Wednesday, August 31, 2022

Post 206: Michele Frantz - Landscapes in Pastel Workshop

Michele Frantz - Landscapes in Pastel Workshop

The Prince William Art Society (PWAS) and at Open Space Arts is hosting a selection of workshops and classes on multiple art mediums and topics.

Please see the website at https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/workshops for all of the options!

About Michele Frantz

Michele Frantz thinks of her art as an act of sharing, a desire to let other people see as she sees, and feel as she feels about a subject. A transplanted Californian, Michele began her career as an artist after receiving a bachelor’s degree in graphic arts. Originally dividing her time between desktop publishing and painting, she entered her first juried fine art show, and placed third. Encouraged by this success, Michele began to focus on fine art, and has since become accomplished in a variety of media, including watercolor, acrylics, pastels and colored pencil. Her work has received awards in several competitions, and she is honored to be a recipient of the the Prince William County Arts Council's Seefeldt Award for Arts Excellence.

Michele eventually decided to put her education and experience to use teaching others, and currently teaches a variety of media at several locations in the area. As an instructor, she believes what you paint is less important than simply relishing the act of painting, and encourages her students to find their own style and modes of expression.

Look for Michele's Workshop at Open Space Arts at Stonebridge, on the PWAS Workshop and Classes page:

https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/workshops

Landscapes in Pastel Workshop with Michele Frantz

In this one-day workshop for all skill levels, students will learn the basics of pastel craftsmanship: sketching, layering, blending and finishing. Working from a photo provided by Michele or their own photo reference students will complete a ”pastel painting.”
Supply list available at registration
Tuition: $60.00 Duration: 3hrs
Date: Sept. 17, 2022 Sat. 1:00-4:00pm
Contact Me to Register / Information: myarcadia2@gmail.com
Ages and Skill level: 18 and up, any skill level
Minimum Class Size: 5 Maximum: 15

Register here as well. https://www.ArcadiaArtStudio.com/instruction.html

Author: Michele Frantz

https://www.ArcadiaArtStudio.com/instruction.html

Author: Donna Liguria
An artist member of PWAS in Woodbridge, VA and Artistry Spin Blog Admin, specializing in acrylic painting. She paints landscapes, seascapes, animals and many subjects. Visit her Website at DonnaLiguriaArt.com, Donna's Etsy site and her Blog at Donna’s Cave Paintings.

Local Art: Visit us at Stonebridge Open Space Arts at 15000 Potomac Town Center, Woodbridge, VA - Open Wed to Sat 12-7 and Sun 12-5
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.

Want to know how to get involved at OSA? If you are an artist (18 or older) living in Prince William County, or a are a member of a PWC art group, you are welcome to get on our next art show's emailing list. Send it to us, OR come by the gallery to find out more.

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

Thank you for visiting, and remember to Share, Follow, and Comment!

Saturday, August 27, 2022

Post 205: Scott McDonald - A Painting Progress Program

Scott McDonald - A Painting Progress Program

Monday, August 22, 2022 at the Prince William Art Society meeting, after PWAS business was attended to including upcoming art events, Scott McDonald took the floor.

An Artist's Journey Can Detour

As many an artist has done, they discover at a young age the beauty in the world around them and a keen interest in how to get it to canvas. Scott told of his introduction to the world of art from paintings by his Grandmother's flowers and his desire to capture those memories. Then when he was in school and taking art classes, he finally thought he would get the chance to do that, except he went through a series of art teachers that simply said "Paint this." And then later, "Ok, good."

So his progress in his art journey, took some twists and turns as he described them in his program, including joining the Navy and setting art down for a long period of time.

And now Scott is a certified Bob Ross method teacher! And he finally learned to paint those flowers like his Grandmother did.

