A Look at Art & Design

Garvin Gallery Opening Reception :: Three Outstanding Classically Trained Artists

The opening reception at the Garvin Gallery this evening was first rate. The gallery was packed to the brim as artist and gallery owner, Sandy Garvin, presented the outstanding work of three classically trained artists whom I am sure will be making a mark in the art world for years to come. It was a pleasure to behold the work of these three young men and I encourage you to make a visit to 8 Novelty Lane in Essex, Connecticut. Should you be in the market for some fine art you will not be disappointed.

Hollis Dunlap is a Stobart Scholar with a BFA from the Lyme Academy of Fine Arts. He has studied classical painting and drawing techniques since the age of 14. His primary interest has been to combine traditional painting methods with more modern and abstract use of color and paint application. Hollis resides in New London, Connecticut where he is a full time painter and has gallery representation in New York City as well as San Francisco.

Jack Montmeat is a 2002 graduate of the Columbus College of Art and Design who derives his inspiration from the Old Masters. A recipient of numerous awards and grants, Jack has traveled to Florence and Paris to paint as well. He is a full time painter specializing in portraiture.

Scott Waddell received his BFA from Florida State University in 2003 and attended the Florence Academy of Arts. His studies continued under Jacob Collins for three years at the Waterstreet Atelier in New York. Scott now lives in Mystic Connecticut, where he teaches classical painting in his own Sorrentio Studio.

Sandy Garvin, an outstanding artist in her own right, has a refined eye for excellence in fine art. She encourages those who visit the Garvin Gallery to come, relax, and view the pleasures she has presented on her walls. The show will run until September 30, 2007. Gallery hours are Wed-Sun 11-5. Call 860-767-9481 for details.

The W List

Wow...I just discovered I was added to The W List at Ann Michael's Manage To Change.  The W List is a listing of "Great Blogs Authored by Women."  What a lovely Sunday morning surprise to see ArtLOOK included.  Thanks Ann.

The list originally started with The Power 150 and progressed to Kami Huyse creating PR Power Women in response to the fact that only 13% of the Power 150 were women.  The W List provides a listing of great blogs and I can see that the next few hours will find me adding feeds to my feedreader. Thanks to all who have helped raise the voices of women bloggers. Have a look.

How Curators are Looking for You Online

Kismit!? As a follow up to "Creating your Online Portfolio," which I posted the other day, I'd like to point you to an article by curator Kirsty Hall on how she uses the Internet to find and view the work of artists for her exhibitions.  So there you go...the proof is in the pudding!  Get working on that website or blog today.

Just for the record, Kirsty has a terrific blog which I found via Alyson Stanfield's Art Biz Blog. Thanks Alyson.

Artist Nancy Tracy

I'm happy to present new work online by artist Nancy Tracy. She is the founder and director of the Tracy Art Center in Old Saybrook CT. An outstanding artist in her own right, she continues to teach shoreline youngsters and adults the joy of art. Having given much through teaching and community service, Nancy now wishes to give through her art.

She works in a variety of medium and her body of work contains a range of styles from landscape to portraiture to abstract work. Nancy Tracy has been the recipient of numerous awards and honors and is associated with such organizations as Lyme Art Association, American Society of Portrait Artists, Essex Art Association, The Madison Art Association, and Orange County Watercolor Society. Nancy was born in Columbus Ohio, and now resides with her husband in Old Saybrook, CT.

To learn more about the artist, please see selected pieces of her work at lisamikulski.com. Inquiries please contact lisamikulski via this email link.

Pictured above: Eggshells, Watercolor, 15x22"

It's All About The Art :: Tips on creating your online artist portfolio

Just like when you create something wonderful on canvas, out of stone or metal, or a great design for an advertisement...your online portfolio can be an artistic creation and extension of your work.  I know that many artists don't embrace the idea of marketing but it really is a necessary part of your business.  Artists and designers should have at their command both a hard copy book and an online portfolio.  This post addresses the online portfolio and will provide tips to make the process as painless as possible.

1.  An online portfolio will serve you well because it is a display of your work that is available on a 24-hour basis and can be viewed by interested parties locally, nationally and internationally. Proper marketing will drive gallery directors, collectors, and potential new clients to what you can consider your own personal gallery.

2.  Get a domain name.  Yes, you can upload your work images to a free web hosting service but an actual top tier domain name is a far more professional presence and shows your audience that you are serious about your art and your business.  Domain names are so inexpensive...only about $10/year.  Web hosting can also be obtained for usually around $10-$15/month.

3.  Use only your best work.  It's ok if you only choose to use 5 images.  It's better to have only 5 great pieces rather than 20 mediocre ones. Do try to choose work that reflects your personal style but also try to include examples that show your range.

4.  Ensure that you have quality photographs.  Spend some time on this folks.  If taking the photos yourself is not something you are suited to, make the investment in a professional photographer.  The investment will serve you well both for your online portfolio and your hard copy book. Make sure that photos are high resolution (suited both for web and print) and crystal clear.  Keep clutter out of your photos.  Don't prop up your work on chairs or photograph your art in your garage.  If you are displaying paintings or drawings crop the work as accurately as possible.  Paintings/drawings should be displayed in your online portfolio without frames or background distractions.

5.  Always include the title, the medium, and the size of the piece.

6.  In designing your portfolio, remember...It's all about the art.  A professional but simple design should be employed which enhances your work, not detracts away from it. A rule of thumb in graphic design is to use elements of design that are relevant.  No matter how fantastic an image or element is, if it's not pertinent to the marketing message...don't use it.  The same goes for your online portfolio.  Don't have flashy elements, animations and excess text or embellishments in your portfolio.

Good luck! 

Ad Design for Sculptor Gilbert V. Boro

Here is a recent ad created by Dragonfly Blu for the magnificent work of Sculptor Gilbert Boro. Photography by Rick Scanlan of the Sylvan Gallery.

To view more of Gil Boro's work visit his website or you can see his work in public places such as the Madison Sculpture Mile, Bee & Thistle Inn, or Wilbur & King. You can also, of course, visit the artist and his Sculpture Grounds in Old Lyme, CT. Mr. Boro will have an upcoming show in Great Neck NY. Additional photographs of his new work should be online soon...

Pictured here: maguette for Tres Gatos, Polished Steel

Mind On France :: Photography so French you'll want to jump into the scene

Beautiful. Last night I received a lovely email from Leslee Carsewell. She had just found my website (not sure which of my sites she was referring to but ok..) and wrote to me to introduce herself and provide some tips on upcoming exhibits she thought might be of interest to me. She explained that she is a "recovering graphic designer" (which made me smile) and that she has now delved into fine art photography. She invited me to visit her website, perhaps make a comment here or there if I so desired and she asked nothing more. The fact that she asked for nothing more and the fact that her photography is absolutely gorgeous prompted me to write a post today inviting all of you ArtLOOK readers to visit Leslee's site Mind On France.

Now, being in love with most things French I must say some of Carsewell's photos are so "French" they made me want to jump into the photo to experience the scene for myself. Regardless if you love France or not, her photos are worth a look. Lovely scenes of farmlands, eggs and strawberries and veggies at market, doors (how I do love a good door photo) water scenes and little vignettes. You can purchase an 8x10 or 11x14 photo and she also offers giclee prints.

Having said this I'd like to put a little note here to those of you who have asked me about blogging and how to market yourself and introduce yourself on the blogosphere. Leslee did it the right way. She wrote a lovely email, just making friends, she had something to say, something to offer and she has an excellent site. There ya go...she got my attention. Thanks Leslee!