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.

New Art Alert

I’m thrilled to announce that Aftermath was selected to be showcased in a group exhibit at Gallery 825/Los Angeles Art Association. This artwork is in response to the atmospheric storm(s). I found intriguing debris in the Salinas River and used it to apply pigment to kozo paper. It’s a diptych – 30” x 60” on 2” cradle boards. The Salinas River, known fondly as the “upside down river,” is the longest underground river in the country, flowing both above and below ground for about 175 miles from its headwaters in the Los Padres National Forest to the Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary.

• Exhibition dates: June 3, 2023 through June 30, 2023 with the opening reception on Saturday, June 3 between 10am to 5pm. Let me know if you plan to attend the reception; perhaps we can meet.

• Location: Gallery 825, 825 N. La Cienega Blvd., West Hollywood, CA

• Juror for this exhibition: Walter Maciel of Walter Maciel Gallery in Culver City

Exciting Publication News

My work was chosen to be published in Studio Visit magazine – either in volume 53 or 54. Over 1,000 artists entered the competition and I was one of 350 artists invited by the juror, Francine Weiss, Chief Curator at the Newport Art Museum, to participate. Studio Visit magazine, published by Open Studios Press, reaches an audience of 2,000 selected curators and gallerists nationwide, as well as a growing subscriber base of collectors and art enthusiasts. Look out for this publication in the Fall of 2023.

Artist’s Retreat at Dorland Arts Colony

I’m delighted to be attending the residency program at the Dorland Arts Colony. This is a great opportunity to work in a location that is both inspiring and free from the distractions of daily life. I’m bringing the substantial 60” x 4 yds. watercolor paper, an array of new materials along with trusted paints and brushes. Be sure to follow me on social media for photos and updates.

Storytelling and how it helps us connect...

I’m very appreciative of the recent article posted online at VoyageLA. The goal at VoyageLA is to help hard-working, inspiring people tell their stories authentically and in their own words. In case you haven’t read the brief interview, visit the link.

Seeing and listening, all at once

Regarding the movie "Everything, Everywhere, All At Once," it's fascinating how different people can have such varied reactions to the same film. It's interesting to consider how our personal filters and experiences can greatly influence how we interpret and react to art. With this movie, there are two things that stand out for me – the absurd playfulness and the escape vehicle of a creative woman’s mind from the overwhelming responsibilities of daily life.

That said, I am reminded to keep an open mind and be willing to see things in a new light. At a recent visit to a museum, I asked the guard which piece of art was his favorite and his reply was the bronze Hulk, situated behind me. At first glance this is not my cup of tea, but upon further inspection, I appreciated its weight and material in a new way. Bronze is incongruous with the inflatable, comic-book hero. It plays with my psyche. I spent time looking for the flaws; there had to be something plastic on it. And then I laughed at myself.

Moral to the story (see how I’m connecting back to the headline)

Push the pause button. Take a moment to appreciate something from someone else's perspective. I’m reminded it's easy to get caught up in our own opinions and preferences. Take the time to consider other viewpoints that can broaden our understanding and appreciation of the world.

What Was I Thinking...

On Valentine’s Day, I saw an Instagram post from one of the best art supply stores in town, Art Central. The offer was Canson 140lb watercolor paper, 100% cotton, both hot and cold press rolls (60” x 5 yards.) The original price was $259.95; sale price $150. That’s a good deal in itself, however, if I liked, commented and shared this great offer on Instagram, I could purchase the roll for $90.

That was exactly the swift-kick-in-the-pants I needed to work larger. If I fumbled, struggled or botched the paper, the financial impact was minimal. Conversely, the reward could be greater confidence in working on a larger surface. A picture (or video) is worth 1,000 words of me trying to single-handedly hang the mammoth size paper on the wall. I had a conundrum. As you can see below, the desired wall has a shelf and I never measured the space above the shelf to the ceiling. That space alone would not accommodate 60”. After a few attempts, I was exhausted and gave it a rest for a few days. Eventually, I cut the paper to 36” x 60” with the remaining roll at 60” x 4 yards, which is still large. (Note to self: Measure twice; cut once.) Failure? Not at all. I will go to work on this paper and once complete, I’ll cut an even larger piece off the roll and enlist extra hands to hang it on my studio wall.

