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As a representational expressionist artist words are fascinating to me and find their way into my mixed media art, both on journal pages and paintings. Most of my mixed media and representational expressionist paintings start with words, quotes or scripture written on the white canvas or paper. Some of the words get covered completely others peek through. This early writing can create some neat textures. Have you ever heard a picture is worth a thousand words? If that is the case what picture does a thousand words create? Does a thousand words make a picture? If they do what would that picture be? Perhaps of an expressionistic landscape? A beautiful dragon fly which represents strength? What are your thousand words? Have you ever thought about what thousand words a picture of you evokes? Okay some thought provoking questions here. A thousand words is too many for me to focus on so I love to find a “word” for the year. Who else likes to do that ? If so what is your word or phrase for 2022? Please share in the comments or reply if receiving by email. For those of you who used to join me on FB live you know usually I have a word by the beginning of the year. I make little mixed media abstract paintings with the word to place around the house, use sticky notes with the word written and even 3x5 cards to carry in my purse. The word may also end up in my representational paintings and all throughout my art journals. I like a positive uplifting strong word geared at helping improve me as a person. In the past words such as patience, intentional, and prudence became my word. So 2022 has clearly arrived and still no word. The year started out with hot beautiful weather to cold and snow in a few days. Next throw in Omicron and all that goes with that. Both lead to a warning to what type of year it was going to be - unpredictable. Although strong enough to face whatever life throws my way - I decided unpredictable was not a word to focus on. So January came and went still no word. February arrives and one of my favorite holidays next to Thanksgiving and New Years is you guessed it Valentine’s Day. There seemed to be LOVE plastered in the grocery store and the home decor section. I resisted thinking it was too common of a word. So many songs have been written about love. “All you need is love”. Love is a verb. The iconic LOVE in Philadelphia to represent the city of brotherly love. Then you hear there are many different types of love, agape love, self love, real love, etc. I had been dealing with some illness nothing serious but life altering. Frequent nausea and dizziness lead to necessary resting. Not creating collages or expressionistic paintings was really different for me. The time was mostly passed with listening to audio books and reading if I could. While searching the library an available book “Everybody Always” by Bob Goff was chosen. We ended up listening to it several times and found it fascinating. We also listened to his first book “Love Does.” The theme of loving people instead of trying to give them your opinion and trying to change them struck a chord with me. Imagine for a minute a thousand words of LOVE - what kind of picture will that create? I am trying to find out. So now you know my word for the year is LOVE. Mike even surprised me with a necklace with you guessed it the word “LOVE” on it. A lovely reminder with some sparkle my favorite for sure. Hearts can also symbolize love an universal symbol of love. While in high school all of the fingers on my left hand were adorned with heart rings - I have a picture to prove it. Hearts are also fun to draw and paint abstract them out or use some funky mixed media supplies like acrylic ink or markers. If you are not sure what to paint or draw try a heart and see where it leads. One of my favorite abstract paintings from Kristi our late daughter is a large lovely heart saying God is love. It now hangs in my office bringing me comfort and serves as a reminder to love. I also have a collection of cards written by the kids expressing love with cute hearts or words have also been saved. Who else has saved these precious mementos? So my word for 2022 is LOVE. My plan - love instead of judging. Love instead of criticizing including myself. Love can even be applied to self care. I believe working on improving my words and attitude is one of the best forms of self care. So now you have it my word for the year is LOVE. Stay tuned to see how I incorporate the word into my mixed media expressionistic art. I would LOVE to hear what your word is for 2022. May we have a year filled with LOVE instead of fear, LOVE instead of war, LOVE instead of self criticism. Finally LOVE what you do and who you do life with. We never know when “I love you” will be the last words someone hears from us. I would like to plan a “Love event” lets create on Zoom if you would like. We can also do a FB live bring your mixed media supplies, acrylic or oil paint whatever you would like and create some art. I think there will be some bold beautiful mixed media expressionistic paintings or journal pages created. Before I end also must share some parameters, I can be bold and forthright which is often needed. If someone is harming you physically or emotionally please get to safety. We do not need to stay around unsafe or toxic people in the name of love. Please like and follow Angela Bruch Art on FB and social media. Like our FB page to join us on a FB live. I would love to create together - even if only online. Stay safe, healthy and LOVE. Angela Bruch
