Sorry for my Absence! June 6, 2014!

Hello Everyone,

I've been extremely busy the past couple of months and I need to work on my internet skills a bit more! Here's what I've been up to!

1. Started a weekly art class in Agoura Hills, CA.
2. Had a Plein Air Painting Workshop in Park City, Utah from June 15-19th. 
3. Got accepted and started preparing for Aspen Plein Air http://www.telluridepleinair.com/plein-air-artists (click on Aspen)
4. Got a new plein air easel, which I love (I'll give the brand in my next update)
5. Prepared panels for plein air
6. Drove 2 days and 18 hours of traveling from California to Snowmass Village, Colorado
7. Been working on my portfolio as well

Expect my next couple of Entries to be all about Aspen Plein Air and I'll also show pictures from my Utah Plein Air Workshop! Thanks for your patience and I look forward to sharing with you all soon!!

Best,

Samantha Fried

Tuesday, April 15th, 2014! Art Class Announcements!

Hello Everyone!

In the month of May I will be holding 2 classes titled: Drawing & Painting Workshop.

Have you ever wanted to draw or paint something or work on your skills and techniques in Charcoal, Pastels or Oil Paints? If so, come join one of my classes where you can work on whatever subject matter you want to create (i.e. portrait, landscape, still life, animals, etc.)

I want to foster your growth as artists within a creative environment and help you discover what makes you passionate about Art!

Here's the Information on my 2 Classes:
CLASS 1

• When: Wednesdays, 1-4pm in the month of May
• Dates: May 7th, May 14th, May 21st, and May 28th
• Where: My uncle's business: Evolution Audio & Video.                                                      5341 Derry Avenue. Suite S                                                                                                     Agoura Hills, CA 91301
• Price: $150.00 ($12.50 an hour)

CLASS 2

• When: Thursdays, 11am-2pm, in the month of May
• Dates: May 8th, May 15th, May 22nd, and May 29th
• Where: My uncle's business: Evolution Audio & Video                                                         5341 Derry Avenue. Suite S                                                                                                  Agoura Hills, CA 91301
• Price: $150.00 ($12.50 an hour)

THERE ARE ONLY 4 SPOTS LEFT FOR WEDNESDAY'S CLASS SO HURRY IF YOU WANT TO ENROLL!     

If interested in taking either class and you'd like to enroll, please email me at samanthafriedart@gmail.com.

Thanks for all your support, I appreciate it. I look forward to hearing from you soon!

BEST,
Samantha Fried 
                                                      

March 11, 2014. Lot's going on

Hi everyone,

I find it hard to remember to go on each of the social media networks. I've noticed that I've slipped with my Blogging. For those of you who follow me and my Blogging, I apologize. I will find a way to work on this.

Here's the cool news I've got a bunch of classes going on right now. You can still sign up.

2 Portrait Painting Workshops coming up!

8 Week Classes Both on Wednesdays. Starting Wednesday, March 26th to  Wednesday, April 14th, 2014.

One class is from 2-5pm, the Second class is from 7-10pm.

Price: $250 for 8 weeks
          $140 for 4 weeks
          $75 for 2 weeks
          $40 for 1 week


Location is at my Uncle's awesome business, Evolution Audio & Video, 5341 Derry Ave. Suite S. Agoura Hills, CA 91301.

If interested feel free to email me at samanthafriedart@gmail.com

Best,
Samantha Fried

Sunday, February 9, 2014. 2 PLEIN AIR PAINTING WORKSHOPS!

Hello Everyone!

I am very excited to announce that I will be starting up 2 New Plein Air Painting Workshops with Oils.

If you love the outdoors, landscape painting, color, educational environment, than you are in for a treat!

Each week we will visit new locations in the San Fernando Valley and Ventura County areas!

Without any more delay, here's the INFO on BOTH WORKSHOPS!

MONDAY PLEIN AIR PAINTING WORKSHOPS with Oils:

Duration of Workshop: 8 weeks

Day/Time of Workshop: Monday mornings, 9am - noon

Dates of 1st 8 Week Session: February 24th to April 14th, 2014

Each week we will visit a new location!

