ATAC Meeting

I did my civic duty again yesterday with the ATAC meeting that was for the 2nd reading of the requests for funds. I did my best to advocate for the arts and cultural events, mostly with success. Our decisions on the requests are non-binding. The administrative committee for the full county council will get our recommendations today and then the full council will vote on each of them. They agree with us most of the time although some politics are involved and they do change some of them. We won't meet again until late fall, when more applications are received. Overall it is an interesting process and I feel I do have an impact on funding for the arts and I think that is important.

May Breakfast Meeting

Had our casual breakfast get together this morning. Six of us made it this month. We talked about art, gardening, websites, art in the park, biker rally..... It was fun. Then 3 of us carpooled to HGTC to pick up artwork from the ACE exhibit. It gave us a chance to talk some more. Fellowship with other artists and those interested in the arts is always an enriching day. It feeds my soul and energizes and inspires me to pick up a paintbrush. Next month 2nd Tuesday - come join us.

Newsletters Don't Write Themselves

I spent part of yesterday with my Mom which was nice. Then I spent a good part of the day working on future newsletters. It is a real effort, but I feel it is worth it.

The first newsletter was hard in that I was coming up with a format and concept that could carry forward. The next few were relatively easy since I had ideas for articles from questions that my students asked me. The colors and tools were ones I used all of the time. Now it gets trickier. I make lots of notes to myself when I think of something. I get inspired by what I read. I get inspired by the art supply catelogues. I get inspired when I paint. I am sure most writers go through this, especially ones that need to produce something on a regular basis. When I go to put an edition together I pull out all of my reference materials, I pull out my paints and I put on my thinking cap and go for it. When I am in a mood to write, I try to put together several issues or at least the colors or the articles or the tools.

For example, by doing the single hue blue painting, I found I had several blues that I have not yet incorporated into the newsletters. So I now have some ready for future issues, but I hate to do all blues in a row, so I try to mix up the colors. Colors are the hardest part now. I am glad when companies come up with new ones for me to try and then to write about. One of these days I will need to write more about specific mixtures (which I have done some already) rather than a color right out of the tube.

Tools are getting harder too. I try to focus on ones that my readers may not have tried before and/or ones that I find very useful but also ones easily available. So I need to be more creative for that category.

Any suggestions are gratefully accepted. Any comments or questions as well. I hope the effort I put into my newsletters reflect in how useful my readers find them. Past issues are available on my website http://www.artistjackie.com/

Playing With The Blues

In my May newsletter I wrote an article about creating a painting with a single hue (color). Yes I actually practice what I preach, or write about stuff I am really doing... I wanted to show you my 'blue' painting. I dug out every tube of blue that I own and started a 'body language' painting. The background will be all variations of blue, but I think I will do the figures in other colors. Not sure which ones yet - but I think I want more contrast. It has been fun to use some blues I don't pull out too often. Future newsletters will have more information about blues I had not written about yet. This has been fun and informative. I plan on doing other single hue paintings in the future.

Painting at the Beach

Debbie got several of us got together to paint birdhouses for the Habitat for Humanity auction on June 8th. It was a wonderful spring day so we met at Myrtle Beach State Park and painted in a pavilion at the beach. Sea air, cool breeze, great view, great company, talking, relaxing and lots of painting. Debbie was so nice as to provide all of the supplies that we could use and even more! I could only stay a few hours and I got 2 houses painted. I was told I 'had' to paint one with palm trees - sort of one of my defining images as an artist, so I did. I also decided on the sunflowers on the spur of the moment - I like this one a lot.

To find out when we will be doing more of this kind of thing sign up for the yahoo group: waccamawartsandcrafts for more information.

Painting the Marsh

The other day, after a storm, I drove over the marsh. The light at the horizon was intriguing. Although I am focusing on my 'Body Language' series this year I could not resist trying to capture that scene of the marsh. So I began a new oil painting. I am just blocking in the water and saving the golden glow at the horizon. The clouds are coming along nicely. But it is just a start.

Local Activities

If you live in the Grand Strand area or are visiting and you are interested in participating in activities with local artists there is a new Yahoo group to find out what's happening: waccamawartsandcrafts. Both formal, those sponsored by local art groups and informal - those where artists just get together when they feel like it, are posted here. Also any information or announcements that are relevant will be posted. This is a way to get info out there to those who may not be on email or phone lists. Check it out, join us and come have fun.

May Newsletter

Yesterday I finished writing and emailed out my May newsletter. It is not yet on the web site but probably will be by the end of the month. If I am diligent I try to update my website at least once a month.

