Carmella Jarvi, Artist

Final painting

2011-11-03T17:09:00.000-04:00

Here is my final version of latest painting from last post...

I did a few more small, but important, details on the woman and background area.

Waiting and looking at piece towards the end - I think - is more significant than just finishing it to get it done. In this case, stepping away really allowed me to "see" what few details were needed.

Pastel painting in stages

2011-10-20T19:46:00.000-04:00

Here's one of my recent pastel paintings in stages.

First I use a reddish pastel surface to work on.

... since the Cenote Azul photo has a bright green.

Beginnings are always rough.


In this one, I have added more layers of color...

This stage you can see my bold swipes across pastel surface with different parts of my hand...

More layered color, final details & hits of color... Is it finished??

Or should it be a square?

Some lessons learned

2011-08-26T18:18:00.003-04:00

I can't believe it has been so long since I've posted. But, it has turned out to be a great busy summer! Started out with a real vacation to Playa del Carmen, Mexico and when we returned, some fun business projects were coming my way.

My thoughts today are to encourage other artists to work hard, but learn business strategies to constantly improve yourself and to follow your strengths and passions. It's been five years since I left my safe public school teaching job and this summer I have enjoyed a few fruits of my labor in the form of some opportunities coming my way.

I love the written word. Writing has served me well as a teacher and grant writer. I believe because of seeds I've planted and many hours spent networking, people have kept me in mind for some writing opportunities. (Though I am not painting as much as I usually do, I enjoy the creativity of writing too!)

I have been covering the Charlotte Arts scene for KnightArts.org. Check out some of my work here. I recently wrote my first article for Charlotte Viewpoint (though it hasn't been posted yet).

But, best of all, I just won an Arts & Science Council grant to be the first curator of the gallery at Packard Place. Packard Place is a hub for Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Community in uptown Charlotte, North Carolina (currently their building on S. Church Street and 3rd Street is undergoing renovations). This building will be home to many innovative companies and is already establishing itself as an integral part of the business community through it's Meet Ups. (You don't have to be connected with Packard Place to attend the Meet Up sessions.)

I am now working with their creative team on the inaugural exhibition of some of the best regional artists to coincide with their grand opening later this year. (I will share more as it unfolds.)

It is true that we are in the midst of a difficult economy, but this can also be an opportunity to re-evaluate what is working or not, as well as look at your true passions. And, it is always a good time to network, meet others and learn from them too!

________________________________________________________________________________

"The gallery at Packard Place is supported, in part, with funding from the Arts & Science Council."

Blogging is fun.

2011-05-30T14:05:00.003-04:00

Most artists have multiple revenue sources. It makes more sense-especially in an economy like our current one. I am happy to share that I am now writing for the KnightArts.org Charlotte blog. (This is both a little extra income and a chance to be regularly inspired and challenged by the work being created in my own back yard!)

The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation is a national foundation with local roots. What started out as a mission to fund journalistic endeavors has grown to also encourage and support the transformational power of the arts. In a nutshell, the Knight brothers set up this foundation in the major cities where they owned newspapers and it has taken off from there. It is very encouraging that they have put their money where their passions lie and are serious backers of innovative projects that have impact on the larger society.

I hope you will stop by and check out my writings (twice a week) about some of the cool art happenings in my own home town. Although in a city the size of Charlotte, writing a couple times a week will barely scratch the surface, it does present me with a great opportunity to highlight some of them!

Mmm, Modern Masters Metallic Paint

2011-04-22T19:07:00.000-04:00

I have been enjoying creating loose expressionistic water paintings. I want to share that I love Modern Masters Metallic Paint! This is one of my detail shots of a recent abstract, water inspired painting on cradled panel. I am mixing artist acrylics and these Modern Masters Metallic paints too.

But I might not have ever discovered-among other things-these great materials... metallic faux finishing paint and inexpensive "chip" brushes had I not worked with artist Chris Craft. He is my husband and business partner and has years of fine art and commercial art painting. He turned me on to these metallic paints when I was helping him with some of his amazing faux metal ceilings. (This was when he was "Brushmark Studios.")

Below is another detail of my newer work. I am exploring "Water" in a more experiential, more expressive and unplanned way... as compared with my better known women in water paintings. I create depth by painting a layer and sealing it with a layer of gloss varnish. (There is a richness with the layers, and metallics, and contrast between opaque and translucent that cannot be captured with a picture.)

chriscraftartist.com

www.modernmasters.com

Another reason to love pastel painting!

2011-03-15T12:33:00.000-04:00

Inspiration for your work.. whatever you are painting! I just discovered Tony Allain. I hope you will check out this fantastic artist! His pastel paintings are amazing.

http://tonyallainfineart.blogspot.com/

Carmella Jarvi is finalist for McColl Award

2011-03-14T16:28:00.001-04:00

I am excited to share that I am a finalist for the McColl Award. This is the first time it has been offered to individuals, so the fact that I am competing with local arts organizations and still made the final round is admirable! (More details about the award are at the end.)

I am proposing to do a new large scale body of abstract, water inspired paintings as well as explore water through art, memory, science, etc. This past summer when I was an Affiliate Artist at McColl Center for Visual Art, I started this new series of abstract water paintings and I also began to think about art as a public process.

(Detail of one of these new abstract water paintings.)

Although I have been awarded some artist's grants, I have also heard "no" many, many times. I would not have applied for something like this probably... but I was encouraged by a couple of individuals who know me and my work. The pivotal moment for me was in the information session when they asked "what is your dream project?"

Well, as a self employed artist for five years in a tough economy, my "dreams" in a way have been getting smaller. So, I stepped back and thought about my passions: Painting, water and sharing with others. My dream project would be getting funding for a new body of abstract, water inspired paintings (unlike my safer, collected series of women in water) and to explore water with many others in this community.

So, I dreamed, wrote, networked, brainstormed and edited more hours than I care to admit. And, finally, submitted the initial application. To my delight, I am now a finalist for a prestigious McColl Award! (I will share more about this as I continue the process.)

______________________________________________________________________________________

McColl Award Overview: The McColl Award was established in 2001 by the Arts & Science Council (ASC) to honor the significant role played by Hugh McColl Jr. and his wife Jane in advancing arts, science and history in Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. This program augments the Arts & Science Council’s commitment to the creative process, and preserves the legacy of Hugh and Jane McColl.

Award Purpose: The purpose of the McColl Award is to invest in the creation of an original work. Through this award, the Arts & Science Council seeks to:

Commission new creative works
Inspire creative thinking in the presentation of creative product. Areas could include a unique approach to presenting programming or scientific/historical research projects resulting in exhibitions and/or publications.
Increase awareness, recognize excellence and build a greater appreciation for the creative process among the Charlotte-Mecklenburg community.

Carmella Jarvi, Artist: Painting a Woman in Water - Part 1 by Carmella Jarvi : Pastel Painting

2011-03-14T15:54:00.008-04:00

This is not a brand new video... but I am just learning to use more tools and wanted to post. This clip is from a DVD that Cheap Joe's Art Stuff (through their Artist Palette Productions division) created.

It is for sale through Cheap Joe's as well as other vendors. Check out the Title "link" to see purchasing details. (It's not yet available for downloadable streaming, but they are currently working to bring this choice to the market!)

This is the final completed painting that you see me beginning here on the YouTube clip. (Notice you hardly see the original reddish pastel surface.)

(Patience too, pastel on board. 24x18". Private collection.)

Painting water & people bring up good memories

2011-02-25T09:19:00.001-05:00

Painting water and people bring up good memories. This is a new painting... someone gave me a photo of their grandmother at the beach.

