niebruggestudio.com

Ready for opening day at the fair with sunshine and flower pots from our yard gracing the doorway to our booth.  Many of my Facebook friends, old neighbors and collectors stopped to visit and purchase art.  Here’s hoping this wonderful weather continues.  Meanwhile the smells of junk food and sounds of music, bells, whistles, and laughter fill the air.  Nothing can equal a day at the Alaska State Fair in Palmer.  See you there, on the Purple trail two booths from Pioneer Square

Gail Niebrugge, Alaska artist

Today I’m winging my way to Homer, Alaska, for a First Friday art show with Art Shop Gallery all afternoon until closing.  I’ve been doing shows with the Art Shop for more than fifteen years and have a wonderful time during each visit.  Then it is onward to Seward for the 4th of July celebration, we won’t return to the studio until mid-week.  My blog entries will stop again for awhile, but I’ll catch up when we return.

Happy 4th of July everyone!

Gail Niebrugge, Alaska artist

Friday, June 4, 2010, the Board of Directors of the Alaska State Council on the Arts (ASCA) met in an all-day strategic planning session, followed by an Open House to celebrate the relocation to beautiful, spacious new offices in Mountain View and to showcase the newly acquired artwork for the Art Bank.  At the reception the board acted as docents and gave individual tours of the art collection and the building.

The new office location has enough space to hold our meetings and is replete with a purple wall!  Congratulations to director Charlotte Fox and her extremely efficient, hard working staff for making this move appear seamless.

The current members of the ASCA board of directors from left to right beginning at the top row; Robyn Holloway from Juneau, Diane Borgman from Homer, Mickey Becker from Anchorage, Aryne Randall from Wasilla, Jinx Whitaker from Fairbanks, Nancy Harbour from Anchorage, bottom row from the left is me the vice chair, Peggy MacDonald Ferguson from Fairbanks, Ben Brown chairman from Juneau, and Theresa Arevgaq John from Fairbanks.

Gail Niebrugge, Alaska artist

Saturday we attended the opening reception of the new Anchorage VA Outpatient Clinic and did a tour of all of the beautiful Per Cent for Art installed in the building.  It is an impressive collection!  In the upstairs lobby south wing my painting “Grassy Wetlands” graces the wall.

Another painting “Backwater” hangs in the prosthetic waiting room.  With such a beautiful facility and artwork to serve the veterans, Anchorage should be very proud.

Many dignitaries attended the ribbon cutting, among them were Representative Don Young, Senator Mark Begich, and VA Deputy Under Secretary for Health Operations & Management William Schoenhard.  I am proud to have my work represented in this stunning building.

Gail Niebrugge, Alaska painter

Videographer Greg Lytle standing with Bob on our dock scouting out scenes to use for filming a commercial for ACHIA, the Alaska Comprehensive Health Insurance Assn., a health insurance plan for people who are turned down due to pre-existing conditions that Bob helped create for Alaska years ago.  Northwest Strategies handled the production, it was amazing to see creative people work with film and a script.  We have no idea how the short clip will go together, but it was fun to be involved.

Bob recorded voice overs with Senior Account Executive, Janet Oates, who is reviewing the material using a headset and watching playback on the camera screen.  We were lucky to have a flat calm day, two Trumpeter Swan flew overhead and our resident Muskrat came out from under the dock while we were there.

Mona McAleese, an ACHIA Board Member and friend, joined us for the indoor shoot.  It was staged with my Sunflower painting and a huge, fantastic, gorgeous bouquet of fresh sunflowers.  I can’t wait to see the finished product.

Gail Niebrugge, Alaska artist

“Basin Road” 54″x 72″ original acrylic on canvas commissioned by the Alaska Per Cent for Art program for the Juneau Pioneer Home, painted in 1991, ©Gail Niebrugge

I have to admit my learning curve with Photoshop has been long and hard mostly by trial and error, with more errors than success at times.  I’m sure I would have benefited from taking a class, but my excuse is that no one teaches a class out here in Wasilla, Alaska, for folks who use MacIntosh computers.  So, with my ancient Photoshop, a part of Creative Suite 2, I’ve stumbled through the process usually with some kind of deadline forcing me to produce a decent image to send via the web.

My love/hate relationship with Photoshop began about eight years ago when I decided I needed a website.  It required digital images of my art saved in low resolution jpg for each page.  At the time, most of my painting were photographed in 4×5 transparencies and 35mm slides.  A few were photographed digitally, but the file sizes were very small.  I stretched my brain figuring out how to scan the 4×5’s with my flat bed scanner and a film adapter, but when I opened the images in Photoshop they were extremely saturated with very high contrast.  I fiddled with different settings until the artwork looked fairly acceptable, at the time I had no idea how to use layers, and emailed 72dpi jpgs to my webmaster.  I look back on those early efforts and want to re-do all of them someday when I have the time.

Recently I’ve found a few excellent websites that post tips for using Photoshop and I’d like to share this one that explains in very good English how to optimize images for the web.  Happy Photoshopping!

Gail Niebrugge, Alaska Artist

I’m new to Twitter and FaceBook, but I can already see that this social network stuff can eat up a huge amount of time.  Thinking that the exposure would be good for my art and bring people to my website I signed on to these sites.  And, it has been a good move.  But, I’m just a small peanut in the big world of internet.  I’ve found folks who have more than 50,000 followers on Twitter and wonder how they keep up with their followers?  That kind of following boggles my mind.  I’m a johnny-come-lately to this internet stuff having grown up before home computers were invented and seem to be running way behind the learning curve, but doing my best, it seems like a small business needs at least a part-time employee to keep up with the email, posts, tweets, requests, website updates, and the like.  I have spam filters but still find 30-50 or more junk mail in my inbox every day, and thank goodness for a great spam filter on my blog where I can control “comments” or my site would be a walking billboard for pharmaceutical companies.  Here is a great article I found (on the internet) about this issue a good read, enjoy.

Gail Niebrugge, just an ordinary artist living in Alaska

Two hard working volunteers on the Mat-Su College Fine Arts Advisory Council, Sharon Allen and Janice Strong, confer on auction items during the first annual “Tie the Knot Community and College” fundraiser held at the Palmer Depot last Friday night February 12, 2010.  The proceeds of the auction will be used to support the first Artisan Festival on campus for the community and the college planned for 2011 with the goal of making this annual event for artists throughout the state.  The evening was sparked by the humor and energy of the auctioneer, radio station owner John Klapperich, and capped by the generous contributions of featured artist Shane Lamb.  This is a very worthy cause and important to the cultural growth of the Matanuska Valley.  Next year, I (your humble blog writer artist) have the honor of serving as featured artist at the second annual auction.  Plan now to attend, and start saving your money to bid high on my donation

Gail Niebrugge, Alaska landscape painter

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

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

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

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