Nov 16, 2011

For Artists - How To Add Google Plus Page Badge To Your Web Site

Artists not only paint, draw, sculpt or otherwise create their art, but they also have to keep their accounting books, give lectures, go to other artists shows and market themselves (and much more) in order to keep up with "evolving times". So many of you already have your web site, some of you have a personal Facebook account, others have Facebook Page (which anyone can "LIKE" it, and which is different from the personal account, and better than a Facebook Group account). Besides your website some of you may have a blog (on Wordpress or on Google Blogger), Twitter, and now you can have also your personal page on Google+, and besides that you can create your own Google+ Page to make yourself even busier with marketing your self. With so many sites/pages you can reach many more people in the world and have more chances your art to be noticed and perhaps even bought.

Note: Many people already put up tutorials about how to start your Google+ Page. If you need to learn, please see the video all the way below my post.

I have been exploring  extensively Google+ in the past several days. I have learned, for example, that if you upload images to your Google Blog, they are automatically uploaded to your Picasa account (that is if you do not use ie. Flicker URL or such). However, if you upload images to your Google+ Page they get uploaded into "Google User Content" area, which I still have to find out where that possibly may be. Some people say it is same as Picasa - and yes, when I uploaded my images from my computer to my blog or my Google+ personal account they are in my Picasa file. However, the images that I uploaded from my computer to Google+ Page I just cannot see in my Picasa account. Although, the icon next to the URL address of each picture is that of Picasa. Hmmm.

But, let's move on. I would love to explain in plain language how to tie your Google+ Page to your personal web site in order to get VERIFIED, which should increase your visibility on the Internet.

  • Create a Google+ Page (if you haven't done so) - see the video at the bottom of this post
  • Open your Google+ HOME Page and copy your number from your URL address (see image below)







  • (1) Paste your number into the rectangle area next to "configuration tool"; (2) chose a badge or an icon; the page generates for you two codes - (3) for your <head> </head> area in your HTML and another one (4) to be placed in the <body> </body> area in your HTML (where you want it - ie. under your menu) - see the image below for 1, 2, 3, 4  pointers

    Note: if you do not know how to do this, you need to ask your web designer to do it for you




  • See in images of my web site's HTML below how I placed (3) between <head> and </head> tags, and (4) between <body> and </body> tags into my HTML code. The (4) is actually placed just below the menu (see g+ icon in my last image)



  • In the last image below you can see how the page will look like with the "g+" large icon below my menu





And here is the promised video of "How To Start Your Google+ (Business) Page"




Enjoy!


Nov 4, 2011

Latest News From My Drawing Class At NCC

I know, I haven't written much lately, but.... besides being busy at home with our small family, having part time job and volunteering as a mentor, I am taking also a drawing class. I have mentioned my professor David Boyajian on my blog (HERE) who is responsible for teaching our class and who gives down to earth presentations full of wonderful explanations. Even the least artistic person on Earth will improve drawing skills under Mr. Boyajian's guidance. IMHO (in my humble opinion). He covers it all - object's perspective, proportion, line, vanishing point, contour, contrast, light, shadow, reflection, color value etc. - over and over and over again. It is wonderful to see how everyone is improving with each finished session due to his gentle "drill".

Here, on this web page you can see some of my best charcoal works I drew in school so far. Next time I will post some of my pencil drawings that we had to do as a homework assignment.

If you want to see more of my art, you will have to "LIKE" my BronislavaArt Facebook page :)






Sep 21, 2011

David Boyajian And Matt Rink's Sculpture From WTC Remnants

David Boyajian is a very fine sculptor and mighty fine professor, who will take his time to teach you how to look at objects, and how to see what you need to see in order to draw them. But I would like to tell you what an accomplished sculptor he is. Actually, I would like you to read a wonderful article about Mr. Boyajian that was published in the New York Times.

I am planing to see this art piece made from WTC remnants, now located at Sherwood Island, Westport, CT. Perhaps if you are close to the area, you'd love to see it too.

The image is a property of the New York Times.

Sep 17, 2011

WAC - Love: In The Eye Of Beholder - Opening Reception

What a wonderful evening at the Westport Arts Center last night. It was a "full house" of artists, art lovers, music, food and wine. I want to thank all my friends who attended the "Love: In The Eye Of Beholder". You all made this exhibition to be so much more special.

With my loyal friend Cintia

Artists and art lovers are listening to the Executive Director Peter Van Heerden

With Mary Louise O'Connell (a Ridgefield artist)




Sep 11, 2011

Commemorating 9-11-2001 In New Britain Museum of American Art

Ten years ago I was at home cleaning, while my daughter was in school. Suddenly my husband called and told me to turn our  TV on. He was in Midtown Manhattan on the very high floor and could see one of the twin towers smoking. Then as he was talking to me with voice, in which I detected tears in his eyes, he saw another airplane hit the other tower. As I heard him say "Oh my God, another plane hit the other tower! I cannot believe it!" I cried my eyes out. I knew that most likely several of my clients just died in there, as I they worked in the WTC. I worked one block north of Wall Street three or four years ago and had many clients in the area.

