Western Heritage Art Show

It has been a long term goal of mine to join my mom at the Western Heritage Art Show during Western Art Week in Great Falls. She has been doing this show since I was about 5 years old – I remember at that time the swimming pool was the highlight of the show for my sister and I. Now I enjoy all the camaraderie of the fellow artists as well as getting a week long ‘fix’ of nothing but art, art, and MORE ART. That couldn’t make me happier.  This year I am BEYOND excited to be joining her at the Western Heritage Art Show, which is one of about 5 art shows that are all taking place in Great Falls Montana during Western Art Week.  The Western Heritage Art Show is the longest running art show in the collection of shows going on during Western Art Week and the only exhibitors at the show are the artists themselves; (instead of galleries) which I like.

I will be ‘tweeting’ and posting updates on my facebook page throughout the show, but if you are in the area, I would HIGHLY recommend taking a day to walk through the shows. I can’t say enough how awesome I think it is to have the best artists in the region will all exhibiting together at the various shows across Great Falls, MT.

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Squirrel work in progress painting

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Pavlov – grizzly oil painting

I had posted a lot of work in progress images of the grizzly painting that i have been working on, here are a few close up images of the FINISHED painting!!

It is titled “Pavlov” and it is an 18×24 oil painting on linen.

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Work in Progress – Grizzly

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I used a rubberband and t-square to create a bar across my easel that I could rest my hand on while I am doing detailing on the face. (So I don’t have to rest my hand in wet paint and potentially damage the painting.)

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Bighorn Sheep Work in Progress

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As you can see, my base color starts as something bright. This painting started as a blue because I wanted to bring out some of the cooler tones in the whites.

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A very basic outline of the animal. This is a very important part to ensure all the features are proportional and accurate.

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After many layers, I finally settled on a background color that I like. I chose to do a darker color so the white fur on the face will really ‘pop’.

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Lots and lots of detailing. At this stage I am painting in all the dark tones.

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Now I am starting to go in and paint white fur on the nose. This extra layer of detail really starts to bring the sheep to life – I LOVE this stage of the painting when the animal starts to to take on life and a personality.

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2013 Artwork Goals

I am so thankful for all the goals I was able to check off my list in 2012 – here is my list for 2013!
  1. #1 is always to trust my instincts and by doing so, create the best artwork I can.
  2. Get my art in as many local venues as possible to grow my local reputation as an artist.
  3. Grow my gallery presence. I would like to add at least 3 galleries to my list of representation.
  4. Start capturing emails and contact information from customers at art shows.
  5. Use social media more loyally and effectively.
  6. Post to my blog consistently.
  7. Avoid distractions at home, organize my workspace.
  8. Work towards developing an identifiable style, recognized as mine. I understand that this is going to consistently grow and change, but my goal is to work towards developing this.
  9. Find a few favorite local plein air locations.
  10. Start a youtube page to show my painting process.
  11. Get my artwork published in a magazine.

Cheers to checking a few of these goals off my list in 2013!

- Janel

“Through art we can change the world.”

I am excited to be participating in the Twitter Art Exhibit for the second year. Artists from all over the world donate a 4×6 piece of art, which is auctioned off to benefit a different non-profit each year. In the past, Twitter Art Exhibit has generated funds for children’s books at a library in Moss Norway and resources for a women’s shelter in Norway, and this year it is benefiting the Art Devision in Los Angeles. (www.artdivision.org) While the first two exhibitions were held in Moss, Norway, this year’s Twitter Art Exhibit will be held in Los Angeles at the Exhale Unlimited (E.U.) Gallery.  It is very exciting to launch this concept globally. I absolutely LOVE the concept of artist from all over the world coming together to use their art to raise money for a great cause.

“Through art we can change the world.”

If you are an artist, please consider participating. All the information you need can be found at www.twitterartexhibit.org

Here are some work in progress images of what I am working on for the #twitterartexhibit

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View my painting on the Twitter Art Exhibit website.

 

 

- Janel Acheson

janel@rvting.com
on twitter: @janelacheson
Google+

Planet Bronze Art Opening

I had a great evening at the Planet Bronze Gallery Miniature Show Opening last night – it is such an honor to be included in this show with so many amazing artists. Here are some images from the evening.

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Planet Bronze, 7th Annual Miniature Show

I am excited to be participating in the 7th Annual Miniature Show at Planet Bronze in Bozeman Montana. If you are intersted in going to the show, the opening is on November 30th from 5-9, I would love to see you there!

Belgrade Fall Festival