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!
We often recognize the art, but do we recognize the artist? This month’s challenge is to celebrate the artist via portraiture. Artists may be visual, literary, or musical. Please make sure to let us know the subject of your art and a bit about the artist in question. Oh–and since we’re all artists here, self-portraits are welcome as well!
EBSQ’s Mark Satchwill has long been known for his watercolor paintings, particularly his portraits of amazing accuracy and depth. Over the last year, Mark has taken those skills and applied them digital painting. I had a virtual sit-down with Mark to discuss this transition, his challenges and passion.
Can you tell us how and why you ventured into digital painting?
There were a few factors involved. One was simple curiosity – I was seeing a lot of digital art around and wanted to try it. I was also doing regular illustration work and had ended up with a big pile of drawings that were just taking up space – I figured if I began to do that work digitally it would save on space and materials! I also felt I needed a new challenge, something new to learn. So, I bought a drawing tablet and then did some research to decide which art software to buy (I bought Painter, ArtRage and Manga Studio), then set about learning to use them!
What have you found most challenging when working in digital?
I think the hardest thing was learning to use a tablet and pen. It’s almost like learning to draw again, as instead of looking down at your hand on the paper as you draw you, your hand is drawing on the tablet and you are looking at what you’re drawing on the screen – so there is a disconnection that takes some getting used to. I think the other challenge is to retain your own artistic personality and style. So much digital art has a rather generic look to it, it’s lacking that stamp of personality that traditional has but I think coming to digital with good traditional skills makes a big difference in your approach.
For you, what is the biggest difference when using digital vs. traditional tools?
I think it’s the freedom digital allows. As I don’t have to think about buying new materials or wasting materials I can be free to be more experimental. I’m free do much larger work as I don’t have to worry about space. Thanks to working with layers if I paint something and it doesn’t work or I mess it up I can just delete it rather than have to start the whole image again from scratch. And there’s no mess or tools to clean up!
Have you encountered any issues selling digital art compared to traditional?
Yes. I think there are a couple of reasons. One is that if you purchase a digital artwork you purchase it as a file or a print, so that feeling of buying a physical object that someone has created isn’t there. I think people will gradually come around to the idea though. The other reason, relating to my own work, is that people have got to know me for traditional watercolour work and are less receptive to my digital work. I think there is mistrust from many traditional artists about digital – they think that it’s trickery and that it’s somehow easier and needs less skills, that it’s sort of cheating. Of course there are tools that can be used to cut corners if you want to but if you don’t have the basic traditional skills they will only take you so far. Ultimately digital is just another medium and it’s the end result itself which is most important. I’ve barely scratched the surface of what’s possible and I’m loving working digitally. It doesn’t mean I will totally give up working traditionally – there is plenty of room for both!
http://marksatchwill.ebsqart.com
http://marksatchwill.blogspot.com/
Mark Satchwill Art on Facebook
1. Babette – This week’s Face comes to us from EBSQ artist, Patience. Something about this portrait pulls me in and I can’t help but wonder what she is thinking, what she might be looking at with those thoughtful eyes.
2. The Tangerine Process – Oh! You must see the WIP images from Sara Burrier’s latest painting. Wow!!
3. Ten Reasons to Commission a Portrait – An insightful look at portrait art by Miriam Schulman, and why you should commission a portrait today.
4. Painting with Don Cincone – Melanie Douthit had the opportunity to paint with internationally recognized artist, Don Cicone! She has a wonderful post on her blog about the workshop.
5. I’m always on the look out for great blog articles from EBSQ artists. If you have something you’d like to share in the Friday Five drop me a line at amanda[at]ebsqart[dot]com.
Have a wonderful weekend!
This week’s EBSQ Blogger of the Week is a prolific, self-taught artist. She’s recently begun a new series of paintings that cannot be ignored!
Who and where are you?
I’m Hilary J. England, and I am currently residing in Andreas, PA, USA.
How did you get started art blogging?
I had always been a prolific journaler, since I was a little kid, so this was a natural step for me. I enjoy looking back over the years through my journals, because you can see the progress through your journals that compliments your artistic evolution. You see what frame of mind you were in, the circumstances that were conducive to the formation of your art that you may have forgotten about with time. It keeps your perspective fresh. I say blogging keeps me grateful! It helps to keep my compass pointing in the right direction, which is probably why I started and never stopped blogging.
Any tips for other EBSQ art bloggers?