Look for his Workshop at Open Space Arts at Stonebridge, on the PWAS Workshop and Classes page:

https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/workshops

Painting Seascapes in Oil, Bob Ross Style

Working with oil, Scott (trained in the Bob Ross teaching method) will simplify the oil painting process guaranteeing a successful result.
Supplies included for a 16x20 painting.
Tuition: $75.00 Duration: 4hrs
Date: Sat. Oct 1, 2022, Saturday 1:00- 5:00pm
Contact Me to Register: Scottypaints54 at gmail.com
Ages and Skill level: All skill levels 16 and up
Minimum Class Size: 5 Maximum: 10

Author: Donna Liguria
An artist member of PWAS in Woodbridge, VA specializing in acrylic painting. She paints landscapes, seascapes, animals and many subjects. Visit her Website at https://DonnaLiguriaArt.com & her Blog at https://donnascavepainting.blogspot.com/.

Photography/Video Credits:
Ana Quispe

Thank you for visiting, and remember to Share, Follow, and Comment!

Thursday, August 25, 2022

Post 204: PWAS Comics by Otis Stanley #1

PWAS Comics by Otis Stanley #1

Otis sent me this cartoon with the subject "Feel My Pain". I'm hoping this is a first of many to come!

Feel My Pain

This DOES beg the question of other PWAS Members...We should start the PWAS Comics - Does anyone have art-comics to share?

Author/Artist: Otis Stanley

An artist member of PWAS in Woodbridge, VA.

Thank you for visiting, and remember to Share, Follow, and Comment!

Sunday, August 21, 2022

Post 203: The Opening of the "A Walk Through Ghana" Art Show 2

The Opening of the "A Walk Through Ghana" Art Show -part 2

More photos taken by Otis Stanley of the opening reception for the art show, "A Walk Through Ghana" that took place Friday, August 19, 2022 at Open Space Arts. Come by the gallery today to see the photography by Kwadwo Birikorang Adjei, whom we call "Banks" and enjoy the other great things to see.

Click on the images for a larger version.

Photography/Video Credits:
Otis Stanley

Thank you for visiting, and remember to Share, Follow, and Comment!

Saturday, August 20, 2022

Post 202: The Opening of the "A Walk Through Ghana" Art Show 1

The Opening of the "A Walk Through Ghana" Art Show -part 1

Friday, August 19, 2022 The opening of the "A Walk Through Ghana" art show at Open Space Arts. The show will run from August 19 until September18. Come by and see it.

A Night in Pictures

Click on photos for a larger version, and go for a walk with us of an outstanding evening.

Kwadwo Birikorang Adjei, the featured photographer for the show and Herb Williams, Arts Recreation Specialist

The Tema Choir USA, Inc were, well,..."WOW"!

Two dresses are on display and are a part of the wedding trousseau belonging to the wife of the photographer.

Photography by Kwadwo Birikorang Adjei

A loom and fabrics

I know there are a lot of shoe and purse shopping ladies that would love to get their hands on these!

Photography by Kwadwo Birikorang Adjei

The Ghana Marketplace in the back of the gallery (Workshop space)

Photography/Video Credits:
Otis Stanley

Thank you for visiting, and remember to Share, Follow, and Comment!

Friday, August 19, 2022

Post 201: PWAS Meeting Monday, August 22, 2022 Featuring Scott McDonald

PWAS Meeting Monday, August 22, 2022 Featuring Scott McDonald

The Prince William Art Society meets once a month on the 4th Monday of the month. Typically, we meet at the Tall Oaks Community Building at 12298 Cotton Mill Dr, Woodbridge, VA 22192. We meet at 7:30pm and cover the business part first, followed by light refreshments. PWAS often has a guest speaker that will have some kind of an art talk, demo, or presentation. The public is welcome to attend.

This month's guest speaker is Scott McDonald, a fellow Prince William Art Society member.

My Journey into the World of Bob Ross

At the August general membership meeting of the Prince William Arts Society, Scott E. McDonald will be giving an introduction into the Alla Prima or “wet-on-wet” technique of the Renaissance and its re-emergence into mainstream oil painting through the work of Bill Alexander and Bob Ross.

Scott will highlight why he chose this style of painting after 45 years of working in traditional oils and acrylics. Scott will display and discuss some of his works and introduce the workshop scheduled for 1 October at the Open Space Arts Gallery in Stonebridge Town Center.

Scott is a three time winner of the Open Space Arts “People’s Choice Award” for his seascapes. Scott is a Certified Ross Instructor in both Landscapes and Florals.

See you on Monday!

