Thompson Nicola Shuswap Chapter of the FCA

June 2024 Newsletter

HELLO ARTISTS!

Welcome to the June edition
of the TNSC Newsletter!

SUMMER PLEIN AIR DAZE ARE HERE AGAIN!
Our Summer Plein Air Daze returns, starting Sunday, June 23 at Riverside Park.  Mark your calendars and join us for outdoor painting!  Never tried Plein Air before?  Don't worry - everyone at every level is welcome to attend!  Join in on the fun and hone your observation skills of nature at its best!

  • When:  Sunday, June 23, 2024
  • Where:  Riverside Park (meet at the Rose Garden)
  • Time:  10:00am - 12:00 noon
  • Parking:  FREE on Sundays!

Dates for July & August
July 14:  Columbia Street Look-Out  -  August 11:  Stake Lake Dog Trail Park

PleinAir July2023 (Westsyde) Spacer


SUMMER SOCIAL
summer social

Summer is on its way!  Summer is a great time to join up with your fellow artists and friends at the TNSC Summer Social!  This is a great opportunity to catch up with each other and do some networking!  

  • Date:  Sunday, June 23
  • Time:  12:30pm
  • Place:  Moxies, 225 Lorne Street, Kamloops
  • RSVP by June 16th to Kathleen Feschuk: kfeschuk1952@gmail.com

ART IN THE PARK - TNSC MEMBERSHIP BOOTH

Art in the ParkThe TNSC is having a membership booth at Art in the Park this year!  We are trying it out for the first time in a long time to see if this is something that is worthwhile for our Chapter.  Art in the Park is Kamloops' biggest and most visited art event of the year.  We think it's a good opportunity for our Chapter to gain exposure and seek out local artists who may be interested in joining.  It is also a super opportunity to sell some art! We currently have three volunteers working the day and we are looking for more!  Interested in helping out?  If you are, by volunteering for a shift (including either set up or take down) you can display and sell your art for a 10% commission to the TNSC.  Art in the Park is an all day event that takes place on July 1st at Riverside Park, Kamloops. 
For more information and to volunteer, please contact Cathy Tetarenko @membershipchair@tnsc.ca

LET'S TALK - FCA CHANGES!
At the recent Annual General Meeting of the FCA, the Board passed a motion to change  the title of "Active" Status to "Exhibiting" Status.  It is hoped this change will mitigate confusion stemming from similar letters between "Active" and "Associate". Only Associate members are entitled to use the initials AFCA.  Also, the change in title from "Senior" to "Signature" connotes the exemplary level of expertise and success of these members, rather than indicating seniority.  The membership levels within the FCA are:

  • Supporting remains Supporting
  • Active is now Exhibiting (no initials
  • Associate remains Associate (AFCA)
  • Senior is now Signature (SFCA)

The FCA asks that you make any changes necessary to your materials and seeks your patience as they enact all the changes on their various media and web pages.

Lalita Hamill Workshop - October 5/6, 2024
We are bringing Lalita to you in October to further our very popular Foundation Skills Program. This weekend workshop will be all about "Working from Photographs”.  Artists use reference photos in many different ways depending on their practice.  It is an essential tool for any artist serving as a reference to fill in the gaps where our memory or imagination may need a little inspiration.  Lalita will expand on the use of photos in your artistic practice and show you how to get the most out of your pictures. More details to follow in the next couple of months!  If you are already interested and know what Lalita brings to the easel, secure your spot here: LALITAHAMILL

"Falling for Art" - TNSC Fall Regional Show!
October 19 to November 2, 2024

fall tree Get your brushes going - the TNSC Fall Regional Art Show and Sale is planned for October 19th – November 2nd at the Old Courthouse in Kamloops. More details and submission information to follow in the next couple of months!

