ELEVATE YOUR ART MAGAZINE: Spring '24

SPR ING 2024

E L E VA T E Y O U R A R T Magazine Featuring Photoshop Artists

featuring

NANC Y FR AK E S

Reviewer

Mem bers of the review team are integral to the success of hundre ds of P hotoshop art i st s. H i g hly trained, they provide over 15,000 video reviews a year for me mbe rs of Beyond t he Brushe s.

Vid eo feed back is the key to success for many who are new to P hotoshop pai nt i ng!

Feat ured

A r t i s t : K at hy Te r r y kat hy te r r y p h oto g ra p hy. co m Kathy take s p as s in g alo n g a love for a r t s er i ou s ly. Her fa t h er i n s t i lled i t i n h er, a n d n ow, s h e ha s t he o p p o r tun ity to in s til l it in h e r prec i ou s g ra n d d a u g hter. S o wh en h er g ra n d d a u g hter a s k ed for a paintin g of h e r w ith a b utte r f ly, Ka t hy went a b ove a n d b eyon d to d eli ver for h er fa vor i te mod e l .

W EL COME...

Happy Spring! I’m not one for making New Year’s Resolutions, however, I do believe in goal setting. After all, a dream without a goal is just a wish, and wishes get you no where.

In this issue, we’re going to be talking about setting goals and how it can help you progress as an artist.

Michelle

C OV E R I M AG E BY A r t i s t : Au t u m n C a lve r t w w w. a u t u m nc a lve r t a r t . co m Au t u mn s ta r ted a pa i nt i n g , b u t i t b eca me i t s ow n .

Ex per i en ces ca n c h a n g e u s a n d s h a pe ou r f u t u re, a n d a s s h e wa s pa i nt i n g t h i s , Wen d y Da r li n g ca me to mi n d . It t u r n ed i nto a n ex per i ment of w h a t mi g ht h a ve h a ppen ed a f ter ret u r n i n g f rom h er ma r velou s a d vent u re to Never la n d .

Ma g a z ine © M iche l l e Pa r s l ey, M. Ph oto g . , M. A r t i s t , C r. , C PP St u d e nt im a g e s © re m a i n w i t h e a c h i n d i v i d ua l a s n ote d .

Screen captur ing a rt wo rk fro m t he m a g a z ine fo r yo ur ow n us e - w h et h e r p e r s o n a l o r co m m e rc i a l us e - i s a vi olat i on of th e a rt ist s’ co py rig ht which is p un i s h a b l e by Fe d e ra l f i n e s of up to $ 1 5 0 , 0 0 0 p e r i m a g e .

P l e a se b e re sp e ct fu l of t h e co py r i g ht of t h e a r t i s t s . T h a n k yo u.

M AST H EA D & CONTRI B UTORS MICHELLE PARSLEY PUBLISHER HANNAH PARSLEY COPYWRITER CATH SMITH EDITOR ARTICLE: NANCY FRAKES IMAGES: AUTUMN CALVERT KATHY TERRY ROWENA CHERRY HEIDI GAUTHREAUX LEONARD BETHEL ANN LAUWERS JANICE BATTERBEE ALYCIA BARRY DEB RICE NANCY FRAKES ZELDA O’REILLY CATHERINE HALLECK KELLY O’KEEFE DIANNA RUCKER RUSSELL KINERSON ANGELA DE KORT

CONTENTS Feat ure d Rev i ewe r : K at hy Te r r y Wel com e f ro m M i c h e l l e Get S MART Art is t Featu re : Na n cy Fra ke s Ruf us is a L I A R!