Since I also spent many hours at the South Carolina beaches growing up... also many of those times with my own grandmother... it ended up being quite a fun piece.

I have not painted the ocean in many years, but honestly really enjoyed the freedom.

So, here it is in a few stages: The top one is detail of almost completed painting. (I might add a touch of something else...)

(This is almost final stage... notice the shoulder is fixed and I brought out light in hand, neck and some other colors in water...)

(Earlier "roughed in" stage... getting motion, light/dark)

(This is a 12x9" Richeson Premium Pastel Board-originally reddish color-that had a previous pastel on it. I rinsed off most of the previous painting... but had some cool 'ghost' markings remain-like the turquoise in her shorts. I used mostly Unison Soft Pastels, but added a little Sennelier metallic soft pastel too!)

Balance and Pressure

2011-02-24T22:19:00.001-05:00

Balance and pressure are what many business owners and many artists [insert "small business owner"] juggle.

My day today was certainly unbalanced, but worth the extra effort.

I spent about six hours on the phone with my website host and FedEx...

Trying to fix a problem that was supposed to be easy to fix!

But, in the process I learned more about websites and how technology is quirky.

I also now finally have an E-commerce website. Anyone-from anywhere in the world-with an address, computer and love of art can buy my paintings! Check it out...

http://www.carmellajarvi.com/

Finally, I just got into the March issue of the new Professional Artist Magazine (formerly Art Calendar Magazine). I was inspired by the article "Entrepreneurial Thinking for Artists" by Robert Moskowitz. I highly recommend this magazine if you are an artist wanting to grow your business.

http://www.professionalartistmag.com/news/2011/feb/03/march-2011/

E-commerce and art.

2011-01-29T14:03:00.000-05:00

Who has bought something online? Have you?

I have quite often and don't know many folks who have never made an online purchase. (My grandmother, who is in her 80's, is the only one I can think of off the top of my head.)

Too many traditional galleries are closing, taking on more artists or diversifying by selling "other than original art" products. Most everyone is feeling the pinch of this economy.

The trick to success in tough times is to learn, grow and adapt your business practices. There ARE people making plenty of money in spite of this crazy economy. What are they doing that is different? How can we as artists-who make AND market our products-make more money?

First, follow the trends. How do people purchase and take care of details of their lives? Why online of course!

As an artist, I just got on board with technology in the past five years and I came kicking and screaming. But, once I figured out some basic similarities and strategies for folding technology into my regular business practices, I see the value.... and, honestly, I do enjoy facebook, working on my website and online research.

Still, I don't update enough and may spend too much time on the silly side of fb, but any business person has to balance their day to day operations and adding technology tools is no different.

So, Happy New Year to everyone. As for me, I'm venturing out into uncharted waters with a brand new website (coming soon!) in which all my paintings will be for sale online.

And, I am happy to announce my business is now a division of Brushmark Studios, LLC. My husband and fellow artist, Chris Craft and I are now "officially" business partners.

My prayer is for all of us hard working individuals to have a prosperous 2011!

So many paths...

2010-12-10T14:48:00.000-05:00

Great thing about being an artist is there are so many paths to success... fulfillment...

For me, it has been an interesting year of some very cool experiences. But, I have had rejection too, which is an opportunity to learn, listen, grow. Yes, I know, every artist faces rejection. (It's actually one of the pre-requisites for being an artist!)

Even the most successful business people have experienced serious failure. The difference between them and so many others is they learn from their mistakes, change accordingly and go on to do big things!

I am very excited about 2011. It is a tough economy, but people are making money and even spending a little! I look forward to some brand new experiences next year.

Also I am enjoying teaching again. (I do love people.) Happy Holidays and may all of us have a prosperous New Year!

A few things I have learned as a self employed artist

2010-11-24T18:28:00.000-05:00

There are a few things I have learned as a self employed artist. Two of the most important are unless you are already generating a lot of income, you should have multiple revenue sources and you should surround yourself with experts, especially in the business fields.

Multiple revenue sources also means creating more passive money making scenarios... like selling a product online while you sleep. I do think we should not overextend ourselves, and that these different things bring us more pleasure than not. (Meaning the work fits us.)

Finally, we should really educate ourselves as to how business works... and I mean learning from people that are successful. If you can't hire someone or are not in those circles, then read Art Calendar Magazine or other business materials. There are numerous books and programs for artists. But, stick with it. We should all have some consistency to our business practices the same as we do with our craft!

One of the cool things about being an artist in Charlotte, N.C. is we have great resources here through our North Carolina Arts Council (www.ncarts.org) and our local Arts & Science Council (www.artsandscience.org). They both offer excellent professional development in the business of art!

This economy is rapidly changing. Look at what is already working for you and what is not... and think about why. When we learn from the good and bad and others who have gone before, it seems we get "there" quicker. I hope we all get there soon!

Finished.

2010-10-14T21:50:00.000-04:00

Here it is... finished. This is the painting-pastel and acrylic on pastel board-I created for the Mint Museum Uptown opening.

(The other one didn't make the cut.)

It's 20x16"... very atypical for me and I love it!

Next stage...

2010-10-01T15:07:00.001-04:00

Here they are closer to the end... the orientation has changed, I added more pastel and will paint with metallic acrylics (with some pumice) a bit more over this stage... then hopefully, the finishing touches in pastel tomorrow.

Sometimes you have to finish work for deadlines. This is no surprise for an artist.

But this experience has been so interesting because of the very atypical painting style and subject for me. However, this diptych, inspired by the Mint Museum Uptown collections is really born out of my summer residency at McColl Center for Visual Art.

I was an Affiliate Artist there for from mid-April to mid-August (2010). I had an amazing studio and was able to pursue some bodies of work and do some media exploration that just wasn't happening for different reasons in my home studio!

I will post pics of the final paintings and if you're in the Charlotte, NC area, I hope you'll be joining in the Mint Museum Uptown Grand Opening this weekend. It officially starts at 5PM and runs 24 hours straight... ushering in a new season for my favorite city in the South!

Diptych at this stage together

2010-09-27T16:34:00.001-04:00

Below is the diptych at this stage side by side.

(Sorry, I couldn't get more space between two:-o)

You will have to stop by the Mint Museum Uptown on Saturday, October 2 from 10AM-Noon to see how it turns out. (I will probably leave them there for remainder of day Saturday and will post pics next week.)

Mint Museum Uptown work... IN PROCESS

2010-09-27T16:12:00.000-04:00

Following are three stages of my new diptych (20x16" each) inspired by the art collection of the soon to open Mint Museum Uptown:

1a) Above is a pastel board painted with acrylic, and then a little light & dark pastel added. Finally, water and acrylic washes are painted, sprayed and slung across surface.

1b) Above is the pastel on newsprint sketch of next abstract layer of marks. I was practicing what I wanted to do before doing it on final painting.

1c) Above are steps a & b combined. Not sure where I am going next. (Also notice I changed orientation.)

2a) Above is the second pastel board painted with acrylic, and then a little light & dark pastel added. Finally, water and acrylic washes are painted, sprayed and slung across surface.

2b) Above is the second panel's pastel on newsprint sketch of next abstract layer of marks. I was practicing what I wanted to do before doing it on final painting.

1c) Above are steps a & b combined on the second panel. Not sure where I am going next. (Also notice I changed orientation.)

More Mint Museum Uptown work in process

2010-09-24T11:25:00.000-04:00

Here are a few more in process shots of the evolution of my Mint Museum Uptown paintings...

First, you can see the small pastel painting that was the original idea for my more abstract diptych. Then, there are two pastel boards that are basically toned surfaces. Finally in the top middle and bottom left are two acrylic painting experiments.

