Impressions Newsletter
March 2009
Isn’t March a lovely time? The weather can usually be relied upon to be more settled, while the worst of the February heat is but a memory.
You may notice that our official street address has changed. Subsequent to the new streetscaping which took place here last year, the portion where the shops are located has now been re-named Sundial Square as well as the green and water feature area. So our new street address is now 11a Sundial Square. We are in the same place – only the street name has changed.
Lewis and I attended the Opening of the Regional PANZ (Pastel Artists of NZ) annual exhibition at Mapua last month. Our special congratulations to Angela Sharland for winning the People’s Choice Prize (a set of pastel drawers stocked with a range of soft and hard artist pastels and pastel pencils sponsored by Impressions). This group has shown remarkable growth in member numbers as well as depth of talent and skills over the past few years. If pastel is your interest, I recommend you visit one of their regular meetings to see what membership of this national organisation has to offer you.
Surviving the Recession
With the recession starting to bite, we have experienced a whole raft of price increases, which we reluctantly have to pass on. One case in-point is our economy range of stretched canvas.
In the past, we were able to take advantage of discounts from our suppliers, which we could then pass on to you as a permanent 20% off the recommended retail price. We have been informed that from 1st March however, the shape of the purchasing deal has changed drastically, which when boiled down means that we must alter our price to you. Hence from 1st March, any new canvases bought into stock will be offered to you at the recommended retail price. All full members of the Impressions Art Club, art class members and Community Art Group members will be entitled to receive the 10% discount on canvases that applies to most other artist materials. As a special offer however, because we will not be re-pricing canvases already in stock at the time of the price rise, those customers who normally receive discounts will be eligible for a 10% discount on these older canvases too. Once the canvases have been sold, the offer cannot be repeated. So be in. Stock up now to defer the price increase.
It is our firm intention (including for the duration of the recession), to continue to be the best option for buying artist supplies and framing in the top of the South Island. No, we may not always offer the cheapest price on all materials, because we don’t have the purchasing power of the large franchises. But what we can offer is the best service, and the most knowledgeable advice. It is not uncommon for us to dissuade a customer from buying a product that we know will not achieve the result they are seeking. We are always happy to give assistance in choosing the materials that will work best for you. The right choices invariably result in a greater sense of satisfaction and better outcomes from the process of creating your art leading often to an ultimately cheaper finished product. And of course our Impressions Art Club card is available to our customers to prune their final bill with 10% discount on everyday purchases with periodic higher discounts available. Remember to ask our advice – it may very well save you a lot of money in the long run.
Art Club Members Evening
Janet Marshall really captured the attention of Impressions Art Club Members at the evening held on 18th February. She was in hot demand answering questions about how she achieves the accuracy of detail and realism in her work. The illustrations from her books charmed the audience, and her comment that artists wanting to make a living from their art in this area, usually need to have alternative avenues such as prints, illustrations, stamps, cards etc. to sell sounded a realistic note.
New Products In-Store
Universal Liner Brush
This Isabey round sable brush has a bulbous hair reservoir which tapers abruptly to a long fine point.
Art & Craft Lamps
We have secured a few artist/craft lamps with natural daylight bulbs at a very good price as they have all been demonstrator models. The lamps are on display in our shop window at present and are all reduced from recommended retail price.
Art Club Special during March
Be Spontaneous with Pastels
Save 20% on all Schmincke, Sennelier, Winsor & Newton, Art Spectrum and Mungyo Soft Pastels in stock. Includes sets
Hint
Working with Pastels
A Couple of Common Mistakes to Avoid when Working with Pastels
Over-Blending
Blending is sometimes necessary in a painting. There are several ways to achieve colour blending but extensive rubbing-in with finger or rag is rarely the way to go. Layering of pastels strokes gets the job done in many cases. One of the great joys of pastel is its textural, lively, refractive quality. Extensive blending (or fixing) obliterates that, and we end up with an effect like that of soggy, overcooked vegetables. The answer is, if blending is a must, do it lightly, first laying on enough pastel to make it work. I avoid it in the final layers altogether.
Overworking Don't finish paintings, just make them better. Leave some open surface; keep it fresh. One of the great French masters is quoted as saying that "every painting needs two artists, one to paint, and one to say quit." Spend as much time evaluating strokes as you do applying them. Leave the studio; take a break. Read the news. Put this one face to the wall, and work on another painting.
Source: www.artshow.com/apow/pratfalls.html
Exhibitions
“Auto Focus” by artists William Gordon, Mike Perry and Kevin Jelley is showing at Reflections Gallery until 16 March.
Art@203, studio-gallery exhibition opening upstairs at 203 Trafalgar Street 5.30 – 7.30pm Monday 9 March. The Independent Theatre/Gallery will generously be providing entertainment. Hope to see you there!
Art Tuition
Etching Course
A reminder that Jay Linden is holding etching courses at her studio in Riwaka. The maximum no. of participants for each course is four - so lots of tutor attention. The next available courses are in April and May, for more information visit her website:wwwjaylinden.co.nz
There are a number of class vacancies this term, so if you are considering joining a class – it may not be too late. Check out classes available locally on our website – www.impressionsnelson.co.nz where information is up-dated as it comes to hand throughout the year.
Develop Your Creativity – Impressions Artist Workshop.
This workshop is intended for both beginning artists who want to be creative, but don’t know where to start, or what direction to take. Equally, experienced artists who would like to vary their art practice by trying other media and different approaches will also find the day valuable.The workshop will be held 9.30am to 2pm on Tuesday 16th March at Club Waimea in Lower Queen Street. There are just a few places available. The fee is just $40.00, payable to Impressions. Numbers are strictly limited so that each participant receives individual attention. Bring your own lunch. A half hour lunch break will be given. For further information, go to our website www.impressionsnelson.co.nz or phone the shop 03 544 5756.The first workshop was held during February and participants really enjoyed themselves, and gained a lot from the experience. If you are interested in attending the next session, register quickly to avoid disappointment.
Practical Art Course – David Stones has a few vacancies in his art classes. For information about classes, go to www.impressionsnelson.co.nz/directory
Arts Council Nelson Impressions Art Awards
The Dates for this year’s event are as follows
Receiving Day 20 July
Gala Opening Saturday 25 July
Exhibition runs until 15 August.
The entry categories are to be decided at a meeting in March. We are seeking recommendations for sections so if you have an idea, please forward it to Lloyd Harwood at Arts Council Nelson, or to Glenys at Impressions.
Peters Doig Marlborough Art Awards 2009
Entry forms for this annual art competition are available in-store now.The Month Ahead
I am looking forward to meeting with the Motueka Art Group early this month. If your art or other special interest group is looking for a guest speaker, I am usually available to present a talk relevant to the group concerned. Just give me a call and we can discuss options.I hope you have a very productive and enjoyable month.
Best wishes
Glenys and the team