P1 P2 P1 1 P1 5 P23

A r t i s t : Rowe n a C h e r r y ht t p s : //w w w. fa ce b o o k . co m / I m a g eI n at i on byRowe n a Rowe n a h as b e e n s teppi n g ou t of h er b ox a n d t r y i n g lot s of n ew. Wh et h er i t i s t he s u b je ct or th e s tyle th at is o ut of h er n or m, t h ere i s on e t h i n g t h a t s ta y s t h e s a me. Her pa s si on i s pa i nt i ng m e m o r ie s , an d s h e d oes t h e i mpos s i b le, ma k i n g t h os e moment s i n t i me a ll t h e m ore pre ci ou s .

HE ID I GAU T H R E AU X Heidi set out on three different missions for this series. The ballerina started off more traditional with Greasy Blender, Brushy Goodness, and Skin Blender, get ting the pristine look. However, the whole concept changed when she took the advice to paint it with her left hand!

For the trumpeter swan, Heidi decided to challenge herself by painting her first scene from an image she’d taken in Grand Teton National Park. Greasy Blender and Brushy Goodness made another appearance to paint the water, and painting the image meant Heidi could elongate the swan’s wings and make it look even more graceful.

Lastly, the fox came from a stunning reference image that showed the stark contrast of the rust-colored fox from the blue tint in the snow. Using the technique she learned in a demonstration on how to paint a Christmas tree, Heidi got to work painting the pine trees and finished them off with the Snow Brush gift from Christmas of 2021.

A r t i s t : Le o n a rd B et h e l w w w. l e o n a rd b et h e l . co m Leona rd us e d a p h oto g rap h of h is co us i n to pra c t i ce wa r m/ cool color i nteg ra t i on s . It mea n s a lot to be a ble to s ay th at h e is h ap py w ith t h e wa y i t t u r n ed ou t , a n d h e ca n’ t t h a n k Beyon d t h e Br u s h es e n o ug h for i t s commu n i t y of s u ppor t .

A r t i s t : A n n La uwe r s w w w. a n a r t i s t v i ew. n et A nn fou n d h e r s e l f attrac te d to th e way t h e li g ht i n g ref lec ted of f t h i s g ent lema n’s fa ce a s h e s tood i n t he d a rk ne s s . It was as if h e was lo s t an d t r y i n g to f i n d h i s wa y, a n d lu c k i ly, h e fou n d h i s wa y i nto he r pa i nt i n g !

A r t i s t : Ja n i ce B at te r b e e ht t p s: //www. in s t a g ra m . co m / j a n i ce b at te r b e e 1 6 9 5 / Ja nice tho ug ht p aintin g th is p h oto g rap h wou ld b e a g ood wa y to rememb er t h i s s pec i a l d a y. Di d yo u ever think yo u’d s e e s o m e o n e j um p in g rope w h i le on h or s eb a c k? It ta k es pra c t i ce, s t ron g leg s , a n d confid ence in th e h o r s e , m uc h l ike h ow t h i s pa i nt i n g took pra c t i ce, s t ron g tec h n i q u e, a n d conf i d en ce in t h e rev i ewer a n d h er s elf.

A r t i s t : A lyc i a B a r r y ht t p s: //a lyc i a - b a r r y- s t ud i o s . m a i l c h i m p s i te s .

Alycia find s motivatio n in c re atin g m e an in g fu l a r t wor k for c li ent s b u t i s s u re n ot to exc lu d e h er f r i en d s f rom t he fu n. Her close f r ie n d is th e p ro ud ow n e r of th i s a d ora b le li t t le g u y, Ja c k s on , a n d n eed les s to s a y, h er f r i e nd wa s j um p in g fo r j oy w hen A lyc i a pres ented h er wi t h t h i s pa i nt i n g .

GET SM ART

Believe it or not, there is a right and wrong way to set a goal. When learning a ski ll as complicated as learning to paint, one can easily set goals that are too difficult to achieve. However, if you use the SMART system, you’ll find your goals well within reach and ready to conquer.

could be, “I want to gain the skills and experience necessary to leave bare canvas in my work that visually supports my subject(s).”