My original idea was to create a diptych pair of acrylic and pastel paintings inspired by the Mint Museum Uptown art collection. The composition was to be an abstraction of one of my women in water with fabric images. (There is a small pastel painting of this original idea source.)

But, as I have been working on this process of underpainting and figuring out the composition, I am just not into the abstract composition. The full figure keeps coming back. Therefore in this picture below, you can see the original pastel inspiration (in top right), a more abstract acrylic painting that will be the under painting for the pastel boards (bottom left) and the two 20x16" pastel boards with their two separate images.

These will still be a pair, a set, a diptych so to speak... but are starting from two separate images instead of one.

Below is a detail of the more abstract acrylic painting that will be the under painting for the pastel paintings. (I am now working on the under painting of the final boards and will post more pics in the next week:-)

Traffic info for Mint Museum Uptown Grand Opening

2010-09-21T09:40:00.001-04:00

Traffic in uptown Charlotte, NC is going to be crazy during the Mint Museum Uptown Grand Opening weekend, October 1st & 2nd. There is a huge race for the cure that same weekend and the Mint expects HUGE crowds. It might be a good time to take light rail into Uptown, ride the city bus or just have someone drop you off.

Regardless of your travel methods, you probably do want to use some extra planning... Following is a link to the SUN (Street Use and Event Notice) by Charlotte Department of Transportation.

It’s a great resource that was used a lot at MMC+D (Mint Museum of Craft + Design). It provides the times and maps for upcoming streets closings, and event routes with partial streets closings.

www.charmeck.org/city/charlotte/Transportation/ClosingsandEvents

Mint Museum Uptown-inspired diptych (In process)

2010-09-17T20:20:00.000-04:00

[I don't post but once a month for quite awhile and then three in one
day!]

Anyway... here is where my basic composition is coming from... for my Mint Museum Uptown inspired diptych painting. (Diptych means two panels... in this case two 16x20" pastel boards.)

Below is an in-process pastel painting, standing alone as a work in itself, from the photo of my model with tulle. The composition for Mint Museum Uptown inspired diptych painting is derived from this. But, I am hoping it to be more abstract.

Below is a-bad-picture of my rough compositional sketches for diptych panels. I will post more as it evolves... as well as invite you, if you're in the Charlotte, NC area on October 2, 2010, to stop by and see my paintings in person. It is FREE. (And, of course, see the AMAZING new Mint Museum Uptown:-)

Mint Museum Uptown in Charlotte, NC

2010-09-17T16:00:00.000-04:00

The youtube link below is some pictures of several artist's responses to NEW Mint Museum Uptown in Charlotte, NC...

"Eleven area artists were challenged to create an original work of art in response to the opening of the new Mint Museum Uptown, and as part of the Community Grand Opening. The artists toured the new facility and collection galleries, with sketchbooks in hand. Watch the slideshow for a sample of pieces in progress. The artists and their works will be at the museum during the opening celebration on Saturday, 2 October. Stop by and join in the dialogue!"

www.youtube.com

(And, again, the link to Mint Museum website with Mint Museum Uptown Grand Opening DETAILS... www.mintmuseum.org/grand-opening)

Mint Museum Uptown Grand Opening in Charlotte, NC

2010-09-17T13:05:00.000-04:00

I am very excited to be creating a diptych painting inspired by the NEW Mint Museum Uptown! I will finish it during the Grand Opening weekend, working on it Saturday, October 2nd from 10AM to Noon in the 2-D studio. I do hope you'll mark your calendars for this momentous event in the history of Charlotte, North Carolina!!

Saturday's events are FREE! (BUT, it will be a crazy busy uptown with both the Grand Opening and Race for the Cure going on at the same time:-o) Here is a link to find out DETAILS... www.mintmuseum.org/grand-opening

After accepting this invitation to create a new piece of work inspired by the new Mint Museum Uptown, I was treated to a private preview of most work installed up to that point. The Danny Lane commission was almost complete and WOW is it incredible.

I also saw their American Art Collection literally in a new light... they have conserved ALL these paintings and many look like new works, with their details and colors exposed!

SO... following is a peek into my process... I'll write some brief explanations and will post more later.

I am inspired by Chuck Close, Julie Heffernan, Romare Bearden, Eric Fischl and Danny Lane among many others in the New Mint Museum Uptown collection! For the grand opening celebration, I am painting a diptych inspired by these artists, compositionally based on a photo of a woman and fabric in water (seen at the top area of this photo below... along with a smaller pastel painting of this image).

1) Above you see my pencil sketches from the original paintings in the Mint Museum Uptown Collections... and one 16x20" painted pastel board underneath.

2) Here (above) you can see my process... acrylic paints in palette (with pencil sketches from actual works of art in the collection and dark pastel board).

3) Above you can see my process of first painting layers of acrylic metallic washes that will peek through the final pastel layers. (I will then hand brush a layer of clear pastel medium over to give surface some "tooth" to hold soft pastel.)

4) Above is a detail of an experiment with Hosho paper & acrylic paint. Underneath is a glazed pastel board.

5) The two final photos are also details of experimentations with various acrylic washes and metallic paints on this same Hosho paper. (I was thinking I would collage some of these-Bearden style-to the pastel board.... then, cover them with pastel medium and add pastel on top, BUT the thin paper did not collage too well.)

Reflection

2010-09-11T16:08:00.000-04:00

I realized last night that even though I have been an artist all my life and was a teaching artist for thirteen years after college, I have only be a full time artist for four years. It was a quiet epiphany for me.

There are many things that I have accomplished, professionally, since June 2006. But, when I look at how far I have to go, I sometimes get overwhelmed. Last night I clearly saw just how far I have come (especially considering our current economy).

There are a number of entrepreneurial folks I look up to and am learning from... so impressed with their success. But, success takes time... it's usually based on step by step, calculated hard work. This summer has renewed my spirit. I am still up for this challenge! (Now, I must get back into my studio:-)

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...

2010-09-08T08:08:00.000-04:00

If an artist is going to put themselves out there, they will experience rejection. The trick is to think strategically and be smart and thorough. I quit my safe full time teaching job to be a full time artist over four years ago.

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times..." (Charles Dickens quote) This describes my past six months. I have worked very hard over the last four years (and of course before that, but my art business always came after my teaching job). Yet, this summer I have experienced some fruits of those efforts.

However, I have also experienced some serious rejection this summer! SO, simultaneously, there are great things like in September (right now) I have local, regional and national art publicity! But, I also heard a "no" from several grants applications and one residency.

If I were gauging my success on my rejections, I would have never quit my safe teaching job in the first place. Business is a balance of passion (doing what you love), marketing (finding who shares your passion and will invest) and strategic planning (where do you want to be down the road and then steps to get there).

I love to paint women in water. I create other work, but I am passionate about this series and it has become my "brand". Several years ago I said I want to be in American Art Collector Magazine. I waited because strategically, I thought it best to have an ad with a gallery. Now, I am in that magazine in a RedSky Gallery ad and I am mentioned by name in an interview with the gallery owner.

Yet, at the same time, I have received numerous rejection letters... for things I really thought I had a chance at "this time"! So, artists, brace yourself for rejection. Learn from those rejections and move on. IF you want to make your art a business, you must learn what you can from the ups and the downs! Business is just like your art practice in that is a process. I would encourage you to enjoy more of it and use these experiences to get closer to your goals.

My painting process

2010-06-28T15:02:00.000-04:00

Oil on canvas diptych, both panels 8x16"... just completed late last week. It's loosely based on a photo of mine... a raindrop hitting the surface of the pool water (as viewed from underneath water).