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‘Never Give Up’ Usually not at a loss for words I find myself unsure of how to start this blog, so guess will just start! First by saying it has been awhile since Ive blogged or been on FB live. I appreciate all of the loyal followers and collectors we have had feel like you are family and I’ve missed you! It has been an incredibly difficult year one that I would not wish on anyone. Due to the sensitive nature of the situation will spare details but those of you that know me know that I am a Mama bear at heart. Don’t mess with my family or any kids for that matter. I am pleased to say that chapter has closed although the book now has some torn pages. Please pray for our family as you feel lead for complete restoration and healing. Second I have also been dealing with medical issues that made doing FB live difficult at times. FB business page for Angela Bruch Art is public so was not comfortable sharing when not feeling well. Considering myself badass and invincible it was difficult being on bed rest and unable to exercise and be active but I’ve learned when I don’t listen it can lead to more problems. Pleased to say Im feeling much better but still have difficult days - so now you know. I was going along in Milan Art Institute with well laid plans for my portfolio and graduation. As often happens even the best laid plans can go awry. When life hands you lemons - make art!! So that is what I did sometimes wild sometimes funky but it felt great. This period is best described as pausing but not giving up!!! A large piece of paper and a black marker heard my deepest pain. Then the beauty of art is layering over that mess and ending up with some beautiful art. What I like to call art for the heart. Feeling determined will not let evil people stop what I believe to be my God given destiny to reach and teach people through art. I resumed school, grateful to have a personal mentor who has helped me get refocused. Woohoo what a joyful day that will be when school is completely done! Never give up! Change your heart if needed which in turn changes your house, your community and well you can see where this is going. May not seem it but we can change the world one art creation at a time never giving up. You can also change the atmosphere of your space by hanging beautiful art. In my neighborhood there was plan for Open Studios to show our art and process. The show was cancelled due to COVID so decided to still have a show. It was the exact impetus needed to finish my portfolio and branding. Finish I did without a minute to spare! Proud to say I painted 25-30 gallery quality paintings in various sizes. Once they are all uploaded on our website www.angelabruchart.com they will be verified by school and I will receive the certificate. We are on track to have the website updated by the end of the year. The show was about a week ago and I was blown away by the support. It is not easy sharing work with people you know but so necessary. Additionally we found an awesome photographer and print maker they are well done Giclee prints. Enclosed is the flyer and with one of my favorite portfolio paintings ‘Tenacity’ the dragon fly. We are doing a drawing for a print (it’s a surprise) so if you enter your email address on our website just click on www.angelabruchart.com for the Newsletter you will be entered to win. If you live out of town and would like to FaceTime to see my portfolio - please let me know via email angela@angelabruchart.com. Moving forward we will be putting out a Newsletter to communicate upcoming shows or series. Mike handles that side of the business so stay tuned. We also have a BIG announcement coming shortly!! Once again thank you for the continued support and feedback on all of the art it is so helpful. Remember just keep creating and never give up. Fondly, Michael and Angela Bruch Angela Bruch Art Art for the Heart   “GET YOUR SKETCH ON”
First and foremost have a Happy and Safe New Year from all of us here at Angela Bruch Art!!! 2021 a new year and time of possibly setting goals or resolutions. Perhaps you want to be more creative or sketch daily. Sketching daily for at least fifteen minutes has been on my list of goals regularly. It also has been one that is frequently not met! So what better way than setting up an accountability group. I know sketching regularly will help improve my drawing skills, help me to loosen up and can also be good for stress reduction. Lets face it who doesn’t need stress reduction?! Sketching in a community setting was also fun to me. One of my favorite thing to do with the grandkids is go to a coffee shop each with our own sketch book and sketch or doodle with color or without. Who else misses sketching in community? January 4th on Angela Bruch Art FB page Mike and I will be kicking off “Get Your Sketch On”. To participate commit to sketching daily for at least 15 minutes every day during the month of January. I picked this time because lets face it all of us have an extra 15 minutes. You can certainly sketch longer than that if you would like. Sketch during church worship and see what that leads to . It’s okay to sketch days a week. Each Monday I will post on our FB Angela Bruch Art page a greeting and encouragement. This will be the place to post any sketches throughout the week if you would like and encourage each other. Intentionality is a favorite word of ours. Most good things in life just don’t happen but take repeated daily acts of creating greatness. If you have the best intentions and for whatever reason skip a day or two it’s okay. Try to learn what stopped you from sketching and just draw the line and restart the challenge. So what is the difference between drawing and sketching? Drawing is done on drawing paper which is heavier than sketch paper. Drawings also may takes hours and have proper shading and details. They are also considered sellable works of art. Sketching is quick drawings of rough ideas usually with minimal details. They can contain textures are actually a great place to find lines that you like. Sketch paper is thinner and also less expensive than drawing paper.  Do you ever get those little “nudgings” a passing thought, something that you feel like you should do even if it doesn’t make complete sense? I may not always be perfect at seeking time with the Lord but he is still forever faithful. During some quiet time felt like we were supposed to hire some professional help for marketing Angela Bruch Art. I was further discussing with a trusted friend about where a person like this could be found she said “ask your Pastor.” That sounded like a great idea so emailed the Associate Pastor (we go to a fairly large church) and he very quickly emailed me back the name of Julie Ross and her contact info.