Since this is a free newsletter, I do try to get it out at the beginning of the month and my goal each time is to get it out no later than the first Sunday of the month. Yeah, I know, that isn't always a goal that is met, but that's life. Sometimes I don't get one out at all.

I really like the idea of the newsletter, I love sharing my knowledge and the little tidbits of info I have accumulated over the years. However, it is work. Deciding on the contents, researching the information, doing the actual writing, maintaining the mailing list and sending it out. Formal writing has never been one of my strengths but I like the outcome so I do it. I do better when I am in the right mood for it. Since that's true and when I am in the mood, I try to write more stuff for future issues so at least part of it is ready.

If you want to be added to my mailing list just let me know newsletter@artistjackie.com I will never sell or give out the mailing list, it is for the newsletter only.

Any suggestions for topics or questions or comments in general are always welcomed.

Spring Cleaning

There is more to creating art than the actual process, especially when it is your business as well as your muse. Yesterday I cleaned out and organized my mural supplies. I am not diligent about putting things away as I should. Usually when I get home after completing a project, I am pooped and things can land just about anywhere. When it finally reaches a point when I cannot find what I am looking for or I get tired of tripping over things I clean things out, sort through them and get rid of the trash and put the supplies away in a neat and organized manner. Yes I am tired and sore today but I like it when my stuff is 'ready to go' so I try to keep things organized. Plus I find that it makes my work more efficient and that is always a plus in business. Organize your life for less stressful day to day operations, leaving you more energy for creating your art.

WACG 2008 Juried Show

Our spring Juried Show opened last night at the B&C Art Museum in Myrtle Beach. Only 80 pieces from over 200 that were entered were selected to be exhibited. The quality of the art is very good. The winners are wonderful. Congrats to Kate Lagaly the grand prize winner for her color pencil rendition of 'Niki' that took the prize. The show runs through May 25th. Entry to the museum is free. They are open every day except Mondays. If you are in the area, stop by and see a great show.

ATAC Meeting

Yesterday I did my civic duty and attending the Horry County Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee meeting. I am a member of the committee that advises the County Council on how the monies should be distributed.

I have been on the committee for 4 years now. I was asked to represent the interests of the Arts and Cultural groups in the area. This money is collected and is designated to be used in the unincorporated areas of the county. I also live in an area of the county which is unincorporated which is a small portion of the eastern half of the county. We also need to follow the SC law which has guidelines on what the money may be used for.

Yesterday was the first reading of the requests. Each applicant makes a presentation explaining how much they are requesting and what they will be using it for. They also answer any questions that committee may have. Some are very interesting and some are very practical. Some have a high priority and some less so. There are more requests than there is money to go around so some will be disappointed. The 2nd reading will be in 2 weeks, that is when the committee will vote on the recommendations. Then the County Council will vote on the actual distribution.

Although it is not the most exciting thing I do as an artist, I feel it is important to participate in the local government, especially since it does have an impact on the arts in the area.

If you are not involved in a local activity, you may want to get involved and have your voice heard.

ACE Luncheon

Yesterday the artists that participated in the ACE Members Art Show at the Richardson Gallery on the Conway Campus of Horry Georgetown Technical College where treated to a luncheon at the Fowler Dining Room on campus. It was a lovely 5 course meal prepared by the students in the culinary program. It was fun to have a chance to talk to fellow artists and those involved in the arts. Afterwards we had a chance for a private viewing of the show.

My one complaint is personal. My painting on display is large 40" tall x 30" wide and it was hung very low. So low that a bench was pushed up against it and not only was blocking part of the painting but was potentially a problem with damaging it. There was a small box on the wall above it but there were many shorter paintings that could have been hung there and been less in the way of the furniture. Use a little more common sense next time! Thanks.

Try, Try Again

One of the many advantages of cleaning up my studio is that I uncovered some paintings that had been buried under what appeared to be years of stuff. Some I tossed, some I like and some need more work.

There is a rule of thumb to keep in mind as you create art. Out of ten pieces: 2 or 3 will be ones you rather no one else ever sees; 6-7 will be good and you could put 'out there'; only 1 will be one that you think is wonderful and that you are very proud of.

So don't feel bad when something just does not turn out. It is OK to throw it out, paint over it or reuse in some way. Don't expect every piece to be a masterpiece, life just doesn't work that way most of the time. Keep on creating - the more you make the more really good items you will have! Keep creating!