Cost: $250

SATURDAY PLEIN AIR PAINTING WORKSHOPS with Oils:

Duration of Workshop: 8 weeks

Day/Time of Workshop: Saturday mornings, 9am - noon

Dates of 1st 8 Week Session: March 1st to April 19th, 2014

Each week we will visit a new location!

Cost: $250

THOSE OF YOU WHO SIGN UP WILL RECEIVE:

1. Supply List
2. Locations List

It is a beautiful year! Come join me outside to Paint the Landscape!  Thanks so much for your time.  Looking forward to hearing from you soon!

FOR INFO, email Samantha at samanthafriedart@gmail.com

Best,

Samantha Fried

www.samanthafried.com

February 8, 2014.

Hello Everyone!

I am very excited to say that I have been one of the artists chosen to go to Plein Air Aspen in July! I feel very honored to be accepted into such a prestigious Plein Air Competition. I want to thank the Sheridan Arts Foundation for letting me be a part of this wonderful experience. I look forward to painting in Aspen, Colorado. I've never been to Colorado and this is a great reason to go!

Since being accepted, I have been hiking with my art supplies, bringing up my stamina for the trip. Also, I started plein air painting again! Here is my first plein air painting of many for this year!

This is my new Plein Air Easel, the Guerilla Cigar Box! It's a great sturdy and small easel that is light and easy to travel with. If interested in the Guerilla easels, you can check out their website: http://www.guerrillapainter.com/accessories.html

I painted this particular painting in Simi Valley at Rocky Peak Park! It's a beautiful location, with amazing Rocky mountains to look at in every direction. I only hiked part way up, so I plan on returning and venturing deeper into the park.

In a couple weeks, I plan on starting up a new Plein Air Painting workshop. Expect Rocky Peak Park to be one of our many destinations. Look soon for the information on my up and coming workshop!

As always, thanks for reading my blog! Talk to you all sooner than later!

1-29-13 Busy/Crazy Week

Hello everyone,

I know that I need to work on my blogging and get a better schedule. Usually, I wouldn't want to make an excuse. But, thus past week has been insane. My grandma had spinal/neck surgery. She came out okay, but it's a serious surgery so I prioritized.

I went to San Francisco over the weekend and saw the Ansers Zorn show at the Legion of Honor. Amazing show, his water colors astounded me! If you're in the Bay Area, go see that show. It closes up in SF on the 2nd of February. While I was in San Francisco I also took lots of reference photos for paintings. It's always nice to see the city. Thanks to those who took out their time to see me! If I couldn't see you, all is good, life happens:)

I started my first portrait painting workshop last Wednesday in Agoura Hills, CA. If you are interested, please let me know. There are spaces still available. 7-10pm oil portrait painting class. Lots of fun! I'm very proud of my students. They've never painted a live model before and they all did a great job!

The show for Richeson 75 Small Works 2014 is up online and you can see my oil painting, " Tenaya Lake," on their website at www.richeson75.com 

I also am honored  to announce that I have been invited to the 5th Annual Aspen Plein Air 2014 hosted by the Sheridan Arts Foundation. I want to thank the judges and I am looking forward to going to Aspen, Colorado this up and coming July!

Thanks for your patience, I plan on blogging lots more. I think I'm going to do a painting a day for the month of February so keep posted!

January 15, 2014. How to stay positive.

Hello Fello Artists, Art Lovers, and Friends,

The biggest thing any artist has to overcome is their own self-doubt. It is very easy to go down that "rabbit hole," and sometimes very hard to get out.

I have a fear of the unknown and sometimes it turns into self-doubt.  While I am an extremely positive person, it is easy to be unsure of the future and concerned. Not all artists are sensitive people, I can be. It's just who I am.

So, let me explain how I can turn things around. If I stay on the fear and uncertainty, it eventually feels like I'm stuck in quicksand.  When I've seen movies/shows where there is someone in quicksand they reach out for something to grab, asking for help from the people near them.

