Monday, May 18, 2026

Post 628: How PWAS Members Can Use the Artistry Spin Blog

How PWAS Artist Members Can Use the Artistry Spin Blog

Art group members of the Prince William Art Society (PWAS) may wonder why we have an PWAS Website and the PWAS Artistry Spin Blog. The website and the blog serve 2 very different purposes with it mainly being where to find the information needed by the visitor. Let's see the differences and how the artists can use the blog to promote themselves and their art.

About the PWAS Website and Artistry Spin Blog

The PWAS Website provides static information about the Prince William Art Society's nonprofit organization like who we are, our goals and mission, how and who to contact (for questions from the members and the public), membership information like renewal and joining (along with secure payment processing), and about things we do like our Scholarship Program. And PWAS periodically offers art classes of varying types that people can sign up for.

The PWAS art group itself began in 1971 and you can read all about how the group got started on the Blog's very first post: Post 1: About PWAS - An Art Group in Prince William County

Go to the PWAS Website for

The PWAS Artistry Spin Blog features information, stories, experiences, opinions, how-tos, lots of pictures on our art shows and members, tips, suggestions/advice, occasionally opinion, and much more. A blog is presented in reverse chronological order as posts and has navigational page tabs along the top. The posts and pages are updated regularly, and engagement with our readers is encouraged as "Comments" and social sharing. Hot topics of interest to artists like art pricing, displaying art, and where to get your prints made are housed on the Blog as Pages.

The PWAS Artistry Spin Blog was started on August 29, 2021 and there are tons of nooks and crannies to find the answers for many questions asked about and by the art group, the blog, and the very wide topic of showing and displaying art.

The purpose of the PWAS Artistry Spin Blog is to share valuable content with:

  1. The PWAS Artist Members 
  2. Any and all artists and viewers across the planet that come across our links.
  3. Anyone that wants to learn even more about PWAS (our art group), our events and art shows, our artist members.
  4. The PWAS Artist Members that want to promote themselves and their art with others.

Basically, the Artistry Spin Blog is an historical archive of art shows, events, happenings, and photos. The Blog promotes the PWAS art group and website, members and member art.

The Blog Admin writes most of the information posted but for even better content, I like to ask the PWAS Members to share content with me to share with the world. I do this in various ways...AND I encourage our members that if they have content to share, are interested in writing a Blog post on a topic, by all means, let me know!

How to Promote You and Your Art

The Blog Admin will email an art topic question out periodically or ask the PWAS membership for:

  • Art Topic Questions and self promo stuff like "What's On Your Easel?"
    • "What are you working on?" This gives the artist the ability to show new art in development.
    • Art topics questions allow the artist the ability to give an opinion or a tip, showing their knowledge.
    • The potential to share links to their website, or social handles, or contact info. 
  • What Art Shows Are You in Next Month?
    • A royal opportunity to promote an artist's upcoming events with dates, times, locations and more.
    • Artists can show which art pieces were accepted into an upcoming show that will be available for purchase. 
  • Inside the Studio of - some pictures of where your creative ventures are along with what you'd like to say about your space. Is your studio your sanctuary? 
    • People LOVE to see where artists get creative!  
  • Artist Interviews - have a look at the template and start building your interview, then email it to the Blog Admin.
    • A good way to show the world YOU! Remember, online is the universe. 
  • Are you teaching an Art Class? What, where, when, age group...how did it go?
    • Get people interested in what you do. 
  • PWAS Plein Air Posse - let the Blog Admin know where the group will be!
    • Let the membership know where you will be and if they can join as well. 
  • PWAS Member Events and Show - share the pictures and the story of why you are there!
    • If you are at a PWAS event, take pics, write a story - especially if the Blog Admin is not at that event and you become the Reporter. 
  • PWAS New Member Intro - write up who you are and what you do and send a few pics.
    • WE LOVE meeting the new members! Tell us the art you do and what makes you do it!  

BTW - I would LOVE to see someone that Plein Air Paints send me a post with pictures of their setup, their process, highlights of their day painting out in the wild! Write it up!!

For most blog posts, the Social Media Admin will also then publish each post to:

  • PWAS Facebook @princewilliamartsociety
    • Local area Facebook groups including our private Facebook PWAS Chat group
  • PWAS X.com/ Twitter @PWASVirginia
  • PWAS Instagram @princewilliamartsociety
  • PWAS Pinterest @princewilliamartsociety/

It is up to the members to write the story, the Blog Admin will edit (if needed) or may ask for clarity on points but the Author Credits go to the artists. 

See the Schedule Page to see what to include in your post.

