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A Webinar Series from the American Impressionist Society 

FREE FOR ALL CURRENT AIS MEMBERS!

Honest conversations about the realities of being a working artist.

There are endless resources available for painting techniques — but far fewer spaces to talk honestly about the day-to-day realities of an artistic life. As if we “only” had to paint!

Fresh Impressions is a monthly webinar series created for artists who want practical conversations about navigating a creative career: juried shows, travel, studio organization, social media, community, AI tools, and everything in between.

Hosted by Board Secretary Chris Rapa AIS and Julie Davis AIS, each session features candid discussion, guest artists and experts, audience Q&A, and actionable takeaways designed to support artists at every stage of their journey.  

GOAL: To create a space where artists feel comfortable asking the questions they think they should already know the answers to.

This is not about how to paint. It’s about how to BE a practicing artist.

When: Third Thursdays

Time: 1:00 PM Eastern / 10:00 AM Pacific

Where: On Zoom. Link will be sent to registered members on the  Wednesday before the session. 

FIRST SESSION:   Thursday, May 21   

Traveling, Painting, and Traveling to Paint

Guest presenter is Jill Banks AIS

Retreats, workshops, residencies, plein air events, and painting on the road. Learn how to choose the right experience, travel lighter, and avoid packing like a refugee.  . 

WHAT TO EXPECT

* Monthly live webinars

* Guest artists and field experts

* Interactive Q&A

* Curated member questions

* Follow-up resources after each session including a link to watch later.

A Webinar Series from the American Impressionist Society 

FREE FOR ALL CURRENT AIS MEMBERS!

Honest conversations about the realities of being a working artist.

There are endless resources available for painting techniques — but far fewer spaces to talk honestly about the day-to-day realities of an artistic life. As if we “only” had to paint!

Fresh Impressions is a monthly webinar series created fo r artists who want practical conversations about navigating a creative career: juried shows, travel, studio organization, social media, community, AI tools, and everything in between.

Hosted by Board Secretary Chris Rapa AIS and Julie Davis AIS, each session features candid discussion, guest artists and experts, audience Q&A, and actionable takeaways designed to support artists at every stage of their journey.  

GOAL: To create a space where artists feel comfortable asking the questions they think they should already know the answers to.

This is not about how to paint. It’s about how to BE a practicing artist.

When: Third Thursdays

Time: 1:00 PM Eastern / 10:00 AM Pacific

Where: On Zoom. Link will be sent to registered members on Tuesday before the session. 

June 18 

Succeeding in Juried Shows

Guest Artist: Debra Joy Groesser AIS

Strategies for entering shows with intention: selecting the right work, presenting a cohesive body of art, and dealing with the inevitable rejection that comes with the process. Thick skin, humor, and support from fellow artists go a long way. Ben& Jerry’s may also help.

WHAT TO EXPECT

* Monthly live webinars

* Guest artists and field experts

* Interactive Q&A

* Curated member questions

* Follow-up resources after each session including a link to watch later.

A Webinar Series from the American Impressionist Society 

FREE FOR ALL CURRENT AIS MEMBERS!

Honest conversations about the realities of being a working artist.

There are endless resources available for painting techniques — but far fewer spaces to talk honestly about the day-to-day realities of an artistic life. As if we “only” had to paint!

July 16   Studio Design, Storage & Workflow

Creating a studio space that supports both your art and your business — regardless of square footage. Organization systems, storage solutions, lighting, workflow, and keeping the pthalo blue on the canvas and off the dog.

Fresh Impressions is a monthly webinar series created fo r artists who want practical conversations about navigating a creative career: juried shows, travel, studio organization, social media, community, AI tools, and everything in between.

Hosted by Board Secretary Chris Rapa AIS and Julie Davis AIS, each session features candid discussion, guest artists and experts, audience Q&A, and actionable takeaways designed to support artists at every stage of their journey.  

GOAL: To create a space where artists feel comfortable asking the questions they think they should already know the answers to.

This is not about how to paint. It’s about how to BE a practicing artist.

When: Third Thursdays

Time: 1:00 PM Eastern / 10:00 AM Pacific

Where: On Zoom. Link will be sent to registered members on Tuesday before the session. 

WHAT TO EXPECT

* Monthly live webinars

* Guest artists and field experts

* Interactive Q&A

* Curated member questions

* Follow-up resources after each session including a link to watch later.

A Webinar Series from the American Impressionist Society 

FREE FOR ALL CURRENT AIS MEMBERS!

Honest conversations about the realities of being a working artist.

There are endless resources available for painting techniques — but far fewer spaces to talk honestly about the day-to-day realities of an artistic life. As if we “only” had to paint!

Social Media for Artists - August 20

We love it. We hate it. We probably can’t ignore it. Building an authentic online presence without sacrificing studio time. Selling through social media, understanding current trends, reels, newsletters, and whether artists now need to become indie filmmakers to stay visible.

Fresh Impressions is a monthly webinar series created fo r artists who want practical conversations about navigating a creative career: juried shows, travel, studio organization, social media, community, AI tools, and everything in between.

Hosted by Board Secretary Chris Rapa AIS and Julie Davis AIS, each session features candid discussion, guest artists and experts, audience Q&A, and actionable takeaways designed to support artists at every stage of their journey.  

GOAL: To create a space where artists feel comfortable asking the questions they think they should already know the answers to.

This is not about how to paint. It’s about how to BE a practicing artist.

When: Third Thursdays

Time: 1:00 PM Eastern / 10:00 AM Pacific

Where: On Zoom. Link will be sent to registered members on Tuesday before the session. 

WHAT TO EXPECT

* Monthly live webinars

* Guest artists and field experts

* Interactive Q&A

* Curated member questions

* Follow-up resources after each session including a link to watch later.

AIS Welcome Party for Members to celebrate the National Exhibition!

Mingle with your AIS artist friends and make some new friends.

Location: TBA in Bend, Oregon

As part of our AIS Member benefits we invite you to enjoy light bites and wine, beer and beverages courtesy of American Art Collector magazine. 

Open to all AIS members and one guest per member.  You MUST register if you plan to attend so we can get an accurate catering count.

Instructor and Awards Judge Calvin Liang

Learn from AIS Master Calvin Liang as he teaches a one day workshop. Time will be spent working on a single studio painting based on photos you take on location. Calvin will begin a slideshow to show how he uses the photo as a reference for the painting followed by a demo. Calvin will spend the remaining time with each student throughout the rest of the day. You may bring a laptop/tablet or color prints of your reference photos.

The lessons will include:

1. How to plan a composition that will be effective for the artist’s intentions

and references

2. How to better see and use warm and cool color in landscape

3. How to command hardness and softness of the edges to create space in a

painting

4. How to simplify the subject matter throught the use of basic design, value,

color and drawing skills

5. How to consider the reasons for different paint surface textures, and

brushstroke direction over the forms

6. How to get the best possible results in a short time.

Download supplies list

If AIS cancels, students are given a full refund.  AIS will offer a partial refund of 80% of fee if students need to cancel up to August 20, after August 21, no refunds. 

AIS will present a  two hour painting demonstration with AIS Signature Member Barbara Jaenicke. 

Meet at the Residence Inn of Bend, Oregon.

500 SW Bond St, Bend, OR 97702

A Webinar Series from the American Impressionist Society 

FREE FOR ALL CURRENT AIS MEMBERS!

Honest conversations about the realities of being a working artist.

There are endless resources available for painting techniques — but far fewer spaces to talk honestly about the day-to-day realities of an artistic life. As if we “only” had to paint!

Community - September 17

The importance of artistic community and professional support. Working with a coach or mentor, forming critique groups, planning strategically with trusted peers, sharing studio space, and participating in artists co-ops. 

artist co-ops.

Fresh Impressions is a monthly webinar series created fo r artists who want practical conversations about navigating a creative career: juried shows, travel, studio organization, social media, community, AI tools, and everything in between.

Hosted by Board Secretary Chris Rapa AIS and Julie Davis AIS, each session features candid discussion, guest artists and experts, audience Q&A, and actionable takeaways designed to support artists at every stage of their journey.  

GOAL: To create a space where artists feel comfortable asking the questions they think they should already know the answers to.

This is not about how to paint. It’s about how to BE a practicing artist.

When: Third Thursdays

Time: 1:00 PM Eastern / 10:00 AM Pacific

Where: On Zoom. Link will be sent to registered members on Tuesday before the session. 

WHAT TO EXPECT

* Monthly live webinars

* Guest artists and field experts

* Interactive Q&A

* Curated member questions

* Follow-up resources after each session including a link to watch later.

A Webinar Series from the American Impressionist Society 

FREE FOR ALL CURRENT AIS MEMBERS!

Honest conversations about the realities of being a working artist.

There are endless resources available for painting techniques — but far fewer spaces to talk honestly about the day-to-day realities of an artistic life. As if we “only” had to paint!

AI as a Professional Tool for Creatives - October 15

Understanding what AI actually can — and can’t — do for working artists. Practical uses for writing artist statements, marketing, planning, organization, and administrative tasks. Competition rules, ethical considerations, and using AI to work smarter, not harder. No, it can’t replace actual brush miles.

Fresh Impressions is a monthly webinar series created fo r artists who want practical conversations about navigating a creative career: juried shows, travel, studio organization, social media, community, AI tools, and everything in between.

Hosted by Board Secretary Chris Rapa AIS and Julie Davis AIS, each session features candid discussion, guest artists and experts, audience Q&A, and actionable takeaways designed to support artists at every stage of their journey.  

GOAL: To create a space where artists feel comfortable asking the questions they think they should already know the answers to.

This is not about how to paint. It’s about how to BE a practicing artist.

When: Third Thursdays

Time: 1:00 PM Eastern / 10:00 AM Pacific

Where: On Zoom. Link will be sent to registered members on Tuesday before the session. 

WHAT TO EXPECT

* Monthly live webinars

* Guest artists and field experts

* Interactive Q&A

* Curated member questions

* Follow-up resources after each session including a link to watch later.