I started it upside down from this. As most of my oil paintings, I do additive and subtractive painting... letting it dry to the touch in between layers to retain & build that texture.

See this detail below...

And, finally here is what it looked liked in the beginning. When I went back to paint on it, I had a difficult time keeping the original look... and was frustrated. When I let go of the former painting and let it be what it was, I still didn't like it overall. But, I did love the surface!

I turned it upside down and left my studio. When I returned the next day, I was surprised at what a strong painting it was. I signed it and moved on to another one.

The process...

2010-06-19T21:51:00.000-04:00

Art is a process. I forget sometimes to play and move through different creative processes! I really enjoy painting my women in water, but love to also explore drawing and painting just water.

Here's an inspirational blog... followed by a couple of my latest paintings, in process.

womenpaintingwomen.blogspot.com/

A set of three canvas panels, in process oil painting... I like what I have, but better to find a nice composition from this one and use that as a starting point for a new painting. (Thanks Chris Craft:-)

A detail like this perhaps...

Three more, slightly larger panels... painted with oil, inspired by moving water...

This is more interesting... though I need to crop in tighter with this one.

Painting is a process. I'm an artist. It just takes discipline, passion and a little talent!

Check out my Facebook Fan Page (I update weekly!)

2010-06-02T19:54:00.000-04:00

I have never updated my blog as much as originally intended. I have lots of posts in my head, but it's tough to nail them down sometimes!

But, if you want to keep up with me on a regular basis this summer of 2010, check out my Facebook Fan Page... I update it a lot more often! (And, you will get to peek inside my studio from time to time as well.)

www.facebook.com/pages/Carmella-Jarvi

Successful artists must work on their craft.

2010-06-02T19:34:00.000-04:00

I have been painting... and painting... and painting some more. Last week, I delivered fourteen paintings for my summer solo show at Waterworks Visual Arts Center in Salisbury, NC. (waterworks.org)

Now that I am done with that commitment, I have 'reset' and begun thinking about what I want to create. Also I've been thinking about what is it, specifically, that makes a 'successful' artist? First, successful artists must work on their craft regularly. IF you are talented and paint on a semi-regular basis, you only get so many winning paintings. But if you are talented AND you treat your art making like a job with discipline and thought, it is only a matter of time before you are successful. If one has a regular, serious approach to their art, eventually they will generate a strong, cohesive body of work that folks just have to buy!

Recently, I have become a huge fan of American Art Collector Magazine (americanartcollector.com) as well as Arcadia Fine Arts. Check out this gallery's website and the artist Brad Kunkle...arcadiafinearts.com

Arcadia sold most of Kunkle's new paintings before his recent show even opened to the public! He is an amazing painter and what makes him even better is he has NUMEROUS awesome paintings, not just a handful with the rest of the show being just OK! He is consistently painting strong work.

So, I am inspired by his paintings AND his sales... and I am off to spend a lot more time with my paintbrushes, sketchbooks and models. Although I will not be posting lots this summer because of my residency at the McColl Center for Visual Art, I will try to post more often than once a month!

This is why it's been so long since I've posted!

2010-04-29T22:27:00.000-04:00

Here's my recent marketing tool, my "Summer 2010 Schedule" postcard. (I'm posting it, emailing it and snail-mailing it to my mailing list. I only do regular mailings about once a year.)

This is why it's been so long since I've posted! I am painting like mad and working on sending these new works home with collectors!

I will be an Affiliate Artist in residence until August 23 and I WILL do more regular posts... but everything just got away from me (funny that it's been one month since last post:-o)

Finally, I knew I wanted to do a promotional piece like this. But because of some tight deadlines, I wasn't able to get it out for the very first reception. However, I knew better to have it good and ready for most of the events than to have an overlooked mistake because of rush job and be humiliated when the error was realized!

Quality should be a top goal for marketing materials!

Another residency website.

2010-03-30T08:55:00.000-04:00

Here's another artist residency website to check out... artistcommunities.org

Many of these places offer financial help, even full scholarships. It is worth looking, especially if you would benefit from a residency. I have had one every two years since 2006 and every time my work makes a jump... not to mention all the incredible artists I meet and how good it is for my soul! (It can be tough to juggle the logistics, but everything is a trade off!)

Learning from rejections.

2010-03-29T10:49:00.000-04:00

I just got a rejection letter from a teaching residency I applied to. I love teaching and have spent most of my career over the past two decades more on teaching as opposed to my art. I DO love both, but in June 2006 quit my full time HS art teacher job to finally pursue my dream of being a successful artist. But as a self employed artist, I have to seek multiple income sources and my "default" setting when I am thinking about earning money is often teaching.

What is interesting about the past four years is that usually the ONLY time my teaching gigs are successful (meaning well attended or profitable) is when folks seek me out. This has been true for both my painting and business of art "teaching". Almost every time I try to set something up myself or "make" something happen, it falls through.

Over and over again these past four years I have observed this, but old habits die hard! The great news is I am about to start a four month Affiliate Artist Residency at McColl Center for Visual Art in Charlotte, NC. I will have four months to make more art than I could possibly manage in my small home studio space (not to mention the amazing networking opportunities)!

My primary goal during the next four months is to generate art... not to teach, not to market (although I will be doing some of this to share with others what I'm up to), not help others to reach their dreams... but to go for my own dream! I have had two one-month residencies at Vermont Studio Center in 2006 and 2008. This time, I am in my home town and will be a part of something I have dreamed of for many years... the McColl Center for Visual Art!

You can check out where I'll be and where I've been on these website links...

mccollcenter.org

vermontstudiocenter.org

Honestly, for an artist a residency can be a lifeline for both our souls and our work, itself! (And, there are many different places that fit a variety of personalities and work styles, resartis.org. Once you apply, it will get easier. Also, many places will give you honest feedback as to how your application could be more competitive!)

I guess finally I should say the difference between my recent teaching residency rejection and the MANY times I was rejected by the McColl Center is my relief at not getting the teaching one and my increased desire to apply again and again until I got into the McColl Center. Rejection can be a powerful motivator for what you really desire!

Facebook "Carmella Jarvi" Fan Page... See inside artist's studio.

2010-03-14T17:29:00.000-04:00

If you want to hear more from me and see more in process & studio shots, join my "Carmella Jarvi" Facebook Fan Page. I do frequent posts, especially paintings in process on the easel!

Just use fb link on my blog to check it out.

Have plan in writing.

2010-03-14T17:13:00.001-04:00

Every artist should have their plan in writing, of some form or another. For me, I like having a full 12 month calendar on my studio wall and a big ideas, steps & goals sheet as well.

At the bottom of this picture is my spreadsheet of ideas, steps & goals for 2010... this is earlier in year.

Below is the same sheet this week. I've crossed stuff out, added more and elaborated. I can keep some ideas & plans at my forefront without getting bogged down with lots of details.

(PS... as far as a full year calendar... the time periods when I've had 12 months posted, visible & accessible have been more productive years. It also helps me to foresee my crazy points during year!)

Painting with oils

2010-02-20T09:09:00.001-05:00

For about a month, I've been painting with oils in my studio. You may know that I am best known for my pastel paintings, but I love working with both mediums for different reasons.

Below you can see detail shots of my two most recent oil paintings. I like the contrast between the first one which is more layers of "dry brush" oil application and the bottom one is very wet oil paint applied with palette knives.

The above detail illustrates the similarities between oil and pastel. My surface is textured with earlier applications of gesso and first paint layers. Then, I drag oil paint on a brush across this texture. (When I paint with oils, I work on several paintings at a time to ensure a drying of most recent layer.)