New work

In response to the atmospheric river which brought serious rainfall to California, I completed Aftermath. It’s a diptych (30” x 60” on a 2” cradle board) and mixed media (acrylic, kozo paper and debris from the Salinas River.) Next step: Schedule professional photographer and submit to select exhibits.

Workshop

On March 11 from 1:00 to 4:00p.m., I’ll be hosting Abstract Explored. This workshop introduces abstract drawing and painting in a fun and shared way. Participants will explore color, texture, shapes and mark making that will improve composition and improvisation. This workshop is designed to expand your ability to enjoy and respond to abstract art. This is the one workshop that requires a minimum of five people so please sign up early by sending me an email. Cost is $75, including materials. Workshop will be held at my friend’s studio in Atascadero.

Off To A Good Start ...

… with rain in California and two back-to-back exhibitions.

This painting, upRooted, is getting more mileage points than me! upRooted is a mixed media piece made with acrylic paint, oil-based pens, sewing thread, and kozo paper. Today, it leaves Sacramento and arrives in West Hollywood for another exhibition, Glossary, at Gallery 825 which opens on January 21 through February 24, 2023.

• Location: 825 N. La Cienega Blvd., West Hollywood, CA

• Reception: Saturday, January 21 between 10am-5pm; Unfortunately, I will be unable to attend the reception.

• Juror for this exhibition: Louis Stern of Louis Stern Fine Arts

More good news! I have three pieces, Bounced Around, Relational Gaps and Destruction/Creation in an online exhibition hosted by Shoebox Projects. All three pieces are mixed media using materials such as acrylic paint, watercolor, inks, spray paint, papers, mylar and a bedsheet. This exhibition, Making the Cut, opens on January 22 through February 17, 2023 and there are 44 artists participating.

• Live location on January 22, 2023: shoeboxprojects.com

• Artist Talk and Opening on January 22, 2023 at 3pm PST: hhttps://www.facebook.com/events/1210448393203175/ If you are not on Facebook, here is the zoom meeting link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88001638244... Meeting ID: 880 0163 8244, Passcode: 983396

Workshops for 2023

The workshops are planned for the year. The topic is listed next to the date and there’s lots of flexibility. If you see a workshop you want to attend but the date doesn’t work, let me know as soon as possible so I can make an adjustment. All workshops are 3 hours in length (1pm to 4pm) and cost is $75 including materials, with the exception of Sketchbook Freedom which is from 1:30 to 3:30 and cost is $50. To register, send email to vicky@vickyhoffman.com at least a few days prior to the workshop. All workshops are payable in advance via PayPal. Receive a 10% discount if you register for 3 or more workshops.

• March 11, 2023 – Abstract Explored This workshop introduces you to abstract drawing and painting in a slightly collaborative way. You will explore color, texture, shapes and mark making that will improve composition and improvisation. This workshop is designed to expand your ability to enjoy and respond to abstract art. This is the one workshop that requires a minimum of 5 people so please sign up early.

• May 6, 2023 – Collage Transfer Create inspirational art by delving into the many collage transfer techniques. Vicky will demo some of her favorite techniques, including some of the fussy applications. Transfers can enhance your work with wonderful depth and transparency.

• June 3, 2023 – Introducing Encaustics This mini encaustic workshop provides a hands-on introduction to the basic techniques of the encaustic process – beeswax, resin and pigment. You will be introduced to transfers, mark making, embossing, incising, embedding elements, incorporating mixed media, papers and other secrets to achieve a smooth surface.