My number one rule is not to be afraid to talk to someone about your fears, you have people that care about you and will listen to your worries like you will listen to theirs. Whether it be about your painting, shows, teaching jobs, money issues, etc. you have to be able to open up. I find keeping these feelings bottled up just makes things worse in the end.

1. Talk to someone, it helps hearing an outside perspective from your own thoughts
2. Remember something that you're proud of accomplishing
3. Make a few new goals (even if it's to be not so hard on yourself)
4. Remember that you get to do what you love. 
5. Try to stop living in the future because it will only be a mystery. 
6. Stop worrying about things in the past that have brought you down because it's already history.
7. START focusing on today, now because the present is a GIFT. 

I know many people who cannot focus on the NOW, including myself. This is just a reminder that you can do it and you're not the only one who flounders every now and then.

THANKS for listening, I had a rough morning and got myself out of it.  I hope I can help you out as well.

BEST,

SAMANTHA FRIED :)

January 9, 2014, In-Progress Painting

Hello Everyone!

I enjoy painting commissions and having work to do. Sometimes, it's really nice to set up a side project and work on something that you want to paint. I've been painting this child's portrait for the past couple of days. It is so nice to paint from the heart. I've been wanting to paint this for a while and it's awesome when you can find time for yourself.

Here's some in-progress shots of the painting thus far, there is still lots of work to be done. I hope you enjoy the painting. The later photos are a bit washed out in the face area, but it's pretty exciting.

January 4, 2014. Portrait Painting Workshop Announcement!

Hello Everyone!

I hope that your 2014 has been treating you well thus far!  I have been extremely excited about this year! I am starting my own Workshop this year! I have a STUDIO that I've rented out for evenings. It's pretty cool.

During the day, Evolution Audio & Video in Agoura Hills, California.
During the evening, Samantha Fried's Art Studio!! in Agoura Hills, California.

I want to thank my Uncle Jay and my Grandpa for this. Evolution is their business and thanks to them, I have a place to teach! I will forever be in their debt for giving me this opportunity!

Now to the Good STuFf!!! I'm starting an Ongoing Portrait Painting Workshop! Here's the Info!

Duration of Each Workshop: 8 Weeks
When: Wednesday nights, 7-10pm, January 22nd to March 12th, 2014
Location: 5341 Derry Ave. Suite S. Agoura Hills, CA 91301
Cost: $250 (this includes the model fee)
There is limited space in the class so please contact me at samanthafriedart@gmail.com

Those of you who join the workshop, I will send you a supply list.

Thanks for all your support, I look forward to hearing from you soon!

BEST,
Samantha Fried

January 1, 2014. Donations to S.T.A.R.T. Rescue

Hello Everyone,
2013 has been a great and busy year. I know I haven't been blogging much, but, I'm back in full swing.

First and foremost, there is a wonderful organization named S.T.A.R.T. Rescue. S.T.A.R.T. Rescue is a non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue and spay/neuter of homeless animals throughout Southern California. For more information, please visit their website at START RESCUE

I've created a donations page on my website. A percentage of all paintings on that page will be donated to START RESCUE. Also, ALL PAINTINGS ARE ON SALE!

You can check it out on my DONATIONS PAGE

There is also a painting I will be donating to the organization. Titled, "Indy," it's an oil painting on linen of the pit bull Indy who was horribly attacked during Independence Day weekend of 2013. He was strapped with fireworks and lit ablaze, thanks to START, he's had many surgeries and is ready for a permanent home. When the ART AUCTION for this painting occurs, I will definitely announce the DATE!

Indy, Oil on Linen, 18"x24"

AS ALWAYS, THANKS FOR READING AND MAY THIS YEAR BRING MORE CREATIVITY INTO YOUR LIVES! HAPPY NEW YEAR!

What's in a Name? October 14, 2013.

Hello Everyone!

I am trying to bring some more life back into my BLOG.  I appreciate all of you who keep following me. I also apologize for being absent from Social Media for so long. I didn't fall off the face of the planet. I got married. My husband and I did most of the planning and decorating for our wedding. We didn't realize how much work and planning and time can go into one day! Then, that one day is here and gone.

