hard work to manifest those intentions--I absolutely believe in that.
First and foremost, I hope that the city and those working with the city (MUM? Arts Central Foundation? Businesses/business people in the city? The Chamber?) would embrace the Middletown Arts Center in this process and bring them to the table during the negotiations. The LAST thing we need to do is create another arts center at the expense of an already existing and struggling arts center in their own backyard. There is a limited base of supporters in this city for the MAC. Some of these very same supporters are also supporting the other arts organizations in this town. We don't need another of something we already have to compete for those dollars. If artist studios are truly what some folks want in this city, then offer the old Senior Citizen's building to the Pendleton as an extension of the Middletown Arts Center. Together the Pendleton, who would open artist studios in the old Senior Citizen's Center, and the Middletown Arts Center could market and grow the art market in this region. To offer the Pendleton a building any further away from the Middletown Arts Center will only trade one empty building for another in the downtown. It makes a lot of sense to me to have the current MAC building and the old Senior Center become the visual artist complex right next to the city building and off the Donham Plaza. It makes little sense to me to try and move or spread an arts area down 3 blocks away from what has been a center for visual arts for the last 50 years. Unless of course, some folks are trying to stifle or possibly put an end to the current center. I certainly hope that isn't the case.
If that isn't the case, then why is there a need for another arts center in Middletown when the current one is, during this economic time, struggling--just like all of our art organization here are struggling (remember the comment about the demographic supporting these organizations)? Where is this overwhelming number of artists here in Middletown asking for studio space? If they are recreational artists, then why aren't they taking classes at MAC? Where were they when the tickets were on sale for the nationally known artist weekend? Where are they for the upcoming workshops and classes that MAC has coming up?
If you are going to tell me that the economy and disposable income is the reason (ie don't have the money for the classes, workshop, tickets, etc) then I need to ask, what makes you think they will have money to rent a $275-$300 studio space?
Of course all of this will probably lead you to believe that I'm not for the Pendleton Art Center to set up shop here. If hard pressed, I'd probably have to say I'm not. It's not that I don't think Pendleton couldn't bring anything to this area. I do believe they could in certain circumstances. I just think that we are not doing something that is absolutely necessary for the success of something this complex. And if it is happening, it isn't being communicated properly. What is "this"? To me, it is building the foundation of what the artists will need to survive here. "This" is to me, building the market for art here first (as in bringing framing/art supply stores and build programs in the elementary and high schools in regard to all arts) and providing/developing a long term plan that is shared with the community. A plan that all can see and support, can verbalize and can rally behind.
Oh--I know--you'll say I'm asking the impossible. And maybe I am. But I can say without this, the current arts organizations as well as future organizations will fail.
So, what I'd like to see is the MAC and Pendleton working together. The Middletown Arts Center has knowledge and contacts in this area that, if they worked and planned together and even marketed together, then the chances of success for both organizations looks better than if these entities are competing for the limited resources and funding. And location to this partnership is absolutely key--the further from each other the less they will work together. Don't believe me--then why are teams in the corporate world always seated right next to each other? Add to that thought, Artspace in Hamilton, Fitton Center for the Arts, the new Warren County Arts Center, Mason Arts Council...and suddenly the available dollars that these organizations are competing for gets smaller and smaller, especially in these economic times. Proper forecasting and planning is absolutely essential. Look at the facts above--this is a viable market---4.4 million active artists!!! This is a business and it deserves the proper forecasting and planning. You can't just say, "Wouldn't it be nice if downtown Middletown became a mecca for artists." If you build it they will come isn't going to manifest the art market here. What's the plan?
It is time for the people who are working in the arts organizations in this town and for those in the city who are interested in having the arts be a key cornerstone in the economic vibrancy of the city to stop the infighting and start planning together. And I mean planning---not just ideas and dreams, but roll up the sleeves and start planning--putting it on paper and making the journey known.
History is history...the past the past. Remember what Ben Franklin said "We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately."
I can't support and won't support any plan which possibly promotes the arts at the expense of organizations already existing in the city. There is a huge amount of pride in these existing organizations. Trading one empty building only to create another in the downtown is not a viable plan. And until I see a long term, comprehensive plan (and it better have milestones for 3, 5, 10 and 20 years from now) which encompasses the objective, goals, strategies and measurements for the plan, it will be very hard for me to become excited about it or to support it.
