Ads & Art

David R Daniels Workshop

2009-03-25T19:21:00.000-07:00

Oh my goodness! I just spent the afternoon learning David R. Daniels', a.k.a., Mr. Watercolor, process of creating a watercolor painting. I got a late start due to a previous engagement, but was able to pick up where the rest of the group was by the time I arrived.

He has a new book called WaterColor Journey. It is filled with his beautiful work. Hopefully, some of his creativity will rub off on me over the next two days. The workshop is being put on by the Jacksonville Watercolor Society. He was our judge for the Spring show, which opens on Sunday, March 29 at Magnolia Gallery, Arlington Expressway, Jacksonville, FL, from 2- 5.

And yes, yours truly has a piece in the show. Loving the concentrated time with my favorite thing in the world to do—paint!

Affirmations for Artists Positive messages for artists in today's economy

2008-11-04T08:17:00.000-08:00

Central Florida Art Connection: Florida Museum for Women submission/ women only/ November 1, 2008 deadline

2008-09-22T10:11:00.000-07:00

Central Florida Art Connection: Florida Museum for Women submission/ women only/ November 1, 2008 deadline

This is a great opportunity for our gender to showcase our talent.

Alone time

2008-08-01T07:32:00.001-07:00

Today's Art Biz Blog: Deep Thought Thursday topic is "Going Solo". It referenced a quote from Art Calendar by Jack White who said,

When you made the choice to become an artist, you committed yourself to a life of solitary confinement. That is, if you plan on being successful.

Here is my comment to that:

I wouldn't exactly call it solitude but there is a significant amount of alone time in my mind required to be my creative best. Having worked the past 30 some odd years in the advertising/marketing/graphic design industry, I have learned to be creative in a bustling group situation. It is exhausting, yet exhilarating at the same time.

The little free time I have is divided between time with my understanding husband, my son, our 2 dogs, my friends, my art associations and my artwork, leaving little time for true solitude. Fortunately, I have learned to turn inward for quiet contemplation in small spurts or there would be no painting. Those special times when pure solitude is present are precious and result in all sorts of discoveries whether about my art or myself. And while I would love more time alone, I could never thrive without the interaction of others in my world.

What's more is that a lot of my work is inspired by the things people do or do not do. They make me think, laugh, get angry, among other things. As John Donne said, "No man is an island," we need one another so much more than we let on. Too much solitude would be shear pain, for each of us longs for at least a moment of recognition and the love and touch of another. God did not create us to live in solitude, but does ask that we spend time in quiet to hear the small voice that will guide our spirit to find its purpose.

My Artist niece, Amy Windland

2008-07-20T11:07:00.000-07:00

Creativity runs in my family. My niece, Amy Windland is a very talented young artist. She scored the cover of Natural Awakenings magazine this month (July). You can view it at http://www.naportland.com/.

You can also see her work online at http://www.yessy.com/amywindland/
If you happen to be in Columbia, SC, you can find her work at Simply Savory, a Fine Wines & Gourmet Foods store on Devine.

Featured Artist At Artwalk Downtown Jacksonville, FL

2008-06-23T17:25:00.000-07:00

I have been selected to be the The Art Center Cooperative, Downtown Jacksonville, featured artist during the August ArtWalk on August 6, 2008. If you are in or near Jacksonville, please check out my work. You will find a collection of my work that includes everything from Acrylics, Drawing, Mixed Media Collage, Watercolor and other interesting things I have created along my path as an artist.

My wonderful and dear friends, Angelo and Claudia Gonzales will be there with delightful samples of appetizers they create for their new business, Taste the World Catering! Check out their website at www.tastetheworldcatering.com!

2008-06-03T11:34:00.000-07:00

Drawing Day - June 07, 2008
drop everything and draw

Drawing Day is a worldwide drawing event encouraging everyone to drop everything and draw for the sake of art. The internet is an open canvas. Help us create 1 million drawings online this day and boost online art communities.