Keep at it. I blog because I feel it’s an integral part of explaining (at least on the surface) who I am, and why I create what I do, and the circumstances surrounding those creations, whether it’s something simple, something pleasant, or the exact opposite. Blogging gives others a window into your creative process, and they cherish that. It also keeps them up on your latest news, and that’s good for networking with new friends and old admirers of your work. Even if you don’t see immediate results, it’s like hitting the gym–after a long time of hard work, you will definitely see a difference.
What’s your musical inspiration of choice when you’re working in your studio?
I usually listen to classical music, sometimes I’ll foray into jazz or flamenco guitar. When I’m creating, for whatever reason, I cannot listen to music with words. Other people’s words seem to penetrate into the private world I’m in, and “muddy” my thinking process…distract me. So, I don’t listen to music with any kind of lyrics. Also, I tend to use the same palette through an entire painting. Even if I run out of paint, or it gets messy, I still continue to use it. I will scrape parts of it, but what’s left behind let’s me know the order of things, so I can reorder the way I want it. Each painting has it’s own unique palette from conception to “birth.” I don’t abandon the palette unless I abandon the painting, and that is extremely unusual for me. I like to see things through to the end, even if the painting turns out to be a disaster. It bothers me if it is a disaster, but I chalk it up to learning…I feel you should always finish what you start, so that is a ritual in itself.
What’s coming next from your easel?
I have started a new series. Actually, I have just moved into a different direction with a series I had been working on, which is a social/expressive realist series of teenage girls in rural America, and I have branched out to show their extended networks, families, and commentary regarding their “roots.” These paintings will be larger in size, and also, the images will be looser in terms of the focus on the subject matter, less constrictive, kind of like moving back a bit in the picture plane. The first paintings were sort of “in your face.” These will be a little less immediately confrontational, and a little more mysterious.
http://www.fieldsendart.blogspot.com/
Thank you Hilary for being an EBSQ Blogger of the Week!
If you are an EBSQ Artist and would like to be considered for Blogger of the Week just add us to your blogroll. I’m searching EBSQ profiles weekly for links to artist’s blogs. If you aren’t an EBSQ Artist, what are you waiting for?
This week’s EBSQ Blogger of the Week is simply an amazing portrait artist. His use of vibrant colors creates an energy and style like no other. I’m honored he could take a few moments to chat with us today!
Who and where are you?
My name is Jason Barre and live just outside of Cincinnati, Ohio.
How did you get started art blogging?
About a year ago I joined EBSQ & Twitter where I found many artists posting their work on blogs which in turn inspired me to create one for myself and start sharing my own work.
Any tips for other EBSQ art bloggers?
Don’t be afraid to share your work before it is finished, many people really enjoy seeing a piece evolve from start to finish. It also shows how much time and effort goes into a piece which might be missed when you only post the finished work.
What’s your musical inspiration of choice when you’re working in your studio?
I listen to a variety of music while in the studio, CLR weekly podcasts, Old Time Radio dramas (exercises my visual imagination) and the random play button is frequently used on my iTunes collection. On occasion I turn off the music and just listen to the ambient sounds of the city with the windows open while I paint. There is a bar with live music that plays outside on the weekend that echoes through the valley and provides a ethereal audio backdrop.
What’s coming next from your easel?
Currently I’m working on a atmospheric interior landscape, after that I have a few colorful portraits planned.
Thank you Jason for being an EBSQ Blogger of the Week!
If you are an EBSQ Artist and would like to be considered for Blogger of the Week just add us to your blogroll. I’m searching EBSQ profiles weekly for links to artist’s blogs. If you aren’t an EBSQ Artist, what are you waiting for?
This weeks EBSQ blogger is an incredibly talented artist who spreads her creative inspirations across several mediums. Whether she’s working in digital media or collage and paint her art always provokes a sense of whimsy and recalls the power of color. I’m sure you’ll love her as much as we do!
Who and where are you?
My name is Aimée Marie Wheaton and I am a stay-at-home working mom and mixed media artist. I live in the Adirondack region of Upstate NY. It’s like driving through a post card at times. I’ve been selling on Etsy for 3+ years and also on ArtFire. I found EBSQ around the same time I found Etsy. I won a permanent EBSQ account through a blog contest last year! I fit art in with my daily life. If I’m not creating I’m not happy. It’s part of me and who I am. I even get my 3 year old daughter involved. She LOVES making art. I’ve been doing mixed media art for about 3 years now and before that I did graphic design for 14 years.
How did you get started art blogging?
