June 6th, 2009
We are leaving for a vacation next week, well is it a vacation or is it a business trip? Well I guess I have to ask if painting is work or pleasure? Both I think!!!
Next week is ART BASEL in Switzerland. It is the biggest of the biggest art shows and I have included a little of the information for you below:
Art 40 Basel | The 40th anniversary of the premier international art show
The 40th edition of Art Basel takes place in the culturally rich city of Basel, Switzerland, from June 10 through June 14, 2009. As the world’s premier art show, Art Basel marks the annual reunion of the international artworld. This year, more than 300 exhibiting galleries from all over the globe were selected from a record number of more than 1,100 applications, and will be showing works by over 2,500 artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. The Art Unlimited hall, with its 60 large-scale projects, and the Public Art Projects on the exhibition square offer further highlights.
I have heard there are more private jets in Basel Switzerland during this art show than anywhere in the world during this one week stretch. I of course will be traveling by car, about a 7 or 8 hour drive from here. The “Basel art show” is only one of many art shows going on next week in the city. Basel becomes the hub of ALL art next week. I will unfortunately only be a visitor, but hope to be presenting in the years to come. As a tourist, I will be having Timothy take lots of pictures and I will WORK to find just where the art seen is, and where it might be heading. I will be giving you details after my return.
Wishing everyone happy painting and I shall return to the blog with lots of pictures and details of my working/vacation trip! As always HAPPY PAINTING!
Mike
Tags: art show
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June 6th, 2009
I am including a photo of a client and wanted to share a special note she sent me after attending class. It is always nice to be able to touch someones life. I find painting is not work, it is who I am and sharing that with others is just MAGIC! I always hope I can touch everyone’s life half as much as they touch mine! Thanks Marlene!!!
“Dear Mike,
Painting with you in this enchanting atmosphere in Château Saussignac was a pure delight, an experience I’ll never forget. I came to France with my husband Maurice who suggested to combine our vacation with a painting session with you because I love your work. I discovered a generous artist eager to share his admirable talent and creative experiences with others. For me, it was more than a painting week but also a voyage for the soul. With your guidance, surrounded by picturesque scenery, good company, joyful painting experiences and delicious food, It was a bit like entering a beautiful painting. I had to pinch myself a few times to make sure I wasn’t dreaming.
I did not expect so much generosity and attention. I thank you and your partner and artist photographer, Timothy White, for an unforgettable week I’ll cherish for the rest of my life.
Marlène”
Tags: painting retreats, reviews, satisfied client
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June 6th, 2009
Painting LIFE size!
Experience the magic of painting in my private workshop here in the Dordogne S.W. France. I now offer private, one on one painting retreats as I work with YOU, for 4 to 7 days. You will stay in our guest suite in Chateau Saussignac, all your meals will be provided, and you will work along side me as we build your creativity and show you how to better express yourself on canvas. No two classes are the same, everyone is different, everyone has special needs, and everyone wants different results, that is why I now work with clients privately.
There is never a better time than now to push yourself forward and expand your inter creativity. Let me show you how to express yourself more freely, find the inner you, and expand your creativity.
Get all the details of my class by clicking on the link above right.
I hope to see you soon at my artist workshop, one on one or in a group setting!
Happy Painting.
Mike
Tags: painting retreat
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April 30th, 2009
I started painting with acrylics and have always liked them, in fact I never used any oil based paints except on the house, and found clean up and paint drying to be sticky and difficult to use, so I just never tried to paint with oils on canvas. About 3 months ago I decided to really give oils a try. I had purchased some oils a year earlier for some of my students attending my artist workshops here in SW France. I found that once I started using the oils, I couldn’t go back to acrylic. I like the acrylic for the drying time, but blending and working on certain things in oils are so exciting. Now I am painting my canvases in acrylic for a base coat and then putting oils on top. I still love the easy clean up of acrylic, and the fast drying, but oils are my friend now too.
I encourage everyone to try all types of painting products to find what works best for you.
As for longevity, I think acrylics will be proven to outlast oils in many ways, but only time will tell. The acrylic paint seems to bind and form a solid plastic surface that I believe will last a lifetime. But I think we should all try different things and use those tools and supplies that are most comfortable for us and produce the results we are looking for.
Happy painting in whatever medium you like!
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April 15th, 2009
WOW- What a day Sunday was. We had about 125 people come through the doors on Sunday, many staying for hours. And the great new is that not only did everyone have a great time, some 50 plus pieces of art found new homes. Thanks to everyone that came to visit and we hope you enjoy your new ART! Mike and Timothy
Tags: sale
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April 9th, 2009
It is Spring here, the trees are blooming out, the tulips are up, and the weather is turning very nice. It is an inspiring time to clean the house, work in the garden and HAVE A SALE!
This weekend on Sunday the 12th of April we will have a BIG ONE DAY SALE! I have cleaned out the closets, looked under the bed and dug out all those paintings that I have just hidden away. Now is the time to price them right and find them a home. I encourage everyone to CLEAN house once per year, including artist. Price paintings to move and help to find them a new home. If your in or around the South of France this weekend, come by, have a glass of wine, and see if there is a painting just waiting for you! This is a once a year opportunity to save up to 50% on already affordable priced art. EVERYONE likes a sale and artist should have one every year. I think it helps us to move forward in our art.
Happy, Painting and shopping! Mike
Tags: tips
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March 19th, 2009
Today everyone talks about the difficult economic situation that is going on. This is true for those of us in the art world as well. I have a couple of suggestions to share with you.
