Friday, December 8, 2017

New OnlineCourse: Start Selling Your Art!


 
Launches January 31st 2018
In this course you will create a plan for your art business. The instructor covers a wide variety of ways you can sell your artwork and offers considerations on what will work best for you.

Topics covered will include envisioning your dream art career, marketing, pricing your work, tips for selling in-person and online, art fairs, galleries, commissions, finding your perfect clients and more!

Whether you have never sold an item or are experienced this class will give you fresh ideas to propel your art career forward.
 

This self-study course features...
 

- 8 Audio Lectures that explain the many ways you can bring in money with art sales. Learn how to price your work and how to gracefully close a sale when working with customers. Topics include...
-First Steps to Preparing for Greatness
-Money, Money, Money and Pricing Your Work
-How to Sell your Work Online
-Galleries, Galleries, Galleries
-The World of Art Fairs
-Pleasing Your Patrons with Commissions
-Tips for Closing the Sale and Marketing Basics
-Making Your Dreams Reality a.k.a. Goal Setting

Class starts January 31st 2018.  Enroll today to get early bird savings!
https://alchemyofpainting.com/p/start-selling-your-art

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

Art Competitions are Scams

When I was recently asked to be a judge for an art competition my initial gut reaction was "hell no!" After I had such an emotional response I had to carefully consider why.

I've been in art competitions.  I've won prizes.  Sometimes they are fun gatherings.  I've especially enjoyed some plein air competitions.  But the fact remains that most art competitions are money making schemes.  Artists have to pay to participate and if they are lucky they will win an award.  The host organization profits from the entry fees.

Most art competitions simply award the work that does the best job of conforming to "the standards." They don't award for innovation, for improvisation or for heart.   While the rules of composition can be great tools to incorporate into a piece, art is more than the sum of its parts.

Last month I met a young man who works at a corporate job.  He shared with me that in high school he had entered an art competition.  When he didn't get in he felt so hurt that he stopped creating art for 10 years.  He has recently gained the courage to start drawing again.  The message the awards system sends to artists, like this young man, is that SOME people's work has value and other's doesn't.  When a person's work has been deemed second class they often drop art from their lives.

I think that art is more than a way to impress people with awards.  Art is a visual language.  We use it to express what we cannot say with words.  We use it to enhance our homes and communities.  If we choose we can use it to bridge gaps, not to create them.

Art plays an important role in the lives of many, many people.  It isn't just for an elite minority. 

My 11 year old daughter was recently invited to participate in an orchestra competition.  They requested $15 to judge her playing.  I said no.  I want my daughter to enjoy music.  I want for it to enrich her life.  Not only do I not want for her enjoyment to be hindered by a judgy proclamation but I don't want to pay someone for the privilege of doing so!

Art competitions are most destructive when they are directed at young people.  Tell a young kid they are good or bad at anything and they will take it on as part of their personality.  We don't need any more limits.  We need possibility.  We need growth.

This is why I have decided that I will not judge art competitions in the future.  Nor will I be recommending them to my students.

We can gather together to share our art, our vision of the world, without competition.  We can gather together to celebrate everyone's artistic voice.


Alternative Ideas...
- If you are an art teacher give all of your art students individual awards such as "The most imaginative," "The most interesting characters," so on and so forth.
- If you host art shows call out for certain themes then accept entries on a first come, first serve basis.
- If you are a non-profit organization that needs money to host an event ask your sponsors.  Artists should not have to pay to share their work.  Remember that the artists are doing enough for your event by spreading the word about your organization and sharing their work for the enjoyment of your patrons.  Appreciate this and remember to thank them.
-  If you are an artist seek out the many other platforms to share your work such as coffee shops, legitimate non-profits, museums, churches or community centers.  There are alternatives.  You have choices.  

So I've said it!  Art competitions are scams and the emperor has no clothes.



Hear more ranting and raving on this topic on the latest episode of The Alchemy of Art Podcast.





Tuesday, December 5, 2017

Alchemy of Art Podcast Episode 51 Sharing Your Art with the World and Art Scams


Or Listen on iTunes


Today's episode features a discussion on ways to share your art with the world and art scams.  Hirschten discusses the controversial topic of art competitions and alternatives.


To sign up for the free online class "7 Secrets to Success for Artists" and the upcoming class "Start Selling your Art" go to https://alchemyofpainting.com/courses


On the Alchemy of Art podcast we interview artists from a wide variety of mediums about their creative process and art philosophy.  Each episode includes true stories about artists to inspire you and keep you going.  Hosted by Addie Hirschten, a contemporary impressionist painter, art teacher, author and public speaker.  Find out more at www.azhirfineart.com

Monday, November 20, 2017

Secrets to Success for Artists

Take the *FREE* Mini Course 7 Secrets to Success for Artists




 Do you want to learn the top tips to finding success with your artwork?



