Saturday, October 8, 2022

Post 234: Local Art Shows, Festivals, Around the Town

Local Art Shows, Festivals, Around the Town

There are so many things going on in the fall for artists! All around Prince William County from various galleries, popup art shows, and street festivals celebrations, artists are displaying art for you to see. Especially when the day promises to be so nice, get out and enjoy the arts in all its forms - the artists have captured nature, ideas, whimsical, the funny, the absurd and occasionally, themselves for the viewer to observe at their leisure.

What's Happening?

At Open Space Arts at Stonebridge in Woodbridge, the "Hispanic Heritage Arts Celebration" show continues until October 16, so stop in and see the PWC artists lovely selection of art.

In Manassas, today - Saturday, October 15 from 10 to 5pm, a lot going on. Fall Festival in Historic Manassas which includes some PWAS artists, MAG an pARTners artists. (Prince William Art Society, Manassas Art Guild) The Artist's Inventory Sale at the Harris Pavilion and the 15th Annual Paint Manassas is ongoing.

And on Saturday, October 15, 2022 at Stonebridge, Petoberfest will be a fun street festival with a popup art show outside of Open Space Arts with Pet and Animal artwork that is sure to please everyone.

So get out and enjoy the day and see the arts!

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!

Thursday, October 6, 2022

Post 233: Otis Stanley's PWAS Comics #7

Otis Stanley's PWAS Comics #7

Otis' weekly Funnies series.

What signals do you get to stop working on a project? Leave your comments under the blog post!

Author/Artist: Otis Stanley
An artist member of PWAS in Woodbridge, VA

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

Wednesday, October 5, 2022

Post 232: These are a Few of My (PWAS Member) Favorite Things

These are a Few of My (PWAS Member) Favorite Things

Sing along with me now, "These are a few of my favorite things..." Can't sing like Julie Andrews?

A few PWAS members noted some favorite things with art...

Fatima Farzana

Abstract painting is my favorite way to express imagination and emotion. For me, painting is a soul-searching journey!

Linda Nedilsky

I enjoy drawing or painting many subjects, but my favorite subjects are pet portraits. Many of my commission pieces are done in memory of a lost pet. I have had many dogs in my life and losing them is like losing a very close friend or family member. Providing a portrait for the owner is a way of giving them something they can remember their pets for years to come. In addition I have donated a gift certificate for a pet portrait to support various animal rescue programs around the country.

CJ Davis

I am CJ Davis, a Mexican American artist working out of the PWC area.

My favorite things to paint are portraits and medical items. I like to explore these themes because of my chronic pain and struggle with mental illness. I believe it is important to speak about it, and empower those with disabilities. My portraiture reflects people in my life who are important to me, especially in my family. I am Mexican, and our culture deeply believes in revering family and ancestors. I paint my abuela (grandmother), as she is the matriarch of our family, and an inspiration to me. cjdavisart.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33o32C0ogVM

Donna Liguria

Some may say I like painting mini paintings and I do paint a lot of them. Last year I bought a case of 100 3x4 mini canvases and soon after purchased another case. They do sell well usually and I include the mini easels. It is actually fun coming up with the variety of images and ideas to paint and occasionally I am surprised when certain ones sell! They can range in price from $25 to 28 each depending on how much work goes into them.

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

Tuesday, October 4, 2022

Post 231: Saturday, OCT 15, 2022 PEToberfest

Saturday, OCT 15, 2022 PEToberfest

Grab your leashes and your pet carriers. Have your favorite furriest friends lead the way to Stonebridge on Saturday, October 15 between 11am and 4pm. The streets are alive with meows and cuddly wet noses for the PEToberfest celebration. Vendors and artists will be celebrating our favorite animals - puppies, kittens, birds, fish and more in every way!...Maybe something for Fido and Fluffy AND for you!

Prince William Art Society Popup Art Show

The Prince William Art Society (PWAS) will be displaying art featuring all animals great and small with artwork outside the Open Space Arts Gallery at 15000 #140 Potomac Town Center, Woodbridge, VA in a popup art show (tented).

AND inside the gallery the art show is "Hispanic Heritage Art Celebration" which began on September 21 and will run until October 16, 2022, so plan on seeing both.

