Texas Gold

I should remember titles and sizes. Really I should. But I don't. Know why? Because they don't matter past the sale of a painting. Weird, eh? 

A few years ago I noticed that paintings have had different names depending on where they were being sold, or when.  These were old school impressionist masters's works and the title wasn't set in stone, just kind of fudged from auction to auction.  

At first the realization that the names change from sale to sale took some of the pressure off of finding that perfect title, but then it turned into me not remembering most titles. Haha! Oh well. 

Anyhoo- this was a very different piece for me. South Texas oil country felt barren and bland compared to the Hill Country.

I ended up falling in love with the rust and the oddly gently swishing clicks and groans of the working pump jacks. It's very peaceful out there. 

I have yet to visit the area at night, or dusk. But looking forward to it!

Burning the midnight oil.

Midnight Oil

Uh... I can't remember the size. Smallish. 10x20 I think. 

Here's a little piece I started a while back. I liked the composition but it just wasn't working. The folks at the gallery gave me a great tip- have fun with it and turn it into a night painting! 

I did have fun! I even used one of the boys's toy tractors as a model for the one in the painting. Heehee! 

The greatest part of painting is letting go of the outcome. If it works, great. If not, great. The "failed" paintings give us a chance to try something new and different. And possibly break through a few mental blocks along the way. 

Every once in a while the results surprise us. 

How to un-crap a crapped out painting

How fun is that?!?!? Oh ya, baby, I'm talking demolition and instantaneous regrowth. My father-in-law came up with the title "The Lazarus Tree." Very fitting, I think, because it ties in beautifully with my first painting of this particular homestead which was titled "Recovering Oaks" and it's a bit of a giggler for anyone who knows about this painting's progress. 

It's Way Back Wednesday in Saraland so here is the first painting of this scene:

Recovering Oaks

24"x36"? (I can't remember...)

2010

My, how work does change. 

Artistic growth on top of different time of year and time of day make for some noticible differences. 

The oaks on the foreground of that 2010 painting were hit hard by oak wilt but had new growth- meaning they were not quite dead yet, just mostly dead. And apparently had already had a visit from Miracle Max (not to be confused with Miracle Mike) and were on their way to full recovery. Hence the title. 

I love live oaks. They blow raspberries at statistics and laugh in the face of death. 

Usually. 

Looks like the tree in the 2014 reference photo of this place is pretty much dead. Not just mostly dead like the oaks that recovered, but all the way dead like this year's firewood. 

It didn't occur to me to bring the tree back to life until those shriveled, scraggly branches made my Think Tank gag. 

The first time I finished this painting the whole thing was off. The stone building looked like a funky addition on the wood barn, and the weight of both threw the entire composition off. 

And then there were those bland, dead branches jutting out of nowhere. 

It's really no wonder I got a negative on this piece from the hubster, the first-grader, the toddler, AND the gallery. 

I cannot even begin to describe how gloriously fun it was to alter this painting! Take the expectations and need to succeed out of the equation and all of a sudden Joy jumps out with bells on her toes, a funny hat, and a "Ta-daaaaaa! did you miss me?" 

Yes. 

Yes, I did. 

I made up the tree and got the lighting figured while sitting at Soren's football practice. We are so lucky to live where we do! How many people get to stare at gorgeous bits of nature while parked next to the school's practice field? 

Something I didn't realize until today- the new owners of this property seem to have removed some fence that was around the barn. It was in both of my older pieces but only a teensy bit was left for this one. Interesting to see how things change. 

Here's a slightly cleaner image, but still not super fancy because it was taken with my phone:

The Lazarus Tree

36"x48"

2014

I like it. 

Peace out, homeskillet! 

I'm going to bed. 

Work In Progress

One of my favorite subjects. This time I took my reference photo first thing in the morning and I am loving it! Still need to make some adjustments on that sliver of light shooting across the grasses, but all in all, I like the basic structure. I have had to practice getting out of my own way on this one..... a lot!

Started getting frustrated with it last night because it wasn't going as fast as I wanted. Had to take a break and clear out the bad ju-ju. Haha! There always seems to be that point in a painting where everything looks like a jumbled mess and it feels like no progress is being made. Just got to keep going with the full intention of making some collector somewhere unvelievably happy with their newest painting. (Wink wink!) 

For really and truly, it's right on track and will be finished by Friday. I am hoping to get this one into the gallery before the October First Friday Art Walk. We will see!

I have no idea what I am painting next. Need to get on that!

