Welcome to the YouTube Gazette - Issue 2023/49
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Choosing the Right Photo Reference... | |
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For a Painting
As an artist, the importance of reference photos in the process of creating paintings cannot be overstated. These photos serve as a vital guide, providing the details and inspiration needed to bring a painting to life. However, it is crucial to understand that not all photos are suitable for this purpose. Selecting the right reference photo is an art in itself. A blurry or poorly composed photo, for example, can lead to significant challenges in the painting process. Such photos lack clarity and detail, making it difficult to capture the essence of the subject accurately.
Remember, the quality of your painting is inherently linked to the quality of your reference. As the old saying goes, 'You can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear.' Therefore, aspiring and professional artists alike should invest time in choosing high-quality, clear, and well-composed reference photos that align with their artistic vision. These photos should not only capture the subject effectively but also evoke the emotions and atmosphere the artist intends to convey in their painting. By doing so, artists can ensure that their reference photos are not just tools, but catalysts that enhance their creative expression.
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Join us on YouTube at 5:30 Central time for a LIVE event | |
A Tropical Christmas Scene
Get ready to swap snowflakes for palm trees with our upcoming Live YouTube show, "A Tropical Christmas," set to bring a splash of sunshine and a warm ocean breeze to your festive season. As we paint together on Monday, December 4th, at 5:30 PM Central Time, you’ll be transported to a holiday paradise where the Christmas spirit meets the tropics. Picture the enchanting play of colors in the sky as the sun sets, casting a glow that dances on the water and filters through the fronds of lush palm trees adorned with twinkling lights.
This isn't your typical winter scene; it's a unique blend of celebration and relaxation, a holiday retreat right on your canvas. "A Tropical Christmas" is an opportunity to explore the vibrant hues of a beachside holiday with the guidance of Ginger Cook and Jon. Plus, for our Orange and above members, traceables and additional reference materials will be available on our website to help you create your tropical masterpiece.
Join us for this painting adventure, where every brush stroke brings warmth and the cheerful vibe of a beach holiday to life. This live event is a chance not only to learn and create but to interact with us and a community of artists who share your passion for painting. Don't miss out on the fun, the learning, and the chance to infuse your Christmas with a touch of tropical charm. Grab your paintbrushes, and let’s make this holiday season a vibrant celebration of color and creativity!
Join us for a LIVE here at 5:30 Central
https://youtube.com/live/fMVi4qbuhGg?feature=share
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Ginger Cook's 2024
"Art & Optimism" Wall Calendars
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Get ready for a fun year filled with incredible art and positive vibes with Ginger Cook's 2024 "Art & Optimism" Calendar! Every month, you'll see a fantastic new painting that Ginger, an expert artist, has made with bright colors and happy scenes. It's like a mini art show just for you! | |  |
What's really neat is that at the top of each month, there's a special saying to help you feel good and think big. It's like having a friend cheer you on every day to be creative and believe in yourself, whether you're just starting to paint or you're already really good at it. | | |
Yearly Memberships Offer for New and Existing Members, either Yearly or Monthly! | |
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What does this have to do with memberships?
It's back! The exciting "Fly on the Wall" series of videos where you, the viewer, get to watch Ginger as she creates these one-of-a-kind non-tutorial paintings for those people who have signed up for a yearly Red or Purple membership.
These "FOTW" live YouTube shows are a place to chat with other artists as you watch Ginger paint. These are NOT tutorials but a chance for you to see a professional artist work in her studio. We may interact with you and answer questions, but that's not a guarantee. There is no schedule for these, but we will try to send a quick email announcing that we will be having an FOTW session.
Anyone can save and receive an original non-tutorial painting by Ginger Cook!
Now is the time to sign up for a yearly membership if you are a new member or currently a monthly member. It's also a great time to renew your yearly membership, even if your membership is not due until later in the year. You will lose no time of your current membership.