This painting is done all at one time, with lots of wet paint pushed and pulled across the surface with a couple of my favorite palette knives. It might be finished... I will let it totally dry before deciding. I may glaze over it. (On a side note, I love the way this looks like the surface of moving water... inspired by many hours of river studies!)

Here's a better picture...

2010-02-07T19:38:00.000-05:00

Having fun with oil painting

2010-01-27T13:24:00.001-05:00

This is a detail shot of my latest oil painting, "Rest". Whether I am working small or on a bigger canvas (this one is 24x30"), I paint with my bare hands as well as brushes!

I use a variety of oil painting brushes, but in addition to adding paint with brushes, I like the subtractive nature of scraping back with 'shaper' tools. I also blend and move paint with my fingers as well as the heal of my hand.

If you look at the light area above the hand in this detail shot, you can see the cast shadow created by oil paint when I scraped back through.

(PS... both of these are quick pics from the easel. I'll post better images soon. Oil paintings are tough to photograph until the surface dries a bit... don't like the glare.)

Multiple income sources help!

2010-01-21T15:14:00.001-05:00

Here's a section of my studio wall... color samples and inspiration. At the bottom, you can see a bunch of hand written notes on large white paper. This is a quick at a glance 2010 calendar and different possible income sources for me as an artist, teacher and entrepreneur.

As a self employed someone, I can say having multiple income sources really helps. I sell my art through galleries, non profit organizations and have commission work... then there are grants and residencies... sharing marketing & strategic planning with other artists, my DVD royalties and other ideas for the future.

When I plan, I work on short term and long term projects... and try to keep an open mind to totally new ideas. IF someone would have told me ten years ago, not only would I love the business of art, but I'd be sharing this passion with others... I would have laughed hard! We all have multiple gifts... plan, listen and work hard (AND smart) and you will achieve success.

Don't give up!

2010-01-09T13:37:00.000-05:00

Don't give up! I have been applying for a residency at McColl Center of Visual Art in Charlotte, NC for years and finally got a yes. I will be an Affiliate Artist (for artists in the area) from April-August 2010. Check out the website... www.mccollcenter.org

The photo above is the studio I will occupy for that time. I am extremely grateful and excited. And, if I'd given up one of the many times I applied before, I would NOT have finally heard the "yes" this time.

(FYI... I also contacted the woman in charge of residencies after my last "no" and we discussed the strengths AND weaknesses of my application. This was kind of tough to hear, but information I put to good use with my most recent application in which I got in. Often there are tips posted on websites or organizations giving grants & residencies will often give applicants help.)

There are numerous artists applying for the same grants, residencies, galleries, etc... And many times, one doesn't get in the first time. Sometimes, it's because it is very competitive that year, maybe your work is not as strong as it could be... maybe they just want to make sure you are a dedicated artist and will keep applying. There are too many variables and each time is different.

As an artist who's received a LOT of rejection, but also has received multiple grants and sold work in galleries... I'm telling you to not give up!

Another one completed...

2010-01-05T11:51:00.001-05:00

"Below" (12x16", soft pastel on board) is my newest pastel painting completed. I really like working on the textured pastel surface. (See previous blog entries for in process shots... including the original textured surface.)

"An underwater composition"

2010-01-03T20:07:00.001-05:00

"An underwater composition"... here it is finished.

... a detail.

On the easel.

2009-12-09T19:35:00.000-05:00

This in process pastel is the current one on my easel. It's also a great illustration of the last blog entry, "the angle makes the proportion." Notice how her left arm is folded... in order to show the weight of that shoulder, I must accurately show the angle those edges create. (This might not make sense to some folks... verbal VS visual explanations. But, I have to try.)

Now some other areas are rather unresolved, like the hands, right shoulder and breast area... but that is what "in process" means!

The angle makes the proportion.

2009-12-04T11:41:00.000-05:00

When it comes to figure study, "The angle makes the proportion." This is something Dean Butckovitz has said many times and it is totally true. (He's a former art professor of mine who is super talented with figure study!) Human anatomy is tough. When I'm painting from a photo, not real life, and it's a body floating in water, it is even more difficult. But I love the body and I love water and accept this ongoing challenge as part of my process!

Much of my painting is from photos, although I do work from life-in the form of live models and 'plein air' water in landscape. The real life experiences help and so does a mirror in my studio. However, the best advice I've ever had about figure study is "The angle makes the proportion." Think about it next time you observe a still body.

Look below at the right edge of this model's face and the shadow of her 'ear'... the angle of both that ear and edge of her face makes the proportion needed to show her looking off to her left. IF I had slightly tilted either, it would be less accurate.

If you are an artist, carefully study the angles in your human forms... and your figure study will improve. Of course, a great exercise for this is to do quick studies of live models. This will help you to 'capture' that particular pose.

If you check out my August 27, 2009 post, you can see my first attempt at this model by the pool... and how off my angles were!

Utilize what you already have.

2009-12-03T09:43:00.000-05:00

Since 1993, I've lived on my own & always had a studio in one room in whatever house I happened to be inhabiting. Sometimes it was tiny & sometimes bigger, but I've always had space to make my art.

Above is a detail photo of my current studio... my favorite antique dentist cabinet, some of my oil brushes, part of my pottery collection as well as the newly painted gray walls. In all the years I've had studios, I have never painted the walls until now. I always dreamed of a fabulous studio with north light windows looking out into nature... but the reality was usually old paint & other cruddy details. My current studio is no exception. Because of some ongoing water damage issues & knowing that eventually this part of our house must be torn down, I have just lived with my crappy looking studio, with the bad walls and floor.

BUT, this post is about utilizing what you already have & I have a great studio space with three windows and higher ceilings than the rest of the house. I have lots of wonderful art supplies & resources, some cool pieces of furniture and am self employed which means I also have time! Why settle for an ugly studio? (Imagine it's impact on my art making...)

When I was a resident at Vermont Studio Center (I have been there twice), I was amazed at how simple yet functional their individual artist's studios were. They built walls where needed & used white paint over and over again to create a fresh space and no one worries that an edge isn't cut perfectly or that the wall has ghost paint drips. The point was easy and efficient renewal of the studio spaces each time a new artist came in.

I bring this up because seeing what they do with their studios reminds me that my own studio could be so much more. SO, for the investment of a couple of gallons of paint, some cheap fabric remnants & a few days, I have a studio that I genuinely enjoy being in. (And, no it's not done... still needs a short wall built, floor painted and some touch up painting, but it's tons better & it was an affordable change using what I already had!)

Especially in this economy, it's easy to get down thinking about what you would like to have. I want to encourage you to look at what you already have and how could you minimally improve it for your own joy? Have some fun and let go of that perfectionist... save that for your art making! (And, if you already have a beautiful space, could you rearrange your furniture, easels, etc. to make it a better space?)

Pastels by color and value

2009-11-25T09:03:00.000-05:00

Although I have seen many professional pastelists order their pastels by color and value, I haven't done this to all of mine in a long time... until recently. Partly because I teach and do plein air with my pastels (and use different color palettes depending on what I'm painting) and also because of the number of boxes I have, it seemed to be a hassle to order ALL of my soft pastels by their color and value.

But, I realized it was hurting my work. It was difficult to "see" the colors and values of yellow, say, when some were together and some were mixed with other colors! So, now that I have done this, it's been great for my current paintings AND I realized I had some duplicate colors that went into my teaching or plein air box.

It also made for some cool photos! If you compare these pics to my October 13 post photo, you can see what I meant about colors being mixed up.

[At the top is a photo of some of my Unison Soft Pastels. Directly above is my box of Richeson Soft Pastels. Both are hand-made. Unison are best quality and my all time favorite pastel... ever! The Richeson are good because they are big and bright & affordable... but I can't layer as much as with the Unison.]

