Guess Who Is Coming to Columbia?

Ilona Royce Smithken.... International Artist

and

Entertainer!

The former SCETV painting star Ilona will be in Columbia, SC for

two weeks...

in March! Be prepared to see lots of her brightly

colored

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKsYnsi4SOs

life....

Will keep you posted....

Trenholm Artists Guild Meets January 12th

The Trenholm Artists Guild affectionately called TAG by insiders will be meeting Monday January 12th in Columbia SC at 7 pm. If you want to visit and chat please come by 6:30 pm to meet and great your artistic friends. Our guest speaker of the month will be Patrick Parise, painter and print maker. Although originally from NY, Patrick attended USC and has made his home with his wife in Columbia SC for over thirty years.

Emerging Artist 2009-Roger Hutchison

The Neutron Dance by Roger Hutchison inspired by the Pointer Sisters music painted in acrylic without brushes. c 2008 the artist.

Roger Hutchison is a relative newcomer to the Columbia SC visual art scene. Even so, he is an active painter and has sold an impressive 15 paintings this past month. Roger struck me as a very friendly person with a strong passion for painting. Naturally; I wanted to write about him as he had done something I have never seen any new artist do in Columbia. I asked Roger to tell us about himself and here is what he had to say:"I have always been a creative person, but it has only been in the past couple of years that I have really started "putting the word out" about my work. I use acrylics and I paint with my fingers. I also use business cards, nails, pieces of wood, and other "found" objects. I was inspired to move "out of the box" by my 9th Grade Civics teacher. He introduced me to artists like Cy Twombly, Tapies, and Mark Rothko. Seeing their work changed my life. "

(JB) Roger; You often use bold pure colors; are colors the inspiration for your work?"I love color. Instead of looking at the sky and seeing a blue sky...I see pinks, purples, oranges, reds. I try to convey this in my paintings. I never know what I am going to paint...I just know that it will be saturated with deep and dancing color. I guess that describes my vision of the world around me.

"(JB) Who and where have you studied art with?"I took a couple of basic art classes in college - Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa, NC...but other than that, I have not really painted or studied with anyone other than my seven year old daughter and dogs, Scout and MaeBelle. "

(JB) Are there any artists that you would say played a major role either in mentoring you or in inspiring and shaping your career?"I respond to so many artists - some of my favorites - Picasso, Van Gogh, Mark Rothko, Niki de Saint Phalle, and folk artists, Woodie Long and Eric Legge...I also admire the work of local artists Mike Williams and Laura Spong. "

(JB) How have you handled the marketing of your art; getting in shows, selling art, creating a web presence?"It has been a very interesting and exciting process for me. I have a website that is hosted by "Other People's Pixels" and I market much of my work on facebook. I do think that you can never underestimate word of mouth." My website is at Roger Paintings."I have found success in spreading the word about my art via verbal contact with people, facebook, setting up a user-friendly website, and making connections with the local art community. I have also entered several contests both here in Columbia and in Charleston (Piccolo Spoleto). You have to be your own best marketing team.I also think that when you are having fun and it shows, people want to be a part of that joy. I do not count on selling my art to survive...I have a full-time job...so the pressure to sell is something that I do not have to struggle with - although when I do sell something, I find myself over the moon. I know that is not the case for most artists. I have such respect for artists who live this struggle/celebration every day."

(JB) Is there anything else you would like to share?"Painting is a holy experience for me. It is my prayer time...my God time. I work with children during the day...I experience their joys and their sorrows, their laughter and their tears. It is this joy and this energy that I hope comes through my work. It is also a reflection of the joy I feel as I move through this life as a husband and father.I am also stunned and very grateful for all of the amazing response that I have experienced - especially over the past year. My heart is full with thanksgiving and respect for the local businesses who have supported my work - Mr. Friendly and Frame of Mind. I am thankful for you and the other artists in this community who have surrounded and supported the new kid on the block. "

(JB) Do you have any other careers beside being an artist?I serve on staff at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Columbia as the Canon for Children's Ministries and as the Director of the Trinity Center for Mission and Ministry.

