Tag: art

November 10, 2017 Magazine Post a Comment

How To Ask for Help with Your Art

You’ve faced this conundrum before. Maybe you’re having difficulty following your map, and you’re reluctant to ask the car next to you at the stoplight for directions. Maybe you’re too proud to ask your parents for help with this month’s rent. And if you’re an artist, or you want to be an artist, you might have found yourself hesitant now or at some point when it comes to seeking out help with your art.

There’s no shame in asking for help. After all, nobody becomes a skilled artist overnight. Vincent Van Gogh famously practiced sketching day and night, year after year, before he even let himself attempt to paint with a brush. Pre-Raphaelite painter John Everett Millais studied for years under John Ruskin, taking much inspiration (as well as Ruskin’s wife) from him.

Although there are many people who certainly seem to have a knack for creating art, bear in mind that they had to start somewhere, and that drawing, painting, sculpting, or any other artistic skill can be learned. But if you’re too proud, you won’t be able to take advantage of the greatest resource that an aspiring artist could ask for: the help of others.

Here are five ways to ask for help with your art:

1. Contact an artist whose work inspires you

Who knows? Maybe that famous artist will respond to your email and you’ll have found a mentor who can not only give you some tips on improving your craft, but also advice on breaking into the art world. If you don’t get a response, don’t be discouraged! They’re probably very busy.

2. Talk to your art teachers, former or present

Are you taking art classes currently? Did you take them some time ago, in high school or college? There’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to reach out to your art teachers. Their advice could prove very helpful. After all, they already taught you some of what you know! If they’re available locally, stop by, or drop them an email if that’s easier. If you’re still in school and taking art classes, talk to your teachers after class. They can give you one-on-one advice that makes the class all the more worth it.

3. Join a local art community

Try to see if there’s a local community with artists who have similar interests to yours. It could be something hyper-specific, like a collective of Etsy pottery artisans, or something broader, like a local arts center. But look around, because you can learn just as much from your peers as you would from a mentor figure.

4. Join an online art community

If you cannot find an art community locally, join an online one. There are online art communities such as DeviantArt, as well as online forums such as Reddit that promote discussion and constructive criticism between artists. It’s also very cool to know that if you join an online community, people from all over the world will be seeing your art! You can either ask for help with your art or just post it and see what people say.

5. Go to one of Westchester’s art establishments

If you live in Westchester, there are a number of resources at your disposal. The Bott Shoppe has materials for all sorts of art, as well as lessons, tutorials, and exercises to help you develop your skills and portfolio. There are classes and workshops at ArtsWestchester, and the Mamaroneck Artists Guild is a great community with around two hundred members that you can join if you’d like to get your work out there.

The art community can seem intimidating and at times extraordinarily pretentious, but if you talk to artists, you may find that many of these people would enthusiastically give you a helping hand if given the opportunity. Whether they’re tutoring you in technique, providing you with resources to learn and grow as an artist, or just provide moral support, it’s always good to have somebody in your corner.

Although your art is all yours, and depending on your medium of choice, may not be collaborative, it’s still very helpful to have somebody there to critique or advise you. Don’t be scared to reach out to artists in your community, or stop by a local establishment of the arts where you can get all the encouragement and help that you need to get your art career rolling!

October 13, 2017 Magazine Post a Comment

Art Museums In and Around Westchester

Westchester is great because of its proximity to so many fun activities, and art is no exception.

There are several art museums both in Westchester and nearby that are just a short drive away, making for easy and fun day trip locations. Depending on what kind of art you’re interested in seeing, you could be just an hour or two from discovering your new favorite museum!

If you’re looking for an art museum in Westchester, you don’t have to go much further than Purchase, which is home to two wonderful art attractions.

The first is the Neuberger Museum, located at Purchase College. The Neuberger Museum is notable for its vast collection of African art, which has been growing since the museum’s founding in 1974. The collection includes masks, figures, and sculptures.

The Neuberger Museum also has collections of paintings from artists such as Georgia O’Keefe, Milton Avery, Jackson Pollack, and even Mark Rothko. It features prints from Chuck Close, Andy Warhol, and Sol LeWitt. There are sculptures outside the museum, but if it’s outdoor sculptures you’re after, the next stop in Purchase has many to offer.

The Donald M. Kendall Sculpture Gardens are located at the worldwide headquarters of PepsiCo. Having been closed to the public for years, the Gardens reopened earlier this year, now with a smartphone app that allows for those touring the sculpture gardens to listen to audio tours. Pick a day with nice weather, and tour the Sculpture Gardens alone or with someone!

