New Gallery

"Funny Papers" 10"x10" Oil

Hello everyone, I just got back from taking my youngest son (11) trick or treating. I fear this will be his last year. Our state park hosted Halloween, people set up their campers and decorated them with every scary thing you can imagine, it was an all day event with music, bingo and hay rides. My oldest was scaring people silly as a zombie on the spook trail. They are growing up too fast. Anyway, hey, good news, I am now a part of a new gallery in Sapulpa, OK. called the Waterstreet Art Gallery. I have a link posted so you can check it out. They have a real talented group of artists showing there and I am honored to be invited into their warm and friendly space. For those who are local, you should pop in and visit, we will be having a miniature show and sale with great gift ideas for the holidays.

"A New Direction"

Christy Reclined" Oil 15"x24"

For a long time now I have wanted to do more figurative work, I used to drive to Tulsa on Thursday evening's to attend life drawing. I loved it, but it's at night 45 miles away and ok, I did it for years, but boy, it gets tough. So I hired a model to come to me. I may be a little tentative in this piece but I am pleased with it. What do you think? I welcome your coments.

"Eeny Meeny Miney Mo"

I have no idea if the spelling is right, and maybe I should have chosen a different title but, I like it so I'll keep it. This is one of two painting going to Howard/Mandville Gallery in Kirkland Washington. I was invited to participate after the Oil Painters of America show was held there. They liked my "presents" and thought they would fit in well with their holiday small works show. I'll post the other one in my next post. Painting these presents has become addictive, I look for paper everywhere. I've even had gift stores wrap some empty boxes for me because they do such a beautiful job. I have found a website called www.agiftwrappedlife.com that sells the most beautiful gift wrapping sets as well as gifts perfect for any woman. While you are there check out their blog, it gives tips on how to wrap, what's hot and lots of great ideas.

8 Routines To build Your Art Business

As a wife and mother of two sons and a full time artist my life is full indeed. I do have the luxury of working from my home and I consider myself a small business with one employee, me. That means I wear lots of hats. The artist in me wants to be in the studio always, but the practical side of me knows that there is so much more to do than just paint. Being organised is not a bad thing, most successful artists I know are savvy business people and having routines actually frees the mind to be able to be more creative.
1. Set a schedule with regular studio and office hours.
2.Start your week out right, I usually go to my studio for a little while every Sunday to straighten up, declutter, and think about what I will begin on in the morning.
3.The "To Do List" also on Sunday. Ex. order supplies, photograph art, calls to make. I get great satisfaction crossing them off, knowing I am advancing my business. I keep my list in a notebook and what I don't get done on last weeks list moves on to this weeks list.
4.Clean up at day's end. Walk into your studio ready to paint. What a drag to have to clean dry brushes and paint when you want to start painting.
5.Don't forget marketing! Write a newsletter,update mailing lists, post to your blog.
6. research galleries, artists, shows of interest, and magazines. Keep current.
7. Keep a file cabinet. Soooo helpful. I have files for forms, ex. inventory and model release, receipts, sales info, newsletter ideas, files of paintings location, etc.
8. Review your goals and see what steps you need to take to further them along and write them on your list.
There is so much to think about and rember, but having a set routine can keep us on track and focused for success.