THE TNSC IN MAY - A RECAP OF EVENTS!
Susie Cipolla Workshop: What a month for our TNSC members in May!  It kicked off on May 4/5 with a workshop led by Susie Cipolla, SFCA.  Susie is an amazing teacher and led us through a series of skill building exercises, each one building on the next.  We learned about colour mixing with acrylics, glazing and we tried our brushes at a variety of subject matter and limited palettes.  We all came away with new techniques and a renewed enthusiasm for our art!  Thanks Susie!  It was a 5-Star Workshop! 

Susie Cipolla 1 Susie Cipolla 2

TNSC Demo Day and Information Sharing: At the end of the month, on May 25th, we headed out to the Shuswap for our TNSC Demo Day with guest artist, Vaughn Butland.  Vaughn led a dynamic watercolor painting session at Blind Bay, beginning with plein air painting despite the rain moving us indoors. Vaughn was able to complete his plein air demo and artists then moved indoors for lunch.  Vaughn impressed us with another demo and shared an inspiring talk. The event drew a great group of enthusiastic artists, making it a memorable and productive day despite the weather challenges.Now, Isn't that what Plein Air is all about? The adventures!

Blind Bay May’24 Blind Bay Demo May’24 
 Blind Bay ref photo Blind Bay May ‘24 

 A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT
Spring! Starting Fresh and Starting Over! It's that time of year when we get busy with spring cleaning and getting rid of clutter. I was fortunate to be take our recent workshop with Susie Cipolla.  Not only was she generous in sharing her artistic techniques and talents with us, but she also had lots of good advice.  One of those bits of advice was to rid ourselves of our "old" art. If you have "old" art hanging around in your studio that you are not happy with, it creates a negative mindset. Not good for your next painting! I took her advice to heart.  It wasn't easy but I got brave!  I culled all my "old" art.  One big box went to the dump!  Another big box is down in my basement waiting to be refurbished for practice and plein air paintings.  My studio is rid of the "old" and ready to move on to the "new" and you know what?  IT FELT GOOD! Happy Painting!  Elaine

MEMBER NEWS
"Member News" is your place to shine!  Send us your news items, showcase your work, share workshop information, interesting weblinks or post your items for sale! 

OASIS ART SHOW - Central Okanagan Chapter
Five of our TNSC Members were sucessfully juried into the OASIS Art Show organized by the Central Okanagan Chapter. Congratulations Artists! The show is being held at the Peachland Art Gallery, 5684 Beach Avenue, Peachland, from June 29 - July 28.  Be sure to drop by the gallery and see our artists' work!  Here is a look at some of their art that will be on display.

OASIS - Elaine Burns - Between the Lilies Elaine Burns
"Between the Lilies"
30x15
 Dianne Carson - Into the Wood

 Dianne Carson
"Into the Wood"
18x24

 Patricia House - Workshop Memories, 24x18, Oi

 Patricia House
"Workshop Memories"
24x18

 Insun Kang - Farmers Market Day, 24x24  Insun Kang
"Farmers Market Day"
24x24
 Cathy Tetarenko - Twin Elegance  Cathy Tetarenko
"Twin Elegance"
16x20

NORTH OKANAGAN CHAPTER (FCA) ART SHOW
Elaine Burns is happy that two of her works were juried into the North Okanagan Art Show.  Congratulations Elaine! The show is being held at the Armstrong Museum and Gallery, 3415 Pleasant Valley Road, Armstrong, from June 1 - 30th.  Take a day trip to the beautiful Armstrong area and see the show!

Elaine Burns - Red Light Walking 12x12, Oil Elaine Burns - Who's There? 16x16, Oil
"Red Light Walking" - 12x12, Oil "Who's There?" - 16x16, Oil

LYNNE WRIGHT FLANDERS
A new TNSC member, Lynne Wright Flanders, who now lives in Salmon Arm, would like to announce that she is getting ready for an art show in 100 Mile House at Parkside Gallery, 401 Cedar Avenue, starting with an opening on June 29th through to closing on July 20th. Lynne is an oil painter and an 'Exibiting Member' formerly known as Active member of the FCA. The name of her show is: Colours of the Cariboo and Beyond”. Check out Lynne's show if your in the 100 Mile area.  Here is a little preview of her work!