I will be drawing. How about you?

Go to http://www.drawingday.org for more information.

Deep thought Thursday

2008-05-23T07:33:00.000-07:00

I subscribe to Alyson Stanfield's Art Biz Blog and today's question was "How much affect do circumstance and location have on the type of art you make and the way in which you make it?"

What are your thoughts on the topic? And if you do not already subscribe to Alyson's blog, you should. The topics and writings have really been helpful to me. I am sure you will find something of interest there, too. http://www.artbizblog.com/

Below is my response.

I have had both large and small studio spaces. Never a room actually built as a studio, but one I have reserved as "my space" for creating. Right now "my space" has spread to the entire house much to my husband's dismay and need for order.

So I would have to say that my studio is wherever I am at the moment with art supplies and ideas on hand. What affects me more is my mood and energy levels which unfortunately swing from one extreme to the other at times. I have been reading a lot lately about how clutter and disorganization affect you so maybe getting a studio large enough and dedicating it to my work would make be produce more often. (Another big challenge as I still have to have a alternate job to pay the bills, which is probably another obstacle since it is also a creative job and drains my brain every day, but that is another story.)

Environment does play a part in creativity mainly because of the local market. But I try not to get wrapped up in making art for someone else since that is what I do to earn money (graphic design) while I am trying to transition to my real job (painting & mixed media). And of course, money always plays a part. Having become accustomed to a rather nice lifestyle, letting go of the perks is really quite frightening. It is a huge catch 22. And very frustrating, as all I really want to do is paint, read and just enjoy the beautiful world around me.

Great Creative Weekend

2008-05-18T18:13:00.000-07:00

Wow! I am exhausted after taking 2 workshops this weekend. One with Ted Head at Reddi-Arts where I learned that the old ruling pen I mastered in the 70's is the perfect tool for applying frisket for painting whiskers, feathers, fins and hair. Sure am glad that I held onto it all these years. I think I paid about $7 for it. They now sell for close to $25! Any way, it was a great workshop and I can now add some more tricks to my bag. The other workshop was at the Art Center Cooperative. Joyce Gabiou showed us the process of layering. I was pretty happy with the 2 little pieces I completed. I will definitely be putting all that I learned to work. What I learned made a lot of new things and ideas click in my head. Can't wait to get into my studio and put them to practice.

2008-05-04T10:05:00.000-07:00

I signed up to get Alyson B. Stanfield's Art Biz Feeds some time ago and have been getting great information as well as seeing many other artist's blogs and websites. The most recent Feed happened to be especially interesting to me as the question referenced the advantages and disadvantages of belonging to an art cooperative. As a current member of The Art Center Cooperative here in Jacksonville, I was immediately intrigued by the post. The artist asking the question was mixed media artist and teacher, Brenda Marks at http://brendamarks.typepad.com/.

If you get a moment go to Brenda's blog and check out what Alyson had to say. And while you are here, read about Alyson's book, I'd rather be in the studio, all about marketing and selling your art. She is a great art coach and you can find her at ArtBizCoach.com

I’d Rather Be in the Studio! The Artist’s No-Excuse Guide to Self-Promotion is for artists of all kinds. Painters, sculptors, ceramist, jewelers, photographers, and others will benefit from the easy-to-follow self-promotion practices in this book.

Author and art-marketing consultant Alyson B. Stanfield, of ArtBizCoach.com, focuses on sharing the artwork directly with potential buyers through electronic and traditional communication outlets—in a manner that is comfortable, not artificial. Artists match Internet marketing strategies with sincere personal skills to take charge of their art careers.

The book includes online worksheets and downloads.

Happy creating!

2008-04-03T16:54:00.000-07:00

Check it out! As a member of the Art Center Cooperative, I participated in a collaborative painting project that has brought quite a bit of attention to the gallery and its artists during this month's Downtown Jacksonville's Art Walk. The project came about as we (the members of the Art Center Cooperative) were planning how we could participate with MOCA of Jacksonville's Annual Mosaic Event, which is normally held in April, but was pushed back until September this year. I suggested we take a photo and divide it into sections then have our artists paint their particular section, then we would put it back together as one image.