Get started with this *free* online mini course from painter and host of "The Alchemy of Art Podcast," Addie Hirschten.
 

This self-study course features...

- a video discussion with the artist
- an audio recording walking you through the 7 secrets to success

- a step-by-step pdf guide to help you answer the questions you need to propel you toward success


Try it out by taking the "7 Secrets to Success for Artists" for free on alchemyofpainting.com




Saturday, November 18, 2017

Holiday Painting SALE!


Peonies from my Garden Painting
Buy now

Use promo code HOLIDAYSALE for 25% off on all paintings from my website 
including commissions until December 2nd!

Friday, November 17, 2017

2017 Thanksgiving Givaway Painting!

Subscribe to Hirschten's Art Newsletter to Enter to Win this Painting
Every year I have my annual Thanksgiving Painting Giveaway.  This year one of my newsletter subscribers will win this framed original painting.  "The Rose" was featured in my online class "How to Paint a Rose."


How it works:  On November 24th I will be using a random number generator to select the winner from my list of subscribers. If you are a current subscriber to the newsletter you are already entered to win.

To increase your chances: Invite your friends and family to join the art newsletter. 

Subscribe here

Wednesday, November 1, 2017

Alchemy of Art Podcast Episode 50: Interview with Photographer Emily Schwank




Or Listen on iTunes


Today's episode features an interview with the artist, Emily Schwank.



Schwank is a professional photographer who specializes in portraits of people.  Her warm and natural style shows the authentic personality of her subjects.  Find out more about her work at:  https://raincliffsphotography.com/


On the Alchemy of Art podcast we interview artists from a wide variety of mediums about their creative process and art philosophy.  Each episode includes folktales and true stories about artists to inspire you and keep you going.  Hosted by Addie Hirschten, a contemporary impressionist painter, art teacher, author and public speaker.  Find out more at www.azhirfineart.com

Monday, October 2, 2017

Alchemy of Art Podcast 49 Interview with Expressive Artist and Counselor Shelley Klammer


Or Listen on iTunes


Today's episode features an interview with the Expressive Artist and Counselor Shelley Klammer and the true story of Rorschach and the Inkblot Tests.  Shelley is a Registered Expressive Arts Educator/Consultant with the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association.  She is also a Registered Counselor and Counseling Supervisor with the Association of Cooperative Counselors of Canada. 


Shelley has written 16 expressive arts e-courses and e-books available on her website: www.expressiveartworkshops.com



On the Alchemy of Art podcast we interview artists from a wide variety of mediums about their creative process and art philosophy.  Each episode includes folktales and true stories about artists to inspire you and keep you going.  Hosted by Addie Hirschten, a contemporary impressionist painter, art teacher, author and public speaker.  Find out more at www.azhirfineart.com

Tuesday, September 12, 2017

Alchemy of Art Podcast Episode 48 Interview with Dan Cooper



Or listen on iTunes

Painter and Digital Artist Dan Cooper
www.cooperfineart.com

 

Today's episode features an interview with painter and digital artist Dan Cooper.  Dan attended Indiana University at Bloomington on an Evans Scholarship, is very involved in the Indianapolis art community, and currently teaches with the Indianapolis Art Center. Find out more about Dan's work at www.cooperfineart.com



On the Alchemy of Art podcast we interview artists from a wide variety of mediums about their creative process and art philosophy.  Each episode includes folktales and true stories about artists to inspire you and keep you going.  Hosted by Addie Hirschten, a contemporary impressionist painter, art teacher, author and public speaker.  Find out more at www.azhirfineart.com


Monday, August 7, 2017

Flowers, Flowers, Flowers!

Peonies from My Garden
Copyright 2017 Hirschten
Oil on Canvas
My obsession with flower paintings continues! 

Join my online painting class Flower Painting 101 to learn how to create your own paintings.


Pink Yarrow Flowers
Copyright 2017 Hirschten
Oil on Canvas
Chrysanthemum and Apple
Copyright 2017 Hirschten
Oil on Canvas

Geraniums
Copyright 2017 Hirschten
Oil on Canvas


Tuesday, August 1, 2017

Alchemy of Art Podcast Episode 47 Interview with Tamara Laporte


Or listen on iTunes

Tamara Laporte, Mixed Media Artist and Teacher at www.willowing.org



Today's episode features an interview with mixed media artist Tamara Laporte and the story of Frida Kahlo.


