Editing Photos of Artwork

It’s ok to edit your photos. Do whatever the fuck you want to them. There are no rules. Edit to your skill level, and aim high! If it’s your original artwork, you have tons of options to play with photography….

Ask why you would or wouldn’t edit, then go from there. If it’s because you don’t think you can, then I promise you can learn! Past experiences working in photography and graphic design have taught me the benefits of easy key edits, knowledge and creative freedoms.

Suggestions:

Use your phone. Steady your hand and frame the work in direct (and in-direct sunlight if possible) - take a couple pics of each. Decide which is the clearest and edit it authentically, then crazy edit another just for fun. Duplicate the image if you want more play options.

Key edits: most important is Cropping (rotation and balance if you took the photo crooked), Brightness +20 always, a touch of Contrast, alteration of Colour/Tone, adjust Saturation, White/Black Point, and maybe play with Effects!

You learn from editing … Ideas for what you like and had no idea of, what’s possible and where you might want to go!

Be up front when you are posting the image for sale. Post an accurate photo if you are selling the original + any edit you want if it’s not for sale (NFS) or if you are selling a print of the edited image.

Left - Scanned watercolour Right - White Point ‘washed out’ edit

Since the original was a gift, I can share whichever I prefer on social media/digitally.

Fall & Winter Workshops 2016

Upcoming awesomeness!

VISUAL ARTS MISSISSAUGA

Art FUNdamentals •10 wks WEDNESDAY EVENINGS  Oct 5, 2016 - Dec 7, 2016 Time: 5:00 PM -6:30 PM, Level: Ages 8-9 *Link to register

Art FUNdamentals at VAM is a fun and progressive course comprised of over 600 lessons making up a 7 year program. Children never repeat the same lesson twice! Working at their own pace, students are encouraged to slow down and watch their imaginations speed up while developing and practicing new skills. Students work in small peer groups and investigate drawing, painting, sculpting, printmaking and much more while connecting the dots through art history, the principles of art and design and art practices from around the globe.

Teen Portfolio Prep-Secondary School•11 wks WEDNESDAY EVENINGS Oct 5 2016 - Dec 14, 2016 Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Level: Grade 11+ *Link to register

Specialized courses designed for students who plan to apply to a visual arts program at the secondary or post-secondary level. Along with the opportunity to develop new portfolio pieces, students will be coached on presentation, critique and interview skills. Each student will participate in a private mock-interview and portfolio critique. Currently in Grade 8 and applying for Fall 2017 entry to Secondary School Visual Arts Programs. Emphasis is on preparing portfolio-ready work that meets the requirements of regional arts program in Peel District, Dufferin Peel Catholic District and Toronto District School Boards. Materials included. Students should bring a sketchbook and expect some weekly homework.

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Acrylic Confidence - The Bold Basics • WorkshopPart 1- 5 weeks, THURSDAY MORNINGS October 6 to November 3, 9 am to 12 pm *Link to registerPart 2 - 5 weeks, THURSDAY MORNINGS November 10 to December 8th, 9 am to 12 pm *Link to register

Discover the essential techniques you need to paint confidently with acrylics! Understand the technical properties of acrylic paints and mediums, fundamental design, colour and value, and how the right tools and tips all work together to help you achieve astonishing results. Key techniques will explore traditional and experimental approaches to painting with this forgiving, versatile medium, giving you a new understanding of the myriad ways you can use acrylics to create anything that catches your imagination. Benefit from demonstrations, advice and personal guidance for beautifully completed paintings that combine knowledge and skill with the joy of painting!

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Creative CardsSaturday December 10th 2016 - 9am-4pm

Get ready for the holiday season! Express creativity, joy & gratitude while continuing to improve your painting skills and learning a variety of interesting techniques to expand your ability to create with mixed media. Using acrylics, drawing tools, and collage elements in combination with tips for stylish presentation, this festive card designing workshop welcomes all ages and all levels of experience, inspiring a wide variety of ideas for making your greetings this year extra special.

The Dancing Brush • one of my favorite brushes in the world!

It all started in 2010 at a demo, when artist Peter John Reid handed me a unique, crazy extra long rigger brush, that he though would lend well to what I was painting at the time. It was obvious I had way too much fun painting with this brush, and with a gentle smile, Peter so generously gifted it to me. From there on in, this special brush has become an exceptional tool in my work.

I call it THE DANCING BRUSH.

Almost every artist I demonstrate this brush to has wanted it and asked for the source. Back then, I had saved a link for the original one, but since the brand is now obsolete * sorry!* the good news I have found that DaVinci makes a very, very similar brush! The biggest differences are the tiny handle and more bulk from the belly to the tip (which has more of a point), yet the bristle length is the same (55mm long) made of synthetic filament (imitation Squirrel hair) and has results that are similar enough to make me * squee * with joy while using it!

