Showing posts with label Staci Blanchard. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Staci Blanchard. Show all posts

Friday, January 31, 2025

Post 534: Staci Blanchard's Art at the Dumfries Library

PWAS Member Staci Blanchard's Art is now at the Dumfries Library

The Prince William Art Society (PWAS) loves to show when members of our art group have shows up around the area. Staci Blanchard is currently showing her artwork at the Dumfries Library, January 30 - March 31, so go see the show. As we love to say at libraries, go check out a book and the art! 

Staci Blanchard

Staci Blanchard, one of PWAS' emerging artists is excited to announce her first solo art showing.  Her artwork can be viewed in person at the Dumfries branch of Prince William County Library Systems.  You can also view these and other works on her website https://www.goddessofglitter.com.

DUMFRIES LIBRARY — MAP
18115 Triangle Shopping Plaza
Dumfries, VA 22026–2579
703-792-5678

 
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Thursday – 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Friday – Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Closed Sunday




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

Photography/Video Credits: Staci Blanchard

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

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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Friday, April 28, 2023

Post 342: Spotlight on PWAS Artist Staci Blanchard

Spotlight on PWAS Artist Staci Blanchard

The Artistry Spin Blog has started a series for Prince William Art Society (PWAS) members called "Spotlight Artists", where those artists that want to be featured will submit a prearranged template for posting here and spread on our PWAS social media sites.

This week's featured PWAS Spotlight Artist...

Staci Blanchard

Date: 4/26/2023

Artist Style: Abstract, pour painting

Artist Mediums: Acrylic

Artist Bio:

Staci has worn many hats in her 52 years. She is a Desert Storm Navy Veteran; she was a respiratory therapist and paralegal at different times. Staci turned to art about 6 years ago for mental health reasons and hasn’t looked back. She found her passion in fluid art/paint pouring.

This style of painting forces the artist to let the paint lead and give up control; when life gets crazy and you find yourself constantly trying to “control” everything, it is freeing to let go with the paint. Staci has recently started playing with abstract painting and discovering more of the artist inside.

Artist’s Awards:

Staci is currently the Vice President of PWAS

Artist PWAS Member Since:

August 2021

Artist’s Social Media:

goddessofglitter1@instagram




See the other featured PWAS members by searching for "Spotlight Artists".


Author/Photographer/Artist: Staci Blanchard
 

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 #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!

Tuesday, January 10, 2023

Post 282: What's on Your Easel Right Now?

What's on Your Easel Right Now?

Many artists love to show off what they do, even if its in its early stages - and people like to see the 'behind the scenes' story of how a piece of art comes to be. Approximately monthly, I ask the PWAS members, "What's on your easel right now?" And these are the responses to the question(s) I ask.

Artwork and Christmas Presents

PWAS has members that are painters, photographers, digital artists, mixed media and more, so not every work is on an easel. So the better question is, "What are you (as an artist) working on right now?" And actually the answer to that could be what they are actually painting, photoshopping, art supply shopping on Amazon - etc. OR it could be straightening out the art studio, shopping for new art supplies, equipment, or doing their art business TAXES! Especially this time of year.

I did send out the following questions as well: 

  • Did you get any art supplies for Christmas? 
  • How about a gift card that you plan on using for art supplies? 
  • Do you prefer buying your own art supplies/equipment? 
  • What did you get or what will you buy? 
  • Did you get the easel you always wanted? Do tell!

We'll see if we get any answers to these questions that inquiring minds want to know!

Donna Liguria

I am STILL working on "Ben's Chili Bowl" 16x20 in acrylic as the holidays did slow down my progress. And I had a wedding to attend too. Thank goodness, its almost done, the Feb Open Space Art Show will be here before you know it.
 
 

I LOVE getting gift cards for Christmas as an artist! I can go to Hobby Lobby or Michael's and basically get whatever new paint, paint sets, paints to experiment with, brushes, brand new blank canvases, new gadgets or tools - for FREE! Only I know what I need more of or what I don't already have so a gift card is a 'get out of jail free card'. Oh the joy. To bring a bag of art stuff home and break out the new toys. I'm doing the Snoopy Dance!