Lynne Flanders Lynne Flanders
 Lynne Flanders  

ART TIPS AND TRICKS TO IMPROVE YOUR ART!

SQUINT TO SEE!

Squinting is more than just a reflex when the sun's too bright or a quick fix for blurry vision—it's a powerful tool in an artist's arsenal, especially when it comes to painting.  Whether you're a seasoned painter or just starting out, squinting can be a game-changer for simplifying shapes and capturing the essence of your subject.  If you're only using this trick at the beginning of your painting process, you're missing out on its full potential!
Squinting Basics: 
Why are you squinting?Squinting takes the complex world around you and turns it into simple shapes and values. You are squinting to find those simplified shapes and values and the relationship between them.
Do you know how to squint like a pro? To squint like a pro, start to close your eyes and keep going until they are almost shut, and then gaze at your subject until the details vanish, leaving you with just the basic shapes and values.
How Artists Use Squinting: 
When to Squint: Many artists squint when they start a painting because they are working on the simple structural shapes and values of their painting BUT did you know squinting helps later in the process?  You can squint throughout the painting to judge whether the areas of high and low contrast in your painting match the real thing. 
Make it a Habit:  Make squinting a habit to ensure every brushstroke contributes to your masterpiece. Don't stop squinting until you're satisfied with the big picture you've painted! Squinting is a perfect hack to continually judge your work as a whole and see the big picture instead of the details(Article Courtesy Workshops in France)

CALLS FOR ENTRY 

Federation of Canadian of Artists

The FCA 2024 Exhibition Submission Calendar is now available!  Access it here:  2024 FCA Calendar

Signature Medal Exhibition: Submit by June 30, Exhibition: Aug 19 - Sep 8

Chapter Challenge: Submit by July 12, Exhibition: August 1-21

Nature Trust of BC Artist of the Year Award and Exhibition: Submit by July 15, Exhibition: Sept 10-22

Small Exhibition: Submit by July 30, Exhibition: Sept 24 - Oct 6

Kamloops Arts Council

Art in Public Spaces - Kamloops Airport! 2D art pieces with various mediums will be showcased throughout the airport from August 2024 to August 2025. Submissions Due:  July 27th  Apply here:  AIPS-AIRPORT
Art in Public Spaces - KAC Galleries - Fan Works and Fantasy Art! This exhibition is a nod to those who are inspired and participate in making 3D and 2D artwork based on Science Fiction and Fantasy. This work will be showcased in the Alcove and Vault gallery spaces at the Old Courthouse between July 5 – 25, 2024.  Submission Due:  June 8th, Apply here: AIPS-FAN AND FANTASY
Art in Public Spaces - KAC Galleries - Kamloops Pride! Kamloops Pride Week is August 19 – 25, 2024. To celebrate, Kamloops Arts Council is looking for Art pieces to be showcased in the Hallway and Main Gallery for the month of August. Submissions Due: July 20th, Apply  here: AIPS-PRIDE

WORKSHOPS AND OPPORTUNITIES

Plein air Workshop with Vaughn Butland (June) - Kamloops
Max Grass is hosting a plein air workshop with Vaughn Butland. All mediums are welcome!  Be prepared to paint outside and be prepared to have fun!

