Post 376: Art Tips 7

Art Tips, Tricks, and More...7

You never know when you might hear an art tip about something that is just the suggestion that will solve an issue for you or help you and your work in some way. This is an ongoing series of tips and I would LOVE to have your suggestions as well!

 

Photo by sydney Rae on Unsplash

Art Tips, Advice, Suggestions

1. Experimenting in art is sort of like practicing art - you'll learn more and get better the more you do.
2. Chemicals and art supply safety - many of the art supplies we use can be harmful whether odorless or not. Put a lid on whatever needs a lid, use air circulation and wear gloves and/or a mask/
   
3. Never stop learning new techniques - see #1.
   
4. While volunteering or while helping to 'man" the art booth, TALK to other artists about their art, their techniques, tools and inspiration. You'll learn more and you may make a life long art friend.
   
5. Respect your equipment! Clean up when done, store things properly, and for goodness sake, transport your artwork carefully.
6. Art files for inspiration. Use your computer and your phone or in your file cabinet, save ideas, photos, snippets for the day when you run into artist block.
7. Get your art "out there". Enter art shows, competitions. Hang your artwork in restaurants, gift stores, cafes, coffee shops, libraries, bars, hotels, county office buildings, friend's office spaces - just ASK. Find the places that love promoting local art, local artists, local places. (Get an agreement and conditions in writing and TRY!)
8. Social media is another part of #7. Get your art name out there too. Who better to promote YOU than YOU? Just because you are a part of an art group, you cannot expect that to be your only avenue to promote that your art is on display too.
9. This is a harsh one but get used to rejection. I emphasize this one again because it is going to happen and it will happen more than once so it is to be expected. You may not get into an art gallery or show you entered. Not all of your art was accepted. You may not make a sale. Stuff happens but keep on trying.
   
10. Go to your art reception(s) and art shows to better promote YOU. People love getting to know the artist(s) on display and if you aren't there, how can they? How can you say, this is my art? Or answer their questions? Or hand them your business card if they want to learn more?
11. If you have the talent for art, do not waste it. You've been blessed with a wonderful gift so use it some how, some way, some where.
    
12. Grow. If you only do art occasionally, if you don't learn more, take classes, rub elbows with creative people, get to know your local art scene, if you do nothing, how will you and your art business grow? Get to museums and art galleries, look at art books and magazines, take inspirational pictures and examine how you can recreate those colors.
    

Art Tips is a series of blog posts with 12 tips per post. See the rest of the Art Tips Series on this page for more tidbits of advice: https://artistryspin.blogspot.com/p/art.html

Send me YOUR art tips too or drop them in the comments below. AND let me know if you find an art tip here that you LOVE!

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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.

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Local Art: The Prince William Art Society is a 52-year-old non-profit art group in PWC for the appreciation of fine art throughout the county and Northern Virginia.

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!

Post 375: An Art Reception at Open Space Arts

An Art Reception at Open Space Arts

Friday, July 28, 2023 6:00pm  An art reception was held last night at Open Space Arts at the gallery at Stonebridge Shopping Center in Woodbridge, Virginia. Art receptions are great ways to 'announce' a new art show now-on-display-opening and for the public to not only see the show, but meet the artists that have artwork in the show.

Military and First Responders Show

The current show is called "For Those That Serve" which honors those in the military and our First Responders. Most of the art on display reflects the title in a variety of ways.

Many thanks to PWAS artist member Otis Stanley for taking the pictures as seen below.

 

Art Reception "goodies" table - besides the AWESOME ART on the walls, a great snacks and beverages are part of the welcoming art reception

 

PWAS Artist Member Penny Shaw at the bling-out your kicks table

 

New PWAS Artist Member Kenneth McKether

 

PWAS Artist Member David Bannan

 

 

PWAS Artist Member Mandy Kennedy - thanks to Mandy for stepping up and helping out with the reception's success!

 

PWAS Artist Member Katie Keller Dugan

 

PWAS Artist Member Sandra McClelland Lewin

 

PWAS Artist Member Ken Meardon who is moving away this week and leaving us. Ken and his wife Evelyn will be missed! Ken was a long time member of PWAS and served as Treasurer on the Board. His Photoart is always a favorite at any art show. (...and who knows WHAT I was saying to Ken at that point!)