I would rather see the effort placed on attracting an art supply store like Jerry's Artarama or Utrecht to this area. Now we are talking about something that might just pull in artists from surrounding communities to shop here--especially if you talk about discounts. Also, an art supply store would be able to assist the local community, schools and arts center in planting the seed for the artists studio and market that you are trying to create now---in 2040.
Let's first look at some facts that are pretty hard to ignore.
1. The Middletown Arts Center(MAC) has been serving Middletown and the surrounding areas for over 53 years. The have a great exhibition space and offer art instruction/education classes in a variety of medias (oil, watercolor, acrylics, drawing, pottery, jewelry making, stain glass to name a few). They hold workshops, some with nationally known artists, and also hold lectures. They have fundraisers and are always looking for volunteers and great ideas to implement.
2. The demographics in Middletown are such that those who have supported our fine arts programs (like the Symphony, the MAC, performing arts, etc) is, unfortunately and quite frankly, aging and dying off. There has been little effort through our community schools and through the city (public and private ventures) to plant the seed to support these organization in our future generations. There have been a few, but these efforts have their barriers and not without internal controversy, shall we say.
3. The following facts are from a study conducted by American Artist Magazine and NAMTA (The International Art Materials Trade Association).
-Elementary school art programs build the future. 63% of professional artists and art students first became active in art when they were in elementary school age or younger. 40% of professional artists and art students said an art teacher helped them with their first significant artwork. Today's active artists have a median age in their 50s. This indicates a 30 YEAR LEAD TIME to build the artist market. The art materials industry therefore needs to support elementary school art teachers NOW as they create the market for 2040.
--There is a faded distinction between professionals, students, and recreational artists. 60% of non-professional recreational artists noted they sold some of their artwork. 55% of recreational artists had attended classes and workshops.
-There are 4.4 million active artists. 3.2 of which are recreational artists.
1.8 million of the recreational artists took an art class or seminar. There are 600,000 professional artists and 600,000 college students taking art classes. There are 122,000 art degree seeking college students.
- $4 BILLION on art-related materials and services are spent by these 4.4 million active artists. $2.1-2.6 BILLION on art supplies alone. Market growth is about 4% per year.
--Artwork created: Professional Artist create about 75 pieces per year. Recreational artists create about 36 pieces per year and students create about 57 pieces per year.
--This study lists as one of its key findings that the growth area in the art market is in products (such as canvas, drawing tools, paints, aerosols, classes, framing, kids' art supplies and print making) and customers (meaning attracting and keeping customers to buy your products).
4. Artist who are renting studio space typically teach classes or workshops. This is done to pay the rent on the rented studio space with some of their revenue coming from sales. While some artist can account for their total rental cost through sales, the majority cannot. It was told to me by an owner of a artist studio building that most artists rent on average a year and then can't afford or can't make it through another year. Said another way, turn over rate at some studios is very high. Most artists are not full time artists--having one or two jobs in addition to being an active artist.
5. Middletown hosted the USA's leading Plein Air/Impressionist Artist this past May. Number of tickets to his lecture and demonstration bought by Middletown residents-- ZERO (0). Number of different states of those who attended this exhibit-- NINE (9) (Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Maryland, New Mexico, Indiana, Michigan, West Virginia, Ohio). Economic Impact of that weekend to the city of Middletown approximately $90,000. This was a very successful weekend for the Middletown Arts Center and an excellent opportunity for Middletown to be seen by those outside the area. The visitors had wonderful comments about the weekend.
Ok--so there are some facts. Some surprising I'm sure. Some we already knew.
With the above in mind, I'll now give you my thoughts. I've never adhered to the "If you build it they will come." theory. I don't believe in coincidence either. Well placed intentions with lots of hard work to manifest those intentions--I absolutely believe in that.