Almost done.

2009-11-23T09:48:00.000-05:00

"Below", pastel on board, is my most recent pastel painting. It's shown here above almost completed. The texture is rougher than many of mine usually are. I used a tinted Colourfix primer that I painted on top of a GatorFoam board. Therefore I got a more random texture from the brush application. (A number of pastelists paint their own textured surfaces, including Susan Ogilvie.) I especially like the way the color drags across the texture on the surface of the pool... really mimics the light moving across wall & floor.

This is the second painting in which I've used lots of bold red. Since I have been painting this series of women in pools for so long, I do get bored from time to time and have to shake it up, so to speak.

I also approached this a little differently after watching a Susan Ogilvie presentation earlier this month. She has a very methodical, strong approach to her pastel painting. She uses bold marks with subtle color variations to add interest. I don't think anyone would think of her work when looking at this painting, but her influence is there nonetheless. (It is a great idea to see other artists work... can really be inspiring... not to copy them, but to learn from their approach!)

The evolution of a pastel painting.

2009-11-12T19:25:00.000-05:00

This is what I have been up to... in between sharing my marketing & strategic planning ideas with other artists and getting inspired seeing Susan Ogilvie start a pastel yesterday [www.susanogilvie.com]. I was volunteering during her workshop hosted by Piedmont Pastel Society [www.piedmontpastelsociety.org]... of which I'm a member.

So, anyway... here is the evolution of my latest pastel painting... not quite done yet. (The color is a little off because these are "in process studio shots" under different lighting.)

Stay tuned for the final image... as well as more in process studio shots of other work.

(PS... I just delivered two new paintings, including "Yin" below, to RedSky Gallery [www.redskygallery.com]:-)

Why Unison Pastels?

2009-11-02T10:04:00.000-05:00

This 8x10" pastel I just completed is called "Yin". IF you follow my work, you know I love to paint with soft pastels... but I am in LOVE with Unison Pastels, which are distributed in USA by Jack Richeson & Co. Here's a link to see more... www.richesonart.com. (IF you are in the Charlotte area, Cheap Joe's Art Stuff's Charlotte store has a great selection of Unison individual pastels!)

Here is why I love these pastels... they are wider in the middle than the ends and they do NOT crumble (and not even the beautiful Sennelier hand made pastels consistently pass these tests)... and most importantly, they are soft and creamy... unlike any other pastel I've ever tried.

This is how good Unison pastels are... below is "Yin" in a later stage... you're seeing lots of layers of pastel on Colourfix paper (which doesn't hold as much pastel on the surface as the Richeson Pastel Surfaces). There is NO paper visible anymore.

Now, look at the completed painting with the red... the red color was a Unison Pastel that easily glided over the thick pastel surface. ANY pastel, other than Unison, would not have left a mark like this without a LOT of pressure which would have changed the painting. If you are a pastelist, you know that once there is a lot of pastel on the surface, usually you have to press down hard in order to get a color or mark to show. But, NOT with Unison Pastels.

Even if you can't afford Unison, if you love pastels, I'd recommend buying a couple of dark and light colors to see for yourself. This way at the end of your painting when you're laying in the darkest darks and lightest lights, your soft pastel will easily glide across the surface and you will be pleased. (Any artist knows that the quality of supplies will improve your work. It is the same with pastels!)

NOTE: You must carefully remove the paper label to use your individual pastel stick on the side as well as end (this gives you a variety of marks you can make with one stick).

YouTube Introduction to Soft Pastels

2009-10-18T15:04:00.000-04:00

Here's the YouTube link to my introduction to soft pastels... (It's from my Instructional DVD, "Painting Water with Pastels".)

www.youtube.com

IF you like what you see, my DVD is available through Cheap Joe's Art Stuff for $24.99. Here's the link for that as well...

www.cheapjoes.com

What pastel supplies do I use?

2009-10-13T10:14:00.000-04:00

What supplies do I use? I have been pastel painting for over a decade and have tried many products. Like everything, quality does matter. As an artist, we should use the best quality products we can afford. You can see some of my own pastels to the left.

For me, the best out there is Unison Soft Pastels (www.unisoncolour.co.uk/). They are hand made in England, distributed in the US by Jack Richeson & Co (www.richesonart.com)... and can be purchased at various art supply companies. But I prefer to buy from my favorite local (North Carolina) business, Cheap Joe's Art Stuff (www.cheapjoes.com).

Because the pastels are hand rolled, they are wider in the middle and thinner at ends. Extruded pastels, like Rembrandt, are all the same width and also have a coating on surface that should be rubbed off before using. Even if you cannot afford to move to Unison Pastels, consider buying a couple of darks and lights in this brand to supplement your extruded pastels. Your paintings will be better.

As far as surfaces I work on, I use professional pastel products that have a toothy surface. They hold the pastel and I don't need fix in the end. My two favorite products are Jack Richeson & Co. Premium Pastel surfaces and Colourfix Pastel boards (www.artspectrum.com). The JR&C boards have a LOT of tooth and can take lots of pastels... and their gator foam boards can be washed off if you have a dud painting. The Colourfix boards are great for plein air and have more colors to choose from.

For more on all of this, use the links, or better yet... get my DVD, "Painting Water with Pastels" (www.cheapjoes.com).

Get this book!

2009-10-09T09:28:00.000-04:00

Wow... it's already October 9 and my 'painting sabbatical' is officially over! I am continuing to put my art at the top of my 'to-do' list, but there are so many things to keep up with.

(Everyone faces the challenge of juggling their passion, career, family, etc., etc... But, when we're self employed it can be more difficult... the sands of time move quickly when I'm looking at ALL the things I could or should be doing;-0)

I do love the business end of art as well as my studio practice. If you've followed my work, you know I'm involved with the Arts & Science Council's 'Artist as an Entrepreneur' Institute as well as being a huge fan of Creative Capital out of NY.

I am highly recommending a brand new book to any visual artist who is not totally happy with their art career... The Artist's Guide, How to Make a Living Doing What You Love by Jackie Battenfield. She's a talented artist who HAS supported herself/family with her art and she's an excellent teacher of the business end of art. She's a regular member of the Creative Capital Professional Development team and her book is excellent! (Remember I've attended a half dozen of these workshops and I am still getting inspired by her new book... AND I can read it at my own pace!)

Here's a link to get more info and order your own copy... www.artistcareerguide.com

A peek in my studio...

2009-10-05T16:23:00.000-04:00

I have just delivered nine new pastel paintings-including the three paintings you see just started with original photos to the left-to Red Sky Gallery in Charlotte, NC. (www.redskygallery.com)

To left is one of these 7x5" gems, And around again, finished. See my website, www.carmellajarv i.com, for more info about this work and Red Sky Gallery reception.

Here's a photo of my new pastel studio space... I still have another smaller painting, etc. studio, but here, I can leave my pastel work & supplies out. You can see several paintings in process on the easel... as well as my soft pastels set up. One of my favorite things about Vermont Studio Center (where I was a painting resident in 2006 & 2008) is having lots of different artwork going on at the same time! (www.vermontstudiocenter.org)

Learning new stuff is fun!

2009-09-24T15:01:00.000-04:00

Feeling rather like a technological idiot today! I've had my own website, www.carmellajarvi.com, for maybe a year and a half. It has come a long way, but since I've been learning on my own and didn't grow up with computers, some stuff is taking me awhile to grasp!

For example... I recently started this blog & figured out I could make a URL link a 'hot link'. I was painting in the studio today and my mind wandered to business... and I thought, 'Hey, I bet I can do that with my website pages too.' DUH!!