SMART is an acronym that you can use to guide your goal setting to make sure your goals are clear and reachable. It stands for:

Without a measuring stick, there’s no way to track your progress and stay motivated.

Measurable progress helps you to st ay focused on achieving your goal!

Specific (simple, sensible, significant).

Measurable (meaningful, motivating).

Achievable (agreed, attainable).

Relevant (reasonable, realistic and resourced, results-based).

Time bound (time-based, time limited, time/cost limited, timely, time-sensitive).

Let’s break each one down…

SPECIFIC Your goal should be clear and specific.

When writing your goal, try to answer these questions: What do I want to accomplish?

Why is this goal important?

Imagine that you have the goal of mastering the alla prima painted look. A specific goal

MEASURABLE

How will I know when it is accomplished?

Using the previous example, you might set a goal to have the reviewer not mention revising the bare canvas in your painting.

Of course, you may not start there, but being able to see major changes requested dwindling to minor, and then to none is a great way to know you’re on the right track.

ACHIEVABLE Your goal needs to be realistic and attainable.

It should stretch your abilities but not be so challenging it makes you want to cry. An achievable goal will usually answer questions such as: How can I accomplish this goal?

How realistic is the goal, based on my current skill level?

Again, using our example of painting in the alla prima style, if you’re a Budding Artisan,

it is unreasonable to set the goal of painting an alla prima portrait in 6 months. However, if you’re nearing the end of the Apprentice Stage, this is a worthy goal to set.

RELEVANT Make sure that your goal matters to you.

A relevant goal can answer “yes” to these questions: Does this seem worthwhile?

Is this the right time?

Does this elevate my artistic style attracting more potential clients?

If alla prima doesn’t appeal to you, another style would be a better choice for you. It’s time to hit Pinterest and Google Art Project to see what kinds of paintings most appeal to you!

TIME Every goal needs a target date so that you have a deadline to focus on and something to work toward. This part of the SMART goal criteria helps to prevent everyday tasks from taking priority over your longer-term goals.

Make sure the time allowed is neither too little or too much. That said, don’t be afraid to add an extension if life throws you a curve ball.

BONUS To help you overcome the curveballs that life likes to throw and to maintain laser-like focus on your goals, here’s the best advice I’ve ever heard: Connect your goal to a “why.”

Goals becomes easier when they’re connected to a reason and purpose. You can do that by completing this sentence: “I want to ____ so that I can ____.”

For example: “I want to become a highly skilled painter so that I can build a profitable business, which will allow me to spend more time doing things I love.”

The “why” is having the time and resources to do things you love.

Do you have a goal you’d like to achieve?

Write it down and make it happen!

A r t i s t : D e b Ri ce Deb s ta r ted t h i s pa i nt i n g wi t h i ntent i o ns of how s h e pla n n ed for i t to g o. T h ere were t wo t hi ng s s he wa nted to a ccompli s h for h er to b e s at i s fi e d t ha t i t wa s complete. 1) S h e wa nted to c rea te a pe a cefu l la n d s ca pe s et t i n g , a n d 2) t h e pa i nt s t roke s c rea t i n g t h i s t ra n q u i li t y n eed ed to loo k org a ni c.

A r t i s t : Na ncy Fra ke s

A RTIST FE ATU R E

NANCY FR AK ES A DO G G O N E G O O D TIM E J O I N I N G B E YO N D T H E B R U S H ES I N AU G U S T 2 0 2 1 P R OV E D TO B E A C A LC U L AT E D D EC I S I O N . S H E S TA RT E D O F F D I P P I N G H E R TO ES , B U T Q U I C K LY R E A L I Z E D, T H E WAT E R WAS J U S T R I G H T A N D D OV E O N I N .

A r t i s t : Na n cy Fra k es

Nancy’s painting experience didn’t start with a splash. She studied painting in college but elected not to pursue it.

