A WORD FROM AAG PRESIDENT, IVAN HALVORSON….
Thanksgiving will soon be here, and we have so much to be thankful for. We have a roof over our heads and food on the table. Plus, a telephone and friends to talk with. Most of us have escaped the pandemic and hopefully the scientists will create a vaccine soon. Regardless as artists we have the good fortune of being self-motivated and self-directed and independent thinking individuals able to spend time alone being creative.
This is a good time to get involved in art competitions. Major international competitions are hosted the year around. They provide us with a goal to strive towards. Also, we get a chance to see what great artists are producing today. Then there are American competitions with big cash prizes. The Artists Network has several – including the Artists Magazine competition and the Stroke of Genius.
If your art is ready for the pages of Artists Magazine, this competition is for you! $24,000 in cash prizes plus publication in Artists Magazine. The Stroke of Genius competition is for pencil drawings. All you need is a pencil and paper to enter this competition.
Artists Network Competitions focus on a wide range of media, subjects and styles—oil, acrylic, drawing, pastel, watercolor, animals, people, abstracts, still life, landscapes and more. Win any of these fine art contests to get published in the Artist Magazine and get noticed by art enthusiasts around the world. To see what’s currently open for submissions go to – https://www.artistsnetwork.com/art-competitions/artists-magazine-annual/
On the local level a good contest to enter is the AAG’s Artist of the Month competition. Also check out the AAG website for workshops and demos hosted on Zoom. Instructional videos are also on AAG’s web page.
AAG is now big on virtual workshops due to covid19. We offer great workshops you can take from the convenience of your home. Visit our website frequently to keep updated on these special events. It’s a great way to keep connected and hone your artistic skills.
I have been asked to talk a little about myself and how I spend my days in these unique times. I keep busy with AAG business and with my miniature landscape paintings and videos. For outings I drive around photographing trees, old wooden fences, and whatever I can incorporate into my paintings. Frequently my wife and I pick up a coffee and egg McMuffens at the McDonalds drive through. The fridge is stuffed with fresh vegetables and the coffee (tea) pot is always on. It is a simple life, but we enjoy it.
Remember Alicia Plogman has an Art Supply exchange where new and gently used art supplies are donated and resold. It is by appointment only so be sure to phone or email Alicia before arriving. Phone 602 788 4016 or email aplogman@icloud.com.
Almost all AAG programs are now virtual. Outreach programs have gone national. The AAG general meetings, with live demos, are on Zoom the third Tuesday of each month at 5:30 PM. On November 17, 2020 Casey Cheuvront will do a palette knife painting demo. She will explain each step as she goes along. Then in January we have two full length workshops. These are a must for any aspiring artist. Special thanks to Carman Timm for organizing these events.
Once again, I would like to thank Rae Getz for producing a beautiful and informative newsletter. The newsletter is where all the events, workshops, demos, winners of competitions etc. come together. It is on the AAG website. Check it out.
Take Care. Keep Safe.
Ivan Halvorson