First and foremost, I hope that the city and those working with the city (MUM? Arts Central Foundation? Businesses/business people in the city? The Chamber?) would embrace the Middletown Arts Center in this process and bring them to the table during the negotiations. The LAST thing we need to do is create another arts center at the expense of an already existing and struggling arts center in their own backyard. There is a limited base of supporters in this city for the MAC. Some of these very same supporters are also supporting the other arts organizations in this town. We don't need another of something we already have to compete for those dollars. If artist studios are truly what some folks want in this city, then offer the old Senior Citizen's building to the Pendleton as an extension of the Middletown Arts Center. Together the Pendleton, who would open artist studios in the old Senior Citizen's Center, and the Middletown Arts Center could market and grow the art market in this region. To offer the Pendleton a building any further away from the Middletown Arts Center will only trade one empty building for another in the downtown. It makes a lot of sense to me to have the current MAC building and the old Senior Center become the visual artist complex right next to the city building and off the Donham Plaza. It makes little sense to me to try and move or spread an arts area down 3 blocks away from what has been a center for visual arts for the last 50 years. Unless of course, some folks are trying to stifle or possibly put an end to the current center. I certainly hope that isn't the case.
If that isn't the case, then why is there a need for another arts center in Middletown when the current one is, during this economic time, struggling--just like all of our art organization here are struggling (remember the comment about the demographic supporting these organizations)? Where is this overwhelming number of artists here in Middletown asking for studio space? If they are recreational artists, then why aren't they taking classes at MAC? Where were they when the tickets were on sale for the nationally known artist weekend? Where are they for the upcoming workshops and classes that MAC has coming up?
If you are going to tell me that the economy and disposable income is the reason (ie don't have the money for the classes, workshop, tickets, etc) then I need to ask, what makes you think they will have money to rent a $275-$300 studio space?
Of course all of this will probably lead you to believe that I'm not for the Pendleton Art Center to set up shop here. If hard pressed, I'd probably have to say I'm not. It's not that I don't think Pendleton couldn't bring anything to this area. I do believe they could in certain circumstances. I just think that we are not doing something that is absolutely necessary for the success of something this complex. And if it is happening, it isn't being communicated properly. What is "this"? To me, it is building the foundation of what the artists will need to survive here. "This" is to me, building the market for art here first (as in bringing framing/art supply stores and build programs in the elementary and high schools in regard to all arts) and providing/developing a long term plan that is shared with the community. A plan that all can see and support, can verbalize and can rally behind.
Oh--I know--you'll say I'm asking the impossible. And maybe I am. But I can say without this, the current arts organizations as well as future organizations will fail.
So, what I'd like to see is the MAC and Pendleton working together. The Middletown Arts Center has knowledge and contacts in this area that, if they worked and planned together and even marketed together, then the chances of success for both organizations looks better than if these entities are competing for the limited resources and funding. And location to this partnership is absolutely key--the further from each other the less they will work together. Don't believe me--then why are teams in the corporate world always seated right next to each other? Add to that thought, Artspace in Hamilton, Fitton Center for the Arts, the new Warren County Arts Center, Mason Arts Council...and suddenly the available dollars that these organizations are competing for gets smaller and smaller, especially in these economic times. Proper forecasting and planning is absolutely essential. Look at the facts above--this is a viable market---4.4 million active artists!!! This is a business and it deserves the proper forecasting and planning. You can't just say, "Wouldn't it be nice if downtown Middletown became a mecca for artists." If you build it they will come isn't going to manifest the art market here. What's the plan?
It is time for the people who are working in the arts organizations in this town and for those in the city who are interested in having the arts be a key cornerstone in the economic vibrancy of the city to stop the infighting and start planning together. And I mean planning---not just ideas and dreams, but roll up the sleeves and start planning--putting it on paper and making the journey known.
History is history...the past the past. Remember what Ben Franklin said "We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately."
I can't support and won't support any plan which possibly promotes the arts at the expense of organizations already existing in the city. There is a huge amount of pride in these existing organizations. Trading one empty building only to create another in the downtown is not a viable plan. And until I see a long term, comprehensive plan (and it better have milestones for 3, 5, 10 and 20 years from now) which encompasses the objective, goals, strategies and measurements for the plan, it will be very hard for me to become excited about it or to support it.
