Facebook:  nouraunrau.ca

Instagram:  @relateeuwsen_artist

Instagram:  @fulya.bulur.art

Facebook:  fulya.bulur.art

Instagram: @timnash2126

See more of Liliane’s work:

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Saba Ambreen is an extraordinarily gifted artist, famous for painting both nature and portraits. She is well-known as she has so much dedication that she has created a way of showing surrounds through a brush. She was born as an artist and created her first painting at the age of 8, She started to refine her skills with one of the most famous international artists and her first teacher; Iqbal Mehdi. She completed a Bachelor of Art and 4 years Diploma in fine art. She illustrated various esteemed publications. She introduced a new technique by merging Oil Paints with Pen & Ink and was honored with the artist of the year award. She also presented Honorable Prime Minister Justin Trudeau with a portrait of himself, Former Premier Kathleen Wynne and member of Parliament Salma Zahid. Acknowledging her most recent accomplishment, her painting “Moonlight” received the excellence award in Guild Art. She said that her inspiration is nature “Art for me is beauty and beauty in color is all around me” Her subject is women and nature and with her intelligence, and relentless patience she continuous to create diverse phases of evolution. She has more than 17 years’ experience of Pen & Ink drawing and fine arts, she has worked for two bi-weekly magazines, she has participated in multiple exhibitions and has worked for art galleries.

See below for more of Saba’s work.

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Have you wondered what goes into creating a painting, from the daunting start of a big blank canvas to the finished product hanging on a wall? If so, then keep reading for the behind-the-scenes journey of “Perched Sentinel.”

From this:                                                                                                                                                                To this:

From ‘oh’

…to “OH MY!”

My Process:

• I work from my own photographs and crop the photo until I get the desired composition for the canvas size. I’ve taken a couple of photography classes to improve my reference photos!
• An underpainting is applied (usually in a warm colour like yellow ochre), before I sketch a light outline in pencil.
  • Lesson learned: I’ve tried sketching the outline with a brush/paint wash, acrylic markers, watercolour pencils or chalk, and found that a plain-old pencil works really well, doesn’t smudge and covers up nicely with the paint.
  • Tip: if I need precision in the outline (where perspective and relative size of the objects really matter), I use a data projector/laptop to display the reference photo on the canvas and then sketch key parts of the outline. Otherwise, I just freehand the outline, occasionally using a ruler to keep me on track.
• I decide on my core colour palette and make adjustments as I go, given how the paint actually looks on the canvas.
• I generally work from background to foreground, and top to bottom as shown in the pictures below. Sometimes I go back and forth, if certain parts are more challenging and I need to do colour blocking to get an overall impression.

just keep painting…

…*sigh* just keep painting…

…wow! Just keep painting!

Tip: Want to know how to create misty skies with variation in sheen and colour? Use a sponge – it provides a nice smudgy finish that’s quick to use and easy on the hand. The video clip shows how I applied the sky using a mix of colours and gloss medium. As the sky changed colour, I added increasing amounts of the colours to Titanium White – Light Blue Permanent, Prussian Blue and Neutral Grey 8.

• As you can see, I take photos as I go. They primarily serve as a tool to look at the painting’s progress in a different way (it’s amazing what you can see is working and not working in a thumbnail-size photo), and also act as a painting journal.
• Tip: To keep the depth of the tones on track (light, medium dark), I temporarily edit the progress photos to monochrome, to better see what’s really showing up as light vs. medium. Then I make adjustments where needed, to provide better balance and reflect the reality of the scene. Those last few highlights make all the difference!
• It’s really important to contemplate the painting’s progress over a number of days. I look at it in different light, angles, places and think about what’s needed next. I also sometimes ask my husband and an artist friend for their perspectives – it’s easy to get too immersed in complex scenes and lose objectivity.
• Finishing touches:
  • To provide colour balance between cool/warm tones, add depth and visual interest, I incorporate complementary colour into strategic spots in the painting, e.g. dark red or yellow highlights to trees and rocks (see pictures below). From a distance, the subject doesn’t look much different, but up close you can see there’s much more going on. And it’s an artist’s prerogative to see red in the tree bark and gold in the ocean!
  • To protect the painting, I use a matte, satin or gloss spray varnish – whatever I think works best with the intended mood and brushstrokes. It’s personal preference to use spray vs. a brush-on varnish – I want to avoid brush marks.
  • Even though I do paint the edges of the 1.5” deep gallery canvas (either in a dark colour or a blend of colours used in the painting), I frame my big paintings with .5” wide floating frames in a relevant colour. This way, the painting has a border, pops against the frame and is client-ready. I always wire the frame, add felt wall bumpers on the bottom back corners and of course attach my business card.

The Finished Painting

                             Perched Sentinel

Reveal videos are so much fun!