Julie very promptly responded back via email with an explanation of her services of helping small business owners find their voice and what makes them unique. She was not pushy but forthright which was refreshing. We set a date for her to come to my home studio with her son who is a photographer. We had recently moved to Chapel Hill from another state so I went to being in 2 galleries to now none which was okay but left me with lots of art work. So our home is decorated with art all different sizes of paintings from other artists, me, my husband and our grandchildren. Julie was taken aback with all of the art and started asking me questions in that loving way she has of gathering information. In addition to painting there are art journals and the supplies used to create in the studio. An art journal stays open near my easel where leftover paint becomes the beginning of a page. Julie was drawn to the journals and said she is not a painter but she wanted to know how to do this! I told her I had been teaching art journaling for about 2 years but had not started since moving here. To which she replied it was time!! Little did I know what greatness this would lead to. I wanted to wait until Spring “someday” will restart classes. How many somedays are you wasting away? The little nudges or ideas from God which often come through others and can lead to greatness. Yet when I someday it away the blessing from that obedience never gets a chance to come. Just think if I would of waited! Due to COVID 19 we went into isolation!!! At this point we are not sure when we will be able to have traditional classes again. The skills learned from the retreat helped during these times of social distancing. What are you glad did not wait to do? What do you miss the most during these crazy times?  I am excited!! About what you might ask. For years I’ve promoted Jerry’s Artarama for their wide variety of high quality art supplies. I buy most of my paint, brushes, journals, gesso, canvases and many other supplies to create contemporary mixed media collages and art journal pages from Jerrys. They are a real art store with workers who are artists and knowledgeable about the supplies. One of my favorite things about Jerrys is once a year they sponsor Art of the Carolinas in Raleigh NC which is the largest art trade show in the country. You are able to learn about new products directly from the companies at greatly reduced prices. There is also classes during the show by successful professional artists. I would think about forming some type of profitable partnership with Jerry’s and this idea became one of those “someday I should.” At the beginning of 2020 I began setting goals on possible strategic partnerships. Brain storming with a blank piece of paper and a pen brought nothing the page remained blank. While on a call with some fellow artists it was time to fill up this blank page with something . Once again Jerrys came to mind but this was the first time I actually wrote down the goal of partnering with Jerrys. About a week later, I happened to be in the store and it was time to be bold. I asked if there was any type of program for partnering with Artists, the clerk was unaware of any but gave me the name and contact info of the manager. I would like to say action was taken immediately but that did not happen, the managers card was placed on my desk where it sat for several weeks. Instead of making a simple call the “someday attitude returned.” Have you ever done that? Part of making goals for 2020 was action steps needed, I wrote down that Jerrys would be contacted because it seemed like an easy goal. Guess what? It was a simple email to the manager who promptly responded that my request would be forwarded to corporate. About a week later I received an email from corporate stating they would like for me to become an Ambassador for them! Once a month I will receive a box of free art supplies from brands like Lukas and Soho. The first box was just requested was able to pick 12 tubes of Lukas paint! How do you like Lukas brand? What is your favorite color? Once the paint arrives we will share and test them by painting some contemporary mixed media collages on our Thursday 7 pm EDT FB live we do from Angela Bruch Art FB page. My finished mixed media collages or art journal pages will be posted on their website with my social media contact info. So it will be a great way to get free art supplies, have fun and get creative while the same time promoting my work. Most exciting my very first goal for 2020 has been reached ! Have you reached any of your goals? If so which ones, would love to hear about it. I’ve