From Behind the Camera
Creative Catalyst Newsletter
March 24, 2009
Participating in a critique group can be a very beneficial addition to an artistic discipline. In it we have the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of how our work communicates to someone other than ourselves. A good group is one that gives honest constructive feed back. That said, you also lay yourself open to hear the thoughts of other artists. Look at it as an information gathering opportunity. Here are a few considerations before asking someone to join you in forming a critique group or joining a pre-established group.
Do you respect the work of the artists in the group? Do you respect the people as people? Would they be selfless and honest when critiquing the work of others? Would they take seriously the time spent together and stay focused? Do they have a working understanding of design?
In my critique group each of us has declared our artistic intent, our goals. We try to help one another proceed in their own direction. And I am happy to say each person participates fully. It can be toxic to have one individual dominate the group as it would be to have someone who contributes not at all. Please note that if you join a group you will be expected to speak up and participate as well.
There are eight of us but usually around six or so make it to any one meeting. We are limited to three paintings each. Among us we do oil, collage, acrylic, pastel and watercolor. Most of us are representational artists with a varying degree of abstraction. We meet once a month.
It is interesting to learn how others think about their process and can help us gain insights regarding our own work. To see our work through the eyes of others can be informative and affirming. In any case, you must decide whether or not to alter your work as a result of what was said. In the final wash, it’s up to you.
Cheers, Lynn Powers
Customer Comments
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Marjorie K.I. (Davis, CA)
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After enjoying the top quality in your productions, all other art videos fail to measure up to your high standards!
Jo W. (Cumming, GA)
Customer Comments
” I love your DVD and videos. Thank you for providing them. And you have fast shipping, which is great! Thanks.”.
- Rhonda G., Streetman, TX.
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“After enjoying the top quality in your productions, all other art videos fail to measure up to your high standards!”
- Jo W., Cumming, GA.
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“It might be hard to believe but I am a 2nd time shopper of on line products (except Canadian airline tickets) in addition to that I have not purchased from a company from the US before, to be honest I was a little uneasy about my purchase. The shipping conformation gives me confidence that the order is being processed and the money spent has not just disappeared into the internet world!
Now that I am confident on -when I spend money- the product will be delivered I will continue to purchase from CCP videos.”
Kellie B., Calgary Alberta Canada
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“Thank you for making wonderful, quality workshops from nationally known artists.”
Sandy S., Plainfield, IL
From Behind The Camera
Creative Catalyst Newsletter
March 17, 2009
Part of art is distortion and exaggeration. We emphasize colors, shapes and line to convey a variety of moods. Sometimes it is not intentional but rather a consequence of our not knowing what we are doing. I’m so there.
I’m trying to learn to draw. Part of the reason for struggling through the process is to have the opportunity to distort the drawing to my preferences. I’m interested in faces. I want to convey the character of the person I’m drawing and I have this hair brained idea, that by exaggerating facial features, I can better say what I want to about the model. The trick is to do it without 1) insulting the model and 2) not make the face look too odd to be, well, odd.
So it’s been interesting. Humans are especially sensitive to the details of the human face. I can widen a flower or tree without making them look chubby, but if I widen a person to imply solidity, the consequence my not be what I want. There have been a few disasters, but I’m learning. It’s all part of the adventure!
Cheers, Lynn Powers
Customer Comments
“I enjoy your Newsletter, being able to preview tapes before buying & tips. You do a great job. Thank you.”
~ Jowanna.
“Absolutely beneficial videos directed toward improving your skills in being an artist. The instructor artist is always readily available in your studio. Workshops on DVD with instant recall, nice having to refer to your workshop notes. Thank you!.”
~ Roseanne S.
From Behind the Camera- And the Secret Is…
We have all read articles saying they hold the “seven secrets” to achieving – - – - (fill in the blank).
If I’ve learned anything working with all these artists it’s that there are no secret to their success. It’s available to us all, right now. It’s making art a part of our everyday lives. If we’re not actually holding a brush and painting, then we are looking for composition possibilities or color combinations in the world around us. We are training ourselves to see and understand more. It’s becoming aware of our own likes and dislikes and knowing why.