I am happy to announce that I am now Mrs. Bryant Wilson which brings me to our discussion today: What's in a Name?

At home, when I write checks, and for many other things I will be known as Samantha Wilson. However, in the Art Industry, my professional name will stand as Samantha Fried. The reason I will be professionally known as Samantha Fried should not be too much of a shocker.

In case if it is, here is why I have essentially 2 names.

First off, I love my husband and I wanted to share his name. But, I can't go switching my name in the Fine Art World. I have been honored to showcase in a couple Museums, and Juried Shows throughout the past couple years. I am also represented by 2 galleries: Bright's Gallery of Fine ARt in Ontario and The Frame Gallery in Agoura Hills, CA. I could go on, but, I'm not one to toot my horn. I am just making a point, people know me as Samantha Fried. I have been working hard to have people recognize my name and art. If I change my professional name, I could have a minor set-back with my artistic career.

It is true that eventually I can let everyone know that my name has changed and not my accomplishments or style, but, for me, it's easier to stick with Samantha Fried. Essentially, I am trying to brand my Art and I can make my art successful by sticking to name that everyone is familiar with.

Now, this is only my personal choice. Each artist can do whatever he/she pleases. I know another artist that didn't even change her name when she got married because too many people knew her art by her original name. It's an interesting matter to discuss. Feel free to pipe in! Otherwise, I could probably go on about this for an extremely long time.

Catherine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club 117th Annual Art Exhibit

I am honored to announce that "Beach Painting," my painting of an artist painting at Muir Beach, California, has been accepted into the Catherine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club's 117th Annual Art Exhibit. The show will be held from October 1st to October 25th at the National Art's Club at 15 Gramercy Park South, New York City, New York. 212.475.3424

The entire Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club 117th Annual Juried Open exhibition is available for viewing online.

It's Been A While....

Hello Everyone!

My apologies for taking an extremely long time to BLOG about anything. I've been getting ready for my own wedding that is coming up in less than a month!

So, while there has been some exciting things going on with my art career, other things got me occupied.

Here's my exciting NEWS~!

1. I'm in a 3 Person Art Show with Sidharth Chaturvedi & Lindsey Millikan titled: Beyond Academia. The Show is up at The Frame Gallery, at 5907 Kanan Road, Agoura Hills, California. We had a successful opening reception. If you haven't had a chance to see it yet, the show will be up until the 20th of JULY, so come and check it out!

   

   "Cowgirls," Oil on Canvas, 20"x24"

2. I had my first Plein Air Painting Retreat in Mammoth Lakes, California. This was from June 22nd to June 23rd. I had 6 wonderful students who joined me.  It was lots of fun and the weather was wonderful, couldn't ask for a better weekend of painting! Keep your eyes open, I plan on having more retreats in the future! 

   

   My students, myself, & 3 adorable Aussies in Mammoth Lakes, CA

3. I'm honored to announce that my painting "China Town," won an Honorable Mention Award in the Texas Spirit Art Show in Graham, Texas. You can check it out on this link below: http://www.opomac.net/21901/35501.html  And my painting, "Dreaming Red," was also showcased in the exhibit as well:)

   

   "China Town," Oil on Panel, 18"x24"
4. If you check out the August Issue of Southewest Art Magazine you will find my work in the "Women in Art" issue. Also, if you check out towards the back of the magazine you will see an AD with my painting as well! 

   

   "Giddyup," Oil on Canvas, 24"x20"

May 24, 2013. You're invited to a 3-Person Art Show!

Hello Everyone,

I have been talking about this show in previous posts on my BLOG.  Finally, here is the official invitation to the show with all the appropriate information.

You’re cordially invited to an art show!

Next month, I will be participating in my first gallery show of 2013 at The Frame Gallery in Agoura Hills, California.  The three-artist show is entitled: Beyond Academia. The exhibition showcases Sidharth Chaturvedi, Lindsey Millikan, and myself, Samantha Fried.  The three of us first came together as fellow MFA graduates from the Academy of Art University and are currently practicing professional fine artists. This show is a celebration of our friendship, our artistic variety, and our growth as painters.  We would be delighted if you would join us for our opening reception, Saturday, June 15, 2013, from 6p.m. to 9p.m.  Please stop by, as it should be a very fun evening with good food, drink, company, and Fine Art.

