I am on an e-mail list for quilt artists. People on the list often ask questions about supplies, techniques, etc. Last week, I read and re-read this one question and response. The question is paraphrased, but the response is verbatim:
Q: I want to create a drop shadow in my work. I’ve looked at and read about different ways of doing this, but I’m not sure what would be the best technique for me?
A: "It sounds as if you have some learning to do before setting to work on your quilt.
Make a sample of each of the options and see which one suits you. You can ask people what they prefer or recommend, but none of us can see your quilt and none of us know which technique you'd be better at, either.
There is no getting round it- it is time to try out the options for yourself and see which looks best on your work.
Those last two lines are so clear and so full of wisdom. Let's break them down.
"There is no getting round it -- it is time to try out the options for yourself...."
I get asked a lot of "how to" questions. I have found that people don't like it when you say: Experiment. Try it for yourself. See what you like.
Those words are not a cop out. In fact, they're the best advice I can give.
If I tell you what works for me, then you start to think that it's the "right" way. It's not. It's what works for me. The thing that makes each of us unique is how our brains work; our impulses. You need to try out ideas and supplies and see what you like and enjoy.
I had a brief correspondence with Alison, who wrote the answer quoted above, and in that e-mail she said another thing that I heartily agree with: "...whatever works best for you is a right way, even if I solve a problem a bit differently." Yes! So much of making art is problem solving. If you look to other people for how to solve the problem, you're not really showing who you are.
The best way to become familiar with a product or a technique is to make some samples. Try it out for yourself.
"Making samples is never a waste of time."
This is so true! In my early days of art making I didn't really "get" samples. I mean, I saw them and they looked cool, but I couldn't understand the purpose.
The purpose of sample making is knowledge. When I get a new art supply I like to put it through its paces. For example, with a new pen I might test...
Does it write on top of slick surfaces like dried acrylic paint? (A requirement for my art journal.)
Is it waterproof? Is it watersoluble?
How long does the ink stay wet on paper?
Can you use the tip of the pen in more than one way? (ex. thin line & fat line)
Could you read the packaging and go on the internet to find out the answers to these questions. Sure. But I think that (a) making samples helps you to remember the details of how a product works and (b) claims/reviews about products are not always true.
I have often thought about teaching a class that is highly sample-based. However, as useful and important as sample making is, I fear it's not a sexy topic that would attract students. And so I will just say to you: make samples! Label them so you can look back on them tomorrow or two years from now. Samples can become a magical shortcut when you're working on a project. Not sure what to do next? Grab your rolodex of samples and see what worked for you in the past!
I hope you'll spend the weekend making some samples. They're an art resource you can never have enough of!
I read an article yesterday that fascinated and alarmed me. You should read it. It's from The Boston Globe and the title is, "You can buy a painting, but it’s not really yours."
In essentials, some artists retain rights to their work after the sale including -- but not limited to -- banning the resale of their work (and often insisting that the buyer donate the work to a museum later in life), determining how or if a work of art can be cleaned, receiving a 15% commission if the work is re-sold, and so on.
On the one hand, I get it. On the other hand, wtf?
I'm trying to sort out my feelings and so I've made a list of facts and thoughts to assist the process.
Artists retain the copyright to their work even after it's sold. (This is a good article that is very easy to read and understand.) This means that the artist can sell prints and even license the artwork for sheets, coffee cups, notebooks, etc. The buyer of the artwork cannot. They are buying the physical object. This is something I agree with.
The Visual Artists Rights Act (VARA) of 1990 grants "moral rights" to artists. From Wikipedia: "Under VARA, works of art that meet certain requirements afford their authors additional rights in the works, regardless of any subsequent physical ownership of the work itself, or regardless of who holds the copyright to the work. For instance, a painter may insist on proper attribution of his painting, and in some instances may sue the owner of the physical painting for destroying the painting even if the owner of the painting lawfully owned it....
VARA exclusively grants authors of works that fall under the protection of the Act the following rights
right to claim authorship
right to prevent the use of one's name on any work the author did not create
right to prevent use of one's name on any work that has been distorted, mutilated, or modified in a way that would be prejudicial to the author's honor or reputation
right to prevent distortion, mutilation, or modification that would prejudice the author's honor or reputation
Additionally, authors of works of "recognized stature" may prohibit intentional or grossly negligent destruction of a work."
I understand that early in an artist's career he/she might sell a painting for a few hundred dollars and then later that painting is worth thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. I totally understand why this may feel unfair to the artist. But, I do think that the buyer paid the artist what they asked for at the time and should have the right to sell the work. The commission idea seems like a kind of compromise -- both buyer and artist make a profit together.
I wonder all the time if my hard work will just end up in a landfill. I suppose the insistence on work being donated to a museum ensures that this isn't true. But the truth is, most museums have more stuff not on display than stuff on display. Do I really want my work to sit in a basement warehouse for its lifetime? Is that a better fate than in the home of someone who likes it?