Both of these attractions make for fun, easy day trips, and since they’re so close to each other, why not visit both in a day?

A little ways upstate, in Beacon, Dia:Beacon is worth the trip if you want to see modern art. It features works from Sol LeWitt, Andy Warhol, Richard Serra, and Louise Bourgeois, among others. There are sculptures outside, so be sure to walk around the whole museum, inside and out. Dia:Beacon offers free guided tours on the weekends, at 12:30 and 2 PM. When you’re finished with the museum, check out Beacon, NY, a small, lovely town with coffee, lunch, and thrifting opportunities.

Also in upstate New York is Storm King Art Center, a sprawling, beautiful sculpture park which has both permanent installations and temporary exhibitions. Featuring a curated collection of sculptures that has been growing since the 1966 purchase of thirteen David Smith sculptures, Storm King is breathtaking. The sculpture park was recently used as the location for an episode of the popular Netflix series Master of None, and has become greatly respected in the art community over the last five decades.

If you are less interested in modern art and would prefer to see some incredible works from centuries past, consider the Yale Center for British Art. This museum, home to the largest collection of British art outside of the United Kingdom, features works by artists such as John Constable, John Everett Millais, and William Turner. It encompasses many eras; medieval, pre-Raphaelite, and even some modern art can be found here. Although this museum is a little farther away than the other two, it is certainly worth the visit!

Any one of these museums makes for a great day trip. If you’re wondering what to do this weekend, look no further. Pack a lunch or plan to get lunch locally, and set out to discover art not too far from home!

September 29, 2017 Magazine Post a Comment

How to Write an Impressive Artist Bio

I cannot stress enough how important an artist’s bio is.

Especially because it helps people get to know the artist more and get insight into their artwork. If not written correctly, it can turn off people to looking at their work. An artist bio is seen on websites, articles and even quoted in interviews. This means your bio has to make a great first impression.

So, what exactly should be included in a bio?

Your bio should contain:

1.Where you were born and where you live currently

2.What your education or training is

3.Related experience (this includes achievements)

4.Who or what influenced your artwork

5. A summary of your “artist philosophy”

6. What techniques you use, themes, etc.

7. What you want to accomplish with your art

 

The bio should be short and to the point (approx. 250 words). It also needs to be written in third person! The bio should highlight what is it you are working on now and should be updated whenever you do something new. Show the reader what it is you have accomplished and where you want to go from here.

Make sure to spend a lot of time writing your bio. It is crucial that there are no spelling errors and it is readable. Most people will copy your bio verbatim in articles and this can either make or break your reputation, so be careful! Proofread, edit and continue to update your bio every so often. Now start writing!

September 15, 2017 Magazine Post a Comment

How to Inventory Your Artwork

Say Goodbye to Post-it Note Chaos

Thanks to the beautiful world of the Internet with sites such as Artwork Archive and Gyst, artists can easily manage their artwork sales with no stress! When having an online art inventory management system, everything you need is right there. There is no need for countless files on your desktop, notes scattered everywhere or even the struggles of using Excel.

Once you have set up your online inventory account, it’s time to punch in those numbers. It is important to have a numbering system so you can track your work chronologically and know basic information about the piece just by looking at the label.  Some ideas would be to start with your initials or even the type of medium used (P= Painting, C=Ceramic, etc). There are lots of ways to number inventory so come up with things that are simple and easy to remember.

You should then record the title, dimensions, inventory number, creation date, price, medium, and sub
ject matter. The more detail each description has, the more easier it will be to find. I would also assign each piece to a location. That way you’ll always know which gallery or venue is showing your work. It is also important to know who bought your painting and keep a list of contacts for buyers, vendors and other networks in order to inform them about what is new in your inventory.

The most important thing is having high quality images of your work. Art collectors, buyers, and galleries want to see the artwork clearly and know that you have a professional business.

Now that you have a clear and detailed list of inventory, you can spend more time doing what you love- art! Rest easy knowing you can access your work from any device, your data is all in one place, and everything is backed up.

 

 

August 18, 2017 Magazine Post a Comment

Why Should You Buy Original Art?

One of a kind art is something everyone needs to have in their home.

Whether it be a small piece you stumbled upon at a flea market or one that takes a little bit more of an investment, original art is a special thing to obtain.

People are immediately drawn to what is on the walls of your home and having a outstanding piece will definitely catch their eye. An original piece of art can be the soul of a house. It can bring a space together entirely and connect everyone through the emotion and feelings of the artwork. 