I first tried this technique as a workshop participant at The Hilton Head Art League in Hilton Head Island, SC, and found it to be an amazing experience. I have continued to use this process when teaching art to children. By beginning a class with this project I am able to show children that all of us are unique and so is our creative expression. The children are always amazed to see that even though their work does not look like the others, it still fits and is an important part of the whole picture. It really frees them up and lets them be themselves without the concerns of whether it is right or wrong or as good as the rest of the class.

FIRST COAST NEWS CLIP/ MOSAIC

"Downtown Jacksonville Gets International Recognition."

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/video/player.aspx?aid=124860&sid=106215&bw=hi&cat=2

Posted by
lhisartsy53

at
8:30 PM

DAILY RECORD article

To read the story about the "MOSAIC" mural click this link
http://jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=49751

Where in the world is Linda F. Hawkins???

2008-02-19T08:05:00.001-08:00

Island dreaming, that's where!!! It is cruise time again and we will be headed to San Juan, St. Maarten, and St. Thomas. I have never been to San Juan but have been told by some very good friends that the art galleries are great there. You can count on me to let you know. You can also count on seeing some new paintings on my website, www.lindafhawkins.com shortly after our return. The islands and time away from the daily routine always inspire and energize me. And boy do I need it.

The Jacksonville Watercolor Society Spring show deadline is coming up Mid-March and a new bright and colorful piece will be entered. Also I have entered "Angels Watching Over Me" in an online competition at www.greatchristianart.com. I am scheduled to be the featured artist at The Art Center Cooperative for the month of July, too. So I have a lot of work to do.

Keep coming back to see my journal of the trip and the progress on my paintings!

What a mess!

2007-12-31T12:29:00.000-08:00

It is time to get organized!

I have art supplies out the ying yang and spend far too much time trying to find what it is I want to work on. Everything is spread out between the small room that is supposed to be my studio, to the library, to the dining room, to the spare bedroom and the laundry room closet. I have had many studios (moved around a lot) but this is the most disorganized I have ever been.

I think it is making me sick because I am TIRED all the time – It has to be the clutter. I love to create art and I have been stuck for a while now. 2008 is here and I really need to get organized and get creating so that I can make the next show!

Holiday Thoughts

2007-12-13T17:48:00.000-08:00

Everywhere I look there are signs of the holiday season. Although the glitz and sparkle is attractive and festive, it overpowers the true reason for celebrating at this time of year. All of us are crazy busy running around spending money that we will regret spending once the new year rolls around.

Today after standing in line for what seemed like forever, the young couple in front of me had finally handed the last item in their cart to the clerk. Much to their embarassment, their check was not accepted and all of their Christmas was taken back. It made me stop and think, first how would they provide gifts for their children. Then I felt a sadness for our world that has become so commercialized and material, that unless we can shower our children and others with gifts that will soon be dismissed, we are made to feel less than adequate.

I had met an elderly lady at the Art Factory in Orlando last week who told me her Senior Center had made an old-fashioned Christmas tree. All the ornaments had been hand-crafted from materials like popcorn, construction paper, fabric and so on. She said, “you know, we couldn't just go out and buy ornaments like you do now”. Maybe we should all take time to craft a few gifts and ornaments and bring back some of the personality of just being and enjoying one another without all the monetary pressure. After all, can you remember what you bought last holiday? Or what you received? What will remain long after the store-bought items will be the love and time spent together with family and friends.

So, no matter whether you are celebrating Christmas, Hannuka, Kwanza or some other religious holiday this month, take time to consider the true meaning, not just the commercialized version.