I got started blogging a few years ago after seeing some of my favorite artists promoting their work through their blogs. It was a better way to connect with art fans and buyers and also a great way to vent if need be. I’m so glad I did because I’ve connected with so many people that way. I love blogging and wish I had more time to devote to it.
Any tips for other EBSQ art bloggers?
Keep it interesting. I still have a hard time not just posting what I’ve been up to. It’s great to promote other artists, shops or even post recipes. Lots of photos always draw me in to blogs. One pet peeve of mine is music on a blog, I find it distracting and usually turn it off if I’m trying to read the blog.
What’s your musical inspiration of choice when you’re working in your studio?
Depends on my mood. Some of my greatest times of creating where I feel really into it is when I listen to A-ha, Coldplay, Imogen Heap, Elbow, Enter the Haggis or jazz and classical. I have such an eclectic mix on my iPod sometimes I just let it shuffle through. Music plays a HUGE role in my creativity, it gets me started. Sometimes a song spurs on a new piece or just a word in a song. I feel like I connect with my music and it connects me to my art as well.
What’s coming next from your easel?
A few different things, I’m still creating for the Bad Girls Project 52 Team so there will be a few more challenge pieces. I am also going to do a smaller series of mixed media paintings with my long legged birds in various colors and sizes. I’m also working on some darker vintage pieces at the moment. I’m trying to change things up so my stuff doesn’t get stale. I hope you like what you see!
http://creativeflutter.blogspot.com/
Thank you Aimee for the an EBSQ Blogger of the Week!
If you are an EBSQ Artist and would like to be considered for Blogger of the Week just add us to your blogroll. I’m searching EBSQ profiles weekly for links to artist’s blogs. If you aren’t an EBSQ Artist, what are you waiting for?
I’m proud to introduce this week an artist most known for his vivid portraits. But in truth his paintings reflect many aspects of the world around us. Painting in watercolors, he captures images from nature and the imagination. He is a juried member of EBSQ and a dedicated blogger. Without further ado…
Who and where are you?
My name is Mark Satchwill and I reside in Watford, a town not too far from London in the UK.
How did you get started art blogging?
Well I started a blog nearly four years ago now. Originally I intended to use it like a diary, not so much about my work but about my life etc. The art took over and I realised that it was still a diary of sorts. Though I have a website, to keep it updated is time consuming. A blog takes five minutes to update, so it doesn’t remain static, so it’s a very useful tool. I generally add the work the day it’s finished with a few words on the piece. I’ve also sold though the blog and regular customers can cherry pick the work they want as it gets put up on blog before it’s listed elsewhere.
Any tips for other EBSQ bloggers?
Try to direct customers to your blog. While it’s great to have other artists and friends following what we do, it’s generally non-artist’s that are the buyers. Think of it as a tool so make sure you have links to any places you sell and tag the posts carefully.
What’s your musical inspiration of choice when you’re working in your studio?
Well, I have an enormous music collection which ranges from the 50’s to now. I rarely don’t have music on whatever I am doing. Recently I’ve been listening to Kap Bambino, Nerina Pallot, Paloma Faith and Fever Ray alot.
What’s coming next from your easel?
I have more still life planned and would like to do more portraits and florals….a bit of everything! I also plan to do some larger pieces this year.
http://marksatchwill.blogspot.com/
Thank you Mark for the an EBSQ Blogger of the Week!
If you are an EBSQ Artist and would like to be considered for Blogger of the Week just add us to your blogroll. I’m searching EBSQ profiles weekly for links to artist’s blogs. If you aren’t an EBSQ Artist, what are you waiting for?
Welcome to EBSQ’s first Blogger of the Week! I’m excited to start things off with an award winning, juried member of EBSQ. This self-taught pastel artist, with a love for realism, has been blogging since 2008. Her stunning creations never cease to amaze!
Who and where are you?
I’m Kari Tirrell, and I live in Gig Harbor, WA.
How did you get started art blogging?
Someone posted an article about why artists should blog on the EBSQ forum, and that started me thinking about it. I didn’t want to blog. I didn’t want to add another thing to my “to do” list. But I did it anyway, and I’m glad I did. I certainly didn’t expect to enjoy it so much.
Any tips for other EBSQ art bloggers?
1. Plan your blog posts with your audience (and search engines) in mind. One of the things I like best about blogging is that it makes the artist accessible. I enjoy blogs where I can read the artist’s thoughts about what they’ve created, see their process, and interact with them through comments or email. I assume that the readers of my blog are similarly interested, and try to write my blog posts accordingly. It is also important to keep in mind that search engines need keywords. If you want people to find your blog, include relevant keywords in your posts. Simply posting a picture of your work with the title and dimensions is not only less satisfying for the viewer, it will also do very little to help the search engines find you.