Then I remeber panicking about my six year old daughter, because we lived about six or seven miles from the nuclear power plant and if there would be some disaster, they would bus children to safety, but no one would know where they would take them. Luckily they sent children home.
I cried for several days. I just could not stop thinking about all those innocent people who were victims to this horrible disaster, all those children either father-less or mother-less, or some even parent-less. I was scared to find out if any of my clients died that day. I want to believe they are still living at home with their families.

When my artist friend Sue Brand told me that our friend Dalton Ghetti is exhibiting his carved tear drops (nearly three thousand of them) in New Britain Museum of American Art to commemorate every single victim of 9/11 disaster, I had to go to see his art. He is a well known figure in sculpture world and anyone should go to see what he can do with the pencil led and small carving tools. All those tear drops are so smooth and shiny and their color just makes you shiver. Nothing could express the sorrow better then Dalton's steely gray "Tear Drops."

See an article on the exhibition here.

Dalton Ghetti's "Tear Drop"

Dalton Ghetti

Sep 8, 2011

Westport Arts Center - 2011 Group Members Juried Exhibition

When the Westport Arts Center announced an opportunity for a new submission, “2011 Group Members Juried Exhibition – LOVE," (juried by Whitney Museum of American Art Curator, David Kiehl), I knew I wanted this piece to be different. Many ideas were popping in and out of my head, but nothing satisfied my desire to start. That is until TheNew York Times posted an article entitled, "In Afghanistan, Rage at Young Lovers," at the end of July. Suddenly my main idea started to unfold.

There are many "modern day Romeo’s and Juliet’s" in the world, where true love takes a back seat to the needs of the family, or the government, or the church, and where no one seems to care how young people feel or what they think. Someone else makes the decision for them. If they rebel, or try to run away and get married secretly, they may be caught and subjected to various forms of punishment, including even death. As I started to research what these young people have to go through, I came across a lot of material, including videos of extreme brutality on YouTube. With some of the material from the internet, words and images included, combined with my thoughts and a bit of my art, "FORBIDDEN LOVE" came to life.

Mark your calendars - you are invited to see my "Forbidden Love"
Opening Reception: Friday, September 16, 6 – 8pm
Come spread the love with Artist Members. Cash bar and music.

For the list of all exhibiting artists click HERE




Sep 5, 2011

Dalton Ghetti - New Britain Museum of American Art Exclusives

Dalton Ghetti is a minimalist. He has a special gift in carving into any pencil's graphite. He makes incredible sculptures, which are tiny and one wonders, "Where does he take the patience for such a beautiful art?" But if you'd ever meet Dalton you would understand that his personality comes through his art. If you are around New Britain, CT on Sunday, September 11, 2011 you can meet Dalton in person and be at the same time a part of the show to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Hours are from 12:30 until 4 p.m.

Stay tuned for images from the show, because I am planning on attending. I hope to see you there.


If planing this visit see the museum's web page for more info HERE

See also Facebook Page about Dalton's art.

Sep 1, 2011

Accepted Drawing For 2011 Juried Art Exhibition & Auction in Danbury, CT

As some of you know I have been a “Daily Draw 365” artist since the beginning of this year and in the process, I’ve been thinking about drawing techniques. One day I took my pen and, without lifting it, drew a picture with just one line. Then I colored it in with watercolor paint (which can be seen on my Facebook "Bronislava Art" page). And that is how I started my somewhat whimsical watercolor series “One Line Drawings”.

I saw an opportunity to submit my drawings for a group show of 50 artists. I received the e-mail that one of my drawings was accepted and I would like to share this news with all of you, my loyal followers.

 The show is from September 30 through October 14, 2011 at Danbury Fair – Center Court. On September 30th there will be an Artist Reception from 7pm until 9pm. If you live near by, come and join the crowd of artists. Hope to see you there.

Aug 12, 2011

Hu Lindsay's Art Show in Darien CT - August 2011

Not too long ago I got an e-mail from Hu Lindsay that he is having a reception for his art show in UCBC (Upper Crust Baking Company) on 980 Post Road, Darien, CT. I marked the day in my calendar, hoping that nothing will spoil my plans.

When I showed up at the reception today, many friends and art enthusiasts were gathered around the artist, discussing, what else, art. Some of them were looking at his latest work and admiring his imagination in executing some of his collages. Others were interested in "what moved him to create his pieces". As I was admiring Hu's art myself, he was giving personal presentations about his work to his followers.

I took few pictures so I could share it with you all. Perhaps you will invite a friend for a lunch and will want to see Hu's art with your own eyes, or even buy a piece.









Aug 9, 2011

Visit To Pepsico Grounds

If I have an opportunity to visit Pepsico in Purchase, I never miss it. I also feel that if anyone comes for a visit to  Westchester or Fairfield counties, they must visit the Pepsico grounds. Especially since it is free to public. So obviously, my daughter and  I had to take Maggie (our exchange student) to see the Pepsico Sculpture Gardens. As we were driving, we had a heavy stormy rain, but then rain stopped soon after  we started walking around - probably because the security guard told us he will hold the rain for us, so we can see all the sculptures.

