greta gonzalez

(current location: Buenos Aires, Argentina)

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creative happenings                               
 
FABAIC

I just attended one of the coolest conventions, the Face and Body Art International Convention (FABAIC) in Orlando over Memorial Day weekend.  In addition to the normal 4 days of convention classes and workshops, I took a pre-convention class with Jinny Make-up Artist.  She's phenomenal, and has the dream job of doing special event make-up for the Cirque du Soleil.  It was amazing to be around such talented artists.  Betweeen all the parties, classes and workshops, I was only able to squeeze 20 minutes poolside all week!
 
 
NEWS:

I won several awards at the convention, including first place in the "cheek art" competition, intermediate division.  It was so nerve-racking, but a great challenge.  I'm so honored to have won!  I also recieved 4th place in two other categories.

 

 

NEW SERVICES

At the convention, I picked up a few new tricks.  I now offer henna, belly painting and body painting. 
 
Henna:
This is a wonder age-old art and tradition in many cultures.  I have received nothing but positive feedback from those who celebrate henna in their culture.  After I practiced on my feet at the convention, I have had the opportunity to make casual conversation with people from Madagascar, India and Afghanistan after they noticed my henna designs.  I did henna at a baby shower, here in suburbia, and over 25 women waited for their chance to get a design.  This party was so much fun, and I have a slew of new photos for my henna book.  Thanks, ladies!
 
Belly Painting:
It took me a little while to get a grasp on the concept, but after thinking about it, I asked a good friend of mine if she would be my guinea pig.  She has the lovely belly now on my website.  This could be a really fun thing to do before a baby shower, to put up a big photograph of the belly painting.  Her husband is showing the belly pictures to anyone who will look, only later wondering how appropriate it might have been!  They have a beautiful baby boy now, CONGRATS!  It was really a blast to paint, and I can't help but notice all the nice bellies I see around these days.  How did I never notice these beautiful canvases before?  I'm working to develop a package with a studio photographer for professional shots, so stay tuned for more!
 
Body Painting:
I had little interest in body painting before the conference, but on the last night, I had a wonderful opportunity to paint a Roman soldier upper torso and loved it.  It is a much more intense project than face painting.  There is so much canvas to cover, but my model was ever so patient, and I promptly ordered a body brush to give me an edge on the next painting.  My goal is to do a corporate commercial or event with this type of work.  Live painting at a convention or a logo painted on a body that blends into the wall behind them.  Talking with Rodrigo Piedra really helped me to see the marketing aspect of body art.  He is a Costa Rican body artist with some big clients and lots of passion for his business.
  
WEBSITE UPDATE

I'm in the process of updating the website, adding photos and starting an email campaign that will help keep my calendar full of painting opportunities right through the cold winter.  Google and word of mouth are my best friends right now!  Thanks for all the referrals!
 

 

 

     * * *     LOOK  FOR  GRETA'S  ARTWORK  ON  TELEVISION!!     * * *    

 

Greta was selected to paint 2 "superfans" for the local FOX Channel My20

The commercial, highlighting the channel's coverage of the great Washington Nationals baseball games, will run often throughout the spring and summer!  Take a look at some of the fun photos from the set:

 

 

The set for Fox 5 News was in the same studio, so we took some nice photos...

...this last photo with the green screen is the actual shot for the commercial.  What fun!