Tip: Using a room visualization app on my phone (such as ArtRooms) is a helpful way to market art on a website or through social  media, and help viewers see the actual size of the painting in different settings.

                      Make your walls happy!

And that’s it! Onto the next painting…

A Bit About Me

I’m a fine arts painter who creates immersive landscape stories using rich colours, serene composition and expressive brushwork. Having lived, worked and travelled in many countries throughout my life, I’m inspired by the variations in geography, cultures, and the creative accomplishments of others.

My work explores the power of the image as a way to transport oneself to past experiences, evoke emotions and sensations. A particular colour of sky or water acts as a portal to memories. The combination of colour and shapes also produces an immediate reaction; a feeling of connection that can’t always be expressed in words – it just feels right.

Idyllic images create a beautiful refuge from daily life and act as a reminder to stop and enjoy the beauty that nature presents, fleeting and ever-changing.

Follow Diane on Instagram and Facebook and check out her Website!

See more of Diane’s work:

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I am a self-taught jewellery artist, born and raised in Toronto, living in Port Credit Ontario. I’ve been creating jewellery most of my life and restoring vintage jewellery for over 25 years. I sell my fine sterling silver gemstone jewellery and unique upcycled costume jewellery at fine art shows, shops, and internationally from my website since 2009.

Transformation is the main theme of my work, transforming old into new, negative into positive, pain into beauty. I love to use something broken and discarded to create something beautiful and desirable.

My goal is to create sustainable, eco-friendly jewellery with minimal impact on the environment. My favorite materials are recycled, upcycled and repurposed vintage sterling silver, gemstones, pearls, glass, beads, beach glass, etc., Many pieces are combined or made with new materials, most locally sourced.

My style is eclectic with elaborate beaded, wire-wrapped, and sculptural metalwork designs.  My work is inspired by nature, water and my many years collecting and restoring vintage jewellery. Creating jewellery is part of my healing journey, an expression of my joy, gratitude, hope and faith.

See more of Jacqueline’s work:

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My focus is on creating works that capture detail using Pen & Ink with additional washes of Watercolour & Acrylic Ink. Through the use of these techniques, I produce real landscapes or unique individual subject matter within it. “Connecting a viewer to a memory or emotion is the ultimate reward.”

See more of Stephen’s work:

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See more of Leslie’s work:

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Hi, my name is Chuck Lewis. I am an artist with studios in Mississauga and Gooderham, Ontario. Before I retired, I was the head of a commissioning engineering firm. This job allowed me to travel extensively all over the world, finding inspiration for my artwork.

I predominantly create oil paintings and ink drawings. I have been featured in several publications including “The Artists of Algonquin” as well as “Haliburton Highlands” and I participate in shows such as The Toronto Outdoor Art Fair, Tour de Forest, and the Highlands East Studio Tour.

I have traveled to over two dozen countries so far, for work and vacation. I never leave home without something to draw with, and my artwork is a way of looking back on all of the adventures I take throughout my life.

See more work:

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Brenda LaRose is a contemporary representational landscape painter who lives in Halton Hills, Ontario and has been painting for over 30 years. While she grew up on a farm in rural Ontario and has lived in a small town for 35 years, her time spent in northern Ontario in the last 10 years has ignited a passion for scenes with water, rocks, trees and most especially, the sun. 

Her art education consisted of many workshops with a wide variety of mediums and many types of subject matter over the years. Currently, she is using palette knives and thick acrylic paint on canvas to express the serenity of the lake scenes she photographs while kayaking the lake. 

Brenda has exhibited at a variety of galleries, shows and venues including:

–       3^rd Floor Gallery, Wyndham Art, Guelph

–       Lakeshore Art Trail, Mississauga

–       Helson Gallery, Georgetown 

–       Alton Mill Arts Centre, Alton 

–       Leslie Grove Art Gallery in Toronto

–       Fine Art Society of Milton – on-line gallery plus in-person shows at Holcim Gallery

–       Artisan Market, Dundas

–       Muskoka Arts & Crafts Show

–       Dockside Art and Music Festival, Gravenhurst

–       Auburn Gallery, Gravenhurst

–       Solo on-line show with the Arts on the Credit

–       Arts on the Credit Member – Spring & Fall Shows in Port Credit (since Fall 2021)

Her landscape painting “Silvercreek Bridge” was selected for the “Under Wraps” public art project with the Town of Halton Hills in 2021 and the image was used as a wrap for an electrical box.  She is now a member of the Town of Halton Hills Public Arts Advisory Board, where she helps to bring public art into the community.