That is more bang for your buck. And you can do the same thing and share the links online and to your social media as well. 

Use the Blog to Discover What You Need to Know

Your iPhone will not give you a full look at the Blog unless you navigate to all the features sitting in the palm of your hand. There are the Blog posts, there is top navigation Pages, and there are the right side navigation elements.

  • Right Side Nav: Use the Blog Search, the Blog Archive, the Artistry Spin Labels (which are the tags and keywords on various post subjects).
  • All -Time Most Popular Posts like "Joining an Art Group", "Artwork Rejection", "Art Scammers Are Everywhere"
  • PWAS Member Shared Links - current members, send me yours!
  • Blogs to Follow 
  • Much More to discover...
  • Bottom Nav: Popular Posts in the Last 7 Days 
This is the 628th Blog Post on Artistry Spin. That's a LOT of PWAS history. And a LOT of different art shows, notifications, and information.  

Artistry Spin Pages - Tons of Info

The pages on the blog are tabs at the top of the blog on specific topics that all PWAS artists need to know...or have asked about. Sometimes the info provided includes suggestions and input from your fellow PWAS members.


 

Membership - the benefits of joining an art group and what we do, why you should join us. But remember that memberships run from January to December and you renew your membership or join us on the PWAS Website and do so online at Join PWAS

Display - the most viewed page on the blog, all PWAS members need to review this page to know how your artwork must be prepared for art shows. For art shows, this is how your art is REQUIRED to be prepared for art shows and hanging.

Call for Art - tried and true art tips and facts about art calls, when submitting your artwork to an art show.

Lessons - Lessons learned at an indoor and outdoor art show. 

Pricing - a look at your options when pricing your art. Pricing art is the number one artist question asked by artists!

Commissions - several kinds or art commissions, read this to know what they are and to set expectations.

Art NTK - Art Need To Know: a long list of art topics that artists need to know with links to the Blog Posts as they become available.

Blog Gallery - a review of PWAS artists over time with posts and pictures to more info about members with multiple blog posts.

Volunteering - in a nonprofit art group, the people that volunteer are the ones that make things happen

Prints - a look at getting prints made of your artwork and offering them for sale.

Art Reception - a list of to do items and ideas when holding an art reception

Art Show - a check list of what to take, what to do, and how to manage your upcoming art show

How to Use This Blog - understanding what a blog is, its layout, features, searching the blog, meeting dates, show dates, and more.

Comments - we LOVE when you comment on a post! Comments don't automatically appear so learn more about how to comment on the blog here as well as Guidelines.

Schedule - PWAS Members have options to promote themselves

Art - lots of art topics, art tips, topic series and more that have occurred over time

Art Store - information on the PWAS Art Store on the website.

Basics - lots of art business basics for the artists that want to show and sell their art online, in art shows

FAQs - common questions and answers about PWAS

YES! This Is a LOT of Information that I hold no apologies for. There is a LOT to learn when you want to be an artist that goes to art shows and desires to sell their art. There are expectations, requirements, and just plain things you must know.

What You Can Do 

  • Follow the blog!
  • Share the blog posts! - in the navigation below the post are Share to: Mail, another Blog, Twitter/X, Facebook and Pinterest Use them!! Share the posts when you see them on your social media too!
  • Comment on blog posts - look for that "Comment" link. Get a conversation going.
  • If you are featured in the Blog Post and someone comments, RESPOND to the post!!

Remember, search engines live on content and the more engagement there is with the Artistry Spin content, the more the importance Google places on said content and the better it shows in search results. As an example, do a search on "Prince William Art Society" in the quotes, and scroll down the results. Fairly quickly, various artistryspin.blogspot.com posts start showing up. Do a search on your name and see what results you get. Do you have content featuring you anywhere?

Are you going to use any of the promo features available? Drop a comment below!

@2026 Donna Liguria. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use or reproduction is prohibited without permission. Comment below and follow my blog at https://donnascavepainting.blogspot.com/


Author: Donna Liguria is the Blogmaster for the PWAS Artistry Spin Blog and Donna's Cave Paintings Blog, and an artist member of the Prince William Art Society (PWAS) in Woodbridge, Virginia. And she takes on the PWAS social media duties as well (help me!) Donna specializes in acrylic painting of landscapes, seascapes, historic locations, animals and many subjects. Visit her Website at DonnaLiguriaArt.com and her Donna's Esty site to shop her art. 

Local Art: The Prince William Art Society is a 50+-year-old non-profit art group in PWC for the appreciation of fine art throughout the county and Northern Virginia. Visit us at any of our local art shows or join us for our monthly meetings - held on the 4th Monday of the month at the Tall Oaks Community Center at 12298 Cotton Mill Dr, Woodbridge, VA at 7:30pm (typically, but check the website in case of any changes).