DaVinci Short Stroke Brush, pointed tip | Series 706

This brush allows me to 'let go'. You can of course us it to effortlessly create perfect, pin-stripe lines - but with jiggles and wiggles (think, a jazzy groove!), it adds playful abstraction with unpredictable variegated lines and peculiar, out of the blue dashes!

It is available on Amazon.ca - although not cheap (DaVinci is a high end brand), it is worth every penny if you keep it in your usual brush kit, reach for it often, and take care of it.

Here are some examples/inspiration for you, or works that benefited from The Dancing Brush!

Enjoy xo

The dancing brush was used to create impression of foliage 'scribbles'

The Dancing Brush was used with the Interference Gold accents in the background.

The Dancing Brush is THE BEST for pin stripes!

Many elements of this mixed media piece were created using The Dancing Brush, from gestural scribbles, to dots!

Using The Dancing Brush with Interference Turquoise, this piece came alive!

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My favorite art materials!

A reference for artists taking Painting Wildlife: Acrylic Mixed Media and Drawing Wild Animals on Craftsy.com

The Magic of Mixed Media • Phoenix Process

Learn more about this process in Craftsy's online class - PAINTING WILDLIFE: ACRYLIC MIXED MEDIA

Travel Savvy with Acrylic Paint

A recent trip from Toronto, Canada to South East Asia was an amazing experience in many ways, and I learned a lot, primarily in regards to travelling with all my art gear.It was a business trip and I was scheduled to lead 3 x collaborative painting events on a cruise ship. I have packed for and performed these event experiences dozens of times, but in Canada - not internationally. So for many reasons, I had to prepare in a completely different way which included having a Plan B back up just in case my paint was confiscated or my luggage was lost.

The Overview

International Transportation Act Letter + MSDS [Material Safety Data Sheet] paperwork clearly on top of paints that are in airtight ziplock bags and packed in checked baggage.

The Research

The most helpful part of my search was calling manufacturers and artists who I know have travelled to different countries. The general advice was you should have no problems if you have MSDS paperwork on top of paints packed in an airtight ziplock bag, all in your checked luggage. The best discovery is that Golden Artist Paints has an Air Transport Document designed just for these situations. 

Of course, there are no guarantees. Artists paints are in a grey zone for Air Transport carries and security since most of the rules are vague, out of date and sometimes confusing as to what is allowed, restricted or prohibited. For example: On Air Canada’s website, there is a section about paint, but no mention of acrylic paint. It states that Tubes of oil-based and latex paint used by artists are accepted provided the material is packaged in absorbent material and placed in a heavy, plastic leak-proof bag/container.  

Some art material manufacturers recommend calling the airline in advance to verify their policies, so I called Cathay Pacific and a baggage representative explained that paint is acceptable only if it is identified as non-flammable directly on the label, even with an MSDS. Acrylic paint is not flammable, but there is no label on any brand tubes to state this ... it's on the MSDS though. So his response was distressing, albeit understandably on the side of caution and their black and white rules; yet there is no reason not to accept MSDS sheets as that is what they are for. It's funny now, as in the end I had no problems with Cathay Pacific at all - in fact, they were fantastic! I wouldn't recommend a call to the airline though ... unless the rep on the other end is an artist, it will probably be a moot waste of time. 

example for packing acrylic paint for travel

The Trip

So, how did my trip go? Well with all this great advice and information, I felt like a savvy artist traveller by the time I flew out. I had done all I could do on my end, even had a Plan B just in case things went south. Once I got to the airport, I knew it was all up to the Art Gods! :)

I'm happy to say, my bag was checked without any questions (labeled as fragile which I appreciated, and cleared that x-ray security thing both ways) and it was all smooth sailing!

All you need to know

• All paint manufacturers provide MSDS for each specific paint line. Find it on their website or ask your local art store for it. Here is the Golden Artist Colours link. Download and print two copies.

• Golden Artist Paints has an awesome certified document for travel! Download this Air Transport Statement and print two copies.

• Pack a copy of each above document with your paint, and include a copy in your carry-on luggage with all of your flight info.

• Do the same with business cards if you got 'em, and any letter of art related business such as registration for art classes, tours, meetings, lectures or demonstrations during your trip. Too much info is better than not enough.

• Heavy Body vs Fluid Acrylic = as long as the caps close well it does not matter and should be decided based on personal preference.

• Remember that professional quality artist paint is packed with pigment and a little goes a long way. Limit your palette by choosing colours you can mix, then add in your essentials and favorite single pigment colours you can't live without :)

• Pack paint, mediums, brush cleaner etc (anything that could leak) in a large, freezer size zip lock bag. Don't overstuff. Use multiple bags if necessary.

