Wednesday, March 30, 2011

How to Critique Your Own Art

One of the greatest challenges of creating a painting is the process of self-critique. Not only is this process important for the work itself, it is an essential component to artistic growth. One of the advantages of
an academic setting is that college and graduate students sit through numerous critiques of their own and others work. If you haven't had the benefit of that type of experience, or still feel weak at self-critique, here are some guidelines to follow.

1.If you are going to critique or make judgments about the art, stop all work and step away from it.

2.When you are actively working on the art, don't worry overly about problems. If you find yourself hesitating about what to do next, stop, walk away and give the work a break. You can always start a new piece if you'd like to keep working.

3.It is important to have more than one work in progress at a time. Working on more than one painting at a time allows you to view the works comparatively and will help you stay consistent.

4.At a distance, use your hands like a frame to visually isolate quadrants of the painting. It is easier to find problems when they are separated from the whole.

5.If the painting gives you too many problems, don't be afraid to scrap the whole thing. Sometimes fixating on something will hold back your progress.

6.Become a scientist. Study the work of an artist whose style is similar. Compare their work to yours. Ask yourself what makes their painting so effective. To better understand their process, create a copy of the work, paying carefully attention to how the painting is layered.

7.If the painting has a focal point, does it capture the viewer's eye?

8.Use a sketchbook to create small studies before you paint and to keep notes of work in progress. Writing is an essential component to tracking and expanding your artistic growth.

9.Hold the painting in front of a mirror to see if it looks as good in reverse. This process will often reveal weak or flawed spots.

10.Turn the painting in different directions. Doing this will allow you to make more objective decisions about color and value.
11.View the painting from many distances to determine how compelling it will be from across the room.

12.If you have a digital camera, taking a photo of the painting can be helpful if your computer will allow you to manipulate the digital image. For instance, viewing the work in black and white might show that your
range of value is not great enough or if the work has problems with contrast.

Above all with self-critique, don't let anything hold you back.

Elizabeth McKeever, Yahoo! Contributor Network
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2331776/how_to_critique_your_own_art.html?cat=2
Oct 29, 2009

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Call for artists- Maplewoodstock Tee-Shirt Design Contest

T-SHIRT DESIGN CONTEST

Maplewoodstock-logo Our community is so vibrant and rich with creative and passionate people, we again ask to rely on you to create the face of Maplewoodstock 2011. We had a great response last year in our Maplewoodstock Logo Contest. So, we’ve got our logo, and you can see it in use on some of our merch and also our Twitter and Facebook pages.

This year, we eagerly anticipate fresh t-shirt ideas for the Maplewoodstock 2011 Music & Arts Festival.

As you may know, Maplewoodstock t-shirts and merchandise are a staple tradition to this event — the sales of which significantly off-set the costs to host our two days of glorious sound and fun. Be a part of this tradition; provide the creative face of this year’s event!

Submit your design by Monday, April 4.

It must be a digitally-created (almost camera-ready) concept design in JPG or PNG format. If your design is chosen, you will then be asked to supply a final digital, layered, color-separated within the week of the winning decision.

* Must say “Maplewoodstock” and “July 9 & 10, 2011″ on it.
* Should convey a community music and art festival (we’re not a bowling tournament).
* Must work on a variety of backgrounds (e.g., white, black, pink, blue).
* Limited to 4 colors and 2 additional shades of the 4.
* Yes, you can submit more than one design.

There is a second t-shirt design chosen for kids and our “Kid Zone” . . . so youthful, playful designs welcome for the kids wear.

What do YOU get?

* The adoration and appreciation of the town.
* Named credit on the design / t-shirts and Program Booklet.
* Gift certificate to a local restaurant.
* Bragging rights for the rest of your life and a spot in Maplewoodstock history.

So, start designing; since we are no longer looking for something that works as a logo, your creative options are greater this year. Then, email your design to maplewoodstock@gmail.com with the Subject “T-Shirt Contest” by April 4.

Friday, March 25, 2011

2011 Artist Studio Tour-

Call for SOMA Guild Artisan's

The SOMA Artisan's Guld will have their own venue for the Artist Studio Tour June 5 11am-5pm
we will be promoting the event with local banner adds, fliers, and a write up in the News Record.
the Artisan's Guild venue will be on the ticket map.
We will have live music though out the day and refreshments for the tourists.

If you want to show your work- but don't feel comfortable opening up your own home- then the SOMA Artisan's Guild venue is the place for you!

The event venue is located at 174 Village Rd in South Orange a large victorian with plenty of room.

You will need to get your applications and money in asap to 1978 Art Center
make sure you add that you will be showing at the SOMA Artisan's Guild Venue

Please let me know if you would like to join us....we would be happy to have you!


Katie Clayton
973 327 4488

Thursday, March 10, 2011

How to meet Museum Curators, Art Collectors and Gallery Owners in NJ


This weekend will be the last chance to see the superb Chakaia Booker exhibit at Gallery 1978 in Maplewood.
If you stop by on Sunday you can also participate in the panel discussion, where curators, collectors and artists will be discussing their roles in new art and the many opportunities for new artists

It will be a great opportunity to meet some movers and shakers in the local art scene and get some insights into their world - bring your business cards!

Sunday March 13, 2011 @ 3:00 pm FREE
Gallery 1978, 1978 Springfield Ave, Maplewood NJ
http://www.1978artscenter.org/


Participants on the Panel:

Patricia Selden of Selden Associates, Fine Art Advisor, Art Collector

Alexandra Schwartz, Curator of Contemporary Art, Montlcair Art Museum,

Toni Thomas, Proprietor of Yema Gallery, Located in the Valley Arts District

Anne Dushanko Dobek, Installation Artist

Onnie Strother, Moderator, Former Arts Administrator, 1978 Maplewood Arts Center Board Member.

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Jeri Greenberg has 5 large figure pieces in the show

please come out and support this show, which opens Fri April 1, reception is 5-8pm.
Jeri Greenberg has 5 large figure pieces in the show

--
jeri greenberg
www.jerigreenbergart.com
jerigreenbergart.blogspot.com

The Strength of Women:
The Unique Perspective of Female Artists


This exhibit explores the varied and passionate perspective of female artists working
within an array of mediums, including painting, sculpture and photography.
There will be a wine tasting by Ventimiglia Vineyard during the reception.
Friday, April 1, 2011, 5–8pm, OPENING & RECEPTION
1 Diamond Hill Road • Lawrence Pavilion • Lower Lobby Gallery • Berkeley Heights, NJ
Open to the public • 908-273-4300 • Exhibit runs through September 2011

Studio Tour Deadline Fast Approaching

Studio Tour : South Orange and Maplewood


Contact Katie at craftykatie_6@yahoo.com ASAP if you want to be part of the Artisans Guild Venue this year. It may not be until June, but the sign-up deadline is approaching fast - so get your skates on!

WHEN: June 5th 11-5pm

DEADLINE : March 17th
Meeting : March 24th at 7pm
Gallery 1978, 1978 Springfield Ave, Maplewood, NJ

Download Contract

More local show opportunies just listed on the Opportunities page

Friday, March 4, 2011

NJ Craft Show Opportunity

Show opportunity : Wanaque Health and Boutique Day 

When : Saturday April 30th 10am - 3pm
Where : Wanaque, NJ
Cost : $30 a table

contract 1
contract 2