In this episode of Tuesday Art Chat, Kerri Dixon discusses the significance of storytelling in art and introduces the Artist Story Arc, a simplified seven-step framework for artists to articulate the meaning behind their work. She emphasizes that every artist, regardless of experience, can create a compelling narrative that connects with viewers. Kerri also explains how to transform this narrative into an artist statement and encourages artists to embrace their identity and share their stories with confidence.

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Takeaways

• Every artist gets stuck on how to talk about their artwork.
• The story behind the artwork is more important than technical details.
• You don't need a dramatic backstory to create meaningful art.
• The Artist Story Arc simplifies storytelling for artists.
• The seven steps include everyday world, spark, rising action, turning point, payoff, reflection, and invitation.
• You can create an artist statement in under 10 minutes.
• Using reference photos still allows for personal storytelling.
• Talking about your art helps in selling and connecting with your audience.
• Honesty in storytelling is more valuable than perfection.
• You can identify as an artist without needing formal credentials.

Chapters

00:00 The Importance of Storytelling in Art

03:00 Understanding the Artist Story Arc

05:51 Crafting Your Artist Statement

07:23 Embracing Your Identity as an Artist

In this conversation, Kerri Dixon emphasizes the importance of sharing the creative journey rather than waiting for perfection. She discusses how in the digital age, sharing snippets of the process can be more impactful than presenting a finished piece. The conversation highlights the relatability of imperfections and personal struggles in art, encouraging artists to embrace their unique journeys.

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Takeaways

• You don't have to be a genius to share your work.
• Let people see the messy middle of your journey.
• It's powerful to share small snippets of your process.
• People love the journey, not just the finished art.
• You don't need a perfect Instagram grid to share.
• You can be a beginner and still share your journey.
• People relate to your personality and quirks.
• Sharing struggles makes you more relatable.
• Engagement comes from authenticity, not perfection.
• Your little wins matter in the creative process.

In this conversation, Kerri Dixon discusses the importance of understanding photography settings and composition to create effective reference images for painting. She emphasizes the need to explore different angles and subjects to enhance the quality of the images used as painting references.

Takeaways

• Get to know the settings on your phone.
• Change your angle for better shots.
• Look around for better composition.
• Choose your top three images at home.
• Ask where your eye goes first.
• Ensure there's a clear subject in the image.
• A compelling painting reference is essential.
• Photography skills enhance painting quality.
• Experiment with different perspectives.
• Creating reference images is a creative process.

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photography, painting, reference images, composition, art techniques

In this episode of Tuesday Art Chat, Kerri Dixon discusses the challenges artists face in staying productive and organized. She introduces her Ultimate Planner for Artists, designed to help creatives manage their time, set actionable goals, and track their progress. The conversation covers various aspects of planning, including time management, goal setting, weekly planning, artwork tracking, and social media strategies, ultimately emphasizing the importance of structure in fostering creativity.

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Takeaways

• Every artist struggles with productivity and organization.
• The Ultimate Planner is tailored for the unique needs of artists.
• Setting specific, actionable goals is crucial for success.
• Breaking down goals into smaller tasks makes them manageable.
• Calendars are essential for tracking deadlines and commitments.
• Weekly planning helps maintain focus on creative tasks.
• Tracking artwork and sales provides valuable insights.
• Social media presence is important for artists today.
• Quality of followers is more important than quantity.
• The planner serves as a supportive tool for creative chaos.

Summary

In this episode, Kerri Dixon explores the essential practice of self-critique for artists, emphasizing the importance of constructive feedback and personal growth. She introduces the concept of the 'Seven C's of Art Critique' as a structured approach to evaluating artwork, and discusses how to filter external feedback to foster artistic development. The conversation encourages artists to embrace curiosity and self-compassion in their creative journeys.

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Takeaways

• Critique is a powerful tool for artistic growth.
• Self-critique should be approached with compassion.
• Judging is negative; critiquing is constructive.
• The 'Seven C's' provide a structured critique framework.
• Feedback should be filtered for helpfulness.
• Not all feedback is valuable; discernment is key.
• Growth and self-trust can coexist in an artist's journey.
• Curiosity should replace comparison in art.
• You can be an artist without formal recognition.
• Self-awareness enhances artistic intuition.

Chapters

00:00 The Power of Self-Critique

02:40 Understanding the Seven C's of Art Critique

05:16 Filtering Feedback from Others

07:08 Embracing Growth and Curiosity

This conversation explores the transformative impact of new pigments on the art world, highlighting how they liberated artists from concerns of scarcity and toxicity, allowing for a focus on emotional expression. The discussion emphasizes the evolution of color from a mere representation to a profound language of emotion, showcasing the historical significance of color in art.