(JB) In an ideal world where would you see yourself and your art career say ten years from now?"Oh...I hope that I am still having a blast...experiencing joy...laughing and celebrating with each new piece that comes forward. I hope that people continue to be inspired by my work and my story. I hope that this community will continue to support the arts...and that I might be a small but important part of that journey....and to those of you who have welcomed one of my paintings into your home...thank you. You have become a part of me - and I hope I have become a part of you. It is my hope that my artwork brings a bit of hope, peace, and joy to to your world. "(JB) Thank you Roger; I have really enjoyed sharing your art and art career with the Internet world. I wish you much success for the coming New Year.

"Embrace" Roger Hutchison's Artwork

Artwork is in acrylics on Canvas

by Roger Hutchison of Columbia, SC

"Embrace" c 2008 Roger Hutchison

I had the opportunity to meet Roger just recently. He absolutely loves doing art and is very passionate about working with his hands and found objects. He has a warm personality and you can tell not only does he love art but he really cares about people. Roger is a newcomer to the art scene yet he has made wonderful strides and taking Columbia by storm with his hand painted brightly colored canvases. Roger has quickly become one of the top selling artists in Columbia, SC. I will be interviewing Roger soon so you can all hear about his wonderful adventures in the Columbia art world and more about the man behind the art.

Happy new year!

The Starving Artist Cafe Showing Jean Bourque Art

During the month of July art work by international artist Jean Bourque will be on display and for sale at The Starving Artist Cafe at 1103 "B" Ave. West Columbia, SC . (not too far from Zesto's) The oil painting above is "Yellow Brickroad" inspired by the book and movie "The Wizard of Oz". Emerald City is shown to the far right of the painting and since this is just a small slice of the yellow brick road; there is no clear cut path as to how one gets there. This 24 by 18 inch piece of art was part of the SC Oil Painters Invitational and was juried to tour 12 venues for a year. Besides that it was also juried by Dean Mitchell into an Art Show at Fort Walton Beach, FL. Since the owners of The Starving Artist Cafe had a poster up about "The Wizard of Oz" it was only natural that the artist would exhibit this special piece.

Jean Bourque has selected 17 pieces of art for this wonderful multi room art show, filling the entire restaurant. The art collection includes six oil paintings, and other paintings include the use of mixed mediums such as silk, paper and gold collages, acrylic paintings, a large mixed media neon colored pastel under glass called "Night Lights at the Fair", and even an enhanced monotype print on an acrylic background with pastels; entitled "Pink House of Art" a rather unique take on the artist's first home purchased, which was a pink house.

The largest piece is a 3 foot by 2 foot silver aluminium framed work entitled 3-3-3. The piece was done as an emotional release; when the artist's son Adam had to leave USA to go to Kuwait with the US Army on March 3, 2003, before the war was declared. The piece is set on a sky colored background and one can feel the strong emotions evoked looking at the work. Although the work is about something as unpleasant as a son going off to war, it is felt that many people can relate to the emotional traumas of life and feel a sense of unity with this painting. The painting is pleasant to look at with its pastel colors and pretty clear blue sky.

While enjoying the art work at The Starving Artist Cafe you can have lunch or dinner, dine on the nightly specials or have one of their great desserts; perhaps Red Velvet cake. You may want to try the delicious Chicken Salad Montage with fruit and walnuts a special old fashioned recipe like mamma used to make. Their Tuesday evening special is an entree called; "Country Style Steak". My dining companion enjoyed it so much; she got an extra one to go. The wait staff tells us this is the house favorite. The menu says they also have daily vegetarian specials.

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NIGHT OWL'S DELIGHT

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Tom Wood (co-owner) had been involved with the theater at The Village Square Theatre in Lexington. With that in mind; he decided to include late night hours for Friday and Saturday nights. The Starving Artist Cafe stays open until 2 am. They feature a late night brunch from 11:30 pm to 2 am which is the perfect alternative to existing late night places. So after a night of theater, a night on the town or after dancing and clubbing stop in and have a delicious Eggs Benedict or the yummy Bananas and Pecan French Toast.

You can call ahead for "You Go Girl Gourmet" or for directions at 803-791-3770.