Better to learn these things later than never! I will apply this experience to the future and actually play around with all the settings in my 'writing boxes' on both website and this blog! (The best part of all this is that it's much easier for you to click on a hot link than go to another location.)

On another note... I finished a painting earlier today (got too hot & muggy after awhile so here I am in the air conditioned office:-)... and I started a series of three small 5x7" pastels.

I am good about documenting my work, but now I'm taking a lot of step by step photos for this blog... and my future writings on painting water with pastels. I'll start posting them soon. Hope your work is going well too.

"Artist as an Entrepreneur" Institute

2009-09-22T10:10:00.000-04:00

Are you looking to make more money with your art? Would you like to move closer to your goals or the next level, professionally?

If yes, consider attending the "Artist as an Entrepreneur" Institute this fall (Oct. 10, Nov. 7 and Dec. 5) . The Arts & Science Council (in Charlotte, NC) is sponsoring this excellent, multi faceted business of art program once again.

I will be leading one of the sessions and was fortunate to attend the first time they offered it. I know it is GREAT information that helps you to create a viable art business... not to mention meeting other like minded artists and all the networking opportunities! See this link for more details and to register.

(www.acteva.com/booking.cfm?bevaid=177625)

Two new paintings

2009-09-20T18:21:00.000-04:00

These are two recent pastel paintings that I am so happy with. (You can see this new work starting October 9, at Red Sky Gallery, Charlotte, NC... their East Boulevard location... www.redskygallery.com)

Many things have converged this summer for my new body of 'figures in water'. First, a new permanent pastel studio space in addition to my existing studio means I can always have my pastel paintings going... and I have! I enjoy painting with oil, but pastels are my passion... my expressive medium!

This summer, I bought an underwater digital camera which really opened up the images I could capture in water... because I can SEE what I just shot! (This also helped to show the model what I like and am looking for.) Thankfully, I had access to a couple of different pools and models, including one place where I could do live figure study of the model next to or inside the pool! (Painting real water and real person helps me when I go back to the studio and work from photos.)

I'm varying my sizes, working with different color palettes and painting almost every day. This last part is tough because of all the other things I juggle. Anyone self employed knows it IS more difficult to get to work when you're working from home... many, many distractions. BUT, moving my permanent pastel studio space to another building has been great because I am leaving the house!

Do what you want with all this... I just wanted to share my thoughts on this cool body of work being the convergence of many things. (See more on www.carmellajarvi.com.)

I love the business of art!

2009-09-14T12:49:00.001-04:00

What a great week... In my pastel studio the first part and this past Thursday, I was in Penland for a Creative Capital Professional Development workshop. (It was a refresher course for me and a chance to see the presenters.)

Even though I teach marketing and strategic planning to others, I still need professional development and inspiration from time to time. There are some things I'm doing well or have improved... but then I have my weak areas too! (And, I like to be around artists that are positive and excited about possibilities!)

You may not love the business end of art, but you should spend some of your time/energy learning about it. A business will improve with intention. (This is the idea behind writing goals and steps to achieve those goals. When you focus on something specific, you see things differently... look at opportunities in a new way.)

Another great aspect of my Penland trip was staying at the Celo Inn (www.celoinn.com/rates.html). It's about 30 minutes from Penland and is very affordable with a tasty breakfast and it's a beautiful Inn & location!! (Of course there are many cool places to stay & things to see in the Mountains!)

Sharing a new article about me...

2009-09-09T12:01:00.001-04:00

OK... I'm procrastinating a little... (I do love painting, but have to keep walking away when I am putting the last details on a piece... So, as to not overwork it!)

Thought I'd post the link to this Art Issue where I'm listed as one of the artists shaping our community! It's a good article and you can read about other talented artists too.

(I really like to have a something tangible in my hand when reading, but it's cool to click on a link and get it as well! Thank you University City Magazine.)

www.universitycitymagazine.com/

First stage of a pastel painting

2009-09-08T21:04:00.000-04:00

This is the beginning of one of my newest pastel paintings. Tonight I almost finished it (so it looks more colorful, detailed and smooth... will post pics as soon as I share new work with Red Sky Gallery).

One day, I'll do a series of these really rough, sketchy impressions of a moment in water. There is something lovely and raw about the marks capturing that suspended moment of light & movement... body & water. But, finishing a painting and pushing color into color... thick and rich is cool too.

Being dedicated to my own art is why I quit my full time teaching job three years ago. I think this is the first fall I was totally absent of that 'back to school' feeling... finally deprogrammed from 13 years of teaching and how many years was I a student before that?? This fall is about painting in my new pastel studio space and enjoying September... with it's crisp nights.....

I'm taking a painting sabbatical.

2009-09-05T18:30:00.000-04:00

I'm taking a "Painting Sabbatical" this month. Still doing a few necessary things (business & personal), but for the most part making art is my goal. There are several important aspects of my painting process... first, I love business so much-it's really my default setting-I must guard my time when painting is priority... hence my scheduled painting sabbatical! (I also recently put my pastel painting studio space in a building away from the house which has no WiFi;-0)

Next, I need inspiration in the form of working from life, having different photo shoots with models for great resource material and seeing other artist's work. Here's one of my all time favorite painters... Lynn Boggess. Check out this link... www.lynnboggess.com/ (His work is even more incredible in person, but can be appreciated in digital form. Also check out the video footage.)

Another thing about me is I must have some interaction regarding my work. I enjoy spending time with other artists, but I'm most grateful to have an artist husband. Although being married to another artist has it's drawbacks, we spend a lot of time together and he has been so helpful with my work! Recently, we were dissecting why one of my new paintings was so hot and the one on the easel was not. As tough as it is to admit faults, I feel so much better when I let go of a painting that is not working... whether priming over it or rinsing off the pastel.

Even though the painting on the easel was almost done and I'd been working on it for over a week, it was not working. No matter how much more I did, it would never be a winner. So, now it's gone and I am happy and excited about the new one I just started and the four behind it. I know what I enjoy, why do I get off track? Perhaps distracted by lovely bodies in water...

Why practice? (Part 2)

2009-08-27T09:30:00.000-04:00

Here's an illustration of why it's good for artists to practice as well as work from life. I have been painting figures in water for many years... working from photos in my studio. However, I also sketch live models and actual water to really understand what I 'see' in my photos.

I often practice with the same image before I start the 'final' painting, whether working from life or a picture. I may even paint the same photo over again to truly capture what I think it should feel like.

These sketches are from a live figure study session this past weekend. The first sketch is my second attempt at this pose. See my first attempt below... it's more labored. I was trying to get the proportions right as well as the light. In the later one, my marks are more confident and spontaneous.

One of my favorite teachers, Rita Shumaker, would say 'The body has memory'. I'll add practicing is not a waste of time, but makes one's work better! Forget the idea of 'wasting' supplies... you're honing your craft.

Are you ready?

2009-08-25T10:08:00.000-04:00

How prepared are you? IF someone gets in touch wanting to include you in an upcoming article or needing a brief bio and image to go with a class write up or upcoming show... do you have these things?

Of course we all want opportunities to share our work and what we do, but making sure you're ready when 'opportunity knocks' is something else. In every marketing and strategic planning workshop I've attended, this point has been stressed over and over. Although it is not my favorite thing to download digital images and rewrite my bio, I make sure to regularly work on these things so I am prepared when asked. (And, once you start marketing your work, you most likely will be asked!)

This image is a pastel painting from my Instructional DVD, Painting Water with Pastels. You can see me starting this painting on the YouTube link... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEWIkFHwPhI&feature=channel.

