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At this stage I begin drawing hundreds of free-hand parallel lines crossing them with more lines to create values in black and white.  I’m working from the darkest shadows and will leave the paper white for the lightest values.  I was disappointed when resurrecting my ancient Rapidograph pens to find my favorite nib, #2, was clogged beyond saving.  They have to be thoroughly cleaned after each use or the India ink will dry inside and freeze the moving parts and stop the flow.  Sometimes while working on a drawing I’ll be interrupted and not return for several days and if I’ve not taken the time to clean the pens, they are ruined.

So, this drawing is being inked with the fatter #3, which is o.k. for now because it is rather large (16″x20″).  The #1 is quite slim, but will work for some detail.  I must remember to order a new #2 as soon as possible.  Once I begin an ink drawing I’m obsessed and find it hard to stop.  I enjoy ink drawing, it is a nice break from the slow tedious pointillism painting, I can complete a drawing in several days compared to many weeks for a painting of the same size.  The May Creek Truck is coming to life!

Gail Niebrugge, Alaska artist

Lots of really good stuff going on with the Palmer Arts Council this month.  Be sure to check out the Poetry Anthology.

Gail Niebrugge, Alaska painter

I’m in the mood to break out the old Rapidograph ink pens and do some drawing.  I have accumulated a thick file of research on the ancient vehicles scattered about the Copper River Basin in the Wrangell-St. Elias wilderness Alaska.  Few roads exist in this area and through the years folks kept using trucks and cars way beyond their life expectancy, robbing parts from one wreck to keep the other running.  Some of these vehicles have a long, colorful history.  I am fascinated with all of them.

One year after break-up in early May I took a scouting mission along the backroads to find as many old abandoned autos as possible.  Hidden by foliage during summer I found many rusting treasures ensconced by alders and willow, denuded branches entwining  themselves through any possible opening, sprouting through bent grills, missing floorboards, and shattered windows.  Each a treasure once upon a time, their useful lives ended to erode someday back to dust.  I’ve painted and sketched a great many of these jewels, and searching through my reference file has stimulated my imagination to begin another.  This sketch is of the work-horse truck that has survived many lives at the wilderness retreat of May Creek, deep in the heart of the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.  I’ve pictured it against the hand hewn workshop, carefully built many years ago by an old friend of mine.  Our family traveled to the abandoned Chittitu gold mine in the back of this truck in 1978.  I was honored to see this vehicle live and well, thirty years later, during my artist-in residence for the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park in 2008.

Gail Niebrugge, Alaska wilderness artist

The other day we had a short period of freezing rain that covered the ground with tiny white hail.  With my camera in hand I began to take photos of the landscape sprinkled with these frozen rain drops when I suddenly realized that they were shaped like miniature stars!  Tiny white stars fell to the ground as a gift from the heavens!  What an awesome sight!  Nature never fails to amaze and hold me in awe of its beauty and power.

Gail Niebrugge, Landscape artist

Here is a chance to spend some time first hand with one of Alaska’s finest professional photographers, Ron Niebrugge, on a photography workshop touring Prince William Sound living aboard a research vessel.  this is a great opportunity to gather research for future paintings and to learn something about photography at the same time.  Yes, this is my son, and I might sound a bit biased but check out his website and decide for yourself.

Gail Niebrugge, Alaska artist

Many thanks to a friend who alerted me to an irregularity with my blog.  A Google search took her to my blog site where she was shocked to find pop-up ads filling half the page.  Three were for Las Vegas and the other two promoted some strange, questionable websites.  On a hunch that the ads were unauthorized she sent me a quick email explaining the problem.

According to Google Support my site was hacked and additional code referencing was added.  Google directed me to delete the fugitive code and update my software to the latest version of WordPress.  Thanks to the trouble shooting of my son, photographer Ron Niebrugge, and my webmaster, Nick Hand who not only keeps my site current but designs gorgeous websites, my blog is hack free and working fine again.

I’m growing increasingly bewildered at the rapid changes on the internet and the amount of time it takes to keep current, not only with software for my computer but my website and blog.  I think I spend more time on this stuff now than I do painting.  This seems wrong.  But, if it weren’t for the internet, many folks would not know about my work.  My computer personifies a perfect love-hate relationship.

Gail Niebrugge, Alaska artist

Ice fishermen seem to be some of the most resourceful people to use our lake.  They fish in all kinds of miserable weather using their vehicles as temporary shelter.  Some erect portable canvas ice fishing tents and others tow portable wooden huts behind their vehicles to their special spot, taking them home each night.

