Studio News

Studio Visit

I’m excited to share that I'm one of three artists featured in Hyperallergic's column, "A View From the Studio." With over 1 million monthly visitors, Hyperallergic is a leading online magazine covering contemporary art and culture. While it's free, your financial support is appreciated. (Yes, I'm giving myself and Hyperallergic a shameless plug here!) Love their content!

New Work in Progress

You might recall my mention in a newsletter a year ago about acquiring a sizable roll (60” x 180”) of Canson 140 lb. watercolor paper. Originally meant for use during my artist residency, it ended up back in my studio due to a lack of wall space. Eventually, I had the roll cut into 14.5” x 14.5” squares (or tiles). This year, my challenge is to produce one small painting each week, prompting me to reflect on my studio habits. Currently on week 12, the journey is fun and insightful. I love exploring new materials or faced with what’s next. To see the progress, please go to New Work on my website; scroll down to the section titled “(not) on a roll”. My overarching goal is to assemble these squares (tiles) into a cohesive work spanning approximately 9’ x 7’ across 5 rows. I envision presenting this artwork in an interactive setting, where viewers can engage with it—perhaps rearranging it by dominant color or chronological sequence.

🌟 In Time For The Holidays…

Unwrap Art! 🎨🎁

As the holiday season approaches, let's channel peace. This year, let your loved ones unwrap the timeless gift of art. Here's your guide to finding my art:

🖼️ Edna Contemporary, San Luis Obispo: The first two pieces from the Aftermath series are on sale at Edna Contemporary. Elevate your home décor with this artwork; perfect size for almost any wall.

🎨 Los Angeles Art Association / Gallery 825, West Hollywood: AURORA, LAAA's holiday art sale, features artwork by emerging artists priced at $1,000 and less, including my work “Bounced Around” from the series Life In The Round. AURORA is an online exhibition that runs until December 31, 2023.

🌟 Black Friday Flash Sale! This Black Friday (through December 31, 2023) visit my website and browse. When you find that special piece, reach out to me, and together we will figure out the rest, e.g., gift wrap, shipping etc.

🎁 Let’s Wrap Up the Year with Sketchbook Freedom!

📔✨ Join me on Sunday, December 31, 2023, from 1:30 to 3:30 pm for Sketchbook Freedom workshop. Cost is $50, includes sketchbook and payable in advance via PayPal. There's magic in sketching, and your sketchbook can be a private haven of inspiration. Whether you're an experienced artist or a novice, this workshop is designed for you. Learn tips to kickstart and maintain a daily sketching practice, creating a treasure chest of ideas, observations, and emotions that will fuel your art. 🖋️ To register, send an email to vicky@vickyhoffman.com at least a few days prior to the workshop.

Warm Regards

This holiday season, let's not just give gifts; let's give experiences, love and beauty. Wishing you a festive and art-filled holiday season!

Cool Summer Deals

I may regret this moment; however, I’m selling a lot of my oil painting supplies. If you’re interested, please send me an email. I am willing to meet you somewhere to make the exchange of product for cash but I’m not keen to ship.

• Princeton and Winsor Newton Brushes: Most of the brushes are Filberts and range in size. The brushes are almost new. Take care of your brushes and they will take care of you was my motto. Prices range depending on size from $3 to $20.

• Oil bars: There are only a few. Price is $0.50 each.

• Galkyd Light 4.2 fl. oz. (unopened): $10

• Oils (transparent and opaque): The price depends on how much of the tube I used and there are some full tubes. Most of the tubes are 37ml and most of the oils are either Gamblin or Winton. Prices range between $5 to $10. Utrecht oils are about $3 tube.

Exhibiting

I am pleased to be participating in The LAST CA 101 exhibit at Redondo Beach Historic Library, located at 309 Esplanade in Redondo Beach. I have three pieces in this exhibit which includes works by 133 other artists from 46 California cities plus guests from other states. In addition to the exhibit, there is a gift shop with 20 artists and an installation called “THE LAST CA 101 BANQUET.” The gallery and gift shop are open noon to 7:00 p.m. August 26 – 27, September 1-3, and September 8-10.

• Opening Reception: Friday, August 25 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.

• Closing Reception: Sunday, September 10, 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. I would love to see you at the closing reception.

This exhibition benefits Friends of Redondo Beach Arts (FRBA), a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. Their mission is to enhance the City of Redondo Beach and the South Bay Communities’ quality of life by providing art and cultural experiences. They are dedicated to making the arts an integral part of the South Bay’s experience by helping to bring the highest quality arts and arts education programs to our residents and visitors.

Tips, delays and a benefit reception…

A few nights ago, I woke up at 4:00 a.m. with a brilliant idea for a new body of work. And for about an hour, I tossed and turned. I visualized the gallery wall, the number of cradle boards needed, associated storage, logistics and more. Then I woke up and after a few cups of coffee with a clear head, I decided this “brilliant” idea may not be all that unique so I should get back to the work I’ve already started. This machination leads me to a few tips.

• Tip #1: Decades ago, I was working on a painting. It was about 50 percent complete. An art instructor suggested I work out the problem on paper before going any further on the canvas. This was a very good tip and saved me from numerous frustrating moments or losing some good work.

• The second-best tip I ever received is if I’m suffering, there’s probably some form of integrity missing.

• Tip #3: At the end of the day, leave something unfinished as this will provide a clear plan for the next day.

The first two tips let me release the tight grip I may have on the problem. I become a bit more flexible, resilient and playful.

Delayed Notice

There was a fantastic exhibit of Kishio Suga’s work on paper at Blum and Poe in Culver City. This show was the most comprehensive survey of his work in this medium. (It could be a little cruel to write about this exhibit after-the-fact as it came down on February 26. I confess I was distracted by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Me bad.) I found his work attractive by the rectangular fields of color, shapes and materials so I still wanted to share it with you.

Rarely do I show work in progress but I’m currently working on the below painting. I think this is the first 30” x 30” cradle board of a triptych. For some reason, the gray, ashy surface is reminding me of the rubble of buildings in Ukraine. For the final painting, come back in a month or two.

Noteworthy Reception

A number of artists are gathering for a Relief Benefit Exhibition at Keystone Gallery from April 9 through April 17. The reception is April 9 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at 338 S. Ave 16, Los Angeles.