See more of Brenda’s work:

 Website 

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See more of Brenda’s work:

Website

Instagram

Guest Post by Craig Ewing

My Creative Journey:

I am particularly drawn to creating statement pieces with a touch of sparkle, blending various metal tones such as gold, silver, bronze, copper, and gunmetal. My sketchbooks are full of doodles and notes, serving as a testament to boundless ideas. Attending trade shows has become a treasure hunt, as I seek out exquisite precious and semi-precious stones, geodes, and ceramic cabochons crafted by fellow artists, which I incorporate into my artistry. Additionally, my collection of Swarovski Crystals, acquired over the years and now discontinued, holds a special place in my repertoire. 

My Sketchbooks

Designing a single piece differs from embarking on a collection. When creating a single piece, I begin with an inspiration or an existing sketch, meticulously selecting materials and colors that harmonize with the concept. On the other hand, for a collection, I dive into my trove of treasures, gathering materials in a cohesive color palette before transforming one of my envisioned designs into a unique statement piece. Along the creative process, it is inevitable that the original concept undergoes a few design changes, resulting in an exquisite piece, guided by intuition and artistic instinct. 

Sketch of the idea

Over time, I have honed my skills and acquired a profound understanding of bead size, recognizing how different beads interact with one another. The ability to comprehend how altering thread size or color affects even the simplest of stitches has proven to be a crucial skill that enhances the intricacy and impact of my creations. While largely self-taught, I have eagerly sought opportunities to learn from the masters, as well as through the purchase of a few of their instructional kits, continuously expanding my techniques. 

The finished piece

Thank you so much for sharing the story behind the work Craig! You can find more of Craig’s amazing jewellery on his website here. You can also follow him on Instagram here.

In the ever-evolving landscape of the digital age, arts organizations are turning to virtual gallery platforms to enhance the way they engage with audiences. These platforms offer a more interactive and immersive experience and the best part of it is, anyone can attend from anywhere in the world.

Global Reach and Accessibility:

One of the most obvious advantages of virtual gallery platforms is the ability to reach a worldwide audience, introducing the artist to more possibilities and opportunities. Art enthusiasts from different corners of the world can access exhibitions and events with just a click, breaking down barriers and fostering a more inclusive art community.

Affordability

Maintaining a physical gallery involves significant overhead costs, including rent, utilities, and security. Virtual gallery platforms offer a cost-effective alternative. The mix of in-person and virtual exhibitions allows us as an organization to offer more exposure through more exhibitions and to a much wider audience, which makes our artists pretty happy. And when they are happy, we are happy!

Innovative Exhibition Possibilities:

Virtual gallery platforms provide a lot of innovative possibilities when curating exhibitions. Traditional art can be displayed alongside digital pieces without the use of expensive setups and equipment. As a curator, I found it so much more interesting to put together exhibitions with traditional and digital media (including animation!) together. It was a surprise for our audience and our artists and created a lot of interest.

Enhanced Interactivity and Engagement:

Virtual galleries really create an exciting immersive experience. Visitors can engage with art on a deeper level through interactive features such as virtual tours, 360-degree views, and multimedia content. These platforms also facilitate real-time discussions and Q&A sessions with artists, creating a sense of community and connection. The ability to leave comments, share impressions, and participate in virtual events enhances the overall engagement, transforming the passive observer into an active participant in the artistic experience. By sharing our opening receptions on Zoom meetings we have had so many interesting chats with the audience and the artists! You can check them out on our YouTube channel here.

Data-driven Insights:

Digital platforms offer valuable insights into visitor behavior and preferences. Analytics tools can track user engagement, popular artworks, and demographic information. Arts organizations can leverage this data to refine their marketing strategies, tailor exhibitions to audience interests, and improve the overall virtual gallery experience. The ability to gather and analyze data empowers organizations to make informed decisions and adapt to evolving trends in the art world.

Preservation of Artistic Legacies:

Virtual gallery platforms contribute to the preservation of artistic legacies by providing a digital archive for exhibitions and artworks. Unlike physical galleries where exhibitions may be temporary, virtual galleries enable the perpetual display and accessibility of past exhibitions. This archival function ensures that the impact of an artist’s work endures over time, contributing to the documentation and preservation of cultural heritage. I really, really love the archival function!

As we all navigate this digital frontier, I feel virtual gallery platforms are powerful tools that redefine the way art is showcased and experienced. The benefits of increased accessibility, cost-efficiency, innovative exhibition possibilities, enhanced interactivity, data-driven insights, and the preservation of artistic legacies make these platforms indispensable in the modern art landscape. Embracing virtual galleries not only expands an organization’s global reach but also positions it at the forefront of a digital revolution that enriches the intersection of art and technology.

GUEST POST by ecmunson

“Say cheese … somebody kneel down in the front … everybody look this way …NOW!”

