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NYC TRIP to Art Out Loud


Artist Vlog: NYC TRIP to Art out Loud // Painting Demo by Donato, Manchess, and Barlowe

I recently took a day trip to NYC. It turned out to be a magical day for me. The Society of Illustrators was holding a painting demonstration from 12-4 on a Saturday. The artists that were performing the live demos were Donato Giancola, Gregory Manchess, and Wayne Barlowe. Along with that, art directors Lauren Panepinto (of Orbit Books, Everyday Original, Drawn and Drafted, and Yen Press) and Irene Gallo (Tor Books) were offering 15-minute portfolio reviews. As soon as I heard about the event I booked my ticket!

I drove into the city early in the am to ensure that I would arrive on time with no issues. I parked in a garage and hit the streets. I wandered around and found a Starbucks, thank god for that Midnight Mint Mocha! It's to die for. I found a spot to chill with my drink and made some art. Nothing beats a good coffee drink and time with my art supplies. NOTHING.

At noon I had my appointment with Lauren for my portfolio review. I was very nervous and excited to meet with this incredible woman. She has a strong voice in her field and is a real advocate for artists. You can learn a lot from this woman in the world of Illustration. My meeting with her went very well. She offered me points and good direction to move my focus on. I highly recommend meeting with a mentor, teacher, or pro, if you wish to get your portfolio kicked into gear. Being out of the game for so long, she offered me great advice and courage that I am not far off from where I want to be artistical. I have homework to do!

Now to the painting demos! Each artist had their own setup. The spectators poured in and circled their favorites. My main focus was Donato. He has been a paint hero of mine for more years than I can remember. He is known for book illustrations, and more recently Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones calendars. I love the way he paints light and shadows, something I want to focus on in my own work. I felt that I could learn the most from him today. He had a great technique. Donato’s painting process is not very different from what I learn from my former teachers at FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology). At the end of the event, Donato raffled off an original drawing that for a project of Irene Gallo’s. Guess whose name he called out? MINE!! ME! Totally having an Elle Woods moment. I was so floored. This was the cherry on top of an already decadent sundae.

This whole experience was far more wonderful than I was expecting. I feel so fortunate. Everyone I met was incredible, kind and generous. I meet one of the pals from Instagram in person as well! So awesome to meet a fellow artist. In addition, I also ran into my old mate from college, Steven Bachan, a fantasy Illustrator. I'm recharged and ready to paint.

Always follow your passion and enjoy the journey it takes you on.

See you in a future video!

More about Jennifer Amazon:

Site. http://www.JenniferAmazon.com/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/jenniferamazon/

FB: https://www.facebok.com/IAmazon

Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheAmazonBazaar

Netheria: https://www.speaknetherian.com/

Facebook Art Group

Amazon Art Tribe

https://www.facebook.com/groups/849162861853926/

Society of Illustrators:

https://www.societyillustrators.org/

Lauren Panepinto:

http://www.orbitbooks.net/author/lauren-panepinto/

Steven Bachan:

http://stevenbachan.com/

Donato Giancola:

http://donatoarts.com/

Greg Manchess:

http://www.manchess.com/

Wayne Barlowe:

https://waynebarlowe.wordpress.com/

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