Instead, Graphic Design became her field and photography her hobby. Photoshop interested her, but she never understood it until she learned the Fundamental lessons in Beyond the Brushes. The nonoverwhelming material format coupled with painting practice was the start of a rewarding journey for Nancy. But how did the journey get started?

Well, another hobby Nancy has is training and showing dogs in obedience. When a dog acquaintance asked for a portrait of a dog on track to win a prestigious title, Nancy got to see the painting presented to the handler as the dog received the award. Impressed by the work, she inquired, found the artist on Facebook, and got linked back to Beyond the Brushes. Testing the free trial led to paying for the first month, and after getting a feel for the instruction and camaraderie, Nancy plunged in headfirst.

Painting has become a true passion for Nancy, and she learned using a familiar training tactic — positive reinforcement.

Nancy devoured the lesson content, but many times, the subjects used for extra practice paintings didn’t appeal to her. Rather the drudging through, she swapped things up and used her own subjects. Her subjects often come from personal references of her four border collies or the animals at the world-class zoo near her home and references taken

by a friend for a local dog rescue with permission to paint. For this series, Nancy kept her brush wagging by selecting dogs as her subjects, but that wasn’t all the positive reinforcement she used!

Working in tandem with Brushy Goodness Heavy and Greasy Blender is her favorite way to paint. Her method starts with Brushy Goodness Heavy accentuating details and then Greasy Blender to fill in the holes. The best part is stepping back after working hard and being pleased with the result, but sometimes, you don’t get that feeling right off the bat. There is a point in every painting where things just don’t seem to come together. This is the dreaded “ugly stage,” but Nancy ke eps pushing forward and trying different things, like rotating the image to get a new angle.

Another key trick for Nancy is her environment. Having four interruptionprone dogs means achieving peace and quiet helps her concentrate on the task. She also doesn’t mind sitting down to read about or watch a video on a technique. When all else fails, Nancy isn’t afraid to take days or even weeks to step away, refresh her eyes, see inspiration from other artists, and return to try again.

Ultimately, it’s about having the right motivation, the right environment, and the right training because you better believe Nancy already has the right attitude and is going to have a doggone good time.

N A N CY T R A I N S A N D S H OWS D O G S I N O B E D I E N C E , A N D AS A F U R M O M M A O F FO U R B O R D E R C O L L I E S , S H E R E L I S H E S B E I N G A B L E TO C R E AT E P E T P O R T R A I T S WO R T H Y O F A P R I Z E .

A r t i s t : Na ncy Fra ke s

A r t i s t: Na ncy Fra ke s

r a i L

RUFUS IS A

Setting achievable goals provides direction and motivation. It gives you a roadmap to success and a sense of purpose in your artistic journey. Rufus absolutely cannot allow this!

Ruf us will tell you, “You don’t need a goal. Just paint something!

“Setting a goal will force you into a box and stifle your creativity.”

“You don’t need to learn that technique, it’s too complex.”

Despite the tricky insistence of Rufus, always remember that clarity in your goals leads to clarity in your actions.

Wh ether it’s improving your techniques, mastering a new medium, or landing your first gallery exhibition, setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals can make the difference

between simply dreaming and actively creating the kind of art you dream of.

Make sure your goals challenge you but are also realistic enough to keep you motivated, otherwise Rufus will hit you with his next tactic – overwhelm.

Nothing makes Rufus happier than saddling you with an insurmountable goal. You’ll find yourself completely frustrated and ready to quit rather than making progress.

Goals should be bite-size pieces, but Rufus will try to convince you to eat the whole elephant at once!

He’s tricky like that.

Remember, goals are always about progress, not perfection. The more you can quiet the voice of Rufus, the easier accomplishing your goals will become.

