Why Invite Other Artists To Your Shows?

Art is a fraternity. Artists all, are striving to create some kind of change in the world, simple or large - just to create an effect.  With apologies if this sounds a bit Pollyanna-ish, but we really need to keep good communication in with other artists - not only for good 'Karma', what goes around comes around, but we all have our insecurities and it helps to know we are not alone; and that something can be done about it.

The great art movements such as Impressionism, Fauvism, all the other isms, etc, gathered strength by being a group of supporting individuals. This does not mean that you have to absolutely 'Like' everyone just because they are an artist. That would be hard to do, given all of the disparate personalities, but at least support the fact that they are out there doing the best they know how with their abilities to create individually.

When art galleries first came into being* and artists were given expositions of their paintings and sculpture, a tradition was formed. That at each opening where there was the obligatory wine and cheese with a few grapes maybe - other artists were invited on the guest list alongside the collectors. When the exhibiting artist is asked why other artists, who are generally not collectors, are invited, the answer is always - "So they can eat". This is a bit of paying it forward.

So, let's treat our fellows well.  You never know when you might need a good model! Or a meal.

a bientot
Til next time,
Diann

'Luncheon of the Boating Party'       Renoir

*Here is an excellent link  to an informative blog which describes Renoir's "Luncheon of the Boating Party".  They are all artists, and I was told that the little dog was loaned by Mary Cassatt for this painting.

*Wikipedia has some very early history on art museums. One fact is the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford opened on 24 May 1683 as the world's first university art museum.

Crazy? Maybe, but we did it anyway.

Dang, I am so old-fashioned!   The art world has changed, the way collectors buy art has changed (so we are told), and general public openings seem to be the order of the day, such as First Friday exhibition openings.  I love the First Friday openings of course, but 'back in the day' when art was selling steadily through reputable galleries around the world, collectors and potential collectors were invited via snail-mail to private showings before the exhibition was opened to the public for viewing. That is on the order of rewarding art buyers with first right of refusal so to speak. I'm sure this is still done in some areas for which we are thankful, but my observation tells me it's not a standard operating procedure in many other areas.

In this new world of internet promotions, facebook, twitter, et al, most artists' promotions seem to be quicker and so much less expensive.  But, and that 'but' is my opinion only, wouldn't real collectors still like to be invited to a private showing? I know I would, and yes, I do sometimes buy other artists work when I am flush and my works are selling well. Spread the wealth and enrich your living with others' creative energy.

On a personal note, over the years collectors of my work have been primarily investment buyers; stock brokers, attorneys, businesses enjoying art whilst receiving a tax incentive, and lovely private collectors who grace their homes with aesthetics for families and friends to enjoy. I confess to being fortunate enough to have consistent collectors and my dealings with agents and galleries have been of the highest calibre, and we became friends.

Now though, I am reading on this same internet that many art galleries in general seem to be closing at an alarming rate. Hmm - artists are taking the bit between their teeth and self-promoting - which of course we have always had to do anyway, but this time it also involves the selling and garnering collectors. Full time job.

Well, in this time of 'economic uncertainty' (so news media tells us), we have created and opened an old-fashioned, brick and mortar art gallery. Crazy? Maybe, but instead of complaining, we decided to do something about it.  We will be putting back in the courtesy of inviting people to private showings before opening an exhibition for public appreciation. We are getting back to basics and reconnecting with people. Set up as primarily a showcase for my own work, with a separate space large enough to teach classes and do workshops, through our gallery, along with the other wonderful galleries in Alaska,  we will attempt to revitalize art appreciation in our small part of the world.

Please visit if you get a chance, and if you would like to be on our private invitation mailing list, send snail-mail address and email address through this website via 'contact the artist'. We respect everyones privacy and never ever use or sell or give out this information to anyone, ever,  period. You can also sign up for the newletter on this site to receive periodic news of events and other goings-on.

Works can still be purchased through this website as well, so no stops, only expansion!

a bientot,
til next time,
Diann

Haist Gallery, Northway Mall, 3101 Penland Parkway, Anchorage, Alaska 99508   Phone:(907) 903-9997
Hours: 12 to 6pm Tuesday through Sunday. Closed Mondays     See what we are doing here too.

The Discussion - no.2

The Discussion - no.2 11"x14" oil

A painting I put on a shelf because there were a few touch ups needed to be made.  Forgot about it until today when it found its way to the easel with new layers of very thick, very wet oil paint.  May not dry for a couple of weeks now.

The story of this piece is a couple of ladies having a chat over a glass of tea - think they are discussing the taking in of laundry, therefore this is part of my Market Series.

When we travel, which is one of my favourite things to do, the different scenery is of course an interest, but it's the people and how they relate to their environment which entices me more.  I am always on the lookout for the ways in which people interact on their home turf. 

To see this painting larger, click here.

Ebony, Or Missing A Painting

Ebony

This little painting has always been one of my personal favourites; the kind that becomes part of your life,  fitting comfortably in the corners of your memory.  And a memory it truly is. 

While going through some archived slides of my work, some pieces long forgotten, this one struck a chord.  I conservatively collect African sculptures and this small ebony carving of a bird was a delightful treasure.  I made this painting of it many years ago,  around 1980, and intended it to be part of my personal collection.  It was for a couple of years until it was stolen from my studio along with the actual carving.  The thief was never apprehended nor was the sculpture or painting ever recovered.  It was a kind of a cruel compliment - that someone valued it enough to want it that much, but I would rather have given it away than it be taken without permission. 