Mostly, I wonder why anyone would buy a piece of art under these insane circumstances? It's not an investment. It's not even something you can pass down to your children. I guess it's just something to enjoy in the moment?
Obviously, the most extreme of these restrictions only apply to super famous artists who are selling work for millions of dollars. But that's also a question. Why? When I sell a painting for $1000, it means as much to me as a million dollar painting does to someone higher up the food chain.
I don't know. Maybe I've just confused myself more. What do you think?
I am just bursting with joy over the fact that I have NEW online classes to offer you!!
You have been asking for more online classes and more frequent online classes, so I've been a busy bee making that happen. Going forward, you can expect new classes every quarter:
Winter Quarter is December, January, February
Spring Quarter isMarch, April, May
Summer Quarter isJune, July, August
Fall Quarter isSeptember, October, November
I am planning to offer FOUR new online classes every quarter. Classes will follow a basic format:
Intensive Workshop: This is a workshop that has 20+ tutorial videos and will probably take you 1-3 months to complete, depending on how quickly you work.
Mini Intensive Workshop: This is a workshop that is a little bit less of a time commitment. Working intensely, you could complete the coursework in 2-6 weeks, depending on how quickly you work.
Project Class: This is a class that teaches you how to create a specific project. There are video instructions AND a downloadable .pdf with instructions.
Technique Class: This is a class that teaches you a specific technique through 1-2 video lessons.
ALL classes include lifetime access. Buy it once and you always have it!
Drum roll, please...
The classes for Winter 2018/2019 are as follows:
Intensive Workshop: Gelli Journal
This is a class that has been in the works for four years. Seriously. I filmed the first four videos in this workshop four years ago. For the past five years, this has been one of my favorite art projects to take with me when I travel. In class you will learn how to print directly into your journal -- including into that crack...
...and then transform those printed pages into colorful picture pages!
Here's what to expect from class:
There are more than 30 HD instructional videos.
What you see in these photos is just a tiny taste of what awaits in the classroom!
The online classroom is packed with written tips and take aways.
You can leave comments and questions and interact with other students, just as you would on a blog.
The first half of the class is all about gelatin printing directly into a sketchbook -- how to make sure you get the crack, how to fix problems that occur, how to create layers of color and pattern, how to keep pages from sticking together, etc.
Whether you're an experienced gelatin printer or you've never ever tried it before, this class is for you. Experienced printers will proceed through the gelatin printing section quickly and less experienced or brand new printers will take their time going lesson-by-lesson.
The second half of the class is all about creating pictures in your printed journal.
You do not have to know how to draw. I share methods for creating pictures by stamping and stenciling -- there's even a video on creating a stencil from a photograph!
If you want to try drawing, I share how to combine simple shapes to create wonderful pictures.
I share my tips on embellishing your pictures with gel pens, paint markers, and more.
I focus in on correcting "mistakes" (aka happy accidents) and getting the results that you want.
Take as much time as you want or need to complete the course. Once you purchase "Gelli Journals," you have lifetime access.
PLEASE NOTE: The first four videos of this class have some auto-focus issues and so they go in and out of focus, as you can see in this YouTube video. If the bouncing bothers you, do not sign up for class. No refunds will be given.
Class begins December 1, 2018.
$200 Early Bird Pricing (Nov 1, 2018 - Nov 30, 2018) $125 To get the $75 discount, use this code: EarlyGelli
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Mini Intensive Workshop: Notan or Expanded Square
Notan or Expanded Square is a process of creating an entire work of art from a small piece of paper. Essentially, you take a square of black paper and cut it with scissors and a craft knife. Then you flip the pieces you've cut so that they mirror the empty holes.
It's a simple idea, but the possibilities are enormous! In class I will show you the basics of the technique (of course) and discuss the philosophy of Notan. I will also show you how to create pictoral Notan, as demonstrated in this video:
Here's what to expect from class:
Instruction is delivered through more than 15 HD videos.
Lessons cover all the basics: cutting with scissors, cutting with a craft knife, and there's even a video on how to use the ScanNCut to create Notan.
I will also show you how to create amazing pictures featuring animals, plants, and even people!
We will discuss how to use Notan in your other work and the kinds of design skills that it builds and reinforces.
You have lifetime access to the online classroom.
$100 Early Bird Pricing (Nov 1, 2018 - Nov 30, 2018) $75 To get the $25 discount, use this code: NOV2018
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Project Class: Book of Color
This is the kind of class I would normally offer as a full day in-person class and I'm so pleased to be offering it to you as an online class instead! It's no surprise that I loooooove color. But, I love using all of the colors on top of each other. I decided to challenge myself and create a reference book containing monochromatic spreads. In class I show you how to create the book from a single piece of paper. It's super easy! I show you how to create each colored spread. And most importantly, I show you how to use the book as a reference tool.
Class includes:
Instruction via HD video.
Videos include: how to create the book, how to color in the book, how to use the book.
A downloadable .pdf of written instructions on creating the book.