And of course, when Christmas shopping online, I always use the Amazon Smile link above which donates to PWAS. And I just must, buy myself a Christmas present (doesn't everyone?). I bought myself the Prismacolor Premier 72ct Softcore Colored Pencils and 7ct Colored Pencil Accessory Set - not sure I should thank Mr Dessert Mark Murphy's Donuts influence yet or not on that.

And in case you didn't know, if you take the page URL of the item you are shopping for in Amazon and go to the website https://camelcamelcamel.com/, they will show you the price history of your item so you know if you are actually paying a good price or not. Give it a try.

Otis Stanley

I recently used a rewards coupon from Michaels to get new paint. Sea Island Fishing is on the easel currently.  24" x 24" in acrylic.

Looking forward to bigger and better exhibitions at OSA gallery this year.

Staci Blanchard

I got some brushes and wax pastels for Christmas. I let my husband know exactly what I wanted so he could get something I would use. And this is what is on my easel right now.  I'm still working on it, so I don't have a title as of yet. I've been exploring abstract styles recently, and I am really enjoying the journey. The medium is acrylic and the size is  24x24 inches.  I'm pushing myself to go bigger.

Michelle Baker

Back to ink. Working on some new pieces tonight.

Inspired by the poems Herb shared for February.

Strong women is a theme I return to over and over. They come to me late at night. No planning. Inlet the brush take control.

All three are works in progress.

 


Scott McDonald

Underpainting for a floral with a Tufted Titmouse tucked in the corner. Flowers will be Rose of Sharon. This part is grey gesso and acrylic. The rest will be oil. 11 x 14”

 

Mark Murphy

On my easel now is the painting of red wine being poured into a glass.  I actually painted the foreground over a year ago to explore the interplay of light and the wine but could not decide what to do with the background.  It was interesting but clearly felt incomplete.  I decided it was time to roll up my sleeves and finish the work.

 

Rita Nolan

By God's provision, I'm working on a larger version of a portrait of my former neighbor and his daughter. He gave me permission to enter it in the gallery. I can't wait to add in the splashes at the end!

The second image is a sketch of Mary McLeod Bethune. It's a good thing it's a sketch, because it looks nothing like her. (See also https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/53/Mary_McLeod_Bethune_portrait.jpg.) The intensity of her personality comes through, though. She's featured in a homeschool book my family reads called "Hero Tales," by Dave & Neta Jackson. I hope to have time this week to paint a portrait that shows her faith.

In December, I received duplicate gifts -- two full sets of Golden Acrylics interference paint. I'm keeping them all. I also received a copy of "AcrylicWorks 3," a lamp with "sunlight" bulbs, two huge bulletin boards for pinning up artwork, and a paint spatula. It was a very artsy Christmas.



 Thanks to all that responded. Please leave a comment and follow the blog too!



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/.


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!

Sunday, October 2, 2022

Post 229: PWAS Member Tips

PWAS Members Share Their Art Tips

Prince William Art Society (PWAS) is a 51+ year old art group in Prince William County, Virginia with members of 18 and up. The members (currently at 100) range in all directions of art styles, experience levels, ages - you name it. But every artist has to begin somewhere and this blog post offers suggestions on a variety of art topics.

Learning the Art World

When I started taking my art more seriously in 2020, after some of life's bumps and bruises, I found a local art group (woohoo PWAS*!) - and got INVOLVED. It has been a learning experience, as I had never been in the business of art before. So what did I do after joining? I attended every possible art meeting, art show, I gallery sat, and got on a couple of committees - to start learning how to present my art in a professional manner. AND I asked questions. AND I did research.

Here are some answers to questions that I did ask or on topics you might be interested in from some of the responding PWAS artists.

*Prince William Art Society

Staci Blanchard

My biggest tip would be to buy canvases from Michael’s when they have a bogo, or 70% off sales. They happen several times a year and you can get quality canvases.

My favorite brands of acrylic paint are Amsterdam and Arteza.  I do acrylic pours and these brands have beautiful colors and the reactions between the colors make wonderful pour art pieces.

Staci does acrylic fluid art.

Linda Nedilsky

1. Where do you get your business cards from? Vista Print

2. Where do you get your art prints made? I used to do prints but no longer

3. What kind of paint do you use, your favorite brand? Golden Acrylic and Golden Open Acrylics

4. What software program(s) do you use to do what you do - especially FREE ones? My husband and I  have a music recording business, so we have used Photoshop to design CD covers for decades. I still use it to work on ideas on my computer. 