Buying art not only supports the artist directly but each piece holds a unique story behind them, making a great conversation starter. An artist spends hours and hours of work on just one unique piece. When you buy a piece from a living artist, you are supporting their livelihood and rewarding them for their amazing talent.

“A work of art is above all an adventure of the mind” -Eugene Ionesco

While some people want only what others have, it’s always more interesting to have what others don’t. Purchase pieces for their uniqueness, the stories behind them and for the artists whose bare hands crafted them.

July 21, 2017 Magazine Post a Comment

The Power of Doodling

While taking notes in class or in a business meeting, most people (especially creative ones) find themselves doodling in the margins of their notebooks or even on a stray napkin. However, this isn’t just a mindless, pointless activity. In the Journal of Applied Cognitive Psychology, a study has found that doodling can improve a person’s ability to retain information by 29%. The mind is a fascinating thing and you will be surprised how doodling helps your thinking!

Visual learning is a powerful tool for strategic thinking, brainstorming and business planning. Some of the million dollar ideas have originated just from images on a piece of paper or post-it note. Even President Obama admits that he doodles in business meetings. In an interview in 2012 he says,”…sometimes when I’m in a big, important international meeting and you see me writings stuff down, it might be that I’m just drawing some, drawing some folks”. Many other presidents/politicians have also been caught drawing in meetings including JFK, Ronald Reagan and Hillary Clinton. So if well known people have found doodling helpful, it must be true.

Doodling can also be a way for children to burn some physical energy in class. While listening with a pen, the child is actually more engaged in the content and processes what they hear even more. A learner will recall a map they drew much more than long handwritten notes. Pictures allow the person to break down complex ideas into a more basic level of understanding.

Our brains are highly visual. As your pen hits the paper, you are opening your mind to ideas, insight and inspiration. Doodles can unite different neural pathways to the brain, creating higher levels of concentration and bring you closer to finding your “a-ha” moment.

Words alone can’t allow you to discover a new idea. So while brainstorming or learning, pick up a pen or pencil and start to free draw. Whether it be just lines and shapes or even faces of people, this can help you think in more ways than you will ever know.

July 7, 2017 Magazine

How to be a Successful Artist: Marketing Yourself

So you want to be an artist.

Self-employed has become a regular thing nowadays: 15.0 million people, or 10.1 percent of total U.S. employment, are self-employed. It’s not new to find artists working for themselves and selling their own art. But it takes a lot of hard work and time to become successful and make a living off of solely your own pieces.

With social media in the mix, it is important that every artist has their own website and constant presence on all media platforms. The entire world is now your audience. If you regularly post examples of your art online and people like what they see, word of you and your art will pass on and you will gain more recognition. Promote, promote, promote. Step outside of your comfort zone and reach out to anyone you can. Literally… anyone. If more people know about you and the more networks you have, you are bound to be successful as an artist.

Most importantly, post new work regularly so people can see you’re serious about being an artist. Make sure that people remember you. Another tip would be to create a mail list so all of your customers know when you have new art available, if there is an event coming up, you name it. You may also want to send out something free (people love free stuff) whether it be a subscription to a newsletter, or samples of your work. Then people will get more excited to hear from you!

Do your research. Artist, Lawrence W. Lee says, “Part of doing research is not only searching on Google, it’s keeping your eyes open. When you go to the dentist, ask yourself what she has on the wall. Also, keep in mind a local gallery typically won’t have items on the walls that it doesn’t think will sell. You can choose to just create what you want and convince people that they want it too. However, creating art for your market is much easier”. This is great advice for when you are first starting because finding what consumers in your area are buying can make it easier for you to not only create art but also sell them faster.

Other tips: Enter competitions. Winning a competition is often a huge step forward in an artist’s career and can potentially get them noticed by gallery owners. You may even win art materials that can really help your business out! Search art magazines for advertisements.

I also recommend asking for referrals to potential buyers or local businesses that might be interested in letting you show your work. Participate in local organizations that host things like art fairs, festivals, group shows…Any opportunity to show your work in your area. Showing at alternative venues like restaurants or coffee shops are also good for getting your art out in front of the public, and this can also prepare yourself for any future gallery opportunities. In short, get yourself out there.

As an artist, it is essential that you believe in yourself and your artwork. If you are truly passionate and confident in your abilities, nothing can stop you. Even if you are self-taught and don’t necessarily have a formal art education, people will see you are dedicated and that you know what you are doing. Get out there and let the world know you are here to stay!