October 14, 2007

2007-10-14T17:11:00.000-07:00

Wow! What a beautiful weekend. Just got back from a MarineMax boating event at Ortega Landing Marina. Perfect weather the entire weekend. Wish we could do these get-aways more often. Spending time on the water away from TVs, Radios, Internet, work and home responsibilities is such a luxury. What's more, it is perfect for thinking, journaling and planning that next painting.

September Artwalk

2007-10-08T17:17:00.000-07:00

What a great Artwalk! In spite of the rain earlier in the day, or should I say week, the event was very well attended. This month I had the great fortune to show my work as the featured artist at TTV Architects on Forsyth Street. CSX was there promoting safety around railroad crossings. Did you know that it takes a train traveling at 55 mph a full mile to come to a complete stop? Neither did I, but the folks from CSX did a great job delivering the message and though many came in just to get the sticker so they could collect the prize at the Florida Theater, most took the time to review my work. It was well received and will remain on display for the remainder of the month. New work was also hanging at The Art Center Cooperative at 31 W. Adams Street.

Many Thanks to Lori Orton and Tri Vu for hosting the show! If you haven't been to TTV Architects for Artwalk, make a point of it next month. They have an awesome building and art work really looks great there.

August Art Walk

2007-08-25T07:47:00.001-07:00

August Art Walk was very busy. My work was upstairs at The Artists Cooperative in the Carling building at 31 W. Adams St., in downtown Jacksonville, Florida.

Painting on premises really got a lot of attention and it was amazing how many people were curious about the process of my work. It was great to be able to share it with the guests, especially the kids.

June 3, 2007

2007-06-03T14:54:00.000-07:00

What a fabulous day it is here in sunny Florida! It was filled with lots of sunshine, fun time and painting time! Weekends go so very fast. This week's big events are the Art Walk on Wednesday night. You can see my collage work at the Bryan Building on the corner of Hogan and Monroe. Pray for air conditioning this month. And this is the deadline week for 2 shows-"Lost and Found" at the Jacksonville Women's Center and for the Florida Watercolor Annual Show in Daytona.

I have been painting furiously trying to get something new to enter in both of these events. But just had to take some time out to run the river on the "Ltl Hawk", my little Jet'n'Spray boat. What a blast! Living on the River is just the best.

On the graphic design side of my life I get to work on a fun cookbook, a new magazine, a newsletter and a couple of websites this week. Yes, I am busy but I wouldn't have it any other way.

2007-06-02T23:02:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my blog

Welcome to the blogspot for Ads & Art, the online presence for the graphic design and fine art of Linda F. Hawkins. In one way or another I have been an artist from the very first time I held a crayon in my hand. I got into Advertising and Graphic Design because I couldn't imagine myself working in a job that did not permit me to be creative. I have had the opportunity to work at small graphic design firms, medium sized agencies, magazine publishers, printers and Fortune 50 corporations. And while each one has their unique qualities, it is the act of creating that has kept me working in the field of advertising design this past 34 years.

The act of creating something from nothing is an amazing and frustrating thing. Some days it comes so easily and on others there is absolutely nothing in the well. I have often asked myself why in the world would anyone want to put themselves on the spot like that. The answer is always the same—because it feels so good to stand back and look at what has come from your mind out through your hands and onto the page. Some days it is so amazing that I have not doubts that there is a higher power.

We who create, whether it is with paint, computer, music or the written word, often find ourselves scraping the bottom of the well, wondering if we will ever have another good idea again. Fortunately, the world is such an interesting place and full of such interesting people and places to visit that it is easy to fill the well again. It is soooo important to take the time to do that, even though we may find it a challenge with our hectic lives and jobs. I am all for taking what I call a mental health day if necessary just to make certain that happens. All the work and responsibilities are still there a day later, so what is the harm?

I hope you will visit my spot often and that my musings will inspire you or at the very least let you know that you are never alone. That there are so many creatives in the world who all have struggled, who all have been high on life, who have doubted and who have known in an instance that this is the life they were meant to live.