5. Where do you get your art merchandise printed from? (for resale)
Vista Print

6. Where do you get your artwork matted, framed?
Hobby Lobby in Woodbridge. My giclee prints that I used to make were custom framed in Old Town Alexandria by Carriage House Framing. They are no longer in business. 

7. Where do you order or shop for your art supplies?
Plaza Art or Jerry's Artarama

8. Is there a favorite art tip you have to SAVE MONEY?
I try to look for sales locally, or online. Golden paints usually have their paints on sale twice a year. They do not allow sales to be placed on their paints unless they are having a general sale. 


BUT, because I am military, I get 10% off at Michaels, and sometimes they have a 20% off sale on all store items. Unfortunately, they do not carry Gold Open and in many cases customers have "squeezed" the tubes causing damage. Not sure why customers need to squeeze paint tubes, or peaches for that matter. LOL 
 

My art is  50 percent painting and 50 percent drawing. 

Kelly Haneklau

1. Where do you get your business cards from? usually Vistaprint

2. Where do you get your art prints made? Artist friend

3. What kind of paint do you use, your favorite brand? Why? Golden Open-workable longer than standard acrylics

6. Where do you get your artwork matted, framed? do it myself

7. Where do you order or shop for your art supplies? Jerrys Artarama, Blick, Michaels

8. Is there a favorite art tip you have to SAVE MONEY? do your own framing, buy in bulk when you can, use coupons for supplies, recycle supplies and found-objects

 
 Photo: "Daydreaming" oil on canvas

Kelly Haneklau, www.kellyhaneklau.com IG: @kellyhaneklau FB: Art by Kelly Haneklau

Otis Stanley

To get my framing and matting needs taken care of I use Lakeridge Art and Frame Gallery, Inc located at 4164 Merchants Plaza, Woodbridge, Va. 22192.

Michelle Baker

8. Is there a favorite art tip you have to SAVE MONEY?

Repurposing is one of the ways to save. You can pick up supplies and frames to redo at thrift stores or look at your own stash with a new eye.

I have even grabbed items left curbside for the trash man. 

I also use items that might otherwise be tossed. I have a stash of plastic trays, packaging and egg cartoons to use as palettes.

Would love to see the PWAS share leftover supplies. Maybe have a “Odds and Ends Stash” spot where people can take items. Maintenance would be key. Maybe a plastic tub or box with a lid marked in a designated area. Take one, leave one type of place like a Little Free Craft Nook patterned after the Free Libraries.

I use a lot of leftover things for textures.

My other tip is hand up your paper towels and your painters tape to use more than once.

 


John Hartt aka Jortt

John Hartt: Strange and Wonderful Art.

1. Where do you get your business cards from?
https://www.gotprint.com/home.html

2. Where do you get your art prints made?

I own a Canon Prograph 1000 and make my prints in-house. It works for me, I do a lot of prints. Initial investment: $1200, yearly supplies (inks, paper): $1,000

3. What kind of paint do you use, your favorite brand? Why?
Oil paints. I’m using Williamsburg more often. It’s pricier than other brands, but I feel like there’s more pigment than other brands.

4. What software program(s) do you use to do what you do - especially FREE ones?

Procreate for sketching on the Ipad. It was $10 when I got it several years ago. I’ll be doing a tutorial on 5 November at Stonebridge.

5. Where do you get your art merchandise printed from? (for resale)
Locally, I get my shirts and apparel at East to West Embroidery. They’ve been around for years and are super helpful and reliable.

6. Where do you get your artwork matted, framed?
I paint almost exclusively on gallery wrap.

7. Where do you order or shop for your art supplies?|
I’ve traditionally shopped online at Jerry’s Ararama they’re prices are good and get the order out quickly. Dick Blick’s prices seem to be a little better, but shipping is kinda slow. I buy canvas in bulk at Wholesale arts and frames. The prices are great until you add shipping (from CA), then the prices are just “eh”.

8. Is there a favorite art tip you have to SAVE MONEY?

Yeah. Stop being an artist, you’ll save money then.

Photo: Eight Foot Tiki

Donna Liguria

Where to begin? I have learned so much!
Recently, while hanging art at Open Space Arts for the Hispanic Heritage Art Celebration, one of my fellow committee members mentioned to NOT hang artwork with a person's face with their eyes pointing toward the door. The patrons of your gallery will view it as a subliminal message - the patron's eyes follow the direction of artwork's eyes, and head for the door too! 

