| Greetings!
It's been too long and I'm so happy to reconnect with you. It's been a fun-filled summer with lots of art activities, travel, family, friends and too much news to include in one newsletter (though I think I've given it a pretty good try). Now we're heading into fall and there's lots more coming up - I hope you can join me.
Thank you to everyone who stopped by to see me at Spaghettini's during my Art Show and Reception. That was a day I'll always cherish and you're a part of those memories.
If you know me at all, you know that I am a big fan of chocolate, so you won't be surprised to learn that I found a chocolate festival that wants me to show my art! Yes, really. Come see me and do some chocolate and wine tasting while you're there.
There has also been a lot of photography in my life recently. I can never decide which I love more, painting or photography - so naturally I have to have both, sometimes at the same time. Since I have been doing so much photography lately, I decided to enter an International Photo Competition. One of the categories is the "people's choice" award - that's the one I want. That award would mean more to me that the big money for the grand prize. If you would be so kind, I could really use your vote - all the information is below. Thanks (in advance) for your support!
I'll be in touch next month with more news and events. If you have anything special happening, please let me know so I can share it on my new blog - and yes, I've completely changed the website (again). Please check it out for lots of new art, photography and news.
I hope to see you soon!
With warmest regards,
Bettie Grace Miner
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~ Orange County Chocolate Festival ~
Fri-Sat, November 5-6, 2010
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Bettie Grace Miner
is exhibiting wine art & more at the Orange County Chocolate Festival in Fountain Valley, California on
November 5-6, 2010.Chocolate makers, Wineries, Caterers, Artists and more will feature sumptuous chocolates, exquisite wines and fabulous gift ideas at the O.C. Chocolate Festival. So, if you enjoy the combination of Chocolate, Wine & Art and holiday gift shopping please join Bettie at the 2010 O.C. Chocolate Festival on Friday and Saturday, November 5-6, 2010. Also enjoy live music, chocolate fashion show, and an array of raffle items to bid on to help raise funds for the Fountain Valley Community Foundation and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Huntington Valley. Bettie has donated "Blush" - a piece of wine art valued at $1350 to the raffle.
Please come out and support this fun and tasty festival!
Orange County Chocolate Festival
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"One Life"
An International Photo Competition
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"Great Photography Tells a Story"
Though Bettie Grace Miner started her art career as a photographer, it seems to be a well kept secret that she is a photographer as well as a fine artist. So, to get the word out there, Bettie submitted a collection of photos - mostly jazz portraits - to the "One Life Photography Project" International Photo Competition. To win, Bettie needs your vote. Here's your chance to support the artist and vote for Bettie to win the "People's Choice" Award. Plus, you can check out photos including some of your favorite artists: Mindi Abair, Richard Smith, Nathan East, Dave Koz, Althea Rene, Brian Culbertson & more.
You can vote once every 24 hours, but the voting ends this weekend, so hurry! Please rate the collection "Five Stars" for the highest score (just click on the fifth star on the upper right) and keep coming back.
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"In the Studio"
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In the Studio with Dave Koz,
a note from Bettie:
"I have been very fortunate to have had the pleasure of photographing some truly amazing jazz artists. Recently, one of those artists, who I pestered for about 10 years, finally gave in and came to my loft/studio for his "closeup"... and we had a blast! The legendary Dave Koz's talent extends way beyond being a musician. I told him that "if this music thing doesn't work out, you could be a fantastic model." Of course we all know that it has worked out great - but Dave really could be a professional model if he had a mind to do that! Dave was amazing, fun, a little goofier than I ever knew (and I loved that about him), and very, very handsome. You will see the photos in magazines, his website and even on the cover of Dave's new "Put The Top Down" CD. Just a few of the (fun) photos are on the film strip to the right if you'd like to check out some shots from the session."
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| Spaghettini Grill & Jazz Club ~ Art Exhibit | 
On September 11, 2010, Spaghettini Italian Grill & Jazz Club unveiled a new permanent collection of art by Bettie Grace Miner. The open house and artist reception was a wonderful event with live music, free-flowing wine and champagne, gourmet treats and lots of friends gathering to check out the new art. The next time you're at Spaghettini's please be sure to walk around the entire restaurant and lounge to check out all the new art. All art is available for purchase. Appointments for a personal tour with Bettie can be arranged directly with the artist.
Thanks go out to Ambrose, photographer and great friend for the photo album: Spaghettini Art Show Photo Album |
In the Press - September 2010:
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 Dave Koz, a portrait by Bettie Grace Miner
"Uncorked" Magazine
The California Wine Club featured Dave Koz and his wines in the September issue of "Uncorked" Magazine. The sale of Koz Wines benefit The Starlight Children's Foundation. Bettie Grace Miner was commissioned by the CWC to create a fine art portrait for the magazine cover.
For your copy of the magazine, and for more information about the California Wine Club, please go to: California Wine Club
And for more about Dave and Koz Wines:Dave Koz
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 "Photography for The Music Industry
Not The Same Old Tune"
by Maria Piscopo for Shutterbug Magazine
Maria Piscopo is a Creative Services Consultant for Artists, Designers and Photographers. She writes articles for numerous creative magazines and featured Bettie Grace Miner in her "Photography For The Music Industry" article in Shutterbug Magazine, September 2010.
To read the entire article, you can download the PDF file:Shutterbug Magazine Or go to the Shutterbug website: ShutterBug
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All Images ©Bettie Grace Miner ~ All Rights Reserved
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Contact Bettie
|  | Bettie@MinerWorksofArt.com
213-891-9116
Miner Works of Art
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Pro Photo Tips
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Candid Portraits
Have you ever wondered how photographers get that "Wow, she really captured him/her" shot? The answer is that it's as easy as just letting the person be themselves.
Do's & Don'ts:
Do use whatever camera you have. Some of the best photos ever taken were done with non-pro cameras. So just use what you have to take the best shot you can.
Don't pose a person or try to get them to do something that isn't natural for them.
Do watch the person (subtly) and take the shot the second you see it, without hesitation, whether you or your subject is "ready" or not. Sometimes a little spontaneity is just what you need.
Don't, please for the love of all things good, don't "count to three" or say "smile" or some other form of coaching and warning the person that the shot is coming. They WILL tense up and give you a faked smile or expression.
Do have a good time and connect with your subject. That's when they'll let their guard down and give you that great shot!
Frank & Cindy
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In the Studio with Dave Koz
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| Today's Quote | "Whatever you are, be a good one.
Abraham Lincoln
1809-1865
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Wine and Jazz Magazine, September 2010