Almost two weeks ago this beat-up old camper arrived and I wondered if it had been abandoned by someone.  It wouldn’t be the first time a thoughtless person dumped some trash on the frozen ice hoping it would fall to the bottom during spring thaw.  But, on closer inspection, this camper appears to be someones cache for ice fishing.  Peering through the windows I saw the inside stocked with fishing gear.  Unfortunately for these enterprising folks, our lake doesn’t allow for structures to remain for more than two weeks in one place, at then end of this time they must be moved two miles from their last spot which would move it entirely off this lake.

It is hard to find the regulations regarding portable structures on the lake.  These folks called Alaska State Parks and the Mat-Su Borough to find out if there were any codes or rules prohibiting setting up a fishing camp and were told that there were “none”.  They tried to follow the rules.  This lake is governed by the State of Alaska Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and Alaska State Parks and Mat-Su Borough should know this and be able to direct people to the proper source of information.  This is not the first time that I’ve found government entities not communicating with each other, these days it seems more and more common.  The DNR regulates portable camps on state owned lands not governed by any other entity.  Confusing?  Yes.

Anyway, when approached these guys were very nice and will move the camp at the end of two weeks.  They are doing an elderly friend a favor and helping him fish.  Too bad they don’t have one of those nifty portable pop-up fishing tents that most folks use today.  It would make their experience much easier and moving to another hole a piece of cake.  The way they are doing it with the camper is a lot of work.  And, from an artists point of view, an ugly eyesore in this beautiful environment.

Gail Niebrugge, Alaska painter

I ran across a good article the other day written by artist Lori McNee that I want to pass on to you about writing an artists statement.  I’ve always been puzzled by this request, I have a biography and a resume, what else do people want?  A lot of statements that I’ve seen seem to be very esoteric, and go into deep, deep thought about feelings and emotions, and can be quite lofty.  I have never thought about my art this way, and have often been at a loss when trying to create one.  This article offers good, sound, factual advice and something that I can relate.  Hopefully it will help some of you.  Let me know.

Gail Niebrugge, Alaska pointillism artist

I recently found this article on Art Marketing Secrets website that discusses the pros and cons of image theft from art websites.  It is a problem that is difficult to control.  I’ve found some of my images on blogs and in articles all over the world.  Sometimes it isn’t too bad if I get credit and the copyright symbol is visible on the work.  What I will not tolerate is someone using one of my images without permission for profit.  That is where I draw a hard line in the sand.

Gail Niebrugge, Alaska artist

Here is a good article recommended by artist Annie Strack’s on writing an artist’s resume.  Recently I was asked by an up-and-coming artist about this very topic and I find this information to be extremely helpful.  It has useful advice for artists who are completely self taught.  Check it out.

Gail Niebrugge, Alaska painter

Rothschild Foundation’s missing grant money, interesting article.  Arts groups that anticipated receiving grants from $4,000 to $10,000 are seriously concerned.

Gail Niebrugge, Artist

Just got this offer in my email and found these comments about the offer in an artists forum Wet Canvas.  Read the comments carefully, there are many risks for the artist with this offer.  Gail Niebrugge, artist

Hello,

I have contacted you recently regarding our various events and have decided to contact you about a Fantastic Project we are organising. As you know New Art Originals.com is an online art gallery, however due to the success of our events and your feedback we are looking to adopt a physical Gallery space and are looking for quality artists to be represented at the gallery.

As usual all works must be original. We are able to give a Limited number of artists exclusive exposure at the Gallery for 1 Whole Year!

Here is what you get (Only a limited number of artists will be accepted):

1. 1 year access to our Real world Gallery to display works of your choice.
2. Up to two inclusive solo exhibitions a year.
3. Placement in the Gallery to Sell your work in London for 52 Weeks Guaranteed.
4. One year Online web prescence included.
5. Extra exposure on the Real World Gallery website – This is seperate from the main New Art Originals.com website.
6. London exposure in the capital city in a prominent part of town.
7. Marketing and promotion of all participating artists and works submitted.
8. If you do not sell at least 1 piece within a year we will refund your registration or the next year totally free guaranteed!

If you want to take up this amazing opportunity please contact me Today to reserve your place.

Many Thanks

Jules

The wolf is too visible in the Redo stage 4, my last post.  I want him to blend into the landscape like a shadow, camouflaged the way they actually appear in nature.  So I repainted the water behind the wolf figure, darkening it with lots of small dots until the animal blended into the landscape, the light colored legs cause the viewer to refocus to discern the shape of a wolf.  I think this works better and I’m inclined to say it is finally finished.  Some paintings are a challenge, this one has been from the beginning.  It has been a fun challenge though, and I’m happy with the results.