That was neither the first nor the last time my work went missing under those circumstances, and it was never easy to reconcile.  It certainly was nice coming across the slide of this one, and perhaps I can have a print made. 

All art has a story of its own to tell, and this one a bit more dramatic than usual.

To see a larger image of 'Ebony' click here.

a bientot,

til next time,

Diann

Waiting For Captain Cook

Waiting For Captain Cook

Anchor Point, Alaska, is the westernmost point in the North American highway system. The figure in this painting is award winning Athabascan miniature doll-maker, Glenda McKay. She is standing on the rocky shore which is heavily bedded with seaweed and driftwood from long ages past.

Captain James Cook lost an anchor from his ship here when he was searching for the Northwest Passage, hence the name 'Anchor Point'.  Here is a brief history of the area.

To see this image larger, click here.

a bientot,

til next time.

Diann

Twitter Art Exhibit 2013 - L.A. Update

I can't tell you how excited I am to be a contributor  and Honorary Ambassador to this #twitterartexhibit, Los Angeles. Artists  from around the world are creating postcard-sized art for the benefit of Art Division, a professional Arts Training program for young adults in LA.

If you are an artist with a twitter presence and would like to contribute, there may just be enough time to get a piece there as the deadline is 4 January 2013. BUT, please plan to attend the opening 12 January 2013!  Here is the facebook invitation page for full details. Each piece is only 35 dollars! Many very well known international artists have work there which makes this a fantastic opportunity to begin or expand your art collection!!!!! These little gems will sell very fast!

This is my contribution to #twitterartexhibit Los Angeles:

Giraffe In The Window  4"x6"  acrylic/paper

a bientot,

til next time,

Diann Haist

Peggy's Cove

Peggy's Cove 9"x12" oil

When I lived in Canada, each summer (for about 10 years or more), I would take a 1 to 3 month painting trip to the Maritime provinces; Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador. Travelling the Gaspe Peninsula and the Cabot Trail, I usually found myself in aesthetic overload. So beautiful, and the people so warm and wonderful. I have been re-living some of these times in my Alaskan studio from reference photos - not as much fun as painting on site, but my nostalgia is complete. More to come.

Peggy's Cove is in Nova Scotia and is one of the most popular sites for artists to set up an easel and just paint.

To see this work larger, please click here.

a bientot,

til next time

6 Inch Squared Exhibition

Two of my 6" x 6" paintings have been invited into this year's 6 Inch Squared Exhibition.  This is always a very exciting show with outstanding artists and magnificent works for sale. 

Randy Higbee Gallery is generously offering a 15%  to artists who purchase from this exhibition.

Here are the two pieces now on their way and available through Randy Higbee Gallery:

Road Through The Mountains 6x6 oil on linen

I seem to have spent a good portion of my life travelling winding dirt roads up and down mountainsides, either in Northern Ontario, Canada, or Alaska.  Sometimes they are not much larger than mule trails, and in a car one prays for no traffic coming the other way as there isn't much room to pull over in most places.  Always an adventure. 

Midwest Winter Skies #2  6x6  oil on linen

Sold

Wisconsin, land of lakes, brilliant fall colours, sparkling snowfalls, and big skies. Visiting family there and on a quest for cheese from a country  store, this scene grabbed me and wouldn't let go until I had it down on canvas.

The 6 Inch Squared shows at Randy Higbee Gallery in Costa Mesa, California, are an annual event  and sell out the best pieces rapidly, usually before the exhibition opening. There are over 500 fantastic paintings in this years event, all 6"x 6"and framed.  Please go to the opening if you can, if not, check it out online.

a bietot,

til next time,

Diann Haist

Twitter Art Exhibit 2013 - L.A.

Third Twitter Art Exhibit - 2013  Los Angeles


#TwitterArtExhibit has become an exciting Global Project.
 
The idea was and is that artists from around the world donate original postcard-sized art to an exhibition and sale, the proceeds of which go to a non-profit organization.


#Twitterartexhibit was founded by artist David Sandum (twitter profile: @DavidSandumArt) in Moss, Norway. The first exhibition raised funds for children's books in David's home town library while the second exhibition in 2011 was for a Women & Childrens' Crisis Center, also in Moss, Norway.


The upcoming third #TwitterArtExhibit will be taking place January 2013 in Los Angeles, California, and is being organized by artists not only there but in various other places around the world. It is a true global endeavor. This exhibition and sale is for the benefit of under-served youth (18-25) in the arts in L.A.’s Rampart District. The Exhibition is being hosted by Exhale Unlimited (E.U.) Gallery.

I am very proud to be included as an Honorary Ambassador!


More information may be found here #TwitterArtExhibit

My contribution for this Third #TwitterArtExhibit is:

"Giraffe In The Window"   4" x 6"   acrylic on paper   @diannhaistart

a bientot,

til next time.

Peony Lady

Peony Lady 6"x 6" oil DHaist

Judy, affectionately known as 'The Peony Lady', pruning her extensive garden.  Happily, she gave me an armful of buds which bloomed beautifully and became the subject of many still life paintings.

I am back to painting small pieces in 6"x 6" format in preparation for the Fourth Annual 6" Squared Exhibition at Randy Higbee Gallery in Costa Mesa, California.  The little linen panels are a bit of a challange for me in the beginning stages, as my brushes for most of the year are rather large.  It doesn't take long to get in the groove however, and once begun I truly enjoy working in the smaller size, treating it as a fun problem to solve. 

To see 'Peony Lady' larger, click here.