..Why not have the best slides possible to show off your painting?  Often the slides themselves determine whether a painting is accepted or not! From past entries for the WSNC exhibition, we have noticed that some of our members could really do a better job with the slides they enter. 

High quality slides works for you even after the exhibition.  Did you know that WSNC sends slides of its exhibitions to all sorts of organizations all over the state?  A weak slide can be embarrassing since it represents your work to the public, and what if it's featured on our web site?

Unfortunately a perfectly wonderful slide of a perfectly wonderful painting is no guarantee that it will be accepted   Many of our very successful members can tell you they have been rejected in one show only to have the same entry accepted for a major exhibition. Never, ever be discouraged by rejection!

How to shoot your slides

Having a professional photographer with expertise in how to properly photograph your painting is ideal.  However, many of us do not have easy access to such a person.  Second best then would be to do your own with care.  An overcast day is perfect for the shot, or open shade on a sunny day.  For outdoor filming, ISO/ASA 64 film gives the clearest images when enlarged.  Many artists say they have good luck with 100 or 400 ISO. Trial and error will find out what’s best for you.  Using a tripod is a necessity:  very few of us are endowed with the ability to hold a camera completely still.  The paint should fill the viewfinder area.  Be sure the painting's edges are parallel with the viewfinder.  If it isn’t, your painting image will not be squared up but will have slanted sides.  Use a black mat with black core to go around  the painting or place the art on a black background to photograph so that your painting image is the only thing seen when it is projected – jurors do use a projector.

Ensuring quality

Many artists avoid this step but it is critical for giving your work the best shot at acceptance.  When the slide comes back from the photo shop it is a very good idea to look at it through a projector.  Being held up to the light or even placing it on a light table will not let you know if it’s strong enough to stand up to a projection.  It may look much weaker than you think it will.  If anything shows except the painting (a little bit of white matting - if perfectly squared – could pass but black is best) buy a special silver tape from your photo shop and cover the entire slide except the painting image.  You must remove the slide from its mount before doing this, and you will need a fresh mount in which to insert the taped film.  You can also get this from the photo shop. 

Entering an Exhibition

When all is finished, follow the directions from the prospectus about what to write on the slide.  A very fine “Sharpie” pen does a good job, particularly on a plastic mount.  The right side of a slide is the side of the slide that when holding it up to look at it shows the painting as it should be seen  - not in reverse.  It has nothing to do with how it is placed in the carousel.  When you mail your entry for a WSNC show, send it in a #10 envelope.  We ask for a SASE #10 envelope to be enclosed as well.  Two slides, the entry forms, a check and folded envelope can all fit in neatly.  It is preferred that you protect your slides by placing them in a plastic slide sleeve or inside a folded lightweight piece of cardboard (just a little smaller than the envelope).  Some people use both, and it works well. 

Read your prospectus carefully and fill it out completely.   Follow the instructions.  Make a copy of it that includes what you have filled out and keep it in your files. 

Entering a Workshop? (-Motsie Brooks)

When preparing to go to a workshop or for painting with others, it is a very good idea to put your name on every supply you possibly can.  We have seen two people sincerely claim the same object.  If a name had been on it there would have been no doubt as to ownership and no hurt feelings. When so many people have the same type of brushes, paint tubes, etc., it is easy to pick up someone's other than your own.  Also if something is left behind it can be quickly identified and returned to its owner.  A very fine Sharpie permanent marker is great for this purpose and comes in colors as well as in black.  It will write on paint tubes, brush handles, plastic tubs, metal, etc.

Enlarging a Photo? (-Motsie Brooks)

Using a ruler and a Sharpie pen with an ultra fine point,  draw a grid on a clear sheet that holds a 4X6 ( or whatever size) photo and you have an instant grid for enlarging your photo, and it will stay in place without damage to the photo.  This also works with the full-sheet protector size.  Not only will  you have a grid for an 8X10 photo, you can easily use this on a sketch you would like to enlarge. Black is a good color for the photos, but you might want to try red or another color for use over a black and white sketch.

Made a Mistake?  (-Nancy Simpson)

Salvage that painting with a  Mr Clean/Magic Eraser.  Mask sections to be preserved with acid-free tape.  Cut the Magic Eraser into small pieces ; moisten the Magic Eraser and scrub away the offending sections!

Rearranging Your Palette? (-Lou Everett)

If you use a Sharpie to label palette wells with the paint name, use rubbing alcohol to erase the lettering when updating your palette.

Not Sure What to Do? (-Janie Johnson)

Put Watermedia Polyester Film over your painting and paint on it before you actually change the painting.  This is particularly useful in classes and workshops so the teacher can demonstrate changes without altering the student’s painting.  Grafix Art Watermedia Film works well for this purpose and is available in sheets or rolls at crafts and art supplies stores.