June 26, 2017 Magazine, Young Artists (10+) Post a Comment

How to Entertain Your Kids This Summer

This summer, get your kids away from the TV and their other electronics and try some new art activities! These are all super simple and easy, making it a great way to spend some time with your kids. All of the supplies can be found at the Bott Shoppe!

 

Paint

      1.Using watercolor and a straw, have your kid blow paint on some paper and watch the magic happen! Learn more here 

  1. You can also put paint in a spray bottle or spray gun. This will create a really cool effect and most importantly,  your child will have lots of fun doing it.

 

 

 

 

 

  1. Using tape, make a design on a canvas and paint over it. Once it’s dried, peel off the tape to reveal your masterpiece!

 

  1. Face painting is another fun activity that is perfect for siblings or even for a playdate/birthday party. Just try not to get the paint in their eyes or mouth…

 

Origami

Origami isn’t just for adults with lots of time on their hands. Here are some easy origami designs for your kid to try.  

Sharpie

  1. Using the sun, make cool shadows with objects and outline them with marker.

 

 

 

 

2. Rubbing alcohol mixed with sharpie creates incredible designs. Have your kids draw on tiles or even a plain t-shirt then mix with alcohol. The result will blow your mind!

3. Your child can also draw on a plain mug then allow it to dry for 24 hours before putting it in the oven at 300F for 30 minutes.

 

 

Let us know which craft your kid liked best! Have an artsy summer!!

June 9, 2017 Magazine

Graffiti: Criminal Acts or Real Art?

Let’s Stomp the Street Art Stigmas

Art comes in a variety of different forms. But when it comes to street art, many have a hard time drawing the line between “art” or just plain vandalism. Beginning in the early ‘80s, street art emerged in New York City. As names like Banksy and Basquiat hit the art scene, many began following in their footsteps. However, street art has always been controversial as it is seen as a criminalistic act and perceived as social rebellion. The Anti Social Behaviour Act of 2003 defines graffiti as “painting, writing, soiling, marking or other defacing by whatever means” (The Guardian). Whether it be a quickly painted “tag” to a detailed mural, both are still deemed illegal and the artist risks being fined thousands of dollars or worse, imprisonment. Legal or not, graffiti is becoming accepted as a part of today’s urban culture while also being increasingly practiced by the youth.

 

Political Messages

Mostly self-taught, street artists aren’t just vandals who spray paint bubble letters for the fun of it. Street art is a lot more in depth with detailed and beautiful images, usually with social or political commentary behind them. For example, Lydia Emily’s “Say Something”, featured in Yay! LA Magazine, portrays a young girl writing the words: “it’s not my war”. As a child, Emily grew up with a mother heavily involved in civil rights protests and raised Emily to always speak up for what she believed in. With this, her art has struck cords within her town and she strives to continue sharing her political messages.

 

Create a Community

Brazil is one of the most accepting countries when it comes to street art. The role of graffiti in Brazil challenges the status quo and is a great example when it comes to street art as a tool of political communication and activism. Below is a picture of a work that highlights how the World Cup wastes money and leaves children starving with lack of food and nutrition.

 

Brazilians have the understanding that graffiti can be a career opportunity for youth in low-income neighborhoods. In Rio de Janeiro, many leading street artists have put graffiti to good use, founding art schools in poor neighborhoods and even partnering with the police to paint murals in run-down areas. They also have begun hosting large events and festivals, which bring in tourists and helps the economy drastically. Although there are laws prohibiting graffiti, the city has gained recognition throughout the world for its art. There is even a bill that assigns graffiti artists to designated spots in order to decrease undesirable markings in Buenos Aires, Brazil.

 

Murals Make a Difference

Even in Mamaroneck there is street art! Muralist, Piero Manrique, recently painted his mural called “Free”, located at 630 Mamaroneck Avenue. He states, “My hope is that this work will remind the people who see it of the common bonds shared by all cultures, and the power of our collective imagination”(Larchmont Patch). His abstract painted hawk not only brightens up the streets of Mamaroneck but gives our little town even more character than it had before. This further proves how street art and graffiti is taking over as a positive force, connecting all of us.

 

All in all, graffiti is no longer seen as a crime but a source for fascinating artwork that holds a deeper meaning. They not only bring awareness to social and political problems, they help build an artist’s identity and also give younger generations the inspiration needed to become more creative people. As the art world evolves, hopefully future generations will be given the rights to create art in public places without the risk of being fined or arrested…