 

PWAS Artist Member Jesmin Rashid

 

Mr and Mrs. Davis (CJ. Davis Parents)

 

PWAS Artist Member Donna Liguria

 

PWAS Artist Member Tom Payne and Connie Huebner

 

New PWAS Artist Member Scott Spurr

 

PWAS Artist Member Ahmad Khalid Gatdizi

 

Tony Macaluso

 

PWAS Artist Member Connie Huebner

 

PWAS Artist Member Nicole Fisher

 

Patrons including Evelyn Meardon

 

PWAS Artist Member Robert Dew

 

PWAS Artist Member David Dillon

 

PWAS Artist Member Topaz Campbell AKA Shadow

PWAS is a growing art group and I am still learning the names of the new members! Welcome to the group! In trying to put the name to the members and their paintings above, I hope we have matched up correctly. If you see room for improvement, let me know!

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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, her Esty site and her Blog at Donna’s Cave Paintings.

Photography/Video Credits:
Otis Stanley

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Local Art: The Prince William Art Society is a 52-year-old non-profit art group in PWC for the appreciation of fine art throughout the county and Northern Virginia.

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

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

Post 374: For Those That Serve - New Art Show at Open Space Arts

For Those That Serve - New Art Show at Open Space Arts

A new art show has begun at Open Space Arts at Stonebridge on Wednesday, July 26, 2023 called "For Those That Serve". Much of the featured art will be inspired by the military, the patriotism, the First Responders, the heroes that serve others in and around the United States and the world. The art reception is Friday, July 28 at 6:30pm.

An Art Gallery in Woodbridge, Virginia

Open Space Arts is located at 15000 #140 Potomac Town Center, Woodbridge, VA and is open Wednesday - Saturday 12-7pm (occasionally later on Fri/Sat) and Sunday 12-5pm.

A Big Congratulations to the Artists Selected into the Show

These 24 LOCAL Prince William County artists were juried into this art show.

Ahmad Khalid Gardizi          Mandy Powell            April McKether            CJ Davis

Connie Huebner                   David Bannan           David Dillon                 Donna Liguria

Doreen Dauer                       Evelyn Chatters        Kate Brogdon              Kathleen Gates

Katie Keller Dugan                Kenneth McKether   Kervin Simon               Mark Murphy

Nicole Fisher                         Robert Dew              Sandra Lewin              Saul Roldan

Shadow                                 Tom Payne               Tony Mullen                 Wanny Blackman

Come by and see the artwork for this show which will run July 26 - August 20, 2023. It is always free to see the art - it is for YOU to enjoy while you visit the Stonebridge Shopping Center or dine at one of the many fine restaurants. If a particular artwork strikes your fancy - or an art print is more in your budget, we DO appreciate your support of the arts in Prince William County. 

Art Reception

Friday, July 28, 2023 about 6:30 pm for the new show - come by and meet the artists! Open to the public and FREE!

See you there!

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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, her Esty site and her Blog at Donna’s Cave Paintings.

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Local Art: The Prince William Art Society is a 52-year-old non-profit art group in PWC for the appreciation of fine art throughout the county and Northern Virginia.

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

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

Post 373: Art Tips 6 - Art Career

Art Tips, Tricks, and More...6

You never know when you might hear an art tip about something that is just the suggestion that will solve an issue for you or help you and your work in some way. This will hopefully be an ongoing series of tips and I would LOVE to have your suggestions as well!

 

Photo by sydney Rae on Unsplash 

Art Tips, Advice, Suggestions - "Art Career"

1. If you get the vibe from someone looking at your art (or hear them say its too expensive) you need to offer them other alternative options - do you have art prints? Do you have smaller, less expensive works available? You may say something like, "This piece seems to maybe not fit into your budget, this other option may work better for you...."
   
2.  If you haven't already figured it out, if you have artwork in a gallery, it benefits YOU to be at the gallery as much as you can while your works are there. People want to meet the artist that created the work. People respond and feel more inclined to purchase your artwork IF they feel like they know you. 
3. Along with #2, you might be a shy person - you have to learn to promote YOU and YOUR art! Tell a story, be genuine. What motivates you, what are you inspired by? What are you passionate about? Write it down and be ready to tell your story.
   
