New Small Oil Paintings from the VELATURA Series
I am so happy to introduce you to some of my new small paintings from my new series called VELATURA.
I am so happy to introduce you to some of my new small paintings from my new series called VELATURA.
What does VELATURA mean?
The term velatura reflects my painting process, which consists of the fabrication, subtle layers upon layers of color, of dreamlike, and sometimes playful, realities.
I adore creating art based on the real world but vividly transformed by my infatuation for soothing colors like purples, greens, and blues.
I truly enjoy creating paintings that reflect my admiration for nature's creative force. With each brushstroke, I feel a connection with its whimsical energy.
My approach to painting depends on the complexity of the subject.
To add to the realism of the painting, I add the velatura, which are numerous glazes of color.
When I paint evocative nature scenes, I play with blue-brown washes and bold, bright marks which slowly morph into a suggestive landscape.
This creative process begins with a dynamic abstraction and ends into a believable, yet personal, reality.
You can find my paintings at Natur-Tyme, 3160 Erie Blvd. East
DeWitt, NY or on my online shop.
Let me know if you have any questions!
Maria
How to plan for a successful art show and opening reception.
After an art opening it is a good habit for artists (give yourself a couple of days!) to examine what factors contributed to your opening's success and what things could have been done differently to make it better. Read more to discover tips on how to plan for a successful art show and opening reception.
My recent opening for Velatura was on Tuesday, April 4th at SUNY Empire State College in East Syracuse, NY, and to my delight, a lot of acquaintances, friends, and family showed up and enjoyed my art.
[A lot of photos were taken by my artist-friend, Karen who wrote a great post about this exhibit! To read her post click here!]
Yet, I believe that after an art opening it is good that every artist (give yourself a couple of days!) examines what factors contributed to the opening's success and what things could have been done differently to make it better. So....
What contributed to my art exhibit's good attendance?
1) Good planning, which included answering these 5 questions:
- Where are you going to show our art?
- When are you going to show your exhibit, and when are you having a reception for it?
- What art are you exhibiting? Is it a series or a retrospective of your work? Is it a solo show or a group show?
- Who are you hoping to reach out to with your art? Who is your target audience besides family and friends? I would recommend inviting art collectors, past clients, and journalists.
- Why are you exhibiting your art? Is it for sharing you passion with the world or for sharing your point of view on a social issue? Is it free and open to the public?
Selected paintings for Velatura: Creating Trees and places with Subtle Layers of Purples, Greens, and Blues.
2) Writing an artist statement specifically for my upcoming exhibition. For tips on how to write your artist statement read my blog post here.
3) Writing a press release which must be sent out to local news contacts at least 2 weeks before the reception. Check out this page on how to write an effective PR.
4) Designing and printing a postcard, or an invitation, to send out to your target audience, friends and family, a week before the opening. Plus, it's important to share the same visual design on social media to keep your brand consistent.
5) Hanging-up the art a couple of days before the opening. Make sure to ask for help from a friend or a partner. Things will move much faster!
6) At the reception make sure to bring:
- refreshments,
- business cards,
- and fine art prints of your work to sell, if it relates with your type of art.
- Also, don't forget to bring your phone or camera. Make sure to take a lot of pictures or ask a friend to document the night. These photos can be later used for promotional purposes!
Yet, there are three things that, if I could go back in time, I would have done differently.
1) I didn't give an artist talk, and that was a mistake because every time I explain my process, I share my passion with the people who enjoy my art or want to learn more. So, the learned lesson is: give an artist's talk every time you have an art show. It will give people an opportunity to further connect with you and your work.
2) I didn't have a e-mail sign-up sheet to collect emails for my arts newsletter, which is one of the most effective and cheapest ways to inform my fan base about upcoming events, promotions and so forth.
3) In addition, another technique I used in the past to draw a bigger crowd and make some money was to have a raffle of my work, I would either give away a framed print or an original painting and sell tickets from $2 to $5 depending on the value of my work.
Maria Rizzo gives an artist talk for her first group art show at The RedHouse Arts Center in 2010.
So yes, I wish I taught of that, too!
I'll make sure to read this blog post again before planning my next art show!!
Maria
VELATURA: An Exhibition and a New Art Collection
~ This April is going to be a special month. ~
The term velatura reflects my painting process, which consists of the fabrication, subtle layers upon layers of color, of dreamlike, and sometimes playful, realities.
My paintings are trees and nature scenes created as a response to those places that deeply resonate with me.
Although several paintings are copies from life; I adore creating art based from the real world yet vividly transformed by my infatuation for soothing colors like purples, greens, and blues.
I truly enjoy creating paintings that reflect my admiration for nature's creative force. With each brushstroke, I feel a connection with its whimsical energy.
~ This April is going to be a special month. ~
30 acrylic and oil paintings and sketches will be on view for Velatura: Creating Trees and Places with Subtle Layers of Purples, Greens, and Blues from April 1st to May 31st, 2017.
The opening reception will be held
on Tuesday, April 4, 2017
from 5:30pm to 7:30pm
at SUNY Empire State College
6333 Rte 298, 3rd floor
East Syracuse, NY (315-472-570)
Also, a new painting collection will be unveiled at Natur-Tyme, 3160 Erie Blvd. East, in DeWitt, NY, on April 1st! Here is a sneak peek preview:
I hope to see you at the opening reception. Come over and say hi, enjoy the refreshments, and celebrate with me five years of creativity, which is continually encouraged thanks to all of your amazing support.
Maria
Expressive Nature
I'm excited to introduce you to this new series of acrylic and oil paintings on canvas that celebrate a love for nature and trees. These recent artworks were created with a colorful, expressive, and whimsical signature style and they were designed to capture the emotional aspect of looking at nature.
These paintings can be viewed at Natur-Tyme until June 26, 2016, along with new open edition prints (starting at $25) and magnets ($6 and $8 each).
Also, I have partnered with fineartamerica.com to provide you with:
- prints on fine art paper, canvas, and metal;
- home decor items like bedding, pillows, shower curtains;
- phone cases and tote bags.
Make sure to check it out!
Maria
MARIA RIZZO
Trees, Lands & Dreams | Art Blogger #theartistspath | Art Educator | From Italy 🇮🇹🇺🇸 |