Laporte believes that the act of creating art can be a gateway into healing and personal growth – often, her art classes contain an element of self development as well as learning art techniques. She is deeply devoted to helping people get in touch with their creative fire.  Find out more about "Life Book" and her other amazing online classes at www.willowing.com.


On the Alchemy of Art podcast we interview artists from a wide variety of mediums about their creative process and art philosophy.  Each episode includes folktales and true stories about artists to inspire you and keep you going.  Hosted by Addie Hirschten, a contemporary impressionist painter, art teacher, author and public speaker.  Find out more at www.azhirfineart.com


Tuesday, June 20, 2017

Alchemy of Art Podcast Episode 46 Your Painting Journey


Available on iTunes

Where are you on your artistic path and where are you going?  In this episode your host, Addie Hirschten, discusses how the reasons why we create can change over time.  She shares how her work has changed over the years and offers questions to help you articulate your own direction.  Using the story behind the hymn, Amazing Grace, as an example Hirschten urges artists to be flexible and ready to take new direction.


On the Alchemy of Art Podcast we interview artists from a wide variety of mediums about their creative process and art philosophy.  Each episode includes folktales and true stories about artists to inspire you and keep you going.  Hosted by Addie Hirschten, a contemporary impressionist painter, art teacher, author and public speaker.  Find out more at www.azhirfineart.com


Thursday, June 1, 2017

Alchemy of Art Podcast Episode 45 Interview with Abstract Painter Lynette Melnyk



Available on iTunes


Today's episode features an interview with abstract painter Lynette Melnyk and the story of the Three Stone Cutters.  As an artist, Lynette’s abstract expressionist style is created from her interpretation of nature, dance and especially, music. The layers upon layers create a depth to the story. Her art is a powerful communicator and is intended to encourage emotions and conversations. Her goal is to engage and inspire viewers through the captivating flow of energetic movements, masterful color palettes and unexpected whimsy.


As a creative director, Lynette has been involved in artistic endeavors throughout her life, with formal education and experience in interior design, visual communication design, photography, painting and marketing. She owned and operated a successful design, marketing and corporate communications business for many years and continues to evolve the creative communication process through her art. Her extensive expertise in running a business allows her to coach emerging artists through the maze of starting a business.  Find out more at:  lynettemelnyk.com


On the Alchemy of Art podcast we interview artists from a wide variety of mediums about their creative process and art philosophy.  Each episode includes folktales and true stories about artists to inspire you and keep you going.  Hosted by Addie Hirschten, a contemporary impressionist painter, art teacher, author and public speaker.  Find out more at www.azhirfineart.com

Addie's new online painting classes can be found at www.alchemyofpainting.com!

 

Thursday, May 25, 2017

New Alchemy of Painting Online Courses!

Enroll today for *FREE* on alchemyofpainting.com
Would you like to learn how to paint flowers?


Join the *FREE* online painting class "How to Paint a Rose" at www.alchemyofpainting.com!

Get to know me as an art instructor and honor the beauty of nature by creating your own floral painting today.



This course includes...
- a video demonstration with helpful commentary by the artist
- a step by step guide to create your painting from start to finish
- and a copyright free image for you to work from


Enroll today for free at alchemyofpainting.com





Monday, May 15, 2017

Alchemy of Art Podcast Episode 44 Interview with Kiala Givehand


Also available on iTunes

 
 
Today's episode features an interview with the Book Artist and Creative Business Coach, Kiala Givehand, and the Chinese folktale, The Story of Tanabata.

Kiala Givehand is a creativity and empowerment coach, poet/writer/editor, mixed media book artist, and workshop leader.  Givehand received an MFA in Creative Writing and Poetry from Mills College.  For more than 15 years she taught English and Language Arts at every level including college level Creative Writing, Humanites, and English Composition.


She now works with small groups of students, teachers, artists, writers, and creative entrepreneurs who want to identify their passions so they can embrace their gifts and talents through the empowered expression of their deepest desires.  She loves teaching and empowering others to live with intention.  Find out more at:  www.kialagivehand.com

 

On the Alchemy of Art Podcast we interview artists from a wide variety of mediums about their creative process and art philosophy.  Each episode includes folktales and true stories about artists to inspire you and keep you going.  Hosted by Addie Hirschten, a contemporary impressionist painter, art teacher, author and public speaker.  Find out more at www.azhirfineart.com.