What keeps me grounded Dear Artists, When I was in art school, there were concepts like warm and cool colors that felt like a slow drip that would eventually sink in. I learn best when I get to absorb a concept several times, in different formats, from different artists. At the same time, I came to rely on my mentors to keep grounded. No matter what was going on, everything would come into focus when we talked. I was at the Brooklyn Print Fair this week and met up with Andrew Raftery, who I...
5 days ago • 1 min read
My Happy Places Dear Artists, I'm writing from NYC, which exploded with printmaking this weekend with the Brooklyn Print Fair (where I did tours + a panel) and the IFPDA fair. You can pick up a $32,000 print by German expressionist Erich Heckel or a $250,000 print by contemporary artist Nicole Eisenman. I need to level up on selling my art! IFPDA is different than the average art fair because in addition to contemporary art, there are many galleries where you could purchase a monotype by...
6 days ago • 1 min read
Mega printmaking nerd explosion Dear Artists, Reminder: I'll be at the Brooklyn Print Fair tomorrow through Sunday! The tours I'm giving are free with entry, but limited to 15 people and it's on a first come, first serve basis. Tour info. I'm doing a panel discussion, is Print Ecosystem 101: Navigating Curators, Galleries, and Academia and is on Friday, April 10, 4-5pm in Small Hall. I'd love to see you! xoxo Prof Lieu You can unsubscribe from these NYC Meetup emails here. Art Club meet up...
10 days ago • 1 min read
Mia's first solo gallery show Dear Artists, I am SO PROUD of Mia, who is having her first solo show!! I feel like she told me yesterday that she had interest in galleries and then BOOM, she landed a show at Archenemy Arts in Philadelphia. Here's how Mia made it happen: (this happened over many months btw) I advised her along the way. (I do that in Art Club) Mia researched galleries with an illustrative style. She had 1 piece in a "small works" show at Gallery Nucleus. Mia posted regularly on...
11 days ago • 2 min read
Killing your darlings Dear Artists, I can't believe I'm saying this, but I cut John Singer Sargent's El Jaleo painting from my book! What I wanted to talk about was the Moorish arch around it, the mirror on the left, and the objects on the floor. Without a photo like the ones here, my point would have fallen apart. I know it's melodramatic, but that hurt me to cut, hahaha! (Getting permissions has been such a nightmare and I knew with a museum it would be a whole ordeal.) I've had to "kill my...
13 days ago • 1 min read
Head Start Dear Artists, You might think preparing to apply to art school is really far away, but I already have people getting started now with our art school admissions bundle for fall 2027 admission. Depending on when applicants start working with me, it's a really different conversation. The people who are working with me now have plenty of time to fill gaps in their skills. Their brainstorming is in full swing with lots of time for marination. (especially important for MFA applicants)...
16 days ago • 1 min read
Nerd out with me about gum arabic Dear Artists, Come chat about carborundum and magnesium carbonate with me at the Brooklyn Print Fair next week! The tours I'm giving are free with entry, but limited to 15 people and it's on a first come, first serve basis. More info. I'm doing a panel discussion with Ann Shafer, who was a museum curator for many years and now hosts Platemark, a podcast about printmaking. Our discussion is Print Ecosystem 101: Navigating Curators, Galleries, and Academia and...
17 days ago • 1 min read
Maria Sibylla Merian Dear Art Prof family, I have been in email hell, securing image permissions for my book. If you imagine that the easiest, most efficient and cooperative people take about 5 emails, just think about the others... (I have to stay mum on the title/topic, but you can sub here to be notified first.) Whether an artist makes it into my book isn't about whether I like their work. I'm looking at how effectively their artwork can illustrate a point I'm trying to make. I'm sad I...
24 days ago • 1 min read
Dear Artists, I'm 2 months away from being 50. I believe that qualifies me to teach our upcoming free workshop for Artists over 50. The workshop is on Sunday, March 29, 12-1:30pm EST, and will be on Zoom. We will be recording it, register so you get it. Reply and tell me what your struggles and joys are as an artist over 50! xoxo Prof Lieu Learning is easier with artist friends! Creating art on your own is lonely and slow. Meeting artist friends in Art Club makes learning fun, you'll be...
28 days ago • 1 min read