letter from the president of scottsdale artists league

Art Beatnewsletter for the Scottsdale Artists League

June 2021

Letter from the President of Scottsdale Artists League

June SAL Art Beat 1

Greetings,

Are there times where you feel uninspired, unmotivated or just at a loss of any ideas? Do you just need a nudge or even a shove to reset your creativity button? I think they call that “Artist’s Block”, closely related to “Writer's Block”. It seems you just need a spark to light your fire. You are officially part of every artist’s reality. There are times when images and emotions flow so fast that it seems you cannot capture them all, and other times it seems as if the drought will never end. I have an answer to this problem…draw. It is as simple as that! Do a series of gesture drawings, contour drawings, quick sketches just to capture a movement or essences of the moment. Just the act of drawing and being absorbed in the moment or “Here and Now” opens my right-side brain and the drought is over. It is a miracle it seems, and it always works for me. They make sketchpads in all sizes, small enough to fit in your purse or pocket. In the real world, errands need to be run and mundane activities like getting the oil changed in your car or sitting in a waiting room. Pull out your sketchbook and go to town. The door of creativity opens and out flows the ideas. I hope this helps you as it does me.

Happy creating!

Marsha Lazar-Klinger

-General Meeting-

June SAL Art Beat 2

Marsha Lazar Klinger -President:Marsha opened the meeting with a remembrance of the 51st anniversary of the shootings at Kent State University, where she was a student at the time.

Donna Lewis-Treasurer:

A couple members have enjoyed sales at Westminster Village and the Sweetwater Coffee venues.Things are getting better

Shows

Marsha Lazar Klinger -President:

Westminster showBarbarann Mainzer:Barbarann Mainzer reported that the new Westminster show has been hung. There are 9 artists participating and $150.00 has been raised from entry fees.

Marsha announced three upcoming shows:

Sweetwater Coffee: May 5 through June 17. Drop off time is 1:00 - 1:45

Scottsdale Artists School parking lot: May 15 (one-day show) from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Set up is at 8:30 am, take down at 4:00 pm. Anyone wishing to participate must also meet at 7:30 am to help to get tents and tables from the storage unit on University Drive in Tempe and then help return them after the show. Everyone needs to bring a cooler/ice chest, ice and a case of bottled water to pass out to guests. You will need a smart phone or ipad with square or, need to share with another artist and, if you have a white 10x10’ tent, bring it. A prospectus and hold harmless form will be e-blasted. Entry fee is $30.00.

The Scottsdale Artists School indoor show will be from June 5 - 19, with a reception on June 11 from 5:30 - 7:30 pm. Masks must be worn to be inside.

June SAL Art Beat 3

Old Business: .

New Business:

Barbarann Mainzer:

Barbarann Mainzer reported on Westminster. Change-out is June 12 and runs until August 30. The facility is still not open to members for hanging or receptions but, hopefully, will be soon. There have been sales, even during the Pandemic.

New Business

Marsha Lazar Klinger-President:

Marsha is talking with Sky Harbor Museum regarding a show in 2022.

Old Business

Plans for the Raffle are coming together. Pictures of donations must be sent to Marsha, make sure to include the size of the work, the title, the medium and if its framed or unframed, if its a painting or drawing. Donna is working on getting advertising on Instagram through the Arizona Art Alliance. There will be a 5.5" x 7.5" postcard prepared with information regarding the raffle and some pictures of donated art work. The cards will be given to those purchasing tickets and may also be sent to your clients. Marsha should be receiving the raffle tickets at her house on Thursday.

Reports

Membership Chair - Shannon O’Donnell:

There are currently 101 members, 23 present, 2 being new members, and one guest.

Newsletter - Franco Valentini:Franco is out of town but, will still be doing the Artbeat newsletter so, continue to send your information to him.

francovalentini

Cross-Out

June SAL Art Beat 4

Announcements

Marsha Lazar Klinger

Marsha announced a beading opportunity that was sent to her in recognition of International Owl Awareness Day. Marsha has their handout.

Marsha announced the sale of four paintings to her medical doctor. Congratulations!

Marsha announced that she has obtained a venue in Scottsdale for a three-day show in October. There will be more information to come.

She also announced that Raymond Bartolome has passed away. We are sorry, he will be missed.