4.  Curate your art submissions when entering art competitions, calls for art, and trying to get in a gallery. That means to purposely ensure there is a visual cohesion, a union of similarity in some way. Think about that one - if your artwork is very random, it's easier for a juror to throw out what they don't feel "fits". Yet if the artwork is ALL done very well, and just sort of fits together, it may make it easier for pieces to get in as its harder to pick "just one". The confidence and professionalism of the artist shines through.
5. When you hear, "Don't put all of your eggs in one basket", you know what that means, correct? The same with your art. Don't be in just one place, be everywhere you can manage and handle. 
6. Be organized and work on this side of your art business because it is just as important as the creation side. Being organized will help in so many ways!
7.  Be patient. Be realistic. I have seen artists that come into the gallery for an art show and if they don't sell anything that one time, they don't show their art again at that gallery.
   
8.  Realize that over-night-success can take YEARS.
   
9.  How to Create a Professional Artist Website by Julien Delagrange
   
10.  Here is a GREAT Tip: Follow the instructions you are given for a Call for Art.
    
11.  A career in art is HARD WORK. If you can't do the hard work and you have a Plan B, you will probably do your Plan B.
    
12. I just found this tweet by Jerry Saltz and liked it, "Three career tips for artists: 1. About 80% of making good art is regularly showing up in your studio. 2. About 80% of having a career is regularly showing up at art things out there. 3. About 80% of what you know & share comes from regularly staying up late with other artists.

Art Tips is a series of blog posts with 12 tips per post. See the rest of the Art Tips Series on this page for more tidbits of advice: https://artistryspin.blogspot.com/p/art.html

Send me YOUR art tips too or drop them in the comments below. AND let me know if you find an art tip here that you LOVE!

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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, her Esty site and her Blog at Donna’s Cave Paintings.

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Local Art: Visit us at Stonebridge Open Space Arts at 15000 #140 Potomac Town Center, Woodbridge, VA - Open Wed to Sat 12-7 and Sun 12-5
The Prince William Art Society is a 52-year-old non-profit art group in PWC for the appreciation of fine art throughout the county and Northern Virginia.

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

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

Post 372: Art Tips 5 - Reference Links

 Art Tips, Tricks, and More...5

You never know when you might hear an art tip about something that is just the suggestion that will solve an issue for you or help you and your work in some way. This will hopefully be an ongoing series of tips and I would LOVE to have your suggestions as well!

 

Photo by sydney Rae on Unsplash 

Art Tips, Advice, Suggestions

This batch of art tips come from other sources as referenced.

1. Create interesting titles for your art. Mastering the Art of Naming: Strategies for Creating Clever and Compelling Art Titles by Gavin Coates
   
2. Learn the fundamental painting techniques, especially for your medium of choice. 7 Essential Painting Techniques for Artists by Dave Kendall
3. PWAS member Leah Boynton wrote an article on Tips for Photographing Your Art for Jury Submissions - its important to take great photos of your work before submitting to a call for art.
   
4.  Keep an inventory of all of your artwork. Art Inventory and Tips by PWAS member Donna Liguria
5. Cropping a Photo Made Easy by Donna Liguria, which is how to edit your photos in the most simplest of ways, especially when submitting for a Call for Art.
6. DO NOT take "art rejection" personal. You just cannot do that. It happens all the time to everyone because there are so many factors that go into what gets into a gallery, a show, an opportunity (that are out of our control) so that means not everyone will get in. Period. Art Rejection by Donna Liguria
7. The Drawing Advice that Changed My Life - Struthless Video
   
8.  Applying To Juried Art Gallery Shows My Thoughts - Tips For Artists - Rafi Was Here Video
9. 10 of the Best Sales Tips for Artists by Renee Phillips - I really liked these tips, check it!
   
10. When You Feel Robbed By An Art Event or Gallery - Artist Tips Podcast - Rafi Was Here
11. How to Write Your Artist's Statement by Renee Phillips
12. Now - give back! YOU give ME a favorite art tip of yours or the best art advice you know! Are you finding these art tips useful? Drop me a comment below.
    

Art Tips is a series of blog posts with 12 tips per post. See the rest of the Art Tips Series on this page for more tidbits of advice: https://artistryspin.blogspot.com/p/art.html

Send me YOUR art tips too or drop them in the comments below. AND let me know if you find an art tip here that you LOVE!