Save time when SAVING your art on your phone or computer by saving the artwork with your LASTNAME_FIRSTINITIAL-Title of your artwork. When you submit your artwork to a gallery, a Call for Art, or even with your Social Media person, you need to have your artwork properly formatted anyway, so get used to doing it the same way each time and it makes it easier to ID which photograph belongs to which person. I cannot tell you how many photos I get that have a lot of numbers and it can be confusing depending on what I am posting.

When buying art supplies or ANY shopping on Amazon, use Amazon Smile so that Amazon does the donating of a portion of what you spent to a non-profit like the Prince William Art Society. See the PWAS website and the Amazon links at the top or bottom of the page (initially you may need to specify who you want to donate to) and Amazon takes care of it. It does not cost you anything extra. https://smile.amazon.com/?ref_=smi_ext_ch_23-7300705_dl
 
1. Where do you get your business cards from? Vistaprint
2. Where do you get your art prints made? Currently using https://www.gicleetoday.com/
7. Where do you order or shop for your art supplies? EVERYWHERE! Amazon Smile of course, Jerry's Artarama, Hobby Lobby, Michael's
8. Is there a favorite art tip you have to SAVE MONEY? Buy on sale
 
https://donnaliguriaart.com @DonnaLiguria
 
Photo: Mountain Reflection


What tips would you add? Leave your comments below.

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/.

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!

Sunday, July 31, 2022

Post 190: What's On Your Easel Right Now?

What's On Your Easel Right Now?

PWAS Members show off what's on their easel (in the studio) right now.

PWAS Member's Artwork on the Easel in July 2022

The Prince William Art Society members are periodically asked this question for this blog and they graciously answer with a sneak peek into their studios (or wherever they are right now) to have a look at what they are currently working on. Some pieces look nearly finished, some are in the beginning processes. Psst, come on, let's take a look...

1. Donna Liguria

"A Day at Blue Ridge Shores" Acrylic, 24x24 https://donnaliguriaart.com
Still tweaking a few areas of this painting that I began while on vacation earlier in July. 

2. Otis Stanley

"This Far By Faith" Charcoal drawing, will paint in acrylic16x20

3. Jortt aka John Hartt

Oil on canvas 20” x 20” www.jortt.com

4. Bilee Sciuto

This is Tango... He passed away and the granddaughter has asked for a picture to be done. Acrylic 11x17

5. Scott McDonald

My easel is currently set up at the Bob Ross Studio and Workshop in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. I’ve been here for two weeks getting certified to teach floral painting in the “alla-prima” or Wet-on-wet technique. I have one more week to complete for the certification.

6. Bruce Fasick

Rube Foster (for Rev Sims NLLHOF) “Can we play?” part of the upcoming Duets show (painting and sculpture)

7. Maureen Guillot

This is what's on my easel.  I'm attempting to paint these sunflowers before they die.  Each day they are different and they kind of move because they are slowly dying.  A real challenge.  I'm a slow painter. Oil painting on an 11x14 linen panel.

8. Staci Blanchard

Here is what is on my table/easel.  It’s a diptych and each piece is 12x24. It is an untitled acrylic pour.  I was inspired by the red color I used in this piece.  I hadn’t used it yet and I was really drawn to it and to see how it would play with the other colors.

9. Michelle Baker


My goal in this painting is simply to capture the beauty of one of my favorite places-an historic one-room school located in Fauquier County, Virginia. Built in 1887, Number 18 School sits in a tiny community garden which is lovingly tended to by volunteers in Marshall, Virginia.

10. Mark Murphy


I'm working on a small watercolor with a "Día de Muertos" theme for Hispanic Heritage Month.  Although death is a typically serious subject, I'm shooting for a whimsical skeleton couple that may end up under the "fun" portion of my website - http://www.markmurphystudios.com

11. Urmila Kumari


I used warm colors in this painting. I love to play with these bold colors. Theses colors keep me happy, warm and energetic. Medium: Acrylic, Size: 38x50x1.5 inches, Title: Happiness

 Thank you to all of the PWAS Members that responded. Please share the blog post to all your social media and websites too.


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!

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/.