Neither Snow nor Rain nor Heat nor Gloom of Night …

Urban Sketchers Chicago and Plein Air Painters of Society work on exhibit at Blick Art Materials

Yes, I know that's the motto of the US Post Office, but it also could be the motto of Urban Sketchers and Plein Air Painters of Chicago. We draw and paint on location in all kinds of weather. As luck would have it, it was snowy and rainy for the opening of the Urban Sketchers Holiday Showcase at Blick Art Materials in Lincoln Park on November 21, but Urban Sketchers, Plein Air Painters, and Blicks delivered! 

Barbara Weeks, Susan Hanley, Ted Gordon, and Andrew Banks offered their prints and original work for sale at the show's opening reception.

Despite the snowy day, Blick's was a lively place as fellow artists and art-appreciators came in to shop and see the show. We introduced them to the difference between original work and giclee prints. We talked about the missions of Urban Sketchers and Plein Air Painters. We discussed the media we use. We enjoyed meeting them all! One of the best parts of the day was encouraging young artists, who were excited to meet us and see us in action.

Andrew Banks and Ted Gordon discuss techniques.

 One of the most enjoyable parts of the day was encouraging young artists.

Thank you to the great staff at Blicks. They were a big part of making it such an enjoyable day. We're looking forward to future collaborations between Blick Art Materials and Urban Sketchers Chicago. 

If you haven't seen the show yet you have four more days! The show closes Sunday, December 13. Stop by Blicks, 1574 N Kingsbury, see the show and, maybe, pick up a holiday gift for your favorite artist!

We even got a little location work done. A big thank-you to Andrew Banks for the photos!

CALL FOR ART!

Urban Sketchers Chicago Partners with Blick Art Materials for November Art Showcase

Have you ever wanted to enter your urban sketches into an art show?  Here is your opportunity!  Blick Art Materials of Lincoln Park has generously offered to host a Holiday Plein Air Art Fair and Holiday Showcase for the members of Urban Sketchers Chicago and the Plein Air Painters of Chicago.
First, submit your artwork for a chance to be featured in a special Holiday Showcase, running 11/19-12/13, with participation prizes for all artists submitting*.

On 11/21/15 from 12pm-5pm artists are invited to display prints and original artwork for sale to the public during the Plein Air Art Fair**. To apply, email (3) images or website, group affiliation, and contact info to 600@dickblick.com 

A reception for all artists to follow from 5-7pm, including door prizes.Artwork must be submitted ready to hang, framed as necessary. Artwork must be at least
12”x12”, reproductions accepted. Urban Sketchers and Plein Air Painters create their work on location. All art submissions for showcase must have been created on location.
No studio work allowed. Limit (3) entries per person, as space allows. All pieces to be
shown must be received in-store no later than 11/15/15.

* Submissions accepted as space allows and at management discretion. Participation
prizes available while supplies last.
** As space allows. 10 total slots offered, distributed evenly between group affiliations.
First come, first served. Artists must provide all necessary display equipment and payment
options. Store cannot participate in artwork transactions. Artists need not be part of art
show to participate in art fair. See store management for full details.SEE FULL CALL FOR ART HERE:
 http://www.dickblick.com/stores/coupons/2227USKHoliday2015

Questions?  Email Andrew Banks at Andrew@AndrewBanksIllustration.com

First time preparing for a show?  Read Alex Zonis's TTT post "Showing Your Sketches at an Exhibition."