2. Follow the blogs of artists you admire, and leave thoughtful comments on their work. The value of interacting with other artists is a benefit of blogging which should not be underestimated.
What’s your musical inspiration of choice when you’re working in your studio?
My taste in music is somewhat eclectic, and I listen to whatever strikes my mood at the moment. I have satellite radio in my studio now, which I’m really enjoying because I can listen to a wide variety of music. When I want my old favorites, I pull out my MP3.
What’s coming next from your easel?
I have my next ten paintings planned; mostly figurative works, but I’m going to throw a couple of other things into the mix as well. Visit my blog to find out!
http://karitirrell.blogspot.com/
Thank you Kari for the being the first EBSQ Blogger of the Week!
If you are an EBSQ Artist and would like to be considered for Blogger of the Week just add us to your blogroll. I’m searching EBSQ profiles weekly for links to artist’s blogs. If you aren’t an EBSQ Artist, what are you waiting for?
It’s that time of year again; we’re currently registering partners for our 9th Annual Portrait Swap. Unlike previous years where we randomly paired members for this event, this year we’re asking members to find their own partner. If you’re looking for someone to partner with, sign up on the EBSQ Community Forum (you must be logged into the forum to post–just ping us if you need help with this!) And if you already have a partner, please let us know with whom you’re partnering.
All work must be completed by 30 November 2009. As this is a swap, we ask that you send your finished portrait to your partner.
Have at it, and have fun!
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This week’s Simon is artist Amanda Makepeace. Her theme for Simon Sez is clouds. She describes what she is looking for like this: “I’ve been thinking about clouds a lot lately, long before the floods hit us here in the south. They can be so many things, like and dreamy or dark and brooding! So show me clouds! All mediums!”
All Simon Sez challenges are open to everyone. To enter Simon Sez… Clouds! and to see the all the entries, simply go to the EBSQ Forum, find Member Groups, Challenges & General Art Discussions and then go to Challenge Central. All the challenges past and present – including Simon Sez, can be found there.
Like what you see here? We hope you’ll consider leaving a comment or subscribing to one of our feeds. Never miss another cool post from EBSQ. Subscribe to EBSQ: Art Meets Blog v2.0 by Email today!
This week’s Simon is Shannon Girouard-Fogl and she says “Simon Sez… Body Parts!” Shannon was dubbed Simon by Stephanie D’Aigle who felt her entry depicting summer in Simon Sez… Show Me Your Favorite Season was “a wonderful catch”.
For her turn as Simon, Shannon wants to see body parts. To be specific, “I want to see individual body parts… eyes, nose, ears, arms… not the body as a whole but the whole of each of its parts!”
All Simon Sez challenges are open to everyone. To enter Simon Sez… Body Parts! and to see the all the entries, simply go to the EBSQ Forum, find Member Groups, Challenges & General Art Discussions and then go to Challenge Central. All the challenges past and present – including Simon Sez, can be found there.
Like what you see here? We hope you’ll consider leaving a comment or subscribing to one of our feeds. Never miss another cool post from EBSQ. Subscribe to EBSQ: Art Meets Blog v2.0 by Email today!
This week’s Simon is artist Lisa Miller. Her theme for Simon Sez is portraits. She describes what she is looking for like this: “As some of you know I’m fairly obsessed with portraits….anything goes, people, pets, animals as long as it breathes. Unlimited entries…..any media. Bring it!”
All Simon Sez challenges are open to everyone. To enter Simon Sez… Portraits and to see the all the entries, simply go to the EBSQ Forum, find Member Groups, Challenges & General Art Discussions and then go to Challenge Central. All the challenges past and present – including Simon Sez, can be found there.
Like what you see here? We hope you’ll consider leaving a comment or subscribing to one of our feeds. Never miss another cool post from EBSQ. Subscribe to EBSQ: Art Meets Blog v2.0 by Email today!
We’re nearly at the end of what’s felt like the longest US Presidential campaign in history. Unsure of how you’re going to fill in those … more
This month features one of our new favourite flowers, the allium. Any and all materials may be used to create your entry. An artist’s … more
Interested member artists sign-up via our message boards, are randomly paired up, complete their partner’s portrait, and then trade the resulting … more
Art & News from EBSQ 