AAA - Judy Delmonico-Roll:

Judy announced the annual “Heat is On” virtual show at The Arizona Art Alliance. The dates will be July 11 through August 31 and AAA member leagues are invited to participate. This is a juried show and prizes will be awarded. Additional information can be found on the Arizona Art Alliance web site. AAA is also hosting an opportunity to thank first responders. Artists are invited to create botanical themed 6 x 6” canvases which will be displayed in local hospitals and eventually donated to area first responders as a thank you for all the hard work they have done over the past pandemic period. Additionally, John Fontana suggests that artists be sure to place their names and contact information on the backs of the panels as, these gifts will be made to doctors and other professionals that may become patrons in the future. Additional information can be found on the Arizona Art Alliance web site.

Art Galleries – The Best Ways to Showcase Artworks

Many young artists underrate art fairs as they fail to realize their importance for their careers. Painters overlook them when they are unaware of the numerous benefits that it offers. Besides giving you multiple opportunities to showcase your artworks, visiting art exhibitions can be a lot more fun than you can imagine. You can establish yourself as an independent painter or landscape photographer by participating in such shows. Art galleries allow you to present your original work for sale and reach sellers who want your work.Adding up to the food and drinks that are available for the guests and painters, art galleries bring together art collectors, aspiring artists, curators, contemporary art critics, and art historians. When these professionals assemble in one place, young artists get the opportunity to build networks and learn about significant aspects of curation. You can even discover various tips and tricks to showcase your artwork for sale.Aspiring artists must participate in various art exhibitions and take them seriously. Gradually, you will learn to conduct yourself as an independent artist who is a crucial factor that can help you achieve success in your chosen career. Moreover, make sure that you dress up appropriately when you visit such an exhibition. Remember that your first impression matters, and these art fairs are significant social events of your career.Newcomers can consider art exhibition as a business event and should utilize the exposure to present themselves as professionals artists. You should be ready to interact with new people and socialize well so that they remember you whenever they require your beautiful artworks. When a lot of artists gather at the same place, they do not only talk about the contemporary art fair, but you can get relevant information and the projects they are working on. When you exchange your ideas with the established artists, you may get an opportunity to work on a joint project.

How Beneficial are Art Exhibitions?Art exhibitions can be beneficial in multiple ways. They are suitable for artists, collectors as well as audiences. They are excellent social gatherings of people with similar likes and tastes. This does not mean that all the attendees will favor the same painting or artwork. It implies that the general artistic flavor will be an integral part of the environment created at these gatherings.

What’s in there for visitors?Well, not every city may have reputed art galleries from where collectors and connoisseurs can buy the artwork they like. However, the possibility of art lovers being omnipresent in all towns can’t be denied. How will these art lovers witness the grandeur and glory of your paintings? So, what is the solution? A temporary but highly publicized display of artworks at a grand scale- voila, you have an art fair before you.

Artists must not shy awayNot all painters have the means to display their prized creations in reputed galleries. Selling artwork online is still a hard nut to crack. So, for young artists who want to monetize their creations, exhibitions can be a godsend. They can network their way to these events, and if their work is top-notch, they will give themselves a decent shot at selling their paintings.

Fame is a step awayRelatively unknown painters get the opportunity to become the talk of the town if they get lucky at an art exhibition. Selling paintings and other works of art at shows will be a cakewalk if your creations win over the right collector. One huge sale and people will get to know that you have arrived on the scene with a bang. Even if the transaction does not happen on a grand scale, you will end up making friends or fans. And in the artistic way of life, these things come at a premium.

Significant Benefits of Participating in Art Fairs

June SAL Art Beat 5

Meet the Artist

June SAL Art Beat 6

This section is intended to introduce new members and old members to SAL colleagues. In short, a way to know each other better.

Concerning new members it will include as many new members SAL will get each month. For old members it will include only one artist per month.

Both new members and old members should submit a package including:

1) A portrait photo

2) A short biography with some interesting stories about his/her artist life

3) Some photos of him/her most acclaimed and significant artworks.

Please send your package to: [email protected]

June SAL Art Beat 7

-June 2021 Speaker- Brie Bartz

Born and raised by a single mom in Arizona, Brie finds inspiration in the strength of others and their will to continue on. She has been drawn to the arts her whole life and was able to perfect her abilities at the Milan Art Institute where she found her deepest passion in painting Abstract Realism. Brie’s art allows you to see the strength and beauty that is inside of yourself.”