Ms Sonia asks (round two)

Here's the finished piece from last time

Sauer-Beckmann Barn

15x30

Now down to business, because Ms Sonia asked:

"Where do I start?"

Good question. 

You start by creating. If you are a painter, then paint. Writer? Write. You get the picture. It is way too easy to get caught up in all the "busy work." Social media marketing, fluffing up your website, drawing up new business cards… all have their purposes, but the important thing is the art. The rest of that stuff can wait. 

So forget everything else and obsess over your work. (Heck ya! Right!?!) From what i hear, galleries and collectors want to see consistency. Find your niche and run with it. Always look for ways to improve your current work and know that your next piece will be better than the one you just finished. That's a good thing! 

I avoid Facebook and twitter like the plague because they are total and utter time wasters- but blogging is a different animal altogether…. or it can be. 

About five years ago (I think) I started this blog to keep track of my personal/artistic growth. I was in a very dark place and needed some direction. I loved flipping through the daily painters's posts and seeing the progress they made over a six month (plus or minus) period. Progress is always good. Back then, I made a point to post frequent pics so I could go back later and see what worked and what didn't and possibly pinpoint where things went south. (Thats a habit I should really work myself back into) Often times, I would be able to see things I needed to change in the photo that I had overlooked while staring at the painting in front of me.  

Knowing my online painting journal (this blog) was out there held me accountable. I HAD to paint as often as possible because I had to post a pic about what I had been doing. Motivation comes in all sorts of packages. 

And since you came to this blog and asked these questions on one of my posts, I know that you will get this- every time we advance personally, and we share what we have learned, we contribute to another person's well being. How awesome is that!?! I'm not saying that blogging about how lusciuos a particular brush stroke was today will end world hunger or anything, I am saying that every time we grow and we share our learning, others benefit because they can learn from our processes. We are all learners learning from the learned's learned  Haha! The great thing about a blog is that you aren't shoving your learning down some poor sod's throat- Its way easier to navigate to another page in the event of overwhelming boredom than to walk away from Aunt Mildred while she's in the middle of sharing every minute detail with you regarding doily construction. (Don't get me wrong, I love doilies. And tea cups. Old fashioned, delicate little tea cups that have long lost their set..... I digress.)

Back to the questions!

"How do I find places to show my work?"

Look for galleries that show work in a style like yours. If you do abstract sculpture, don't waste your time on a gallery who shows only paintings in traditional realism. I'm really big on paying attention to the vibe of a place. So if you find yourself in a sweet gallery where your paintings would fit right in, look and listen. Do you click with the salespeople? Do you like the atmosphere? I have noticed that the folks at Whistle Pik (I'll use them as an example because they rock) always have wonderful things to say about their artists. They are helpful and kind to every person that walks through their door, even those who obviously can't afford to buy (speaking from personal experience, here). 

That's what you look for in a gallery. A good heart! 

I didn't start in a gallery, so here is another option. Many many moons ago, my aunt suggested I give Etsy a try, and am so glad I did! I sold my work for next to nothing, but my confidence grew with each painting that flew out the door. Pieces were going all over the world. That was soooo exciting! I love Etsy because it caters to a rather eclectic group, and you can play with advertising, learn a bit on how to price your work, and really get a feel for what sells and what doesn't. Some folks like to go the Ebay route.. not my flavor, but hey- to each their own!

"To pay or not to pay...." that is the next question.

My personal opinion, pay only if its a percentage and the gallery works for that percentage. Which is really the norm. Some galleries charge an artist for wall space and then take a percentage of the sales as well. Places like that are taking advantage of artists, in my opinion. But if that's what it takes to get you rolling, then its a good thing! No experience is really a bad thing because we always benefit from it in some way or another.  

I do think it is important to have someone represent you, take care of the marketing and sales, keep track of, and keep up with collectors. Anything that frees the artist up to create is worth the money. 

If your spouse is a savvy business person whose main interest is promoting and selling your work, then you have a sweet deal going! 

Some folks sell a lot of work on their websites. (If you need a website, I use and highly recommend Fine Art Studios Online. Their customer service is amazing and their websites are affordable and easy to work with, even for the technologically impaired... like me) 

Personally, I like leaving the business end to the gallery. I like being able to paint, turn the painting in, and get a check when it sells. Lower stress levels keep the creative juices flowing. (I'll give that one two snaps in a circle!)