Gail Niebrugge, Alaska landscape art

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Here is the re-worked painting with the new wolf image.  The mountains and sky have been grayed back, the water behind the wolf lightened to silhouette the animal.  I’m going to wait a few days and digest these changes before I declare the painting finished.  I’ll turn it upside down and evaluate how the composition is working, and possibly lighten the darkest values on the animals fur.  I’m going to take my time with this one.  Some paintings just flow off the brush with minimal effort, others like this one take blood, sweat and tears.  I enjoy every aspect of painting, each one is unique unto itself and holds a little place in my heart.

Gail Niebrugge, Alaska pointillism art

After painting a lot of dots in the background, I concentrated on painting the new wolf image.  At this point I am fairly satisfied, but decided that I needed to tone down and grey back the distant mountains and the sky.  So I spent most of the day refining the entire painting so that it worked better with the new wolf image.

More tomorrow,

Gail Niebrugge, pointillism painter

After searching through my “Wolf” files I selected another photo to use.  I’ve been photographing the wolves of Denali National Park for more than a decade and have lots of good reference material from which to choose.  Next, I sketched the outline of the new wolf on the white painted spot and began to add pointillism to the background around the new wolf, slowly obliterating the old one.  More tomorrow.

Gail Niebrugge, Alaska landscape painter

I’ve been looking at this “finished” painting for a few weeks, now that the hectic holidays are over and the stress level is lowered, and I realize that I’m not satisfied.  I’ve decided to take out the little wolf and paint a larger one.  The wolf is too small for the landscape, and I really don’t like how it looks, the lines are stiff and he just looks out of place.  So, I’ve painted a white spot where the new wolf will live.  More tomorrow.

Gail Niebrugge, Alaska wildlife artist

At this time of the year I just can’t stop myself from taking photos of the incredible sunsets that I see from the windows of my studio.  Here is another beauty taken the day after the hurricane force wind storms we experienced earlier last week.  Nature was violent and angry during the wind, gusts were clocked up to 150mph in Wasilla, Alaska, destroying anything that was weak and not tied down.  We had a ten foot section of cedar fence that was hurled intact over 100 feet.  And, just as soon as the angry winds stopped, we were greeted with this tranquil, beautiful sunset smiling across the lake and reflecting in the windows of the studio.  The balance of nature, what an awesome thing to observe.  I am at peace again after the stress of the winds, and ready to resume painting.

Gail Niebrugge, Alaska landscape artist

I’m curious.  Over and over I’ve received solicitations to show my work on online galleries.  They seem to make it easy to upload images and build themes and provide all the visual bells and whistles.  So far I’ve been skeptical because I don’t know how to evaluate the market, or find out if the gallery has a good record for sales.  I’m sure some are very good, but how many are just an idea from an entrepreneur hoping to make it work.

Some charge a monthly fee for being represented on their website, others take a portion of sales.  The latter seems fair, at least they will be working to sell to make money.  I’m leery of monthly fee based sites.

I’m interested in any of your experiences, ideas and suggestions for what works, and what doesn’t work.  Let me know your experiences pro and con and I will share this information with my subscribers, together we can network and maybe save someone a whole lot of grief.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Gail Niebrugge, Alaska artist

I’ve been approached by several artists asking about securing a grant to help with the expenses of an exhibition or travel to a class or seminar.  I haven’t had a grant for more than 20 years so I’m using this opportunity to refresh myself.  The first place I visited was ArtBiz101, a site that seems to have a lot of good practical information for setting up a business plan.  Most of the financial problems artists face can be resolved by creating a good business plan.  Itemizing all the expected and unexpected expenses that will be incurred while running an art business will certainly help you plan for the future, and keep you from falling into the pit of unrealized expectations.

The Alaska State Council on the Arts has a wonderful grant program for individual artists, Career Opportunity Grants provide financial assistance for travel to seminars, and programs to enrich the artists professional standing and career.  The Connie Boochever Artist Fellowhip recognizes Alaskans who are emerging artists of exceptional talent.  Familiarize yourself with these grants, deadline dates, and application requirements well in advance of the need and you will be ready to submit when an opportunity arises.

The Rasmuson Foundation has a number of grants for artists, included is the Art Acquisition Fund, the Arts Education Fund, and Individual Artists Awards.  Again, artists should familiarize themselves with deadlines, procedures and application process.  Applying for grants is very competitive, you may not receive one on your first or second try but the old adage holds true here; if at once you don’t succeed, try, try, again.

These are but a few of the opportunities available to artists.  Most important is to have a good portfolio of digitized images of your best work, a professional resume, and a worthy proposal.  After that it takes perseverance and diligence to secure assistance from a grant.

Gail Niebrugge, Vice Chair Alaska State Council on the Arts