This is the official Blog for the EBSQ Self-Representing Artists Community, where you'll find news, reviews, site announcements, and of course, a generous helping of art!
This short talk from Dar Williams is full of truth and creativity goodness. Williams is a singer-songwriter, but her experiences and advice apply to anyone working a creative field.
Beautiful! Be sure to check out Ben DeLuca’s Youtube Channel for more time lapse videos.
If you’re not familiar with the art of Dave Palumbo, you’re missing out, but not for long. I hope this beautiful time-lapse demo inspires you!
I don’t know if I believe in Fate, but I do know when the universe is nudging me in a certain direction. While thinking about today’s blog post for EBSQ I stumbled upon two things: a wonderful calligraphy message from illustrator and designer Fathima Kathrada and a quote by Seth Godin.
***
Of course it’s difficult…
Students choose to attend expensive colleges but don’t major in engineering because the courses are killer.
Doing more than the customary amount of customer service is expensive, time-consuming and hard to sustain.
Raising money for short-term urgent projects is easier than finding support for the long, difficult work of changing the culture and the infrastructure.
Finding a new path up the mountain is far more difficult than hiring a sherpa and following the tried and true path. Of course it is. That’s precisely why it’s scarce and valuable.
The word economy comes from the Greek word for scarcity. The only things that are scarce in the world of connection and services and the net are the things that are difficult, and the only things that are valuable are the things that are scarce. When we intentionally seek out the difficult tasks, we’re much more likely to actually create value.
Both messages essentially say the same thing. Be you. Be unique. I think we all need to be reminded of this from time to time, but artists especially. We are surrounded by other amazing artists and all of us at one time or another have thought, I want to paint like that! But if you want to stand out–make a mark for yourself–you need to be unique. You need to be you.
Cathy Johnson is a long-time member of EBSQ. In 2012 she did a series of free workshops with Strathmore Papers. Those video lessons are now on Youtube!
Anthony Jones shares how to study art effectively, to become a better artist.
Just listen…
This week’s Friday Five is a collection of just a handful the amazing Youtube Channels to be had for artists.
1. New Masters Academy – Their Daily Life Drawing sessions are what I love most about this channel. Don’t have the time or means to sit in on a life drawing session? They have both nude and non-nude, timed sessions!
2. Will Terry – Looking for tips and advice on becoming a children’s book illustrator? Will Terry supplies this and much, much more.
3. ImagineFX – Digital Artists and Fantasy Artists will love the invaluable resources from one of the best magazines in the industry.
4. Blick Art Materials – Did you know Blick has been around since 1911? Their Youtube channel offers more than just product reviews. Take look!
5. Strathmore Artist Papers – There are a wealth of tutorials to be found in this channel, even entire workshops!
I’ll highlight more of my favorite channels next month. Do you have a go-to Youtube channel for art learning and inspiration?
Interested in doll making? Looking for inspiration for this month’s EBSQ Doll Exhibit? Set aside some time this week to watch this superb interview with art doll sculptor Jack Johnston.
Who else grew up watching Bob Ross on public television?
1. Whether you Make it or Not is Never about Talent by Yuko Shimizu
There are ALWAYS going to be people who are better than you, and that is totally OK. It is an unnecessary distraction you should never focus on.
2. Ten Rules Every Artist Should Live By by Grant Goodwine
The people who don’t give up, no matter what life throws at them, are more likely to make a name for themselves in whichever creative vocation they choose.
3. Freedom of Sketch by Lauren Panepinto
Freedom of speech is a right that trumps freedom from being offended. Every time.
4. On Managing Time, Insecurities, and the Magic Mirror Gate by Guiseppe Castellano
I don’t know of any artist who wakes up in the morning and says, “Yeah, I’m as good as I want to be.” There will always be room for growth. The key is to keep moving.
5. “Anything’s possible if you’ve got enough nerve.” — J.K. Rowling
A new year is nearly upon us and like me, I’m sure some of you have been thinking about your creative plans for 2015. I began thinking of my goals for next year a month ago: art shows to enter, direction for my art, conventions, kickstarter plans, continuing education, etc. Let us know in the comments one goal or plan you have for your creative career in 2015. I’ll start us off!
In 2015, I’m going to publish a collection of my sketches, a sketchbook. Here’s a look at the cover (in progress):
What do you have planned?
Cardinals are one of my favorite winter birds. Watch as this one comes to life in Photoshop.
Watch and see how it’s done!
Cat lovers are going to adore this and the rest of you will be amazed too!
In need of some inspiration for this month’s Airship exhibit? Take a look at this time-lapse video by Ginger Anne London, as she creates an armada of airships.
1. Art Seen: Janet Graham’s Ruby Crowned Kinglet is a little gem. I love her small bird paintings!
2. Artist Guide: How to Multiply your Art Revenue – I don’t think there is any one way to sell art, or increase sales, but this guide by Chris Wilson has some merit. I think everyone could tweak this method to suit their art business.
3. Learning Resources: Tip #14 from Cathy Johnson – Capturing the Effect of Distance and Depth.
4. In the News: 13 things about the man who gave his $500-million art collection to LACMA
5. Film: Mr. Turner will open to limited release (USA) in December, but it has been on tour with film festivals around the world. Have you seen it?
If you’re looking for some inspiration for this month’s Naked Trees exhibit, take a look at this wonderful video from Jerry’s Artarama and Tom Jones.
This spooky time lapse painting from artist, Mary Doodles, is perfect for Halloween week!
1. Art Seen: This Zombie Pumpkin by Jordana Hawen is soooo creepy cute! He’s on the front page now. Go have a look!
2. Inspiration: EBSQ’s Sherry Key shared a link to Danish artist, Lise Meijer, blog post on how to get unstuck. Her #1 one way is the same as mine: ‘move the body.’ Going for a walk or anything that takes me out of the studio and gets the blood flowing is my best fix for any problem I’m having a with a painting.
3. Artist Guide: Muddy Colors has an excellent post by Greg Ruth titled, The Art and the Artist. The article is a guide for how we present ourselves as creators in this digital age–our online and offline presence and actions.
4. Learning Resources: Tip #116 from Cathy Johnson – Studio in a Backback. This is a must read if you’re planning a holiday and want to bring along some art supplies or if you’re on a mission to capture that hidden watercolor off the beaten trail.
5. In the News: If you’re lucky enough to earn a living from your art, you’re probably white. The thing about racial diversity among working artists in America is that it pretty much doesn’t exist.
Art & News from EBSQ 