attached a mixed media collage painting from using all Jerry’s supplies you can also check out my artwork and art journals that have been painted with Jerrys supplies on our website www.angelabruchart.com or our FB business page https;//angelabruchart.com  INTENTIONALITY by Angela Bruch Although INTENTIONALITY is not my personal word for the year it is definitely a word for our business. It speaks to our belief that yes life happens but we can still choose how we are going to handle it. I cannot allow my feelings to control my activities for the day - lets face it may only “feel” like doing nothing which if repeated daily will result in just that nothing. I believe when it comes to creativity so many of us say; “someday I will create” and for many years my art was treated just like a hobby done on occasion as a way to unwind from my day job. After all of the things that had been put before my art were stripped away a pivotal point was reached and around the end of 2014 early 2015 the decision was made that I would create every day - either on a canvas or in a journal. What was created was not as important as the fact I was creating attached is a photo of one of my early journal pages - dates weren’t added at first but this is from around 2013. Looking at the page it looks like I took my tea bag and made splatters on the page, certainly a stretch to call art. Now fast forward to the 2019 page colorful paint was used, collage and also writing in my opinion a much nicer journal page. Looking back over my artistic journey both pages are equally important one represents the beginning of journaling the other the continued practice and how improvement occurs. As we start 2020 perhaps you want to become intentional with your creativity and create every day. A great way to do that is by using the art journaling e-course created with my mentor Matt Tommey. To check out the course visit www.angelabruchart.com and connect on the link. As soon as you pay for the course Intentionality Increases Creativity you have immediate access. The course is broken down into 5 segments and a bonus video you are able to watch the course as many times as needed. Once you take the course I would love to hear feedback on how you put the teachings into practice. Happy Journaling!! “Cheerleader”
Who has been the biggest cheerleader in your life, supporting a life long dream? For me it was my daughter Kristi, although all of the kids remain supportive it’s not the same. Kristi and I would paint together although with two completely different styles we enjoyed each other’s work. About 8 years ago I began art journaling and if you’ve followed me on social media you may know painted my way back using art journaling. Although my early journals were simplistic and a little on the dark side she would tell me they were awesome. A copy of the Stampington Art Journaling magazine was pivotal in the improvement of my work. “Mom your work is just as good you should submit your work.” To which I would grumble with no intentions of letting anyone see my work. Kristi was also telling me to “teach online.” I still have the paper where we sat and brain stormed names for my art business. Kristi was taken from us September 10, 2015 a beautiful soul gone too soon. Fast forward to January 2017 I joined Matt Tommey’s Mentoring program ‘Created To Thrive.” One of my first goals was to get published in Art Journaling magazine realizing my “someday” attitude needed adjustment. My first two journals and articles were submitted in February and around September 8th (right around the anniversary of her passing) received notice that my journal was accepted for publication. I found myself saying “I finally did it honey.” Since then my journals have been published 3 times truly a dream come true and a way to honor my biggest cheerleader. My next goal became to create an e-course with my mentor Matt Tommey, he had started a series on creating with the Spirit. So in March of 2019 the Art Journaling With Intentionality To Increase Creativity e-course was created and scheduled to launch in July. We ended up moving during that time so the launch rescheduled for September which came and went with no launch. I am proud to say the e-course launched this December, which may not seem significant but that happens to be Kristi’s Birthday month. Her Birthday is December 29th and she would have been 28. During that time the positive stories and feedback was rewarding and once again confirmed my biggest cheerleader was right. To check out the e-course please visit our website www.angelabruchart.com Greetings to all from the Angela Bruch Art Family!!
