niebruggestudio.com

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

Recently I’ve been receiving an unusual amount of spam, and much of it has to do with someone trying to part me with my hard earned money.  Several have to do with including my biography with a couple of images of paintings in a prestigious art book for a fee, others want an entry fee to submit to an art exhibition, and some actually try to buy art with the fake cashiers check scam.  I found a website that wrote about the cashiers check scam, I’m posting the link here and recommend that all artists read “International Art Scammers Want You !”

I make it a practice to not respond to unsolicited emails and use the “delete” button often.  Do business only with those you know or have thoroughly “vetted.”  The internet is a global world now and anyone can make up anything and try to sell it to you.  Use caution!

This blog has a great spam filter Akismet, and it keeps me informed as to how many spams a day it catches.  It is one of the best.  To date they have caught 40,264 spams with an overall accuracy of 99.943%.  Awesome!

Gail Niebrugge, Alaska landscape painter

Recently as I was busily working in my studio the sky caught my attention.  This is early afternoon around 3:00PM looking south west.  The lake was empty save a single, tiny, wooden fish house on the distant horizon.  The wind has drifted the snow into patterns, some of the lines of hardened snow are from my vanishing ski trails, others from snow machines.  I’m looking forward to more snow so that I can circumnavigate the shore again on my skis.  Wasilla, Alaska, early January 2010.

Gail Niebrugge, Alaska landscape painter

This photo was taken before the 80mph wind gusts began, when it was only gusting to 60mph.  A lone vehicle tried to find a sheltered spot to fish but failed and quickly drove ashore.  We’ve been battered by high winds for days at the studio, the howling noise and power interruptions make it hard for me to concentrate on painting.  I’ve taken to more mundane tasks like counting inventory and replacing light bulbs.  All of this is just part of winter in Alaska, and this too shall pass.

Gail Niebrugge, Alaska artist

Bob and I attended the Palmer Arts Council annual meeting dinner Friday night at the Red Beet Cafe in downtown Palmer, Alaska.  The beautifully remodeled historic building was packed to capacity (100) and the atmosphere was warm, friendly, gracious and joyful.  Pride shown.  The arts council is thriving, growing and full of accomplished, talented members.  One of my favorite ladies, Fran Ulmer, Chancellor, University of Alaska Anchorage, gave the keynote speech, and the highlight of the evening was the concert by percussion artist Meggie Aube.  This is indeed a worthy organization and one that should be on the “join” list of all valley residents.  Basic membership is $25.00, larger donations are graciously accepted, contact Palmer Arts Council at PO Box 4286, Palmer, AK 99645.  Thank you for a lovely evening.

Gail Niebrugge, Alaska artist

Valley Performing Arts, Wasilla, Alaska

Marketing Director Position Available

Join a progressive team of individuals dedicated to advancing the cultural and intellectual spirit of the community! Valley Performing Arts is looking for a motivated, energized, and creative individual to become its marketing director. Responsibilities include organizing and overseeing all aspects of publicity and promotion regarding the theatre productions, community programs, and special events including print, broadcast, and digital media. The marketing director is a key player in VPA’s program to maintain the relationship with existing theatre patrons and sponsors as well as continued outreach to new vendors and prospective theatre clients. Prospective applicants will have at least three years experience in a marketing and/or promotional position with a demonstrated ability of having managed successful marketing efforts including meeting targets and progressive growth. An undergraduate degree in marketing or business is preferred; years of experience will be considered. An outgoing, friendly personality and the ability to work cooperatively with volunteers is a must. Familiarity with the Mat-Su business community is a plus and knowledge of the theatre environment would be helpful. Professional references will be required. Further information about VPA may be found at www.valleyperformingarts.org You may submit your information electronically to vpa@mtaonline.net, via fax to (907) 373-0160, or by mail to:
Valley Performing Arts
Attention: Human Resources
251 West Swanson
Wasilla, Alaska 99654

BECOME A FAN ON FACEBOOK http://www.facebook.com

Gail Niebrugge, Board Development Committee, Valley Performing Arts

Valley Performing Arts, Wasilla, Alaska

AUDITION NOTICE The Drunkard

A 19th century melodrama… by Barry Manilow?!
Based on “the world-famous melodrama by W.H.S. Smith,” Bro Herrod and the king of 1970s pop take us back to a simpler, infinitely less subtle day in this deliciously coy and exaggerated play about the good, the bad, and the besotted. When Sweet Mary Wilson weds the virtuous Edward, the villainous lawyer Cribbs, determined to foreclose on the quaint little cottage Mary shares with her poor widowed mother, sees to it that the devil’s beverage-alcohol-is served. Alas and alack! Edward is lured to the city and ensnared in a web of sin and drunkenness! Can Mary and her innocent young child save her inebriated husband from the evils of the bottle? And what of the diabolical Cribbs?