Author: Scott McDonald

An artist member of PWAS in Woodbridge, VA

Photography/Video Credits:
Scott McDonald

Thank you for visiting, and remember to Share, Follow, and Comment!

Wednesday, August 17, 2022

Post 200: Upcoming Calls for Art at Open Space Arts

Upcoming Calls for Art at Open Space Arts

Depending on your medium, you may need to know far in advance if you need specific artwork for specific Calls for Art or upcoming art events to enter. This post is to get the inspiration and work started so you are ready for these events.

Calls for Art at OSA and PWAS Art Events

Take note that when we say a "Call for Art" events at Open Space Arts (OSA) they are for ALL PWC artists (18 or older)...the requirement is to be a resident of Prince William County OR be a member of a PWC art or photography group. Open Space Arts is at 15000 #140 Potomac Town Center, Woodbridge, Virginia.

Secondly, when we say some of the other notices are for the Prince William Art Society (PWAS), they are restricted to members of the PWAS art group and not open to the entire PWC artist community, and they will be marked appropriately.

And finally, some art shows at OSA are sponsored by the Prince William County Arts Council (PWCAC) and are predetermined for a specific artist or group. Those art events are typically noted as PWCAC Sponsored.

August 2022

A Call for Art is out NOW and closing on August 24 at 11:59pm for the Hispanic Heritage Art Celebration show which will take place Sept 21-Oct 16 at OSA and open to PWC artists. Not on our mailing list for the Calls for Art? Right away, go to https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/osafaqs and get the emails when they go out!

September 2022

On September 10 is the Chili Fest at Stonebridge and the PWAS members will have a popup tent out side of OSA. There is no fee for the popup show, the artwork is NOT juried, but space may be limited.

Arts Alive is a wonderful art event. The event is scheduled for Sunday, September 11. Artists may have paid to be outside with their own tents, while the PWAS members will be set up inside the building in their own area. Space may be limited but this show is definitely one that is well attended by all kinds of art lovers. A fee may be requested to attend - more on this as its verified.

Hylton Performing Arts Center
10960 George Mason Cir, Manassas, VA

October 2022

On October 1 is the Fall Tall Oaks Art Show at the Tall Oaks Community Center and is a one day show. This is a PWAS member show with space being limited. Art is not juried, but typically small works tend to sell most often. 12298 Cotton Mill Dr, Woodbridge, VA 22192

A Call for Art for PWC Artists for the Nov 22 art show with a title of the show to be determined as yet. The email for the Call will go out early October for the November show.

On October 15 is the Pet Fest at Stonebridge and the PWAS group will have a popup tent outside of the OSA gallery. The PWAS members are requested to have not only "pet artwork", but any animal artwork to show. Its all about the critters for this one day show. There is no fee for the popup show, the artwork is NOT juried, but space may be limited.

October 19-30 is earmarked as "The Art of India" and will be PWCAC sponsored. Stay tuned on this one.

November 2022

A Call for Art for PWC Artists. The Call will go out early November for the December art show that has yet to be titled.

Tuesday, October 25 is International Artist Day - with the gallery closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, Sunday, October 23 may be our day to celebrate this day. I hope more on this later...we especially liked the suggestion of "take an artist to lunch" and the "buy a painting that's been talking to you" ideas!

https://nationaltoday.com/international-artist-day/

http://internationalartistday.com/index.html

In November of 2021, the Prince William Art Society had their first art show at Open Space Arts for three weekends from Thanksgiving into December - from Black Friday on. We had a great time with all the Christmas shoppers surprised to find an art gallery in the space! In a way, that's our anniversary in the space.

Artist's Sunday is Sunday, November 27, we hope to have some ideas for that day.

From November 2021 Open Space Arts

December 2022

A Call for Art for PWC Artists - this one is pending, as in not written in stone as yet, but we hope to have it in our upcoming shows so stay tuned. We want to call this "After the Masters Style" so get your thinking caps on for this one, the plan is for the January show and the Call would go out early December.

Our thought process here is your artwork styled after one of the master artists / artworks. How would Mona Lisa look with shades, a new hair style or a more modern dress?