So, maybe you are the chronicler at gatherings, directing and organizing people for that group shot.
Or, it’s the low light coming in as dusk approaches that you strive to capture as it bathes the garden
in a magical glow.
Whichever of these scenarios might describe you, you are also practicing one of the ‘fine arts’.
Formal arts education programs do classify photography as one of their media, while most of us
happily pull out our cell phones or, as in past years, 35 mm SLR cameras, giving not a thought to it
being an arts practice.
With intent, purpose, and time spent honing one’s skills though, some of those captures, be they
on our cell phones or today’s digital SLR’s, do have wonderful potential for showing your artistic
vision. As well, our observation and capturing of moments fulfills what are known as the
Seven Psychological Functions of Art …

I. Remembering
II. Hope
III. Sorrow
IV. Rebalancing
V. Self-Understanding
VI. Growth
VII. Appreciation

Look back through some of your cell phone captures and see which of these functions is dominant
for your work. Perhaps there are periods of time when one or two of these were prominent. Or,
are there any of these functions which are notable by their absence from any of the pictures you’ve
taken. What are the key emotional states associated with your shots?
These functions are states of being, a mind-set we can cultivate. Used as visual prompts, you
could embark on an afternoon of Rebalancing, Appreciation, or Self-Understanding. Let these
terms stretch your imagination as you move through your day.
Happy shooting – it’s a journey and glorious adventure through life!

by
ecmunson Photographer, Writer, Creative -Animateur www.studiobydesign.ca

Visit ecmunson’s recent artist talk and tour on the Arts on the Credit’s YouTube!

This is a very basic beginner’s level tips post. I know there are many artists who take amazing photographs and have some awesome, swoon-worthy gadgets to take those photographs, and not going to lie, I am totally envious (in a good way-I have a lot of admiration for your skill and dedication)! This post is not for you if you fall in that category!

Over the past few years working with the Arts on the Credit, I have seen some submissions from new artists and I just want to share some tips to help you (if you are in that boat) take a better photograph and do your artwork justice. It can make the difference between getting accepted or rejected for a show. If your artwork isn’t clear, the jury can’t tell if the colours are actually muddy or if the photograph was taken in a really bad light!

The good thing is that these days new phones have great cameras and you probably won’t have to invest in an actual camera. If you have a good camera though you want to photograph your art with both your camera and cell phone and see which image is a higher resolution (sharper, more true to the actual colours etc) and then stick to the gadget that gives you the best results. You will be surprised by how often that gadget may be your cell phone! For me, I started with my camera and now take all the photographs I need with my cell phone.

If you are doing small to mid-sized pieces then your life will be a whole lot easier when it comes to photographing these sizes. I take my pieces out in my little backyard, place them on the ground and photograph them from above (simple and takes much less time!). The best days are the overcast ones, so there is no direct strong sunlight on the art that can cause glares (especially for oil, glossy acrylics and resin work) or portray colours that are very different from the actual work. Make sure to hold your phone (now they even indicate if they are at the right angle!) or camera steady above the work, make sure the work is lying straight and not at angles ( you can fix up the slightly less than perfectly aligned images in editing on your phone or even in Google Photos). Take a couple of shots and choose the best one.

If your work is on the large size you can always dedicate one side of the fence that gets the right amount of light (without casting shade) for artwork photography. I have a couple of nails on the fence that works for me. Hang your work and take enough steps back to get the entire work in the shot-you don’t want to go too far back though. This way the work is straight (if you prop it up on something rather than hang it, there’s a chance of a slight angle) and you get a nicely aligned image. You may want to throw down a gardening cushion and get down on your knees to take the shot, that way you know you are getting an eye-level shot rather than an odd perspective from above. It may not seem like a big deal, but sometimes it can make a big difference depending on the artwork.

I never take photographs indoors unless it is right next to the window, indoor lighting just does not work. Daylight is the ideal light source for photographing artwork.

With all the new technology now available to us, you don’t even need to buy pricy editing software (I would never recommend that especially when you are just starting out as a new artist-it gets expensive!). You can use Google Photos (or whatever is on your computer/laptop) to straighten out, brighten, saturate, and fix shadows and highlights as needed. Remember not to overdo it though, you want to make your photograph look as close to the art piece as possible ( I do get carried away with saturation-it makes the photos so dramatic!) Play around with your cell phone and see what editing options are available on it as well. I have even used Instagram to edit photos of my artwork! It was very helpful in getting rid of some glare that I just couldn’t keep out of the photograph.

Remember to always crop out all the background around the artwork, yes even the frame! The best time to photograph your work is before you frame it (have one with the frame as well if you are putting it up on your website for example) really, no juror wants to see the frame! They also don’t want to see the work in “rooms” that is for your own advertising on your social media or website, not for shows or exhibition submissions!

The most important things to remember are lighting, having a steady hand or using a tripod, and alignment- take the photograph of the image on a flat surface! If the photograph is blurry, don’t use it, invest the time and effort to take as many shots as you need to get the perfect one, blur is usually caused by movement by the way. So you may want to use the tripod! You will have to practice a bit, good luck and happy photography!