Hope to see you there....

yours truly;

Jeanee

Art Marketing Tips

Oil Painting "Floral Fantasy" by Jean Bourque

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Creating positive word of mouth advertising is done by having happy customers. Keep your current customers happy and they will tell other people!

Offer to deliver and hang the work at their location; let them test it for a few days with their décor. You can offer extras; mat or frame exchange, build the value. *
Do not be shy; they are interested in you and your art. *
Fine Art is valuable and should never be treated like a long sleeve shirt on clearance sale in the middle of the summer!

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Haven't got that far with your art yet? Don't know where to begin? Sign up to be on this website or some other web site or start a blog. The website is like your calling card. Would you like a helping hand? I would be happy to work with you.
Yours truly;
Jeanee

About the artist; Jean Bourque

JEAN BOURQUE ARTIST, writer, web designer, art marketing coach, small business consultant, speaker, teacher, photographer, video artist, philanthropist, and so much more.
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Jean Bourque has been an artist at Ward Nasse Gallery on Prince St. NYC since the late 90's.
She also had shown her work at two other NYC galleries in the mid 90's. Her artwork traveled to R Trade Gallery in the Netherlands establishing her first international market before the turn of the century. She has received offers for shows from all over the world including Southern France, Brazil; St. Croix; Nigeria and Germany. Jean's prior career as a framed art rep where she had sold art throughout SC and parts of GA, set the stage for her own art marketing career.

She studied impressionistic oil painting for many years with Ilona Royce Smithken; the star of Painting with Ilona; pastels with Jason Chang of NYC, oil painting with the late Conrad Talbot of Boston, MA and collage with Gerald Brommer a national collage artist and many others. She worked with Guy Lipscomb on a daily basis in his studio and honed the craft of unique creations and marketing artwork. Jean is a forever student of the universe taking courses as far flung as Feng Shui, Faux Finishing, and Macromedia Fireworks as well as having earned a degree in Business Management with a minor in Marketing. (earning a 4.0 in her major and minor!)

Bourque has taught art lessons to people from 2 years old to senior citizens. Students love it when she tells them throw out all the negatives; yes you can create. Follow your heart, be true to your soul; because only there can you truly find the artist within! With her positive attitude and gentle encouragement her students find a new way to express themselves.

She also teaches a workshop called Marketing for Artists at galleries and for art groups.

Workshop: "Marketing for Artists" taught by Jean Bourque

Learn how to get your art into galleries and juried shows, how to promote your work and yourself as an artist; how to work the internet to your advantage; how to market your website, and so much more. Get your art out into the global marketplace; send Jean an email if you are interested or have a group that would like her to be a featured speaker.

She has completed several public art projects for The Cultural Council of Richland and Lexington County. Her "Op Art" Tree; a ten foot steel palmetto tree which stood across the street from the front of the SC State Capital during the "flag" debate; received national tv attention. She donated hand painted furniture to help the homeless after 9-11; and has been an art donor to National Alliance of Breast Cancer Organizations; Salvation Army, Sexual Trauma Services, the SC Heart Association, Artist Against Aids, and The Wild Woman's Tea Party in addition to many other charities. She was also involved with the Door Project; making a work of art from an old door to raise money for the Cultural Council.

Her door was the "Mondrian Door" a tribute to the famous artist; well known for his use of primary colors in geometric patterns. This door sponsored by Mike Kelly stood at Kelly and Suggs Law Firm on Huger St in Columbia; until it was purchased at auction by John Delgado, also a lawyer in Columbia, SC. For three years it was at the entrance way of John's law firm on Richland St. next to the Chamber of Commerce. For the Garage Art Auction Bourque created works of art from old car parts and to her surprise; 7 out of 8 of her Assemblage artworks; were auctioned quickly and raised money for charity.

Jean Bourque is a member of and former President of the Seven Oaks Art League. Prior to that she had been the art director at the WWTP silent auction and librarian at Crooked Creek Art League in Chapin, SC. She is also a member of Americans for the Arts, the Artists Round Table, The Cultural Council and SC Women in Business.
This Blog created by Jean Bourque March 2007