You can leave comments and questions and interact with other students, just as you would on a blog.
You have lifetime access to class.
$20 Use the code: JULIEBLOG to get 20% discount (valid through Nov 7, 2018)
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Technique Class: Marker Monoprints
This is a technique that I discovered in April when I was looking for something cool and new to do on Make It Artsy. Since April I have refined my technique and tried out lots of different brands and types of markers, plus lots of different techniques for printing. If you've ever watched my "Exploring Art Products" videos on YouTube, this is in that style, but instead of investigating a product, I'm showing you all the ways to approach the technique of creating monoprints with markers.
Class includes:
Instruction via HD videos.
Tips and take aways in written form.
You can leave comments and questions and interact with other students, just as you would on a blog.
You have lifetime access to class.
$20 Use the code: JULIEBLOG to get 20% discount (valid through Nov 7, 2018)
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All classes open for registration TODAY and classes begin December 1, 2018.
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HOWEVER, I am so super excited about this new online class programming that I am offering a NEW Project Class that is available right NOW.
This is a fun and easy project with fabulous results! Turn a simple piece of paper into a paper house with two windows and a door. Slide an LED tea light into the house and you've got magic! These little houses are perfect for a Thanksgiving or Christmas centerpieces. Watch the video to see the magical flickering:
In class I show you how I like to layer collage, painting, stenciling, and stamping to create a colorful house. But you can also use scrapbook paper, gelli prints, plain paper -- whatever you like!
Class includes:
3 instructional videos: Color & Collage, Cutting (by hand), and Construction.
There is a downloadable .pdf with the house template.
There is also a zip file containing both an .svg and .fcm file in case you'd like to do your cutting on an electronic cutter.
There is a downloadable .pdf with written directions.
You can leave comments and questions and interact with other students, just as you would on a blog.
You have lifetime access to class.
$20 - grab and go! Use the code: JULIEBLOG to get 20% discount (valid through Nov 7, 2018)
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And if you want it all, with the early bird special, look how it breaks down:
Gelli Journal: $200 $125
Notan: $100 $75
Book of Color: $20 $16
Marker Monoprints: $20 $16
Lantern Houses: $20 $16
TOTAL: $360 $248 - a savings of more than $100!
But remember, you have to purchase before December 1, 2018 to get the discounts on Gelli Journal and Notan! And before November 7 to get the Book of Color, Marker Monoprints, and Lantern Houses discount!
HOWEVER, if you want it all, I am extending all of those early bird discounts for you. You pay just $248 for all FIVE classes until December 1, 2018. Click here to get the deal.
Thanks for stopping by! I hope to see you in the classroom!
I read a really interesting article last night called, "Ethical Dilemmas of Providing Free Content." It's all about whether or not crafters and artists should provide free patterns, free downloads, free instructions, etc. The ethical dilemma is based around whether doing all that work for free actually gains you paying customers (so you can pay your rent, your health care, buy food, etc.) or not.
Obviously, I'm a fan of free. I give you this blog 5-days-a-week for free. But, the article did get me thinking (click through and read it).
My thoughts:
Providing free content is (as the graphic above indicates) meant to be a hook to grab paying customers.
Does giving stuff away for free create a culture in which people don't want to pay and feel that they shouldn't have to?
Are certain people never going to pay no matter what you do? They only want free content?
Does karma come into play at all?
But then again, doctors don't give their services away for free. Why should artists?
How often do I personally purchase items from artists I follow on instagram/their blog/youtube/etc.?
Are sites like Patreon good for artists or bad for artists?
2018 is a little more than half-way through and I believe that all of my upcoming classes are currently open for registration. What can you expect from an in-person class? Well...
Lots of instruction.
Dirty hands.
Laughter.
Bright colors.
Dramatic storytelling.
Discovery and friendship.
One-on-one attention.
Colorful awesome art to take home.
And an emphasis on your personal style (even if you think you don't have one)!
Students come to class from all walks-of-life and with all levels of experience. I have taught teachers, brand new beginners, art school graduates, scientists, plumbers, accountants, botanists, flight attendants, writers, lawyers, doctors, vegans, yoga instructors, actors, stay-at-home parents, professional artists, retired people, interested teenagers, sarcastic people, enthusiastic people, and so many more!
I hope that you will join me!
August 31-September 2, 2018 (Labor Day Weekend) 3 classes at WhimSoDoodle in St. Petersburg, FL
September 22-23, 2018: 2 classes at The Ink Pad in NYC
October 13-14, 2018 Boston, MA area: ScanNCut for Artists Workshop (bring your own machine - more info)
If you'd like to sign up for a class, please follow the links to the various stores and venues that are hosting the classes. If I'm not teaching near you, I encourage you to gift yourself with a weekend away. Students often travel from quite a distance to immerse themselves in a weekend (or more) of art making. I hope to see you in class!
Please note that some links on this blog contain affiliate links and I receive a small percentage of those sales. Rest assured, I never recommend a product that I don't believe in. :)