In the gardens, there are sculptures by well known artist such as Duchamp, Ernst, Miro, Calder, Giacometti - just to name a few. All of them are situated in such places that they compliment the mother nature. Pepsico spends great deal on keeping up these grounds and its art.

When we were leaving, the sun was out again and some people were taking their wedding pictures. So if you are getting married or if you are just driving by on Merrit Parkway, go see this great art, be a part of this "small wonder" if just for an hour.











To see exhibiting artists and their art works in the Gardens click on this link to a great website, dedicated to Pepsico. Then, after the page opens, click on each artist's name.

Aug 8, 2011

Visit To Mystic And Stonington In CT

While visiting Mystic Aquarium with Maggie (our exchange student) this Sunday, my husband found a glass blowing studio in Stonington, CT. So, after we were finished with ogling fishes we sat in the car and drove to this town near by Mystic, CT.

The glass blowing studio and store was very refreshing experience for me. In Bohemia (the Czech Republic, formerly Czechoslovakia - a country that I come from), there is a very strong tradition of glass blowing and Czechs are  famous for great glass art as well as a production for everyday glass items.
When we stepped into "Studio Jeffrey P'an" we felt a heat coming from the ovens, although it was not really that hot or uncomfortable, because fans were sucking and blowing the heat out. There were many tools in one half of the studio, one big oven (the fire is on 24/7 to keep liquid glass inside liquid) and couple of small ovens (which may or may not be on 24/7). Temperatures reach up to 2100F (!).  In the other half of Jeffrey P'an studio is a store with many outstanding products (vases, glass earrings, necklaces,... etc.) which make great gifts. While visiting the studio, Jeffrey provides several chairs for people to watch the actual glass blowing.

Everyone  there was very friendly and answered all our questions, which made our visit very pleasant.
When we stepped out from the studio, the hot weather outside seemed cooler than 30 minutes before.

If you are visiting Mystic Aquarium you may notice Jeffrey's art instalations. Also, in Mystic, CT Jeffrey P'an has an art gallery (see locations where Jeffrey's art can be seen HERE). But nothing beats seeing Jeffrey and others making glass art with your own eyes (see Jeffrey's videos HERE). So, drive another 10 minutes to his studio (factory and show room) in Stonington, CT. After that you can drive to quaint Stonington downtown and finish nice visit with lunch or diner.



Jeffrey P'an with Beckah Sullen and Emily Hamel





Summer 2011 Exhibition At MoMA

Two weeks ago our family took Maggie, our summer exchange student, to see an exhibition in MoMA. She shares love for art with our family. Her face lit up when she saw paintings by Picasso, Warhol, Miro, Dali and many more. She stroked a pose for her Mom, to show her one particular painting.
When Maggie and I got to the 6th floor I got excited with the art video exhibition by an artist (I never heard of) Francis Alÿs called "A Story Of Deception". Only then I realized that one of my works of many images that I edited into a movie last year, which I played at one of my "artists get together events" this year to fellow artists, is done in similar fashion and spirit to Francis' works. Although my very short video is not video per say but rather a video of many images with the use of energetic music. When I saw my husband later (we kind of lost each other in MoMA), he asked me: "Did you see the exhibition on the 6th floor?" I only answered "I know! Right?" Just like my husband, I strongly felt that my work could stand next to Mr. Alÿs' works.

Here is one of the art videos by Francis:





And couple of images of Maggie admiring paintings at MoMA



Below an image of Pointillism style (or Divisionism) by Seurat.


Jul 26, 2011

Art Show In The Fairfield Library's Bruce S. Kershner Gallery

My husband, daughter and I decided to be a host family for a student from an exchange program. Yesterday, we took Maggie to a fun event in Fairfield and while we were there, we decided to see Bruce S. Kershner Gallery - they always have a great exhibitions there. And we saw some great art there! The paintings, drawings and collages were done by artists with disabilities and special needs, and I was really impressed with a great ideas and quality of their work. It was very hard to pick a favorite painting for us. Maggie really liked the abstract painting created with wheels of a wheelchair (to the left). Below is another snapshot of a painting. If you are in Fairfield, visit this gallery even if just for a quick look. Art heals souls (and music too)   :-)

Follow this link for Bruce S. KershnerGallery.



Jul 8, 2011

The "Summer Time" Exhibition - Wilton Library

When I saw the call for artist for "Summer Time" exhibition in Wilton Library, I had a flash of children playing in the meadow, and children going to a carnival, and children splashing in the water on the sea shore, and having a clown juggler over for their birthday...
So for this show I decided to create a couple of pen and watercolor "free hand" drawings with children in mind - "Girl With Flower" and "Juggling". Below, you can see images from today's reception for two months long art exhibition.

Update: Aileen Lindner mentioned the "Summer Time" exhibition in our local newspaper.



"Summer Time" -  50+ artists exhibited in Wilton Library


 Despite the storm and heavy rain hitting skylight windows of the library, many people came to the reception.
In the middle is my pen/watercolor drawing "Juggling"


My other pen and watercolor drawing "Girl With Flower"


 I've made an artist friend :-)


My dear and loyal husband Jeffrey with my dear and loyal friend Cintia :-)