Art in the Park

The first Art in the Park of 2008 is here. Yesterday, I laid out the park, Chapin Park in Myrtle Beach, with the position of the artists' booths. I am finally feeling comfortable doing it and believing it will turn out nice and sort of match the map :)

I drew the map, so I get some leeway. I try to work around the tree roots, storm drains and other less than desirable traits for tent sites. But its amazing how the trees seem to move from show to show.... The city removed the gazebo and expanded the picnic cover so that actually gave us more room for artist vendors. There will be more than 70 at this month's show and the weather seems to be cooperating with a perfect Spring weekend predicted. It runs Sat & Sun 10-4 - come out for an interesting walk in the park, you never know what you may find.

Later in 2008 we will have shows in June, July, Oct & Nov.

Playing With Batik

Last Saturday, WACG's April meeting was a demo/mini-workshop with Alice Estes a wonderful batik artist. She also happens to be the secretary of WACG. After her presentation and demonstration, we got to play with batik ourselves. These are my results. Each is a 12"x12" square of silk on a metal frame. Not something I would pursue full time, but it is fun to play with once in a while.

Past Issues Available

I write and publish a monthly (usually) e-mail newsletter about creating art. Although the information is slanted towards working in oils and acrylics (my media of choice) there is stuff that is useful to all artists and those interested in the arts.

You can have the new issue emailed directly to you by emailing me your address. I never sell or distribute this list and immediately remove you if requested. newsletter@artistjackie.com

If you missed the past issues they are now ALL available on my website http://www.artistjackie.com/

for you to read.

I appreciate any feedback and any suggestions.

New Art on My Web Site

At the beginning of April I finally got around to posting photos of my latest artwork on my website http://www.artistjackie.com/

I have been focusing on my 'Body Language' series. This is a groups of paintings that are semi-abstract that focus on human interactions. The figures are faceless and non-specific since the age, race, gender etc. of a person is not important. The colors, shapes and sizes are used to express emotions. Everyone finds a different story in each painting since we use our own backgrounds to interpret what we are seeing.

People's Choice Winner

The Spring Art Expo 2008 ended on the 15th of April. When taking down the art we also counted the votes for the winner of the People's Choice Award. Thanks to the efforts of my friends I won! Here is the winning entry. Thanks to everyone who voted for me.

Altrusa Conference

April 5th in Charlotte NC as part of the Altrusa International, Inc District 3 Conference - Making Dreams Come True was the theme. I was invited to give a talk and painting demonstration. I chose 'Dream to Reality - 10 Keys That Work Without a Fairy Godmother'. The demo went well. Here are the Keys I shared with the group.

Dream to Reality
Ten Keys That Work Without a Fairy Godmother

1. Find your true passion.

2. Make time to pursue your dream in your current life.

3. Learn the new skills you need.

4. Learn the business aspects of the field

5. Build a network of support.

6. Check out the competition.

7. Create an image of the new you.

8. Start small and work your way up.

9. Gain credibility as a professional in your new field.

10. Be willing to fail.

Busy Spring

Going back in time....

Yesterday, Phyllis and I cleaned out and organized the WACG storage unit. It was dusty work but well worth it. We found what we needed for next week's reception and now we can get to what we need and everything is organized in useful groupings.

Last Saturday, Alice Estes a wonderfully talented Batik artist gave a demo/mini workshop on Batik for our April WACG meeting. If one wanted to, and I did, we got to play and try our hand at it. Its fun, but I don't think I will pursue it seriously on my own, but I am more than willing to take more workshops since it is so fun to do. I find that all learning experiences expand my knowledge of art in general and helps to improve my art in the mediums I do use regularly.

Last week the Weichert show came down. It was an experience for me completely putting on the show from start to finish. I need to thank everyone who helped, it could not have been done without all the volunteers. Thank you all so much.

My 'Beach Path' painting was voted the People's Choice Award! Thanks to all who voted for me.

I gave a motivational talk and painting demonstration at the Altrusa Conference in Charlotte. Never did something like that before. It was well received and I had fun. Much effort went in to designing the program and preparing the demo. Another exciting but tiring effort.

Before giving the presentation I updated my web site and posted new photos of my art and posted all of my published newsletters. www.artistjackie.com

Finally got my studio cleaned and organized! I can close my closet door and have room to move around. Still have one box of old paintings to sort through and a box of reference photos. I need to decide which to keep and which to toss. That I can do a little at a time.

We had our WACG breakfast. We meet the 2nd Tuesday of the month just to socialize and have someone in the arts to talk to.

I entered, but did not get in the WACG Juried Show which will be held at the B&C Museum from May 1 to May 25. No charge. Reception is open to all May 1 from 5:30 to 7:30. Come enjoy the show.