Every Journey Starts with a First Step

ART-Ambitious?

One of my fave plein air paintings from last summer, 5x7

Planning makes me happy. Planning for an art trip and workshop makes me happy and a little anxious. Soon I embark on a week long art/work trip to Texas. As I start to think of all that I have to do to prepare for this trip, I also start to worry. What have I done, why did I sign myself up for this?

I would be thrilled if every master artist and workshop was within driving distance of my house (Oh Amazing Fantasy!). Reality is that I will have to travel if I want to study with my 'Aspire To' artists.

Initially, I had thought that the stars aligned so that I could participate in both a Paint Out AND then an art workshop (both about 900 miles from my house). I checked the dates and the Paint Out is a Weds/Thurs followed by the Workshop Fri through Sun. The paint out and workshop are 90 miles apart so there will be a bit of driving, but same state and good proximity to one another. As all of the events are 900 miles away, I will be flying--with my art supplies.

Now, as I start to go through logistics, I am thinking that I was a bit art ambitious. Did I take on too much? I am passionate about art and I love being with other artists. I am doing this because I think that both experiences will be beneficial to me but a part of me worries that I will be away from home too long. So why am I doing it? I am doing this because it is an art opportunity and I can do it.

I talked to my husband about my worry that perhaps I was too art ambitious. My calm and thoughtful husband said, "You enjoy socializing with other artists." He continued by saying, "Many believe that art is solitary, but you thrive around other artists"--and he is right. It is always good to have another perspective.

At the very least, I am taking that first step in the journey---making that effort and showing up. I have found that meeting and interacting with other artists is a wonderful way to grow. What have you been meaning and wanting to do as an artist? I encourage you to sign up, plan it and take that first step toward your journey.

An Uphill Battle - The Business of Art

Artist: That's My Job

What do you do for work? I'm an Artist.

My work is incredibly important to me. The other day, as I was painting in the studio with art friends, one artist asked what I did for work. "This this is what I do, I am an artist," I replied. I was, I confess, a little flummoxed and incredulous, how could an artist not understand? I am a Full-Time Professional Artist--that is my job. If an artist cannot understand my work/job how can I get others to understand?

What is my work?

Daily: painting/organizing/planning, sketching, reading art blogs or art books (trying to learn/to see to glean information from other artists), organizing my studio, washing brushes, and more. Painting could be starting a new studio painting or trying to finish a painting started from a model session. I have a large stack of unfinished paintings just waiting for me, these do take time to finish especially since finishing means often using a photo reference.
Weekly/Monthly: maintaining a studio, ordering art supplies, cataloging paintings, catalog/organizing photo references, maintaining a website and blog, entering local and national art shows, framing art, monthly art critique, promoting art business via Instagram & Social Media posts.
Yearly: Workshops, Conferences, museum visits, goal planning, show preparation, 1 time per year leading art critique discussions. I paint 75 portraits a year and about 50 plein air paintings, that is a ton of canvas and paint and a large volume of work!

Art is my business. My professional website is where I show and sell my work. My blog is where I talk about my work and art process. Images get uploaded to Instagram. Business cards and resumes are for networking and business purposes.

I relentlessly pursue self improvement to become a better artist. Acquiring art knowledge is never ending. Every year I take classes and workshops and paint 'from life' (3 days a week). I have mastered my color palette and know quite a bit about composition and design, proportions, Alla Prima portrait painting, figure painting, anatomy and plein air painting...In my mind, it is still not enough, there is more to learn. I have mastered painting trees and water reflections but still I struggle with sky-holes (those bits of sky that show through trees), paths, flowers, structures, cityscapes, hands. Truly there is so much to learn and absorb!

"You are Lucky to be an Artist" many have said to me. It's true, I love being an artist, but it is also hard and sometimes frustrating as there are show rejections (be strong) and things I haven't yet learned or mastered (painting urban landscapes). I dare and encourage you to take an art class --not only for your soul but also for a glimpse of how much there is to learn. 

Ultimately, I am serious and dedicated to my job. I'd love to hear how you've overcome art obstacles to be taken seriously in your art work and business... please share in comments below. 

Thank you,