Her art shows power through every brushstroke and allows you to feel vibrant just like the bold colors she uses in her paintings. Her motto for life is to "Live Fearlessly, Follow Your Passion, Be Raw and, Ignite Your Fire Within."

June SAL Art Beat 8

May 2021 Speaker

June SAL Art Beat 9

Here a sequence of photos taken during his presentation

Many Thanks to Stan Kurth:Laurie Schaefer introduced our program presenter Stan Kurth. He talked about how he flirted with art as a kid and eventually turned to painting full time. He did not mention a podcast interview that is online. In the interview he reveals a great process for approaching one’s painting appetite. Stan talks about how he creates and uses those beautiful neutrals. He explains the importance of choosing a direction and sticking with it, and discusses how he decides when a painting is finished.

Someone asked about a workshop. Here is the next one scheduled locally: Terravita Art Leauge - 2 Day Workshop - February 9th and 16th, 2022, Acrylic on Canvas, Desert Pavilion Community Center, Terravita Golf and Country Club, Scottsdale, Arizona

June SAL Art Beat 10

-Artist of the month-

-1st Place-

- First Place- "Country Basic" Oil by John Fontana

About this painting: It is indeed an honor to be selected for Artist of the Month by the many accomplished member artists! With great appreciation, I Thank You!

Regarding my paintings, like many artists, I work to create images that awaken memories, tell a story, or at least provide the viewer with a pleasant experience.

“Country Basics” title, could have easily been “Back When”. Memories of times past, when life was simpler. Some of us remember growing up in small towns or rural communities where the world evolved around family, friends and community. Dinner was family time. Dad would sit at the head of the table and food would be served. Dinner was home cooked meals often with garden fresh vegetables or eggs from a few cooperative hens. There were grocery stores, but, in the early and mid-40’s the war effort caused shortages and some items were not affordable, but Moms could still create magical meals with just basics!

These are a few of the many memories that inspired the “Country Basics” painting.

I hope it will help recall fond memories of your own.

John Fontana



-2nd Place-“Chic” (Oil)

by Lorraine Sanders

About this painting: The painting “Chic” was inspired by a photo that reminded me of my younger days growing up. Women use to dress up for many occasions which I use to love to do. I wanted to show style and attitude that I feel “Chic” captured.

Artist Biography: Lorraine has been painting for over 40 years in the Valley. Painting started as a hobby but after studying with several well-known artists over the years, it has become a life’s passion. She especially loves to paint people of the Indian culture, wild-life, children, pets and the Southwest and European landscapes. She’s been in many art shows and most recently, had shown her works at the Herberger Theatre for the “Celebration of Women’s “ month March, 2020. She was honored to be one of 30 women artists chosen out of 300.


-3rd Place-"Spring Shower", Mixed Media

by Freddie Lieberman

About this painting: Like most of my paintings, "Spring Showers" just evolved after many many layers of thin glazes over a heavily textured surface. The hills and valleys of the textural surface catch the paint in unique and surprising ways further directed by sprayed water. Each application has to dry before the next one is added or they'll all blend together. When I am excited with the result, I let it dry thoroughly and pour on a coating of resin.

And now try to solve these riddles

May SAL Art Beat 17

Why a leopard cannot play hide and seek? ..........answer #1 on page 32

Why you shouldn't tell secrets in a cornfield?...............answer #2 on page 32

Did you know some common hand gestures are offensive in other countries?

The “devil horns” hand sign seen thrown up at rock concerts can be offensive in other countries. In European and South American countries, this hand sign implies that a man’s wife has been unfaithful. The meaning dates back to the etymological meaning of “cuckold” which is “horned” in Italian, Spanish, and Greek. To know more about common hand gestures that you should definitely not make in certain places visit this link:

https://www.rd.com/article/common-hand-gestures-rude-in-other-countries/

and to learn about hands gestures

"Sweetwaters Cafe" Show


A new "Sweetwaters Cafe Show" is on since May 5. The panoramic photo shows all artworks on display. Individual photos of all artworks can be seen in the following pages. Again best wishes to all participant artists for a successful show.

SAS Parking Lot Show May 15

Just few a words to report that this show did not have the result expected. Congratulations and a big thank you to all participants who have done a great job in setting the show up in a very short time early in the morning.

Here are few photos of a fun day together......with not many visitors.



Proposed monument.