About the Author

Khaula Siddique is a professional artist who loves bringing art to the community. She does this through unique exhibitions, interactive art events, and public art. You can see her public artwork throughout the GTA, follow her art shenanigans on Instagram at Khaula S Art  and see more of her work on her website at Khaula Siddique.com

Arts on the Credit is so happy to have been able to support and mentor artists for over ten years and we are excited to share our latest project! The positive response and feedback for our virtual monthly exhibitions has been amazing and we decided to add another opportunity for artists with an online juried show this year!

This is a great way to dip your foot in the water if you haven’t exhibited your work as an emerging artist but have always wanted to, it is also a fun exhibit for artists who have more experience as our gallery is viewed not just in Canada but gets views from all over the world. For example, our past exhibits have views from the US, India, New Zealand, Sweden, Switzerland, Ireland and many other countries!

If you have been thinking about exhibiting work but haven’t made the leap yet, this is the perfect opportunity, we are accepting all mediums, all themes, up to four pieces to hang in our gallery for the month of July. Just make sure your work is 12 x 12 inches and if you are submitting more than one piece we ask that the style be cohesive in all the pieces. We will have an online opening (and you can invite guests from all over the world!) and announce First, Second, Third place and People’s Choice awards!

You can find the submission form on our website here: https://artsonthecredit.ca/art-squared/

All instructions are on the form, the deadline to submit is June 18th. Be sure to check out our online gallery, we have a fabulous photography exhibit up by Debby de Groot: https://artsonthecredit.ca/gallery/

Sue has been painting for over 30 years and lives in Port Credit, on the outskirts of Toronto, Canada. 
Sue Archibald graduated in Fine Arts from the University of Guelph, specializing in painting, drawing and printmaking. Her studies continued with Grant McEwen School of Design in Alberta, The Toronto School of Art, Haliburton School of Fine Arts, and an ongoing association with The Etobicoke Art Group, Neilson Park Creative Centre, Visual Art Mississauga, Mississauga Arts Council and The Creative Hub 1352.
Sue mainly works in acrylic, applying paint, charcoal and pencil onto the canvas in order to energize the images with marks, lines and scribbles.
​Sue exhibits her work in Southern Ontario through solo and joint exhibitions and juried shows. Awards of excellence have been won in many exhibitions. Her works can be found in private collections throughout Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom.

See more work:

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Writing about yourself can be a tricky task, especially for most artists, we rather just say everything with our art! But if you want to participate in shows or projects you do have to put in the time to write. And yes practice will help your writing improve (just like art!) so it is well worth the time and effort you will invest in it.

One of the most important pieces of writing you will need to submit just about everywhere is your artist bio. So how do you do that delicate balancing act of not sounding like a pompous egotist but also not downplaying your skills and talent by being too humble? How do you not bore your reader but also not sound too…..colourful?

It takes a lot of time, trial and error and edits, what may seem like thousands of edits! Until you finally come to something you are happy to settle with. And that is okay! Your artist bio will change over time. Sometimes a little and sometimes a lot. We share some steps for the basics, with time and confidence, your unique “voice” will start to be heard in your bio.

1. Artist bios are usually written in third person. This is actually really helpful when you are just starting, write it like you are talking about someone else. It can be hard to talk about yourself. You can ask someone (a curator, another artist etc) for suggestions as well, what would they say about your art, style and inspiration?
2. Keep it short(er) and simple. You don’t need to start off with a story, you can get straight to the point. You can begin with who you are, what you do and your experience. For example “so and so is a self-taught, Mississauga-based artist who has been painting since…..”
3. Add your muses and sources of inspiration, you can make it interesting here. Humour never hurts if that is your thing, as long as it isn’t over the top and would be suitable for all audiences!
4. Add your most important achievement to date, like a commission for a well-known client or an award. If you haven’t gotten there yet, no worries, there is probably one painting/project that garnered more attention than others? A sentence about that!
5. You can end with what you would like to achieve through your art, themes and messages you wish to communicate and or where the audience can follow you on your most used social media – for most artists that is Instagram.  Make sure your Instagram has links to your website and your website links to all your social media! It really helps!

The standard bio can be from 120 words to half a page. When you are submitting your work be sure to read the instructions carefully. Most organizations specify how many words they want in the bio. You will end up having different-length versions of your bio to use in different places.

Lastly, put your bio away for at least a week and come back to it with fresh eyes to see what you would like to edit. Get a fellow artist to take a look at it for some feedback. Save all your different versions and go back and visit them to see how you, the bio and your work have evolved! Good luck!