Typically a rendering of a master work is labeled with the Master Artist's Name and not signed as an original work. For example, you might name the artwork "Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci" by Your Name. There are some details to read about copying and I do recommend that you do so.

See https://www.wildlifeartstore.com/can-you-copy-art/

January 2023

Tentatively, a Call for Art for PWC Artists. Stay tuned.

February 2023

Tentatively, the art show in February would be for Black History month. Stay tuned.

March 2023

Tentatively, March is all about the Women's History month, which could be art by and about women. Of course, family-friendly artwork. Stay tuned.

We have our calendars earmarked through April 2023 or so and will update you as we get the plans solidified. So this is about as far as I can go ahead at this time. You can also see ALL of the Open Space Arts events here so keep that page on your radar too.

Photography/Video Credits:
Donna Liguria

Thank you for visiting, and remember to Share, Follow, and Comment!

Monday, August 15, 2022

Post 199: Working the Gallery, Two Angles - 2 Angels of Art and More!

Working the Gallery, Two Angles - Two Angels of Art and More!

For those artists that have volunteered at Open Space Arts (OSA) at Stonebridge, we get to work with and get to know the other artist volunteers better each time we meet AKA- work the same shift. We enjoy the camaraderie with the guests that come to the door (or TRY to as they fly by the door) as well as the other volunteer artists we work with. Here are the stories of two such artists that I thoroughly enjoy working with at the gallery.

Two Prince William Art Society (PWAS) Members Tell the Art of Getting Guests to Come In

These two PWAS (Prince William Art Society) members, that I have had the pleasure to work with and have admired their style of welcoming the guests so much, have been asked to write something for the blog to share on how and what they do. The two gentlemen are Otis Stanley and Mark Murphy. Here are their Open Space Arts stories.

Otis Stanley

"If you have ever volunteered with Otis Stanley at the OSA you already know that he doesn't wait for patrons to walk in the gallery. Otis pleasantly invites patrons in. After a friendly greeting, he informs those strolling by of the treasures that await them inside.

"Because of our fantastic location in the center of the block I take advantage of husbands waiting for wives and girlfriends at Ulta, and families heading to Barnes and Noble." Once a few visitors are in the gallery, Otis comes in and engages in conversation about the mission of the gallery and invites them to join PWAS (the Prince William Art Society).

Through this pattern, Otis has brought in several new members to PWAS. A People's Choice Award winner, Otis is glad of his choice to join PWAS and grateful of the information he has gathered since his membership. "I have sold several paintings and drawings since joining PWAS, and built friendships that I hope last for years to come. If I can help my fellow creative friends do the same, than I am making my volunteering have purpose.""

Otis Stanley working the door at Open Space Arts

Mark Murphy

"Some ideas on inviting visitors into the OSA gallery...

Engaging strangers walking by the gallery can feel awkward or uncomfortable. Here are a few ideas I picked up by watching those who successfully pull in the crowds.

Politeness and enthusiasm are the key. I don't interrupt people engaged in conversation or clearly "on a mission" to get to work, get to their car, etc. Unless someone is actively avoiding eye contact or attention, I cheerfully invite them in saying things like, "Are you in the mood for a stroll through an air-conditioned art gallery?" or "Would you like to see a variety of art from 40 different Prince William County artists?". If there is any interest I'll sometimes add motivators like "It's free" or "You're bound to see something you like".

Many times people are rushing to a restaurant. In those cases I tell them, "We're open 'til 7 (or 5)". If they say, "Maybe another day", I usually respond with, "We'll be here for you" or "We have different shows all the time." If a family walks by with children, I'll sometimes say, 'This is a great way to encourage young artists".

It is easy to be enthusiastic about the gallery. The facility is beautiful, the art is high quality, and visitors have the opportunity to interact with some of the artists.

Once visitors are inside and given the basic introduction to the gallery, I try to get a sense for their preferred browsing experience. Do they enjoy chatting about the art or would they prefer to be left alone in quiet contemplation? Knowing a little about every piece or every artist makes it easy to strike up a conversation when the visitor is staring at a given piece. I often tell them what I like about the piece or why the artist is an interesting person. If the response is cold then I just back off and say something like, "If you have any questions about the art or the artists just let us know." I'll sometimes throw in, "XXX and I are two of the artists exhibiting here."