Aaaaaand getting back on track again..... you really need to know and trust your gallery/s. These are the people that are either talking you up to every possible buyer, or they are tucking your work on a shelf somewhere and have already forgotten your name. Building a relationship with your gallery is easy and fun if your personality meshes well with those of the gallery personnel. How do you build said relationship? Go to their openings even when they are showcasing someone else's work, show up for the art walks, pop in for a howdy-do when you have a chance, enjoy your time with those amazing people. They are worth it. 

Oh! Remember that trust goes both ways. 

Brian Grimm told me a while back to always remain loyal to your gallery/s. If a buyer comes to you wanting a piece, make sure any sales go through your gallery. Or if you have multiples, direct the buyer to the gallery that introduced them to your work. Galleries work hard to promote and sell your creations/name, so make sure they get their cut and it'll be a win/win situation. You can be the Wonder Twins- your powers combined will make you INVINCIBLE!!!!! ok, maybe not invincible, but it feels that way. 

Their time is valuable, show your appreciation with your loyalty and top it off with lots and lots of gratitude!

Some people like to try to go around the gallery and buy directly from the artist thinking they will get a better deal. Some artists are into that and sell their work online or on the side for less than their gallery's prices because the thought of a quick buck is very alluring. All that does is hurt the artist in the long run. Why should the gallery spend their money to promote an artist in that sort of situation? I wouldn't.  

A good gallery can MAKE your career. Treat them well. 

Finite!!!!! Summing up: the more you create, the more you grow, the more you grow, the higher your quality of work becomes. When the quality of your work is good enough, you WILL be picked up by a good gallery... Unless you are hiding in a closet somewhere or have some seriously self destructive patterns that don't allow you to advance. (Been there, done that, never again, thank you very much!) Life is way more fun when you allow yourself to be who you are and enjoy your being-ness. 

So go paint. Draw. Sculpt. Garden. Chase a cow.... Whatever floats your boat. 

Enjoy the creative process :)

Oh!!!!! And aim high. As Neale Donald Walsch put it in today's daily devotional: 

"Dreams are the container of the Soul...

So dream big, yes, because the bigger you dream

the more of God you let in!" 

Ms Sonia asks: "How do I stay motivated when my hands are full?"

(Disclaimer!!!!! ---these are my personal experiences, opinions, and ramblings. You may or may not find them utterly useless. Either way, its all good.)

 

How do I stay motivated with a young child?

Boy oh boy, is that ever a tough question!
My answer:
"I dunno."   

I'm kidding! …sort of
About a month ago I would have answered that question with a lot of tears, a high-pitched maniacal laugh, and a big fat "YOU DONT!!!!!" 
But then hubby suggested we find a sitter we know and trust to take our highly energetic bundles of joy and entertain them for a few hours/days a week. Right now I am only utilizing one day a week but that one day makes all the difference in the world for me. I'm still not back to my productivity norm, but I'm getting there.
Progress is always good!

Little ones are a lot of work. And work (which includes art) is a lot of work. Being a wife, a cook, a boo-boo fixer, a personal assistant, a soccer mom, a scorpion killer, a maid, and every other bit that gets wrapped up into that SAHM (Stay At Home Mom) job title can really take a toll on your energy levels. It has taken me two children and almost seven years to finally catch on to this one most important universal super spectacular Truth…. are you ready for this?…. here it is:

You HAVE to take care of yourself.


There is a lot of fear and guilt wrapped up in parenthood (I'm not a good mom if I don't do this or that or if I let my children watch cartoons or eat hot dogs, yadda yadda yadda), but the truth is that our children are better off if we mommies are at our best.

We are better mothers, wives, friends, and artists when we are on the top of our game. That does not happen when we are physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually drained, dried-up, shriveled little husks of the spectacular human beings we once were. Its an easy trap to fall into. We just have to find our way around all the personal and societal expectations of who we should be and what we should be able to accomplish. All too often I think I am supposed to give everything I have without taking the time to refuel. Then I find myself standing on a box in the yard, screaming to the universe "I CAN'T DO IT ALL!!!!!!"
The Universe already knows that. So does my husband (poor guy, haha!). But that's OK, it's therapy.

So here it is.  Take some time to hang with the girls every once in a while. Meditate. (Some form of daily meditation/prayer will benefit you, your art, and everyone around you, so I highly highly HIGHLY recommend taking it up if you haven't already). Pass baby off to dad and go to a movie or read a good book in a bubble bath with a glass of wine, go for a run, make a gluten-free raw vegan cashew cacao cheesecake then eat the whole thing by yourself…  ahem… or whatever helps you feel rejuvenated. Creativity requires energy. Sometimes that means exercise, sometimes that means a nap. That's on you.