About the Author

Khaula Siddique is a professional artist who loves bringing art to the community. She does this through unique exhibitions, interactive art events, and public art. You can see her public artwork throughout the GTA, follow her art shenanigans on Instagram at Khaula S Art  and see more of her work on her website at Khaula Siddique.com

When I started applying to exhibitions and art shows at the beginning of my career I would always be a little frustrated with all the rules and specific wants of the different places I was trying to get my art in. Every submission required something done differently and it was all quite time taking considering all I wanted to do was paint! It was just a matter of moving out of my comfort zone, and once I organized myself it was more than worth the effort. It is just about investing time initially to make the process much quicker and easier for future use.

Now sitting at the other end of table, I realize just how important it is to follow those tips and rules when I receive and sift through submissions from other artists! So with my experience from either side of that table, I would like to share ten things you really need to do when you are submitting your work as an artist to different projects, shows, and exhibitions. This is basically for emerging artists, but believe it or not, I have seen submissions from mid-career and even very seasoned artists who still miss these very basic points!

1. Get on Social Media!

I know as an artist myself we are often juggling our day jobs with art, and time is very precious. Each moment we can spare we want to dedicate to creating, not the endless frustration of trying to photograph, video, edit and upload the documentation of our art and then having to think about something smart and catchy to write up as well! But you need to be on social media, if all you can manage to do is post pictures of your art then just start with that. If your work can’t be found by someone who is interested in seeing more of your art they will lose interest! Most submissions require an average of three pieces of work, but sometimes we feel we need to see more, if we can’t find you easily we don’t have the time to search! This leads me to point #2…

2. Instagram Should be Your Best Friend

Since we are talking about using that precious time wisely, if you have no other social media, you must at least create an Instagram account. Very easy to use, there are simple editing tools right on the app and all you need to do is upload that image right from your phone. Instagram is very visual and you don’t need to write a two-page artist statement if you don’t have the time! Just keep your phone handy while you are painting, take some quick photos and a short video or two. Then just post the images and videos to your account. Take a few minutes to learn how to use Reels. It is well worth the time and effort!

3. Have a Website

Keep it as simple as possible, there are free sites that are simple to learn and guide you step by step. I like WordPress but there is also Squarespace and Wix. It is the professional thing to do, so if you are serious about your art career, make sure you invest time and make your website. It puts all your information, experience, education, and art in one place and it makes you searchable! Pro-tip: make sure your website has your social media link(s) and vice versa. It is also a good idea to use your real name on your website and social media.

4. Keep Your Personal Life Off Your Social Media!

Please keep your social media for your art, the process, the occasional posts of coffee and your studio fur baby pics. Do not air your dirty laundry, closet skeletons, or woes on your social media! It is very unprofessional and can even be a turn-off. More often than not you will regret it later! Your struggles and experiences (good and bad ) as an artist are a different story as they can be an inspiration and learning for other artists.

5. Keep Your Name and Identity Consistent!

Please have an email address that has your name not something like crazypainter2@gmail.com. Your social media, website and email address should all be consistent and easily found. If we (organizers, jurors, etc ) can’t find you we will stop looking no matter how good your art is because there are fifty other artists we still have to email!

6. Send Properly Labelled Images

When you are getting ready to send images please read the naming convention required very carefully! Most places want your name, title and dimensions of the work. That means when you are going through your images on your computer right click on the image, select “rename” and make sure you rename it accordingly! Imagine having fifty artists that send three pieces of work each downloaded on your computer and none of those images have the artists’ names! Delete, delete, delete! Do this for all your images in your computer so you can also keep track of the titles, the years, the dimensions, and even prices. You can’t remember that for every single piece of art so it will save you time as well.

7. Send Images as Attachments and in the Required Format

Read the instructions for what format you need to send your images, PNG, JGP, PS whatever. If you send it in some format that the juror can’t open on their laptop into the trash it goes. They simply don’t have enough time to convert your images into something that their device will be able to read/open. Always attach them to your email not pasted into the body of the email itself unless of course it is asked for.

8. Don’t Fill Forms on Your Phone

There is nothing more irritating than getting an email from an artist asking the organization to send the form to them because they can’t fill the form from the website on their phone. If you are not willing to spend the time to do this properly neither is the organization! They are dealing with many other artists who took the time to download the form onto the desktop/laptop etc and did the work properly.

9. Hand-Filled Forms vs Digitally Filled Forms

Most forms are pretty easily filled right from your computer. Please fill them that way. If for whatever reason you absolutely can’t fill out the form on your computer and need to fill out the printed form then please make sure your handwriting is legible! We are not usually pharmacists used to deciphering doctor-like bad handwriting! Delete button-ouch!

10. Submit on Time!

Make notes of deadlines, or before you send in a late submission email the organization and explain why you couldn’t make the deadline and ask them if they would be willing to take a late submission (sometimes they can give you another day or two). Get your submission in on time, and give yourself enough time before the deadline in case something unexpected happens like your wifi conking out on you or your laptop not wanting to cooperate and deciding to do all the updates at that crucial moment!

We hope this helps. Good luck with all your creative endeavors in 2023!