Our primary goal is helping visitors enjoy the art, but making sales is also very satisfying. For tips on salesmanship I've watched Otis, Tony, Fatima, and Ken, all of whom seem to do it well. If you have ideas on encouraging art visitors to become art owners please share.

Many of us have also found that setting up a table outside (weather permitting) and working on some art is an effective way to get potential visitors to engage. When passers by pause to take a look, it is easy to open the conversation about the gallery. I've found that you need to be comfortable with leaving your art unattended outside. Particularly if there are only two people on the shift, when the gallery starts to fill, we can't always afford to have one volunteer sitting outside. There are a couple lightweight plastic folding tables in the back. If I can't find a folding chair I just borrow one of the high chairs behind the desk."

Mark Murphy at OSA's pop-up art show with PWAS artists for the "Taste of Woodbridge" event

Other Artists with Drawing Power

With that said (thank you Otis and Mark!), we often have artists that set up a table in the window area inside and they wave people in too as they stop to see what they are doing!

An artist from the June student art show, Carlos

Kelly Haneklau working on her art and greeting visitors

Richard Tyler at the window "studio" of Open Space Arts

Stephanie McGee working her fascinating quilling techniques at the window

The Visitors to Open Space Arts

We are all thrilled to get the chance to meet and greet the visitors to the gallery as well. We are tickled silly how excited they are to walk into the gallery and how amazed they are to see the art! Some get on their phones and tell their friends, others come back later with those friends and family. And of course, we love telling them that "WE" the volunteers (often) have art up too, and they want us to point ours out. Talk about joy to an artists little ears (or ear if you are Van Gogh).

The July - August art show at Open Space Arts, "Summer Spotlight on Art" just came down on August 14. So you will need to come to the gallery to see Otis and Mark's artwork a little later in the year, but our next art show will be "A Walk Through Ghana" with photographer Kwadwo Birikorang Adjei.

Of course, now that I have "spilled the beans" on these two artist volunteers, the Signup Genius Volunteer Schedule will fill up whenever they are on a shift!

Author: Otis Stanley

An artist member of PWAS in Woodbridge, VA

Author: Mark Murphy

An artist member of PWAS in Woodbridge, VA

Photography/Video Credits:

Otis Stanley and Mark Murphy, Donna Liguria

Local Art: Visit us at Stonebridge Open Space Arts at 15000 Potomac Town Center, Woodbridge, VA - Open Wed to Sat 12-7 and Sun 12-5
The Prince William Art Society is a 50-year old non-profit art group in PWC for the the appreciation of fine art throughout the county and Northern Virginia.

Want to know how to get involved at OSA? If you are an artist (18 or older) living in Prince William County, or a are a member of a PWC art group, you are welcome to get on our next art show's emailing list. Send it to us, OR come by the gallery to find out more.

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

Thank you for visiting, and remember to Share, Follow, and Comment!

Pages

Wednesday, August 31, 2022

Michele Frantz - Landscapes in Pastel Workshop

About Michele Frantz

Saturday, August 27, 2022

Scott McDonald - A Painting Progress Program

An Artist's Journey Can Detour

Thursday, August 25, 2022

PWAS Comics by Otis Stanley #1

Feel My Pain

Sunday, August 21, 2022

The Opening of the "A Walk Through Ghana" Art Show -part 2

Saturday, August 20, 2022

The Opening of the "A Walk Through Ghana" Art Show -part 1

A Night in Pictures

Friday, August 19, 2022

PWAS Meeting Monday, August 22, 2022 Featuring Scott McDonald

My Journey into the World of Bob Ross

Wednesday, August 17, 2022

Upcoming Calls for Art at Open Space Arts

Calls for Art at OSA and PWAS Art Events

August 2022

September 2022

October 2022

November 2022

December 2022

January 2023

February 2023

March 2023

Monday, August 15, 2022

Working the Gallery, Two Angles - Two Angels of Art and More!

Two Prince William Art Society (PWAS) Members Tell the Art of Getting Guests to Come In

Otis Stanley

Mark Murphy

Other Artists with Drawing Power

The Visitors to Open Space Arts

Total Pageviews