Buffalo Soldiers AZ Territory Monument1866 - 1902

Website: https://www.buffalosoldiersazterritorymonument.com Video: https://youtu.be/31jbcNTHeGc

Let them proudly sit equally among the heroes who helped defend, build, and settle our great nation.

Buffalo Soldiers Monument

Do not forget to contribute to honor Hal Stewart who sculptured the monument


SAL Swap Meet Page

This month nothing to give away or to sell !

-SAL Member Critique-

Jim Garrison will be leading the critique during May General meeting.All members are invited to participate with their work and suggestions. Critique begins promptly at 5:35 pm and runs to 6:45 pm prior to the General Meeting. Guests are welcome.

Paintings and drawings do not need to be framed. Unfinished piecesare welcome for suggestion to finish them. Participants in the critiqueplease do not bring paintings freshly wet, oil particularly, as the paintgets on our hands and clothes from handling the pieces and thenpaint is transferred to other works and the carpet in the critique area.If you have a frame to put the painting in for handling purposes thatwill be appreciated.

Two works per member will be accepted.Work submitted after 6:15 may not be critiqued depending on volumeof work.Work submitted for Critique cannot be submitted for artist of themonth on the same evening.

Jim Garrison, Critique MasterDonna Levine, AssistantDave Flitner, Assistant


"Art Criticism is always very debatable among experts or whoever has to judge a specific artwork"

A short explanation to understand how your artwork is viewed during a critique.

Art Criticism is always very debating between experts or whoever has to judge a specific work of art. Critiquing an artwork is like playing detective and whoever is doing it must assume that the artist has a secret message hidden within the work. The job is to find the message and solve the mystery. Many of you may already know the fundamental of art criticism but it is always beneficial to refresh the concepts. This should allows you to self criticize your artwork at first and come to the critique more confident. It is important to get right that a critique is not negative. It allows you to learn and improve.

These are the fundamental Steps of Art Criticism.

Description-What do I see?Analysis-How is the work organized?Interpretation-What message does this artwork communicate?Judgment-Is this a successful work of art?

DescriptionIt determines the degree of artistic merit. The critic may use aesthetics to help decidewhether the work is successful. A work can be very successfully aesthetically, butcritic might not want to live with it.

AnalysisThe critic determines what he sees and how the work is organized. Including composition, size and scale of work, relationship between colors and shapes, texture of surface and general execution of work.

InterpretationIt explains or tells the meaning or mood of the work. In short what message does this artwork communicate? The critic may guess about the artwork, as long as they appear to be supported by what he sees in the work. However, he can make an interpretation that is different from someone else’s.

JudgmentIt discovers how the principles of art are used to organize the art elements of line, color,value, shape, form, space and texture.The critic can make a list of all the things he sees in the work: size of the work, the medium used, the process used, the subject, object, details and elements of art used. All of them remaining objective.


-Membership-

SAL has 101 members 23 members and two guests

attended May 5 meeting

50/50 Drawing $ 20.00 to Ed Ward

Drawing for door prize Arizona Art Supply- $25.00 to Larry Beausoleil


Remember to Like Us on Facebook and Follow Us on Instagram (@azartalliance)!

Judy Delmonico-Roll [email protected]


The focus of the Arizona Art Alliance, under its new leadership, will be to serve the leadership teams of member groups. Mission Statement: Facilitating growth in the Arizona arts community by empowering arts organizations to meet their goals of providing arts events, instruction, and community outreach.The Art Alliance will host 2 exhibitions annually: “Interpretations” and “The Heat is On" (virtual summer show).

“The Heat is On” – July 11 – August 31, 2021This Virtual Exhibition on the Arizona Art Alliance website is open to all AWA Members. The Exhibition will be juried and prizes will be awarded.Important Dates:June 6 – June 30, 2021: online submissionsJuly 7: Notification via emailJuly 11 – 2PM – virtual reception & announcement of award winners via zoomFor more information about entry fees, prizes, to view the prospectus and submit entries, etc. please go to the website (www.azartalliance.com).

Upcoming Project:The Art Alliance is organizing a project to show gratitude to our healthcare workers who have sacrificed so much over the past year. Artists will create 6 x 6 inch artworks (on canvas panels provided by the Alliance) to be displayed at hospitals and subsequently donated to healthcare workers. We will use a botanical theme for the artworks. This will most likely take place in Fall 2021 and into 2022. So be thinking of what botanical images you would like to create for this worthwhile project. More info to come.

And now enjoy with these jokes


Three surgeons were meeting for a drink...

