I belong to several online artist communities, one is WetCanvas. Two years ago I looked for a home that would offer me an atmosphere of learning, provide resources and knowledge, and to share my art for critique. I wanted an organization that was broad in art mediums, with extensive knowledge of technique and style, and basically anything you wanted to know about art. Tall order? Not really, WetCanvas offers nearly all of this and more. I also found an online community with members from around the world offering various levels of artist talent. I found such a place in WetCanvas and couldn’t be happier – the site has allowed me to explore and grow as an artist in ways I never thought possible.
A quick introduction. WetCanvas has a member base of 390,000 all with a common goal to improve and broaden their artist skills, and to socialize with artists around the world. The site has forum and knowledge sections dedicated to a variety of topics:
- Art mediums: oils, watercolor, pastel, oil pastels, acrylic, graphite/charcoal
- Styles of art: contemporary, drawing/sketching, etc
- Subjects: marine, landscapes, floral, southwestern
- Forums that pertain directly to the world of art: art history, the business of art, design, color theory, etc.
- A reference image library with over 3 million images for exclusive online use by its members.
It’s free to join, so if you’re looking for a place to hang your artistic hat with other folks of like-mind, check out WetCanvas – through the following link: http://www.wetcanvas.com
Unbeknown to me, I was nominated and approved to become a Guide for members of the oil pastels and Marine forum sections of WetCanvas. They formally asked me over the weekend if I would help Moderators of each of these forums, a little surprised by the request, but accepted because it’s been a real blessing for me.
My art wouldn’t be where it is today without the level of available information, guidance and support by many incredible artists. Going forward each week I plan to introduce areas of the website to readers of my blog.
Now, it’s back to painting! Don’t hesitate to let me know if you have any questions.
Oil Pastels by Mary 
congratulations! you’ll do a great job, and i suspect it will demand a lot of your time! isn’t it great to have so many interests and to squeeze the most from each day?!!!
at some time i’ll take a look at wet canvas; presently i’m in quito – still on the road and won’t be home until early july.
the new hat will look good on you! have fun!
z
Yes, being a volunteer guide can eat up a lot of time if I’m not careful. So I’m watching the time and giving myself so I save time for blog and other online communities, and most important my painting.
Wetcanvas is an incredible online art community – takes a while to get used to how much is there and how to get around, but for me has been worth my time as an artist.
So, thank you so much Lisa – I appreciate your Congrats and good wishes.
Congratulations, Mary! Obviously well deserved!
Thanks so much!!
Great to know Mary! You are masterful with your oil pastels. I’m sure you help many improve their work.
Hi Elena, thank you for your good wishes – much appreciated.
That’s wonderful! I think you will be terrific in that role. Congratulations!
Thanks so much Cyndi! All roles at WetCanvas are filled by Volunteers – it’s amazing to me how many of these folks have regular jobs, are full-time artists, Mothers, Fathers, etc. so I’m very proud to become a Volunteer with such a great group of people. I hope I’ll be able to add value to artists seeking information and can keep up the pace along side these other folks.
Congratulations, Mary, what an honor, and a grand idea to post info about wetcanvas.com. I’ve not registered there, but have, from search results, always found info there that was helpful.
Yes, and it was a total surprise. Scott I think you would love the community of artists, especially the landscape forum – they are a wonderful group. It’s free to join and the benefits that you’ll receive are of tremendous value. Hope to see you there as a regular.
P.S. Thank you for your gracious congrats!
Congratulations! You deserve it!
Hi Mamie, thank you so much – I appreciate your kind comment!
Congratulations! You definitely deserve that honor!
Thank you! That’s very kind of you ~