Ever wanted a painting of your favorite furry buddy? We have artists that specialize in pet paintings! Just ask!

A peek inside the gallery ...(pssst...ALWAYS free to have a look at local art!):

Come by the gallery anytime Wednesday - Saturday 12 to 7pm and Sundays 12 to 5pm - but do come by Petoberfest on October 15 - see you there!

Photography/Video Credits:

Mark Murphy

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

Monday, October 3, 2022

Post 230: Rain or Shine Fall Tall Oaks Art Show by PWAS

Rain or Shine Fall Tall Oaks Art Show by PWAS

While Hurricane Ian wanders over Virginia tossing rain across the area after unfortunately wreaking havoc and lives across Florida, South Carolina, and North Carolina, the PWAS artists set up an art show at the Tall Oaks Community Center. Life goes on in Virginia although our thoughts are on friends and family in the affected areas. The Spring Tall Oaks Show was rainy this year too - but its always quite comfortable inside and the art was awesome.

Pictures from Saturday, October 1 Tall Oaks

Tall Oaks Community Center, 12298 Cotton Mill Dr. Woodbridge, Va - on the corner of Hedges Run and Cotton Mill

This picture was definitely not Saturday, October 1, 2022 as it shows the early morning of a Tall Oaks Show in 2021, our day yesterday was much more grey. Yet we did have a fun day with visitors and hanging out with our fellow PWAS members, 7 in all.

Some brave souls dodged the rain drops and made it to the art show. Giant is nearby and they saw the Art Show signs, or they saw it online or they even knew we would be there because they saw us at the Occoquan Arts and Crafts show last weekend.

Here are some pictures from the show which included Ken Meardon (show leader), Mark Murphy, Tony Muller, Maria Briganti, Tom Payne, Doreen Dauer, and Donna Liguria when we first got it set up.

Ken Meardon

Maria Briganti

Donna Liguria

Ken Meardon

Mark Murphy

Doreen Dauer

Maria Briganti

Tony Muller

Mark Murphy

Tony Muller

Ken Meardon

Tom Payne

Tom brought some tunes and we rather enjoyed the day. The good thing about any down time is getting to know your fellow members better and how they do various art challenges or discussion topics like the ongoing topic of "AI Art" (Artificial Intelligence). And then, a certain bit of music comes up...

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.

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

Saturday, October 1, 2022

Post 228: After the Master's Style Art Show at OSA in Jan. 2023

After the Master's Style Art Show at OSA in Jan. 2023

The Open Space Arts Committee is so excited for this upcoming art show in January 2023! The ideas and creative juices are on full force, but we are anticipating some questions that we would love to address beforehand.

Open Space Arts Shows

Open Space Arts is located at 15000 #140 Potomac Town Center, Woodbridge, VA at Stonebridge - where Wegmans is. It is across from DSW and between Ulta and the Loft on the same block at Barnes and Noble. The gallery changes out the artwork approximately monthly - give or take.

The current art show began on Wednesday, September 21, with a reception open to the public on Friday, Sept. 23 and this show will run until Sunday, October 16. This show is called, "Hispanic Heritage Art Celebration" which will be followed by an Indian culture show Oct. 19 - 30, 2022. The Hispanic show is a PWC artist and PWC art group juried show and the India show is a PWCAC (Prince William County Arts Council) sponsored show (which means PWAS and PWC artists might not be necessarily invited for a Call for Art).

In November and December, there will be Calls for Art for these PWC artist and PWC art group shows in the months prior to their start dates - as well as the Call for Art in early Dec for the January "After the Master's Style" show.

Let's lay this out this way:

Saturday, October 1 - Fri. Oct. 14 Call for Art for the NOV show

Wednesday, October 19 - Sunday, October 30 "India" PWCAC sponsored show

Sunday, October 23 - Sat. Nov. 5 Call for Art for the DEC show

Wednesday, November 2 - Sunday, November 20 "A Harvest of Artists" PWC artist show (juried)

Wednesday, November 23 - Sunday, January 1, 2023 "Deck Your Halls" PWC artist show (juried)

Sunday, November 27 - Fri. Dec. 9 Call for Art for the JAN show

Wednesday, January 4 - Sunday, January 29 "After the Master's Style" PWC artist show (juried)

All artwork is juried in, which means out of the artwork submitted, pieces are selected to show.

