Brenda, Rita, Heidi, Lindsay, Gisele, Erin, Ally, Patti and Steven, you are all rock stars! Thank you for a fabulous weekend! I don't think I've ever had this much fun in Art Marketing 101 before. I think we could have added a whole other day just to keep on taking! See you guys in September for the Art Marketing 101 follow up! Have a wonderful summer!

xoxo

PS more pics on facebook

A SOLD OUT two day workshop! Good for you little birds! I am so proud of each and everyone one of you for having the courage to make your dreams a reality. It's gotta start somewhere right?! See you tomorrow armed with your "definition of success" on hand.

This Saturday & Sunday at the Calgary School of Art I will be teaching a two day workshop called Art Marketing 101: Becoming a Professional Artist - The Artist's Guide to (Fearless) Self Promotion. OK, the word "Fearless" I just added in there now. And I like it! I think I'll change he title next time around.

I wrote and teach this course because I saw it all too often: talented artists who have accumulated a basement full of their own artwork and it just sits there. After talking with literally hundreds of artist the common sentiment was this: "I love art, I love making art, but I don't know the first thing about selling it. I don't even know if it's good enough to sell! Usually I just give it away. I'm not even sure I'm a real artist. I like the sound of possibly getting rid of some of it by selling it, but I have no idea how to begin. Besides, I'm no good at the computer."

I had the same feelings. The same concerns, the same fears, and so can you. The style of this class is very much like my paintings classes: I share with you everything I know. There is no holding back. 

My goal for each and everyone of my students this weekend is this:

1) I want to instill in them a sense of possibility that yes, this can be done and it's much easier than they thought it would be.

2) I want them all to leave the class knowing exactly what steps they need to take. Wether it's making business cards, photographing and editing photos of their art, booking their first show or pricing their work. I want them to feel confident that they can accomplish any and all of these things.

3) I want them to make connections with each other and form a supportive community.

4) Last but not least, I want them all to be able to say with confidence and excitement: "I am an artist."

I love this store. Amanda, Erin, Lorette and Kayla, thank you so much for making this happen. I feel like a local celebrity when I come here. You guys treat me so well! So it's no wonder I can't wait to come back! 

On Saturday we were at full capacity. Erin graciously (and excitedly) volunteered to work on the floor because there was no more room on the tables and her canvas was huge! You go girl!

Mary drove all the way down from Calgary, and Elaine, Erin, Jodi and Lee all came back for more!

Thank you everyone for a wonderful time. Let's see if we can make this longer next time. I'm thinking a two day workshop would give us more time to have fun together and learn the concepts well. What do you think?

OK so you know every time one of the Surfacing Student Art Shows comes around I always say it's the best. Well, this time I'm gonna say it again because really it was the best! We packed the parking lot and the venue. Standing room only. And we even filled the room next to the show with "overflow" artists and supporters. I counted over 60 cars in the parking lot. And I think the number of attendees was closer to 70. For us! For YOU! My Fearless Surfacing Abstract Painters.

Tonight we had a super performance by hip hop artist and composer, It's Lazy and producer DJ Cones. They rocked! The best part of it for me was that I knew all of the lyrics and could sing and dance along. I did not however, master the microphone. Crazy how close you've gotta hold that thing to your mouth! I got in trouble several times for not knowing how to work the thing.

My students barely recognized me without paint all over me. And I barely recognized them! Dressed to the nines they were! And I was so proud. For many of them it was their very first show and they were fearless. In total, I counted at least seven pieces sold. Congratulations everyone! What a fabulous way to celebrate your accomplishments. Thank you to all of you who supported us by showing up and offering us your encouragement. We couldn't have done it with you!

My mind is already looking forward to Surfacing 7 in the Fall. Are we going to be able to top this?! I honestly don't know! I guess we'll wait and see.

See little birds? I promised that a nudge out of the nest would be worth it. Now you are ready to stretch your new wings and enjoy an entirely different view. 

xoxo

S

Hello Fearless Abstract Painter!

If you are interested in diving deeper into the daSilva Method Technique and philosophies, join me at Alberta Art & Drafting this Saturday, May 5th from 10 - 3.

In addition to what you've already learned, feel free to bring in the pieces you've been working on that you're finished, not finished, happy with, unhappy with, or simply stuck on! We will use part of our time together to critique them as an insight into knowing what to do next.

Also, for those interested in mixed media work, I will show you how I have used newspaper, plaster (Vinyl Spackling), Galleria Structure Gel and a blade to create my latest series of works called: Anthropologie. 

All the best! And I hope to see you back for more!

This is it. The night before your big show. You've worked hard for this. You've pushed your boundaries both technically and mentally. YOU ARE AN ARTIST! Let's celebrate what you've accomplished and pave the way for future art parties wether they be solo, group, big or small. It's all good. It's all part of becoming a better version of yourself.

I remember the night before my first art show. I barely slept. It's one thing to paint, it's another to put your works out into "the real world" for public consumption. I feel like mama bird pushing my "babies" out of the nest. Mama bird knows what's good for you. She knows your potential. You can fly! But you must leap. And I promise, it will be worth it. 

See you tomorrow night birdies!

And for you, the spectator, come and celebrate with us! For an official show announcement see the sidebar.
 

We did it! Last night we completed the last of our eight week session together. We celebrated with an impromptu art show, wine, food and painting! The highlight? That the students took it upon themselves to exchange emails and paint together during the summer. I was so impressed! Because to me this can only mean one thing: that I've done my part in nurturing, encouraging and facilitating new friendships. Right on guys! Have a fantastic summer and I'll see you again in September!

Thank you, thank you, thank you! You gals were a blast! What a fabulous way to spend a Saturday!