Here's what you need to do to take advantage of this special opportunity:
Sign up or renew as a yearly Red or Purple Member during November and December.
Offer Valid Until December 31, 2023, 11:59 p.m. Central Time.
You Will Get Your Hands on One These Ginger Cook Original Masterpieces:
1-Year Red Membership: Get a 6×8 original painting.
1-Year Purple Membership: Upgrade to an 8×10 original painting.
2-Year Red/Purple Membership: Receive a 9×12 original painting.
3-Year Red/Purple Membership: Get the grand 12×16 original painting.
Painting Sizes and Their Values
6×8 painting valued at $360
8×10 painting valued at $600
9×12 painting valued at $825
12×16 painting valued at $1,450
Ginger has been busy painting the originals and will show some of them during the Live YouTube show on Monday. If you have signed up, please be patient as we work through the list.
That's it! Learn more by continuing to read here for more detailed information.
Act fast because this offer ends December 31, 2023, at 11:59 pm central.
Most importantly: Use the Contact Us form if you have any questions. You don't want to miss this opportunity.
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Santa on the Beach
Immerse yourself in the joy of the holiday season with Ginger Cook's enchanting acrylic painting tutorial, "Santa on the Beach." Transport yourself to a tropical paradise as Ginger expertly guides you through the creation of a festive masterpiece. Picture Santa Claus relaxing under the shade of a swaying palm tree, surrounded by beautifully wrapped packages and the distant silhouette of a ship against the horizon.
In this engaging tutorial, Ginger Cook unveils her secrets of acrylic painting, revealing the techniques behind vibrant colors, lifelike details, and the perfect balance of composition.
Join the artistic adventure and discover the magic of bringing Santa to the beach. Unlock your creative potential with Ginger Cook's heartwarming tutorial that captures the spirit of the holidays in a tropical paradise. Transform your canvas into a festive masterpiece that will spread joy and warmth throughout the season. Don't miss this opportunity to paint alongside one of the most beloved instructors in the world of acrylic painting!
This is painted on a 6x6 canvas and is available to everyone on our YouTube channel.
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Tropical Christmas Card
with a Sand Snowman
Revisiting a previous work can be a journey back in time and a leap forward in skill. Take, for instance, a whimsical beachside holiday scene, where a snowman in Santa garb under a palm tree celebrates the festive season in sun-kissed style. It's a delightful study in contrasts that can ignite an artist’s imagination and bring a smile to those who encounter it.
Such a piece isn't just a playful twist on the norm—it's an educational treasure trove. It challenges you to weave the texture of snow with the grit of sand, the sheen of the sea with the softness of the sky, all while keeping your palette knife and brushes dancing between warm and cool tones. This is a lesson in versatility, testing your mastery over mediums and mood. As you guide your students through this, you're not only helping them to grow their technical prowess but also encouraging them to infuse their personality into their art. After all, every brushstroke is a word in the story they tell.
It is an 8x10 2-Cookie tutorial available to everyone on our YouTube channel.
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Do you remember this tutorial? |  |
Caribbean Classic Car
As we continue to explore the vibrant world of acrylics, we'd love to draw your attention back to a gem in our academy's collection - the classic car painting tutorial. This lesson is a brilliant exploration of vivid hues and retro charm that brings together the nostalgic flair of a vintage car with the tropical ambiance of the Caribbean.
Whether you're a Red, Pink, Blue, or Purple member, this tutorial offers a rich experience in playing with warm and cool contrasts, perfecting the gloss on the car's curves, and capturing the laid-back essence of island life. It's not just a painting; it's a journey through time, inviting you to dabble in the elegance of yesteryears while mastering the versatility of your palette.
If you haven't yet given this tutorial a whirl, or even if you have, now is the perfect time to revisit. You might find new insights and techniques that resonate with your evolved artistic sense. And for those who've already enjoyed creating this piece, try it again to see how much your skills have sharpened. Every painting is a new adventure! Maybe even add a wreath to the front grill to add little holiday spirit!