I would rather see the effort placed on attracting an art supply store like Jerry's Artarama or Utrecht to this area. Now we are talking about something that might just pull in artists from surrounding communities to shop here--especially if you talk about discounts. Also, an art supply store would be able to assist the local community, schools and arts center in planting the seed for the artists studio and market that you are trying to create now---in 2040.
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
So--What have you been up to lately?
That's the question I get asked because I haven't been out and about lately--other than painting or coding websites. Yes--that was plural--websites.
So--what have I been doing lately. I started the month of August getting all the media from the Reflections On A Pond exhibit together and was asked by Kevin to update and administer the website for Reflections On A Pond. I agreed to this and the fun began. I've been editting video, selecting pictures, and coding the pages for the necessary changes and updates I wanted to include. That's taken a lot of time and is now in Kevin's hands for review and input. We hope to launch the site soon, so keep your eyes open for an email announcing that.
When I finished that project, I decided that my site was in need of a little brush up and added professionalim, so that coding started earlier this week. Since this was my site, it was a bit easier to make changes, since I was use to my code. Hope that you enjoy the changes and also the new paintings that have been posted as well. There's also a change in that you can now purchase a painting via paypal using your credit card. Some prices have been reduced on some paintings and some can be a real steal if you would like the painting without the frame. Check out the deals and if you have any questions, let me know. Also, please note that the workshop page is back. The upcoming Seeing Shapes two day workshop is actually an excellent beginners workshop. It is always easier to start by seeing shapes versus breaking bad habits. It's also at a great price! Hope that you'll join us!
Now for the painting part, I'll be painting in the studio and also at a friend's house in their backyard which has a pond. The plan is to do that even more as the fall approaches.
Now for what I did today...something I want to share with my friends. I'm working on a painting of my niece Ava. The picture was taken while in North Carolina at the beach. While there I did a charcoal sketch. Since I didn't have my plein air equipment with me (don't go there), I came home and painted a quick study from the sketch and photos. Here's the sketch I did in North Carolina, focusing on shapes...
I grabbed a cheap canvasboard and began the process again, quickly capturing color and shapes in the terms of shadow and lights. Today I went back to the quick study, wanting to work the colors and use that for my larger painting, instead of working from a photograph. Here's where we ended up...
I sat for a very long time and looked at this study. There was something bugging me...and then I asked myself one question. Just what is the focus, the main thing, you want the viewer to look at? The answer was obivious--I want them to look at Ava and focus on what she is doing. When I looked at the painting, I kept going to the the odd shapes that were unexplained in the painting. The lounger legs that create a shadow, the Boogie board that creates an shadow and the bucket in the forground all grab our attention..but for the wrong reason. For someone who was not there, it would beg the question.."Just what is that?" Not what I want to keep someone in the picture. I want them to focus on center of the attention....the child.
So I cropped the picture of the paintng to see if that helped and answered my question. Here's the cropped version of the study.
Next step? I'm cropping the picture, redrawing a charcoal sketch and painting another quick study to check that this composition is strong enough for a larger painting. If so, then we'll start that next, using the colors, shapes,light and shadows from my two studies to paint what I hope will be an award winning painting.
Thanks for checking in on the blog and website. Looking forward to talking and seeing you soon!
Cheers,
Linda
So--what have I been doing lately. I started the month of August getting all the media from the Reflections On A Pond exhibit together and was asked by Kevin to update and administer the website for Reflections On A Pond. I agreed to this and the fun began. I've been editting video, selecting pictures, and coding the pages for the necessary changes and updates I wanted to include. That's taken a lot of time and is now in Kevin's hands for review and input. We hope to launch the site soon, so keep your eyes open for an email announcing that.
When I finished that project, I decided that my site was in need of a little brush up and added professionalim, so that coding started earlier this week. Since this was my site, it was a bit easier to make changes, since I was use to my code. Hope that you enjoy the changes and also the new paintings that have been posted as well. There's also a change in that you can now purchase a painting via paypal using your credit card. Some prices have been reduced on some paintings and some can be a real steal if you would like the painting without the frame. Check out the deals and if you have any questions, let me know. Also, please note that the workshop page is back. The upcoming Seeing Shapes two day workshop is actually an excellent beginners workshop. It is always easier to start by seeing shapes versus breaking bad habits. It's also at a great price! Hope that you'll join us!
