I have recently been looking for a printer of giclee prints and have been inundated with the term "DPI". I have learned that printers use this as an indicator of how well a print will be produced. Unfortunately, a lot of artists are not printers but we do use cameras to document our work and to obtain reference material and anyone with a digital camera uses the term "pixels". So how do you translate pixels to DPI? I found a great article by Ken Powers titled "The Myth of DPI" that explains exactly that. Please visit his site to read the entire article. His site provides a lot of great information about digital cameras and is very informative.

Regards, Monica

Johnnie Liliedahl Workshop At Painter Paradise

I wanted to share a great experience I had recently attending a painting workshop with Johnnie Liliedahl. The workshop was held at a wonderful out-of-the-way jewel in the small town of Claymont Delaware called Painters Paradise. Johnnie happens to be one of my favorite living artists and I was thrilled to be able to finally study under her in person. Please visit her website I promise you won't regret it. As an added bonus we also had the pleasure of following a demonstration given by Linda, one of Johnnie's artist teachers. The three day workshop was an exhilarating creative experience, one that I hope I can do again. The owner of Painters Paradise is Jo Lutness and what a ball of energy this lady is! Down to earth and with a sense of humor to match, she immediately made me feel welcome and coordinated this event like a well oiled machine.

The painting area itself, at first glance, looked small but the atmosphere was intimate and even though there was a full house of budding beginner's, intermediate and advanced artists in attendance, there was plenty of room to lay out your supplies and paint to your hearts content. Not sure how long this establishment has been in business but I would urge my fellow artists to check out the website and see if you find something of interest.

All told, this was a great and challenging weekend and if you decide to attend a workshop, enjoy the great atmosphere and the delicious homemade goodies Jo prepares for you everyday!

Take Care, Monica







STUDY

Michael Jackson Earth Video

I am posting this video because we have truly lost a gifted artist in Michael Jackson. No matter what your opinion of his personal life, I believe him to be one of the greatest artist in my lifetime. I cannot, will not deny him this.

This song was not released in the US, but was Michael's biggest hit in the UK, beating out "Thriller" and "Beat It". It was released in 1996 and, in my opinion, is one of the most moving songs (and videos) of his adult career. The focus is on the environmental issue's happening in our world today and this piece of art sends a powerful message. At the end, there is some information you may find interesting about the making of this video.

Surround Yourself With Positive Influences

What a weekend. I have started two new paintings and I am very excited. One is actually from the study titled "Lily" under the new paintings area of my blog. The other is an idea that I have had in my head for a few months. It is about a nightmare I had months ago. I wasn't sure if I wanted to be literal in my approach or abstract but I know now how I want to proceed.

Message of the Day:

A good friend of mine once said, "Life is not difficult. People make life difficult".
The older I get the more I understand what my friend meant by this. But there is a way to counter the negative influences you may come across. Surround yourself with positive people, fill your mind with positive thoughts, and open your heart to positive experiences. This is how we get through each day with dignity and grace.

Take Care and Keep on creating!

And The Winner Is...

Hello Everyone!

The Fine Art America contest titled "Oil Painters - Your Best Figurative Art" is over and the results are below.

First, many thanks to the other jurors:

Darice Machel McGuire - http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/darice-machel-mcguire.html

Kerry Burch - http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/kerry-burch.html

Also, many thanks to the sponsor of this contest Dick Blick Art Materials http://www.dickblick.com/. The prize of $50 in art supplies was very generous and greatly appreciated.

Last, thanks to all of the entrants who submitted their wonderful artwork. FAA is truly a home for many talented and diverse artists and it was a pleasure to view their artwork.

Best Regards, Monica Vanzant

Grand Prize Winner:




Lee Alban


Honorable Mentions:

Richard Scott
Jean Hildebrant
Emilio Valerio D Ospina
Sibiline S
Lawrence Supino
Daniela Isache
Katherine Fernie
IIse Kleyn
Elizabeth Jose
Kendall Kessler
Ashlee Comerford
Cj Rider

New Skyscape Video - Heavens V

Moved to Video Library Below...

Art Contest On Fine Art America Sponsored By Dick Blick Art Supplies

Calling All Artists!

I am currently hosting a fine art contest on Fine Art America. If you don't know about it, it is a social networking art website and is a wonderful forum for communicating with other artists and also exhibiting and selling your art. Unfortunately, the contest is for FAA current members only, but now that you know about it - check it out! You may want to become a member and enter the next contest.
This contest is for oil painters only and is titled "Oil Painters - Your Best Figurative Art. This contest is being sponsored by my favorite art supply company Dick Blick Art Materials.The grand prize winner will receive $50 worth of Dick Blick product ordered directly from their website! I have been ordering art supplies from these folks about ten years and I can honestly say I have found the best deals with Dick Blick. If it seems that I am talking them up, well I am. I don't attach my name to anything I don't believe in so give them a try.

Best Regards, Monica

New Website for Art Demonstrations

Hello,

I have two new sites to share.

www.mvanzant.webs.com - This one will be used to introduce/show my new painting(s).

www.paintingdemonstration.webs.com - This one will be used to share my art demonstrations. Currently, there is only one, but more will be added later.

Thanks! Monica

Online Proportional Scale Calculator

Hello,

I found a Proportional Scale Calculator on the web and thought I would share the link. If you want to create a larger canvas from a study and need the correct dimensions the link is -

http://scriptygoddess.com/resources/proportioncalc.htm

Thank you so much Jennifer for creating this!

Regards, Monica