Join Ginger for this 12x16 3-Cookie tutorial available to our Red, Blue, Pink and Purple Members.
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What's the Latest and Upcoming Tutorials | |
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Fireside Nap
"Fireside Nap" is not just a painting; it's a warm embrace of tranquility and the essence of holiday cheer. Imagine capturing the serene moment of Santa Claus, the beloved icon of joy and giving, as he steals a quiet moment away from his bustling duties. As our Red, Pink, and Purple Members, you have the exclusive opportunity to bring this scene to life with your own brushstrokes.
Envision the rich, velvety reds of Santa’s suit, the soft, whispering whites of his beard, and the glowing amber of the crackling fire—all waiting for your artistic touch. Acrylics lend themselves perfectly to this scene, allowing for vibrant hues and the textured layering of Santa's comfortable attire against the rustic charm of the fireplace. This tutorial will guide you through each step, ensuring that you can create depth with shadows and light, making the flames dance and Santa's suit ripple with a life-like quality.
Join us in this creative journey and let "Fireside Nap" warm your canvas and heart. Whether you're a beginner eager to learn or a seasoned artist refining your skills, this piece promises to be a delightful challenge. The end result? A festive masterpiece that encapsulates the peace and joy of the season. Let's pick up our brushes and spread the holiday spirit through art!
This Box of Cookies tutorial is on a 20x20 canvas for our Red, Pink and Purple Members.
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Christmas Poinsettia
This vibrant 20x20 acrylic masterpiece captures the essence of the holiday spirit through the stunning depiction of a poinsettia, the quintessential Christmas flower. With petals that transition from deep crimson to fiery red, set against a soft, muted background, the painting seems to pulse with life, inviting viewers to reach out and touch the velvety texture. The lush green leaves provide a striking contrast, creating a balance that is both visually compelling and harmoniously pleasing. The painting's realistic depth and detailed brushwork exemplify the beauty and versatility that acrylics offer, promising to be a tutorial that will not only teach you the techniques but also inspire you to create your own acrylic wonders.
Anticipation is high for the release of this tutorial, exclusive to our Red and Purple Members. This isn't just a lesson; it's an opportunity to delve into the world of acrylics with a sense of adventure and discovery. Whether you're a beginner feeling the bristle of a brush for the first time or a seasoned professional looking to refine your skills, this tutorial is designed to guide you through each step with clarity and insight. Imagine the satisfaction of adding your own touches to this festive bloom, learning to layer colors with confidence, and mastering the art of light and shadow. Stay tuned for the release, and prepare to embark on a painting journey that will brighten your portfolio and your holiday season!
This 4-Cookie tutorial is on a 20x20 canvas for our Red, Pink, and Purple Members.
(the video will be available shortly)
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Attention Royal Purple Members (RPM) | |
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The Reference Photo Challenge!
Hello Royal Purple Members!
Here's an update on our Zoom Call proposal. We had a test call with our Facebook Moderators and learned a lot! We have a few final touches to address, then we will be sending out an email to you explaining how to get set up before the actual call. Then will will have a TEST Zoom call where Jon will keep it open for a set time to let you come and test your equipment and have a look around before we have our "Reference Photo Challenge call. Look for this email next week and we will make an announcement on our Facebook pages.
We've got some exhilarating news that's just about to paint your world with excitement! You know how we were gearing up to film that 'legendary' chat between Ginger and Jon, discussing the snapshots you sent in for our "Photo Reference" challenge? Well, hold onto your paintbrushes because we've had a stroke of genius!
What if, instead of a recorded session, we turned this into a live, interactive masterpiece? Imagine a Zoom call where you're not just viewers but participants—throwing in your questions, splashing around ideas, and sharing your colorful thoughts. Yes, you guessed it! We're transforming this into a live event with all of you as our esteemed studio audience!