About the Author

Khaula Siddique is a professional artist who loves bringing art to the community. She does this through unique exhibitions, interactive art events, and public art. You can see her public artwork throughout the GTA, follow her art shenanigans on Instagram at Khaula S Art  and see more of her work on her website at Khaula Siddique.com

Izabela Ghahramanyan Contact: carefree.coding@gmail.com

Instagram

Jane Peryer Contact: jane@peryer.ca

Website 

A special thank you to MPP Rudy Cuzzetto and Councillor Stephen Dasko who took time out of their busy schedules to visit the show and show their support of the local art scene. A huge shoutout to our incredibly talented local musicians who provided us with great music each of the three days, Arlene Paculan, Mo Guzman and Heather Christine. Thank you to the staff at the Waterside Inn for all your help!

It was great to have the show in person after such a long time, it was amazing to meet new friends and old, talk art and weather as well as celebrate art sales! Congrats to the artists who sent their beautiful art off to new homes.

It has been a difficult time and we are for the most part past the worst of it hopefully. What a learning experience though! It has been strange navigating the art world through online events, shows and meet-ups, it was at times quite frustrating since many of us artists are not the most tech-savvy! Who doesn’t love a meeting where the host continues to speak absolutely soundless because they can’t figure out how to unmute themselves? Great fun!

However, we have to admit that it did help us stay connected and even motivated, also grateful for the things we took for granted. Who ever thought that something as simple as getting together for coffee and art could be such a luxury?

We look forward to more in-person events as things go slowly back to some semblance of normal and hope to meet many of you at our upcoming art events. For those of you who missed the show or were just wondering if it was a fever dream here are some moments captured by our artists and guests!

Nada Annan has been painting most of her life since graduating, where she studied art at Beirut Academy of Fine Art in Lebanon. Since 1989 Nada has attended several workshops with well-known Canadian artists.

Her work has been exhibited internationally in numerous solo and group shows in Lebanon, England, Cyprus, United States (California) and Canada. Nada has been working as an art instructor at Visual Arts Mississauga since 2008 and also gives private lessons in art, using both oils and acrylics.

It is always interesting to meet artists and get to know the person behind the art so we asked Nada to share a little about herself and she was kind enough to take out some time for us!

Our February gallery artist was Meena Chopra, visual artist, writer and poet! We all know the artists for their art, but what about beyond being an artist, who are they, what are they like, what do they like? We asked Meena to share with us:

“WHEN I AM NOT PAINTING AND WRITING

• I like going for long walks alone. 

• I enjoy seeing Hollywood, Bollywood and British films. I love funny movies. I am always hunting for good films for self-stimulation.

• Music is my inspiration. I get deeply engrossed in it. Music is my lifeline. I love Indian classical to Western classical to Indian and Western pop and contemporary, both old and new. I like French music very much. 

• Reading is another passion I have. In my youth, I used to find a lot of stimulation in bestsellers and novels but now, I am driven more by poetry, philosophy, and a lot of general stuff and futuristic stuff on the internet. I love technology so I have intensely gotten into digital art now. 

• I get bored very easily so I need some work all the time to keep me alive and energetic.

• I am self-reliant in my art as well as for my earnings for my living. I never depended on my family or husband for it since I was 19 years old. It has been a lot of hard work and time dedication,  which has always given me a great amount of joy.

•  consider my best artistic creation, my only daughter, Taabeer alias Tia. She is both my weakness and my strength.

   

                         

                         

   

   

   

  Thank you so much for taking the time to share with us Meena!

  Were you able to join us for Meena’s Opening Reception? If not you can still see the work and listen to Meena share the thoughts and processes behind the works on YouTube!

Mexican artist based in Canada uncovered her love for art at a young age and developed her skills in mural painting, figurative oil paintings and abstract art. In her quest for artistic development, she pursued fine arts studies in Finland and Chile, engaging in environmental art projects and gaining valuable experience collaborating with talented artists in exhibitions. Today, she takes pleasure in creating art that captures the allure of nature and urban landscapes, delving into the relationship between life and humanity. She brings her artistic vision through her oil paintings, which she shares on diverse platforms such as social media and art exhibitions. Melina’s art inspiration comes from pictures she captures on her surroundings, capturing her feelings and sentiments of the moment. Melina’s work creates a soothing and inviting atmosphere, using various styles and techniques, often incorporating vivid colors and intricate brushstrokes. Her process starts with photography or plein air composition .using an abstract base of gestural lines and shapes, which she then builds upon using a combination of traditional brushwork to focus on the main idea and a glaze to create blurriness. With her artwork, Melina aims to provide a point of view of the present life where she meets with others’ feelings and brings an appreciation for the beauty found in the world.