• July 22, 2023 – Encaustic: Catch It While It’s Hot The prerequisite for this workshop is the introduction to encaustics and is a deeper dive with a greater emphasis on transfers and other materials. After each demonstration, participants will work at their pace and explore each of the techniques. Together, we will identify strengths, problem solve any technical issues and look for compositional clarity.

• September 23, 2023 – YOU decide what the topic should be.

• October 28, 2023 – YOU decide what the topic should be.

• December 31, 2023 – Sketchbook Freedom There’s magic in a sketchbook and a sketchbook could be for your eyes only. This workshop is designed for artists looking to jump-start the daily practice of sketching, or for novices looking to explore sketch booking for the first time. Tips will be provided for starting — and sticking with it as a daily practice. You’ll have a treasure chest of ideas, observations, emotions and more.

Greetings & holiday gift giving ideas…

What’s new

Circles are fun as there’s no beginning, middle or end. To quote Feist, “the circle married the line” which as a side note is a great song with two different meanings. For me, I use circles as an ontological exploration of life circumstances and being. Here are three paintings – one is included in the online exhibition, Habitual, at Los Angeles Art Association running through December 31, 2022, the other is patiently waiting for a name and the third is Fixated/Freed.

Cookies and holiday reading

Tacos, pizza, guacamole are just a few of my favorite foods. Where does pie fit in? Recently, I was invited to a book signing at my friend’s home and we were greeted with pies…many pies. Beth M. Howard wrote World Piece. This is her memoir of traveling around the world to bring peace with one piece of pie at a time. It’s an inspiring read and she has received extensive media coverage from Forbes, Los Angeles Times, CBS This Morning, CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360 and more.

Another book by my friend Robyn Jamison who is an artist in Austin, Texas is on a mission to make modern and contemporary art accessible to everyone in the world. Hip, hip, hooray Robyn. Her book, The Magic of Modern Art, is on my list to complete reading over the holidays.

Lastly, my holiday present to myself is Syllabus by Lynda Barry. All I needed was a little nudge from my dear friend to say “read this” and within minutes, it was purchased. It should be delivered to my doorstep within the next 24 hours.

Wrap up 2022

Sketchbook Freedom workshop is scheduled for December 31, 2022 from 1:30 to 3:30. Cost is $50 and includes sparkling wine and a sketchbook. This is a fun gathering and does not require any art expertise. It’s playful and practical. To reserve your spot in the workshop, please email me.

Happy holidays with much joy and love.

Mark Your Calendar

I’m pleased to announce that one of my most recent pieces, upRooted, is included in an upcoming exhibition at Blue Line Arts, located at 405 Vernon St., Roseville, CA) This exhibition is a long-standing tradition between Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento and the Kingsley Art Club. The exhibition dates are December 3, 2022 through January 14, 2023 with the opening reception on Saturday, December 17 from 4 – 8 pm. (I have a conflict that day so I will not be attending the reception.) I started this painting in March 2022 when Ukrainians were fleeing for their lives. At the same time, my potted aloe vera plant was blooming. I was having a hard time with the juxtaposition of new growth among the backdrop of failed humanity. It took about five months to complete.

Sketchbook Freedom

As far as I’m concerned, there’s gold in my sketchbooks as I develop new ideas or toss out problems. And the sketchbook is for my eyes only; that’s the best part. Each year, I enjoy hosting a sketchbook workshop either at the tail end of the current year or at the start of the new year. It’s designed for all artists looking to jump-start the daily practice of sketching, or for novices looking to explore sketch booking for the first time. Tips will be provided for starting — and sticking with it as a daily practice. You’ll have a treasure chest of ideas, observations, emotions and more. This workshop is two hours in length and includes a glass of bubbles as we call out and call in the new year. If you’re interested, let me know by sending me an email and I’ll send more specifics as in date, time, location and cost.

Take a Peek Inside Artist’s Studios

Personally, I think visiting artist studios is one of the most fun things to do so I highly recommend. I recall seeing an artist’s WALL of Golden paints; it was amazing.