Opening Reception: Saturday, June 15, 2013.

Time: 6:00pm-9:00pm

Gallery: The Frame Gallery, 5907 Kanan Road, Agoura Hills, CA 91301

Gallery Phone: 818.991.8161

If you are unable to make the opening reception, the exhibition will be up from June 13^th to July 20^th 2013.

We hope that you can join us in this celebration of our very eclectic art!

Best Regards,

Samantha Fried

www.samanthafried.com

Thursday, May 23, 2013. Lots of Painting!

Hey Everybody,

I hope your week is treating you well. I have been extremely productive this week. I worked on a painting of a running horse and finished one of my paintings for my 3 person art show with Lindsey Millikan & Sidharth Chaturvedi.

Still thinking of a title for the girl in the horse costume, up for SUGGESTIONS!

Feel free to leave a comment!

THANKS!

In-progress painting, 22"x28"

Currently figuring out a title. Oil on Canvas, 24"x20"

Tuesday, May 21, 2013. Honored to be in SHOW!

Hello Everyone,

I am pleased to announce that 2 paintings of mine got accepted into the Texas Spirit Art Show!

I am honored that "China Town," & "Dreaming Red," were chosen for this competition. The show will be open to the public June 22, 2013.  The show's location is at the Old Post Office Museum and Art Center in Graham, Texas. The office hours for the Museum are Tuesday through Friday 9:00 to 4:00.

The show will be open until July 12, 2013. If you are in the area, please stop by.  I feel blessed to send my paintings to such a wonderful show.

"China Town," Oil on Panel, 18"x24"

"Dreaming Red," Oil on Canvas, 20"x24"

Tuesday, May 21, 2013. Lots of work done!

Hello Everyone!

Over the past couple of days I've started 2 new paintings for my up and coming 3 person art show with Sidharth Chaturvedi & Lindsey Millikan. The show will be Saturday, June 15, 2013 from 6-9pm. The show is located at The Frame Gallery in Agoura Hills, CA.

2 of the pictures below are paintings for the show and 1 painting below is a finished painting I did in Jeremy Lipking's workshop. It was a 2-day pose.

I hope you all like the work!

ENJOY!

Friday, May 17, 2013. Just started another painting!

Hey Everybody,

I started another painting for the 3 person art show I will be next month with Lindsey Millikan and Sidharth Chaturvedi.  Check it out!

I hope you all enjoy!

Have a lovely weekend!

In-progress painting, showing only half, 20"x60"

Monday, May 13, 2013. A lot of progress!

Hello Everyone!

Today has been very eventful with my art. I painted at home and got close to finishing one of my paintings. Then, I went to The Frame Gallery in Agoura Hills, California, worked on another painting.

I am very excited with how my work is progressing. These 2 paintings are for my up and coming 3 person art show with Sidarth Chaturvedi and Lindsey Millikan. Expect all the details about the show tomorrow. Right now I can tell you that the show's opening is Saturday, June 15, 2013 at The Frame Gallery in Agoura Hills, CA. Also, I can tell you, it should be a pretty awesome show!

Here are my paintings in progress, I hope you like them! I'm having a blast painting them!

Hope you all had a wonderful Monday too!

In-Progress, Oil on Canvas, 24" x 20"

In-Progress, Oil on Canvas, 24" x 18"

A few days late, Saturday, May 11, 2013.

Hello Everyone!

It's been a crazy and busy week, but, I didn't forget about you! A couple days ago I painted up a storm. Below is an image of my work in various stages of finish. It's not quite finished, but, I got a lot accomplished.  I did all this work in about 5 hours in one day.

I just wanted to show that with determination, the will to paint, and a double shot of expresso anything's possible. I hope you like. I am enjoying painting this particular piece because it tells a story and has some humor to it as well.

Without further ado, here is my progression of a current painting I'm working on for a 3 person art show coming up this June!

In-progress painting, 24"x20"