Jan 9, 2010 10 am – 12 pm at VPA
Jan. 10, 2010 2 pm – 5 pm at VPA

Questions????? Call Julie McCartney @ 841-1188 email theteardrop@yahoo.com or visit our website www.valleyperformingarts.org

Gail Niebrugge, Board Development Committee, Valley Performing Arts

Below is the full text for the Call for Art.  I got involved as Chairman of the Alaska State Council on the Arts Contemporary Art Bank because I wanted to know more about the program and find out why my work is not represented.  I found out that the Art Bank has not had a call for art for many years due to lack of funding.  Fortunately there are a small amount of funds available now and we plan to include new artists work in the Art Bank.  Unfortunately, I can’t apply because it is a conflict of interest, so now I know why my work is not included.  I encourage all Alaska artists to submit.

Gail Niebrugge, Vice President Board of Directors, Alaska State Council on the Arts

The Alaska Contemporary Art Bank (ACAB) was founded in 1975 by the Alaska State Council on the Arts. It was created to address two primary concerns: to expose more Alaskans to high quality work by contemporary Alaskan artists through the loaning of original art to public offices throughout Alaska, and to provide support to professional artists in Alaska through purchase of their work. The collection has grown to more than 600 art works in a wide variety of media, styles and subject matter. Although the art is the same as that collected by museums, the purpose of the Art Bank is to provide a circulating collection of artwork with the primary goals of education and exhibition of Alaskan art in public areas other than museums.

The ACAB is implementing it’s first call for art since 2001, from which artworks will be selected for purchase by the ACSA’s Visual Arts Advisory Committee. The VAAC is a statewide group of artists and arts administrators who meet periodically to advise the Arts Council in policy and acquisition. Selections are then recommended to the Arts Council for purchase. Artwork is purchased from the artist, not an intermediary entity such as a gallery or agent. VAAC and Arts Council members are ineligible to apply for Art Bank acquisitions under State of Alaska Regulations.

Art Bank artworks are selected for loan to display in public areas in State owned and operated buildings, University of Alaska departments, the State Legislature and in the offices of the Alaskan members of the U. S. Congress. Artwork must be durable, appropriate for public areas, and will have labels identifying the artist (ASCA provided).

All Alaskan artists are encouraged to apply.

Applications will be through CaFE (https://www.callforentry.org/index.php), and the VAAC will review all applications. Priority will be given to artists who are not currently represented in the collection, but not limited to those artists. To see an example of previous Art Bank purchases, visit www.eed.state.ak.us/aksca and click on: Alaska Contemporary Art Bank. ASCA will use the artists listed in CAFÉ as an Artist’s Registry so that we can keep them informed of upcoming artist opportunities.

Qualifications:
• Must be an Alaskan resident, or an Alaskan resident at time the work was created
• Work must have been created in the last five years
• All applications must be through CaFE; no paper applications accepted

Considerations:
• All media will be considered, but priority may be given by the committee to types of works most in demand by the loan program at any given time.
• Work must be durable due to the demand of shipping and display in public areas; 2-D works must be framed with hanging devices and 3-D works must be self-supporting
• Imagery must be generally suitable for display in public buildings
• Purchase price is set by the artist, but priority will be given to works under a set price ($4,000)
Artists can submit up to 6 images of artwork that are available for purchase.

ASCA will pay for shipping of artworks selected for Alaska Contemporary Art Bank purchase by method determined by ASCA; artist will be responsible for packing and insuring transportation.

Deadline for applications is 9:59 PM Alaska Standard time, Sunday February 28, 2010. Artists will be notified of acceptance by March 31, 2010 (tentative).