Hope this letter finds you in good health and spirits. Its that time of year where the holidays begin. How great to start off with gathering of family, friends, and amazing food. Perhaps you like a simpler celebration of traveling with no desire for a large meal. Regardless of how its spent Thanksgiving seems to be the treat before winter begins. The time change has begun and it now is dark by the time we start FB live! If you have popped in or watched the video on Angela Bruch Art you will see Mike has begun doing FB live. There has been an interest in his air brushing. First we want to Thank all of you for all of the support over the past year. As we start to wind the year down its time to plan 2020 can you believe it?! We would love for you to take a moment and let us know what you think about FB live on Angela Bruch Art business page. Just reply to this email with your comments = positive or negative all are welcome. We plan FB live according to feedback received a lot of times. It is fun to paint and show the process. So is there anything you would like us to cover in FB live (minus nudes)? Sure good to practice drawing skills not sure considered family friendly. Kidding trying to inject some humor. How has FB most benefited you? FB live is usually Thursday’s at 7 pm Is there a certain day and time that would work best for you? Thanks in advance for the feedback! We will also be drawing the winner for the free print in December. The contest will resume in January with a different print so stay tuned. Fondly, Angela and Mike  During Saint Patrick’s Day weekend Lindsay - the owner of The Art Cellar asked for artist to do painting demos. I agreed despite the threat of bad weather. Out on the patio one of my collage paintings was set up. I also showed how to create a collage from start to finish.
Some of the adults complimented the painting but really showed no interest in the demo. The kids on the other hand were fascinated! It was even more excited when they were allowed to stamp or paint on the canvas. Especially the kids who’s parents said you are gonna mess the painting up. There is something that happens when a child is allowed to use your “real” art supplies or tools. I believe it builds their confidence. At one point there were lots of kids surrounding me asking to paint. The old Sergeant in me quickly established order. A line was formed and each child was allowed to add some paint to a journal page. It was awesome to watch a joint painting effort. I often use my hand carved stamps on my collages. One little girl asked if she could try - of course I said yes. Her Mom said oh honey you will mess it up. I said there is no such thing it’s a painting! That same little girl was so excited to stamp on the painting stamps were everywhere - with black permanent ink. This collage ended up with dark black ink up in the sky. The ink also mixed with the wet paint and spray and the once bright painting became dark. At first glance the painting did appear ruined. After many coats of gesso and paint the dark stamps in the sky disappeared. Even if the painting was ruined would it really have mattered? Demos are used to hopefully attract potential clients. I realized if all I did was spark a dream of becoming an artist in kids the demo was a success. I now say yes when asked to demo. Please join me this weekend during Artistphere in downtown Greenville. I will be doing a mixed media demo from 10-11 am on Friday in the Artisphere demo area. I will also be joining the artist demo on Noma square Saturday from 12-4. It will be a joint effort with The Art Cellar, The Artist Guild and Open Studios gallery. If it rains we will be inside the hotel and set up under tents on Noma Square. Time to Be Creative again. Divine Connections As an Artist there are many choices to be made regarding where and how to show and hopefully sell your Art. We moved to Greenville SC in August of 2017 where there is great supports of the Arts. I felt lead to be in the Art Cellar Gallery located on Main St in downtown Greenville. This is where I became familiar with Kym Easter’s work but never really met her. Last month a bigger space became available - Kym’s spot. It was rumored Kym was leaving to start her own gallery but I didn’t hear the details. Funny how connections work, my friend Sherry is good friends with Kym and was excited about the new gallery opening in TR Which I quickly learned is Travelers Rest about 20 minutes from downtown Greenville. Sherry and I went to lunch in TR it’s a lovely little town. The new gallery is going to be called Wild Hare Gallery. On Instagram I started seeing these cooly decorated Art Dummies going to the gallery. While dropping her doll off at the gallery Sherry bragged about my Art and gave the owners my business card. Now that is a true friend! Applications were being filled out and submitted on line so thats what I did. Despite my messing up the process Joann (the other owner) and Kym were so friendly and helpful. Do you ever meet someone that you just feel comfortable with? Conversation flows and there is a mutual respect for each others work. That’s how it was working with JoAnn and Kym. I was excited and felt honored to be offered a spot as Guest Artist. I had peace about joining the Gallery in time for the Grand Opening April 11th. During the interview it was disclosed that on the gallery walls scripture was painted. JoAnn’s favorite scripture Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Now here is the part where I knew that I knew that this was the gallery I was supposed to be the Guest Artist at. Confirmed by a hard bound notebook, that I’ve used off an on for planning for several years. Guess what is on the cover? You guessed it, Jeremiah 29:11 covers the front !!! Please join us for the Grand Opening of The Wild Hare Gallery, Thursday, April 11 th from 5-7 located at 212 N Poinsett Hwy, Travelers Rest, SC. 5-7 pm. There is a great variety of work from local Artists. Kym Easter and Joann Benzinger are the owners. I love their business philosophy, creativity and stepping out on faith. It doesn’t get better than meeting through “Divine Connections.”   |
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