After the Master's Style - So you need time to get your artwork ready for these upcoming shows! Let's see multiple versions of the classic master paintings! I am so excited for this show!

Calls for Art

When a gallery or art group has a Call for Art, that means that artists are invited to submit art to display in their space. The requirements are stated, including size requirements, if there is a theme to follow, if there is a cost, etc.

For Open Space Arts, it is free to submit art but the main requirements are that the artist MUST be 18 or older, and:

The artist should be a resident of Prince William County OR

The artist can be a member of a Prince William County art group - such as the Prince William Art Society.

Interested artists should get on our mailing list ASAP and you can do that at:

https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/osafaqs

Take note of the Frequently Asked Questions on that page as well.

I do suggest this recent blog post too:

https://artistryspin.blogspot.com/2022/09/post-225-artwork-rejection.html

1. How should I sign or title my artwork for this show?

Let's all use this basic layout on your title card for the After the Masters show:

Name of Painting Inspired by Name of Master (anything additional, like "Mini")

You would still sign the front of your artwork with your name but the back should include the above, and your labels should as well so that you are still accrediting the old Master Painter.

You probably cannot use newer more recent well known artists for this - especially if they are still alive.

Also of note from PWAS member Shadow:

The book mentioned at our most recent meeting is 'Legal Guide for the Visual Artist' by Tad Crawford ISBN - 10 is 1621538117. The 6th Edition was just put out this year and covers NFT's and new tech stuff.

Be sure and use our Amazon Smile link:

https://smile.amazon.com/Legal-Guide-Visual-Artist-Crawford/dp/1621538117/ref=sr_1_1?crid=266OBYC5MI6Y7&keywords=Legal+Guide+for+the+Visual+Artist&qid=1664570593&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIxLjUwIiwicXNhIjoiMS4yNSIsInFzcCI6IjEuMjEifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=legal+guide+for+the+visual+artist%2Caps%2C880&sr=8-1

2. Can I submit abstract art for this art show?

Absolutely! Let's see your version of a Jackson Pollock!

3. What are some ideas so that I can start painting for this art show?

I would love to see Mona Lisa in shades. I recently saw someone's version of Van Gogh's Starry Night where in the sky were lots of swirling cat faces. Pun intended, the sky is the limit...Let's see your version of the Van Gogh's Experience!

Do your version of The Scream in a gallery setting.

How about your Mom on a recliner instead of Whistler's mother?

Nonetheless, I recently posted on my OTHER blog, Donna's Cave Paintings - After the Master's Style in January 2023 - a few minis I have gotten ready for this show...

https://donnascavepainting.blogspot.com/2022/09/post-271-after-masters-style-in-january.html

Donna Liguria's Mini Master Paintings Inspired by Claude Monet, Johannes Vermeer, Leonardo di Vinci, and Vincent van Gogh

OK Prince William County and PWAS artists, let's see what you got!

*I should note that all artwork has to be family-friendly, so your "The Birth of Venus" by Sandro Botticelli may need a bikini on.

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

Pages

Saturday, October 8, 2022

Local Art Shows, Festivals, Around the Town

What's Happening?

Thursday, October 6, 2022

Otis Stanley's PWAS Comics #7

Wednesday, October 5, 2022

These are a Few of My (PWAS Member) Favorite Things

Fatima Farzana

Linda Nedilsky

CJ Davis

Donna Liguria

Tuesday, October 4, 2022

Saturday, OCT 15, 2022 PEToberfest

Prince William Art Society Popup Art Show

Monday, October 3, 2022

Rain or Shine Fall Tall Oaks Art Show by PWAS

Pictures from Saturday, October 1 Tall Oaks

Sunday, October 2, 2022

PWAS Members Share Their Art Tips

Learning the Art World

Staci Blanchard

Linda Nedilsky

Kelly Haneklau

Otis Stanley

Michelle Baker

John Hartt aka Jortt

Donna Liguria

Saturday, October 1, 2022

After the Master's Style Art Show at OSA in Jan. 2023

Open Space Arts Shows

Calls for Art

1. How should I sign or title my artwork for this show?

2. Can I submit abstract art for this art show?

3. What are some ideas so that I can start painting for this art show?

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