Want to join PWAS? Go to https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/membership

Have an idea for a blog post? Are you a writer and want to help with the blog? Let me know! Thank you for visiting, and remember to Share, Follow, and Comment (below)! ...Remember, comments are monitored so they will not show up immediately.

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Thursday, May 14, 2026

Post 627: Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Month Celebration

Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Month Celebration

Eric participated in a community art fair at the Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) month celebration on May 9, from 12:30PM to 5:00PM at the Mason District Park in Annandale, VA. He was one of the vendors selling original art (all acrylic) and prints. His work included expressive realism of the Asian, Pacific Islands, Hawaiian, and African culture. Also included were paintings carrying other emotions such as pain, love, peace, and connection (journey of belonging). The AANHPI festival brought together vibrant performances, cultural experiences and a day of excitement for all ages.

Event Highlights

  • Cultural performances
  • Interactive experiences with calligraphy, origami and martial arts
  • Art and culture: Explore exhibits featuring works by AANHPI artists.
  • Family fun: crafts, storytelling and interactive activities throughout the day.




Author: Eric Ndofor, PWAS Treasurer

Photos: Eric Ndofor 

Author: Donna Liguria is the Blogmaster for the PWAS Artistry Spin Blog and Donna's Cave Paintings Blog, and an artist member of the Prince William Art Society (PWAS) in Woodbridge, Virginia. And she takes on the PWAS social media duties as well (help me!) Donna specializes in acrylic painting of landscapes, seascapes, historic locations, animals and many subjects. Visit her Website at DonnaLiguriaArt.com and her Donna's Esty site to shop her art. 

Local Art: The Prince William Art Society is a 50+-year-old non-profit art group in PWC for the appreciation of fine art throughout the county and Northern Virginia. Visit us at any of our local art shows or join us for our monthly meetings - held on the 4th Monday of the month at the Tall Oaks Community Center at 12298 Cotton Mill Dr, Woodbridge, VA at 7:30pm (typically, but check the website in case of any changes).

Want to join PWAS? Go to https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/membership

Have an idea for a blog post? Are you a writer and want to help with the blog? Let me know! Thank you for visiting, and remember to Share, Follow, and Comment (below)! ...Remember, comments are monitored so they will not show up immediately.

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Monday, May 11, 2026

Post 626: PWAS Member Eric Ndofor's Art on Display in Annandale, VA

PWAS Member Eric Ndofor's Art on Display in Annandale, VA

Art in Daily Spaces (ADS) organized by Community Art for Everyone (CAFE), an Annandale VA non-profit.


What is the goal of CAFE? To spark greater community interest in the arts, paving the way for future creative initiatives. CAFE organizes so many projects such as Art in Daily Spaces (ADS). The goal of ADS is to bring Art into everyday spaces. The theme of the 2026 ADS project is "Journey of Belonging". 


LocationAnnandale, VA, with installations in 7 local, everyday spaces in Annandale, VA (Restaurants, Hair Salons, Professional Offices, etc.). Eric Ndofor's art (5 pieces in total) are currently displayed at the Mason District Government Center in Annandale, VA. An opening Reception was held on May 1, 2026, 5–7 PM at the Mason District Government Center where Eric's art is on display (see pictures below). 


What next? Eric's pieces will remain on display at the Mason District Government Center for one month (May 1 to May 31, 2026). The Government Center promotes Art in the community.



 


Author: Eric Ndofor, PWAS Treasurer

Photos: Eric Ndofor  

Author: Donna Liguria is the Blogmaster for the PWAS Artistry Spin Blog and Donna's Cave Paintings Blog, and an artist member of the Prince William Art Society (PWAS) in Woodbridge, Virginia. And she takes on the PWAS social media duties as well (help me!) Donna specializes in acrylic painting of landscapes, seascapes, historic locations, animals and many subjects. Visit her Website at DonnaLiguriaArt.com and her Donna's Esty site to shop her art. 

Local Art: The Prince William Art Society is a 50+-year-old non-profit art group in PWC for the appreciation of fine art throughout the county and Northern Virginia. Visit us at any of our local art shows or join us for our monthly meetings - held on the 4th Monday of the month at the Tall Oaks Community Center at 12298 Cotton Mill Dr, Woodbridge, VA at 7:30pm (typically, but check the website in case of any changes).