Now, you must be wondering, "When is this grand art show happening?" Stay tuned! The details of this much-anticipated Zoom call will be unveiled soon—like the final reveal of a masterpiece. We're double-checking everything (Scout's Honor and all that jazz!) to ensure you can join us without a hitch.
An exclusive invitation will make its way to your inbox soon, destined only for our registered RPM students. We want to make sure you're perfectly painted into our system, both on the RPM site and our email list.
So, keep your eyes peeled and your palettes ready. We can't wait to add a dash of live interaction to our artistic journey together!
Brushes and Best Wishes,
Ginger and Jon
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The Gnome Challenge is Over... | |
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Judging the Great “Paint a Gnome” Acrylic Challenge!
Hold on to your paintbrushes, folks, because it's time to dive into the fantastically fun and fabulously festive Great "Paint a Gnome" Acrylic Challenge!
Wowza! Can you believe it? We've got a whopping 48 gnome-tastic masterpieces lined up, each one a unique splash of creativity. Our adorable gnome friends have been brought to life in acrylic by all of you talented artists, and boy, are we excited to see them! Check out all the contestants HERE
Our super-savvy judges are all geared up and ready to embark on a thrilling quest to find the gnome-phenomenon of the year! We've got not one, not two, but FIVE mind-blowing categories where these little guys will strut their stuff. And yes, one lucky gnome will be crowned as the "Best of Gnome Challenge" champion!
Once our judges have pondered, deliberated, and made their epic "judgments," we'll roll out the red carpet for the big announcement. Who will be the gnome that takes the throne? Stay tuned!
And hey, don't pack up your paints just yet. We've got something super special brewing for our next challenge. But let's keep the suspense going a bit longer—we'll unveil it after the holiday hoopla settles down. We promise it's going to be something you'll absolutely love!
Hang tight, artists! The gnome news is coming your way soon. Keep those brushes ready and stay awesome!
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The 3rd Quarter has ended, and it's time to pick the winning tickets out of the fishbowl! | |
These paintings will be the ones that will be given away at the end of the quarter. | |
We are now starting the 1st Quarter for 2024!
Hey there! For every generous $25 donation you make between December 1 and February 28, you'll get a "ticket" in the bowl. It's our little way of saying thank you!
At the end of the quarter, we'll gather up all those donations and give each $25 donor their very own ticket number. The excitement builds!
Then, join us for a live YouTube show where we'll do the drawing. The lucky first person picked gets to choose their favorite painting from the available options for the quarter. Keep in mind that even if you have multiple tickets, you can only win one painting per quarter. Ready to donate? Just use the links below or find them on our homepage at AcrylicPaintingWithGingerCook.com. Thank you, and Happy donating!
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Donation Links for Our Online Art Academy | | |
For those that have made donations in the past, we really do appreciate it very, very much. It has made the world of difference to numerous students and helped them with more than their artwork.
Please feel free to use the two links above to make donations and this year, we will be having a drawing for a Ginger Cook original painting at the end of each quarter. We "pull" a ticket from a bowl, and the lucky winner has a pick from 4 paintings.
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We will have 3 drawings each quarter and for each $25 you donate during the quarter, you will have a ticket in the "bowl". The more you donate, the more tickets you will have in the fish bowl.
Our quarters are:
- December 1 to February 28
- March 1 to May 31
- June 1 to August 31
- September 1 to November 31
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Shop at Amazon? Consider Clicking Here First... | |
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Are you facing challenges with your artwork? Are you looking for personalized help and advice? You can find help a lot faster with Personal Art Coaching, so this is something that you will want to keep in mind as you navigate your way through the jungle of art. We are also working on a new product that might be of interest to you in the future.
Thank you, and remember, we are here to help you succeed! Please use the Contact Us form for any questions. Do NOT use Facebook, Messenger, or any other form of communication.
Ginger, Jon, and the Stuffy Staff
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