In addition, artists are not satisfied with where they are in their art. They are constantly looking for ways to improve, push their boundaries, and combine new ingredients to develop something uniquely their own.
Some Creative Catalyst customers are nationally recognized artists. At first, it surprised me to see them purchase a workshop unlike anything they do in their own work. Then it dawned on me, it was, IS, part of the restless nature that makes them artists. Their goal is not to paint like the instructor in the DVD. It is to see how the instructor has achieved a certain effect, or learn how they THINK.
Artists don’t turn IT on and off. They are artists all the time.
Carla O’Connor said folks will hit their stride when they have: a good understanding of composition; developed their skill in handling their medium; and find the medium that best suits them. We only need look at Anne Bagby’s unique combination of painting, stamping, and design to know the sky is the limit. Yet I know for a fact, Anne is still searching and trying new things.
That’s the secret.
Cheers, Lynn Powers
Customer Comments
” I love your videos. It’s a great way to learn new things and stay
inspired, all in the comfort of my own studio.
- Eve O., Burr Ridge, Il.
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I believe this is my third or fourth purchase from you. Love what you offer!
-Sharon D., Wilmington , NC.
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Outstanding videos. Highly recommended!
- Joy P., Ontario, Canada
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I have been very happy with dealing with you and Susan is terrific, she helped me out with a problem with my first order.
- Joan D., – Seneca, SC
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I have several of your videos. Not only do I really like the variety of artists, but I find the presentation very professional, without distracting background noise and very clear instructions.
- Mary C., Coos Bay, OR
What Customers Say
“…I am SOOOO excited and happy to find this DVD! You are providing a great resource and so many artists! Just fantastic.”
~ Linda N.
“Your Video-On-Demand concept is awesome. I have some of your superb videos and enjoy master artists being available to me on my timetable in my studio, otherwise known as the guest room. The videos will enable me to benefit from various media treatments, from time to time, that I wouldn’t be able to purchase.
Thanks for another brilliant idea from CCP.”
~ Ginny S.
From Behind the Camera
Creative Catalyst Newsletter
March 3, 2009
Over the past few years I’ve accumulated an impressive stack of art magazines. The pile is intimidating. I rarely revisit issues but I am reluctant to let them go. (There might be something in there I may need some day!) The magazines take up too much space and are an energy drain on my psyche.
Last week a friend of mine, Mareth Warren, shared a solution to my dilemma. Mareth cuts out any pictures and articles she finds valuable and puts them into a three ring note book. She saves anything she finds inspiring. Transparent sleeves permit her to quickly see what she’s kept. The remaining magazine is put into the recycling bin. Mareth mentioned she frequently flips through her book for inspiration and energy.
Last night I went through six magazines from 2005. I cut out images from ads and reviews as well as entire articles. I noticed a theme ran through the material I kept, a coherent style. So not only have I reduced the mass in my studio, however miniscule, I also learned something about myself, about what I like.
Thanks Mareth…now only as a gazillion issues to go!
Cheers ~ Lynn Powers
What Customer’s Say
What People Say: February 24, 2009
” I just wanted to tell you how much I love the Carla O’Connor DVD! You and Carla did such a great job… all those little extras are wonderful….I want everyone to discover you! Thanks again.
- Lois D.
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Always looking for good training material at a reasonable cost. I thank Charles Harrington for being affordable to artists. He is also a skilled teacher and excellent at acrylics.
- Linda O., – Colorado Springs, CO.
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Loved the John Salminen workshop video. Would have been lost in his class without having seen it first.
- Carol G., – Cicero, IN.
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I think you have created an addiction for me – I love the quality of your workshops and the camera angels are fabulous. I have learned so much and have added techniques and now new mediums to my skill base. Thank you for such great productions!! And, thank you for a wonderful and professional staff. I truly feel that you are my dear and friends.
- Lorna S., – Santa Rosa, CA
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Great quality, always satisfied.
- Peggy M., – Lancaster, OH
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