Want to join PWAS? Go to https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/membership

Have an idea for a blog post? Are you a writer and want to help with the blog? Let me know! Thank you for visiting, and remember to Share, Follow, and Comment (below)! ...Remember, comments are monitored so they will not show up immediately.

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Saturday, May 9, 2026

Post 625: What's on Your Easel?

What's on Your Easel?

Periodically, I like to ask the Prince William Art Society (PWAS) artists what they are working on for a blog post. What's on your easel isn't always the right terminology for every artist as they work in various mediums and surfaces, with some creating art sitting at a table and another may be plein air painting, and someone else is creating digital art. Nonetheless, let's see what the artists are doing at the moment and what might be on their radars.

Another thought on 'What are you working on' is that for the viewers of this blog post on social media is to begin building interest on your art before it is even finished or shown for the show you may be creating it for. How about some anticipation to see the final outcome? Have you ever sold an artwork before it was even finished? I have. Someone saw it in progress, asked about it, and let me know they wanted it and don't sell it to anyone else. Paid me for it and I got it to the person. Something to think about for the next "What's on Your Easel?" 

Artists in this post include Doreen Dauer, Patty Gulledge, Bettie Sperty, Michelle Evans, Mark Murphy, Maya Claros, Otis Stanley, Zee Berrios, Goli Salih, and Donna Liguria

PWAS Member Doreen Dauer

Both oils are 11X14 framed’, entitled “Digby Harbor” and “Peggy’s Cove”.  Priced at $250 each.


PWAS Member Patty Gulledge

You wanted us to let you know what artwork we have on our easels right now ... I'm enclosing a picture of a piece I'm just finishing.  It's a painting of Tahquamenon Falls in Michigan (that's a tongue twister), and I plan to enter it in a show called "America the Beautiful.

PWAS Member Bettie Sperty

Here is what I’m working on at the moment. A work in progress. This is oil on canvas for the upcoming “America the Beautiful” show at Creative Brush. They are hoping to have every state represented and I chose Nevada as my state. My inspiration was a photo I took when we visited friends there three years ago. We stayed in a wonderful hotel and since it was Reno, every hotel had numerous slot machines and gambling areas. We don’t gamble but we certainly enjoyed the sights- the lights, the colors, the festive atmosphere. I’ve never painted anything like this before so it’s been a fun learning experience.
(If anyone is interested in entering this show, log onto the Creative Brush website for the information.) 

PWAS Member Michelle Evans

http://www.michelleevansfineart.com


PWAS Member Mark Murphy

While I've painted water lilies before, my past attempts were very literal, trying to capture every detail of a reference photo.  This version is more interpretive.   While I used some references, it does not reflect any particular photo and is not constrained by realistic detail.  This is both freeing and challenging for me as I fight my "engineer" nature. www.markmurphystudios.com

PWAS Member Maya Claros

I am working on an afrofuturistic 3D nature scene. The butterflies will be placed over flowers with a vibrant background 

PWAS Member Otis Stanley

In the early stage of a charcoal drawing. Many more stages to come. 16" x 20" , acrylic paint will be the medium.

Updated: Otis sent an updated photo of this art piece 
 

PWAS Member Zee Berrios

What is on the easel ...Okay... just started this one this morning. It will be 24" X 24", acrylic on canvas, still in the "Dance" series. It is an Asian dance known as Bhutan.

PWAS Member 'Goli' Golzar Salih

This piece was specially commissioned as a birthday gift for a dear friend who is deeply connected to her neighborhood and admires the charm and character of the historic, colorful homes along Emerald Street in Washington, DC. The painting was created to celebrate the warmth, individuality, and timeless beauty of these homes that hold such special meaning to her.

PWAS Member Donna Liguria

I have also been getting ready for an upcoming art show - the PWAS at the ARTfactory in Manassas, VA in July 10-Aug 9, 2026 called Nostalgia and created these for that show. I hope they are juried in. These 2 pieces are at their varnish and hardware stage.

The ARTfactory is at 9419 Battle Street, Manassas. I have the story with the paintings on my Donna's Cave Paintings blog here

"I Dream of Ice Cream When I Hear the Music" by Donna Liguria. 
 
Update from the Jurying Process for our PWAS ARTfactory show in July - I got 2 works in, one being "I Dream of Ice Cream..." and another one called "East Coast Sunrise". And as a note for the membership, it is always risky submitting off-season artwork to a show - namely the artwork below. It was not juried in although as far as the theme of "Nostalgia", it fit that bill. Galleries, art shows - they jury in not only what they love as art, but what they think will SELL. Selling Christmas in July - it was a risk, I know. But I did have a lot of fun painting it! Anyway, back to the drawing board...uh, Easel.
"A Vintage Christmas Morning" by Donna Liguria 

To the PWAS Members: Thank you to all the members that submitted work! Share this post on your social media too!