See more of Melina’s art on her website  melinacossio.com

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/melinacossio_artist

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melina.cossio.35

You can find more of Angelina’s jewelry on her website The Artful Blingster

Instagram: @the_artful_blingster

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theartfulblingster#

Craig has been designing one-of-a-kind pieces for over  10 years. He designs with great pride when creating wearable art for everyday wear as well as pieces for special occasions. Craig is known for the stunning pieces he has designed for brides and bridal parties.

His inspiration can be found in fashions from the art deco era of the 1930s to the post-war flare of the 1950s. Craig designs and creates these magical pieces in his home studio. Pearls are strung by traditional methods; natural stones and supple leathers are painstakingly united with the daintiest of hand-stitches; and crystals are accented with the finest beads and finishes available. Most pieces are built one tiny bead at a time.

Whatever the piece, Craig’s favorites are often designed through one-on-one collaboration with clients seeking a signature piece. So, browse this site to see some of the Craig’s work or come to one of the art shows where Craig will be exhibiting his work to see it in person. If you have an idea for your perfect piece, please contact Craig to set up an appointment to see how he can turn your dream into a wearable masterpiece.

Craig Ewing designs have been modeled for many photo shoots and even City T.V.’s – CityLine.

More information about Craig and his beadwork at https://craigewing.ca/

Instagram:  @craigewing1

Facebook:  ewing.craig

I am an artist with studios in Mississauga and Gooderham, Ontario. Before I retired, I was the head of a commissioning engineering firm. This job allowed me to travel extensively all over the world, finding inspiration for my artwork. I have traveled to over two dozen countries so far, for work and vacation. I never leave home without something to draw with, and my artwork is a way of looking back on all of the adventures I take throughout my life.

I predominantly create oil paintings and ink drawings. I have been featured in several publications including “The Artists of Algonquin” as well as “Haliburton Highlands” and I participate in shows such as The Toronto Outdoor Art Fair, Tour de Forest, and the Highlands East Studio Tour.

You can more examples of Chuck’s artwork on his website  Highlandwindstudio

Creating in wood is very inspiring. Studying different woods present a variety of challenges to me as a viewer and artist. My focus is to create 3 dimensional pieces that evoke impressions of nature. Using a variety of carving techniques and a diversity of specialized woods, the goal is to have the wood release forms, shapes and stories that are hidden inside waiting to be exposed. The sculptures are a study of living nature and provides the subject matter to my creativity. The elements and principles of design, especially textural and tactile components aid in the development of satisfying sculptural pieces.

Email Rey here: rsandre@rogers.com

Well, we have made it through another year of the pandemic. Most of us are dazed, confused and just trying to make the best of the situation. Pat yourself on the back and give yourself a hug! It has been a really tough time, be gentle with yourself and those around you!

Like everyone else, Arts on the Credit has been trying to keep up with all the changes and moves out of the comfort zone to adjust to the situation and try to keep art going for our artists and our audiences. We are pleased to have had an entire year of online art exhibitions which kept our artists busy, kept us busy and kept us all in touch online. It was good to see each other and the art, this time has definitely proven just how important art is to our lives. Whether you kept yourself busy with a book, relaxed with music, entertained with a movie or a creative break for your brain with a paint session, it was all art!

It was certainly a learning curve, navigating new types of platforms, how to reach and engage people as well as help the artists but it was 100% worth the effort. Plus the alternative of eating endless amounts of chips while crying on the sofa as we watched the world around us turn upside down was not so attractive.

For other arts organizations out there, we highly recommend trying out the platforms for virtual exhibitions, we have been using Exhibbit and are quite happy with the look and the ease of uploading and hanging an exhibit. There are many options out there and you should explore which one suits your artists’ needs. Some other platforms are VR All Art,  Kunstmatrix, and Ikonospace.

Take a look at our current exhibition to see the benefits of having an online exhibition. For all our exhibits we had an online opening reception and it was a great way to check up on each other as well as share some amazing art with our audiences! You can see our past exhibitions on YouTube, we recorded our little opening nights to provide a little gallery tour to revisit later!

Numbers may or may not be your favourite thing, for many of us it is something we rather not deal with. Numbers, math, money, finances are words I am not particularly fond of, but I also feel that for some reason they have been made a lot scarier than they actually are. I mean we deal with numbers every day and don’t give it a second thought. We measure out designs to be transferred from a small sample to a large wall, we calculate how much paint we will need for a project, we create a breakdown of costs for projects all the time. And I don’t know of anyone who drowned in the numbers while doing it. We all come out fine, pretty unscathed and go on with our lives as usual. It feels weird to think of all the math I have been doing for my art without having a nervous breakdown.

So let’s overcome the fear of that excel sheet and get right into it! I recently did a series of short videos for new artists about how to handle money that I would like to share here. I hope it helps some of you, just some very simple things I have learned on my art journey. Doing it myself for these past couple of years has made me realize it is not as scary as we think. The first video in the series is here: