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by Yaeli Vogel

From laundry room to gallery!

The first paintings I’ve painted were directly on a computer desk, where I was able to see the image and painted it onto the canvas. I would also paint on the floor, but that got really annoying and it was so hard to get to the right places. I was dabbling, taking it seriously, but not thinking much about it. My husband said it was time for a “real” easel. A professional artist easel. I poo pooed him. Where would I even put the thing? We lived in a small three bedroom house. Yes, there was a basement – which had toys in every crevice considering the little humans around me at the time – (2 & 3 and baby. on the way) He didn’t listen to me – clearly believed in me from day ONE! And my husband and brother got together and chipped in to get me my first easel and put it together! We placed it in a corner, by one of the toy shelves, and it became a piece of furniture there. The kids got so used to it, they hardly noticed it. They may have climbed on it once or twice. I don’t remember so it must not have been too bad! I would place my palette and paints on the top of the shelf and would even leave it there over night. I wanted a more enclosed space and began outgrowing the toy shelf. (Laugh emoji insert ) We had a laundry room that was raw with tools and storage and well, laundry! I didn’t care at all. I cleared up some space, organized the room and moved my easel into it. I had space to think and BE and I was thrilled! Music blasted, dance moves happened and paint splashed onto canvases – it was goooood times! For those of you who’ve had the honor to come into that corner of the world, you know. Then it was time to move from that cozy nest, and into a larger home to fit our growing family and artwork – it began taking over. . We found a place with a garage – specifically looking for one – to use as a studio and house the paintings. We fixed it up – popped the beams to create a higher ceiling, put up dry wall and a nice light fixture. It was a cool place. But it had some major setbacks. We didn’t place ac or heat in the beginning (and it’s good we didn’t. -read on) and so it was freezing in the winter and boiling in the summer. Not ideal. The plan was to put that in asap. But then, the garage would get flooded! Our backyard is low and water fills up quickly after a rain or snow storm. (Everyone in my area has this problem. We live on swamp land.) and so we quickly removed the paintings from the floors and put them onto tables. It didn’t look all that great after, and the look we created got completely destroyed. I was bummed.Then we did the basement. I quickly reserved one room for myself just to paint in. It felt amazing being warm, cozy and in my own space again. #thelittlethings Whenever collectors would come, they couldn’t see all the work at once, since it was all on tables and in piles. Again – NOT ideal. But it was what it was. I had to paint and sell where I was, to save up money to move onward. One day I was talking to my kids dentist and he popped the idea of looking for a space. Any industrial space. I called my realtor right when we walked out. And the rest is history! You can read all about that in the next blog post – stay tuned!

by Yaeli Vogel

How to create the work / life balance?

How do you create the work / life balance? True answer – you don’t. Whoever made up that term had a sense of humor, honestly. The word balance is trippy and can play with our minds. I say just dance! Or juggle with a”I” ;) In all seriousness, I heard Jay Shetty say in one of his videos, that you can juggle the balls, and if one has to fall, let it be the rubber ball, not the glass balls. Family and relationships are glass. Work is rubber. It will always bounce back. I’ve always understood this but when I heard it in this way, it solidified it! The people in our lives deserve us. As vibrant and present as possible. Not “ the answering each email as they come” version. As much as my heart wants to be in so many good things like school functions and distant family reunions, I’m very focused. I think and map out my priorities clearly and when they blur I go over them. They are: Family and painting. Of course other things get sprinkled into that, but those are the main pillars. There are only 24 hours in a day and I need to make sure that these two areas are getting “watered” every day. So, I’m very conscious of my decisions, knowing that what I focus my energy on will have a flip side. I’m home with my kids every day at 3:00. I don’t work past then. I resume working at 8 and work till the wee hours of the night if I need to. (I’m really not a night person, but I became a night owl) I prep their clothing and lunch before I go to bed, so that if I have a late morning, things are running smoothly. There are also things that are automated in my business making it easier for me to focus on what I need to focus on. For example: it was hard on my team to package the large canvases and so we them those out to get packaged. We also have a special label printer which took a load off. My hands are needed for painting so if there’s a way with technology to automate things, I’m in and always looking out for new ways to do so. And then, the best is when your work is so part of your life that it doesn’t feel like work or a juggle. I love what I do, and my family knows that and feel connected to it as well. My husband wants me to paint. He loves it too. And so, if it’s a Sunday afternoon and I juts have to get the idea out and run to do so, he gets it and pitches in. The kids love seeing the works and guessing what it is, telling me their thoughts and opinions. Sometimes a child will come into the room when I’m painting and I’ll set him up with some brushes and a canvas near me. It’s very much apart of their lives. It’s great for them to see work ethic and passion and to know that work is apart of life and it can be really really great. With all that being said – you heard my point of view. Now, ask them!

by Yaeli Vogel

My Artsy trip in the City

I live in one of the most saturated art communities of the world - New York. Its highly dense art society lives in NYC. I figured it was time to put on my sneakers and explore it all. I purposely say sneakers, since we were extremely bold and walked everywhere. (We - since I went with my husband. I will switch off from we and I - bear with me. ) I love walking. So you can follow my footsteps of ride on wheels. Whatever floats your boat ( no pun intended!) I'm writing it down for you - here goes: My number one rule wherever I go, is the hotel must be beautiful. So we researched and without even meaning to we booked such an artsy hotel - The Whitbey Hotel. I loved the look of it in the photos and the reviews were marvelous but when we got there there was SO much art all over! The hotel had each room decorated in a slightly different variation with fun wallpapers and tufted walls. We admired the custom double frames on some of the artworks and the interior design details. We hit the road and walked and stepped into a gallery off of fifth avenue and 57th street called The Cavalier Gallery and saw the most fascinating elephant made out of bullets by Frederico Uribe. It had this elegant feel to it and completely not grungy, even with its material. Absolutely incredible. We then headed towards the Guggenheim Museum. On the way we popped into the Met but it was about to close to we basically walked up those flights up stairs and then some more stairs and made our way back down. There was some amazing street dancers right outside and we stopped to catch their act and then continued on our walk. It was a pleasant walk, up fifth ave along central park. The Guggenheim is great. It's constructed in a circle architecture so it's easy to see the entire museum fairly quickly. I always like to start from the top and work my way down. I like to go to museums to refresh my eye, gain inspiration, learn some history and broaden my perspective. Right when we go to the top floor, I saw it. Or I didn't see it. I'll explain - I have poor far sighted vision, and while it's not significant enough to wear glasses full time, I can sometimes miss things that are far away. So when we got out of the elevator, I saw what I wanted to see. A black image with velvet on it, all over. I thought that was fantastic and wanted to incorporate it into my works somehow. When I got closer, I saw holes inside the black which I mistaken-ed for velvet. The rest was down from there, we strolled our way downwards, checked the gift shop and were out. Day two we decided to walk downtown to the lower east side and check out the Tenement Museum. The walk was long but fun. We stopped in random shops on the way and got to really learn the city streets. The museum was moving and very interesting to gain insight as to how those early New Yorkers lived. There wasn't that much art there but defiantly a place to check out. We then continued walking a bit north to the Soho neighborhood. We hopped into a gallery and asked them how to get to Soho. They told us we were in Soho:) There was art on the walls and a table in middle with silver handcrafted jewelry. I loved two of the bangles and love supporting artists and purchased two of them. We walked around a bit more and then headed for dinner. Day Three was the Whitney. I did't realize before going but I was museum d out! We started on the top and made our way down very quickly. My favorite painting was on the top floor with the very large abstract pieces. I actually forgot the artist but I have the picture so I'll show it to you, if I can post it here! We then went across the street to a fabulous gallery with works by artist: Nick Georgiou, who works with books. Yes, real books. He collects old books, paints the edges and uses them to construct his paintings. You have to see it to take it all in. It's so worth it. Then we walked up 10th ave and started making our way to the famed Chelsea galleries. The galleries started on 19th street and went all the way up to 28th. There were too many to name here, but it's a great place to explore. We went on a Thursday afternoon since they all open late on Thursdays. The inspiration was endless. I walked out of each door feeling like I had to make a quick sketch of what was on my mind or I would loose it. I didn't bring a sketch nook with me so the next best thing was my iPhone notes. It is currently exploding with ideas! I will literally stop typing right about...now so that I can get to work! Hope you enjoyed our Artsy tour. I encourage you to explore too. Whether you're an artist or art lover, there is so much endless inspiration out there and a beautiful aliveness that comes out of viewing some good ol art!

by Yaeli Vogel

New Gallery

Will you be painting at your new gallery? I’ve wondered why people keep asking me this question and then I thought about a different artist – would I care about where they were painting – for sure! So now I totally get and want to shed some light.I’ve always wanted a place where I’ve can see all of the paintings at once and have this grandiose effect. So when I looked for a space, I really wanted somewhere with WALLS to hang up artwork. I didn’t even think about working there as well. Then we found this space and it was really too goo to be true. It was exactly what I’d envisioned. Extra tall ceilings with WALLS. A M A Z I N G. So we took it. Then I began browsing and Pinterest to see how we could fix it up. Oh I didn’t mention- it was a storage place before and was very undone. Like completely raw. I gathered different art galleries that I’ve been to and picked and chose the elements I loved from them. I wanted something warm and fresh. I saw the work Island many times on Pinterest in fancy art studios and alike and knew that would be included. It just us to be. The place came out fabulous and the work Island was even more so! So even though, yes, the space primarily focuses on show casting the works, I also paint a lot by the Island – right now, actually working on a watercolor series while Sarah, my assistant, works on the computer. It’s a lot of fun Slowly, acrylic paints are making their way in, and eventually there will be an easel there too. I’m not moving my easel from my painting room in my basement since there is no way that I’m running out at 10:30 at night to the gallery to paint. There is nothing like painting in your pjs at home. Nothing.

by Yaeli Vogel

Showing my Painting Process

I’m not a very private person. Although I am. Can you relate to this? Like when you’re asked: “are you a morning person, or a night person?” Do you know for certain, or sway for a second and then say both or none;) - that’s me! I don’t like to be put into a box of I’m completely like this or that… I’ve always felt like an open book and that allows me to be present on social media. But I’ve noticed recently just how private I really am. And social media has highlighted that as well. There are lots of times where I just want to crawl behind the screen and not show lots of things. I’m asked a lot to show my process. So I do. But only when I’m in the mood to press play on the record button. It’s a very conscious action. I know there’s a video behind me. I can’t pretend that it isn’t there. I don’t mind being on video, and actually enjoy video! But when it comes to painting, it’s a whole different play. I feel it. And I don’t like it. Painting has become such an intimate experience between the canvas and myself, a place where mystery unfolds and where worlds are found. The camera is simply an intruder. It’s the elephant in the room. That’s what I’ve noticed. But I gotta give you something! I know that. You are my everything . So I I show the process. Bits and pieces. Here and there. Some golden nuggets. Preciously taped for you. Many times, it may be a small painting, where I consciously know that I am painting to record. I was feeling the pressure. Pressure to be one way. and pressure to show up. Coming to the realization that actually I don’t want to. I don’t want to show the whole process. I don’t want to give up my privacy. It’s ok to be private. . That feels freeing. Whatever you are, private or not so much, it’s all good..just be in touch with yourself, and you can be both. or none;)

by Yaeli Vogel

What Art Supplies Should You Buy?

I am by no means an art teacher or alike but based off of the many questions I’ve gotten over the past few years I’ve decided to help you out and put together an informative guide for the beginner / dabbler or the experimenter. You’re thinking to yourself, hmm…I’d love to get creative for a couple of hours, but I don’t even know where to begin. How do I start? What do I materials do I buy? There are SO many options! This is overwhelming…and then you put the idea away until it comes up again. Yes, I know…I’ve been there too. But it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. I’m here to help! I’ve put together a selection of products, for your convince, right here on amazon, so that you can browse and shop from the comfort of your own home and have the supplies by your door step in a flash. The art store is so much fun and a wonderful experience, but I would save that for the second or third art supply purchase. The first time I was at the art shop, I was like a little girl in a candy store and couldn’t get enough of it all. With each product passed, I would rationalize why it was super important to add it to my supply collection and just like that, my cart was overflowing with unnecessary goodness. By the time I left the store, I had well exceeded my budget. Art stores are dangerous. Take it from me and save yourself some cash. Once you have created and painted and know what you need, then go to the store with a list and try as hard as you can to stick to it. You must go, its too much fun not to go at least once. Or go with a partner and one of you will guide the other. It does make for a great date! For your first painting experience though, you have the leisure of the beautiful web. It’s amazing, so enjoy! I like to say less is more and especially when it comes to my supplies. The more supplies there are, the more potential for mess, clutter, set up and clean up. When I think about all of that, I already don’t want to begin. So, I eliminate as much stuff as I could. 1. The most important things you will need to have on hand are a cloth to wipe off your brushes and water to clean the brushes or use to thin out some paint as needed. 2. Then you will need a pallet to paint from. The larger the pallet, there easier it will be to get creative and have fun. When the pallet is small there is simply not enough room to mix paints and get messy. This part of the mess is defiantly encouraged and must happen😉 There are two ways to go about the pallet. The first way is to simply create your own! Grab any flat surface that isn’t being used, like the side of a grocery box or alike, and cut it off. The craft color isn’t ideal for a pallet and so you will have to turn the base part, white. You can do that by taking a few pieces of white paper and gluing it on. Then once that’s done, cover the surface with a few plastic Ziploc backs and tape them on. And WALA! There’s your pallet! With zero dollars spent and one that can be used repeatedly by gently replacing the plastic sheets as needed. The second option for a pallet is to purchase it from the store. How profound! You can browse through some options right here on amazon. Great, you have water, a cloth and a pallet, but you still can’t start. You need the real goods. Now you need a canvas or two, some brushes and paints. 3. The beginner dabbler does not need to invest resources into these supplies. There are many options for canvases but a simple one will do the trick. It can be stretched or on a board. A stretched canvas is one that lays onto of wooden bars and a canvas on a board is a canvas pasted onto a cardboard backing. I personally like to use the stretched canvas more. I find the strokes to be more enjoyable as I am painting, but that could be completely physiological, I’m not sure. The stretched canvas can have the edges painted, which opens the option for the finished masterpiece to be left unframed. The canvas board is great for the beginner. Its very thin and can be stored very easily. If you’d like to paint more than once and want to practice, I’d recommend buying a pack or two of canvas boards and just knocking it out. Here is the amazon link to great canvas options: 4. As for brushes, there’s a common myth that the pricer the brush the better it will paint. False! You’re hand does just that and the brush is simply a tool. I've used many, many brushes and the ones that I’ve splurged on didn’t do much of a better job then the others. Regular brushes will do just fine. But don’t go ahead and use your child’s paintbrush from his/her painting set. No no no. Those will not do! Those are very poor and are great for a young child. But any brush from a decent art store or brush pack should work just fine. The amount of brushes that you can use are practically endless! I like to keep the brushes per paint session to about three brushes. A thick one for backgrounds, and medium sized for subjects and a thinner one for details and signing. There can be another that’s in between the medium and thin. I like using flat ended brushes. You can do one flat and one round to experiment and discover what you enjoy more, or which works better for certain strokes that you’re going after. That’s the fun that you will get to have and enjoy. There are lots of ways to use brushes. I don’t like to limit myself to how each one is meant to properly be used. Just have fun with them and use them how you feel is getting you to your best flow. 5. Now, for the most exciting part! PAINT!! The number one question asked. Which company? How much? & What colors? Paints, like everything else artsy, can add up very quickly. The mature artist pays lots for the pigment and quality of the paint per oz with Companies like Golden, Sennelier, & Arteza. There is no need for you to do that. There are acrylic paints that work great that are not an investment. Getting the proper colors can seem endless since it’s a rainbow of colors at the art store. They have made it super easy for the beginner by creating paint sets with the perfect colors that you need to start with. Acrylic paint is the preferred way to begin since its fast drying and allows for more experimentation and mess ups, because then you can paint right on top of it! Here are a few paints sets that I’ve selected for you on amazon. And that’s the rundown! Enjoy your painting goods. Paint your heart out and be well. Ill be waiting for some pics, obviously! Message me on Instagram or send them via email. Happy Painting! Yaeli http://a.co/eZ4tYoM