Now for the painting part, I'll be painting in the studio and also at a friend's house in their backyard which has a pond. The plan is to do that even more as the fall approaches.
Now for what I did today...something I want to share with my friends. I'm working on a painting of my niece Ava. The picture was taken while in North Carolina at the beach. While there I did a charcoal sketch. Since I didn't have my plein air equipment with me (don't go there), I came home and painted a quick study from the sketch and photos. Here's the sketch I did in North Carolina, focusing on shapes...
I grabbed a cheap canvasboard and began the process again, quickly capturing color and shapes in the terms of shadow and lights. Today I went back to the quick study, wanting to work the colors and use that for my larger painting, instead of working from a photograph. Here's where we ended up...
I sat for a very long time and looked at this study. There was something bugging me...and then I asked myself one question. Just what is the focus, the main thing, you want the viewer to look at? The answer was obivious--I want them to look at Ava and focus on what she is doing. When I looked at the painting, I kept going to the the odd shapes that were unexplained in the painting. The lounger legs that create a shadow, the Boogie board that creates an shadow and the bucket in the forground all grab our attention..but for the wrong reason. For someone who was not there, it would beg the question.."Just what is that?" Not what I want to keep someone in the picture. I want them to focus on center of the attention....the child.
So I cropped the picture of the paintng to see if that helped and answered my question. Here's the cropped version of the study.
Next step? I'm cropping the picture, redrawing a charcoal sketch and painting another quick study to check that this composition is strong enough for a larger painting. If so, then we'll start that next, using the colors, shapes,light and shadows from my two studies to paint what I hope will be an award winning painting.
Thanks for checking in on the blog and website. Looking forward to talking and seeing you soon!
Cheers,
Linda
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
High Altitudes and Challenging lessons Makes One A Tired Puppy!
Being up at 8600 feet has its advantages when you paint plein air and trying to capture atomsphere. It also has it disadvantages. Thank the Stars for a thing called Smart Water--very soft water with electrolytes. So much better than Gatorade and it doesn't taste salty--it's actually a really nice taste--but enough of the commerical for Smart Water. After standing all day, concentrating on the lesson at hand, being critiqued by a Master Signature Painter and trying to remember what he is telling you...you leave the workshop with your body tired and mind spinning. Is it worth it? OH YEAH! I recommend this to anyone who takes their painting seriously. It's a lot of money, but worth it when you see the difference that it will have on your painting---but more importantly how you see and intrepret what you see will transform your paintings.
The support of those taking the workshop as well as from Kevin himself does keep you hiking along on this journey of seeing better and more. After all, we are all in the same boat--or is that up the same creek without a paddle?
The first day started with Kevin allowing us to decompress and get the first painting out of the way. Of course little do you know that this will be the last completed/finished painting that you are going to paint for a while! Looking back this evening, I think I should have enjoyed that first day morning painting session a whole lot more!! Most of us chose to paint the pond...no surprise. Aspen Pond, the subject of Kevin's series "Reflections On A Pond", calls to you as the reflections in the pond change at almost every moment and the quietness of the scene calms your nerves about being in a workshop of a Master Signature painter...well--almost!!
Here's the scene that I painted---on the left is a photo of the scene I painted. The photo on the right is photo of the painting I did. Hopefully this will give you some idea about how photographs lie and how painting plein air in the outside air is both challenging and rewarding. Between this photograph and this study, I can paint back home in my studio converting this to a larger painting of this scene, and there are a number of things I would change in the composition and what I caught at the time (like the cloud I tried to catch)I was painting and things were changing----here's the photos...
When you paint a study, there are never really any failures. There are things you learn for future reference and your next painting and then there is the editing process in the studio if you convert the study. If you are thinking the study is a total failure, well it isn't. You can always find colors you mixed outside in the open air and can be used for reference for other paintings you may do from photographs when you return home.
The afternoon was spent in Kevin's studio as he instructed us on light and shadows. It was an enlighting experience as things we thought we knew we didn't and how photographs and our perceptions have influenced how we see. In case you haven't figured it out yet, this workshop is all about light, shadows, contrast, and how we see.