  • Date:  Monday, June 3, 10:00am - 3:00pm
  • Place: Meet at 3559 Tranquille Road, Kamloops
  • Cost $40.00

Contact Max Grass for further information: maxgrass6002@gmail.com

Ashcroft Plein Air Event 
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Winding Rivers invites you to plein air paint the beautiful vistas and heritage buildings in Ashcroft, BC. New this year:  Arrive Thursday evening to take advantage of an extra day of painting on Friday! They have fun group activities planned for non-painting guests, so bring along a friend or spouse.  Dates:  June 7 - 9 Register here - ASHCROFTPLEINAIR

Kelowna Plein Air Event with Michael King
Kelowna Plein Air
A two day plein air workshop in Central Okanagan focusing on design and how to ensure a more unified and focused painting. September 28/29, 2024 in Kelowna - Location TBA , Cost: $285 Members; $310 Non-members. For more information and to register, click here: COCPleinAir

FCA ONLINE MENTORSHIPS

MORE INFORMATION ON  ALL FCA  COURSES CAN BE FOUND HERE: FCA COURSES

Online Critique with Leanne Christie, SFCA Thursday June 20th, 2024, 4:00 - 6:00 PM (PDT) online via Zoom. Hear what is working with your art and ask for input on your current challenges. You'll receive an overall evaluation of your artwork's strengths and weaknesses and a clear idea on how to move your art forward.

Website Design for Artists with Alissa Sexton Wednesday June 12th, 2024, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (PDT) online via Zoom. In this 2 hour seminar, Alissa will dive into website design for artists. Learn how to create a website that you can update yourself!

Photographing Artwork using a Mobile Phone with David Ellingsen Wednesday, June 19th, 6:00 - 8:00 PM (PDT) online via Zoom. This 2 hour seminar will provide technical and practical advice to enable artists to use this ubiquitous technology and achieve successful, high quality photographs of their artwork.

Landscapes in Pastels Workshop with Roberta Combs, SFCA Tuesdays, July 9 - 30, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM (PDT) online via Zoom. Improve your pastel painting skills with this four week instructional program of in-time painting with Pastel Master Roberta Combs. As you paint, she will give you personal direction to ensure you are meeting the goals to attain a higher level of achievement.

Perspective Drawing Workshop with Mark Anthony Wednesday and Thursday, July 31 - Aug 8, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (PDT) online via Zoom. "Getting a Perspective on Perspective" online drawing workshop to unravel the big mysteries about our perspective world in simple, understandable terms.  It is bound to change the way you see everything!

FCA 2024 FEDERATION RETREAT - BAMFIELD MARINE SCIENCES CENTRE

DATES:  Sunday - Friday, September 8th - 13th, 2024  The Federation Retreat is the largest educational and social event of the year, hosted by the Federation of Canadian Artists. The 2024 Retreat takes place in beautiful Bamfield, British Columbia. Based at the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre, you'll experience some of the most breathtaking plein air painting locations the West Coast has to offer. In the company of our Master Instructors you'll spend your days creating, painting and developing your skills, while painting en plein air.  In the evenings, you'll have the opportunity to join your peers for a variety of fun socially distant social events or take the time to relax and explore your surroundings. Click here: FCARETREAT

ITEMS FOR SALE

FRENCH EASEL - FREE TO A GOOD HOME!
French Easel
Elaine has a French Easel that needs a new home! It's in excellent condition with only a few smatterings of paint! If you are interested, please contact Elaine @teburns68@gmail.com

A GUIDE BOOK FOR PAINTERS
Mairi Budreau ad

NEW!!! 2024/2025 TNSC CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Did you know the TNSC  has a Calendar of Events posted to its website for 2024/2025? There are a number of exciting events taking place that you might like to know about - Plein Air Days, Art Shows and workshops. Keep up on what's happening in your Chapter!  You can find the calender here

INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHTS
“Art is, after all, only a trace – like a footprint which shows that one has walked bravely and in great happiness.”  - Robert Henri

 Do you know an artist who would enjoy being a member of the TNSC? No matter the level of artistic skill - beginner, emerging or advanced,  everyone is welcome to be part of our vibrant artistic community. Joining the FCA-TNSC provides Mentorship, Education, Exhibitions and Opportunity!  For more information on how to become a member and start taking part in our ongoing activites, click here: TNSC MEMBERSHIP Contact Cathy Tetarenko, Membership Chair @membershipchair@tnsc.ca

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