And, this is the painting I sent when recently asked for an image to include with a write up for a marketing workshop I'm teaching October 17 at the Fort Mill Art Guild. (Here's the workshop link... http://www.fortmillartguild.com/classes/jarvi.htm.) Waterworks Visual Arts Center also requested a couple of images to include with their upcoming publicity (I have a solo show there next summer)... and, since I was prepared, I could say yes.

So even though summer is my busy season, I stopped what I was doing for both of these... (and for an upcoming University City Magazine article I was included in too)... I stopped to take advantage of these opportunities to market my work and further get the word out about "Carmella Jarvi".

Are you ready? And, if not, what small steps could you take to get prepared? Good luck. I look forward to seeing your work soon!

Professional development is important!

2009-08-19T08:01:00.000-04:00

Call it Continuing Ed or Professional Development, it's important to improve one's self in all businesses and the arts are no exception. Actually, it could be argued that we need that kind of training even more in the arts.

College preparation is changing, but I know many folks with art degrees and little business training to help them market and plan strategically for success. With that said, artists can be some of the best business people because of their creative problem solving skills and their passion and connection with the 'product' (their art).

Even though I really enjoy the business end of art, I still need reminders as well as learning new skills in this area. I am grateful for organizations like North Carolina Arts Council, Arts and Science Council and Creative Capital for understanding and doing something about the lack of business training in the arts fields. (See www.carmellajarvi.com LINKS page for more info.)

I am very excited to be attending the one day Creative Capital workshop at Penland on September 10. One cannot beat the $40 fee for a day's instruction with this group!! Additionally, I love to share marketing and strategic planning with other artists and this fall is no exception.

I will be teaching a marketing mini-workshop at the Fort Mill Art Guild on October 17. Here's the link... http://www.fortmillartguild.com/classes/jarvi.htm. (And, if you're just getting started with the business of art, I'd highly recommend an Art Calendar subscription. It's a business magazine for artists and an excellent investment!)

A business opportunity

2009-08-12T10:38:00.000-04:00

(Photo by Gowri Savoor of me at Vermont Studio Center last summer. I was there on a NC Arts Council Residency Grant... Jeff Pettus, of the NCAC, encouraged us to apply at a Creative Capital workshop.)

Two things... first, thank you to all the great models I have to work with and to the many folks who share their swimming pools with me! I feel very fortunate to have these summer opportunities!

And, FYI... The Creative Capital Professional Development Program (PDP) is presenting two workshops with the Penland School of Crafts in Penland, NC: a one-day workshop on Thursday, September 10, 2009 and a weekend intensive Friday, September 11-Sunday September 13, 2009. SPACE IS STILL AVAILABLE for both workshops, EXCEPT MECKLENBURG CO. ARTISTS CAN ONLY APPLY TO ONE DAY WORKSHOP (see link for details).

I have attended several of Creative Capital's weekend workshops and they are excellent... lots of information, but worth it!! (Actually, their program gave me the fundamentals to quit my full time job three years ago!)

To apply or if you have questions about these events, please consult the Penland website or contact Penland Program Assistant, Leah Buchanan at leahbuchanan@penland.org. Please See: http://www.penland.org/programs/special_programs.html

Why practice?

2009-08-10T20:52:00.000-04:00

Practice, practice, practice... how many times have I heard it and still, I have this epiphany sometimes! I know my work is better when I practice... both as a group of paintings and on an individual level.

When I paint often... paint regularly, I increase my success rate... more paintings "work". When I practice a pose or view before beginning the final, I increase my chances of the final painting working well. One of my favorite teachers, Rita Shumaker, used to say "The body has memory." It's so true... in the same way an athlete warms up before and actually practices the marathon... not just going out and running cold!

One of my favorite things about practicing is my paintings are getting looser, more spontaneous... a look that really excites me. (Here's the image that inspired this entry... I still find it amazing that some of my best sketches are on crappy newsprint! I think it's because there's no internal stress over using 'good' materials.)

My Review of Olympus Stylus 1050 SW Digital Camera, 10.1 Megapixel, 3x Optical, 5x Digital Zoom, 2.7" LCD Screen, Blue

2009-08-09T13:22:00.001-04:00

Adorama

Olympus Stylus 1050 SW Digital Camera, 10.1 Megapixel, 3x Optical, 5x Digital Zoom, 2.7" LCD Screen, Blue

I LOVE my new camera!

Carmella Jarvi www.carmellajarvi.com 8/9/2009

Pros: Bright LCD, Love immediacy of digita, Easy To Use, Comfortable Controls, Easy Setup, Great Picture Quality

Cons: Can only shoot so long, Clean after each pool use

Best Uses: Art is my primary reason, Family Photos, Art, Fun

Describe Yourself: Photo Enthusiast

I am an artist who paints from photos of people in water... mostly swimming pools. Been shooting with two 35mm Nikons for years... but LOVE the immediacy of digital! It also makes great prints!

Self portrait of artist

: Made with Product

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New self portrait & old passions

2009-08-06T12:27:00.000-04:00

This is my most recent painting, a 12x16" pastel self portrait. I shot the photo I painted from with my new digital underwater camera. You're looking at my face underwater and the surface of the underside of the pool water, reflecting me. I have only shot my pool imagery with 35mm. How amazing to see what I was shooting right after!

I have always loved the water... and painting. I have been an artist and a teacher all my life. (My earliest memories involve drawing and being bossy!)

Life can be bittersweet... no matter how good some parts are, there's often some challenge. But I am grateful to God for all of it... the great stuff and the lessons I keep repeating (hopefully to eventually learn). I appreciate the many, many people God has surrounded me with and the amazing gifts I've been given... and forgiveness.

I am passionate and I enjoy sharing things that have been shared with me. In this blog I'll continue to write/post/ponder assorted topics from art to business to philosophy (occasionally... I do have a BA in Philosophy as well as my undergraduate art degree;-0). I hope you share your thoughts occasionally too.

Marketing strategies

2009-08-05T17:41:00.000-04:00

There are many tips & strategies for improving one's business. Especially in this economy, cross marketing is one of the best. Lots of businesses are doing it... products being advertised on TV shows is one of many examples. An artist selling art materials they already use is another. Think about what makes you different... or what is another angle on your art?

For me, my work is about water, swimmers... a great fit for summer. But, I also love the business of art (sometimes as much as making the paintings themselves;-0)... so this is another area I can market my art.

This picture is a cover of The Mecklenburg Times, (a Charlotte, NC business paper) May 19, 2009 issue. It's a photo of me by Jim McGuire for an article Austin Light wrote on the business of art. It was exposure for me as an artist... but the topic was first business, then art. (Read the article on this link www.dolanmedia.com/view.cfm?recID=487518.)

One last example of excellent cross marketing is Marc Gustafson's Gallery Pantone 278 in Charlotte, NC. I had a June 2009 Solo show at this non traditional gallery. The openings are held at a local Trolley Museum and the owner does most of his marketing through Facebook and his gallery Blog. He is having lots of folks attending his openings AND selling art! (See more on gallerypantone278.blogspot.com/)

Think about who likes your work and why? What about your art may be different and how could you use that difference to market what you do? And, last thought... try to focus on the positive. (I'm not good with this all the time... but it always helps!)

Welcome to my blog.

2009-07-31T18:25:00.000-04:00

Welcome to my new blog. This will be an interesting adventure. I do love to share with others... it will be great practice for me to write brief segments about painting, my art, as well as marketing and strategic planning tips.

If you have comments or questions for me, please post them. I look forward to also hearing from you.

(Painting by the artist, "Emerging", pastel on board, 16x20".)