The second day is spent on the foundation of the painting and seeing shapes--not trees, sky, pond, etc. There are shapes in that landscape and you will see them by the end of this workshop! It was an overcast day which was a challenge all on it's own for seeing light and shadow in local color...if there is such a thing. But when the sun peaked through the clouds, we worked quickly in the light area and returned to the shadow when the clouds covered the sun or capture in a few quick places that contrast between the shadow area and the light area only to fill in the rest of the light shape when the clouds returned. The afternoon was the same, as we practiced laying in the shaded area in pleasing abstract shapes and then built up the foundation, working in the light area last.
Tomorrow is day three. We'll spend the day learning to paint light and shadows only quicker....we had have a challenge placed before us--two paintings with the foundation light and shadows completed in the morning...and two additional ones in the afternoon. We'll be in Arroyo Seco, a quaint little town. For me, the challenge will be finding compositions that are pleasing and simple...something that hopefully we will cover before I get sent home.
It is always a challenge to paint, and challenging yourself to improve is something that is frustrating, but absolutely necessary. I am and will be enjoying this journey, and can't wait to see the improvement in my work in the very near future--upon my return home and I venture outside to paint plein air in Ohio's atomsphere.
Thanks for reading and all your support!
And now, the bed is calling my name!
Cheers,
Linda
The support of those taking the workshop as well as from Kevin himself does keep you hiking along on this journey of seeing better and more. After all, we are all in the same boat--or is that up the same creek without a paddle?
The first day started with Kevin allowing us to decompress and get the first painting out of the way. Of course little do you know that this will be the last completed/finished painting that you are going to paint for a while! Looking back this evening, I think I should have enjoyed that first day morning painting session a whole lot more!! Most of us chose to paint the pond...no surprise. Aspen Pond, the subject of Kevin's series "Reflections On A Pond", calls to you as the reflections in the pond change at almost every moment and the quietness of the scene calms your nerves about being in a workshop of a Master Signature painter...well--almost!!
Here's the scene that I painted---on the left is a photo of the scene I painted. The photo on the right is photo of the painting I did. Hopefully this will give you some idea about how photographs lie and how painting plein air in the outside air is both challenging and rewarding. Between this photograph and this study, I can paint back home in my studio converting this to a larger painting of this scene, and there are a number of things I would change in the composition and what I caught at the time (like the cloud I tried to catch)I was painting and things were changing----here's the photos...
When you paint a study, there are never really any failures. There are things you learn for future reference and your next painting and then there is the editing process in the studio if you convert the study. If you are thinking the study is a total failure, well it isn't. You can always find colors you mixed outside in the open air and can be used for reference for other paintings you may do from photographs when you return home.
The afternoon was spent in Kevin's studio as he instructed us on light and shadows. It was an enlighting experience as things we thought we knew we didn't and how photographs and our perceptions have influenced how we see. In case you haven't figured it out yet, this workshop is all about light, shadows, contrast, and how we see.
The second day is spent on the foundation of the painting and seeing shapes--not trees, sky, pond, etc. There are shapes in that landscape and you will see them by the end of this workshop! It was an overcast day which was a challenge all on it's own for seeing light and shadow in local color...if there is such a thing. But when the sun peaked through the clouds, we worked quickly in the light area and returned to the shadow when the clouds covered the sun or capture in a few quick places that contrast between the shadow area and the light area only to fill in the rest of the light shape when the clouds returned. The afternoon was the same, as we practiced laying in the shaded area in pleasing abstract shapes and then built up the foundation, working in the light area last.
Tomorrow is day three. We'll spend the day learning to paint light and shadows only quicker....we had have a challenge placed before us--two paintings with the foundation light and shadows completed in the morning...and two additional ones in the afternoon. We'll be in Arroyo Seco, a quaint little town. For me, the challenge will be finding compositions that are pleasing and simple...something that hopefully we will cover before I get sent home.
It is always a challenge to paint, and challenging yourself to improve is something that is frustrating, but absolutely necessary. I am and will be enjoying this journey, and can't wait to see the improvement in my work in the very near future--upon my return home and I venture outside to paint plein air in Ohio's atomsphere.
Thanks for reading and all your support!
And now, the bed is calling my name!
Cheers,
Linda
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)