Visit Brewery Art Walk: Where Art Lives on Saturday and Sunday, November 5 and 6 from 11 am – 6 pm, 2100 N. Main St., Los Angeles. A special shoutout to Emily Halpern, Francine Lecoultre, Guillermo Bert, and Kristine Schomaker/Shoebox Projects.

Also visit Inglewood Open Studios on Saturday and Sunday, November 12 and 13 from noon – 5 pm, 1019 Manchester Ave., Inglewood, CA with a special shoutout to Susan Amorde.

Not to be Missed

Of An Infinite Solitude, a solo exhibition of Joey Feldman’s work continues through November 9, 2022.

Ink, Paper, Stone: Six Women Artists and the Language of Lithography continues at Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena through February 13, 2023.

William Kentridge: In Praise of Shadows continues at The Broad through April 9, 2023. He was born in South Africa and is known for his prints, animated films, drawings and theatre productions. I had the absolute pleasure of seeing a retrospective exhibition at the Zeitz Museum in Cape Town, South Africa in 2019. It was a heartbreaking, self-reflective and intimate. Don’t miss this rare opportunity as he hasn’t had a show like this in Los Angeles for over 20 years.

Special Note

In case you haven’t noticed, our days are getting shorter which means for many of us, we lose an hour this Sunday.

In Good Company...

Found a New Home

I’m happy to report Untitled #1 (blue) found a new home, and the fun thing is this work of art is hanging in a wine cellar with other complementary art. The inspiration for this piece is the point off of San Simeon Bluffs. The owners like to hike so perhaps the next time they do that trail, they will see what moved me.

Untitled #1 (blue)

Covid on the Eiffel Tower

When I was 21 and in Paris, I was probably traveling on $10 per day. I don’t recall but I was either short on money or my quads were burning from climbing the stairs. Regardless, I never went to the top of the Eiffel Tower. On my recent trip to Bordeaux and Paris this summer, I was determined to “complete” this experience by taking the elevator to the top. And of course, the views are remarkable. Upon my return, I tested positive for Covid and fortunately, I only experienced a runny nose. By isolating at home, I had plenty of time to sort through the images. There is a lot of source material to consider for future paintings. I like the wall of bricks, shapes and colors of the macarons, the gradation of color from the cognac bottles and the outline of buildings.

Start, Stop, Start, Stop

The last few months my life seems to be full of starting a painting, stopping, starting and stopping. This is also true for this blog post. I have started it a number of times and then something comes up that requires my attention. When I come back to the painting or blog post it seems irrelevant. Is it simply me or is anyone else experiencing this phenomenon? More importantly, how do you manage it? I would love to hear. I tend to schedule studio time or social media in my calendar and yet, a particular situation arises, like a hot day or emergency, which seems more important or is a distraction. I’m not particularly fond of the word “seems” because the word “seems” to be a false statement or possibly a backhanded politeness. For example, “he seems to be busy…” or “she seems to be pleased…”

I brought up this topic with my fellow art friends and they shared two tips and they are:

• leave the studio with something exciting happening on a piece

• play with a sketch or write using the less dominant hand

Try these tips and let me know how it goes. And please share your own tip(s) by clicking on the comments area at the bottom of this blog post.

Back to scheduling our calendars; let’s not miss

Up until August 22, 2022 at Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena, CA Alternate Realities: Altoon, Diebenkorn, Lobdell, Woelffer. These are some of my favorite and most influential artists. I love Frank Lobdell.

Up until September 2, 2022 at Brand Library and Art Center is a group exhibition called Abstract Los Angeles: Four Generations. Abstract art thrives. This show explores the continued dialog between artists over a period that spans roughly 80 years.

One of my all-time favorite artists is Carlos Almaraz. His work captures the essence of Los Angeles. The great news is The Cheech opened in June at the Riverside Art Museum and could possibly be the first museum in the U.S. dedicated to showcasing Chicano art. This is an A-list of artists ranging from Carlos Almaraz to Frank Romero and Patssi Valdez. Be sure to check out this center.