... Here they ended up talking shop, and the first proclaimed:

"The easiest patients to operate on, are accountants! All their organs are numbered."

The second surgeon is in disagree:

"I think the easiest patients to operate on, are painters! All their organs got different colors."

To which the last opposed:

"Nonsense! The easiest patients to operate are politicians! They got no brains, no spines, and if you accidentally switch around on their heads and their asses, no one will be able to tell the difference anyways."

A joke from work

Four famous actors get together and decide to dress up as famous artists for Halloween.

Leonardo DiCaprio says he'll go as Da Vinci since they have the same first name.

Tom Cruise says he'll go as Van Gogh so they have two painters.

Bill Murray says he'll go as Beethoven since he likes his music.

Arnold Schwarzenegger just looks at them and says "I'll be Bach."

Shlemiel the Painter

Shlemiel gets a job as a street painter, painting the dotted lines down the middle of the road. On the first day he takes a can of paint out to the road and finishes 300 yards of the road. "That's pretty good!" says his boss, "you're a fast worker!" and pays him a kopeck.

The next day Shlemiel only gets 150 yards done. "Well, that's not nearly as good as yesterday, but you're still a fast worker. 150 yards is respectable," and pays him a kopeck.

The next day Shlemiel paints 30 yards of the road. "Only 30!" shouts his boss. "That's unacceptable! On the first day you did ten times that much work! What's going on?"

"I can't help it," says Shlemiel. "Every day I get farther and farther away from the paint can!"

Answers to riddles: #1...Because is always spotted. #2 ...because there are too many ears

PresidentMarsha Lazar-Klinger, 513-515-4121 [email protected]

1st Vice President for Programs Laurie Schaefer , 480-363-6545 [email protected]

2nd Vice President of Shows temporarily a team made of members:

Pamela Shearer, 480-628-2072 [email protected], Judy Curran (Marketing), 480-232-4917 [email protected] Robin Schweitzer, 602-849-2614 [email protected] Sharon Elliott, 602-361-1794 [email protected] Leslie Austin, 602-818-2406 [email protected] Mainzer (panels), 603-361-8358 [email protected]

TreasurerDonna Lewis, 480-695-4295 [email protected]

Recording SecretaryMarti Thorson 269-578-6145 [email protected]

CorrespondingSecretaryJoan Fuller 360-690-6854 [email protected]

SAL Chairmen

SAL Board Members


CritiqueJim Garrison, 480-969-4405 [email protected] Flitner, 480-831-8958 [email protected] Levine, 602-574-1978 [email protected]

MembershipShannon Gurley O'Donnell, 602-615-0649 [email protected]

Artist of the MonthBarbara Mainzer,603-361-8358 [email protected] Lieberman, 480-998-8782 [email protected]

Publicity DirectorTBD

Website and EblastKathy Wadsworth, 623-500-8001 [email protected] Merkle, 480-207-1604 [email protected]

AAA RepresentativeJudy Delmonico-Roll, 480-990-1359 [email protected]

NewsletterFranco Valentini, 623-825-0395 [email protected]

SAL Art Beat Editor


Franco

Greetings to all of you,

During the May meeting it has been announced that I was absent because traveling. Indeed, after many months of photographic inactivity due to the pandemic I finally got full vaccination and I decided to go back to normal life breaking the "protective shell" all of us has created against the invisible virus. My first stop has been Yellowstone, WY. A must for any photographer who are in love with nature and pristine landscape. In addition visiting this beautiful National Park in May, just few days after the winter opening, allows to see more animals due to the little number of visitors and cars. I have been there a dozen of times, different seasons and weather conditions. This time I found snows and sun and wind. But a lot of subject to photograph. My second stop was at Capitol Reef National Park in central Utah. A magic place. I went to visit a remote area north of the NP, accessible only to Off Road vehicle. It is an area I wanted to visit since many years. This vast area is more known as Cathedral Valley and there you can see the "Temple of the Sun" and "The Temple of the Moon". The entire area takes you back millions of years. A primitive landscape that shows the force of the primordial eve. Colors are like a palette and go from yellow to red, to violet, to white and to black lava against the intense blue of the sky. Not a single soul for miles (except my wife who always accompanies me) and a couple of other cars. I do not know how many of you had the chance to enjoy this unique area, but for those who never went there, here is a photo of the "Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Moon".

letter from the president of scottsdale artists league

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