---

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.

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Local Art: Visit us at Stonebridge Open Space Arts at 15000 #140 Potomac Town Center, Woodbridge, VA - Open Wed to Sat 12-7 and Sun 12-5
The Prince William Art Society is a 52-year-old non-profit art group in PWC for the appreciation of fine art throughout the county and Northern Virginia.

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

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

Post 371: Art Group Meeting and Agenda, Prince William Art Society July 24, 2023

Art Group Meeting and Agenda, Prince William Art Society July 24, 2023

On July 24 at 7:30 pm the Prince William Art Society will meet at the Tall Oaks Community Center, 12298 Cotton Mill Dr, Woodbridge, VA 22192. We will begin the meeting with a program by Robert Friedenberg, who will present his work and discuss his technical and artistic process. He says "Drawing has been my lifelong hobby and passion since I was pursuing my PhD in theoretical nuclear physics. I graduated in 1976 and worked as a physicist, engineer, software developer, consultant, and executive in various fields and industries for nearly 50 years, before turning my attention to art full-time in 2023."

"As an artist, I create very detailed black and white pen and ink drawings using a .25mm Rapidograph, a technical pen that allows me to produce intricate and precise lines and shapes. My work incorporates a wide range of themes, from natural scenery to mechanical devices to science fiction and fantasy. I also embed pictures, words, symbols, equations, and other elements into my drawings to add depth, texture, and interest, and to engage the viewer on a long-term basis. Some of my drawings even feature the equations from my PhD dissertation, reflecting my fascination with physics and mathematics. My mission is to capture and manipulate my mind's wanderings and to keep you looking and always finding something new." Bob's work can be viewed in person at the Artists' Undertaking in Occoquan, or online at https://www.notwolfproductions.com/.

Programs are free and open to the public, who are welcome to attend. Following programs there is a brief change over with refreshments available, then there is a business meeting which the public may attend if desired.

Take a look at some of Bob's work...click on them for a larger view! WOW!

 See you on Monday, July 24, 2023 at 7:30pm!

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Author: Emily Hawes

 

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, her Esty site and her Blog at Donna’s Cave Paintings.

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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 and our monthly meetings - held on the 4th Monday of the month at the Tall Oaks Community Center 12298 Cotton Mill Drive, Woodbridge, VA at 7:30pm.

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!

Post 370: See Some Art, Meet the Artists at Open Space Arts

See Some Art, Meet the Artists at Open Space Arts

At Open Space Arts, the artists showing at the gallery volunteer their time to have the gallery open and greet the guests. The gallery is found at 15000 #140 Potomac Town Center, Woodbridge, VA - just up from Wegmans. It is located right next to Ulta, with The Loft on the other side with DSW right across the street. The gallery is open Wednesday to Saturday 12 to 7pm and Sunday 12 to 5pm. Many Fridays and Saturdays, visitors may find the gallery open until 9pm.

An Art Gallery in Woodbridge, VA

Often, an artist brings their art supplies with them - which could be a canvas and some paints, a sketch pad and pencils, their watercolors or their laptop or iPad for digital art. By all means, visitors are very welcome into the gallery, it is absolutely free to view the art on display - and talk to the artists that are creating their next masterpieces.

 

Photo by Otis Stanley

 

Photo by Otis Stanley, Friday, July 7, 2023 - Tom Payne, Kyran McCann, Leah Boynton, and Evelyn Chatters 

 

Photo by Donna Liguria, May 2022 - Kelly Haneklau 

Photo by Donna Liguria, June 2022 "Emerging Artists" show - Stephanie McGhee

 

Photo by Donna Liguria, June 2022 Emerging Artists show

 

Photo by Donna Liguria, January "After the Masters" show

The artists will tell you about the current show, they can share with you when the next show is and any upcoming events. Many visitors ask how they can show their art at the gallery. The answer to that is 2 fold...because all of the art is juried in. This means that art is selected to appear when a call for art goes out (and it is FREE to submit your art). All artists are welcome to apply, that are 18 or older AND:

1. Live in Prince William County OR

2. OR, They are a member of a Prince William County art group or photography group

The gallery is to promote the art and artists of PWC, but if you are a part of a PWC art group, you are eligible as well. Now, you must be on our email list to get the call for art. You can do that through the Prince William Art Society (PWAS) website at Calls for Art page https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/call-for-art

Also available on the PWAS website are the upcoming art shows at Open Space Arts https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/news-events and there is a list found on the PWAS Artistry Spin Blog (web view) on the right side navigation at https://artistryspin.blogspot.com/

Available on https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/osa-calendar is the Open Space Arts Calendar.

