Editor's Desk

By Scott Burkett, Editor-in-Chief, Head Art-o-Maniac, WetCanvas!

February 25, 1999

One of the most rewarding aspects of running a quality, value-added site is that I get to read all of the feedback and "letters to the editor" sent in to us from our visitors. Aside from the occasional troubled person who thinks that any web site of this quality must be in cahoots with the government in some sort of bizarre, underground conspiracy, most of our feedback participants have been thrilled with the level of quality and content offered here at WetCanvas. Before I get into some of the current happenings and things to come, I'd like to take a moment to share some of the more interesting and refreshing comments with the rest of our viewers (names removed, of course).

You are an answer to a prayer. I am a Georgia (USA) based artist living in a rural area with few local artists to share with. This site, as well as Art School on Line, is a life line for me.

Marvelous, Magnificent, what a joy to find such a quality online magazine. I am so pleased to have found "wetcanvas", it has brought much enjoyment for me, and a world of art information for a l2 year old living in a rural area of SD with NO art education available through the school system. This youngster has talent, having won a FIRST with a flying wood duck in his first attempt at a JR duck stamp competition. Please continue your wonderful efforts!

My note of appreciation for what you and Roger do. It is a wonderful service you both perform. Thank you.

I was so excited to find Wetcanvas. It has so much information, I can't stop reading. I did not find a place to pay a fee and I will be happy to, It would be money well spent.

I've enjoyed your site very much since I found it a few weeks ago. I just loved your article and pix of Soho. I wish I could go there myself, but reading your article was the next best thing! I've recommended your site to a few other artists and gallery owners I know on the Oregon coast.

I have had a look at your site and I think it is fantastic- comprehensive, and highly useful (something which online resources aren't always). It amazes me that no matter how long I spend researching the subject of art online, there will always be sites I haven't found yet, with new ones springing up all the time. Resources like yours are rare, in fact I haven't seen any similar really.

Great job, I'm a beginner in oils and really enjoyed this, you made it very understandable, thanks for taking the time to help.

Thank you for an incredible Web Page. This is so exciting to be able to have access to lessons, etc. What a wonderful service. P.Roger Elliott is just fantastic.

Folks, I can't begin to tell you how thrilled we are to be involved in an endeavor such as WetCanvas! It's one thing to provide a quality site full of useful information. It's another thing entirely to truly enrich someone's life. From all of us here at WetCanvas!, thank you so much for your support, contributions, and encouragement.

So, what's happening at WetCanvas!? A Lot!

By now, you've surely seen the teaser on the home page regarding ArtStock '99. Unfortunately, we still have handcuffs on with this one. However, I can tell you this. It will be the largest "How-To" art convention that the world has seen. Oh, and did I mention that admission is free? Again, look for more details soon.

Some of our more tenured visitors will no doubt notice that we've changed our interface significantly. We feel that this change only serves to increase the pleasure of the viewing experience, especially those folks who are using low resolution systems, or Web-TV. Please let us know if you run into any troubles with this new system.

We are now moving to revamp certain areas of the site that have gone virtually untouched over the past few months. Due to the tremendous influx of new content in the area of tips, tutorials, and art lessons, we unfortunately ran into resource and time issues in trying to maintain the level of quality we prefer in some of the other areas of the site. The first phase will concentrate on the link library. Be sure to check out our automatic form system for adding new individual artists to the library. Look for this system to expand significantly in the coming weeks.

On a final note, the WetCanvas! online store will be opening its doors soon. This section will allow you to support our cause by purchasing official WetCanvas! goodies, such as logo'd painter's aprons, artists' caps, tee shirts, tote bags, and other sundries. In keeping with the rules of good net commerce, the store will be a secure system, with online purchase capability.

Well, that's about it for now. Until next time, keep those submissions coming, keep your carpet covered with a .79 cent drop cloth, and happy painting!

Cheers.