It seems like only last month that Underpaintings surpassed 400 followers (okay, it WAS last month), and already we've gone beyond 500! I am, as always, so pleased by everyone's reaction, and grateful for the encouragement and kind words all of you have given me. Thank you for joining me during my personal exploration of art, and I hope that you receive as much joy and inspiration from sharing in the journey as do I.
For exceeding 500 followers, I wanted to offer something very special to the winner of the next contest (outlined below). I was at a bit of a loss, and considered putting together a gift-basket of art items, but I was caught so unawares by the sudden influx of followers, that I wasn't able to get much together in time. The only item I had in my hands was a copy of The Pleasures of Painting Outdoors with John Stobart, which is still one of the items the contest winner will receive.
At the time Underpaintings passed 500, I had been communicating back and forth with artist Michael Klein about several new projects of his (look for an upcoming post). I asked Klein if he would be willing to donate a copy of Flower Painting: The Guide to the cause, and without hesitation, he said, "Yes." The booklet, which was intended as a supplement to Klein's DVD, Flower Painting, goes beyond what is represented in the video demonstration, and offers deeper insight into his methods and the thoughts behind his processes. Klein believes in unselfishly sharing art knowledge, and he has really come through with this gift.
Wanting to add even more to the ante, I decided to contact Vasari Paints, and ask them if they too might be willing to make a donation to the prize package. I had hoped I might be lucky enough to receive a single tube of their excellent product, in whatever color they might choose, but when Gail Spiegel of Vasari got back to me and said that the company was happy to make an offering, she suggested it would be better if the winner were able to choose their own color. Then to my amazement, Gail went on to say that Vasari would be donating a $100 gift certificate to the contest so that the winner could not only get the color they wanted, but possibly several tubes! I am honored that Vasari has made such a generous donation to this contest: my many thanks to Gail Spiegel and to Steve Salek of Vasari for all of the support they give to the arts.
To win the prizes for the current contest- The Pleasures of Painting Outdoors with John Stobart, Michael Klein's Flower Painting: The Guide, and a $100 gift certificate to Vasari Paints- contestants must be able to identify all 21 artist's studios pictured below. Send your answers to me at matthew@innisfineart.com. Best of luck to all of you!
12 comments:
Oh, congratulations, Michael, on your abundance of followers. I think this is one of the smartest, most interesting blogs out there. Keep up the good work!
I don't think I'm up to your fascinating contest, even to win the great prize, but all luck and congrats to those who compete and triumph!
Great blog and the old studios are just wondeful.
((sigh)) The naming of children can be so difficult, and the problem with having one of the most popular names for boys over the past 50 years is that it becomes so interchangeable with the other popular names. Ah, well...
Thank you for your congrats, Elizabeth!
Best-
Michael (or Mark, or Matt) Innis ;)
I know 2 of those studios, that's not a very good % but I was happy to know that many!
As far as I know, that puts you in the lead, Jesse!
I´ve got 14 of them. The seven remaining are driving me crazy. One can definitely not ´cheat´
for the majority of the pictures, using the standard (and even advanced) internet search methods.
Love the small clues hidden in some of the pictures that point the way to the answers. I´ve got to take a break though, this egg-hunt is seriously cutting into painting time!
Great blog, keep up the good work.
I want someone to win, but I didn't want it to be too easy. If no one completes the challenge after a week or so, I may lesson the requirements... like 18 instead of 21... maybe the greatest number above 18... we'll see. Someone might get them all before the day is over.
Best of luck, Clayton. As far as I know, you are now in the lead (glad you were able to recognize some studios by the clues in them).
I have 8 so far. Some I recognize from books I have.
The hidden and not so hidden clues are great.
Great site.
Some of these artist had amazing studios.
I got ten of them but had to stop my obsessive research to do some work. Congratulations on 500+ followers.
Hm. I have 11 and gave up a few days ago, thinking you'd have a winner by now... Have you found a winner? This has been great fun, and has gotten me flipping through all my monographs analyzing studio practices. Thanks for the incentive!
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