• If possible, pack all materials neatly in an organized and professional bag, case, Artbin etc.

• Bring used paint that is obvious it is personal to avoid paying duty taxes on new goods that might be re-sold.

• Use clear, plain and simple words to explain your materials if you are asked to. It is best not use internal art speak - even the word paint is a buzz word! Alternatives: tools required for an art class/for drawing pictures, personal supplies, non-toxic, non-flammable, water-soluble colour that kids can use... etc

• Be confident in yourself as an artist and take the time to know your materials so you can speak wisely, and with conviction.

Plan B

Before I travelled, I sourced an Art Store at the destination that would have been able to serve 100% of my supply list if my luggage was lost. Popular name brands/manufacturers have International retail locations listed on their website. Always check that first, as it is much easier than to google for stores in places you have never been. Even with a list of retailers, it took me awhile, but I did find a store in Hong Kong that was close enough to my hotel, with a selection of paint, brushes, easel, canvas etc.

Travel Bag

After a lot of searching, I found a Burton Snowboarding bag (156cm) that fit perfectly for my gear! I needed a bag large enough for my easel, rolled canvas, tripod, other materials and equipment. I was delighted - it was reasonably priced and within size allowances. I also kept it under the weight restrictions to avoid paying any extra for oversize/overweight - surprisingly, I fit a Stanrite 500 easel, a tupperware container filled with paint, a bag filled with dozens of brushes, rags, and extras such as canvas pliers and tape and it was under 20 kg.

Creative Alternatives

Naturally, artists think out of the box, so I believe there must be other possibilities in what seems to be a limited International game. For example, as a professional artist with a business, I may look into designing my own label for my own packaged paint and containers, or I may re-fill and re-use the Golden containers and jars I bought for this trip so the packaging matches the Air Transport Document until more paint companies can offer this letter officially.

Paintings!

Thanks for reading - I love sharing, and wanted to post all the tips and advice passed on to me. In the spirit of art community collaboration - please share in the comments your own experiences, research, advice, alternatives, tips and any questions - this is an ongoing learning experience for all artists, and the more information we all have and post online, the better. love light xops.  but what really matters are the collaborative paintings created on this awesome trip :) 

Shared Palette Collaborations • Celebrity Century President's Cruise Asia 2015

Shared Palette Collaborations

Drawing Wild Animals Craftsy Online Art Class - Giveaway! Enter to Win!

Drawing Techniques and Markmaking

Soon to be launched, I wanted to share a little about how special this class is going to be :) (Giveaway details at the end of the post!) This class is directly inspired from my Endangered Animals series and the very techniques and mediums I used to create them. In this class we will use charcoal pencils with Pan Pastels, which is a new and exciting combo. Charcoal is my all time favourite medium, but after 2 decades using it I wanted to mix things up, and incorporating Pan Pastels helped make the drawing process easy! I love this product and wanted to share it with everyone as it has single handedly changed my work in great ways with impressive results.Our main focus will be to understand value, observing the variety of subtle shifts in greyscale, as well creating beautiful line work and mark-marking for the illusion of animal fur, skin and spots. We'll take an in depth look at shading and layering to achieve high realism in facial features and overall details!The concept of Black and White Portraits was heartfelt because my series was personally focused on dramatic intimate portraits to encourage viewers to look these endangered creatures in the eye and feel a connection. Please know I don't want to disappoint anyone ... this class may lack colour, but value is one of the main foundational elements of design. It's how I first learned to describe the illusion of depth, volume and texture. I feel that once you understand value, you understand colour in a unique way too! Your work in all mediums and styles beyond this class will become so dynamic!We put a lot of thought into which animals to focus on in the class projects (Sumatran Elephant, Giant Panda, Amur Leopard) so there would be a lot of examples and inspiration, that way you could apply everything learned to any animal subject you wished. I encourage you to draw what means most to you, and what you feel strongly about in your heart.The decision to research, draw and share these creatures has been one of the most difficult in my life, and I have learned so much. I am incredibly honoured that Craftsy loved these works and created an opportunity where I could share the techniques with you ... I hope you enjoy it, from the bottom of my heart xoxo please share this news with everyone so I can plan trip #3 to Craftsy and film a third class :)  love & light, Sharlena

GIVEAWAY

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Drawing Wild Animals is coming out very soon, and to celebrate, Craftsy and I are hosting a GIVEAWAY!This is your chance to win the class for FREE!

Click this link http://www.craftsy.com/ext/SharlenaWood_Giveawayto sign up for Craftsy or use your existing login information to be entered for a chance to win! One entry per person.The winner will be announced the day of the launch :)

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Sharlena Wood creating in the Craftsy Studio