A r t i s t : Ze l d a O ’ Re i l ly

Ze lda did a le s s o n p rac tice m as h - u p wi t h t h i s pa i nt i n g ! Her g oa l wa s to i n cor pora te t h e les s o n s o n co o l /war m to n e s , b r u s h s et t i n g s , a n d s tor y telli n g . Br u s hy G ood n es s d i d t h e maj o r ity of th e wo r k, b ut th e No n - M i x i n g O rg a n i c Brea k er Br u s h ca me t h rou g h for s ome as p e c ts of th e p a i nt i n g . T h en , Bra yer Br u s h f i n i s h ed i t of f.

C ath e rine set ou t on th e m is s io n to th in k m o re l ike a pa i nter. S h e env i s i on ed a li t t le g i r l pla y i n g wi t h h er pu ppi es i n t he le aves on a cool fa ll day. S e arc h in g fo r j us t th e r ig ht referen ce i ma g es , s h e ca me a c ros s 5 s epa ra te s toc k i ma g e s a nd com p osited them togeth e r to c re ate th is p layf ul p ai nt i n g .

A r t i s t : C ath e r i n e Halle ck c at h e r i n e h a l l e c k p h otog rap hy.com

A r t i s t : Ke l ly O ’ Ke efe www. ke l lyo ke efe p h oto g ra p hy. co m Ke l ly d elighted in th e o p p o r tun ity to do a p h oto s h oot of a li t t le g i r l w i t h a n over- t h e- top per s on a li t y. T h e g i r l b rou ght he r stuffed d og, a nd Ke l ly s n ap p e d s o m e p aint-wo r t hy s h ot s . T h e g ra n d mot h er a n d mom fell i n love w i t h t h i s one , a nd e a ch g ot a 24x 24 to h a n g on t h ei r wa lls .

A r t i s t D i a n n a Ruc ke r Dia nna m ade co n n e c tio n s w ith h e r s tud ent s a s a rea d i n g tea c h er. S o wh en t wo of h er for mer s t u d ent s ha d a baby in th e fal l , s h e de c ide d to s u r pr i s e t h em wi t h a ca nva s of on e of t h ei r ph otos . T h e mot he r recorde d th e co up le o p e n in g th e g if t , a n d Di a n n a wa s d eli g hted to ex per i en ce t h ei r rea c t i on s .

A r t i s t : Rus s e l l K i n e r s o n Ru s s ell h a d t h e i d ea to d o a compos i te of t wo of h i s ph otog ra ph s a n d g ot r i g ht to wor k . He s k etc h ed ou t t h e ma jor a rea s , b loc k ed in w i t h pred omi n a nt color s , s elec ted h i s color p a let te , a nd a ppli ed t h e pa i nt d i rec t ly. O t h er t h a n h i s t ra ci nga s s i s ted s k etc h es , Ru s s ell took s a t i s fa c t i on i n t ha t h e pa i nted w i t h ou t c lon i n g .

Art i s t : Rowe n a C h e r r y ht t p s: //w w w. fa ce b o o k . co m / Rowen a fan c ie s fair ytale ar t, e s p e c i a lly wh en i t comes to t h e w h i ms i ca l f lower fa i r i es . It h a s been a eye -catc h e r fo r h e r s in ce s he wa s a c h i ld , s o wh en s h e h a d t h e oppor t u n i t y to c rea te s o m eth in g w ith a to uc h of s o m e fa nta sy ma g i c , h ow cou ld s h e tell li t t le Rowen a n o?

A r t i s t : A n g e l a D e Ko r t ht t p s : //w w w. fa ce b o o k . co m / Angela ’s 8-ye ar-o ld daug hte r f in ds rema r k a b le joy i n pra c t i c i n g r hy t h mi c movement s a t ra n d om times th ro ug h o ut th e day. S h e in s p ire d A n g ela to ref lec t t h a t d eli ca cy a n d s of t n es s i n a pa i nt i n g tha t shows th e b alan ce b etwe e n c re a t i n g a b ea u t i f u l s c u lpt u re a n d f lu i d mot i on a ll i n on e rou t i n e.

E L E VAT E YO U R A R T. C O M