Well folks, what do you think? Which ones are your favs? ALL of them?? Drop a comment below. See Comments so you know how to post as yourself and not Anonymous.


Author: Donna Liguria is the Blogmaster for the PWAS Artistry Spin Blog and Donna's Cave Paintings Blog, and an artist member of the Prince William Art Society (PWAS) in Woodbridge, Virginia. And she takes on the PWAS social media duties as well (help me!) Donna specializes in acrylic painting of landscapes, seascapes, historic locations, animals and many subjects. Visit her Website at DonnaLiguriaArt.com and her Donna's Esty site to shop her art. 

Local Art: The Prince William Art Society is a 50+-year-old non-profit art group in PWC for the appreciation of fine art throughout the county and Northern Virginia. Visit us at any of our local art shows or join us for our monthly meetings - held on the 4th Monday of the month at the Tall Oaks Community Center at 12298 Cotton Mill Dr, Woodbridge, VA at 7:30pm (typically, but check the website in case of any changes).

Want to join PWAS? Go to https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/membership

Have an idea for a blog post? Are you a writer and want to help with the blog? Let me know! Thank you for visiting, and remember to Share, Follow, and Comment (below)! ...Remember, comments are monitored so they will not show up immediately.

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Thursday, May 7, 2026

Post 624: Don't Under Price Your Art from Zee Berrios

Don't Under Price Your Art from Zee Berrios

When I met Zee Berrios at a gallery that the Prince William Art Society (PWAS) was managing a few years ago, I heard him tell this story. At the Spring Tall Oaks Art Show on May 2, I heard another PWAS member asking Zee about pricing his art and he referenced this story, and I knew this would be a great art pricing tip that should be shared with our members. So, Zee wrote down for us.

PWAS Member Zee Berrios 

Artist Zee Berrios Talks Art Pricing

When I was taking Fine Arts, at the University, I had the opportunity, with another three students, to show with one of our professors,  Luis Hernandez Cruz (https://luishernandezcruz.com/). 

I was the only one that did not sell a single piece in that show. I asked my professor what was wrong with my art. He told me I was "underpricing" myself. He said that the serious art collectors like to brag about how much they paid for a piece. He mentioned that for most people "art is a want" and not a need (there are exceptions, but that is another story).

For the next show with another professor (Félix Bonilla, who actually was my mentor, Félix Bonilla Norat | Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico), I sold all of my pieces. They were the same pieces as in the last show, plus one more. I priced them three times higher than before.

The moral of the story... don't underprice yourself. Let your buyers know they are buying something of value and not a cheap item.

How much is your hour worth? Multiply that times the amount of hours you invested in the piece from its "sketch" stage to its completion (varnish and hanging mount), plus the materials invested and you will have a just and logical price.

Some price art multiplying the price of every inch time the number of inches of the entire piece plus materials. Others price art with the self question: "How much will it cost to get me divorced from this piece"? and those who are famous and fully experienced can almost price their work at any price, based on the years in the trade and the popularity of their work.

Whatever the method you use to price your work... don't underprice it.

More of Zee's artwork 
Zee's art studio 

Thank you Zee! What pricing tips would you add? Drop them in the comments below.

@2026 Prince William Art Society. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use or reproduction is prohibited without permission.  


Author: Zee Berrios

Author: Donna Liguria is the Blogmaster for the PWAS Artistry Spin Blog and Donna's Cave Paintings Blog, and an artist member of the Prince William Art Society (PWAS) in Woodbridge, Virginia. And she takes on the PWAS social media duties as well (help me!) Donna specializes in acrylic painting of landscapes, seascapes, historic locations, animals and many subjects. Visit her Website at DonnaLiguriaArt.com and her Donna's Esty site to shop her art. 

Local Art: The Prince William Art Society is a 50+-year-old non-profit art group in PWC for the appreciation of fine art throughout the county and Northern Virginia. Visit us at any of our local art shows or join us for our monthly meetings - held on the 4th Monday of the month at the Tall Oaks Community Center at 12298 Cotton Mill Dr, Woodbridge, VA at 7:30pm (typically, but check the website in case of any changes).

Want to join PWAS? Go to https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/membership

Have an idea for a blog post? Are you a writer and want to help with the blog? Let me know! Thank you for visiting, and remember to Share, Follow, and Comment (below)! ...Remember, comments are monitored so they will not show up immediately.

pinterest-site-verification=3ad32cc9cfeae507ba5a382d62fcee17