Takeaways

• With these new pigments came something revolutionary, freedom.
• For the first time in history, artists didn't have to worry about scarcity, toxicity or fading.
• Color became a language of emotion, not just representation.
• We've come a long way from grinding gemstones and mixing poisons.
• Now color is about expression, about you.
• Every time you open your pastel box, you're holding history.
• Centuries of curiosity, invention and beauty are encapsulated in color.
• Rothko's reds and Picasso's blues exemplify emotional color use.
• Art is now focused on feeling, not fear.
• The evolution of color has changed the way we perceive art.

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Dangerous & Dazzling Colours

This conversation explores the fascinating yet perilous history of synthetic green pigments developed in the 1800s, particularly emerald green and Paris green. These vibrant colors captivated the Victorian era, leading to their widespread use in various applications, including art and home decor. However, the toxic nature of these pigments, containing arsenic, posed significant health risks, with historical implications for artists and consumers alike.

Takeaways

• Chemists in the 1800s created synthetic greens for vibrancy.
• Emerald green and Paris green were stunning but poisonous.
• Victorians used these pigments in wallpapers and clothing.
• Damp homes released arsenic from these pigments.
• Napoleon's wallpaper may have contributed to his health issues.
• Artists like Manet and Cezanne loved these colors.
• The danger of these pigments was largely unrecognized.
• Synthetic pigments changed the landscape of art materials.
• The allure of color often overshadowed health risks.
• Historical art materials can have dark legacies.

In this episode of the Tuesday Art Chat podcast, Kerri Dixon explores the fascinating history of color, focusing on three significant ancient pigments: Ultramarine Blue, Vermilion Red, and Ochre. She discusses their origins, uses, and the meanings they carried through history, as well as the dangers associated with some pigments, like Vermilion. The episode concludes with a strange tale of Mummy Brown, a pigment made from Egyptian mummies, and emphasizes the deep connection between color and human experience.

Takeaways

• Every time you pick up a stick of pastel, you're holding a piece of history.
• Ultramarine was once more expensive than gold.
• Vermilion was associated with power and vitality.
• Ochre is the oldest pigment known to humanity.
• Mummy Brown was made from ground up Egyptian mummies.
• Ultramarine has a red-violet undertone that affects its appearance.
• Vermilion was toxic and dangerous for artists to use.
• Ochre represents a connection to land and ancestry.
• Synthetic versions of pigments have made them safer and more accessible.
• Every color carries centuries of history and symbolism.

Chapters

00:00 The Secret Life of Colour

00:55 Ultramarine Blue: The Precious Pigment

06:51 Vermilion Red: The Colour of Power

09:11 Ochre: The Earthy Connection

11:39 Mummy Brown: The Strange Tale

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In this episode of Tuesday Art Chat, Kerri Dixon explores the profound impact of color on art and emotions. She discusses how colors can influence mood, both for the artist and the viewer, and shares insights on using color as a tool for emotional expression and support.

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Takeaways

• Color is powerful; it makes art emotional.
• Biological responses to color are instinctive.
• Cultural associations add layers of meaning to colors.
• Artists can convey emotions through color choices.
• Colors can affect the artist's mood while painting.
• Bright colors can lift mood; blues and greens calm anxiety.
• Abstract color play helps process emotions.
• Favorite colors can reconnect you with joy.
• Historical artists used color to set moods.
• Color is a language to convey emotions.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 Introduction to Color in Art
• 00:00:00 Biological and Cultural Color Associations
• 00:00:00 Using Color to Influence Mood
• 00:00:00 Historical Artists and Color
• 00:00:01 Practical Tips for Artists

In this episode of the Tuesday Art Chat podcast, Kerri Dixon discusses the profound connection between art and conservation. She shares her personal journey as a wildlife artist and how her passion for painting endangered species has led her to support various conservation efforts. Kerri emphasizes the importance of using art as a vehicle for change, providing practical ways for artists to contribute to wildlife conservation. She encourages artists to choose a focus for their efforts and highlights the impact that even small actions can have. The episode concludes with a call to action for artists to integrate purpose into their work, reinforcing the idea that art can be a powerful tool for making a difference.

Takeaways

• Art is a voice for endangered animals.
• Every painting can have a purpose.
• Art creates visibility and stirs emotion.
• Linking sales to conservation can drive real change.
• Donating a percentage of sales is a simple way to help.
• Encouraging direct donations can simplify fundraising.
• Prints can multiply support for conservation efforts.
• Collaborating with charities can enhance awareness.
• Choosing a focus helps channel energy effectively.
• Even small actions in art can contribute to conservation.

Chapters

00:00 The Power of Art in Conservation

02:45 Personal Journey: From Artist to Conservation Advocate

05:36 Practical Ways to Use Art for Wildlife Conservation

08:20 Choosing a Focus: Making an Impact

10:11 Integrating Art and Purpose: A Call to Action