The Prince William Art Society manages the gallery (fine art) portion of Open Space Arts (OSA), and if you are interested in joining our art group, please see https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/membership

The only exception to the "must be 18 or older" rule to show your art is for the annual "Emerging Artists" art shows held in April 2024. The OSA committee typically work with the schools and art teachers to prepare for this show, and there is a lot the student artists need to learn and do to prepare.

One of the best times to come to the gallery is the opening receptions. They are usually held on the Friday evening of the week that a show opening starts. There are often a lot of the artists at the opening reception - and some food nibbles too. We've had some really awesome art receptions!

So come by Open Space Arts and meet the artists, enjoy the show on display and you can usually vote for your favorite art piece. If you're an artist too, well, you can get involved as well! See you there!

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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.

Photography/Video Credits:

Otis Stanley and Donna Liguria

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Local Art: Visit us at Stonebridge Open Space Arts at 15000 #140 Potomac Town Center, Woodbridge, VA - Open Wed to Sat 12-7 and Sun 12-5
The Prince William Art Society is a 52-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!

Post 369: Art Tips 4

Art Tips, Tricks, and More...4

You never know when you might hear an art tip about something that is just the suggestion that will solve an issue for you or help you and your work in some way. This will hopefully be an ongoing series of tips and I would LOVE to have your suggestions as well!

 

Photo by sydney Rae on Unsplash

Art Tips, Advice, Suggestions 

1. Join an art group in your area! Many will welcome you to visit "to check them out", so find one you like and what they have to offer. Benefits
2. Get seriously involved in your local art group! Sometimes if you need something to change, if you think things can be improved and you have the skill sets - put your knowledge and enthusiasm to work! PWAS Art Group As a former PWAS President told me once, the best way to make a change is to get involved where YOU can help implement that change.
   
3. Save ALL of your artwork. Your growth and improvements are compared within your own works - not in comparison with another person's work.
4. Here's one I haven't tried YET - in a plastic container or jar with a lid, push folded up damp paper towels and add acrylic paint onto the towels for this make-do storage palette.
5. Make your own labels or use a label maker to LABEL all of your art supplies in your art space to help organize what is where. It should help to stay organized as long as you (or anyone using your space) put things back in the right place. Put like things together as well.
6. Wire rack shelving can be used in great ways to dry your artwork whether placed ON the shelf or hanging UNDER the shelf and using binder clips or clothes pins. Sometimes organization space is easier to go up than around the room or taking up your flat surface work spaces.
7. Finished a painting and loved how things turned out and wondered how you could re-create it later? I used this on a sea turtle I drew and painted one time. Once the original is completely dry, use a piece of transparency paper and copy your own work. Copy it and create your own stencil shape on hard paper or cardboard and go from there.
8. Hit the clearance racks of your favorite art or paint stores for your lucky finds, embellishments or inspirational ideas.
9. On that note, Michaels has a 70% off canvas sale about 3 times a year so be on the lookout and stock up ASAP when those sales are announced. Your favorite sizes will disappear quick.
10. If you are thinking of an Etsy shop for your artwork, consider the sizes of what all you want to offer and their shipping container sizes and stay within those perimeters of canvas sizes.
11. Makeup brushes are great as blending brushes.
12. Hair conditioner on your brushes? Makes sense doesn't it especially if they are made of natural hair. Periodically use hair conditioner on your brushes to keep them from separating.
    

What art tips, art advice or suggestions do you have to add? Money saving tips, new art tools, art "hacks" - using every day objects in usual ways - what ideas have you used?

 See the Art Tips Series on this page for more tidbits of advice: https://artistryspin.blogspot.com/p/art.html

Send me YOUR art tips too or drop them in the comments below. AND let me know if you find an art tip here that you LOVE!

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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, her Esty site and her Blog at Donna’s Cave Paintings.

---

Local Art: Visit us at any of our local art shows and our monthly meetings.
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 join PWAS? Go to https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/membership

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