First is purchasing product. Many art supply stores that I use on a regular bases have shot there prices up over last year. In fact many things that I purchased last year have gone up in price by 10 to 15 % or sometimes even more. I say, DON’T purchase unless it is absolutely necessary. That’s right, when prices are too high, we as consumers must say NO, which in time will cause the price to go down. I have noticed almost anything made of plastic and acrylic paints as well have shot up in price. Yes last year oil went through the roof and many suppliers raised there price so I understand seeing 2009 catalogues with higher prices, but last time I checked oil went down by 70% but I have seen NO discount in products. So I just get by and watch for the SALE prices to come in. I have several suppliers for art products and I like having choices. Most of the people I purchase from have a monthly sale on some of there inventory. I shop wisely and purchase only what I need, or use regularly is on sale. I will purchase much more than I would normally, trying to keep a stock of 4 to 6 months in materials. I stay flexible so that I can purchase role canvas when it is on sale, or purchase a quantity of streched canvas when they are on sale. I like several brands of paints and will purchase what I like, when it is on sale. Some of my suppliers provide free shipping which is great. I alway try to save a list so that I purchase the minimum to get free shipping and it is nice not to go to a store, just have someone drop everything right at your door step.
My suggestion, Keep several suppliers handy and shop around for the BEST DEALS.
Now for selling your work. Keep your customers happy, have a sale! I have just started a once a year sale, to promote work that has not sold the year before. This gives an opportunity for my valued customers to strike a great deal and keeps my inventory going out the door and food on the table.
In todays market we must think and react wisley. Make the best choices and plan ahead. We want a good/fair deal, and so does our customer. Lets keep everyone happy and shop smart!
Happy saving, selling and Painting! Mike
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March 11th, 2009
Saussignac France, just 20 kilometers from Bergerac in the Dordogne, a village of only 400 people has an art gallery!
Chateau Saussignac Artist Gallery
Mike SNOW and Timothy WHITE opened up there piece of Chateau Saussignac to the public in 2007. The contemporary art gallery called “Atelier SNOW et WHITE” ,is open to the public only for a couple weeks in the month of August, but can be viewed by appointment anytime of the year. A portion of the chateau is used for living and a private artist studio, but one large room on the ground floor serves as there gallery space for visitors by appointment only, year round. Just call 05.53.24.34.22 to schedule your private showing of paintings and photography. Enjoy a glass of wine, some nice music and stroll around the chateau. Snow and White have worked to create a different type of gallery space that feels comfortable and inviting to everyone with wonderful art priced form 10 euros to 5,000 euros there is contemporary art for everyone. Snow also does custom commissions portraits of people and there pets and White does private photo shoots of local events and custom photo portraits. The chateau is also used for week long private painting retreats in the SW of France for people wanting a painting holiday filled with challenge and excitement. Visit www.SuperBon.fr for details on the painting classes, to view artwork, and schedule a private viewing at the gallery.
Tags: gallery, retreat, workshop
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March 3rd, 2009
Artist should ALWAYS keep a diary! NO not about your romances, oh well I guess you could put those in there too. Actually I can not stress how important this is. Purchase a simple note book with plain paper or something nicer if you wish.
The first thing to do is note down where you are in your art carrier. What you like about your art, where your going, or where you would like to go with it. Every time a idea pops into your head, just sketch a picture or jot a note to yourself. You will find this exercise very helpful. Artist over the years have always kept journals or diary’s of there everyday life as it pertains to there art.
I sketch ideas, plans for a new painting, themes I would like to work on, or artist I want to do research on. Some artist sketch things they see in life day to day and actually make there paintings from these sketches.
I also find that every couple of months it is important to read back over your diary, you will be surprised at the things that pop back into your head and what things keep coming up over and over. It is always good for inspiration, but also good ten years latter to see what you where thinking then and how you have progressed.
It is a simple task and will keep your mind headed in the right direction and will inspire you to move forward. I always write my goals for the following year to help keep me on track as well. Put anything of importants to do with your art in your diary, it WILL come in handy, trust me!
Happy Painting, sketching and writing! Mike
Tags: tips
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February 25th, 2009
A couple of months ago while visiting Paris I took a day trip out to Versailles. I have been there several times, but just amazed at the most spectacular house in France. To me one of the BEST pieces of art to be seen. Hundreds of rooms, each different, each designed with a theam and purpose in mind. Every light fixture, ever chair, every piece of molding, unique and one of a kind, designed and hand made.
During the visit there was an exhibition of Jeff Koons, now I have never really had any interest in his art and didn’t know much about it. This of course is my opinion “WHAT A JOKE”. If I ever ran into Jeff I would have to complement him on his design ability, but as an artist, I’m not sure he is one. I watched a special on him and read some articles afterwords. He has a staff of up to 75 employees, all the pictures I saw, never once showed him with a paintbrush or even near any of his work in production. All the painting, all the sculpting, ALL the work was being done by someone else. Is this an artist or a designer??? I would have to say a designer.
Yes the dog balloon sculpture was impressive at about 16 feet tall and long and weighing in at several tons, but is it art? Did Koons ever even touch it during the construction process? One has to wonder, when are we artist and when are we managers and designers. I do give Jeff credit for crating or working with people to create a process to produce the balloon figures, but are they not just a copy of a street balloon artist hand making one of a kind toys for children on the street?
An architect is a designer and manager of a creative process. He does not build or make anything. But rather assembles and creates the concepts and makes sure the product is delivered. I would have to say Jeff Koons is a architect of art, and I’m not sure it is good art. Note, this is only my opinion, but for those of us that want to be hands on and make sure everything we do is done by us, so that we can have pride when we put our name on it are TRUE ARTIST!
Just my artistic opinion for the day. Who am I to say, Jeff grosses millions each month selling things he didn’t make, I guess that is a great business. We will see how time and history documents his art?
Okay, let me go grab a paintbrush and get started! Have a fun day painting. Mike
Mike at Versailles
Hall of mirrors Versailles
Tags: opinions, review, vacation
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