Many women have caught on to the realities of "everything goes in cycles." Our monthly visit from Aunt Flo (sorry guys) is a prime example. Christiane Northrup, M.D. mentioned in one of her books (sorry, you'll have to find the reference on your own because I can't remember right now) that our creativity levels often ebb and flow with our menstrual cycle. Wild, eh? But I get it. I can almost pinpoint when I will have creative bursts so I try very hard not to freak out when I am in a slump. If that sounds like you, start paying attention to your own internal creativity clock and have everything set and ready to go for an artistic explosion when the time is ripe (but don't sit and wait for it). Better yet, have everything set and ready to go ALL the time so you can work at a second's notice. Even if you only have time for two brushstrokes, GREAT! That would be two more than you would have done if your projects and supplies were stuffed in the hall closet. My studio is still in the planning part of construction so I am currently working from home (when a SAHM morphs into WAHM). I carved a little space out of the kitchen/dining area and keep my supplies out and a canvas on the easel at all times. I would probably make one painting a year if I had to put everything away after every painting session.  I also have an inspiration book. I cut images of paintings I like from magazines and glue them in a book. Flipping through those pages or looking through books about William Merritt Chase or Edgar Payne or any other of my faves get my creative juices flowing faster than a shopping spree in an art supply store!

You really just have to find what works best for you.
If you are like me, you'll have to keep an open mind and allow yourself and your schedules to flex… a LOT!  -And use whatever you have available to keep the kiddos occupied.
Example: This morning I got about three hours of painting in (fist pump and can I get a woop-woop?) not consecutive, but pretty close. There were diaper breaks, snack breaks, cuddle breaks for kid and dog, and several puppy-has-to-go-outside-to-take-care-of-business breaks, but I got a lot done. I sketched the painting in yesterday and got it mostly mapped out in paint this morning. Tom and Jerry were in full force and Ruff (the puppy) supplied some good distraction for my little pant-less tractor wrangling' cowboy. I also have an Ikea children's easel set up in my work space. I covered the chalkboard side with chalk and gave Rowdy (my almost 2-yr-old) a container of water and some paint brushes. He paints often. When the water dries, the chalk is still there, just pushed around a bit. I haven't had to re-chalk the board yet. Woohoo!
Soren (age 6) has Legos, costumes, books, a good sized video library, and six fancy storage boxes filled with art and craft supplies to turn to for self guided entertainment. For itty bitty ones, I suggested investing in a nice baby carrier- Ergo classic is my own personal fave.  Painting with a papoose can be tricky at times, but hey- you gotta do what you gotta do.

Last but not least…… and this is so important that it's in bold type:

Motivation and inspiration are not something to wait around for.
You HAVE to make time for and demand an audience with your Muse. That means paint even if you don't feel like it. Draw when you can't paint. Take reference photos or look at art when you can't draw. Make yourself work even if it means you have to pull yourself off the floor after a full-on toddler-style "i don't want to" temper tantrum. There will be plenty of times when everything feels like an end-of-the-world struggle. But if you push through it, all that work will bring you to periods where the entire process flows without effort, when the painting paints itself into your best work yet and the experience is like a spiritual awakening that has you floating on cloud nine for what feels like an eternity.
Aaaaand then you find yourself in another struggle to mix paint and can't seem to get that green juuuuuust right. Frustrations and outside obligations set in and there's that whole cycle thing again.

Remember that struggle equals growth.
Think about those fabulous milestones our babies go through, and we are always proud of, and we celebrate and brag to everyone who will listen about our genius baby's progress.

Knowledge is like a stack, or pyramid, of children's building blocks. You can always tell when a baby has reached another milestone because they sort of backslide a little. Actions/movements are a bit clumsier than usual and baby is more frequently frustrated. (Check out the Wonder Weeks if you get a chance. They have a handy-dandy app for the mommies of young-uns out there)
When he hits a new milestone, Baby has, in a sense, added a new block of learning to his tower of knowledge and knocked the whole thing down in the process. Talk about frustrating! Now he has to put everything back in place. But once everything is back where it belongs and the new learning is assimilated, baby gets to experience that glorious feeling of accomplishment and things are easier for a while. Then another block is added to the structure, everything is knocked over, and the cycle begins again.
That, to me, is exactly like the creative learning cycle.

So. Next time you find yourself in an artistic slump, look for the cause. If you are feeling run down, take time for yourself. You'll thank you later.
If you are waiting for the urge to hit, force yourself to draw, paint, or whatever your form of creativity is. Just remember- it's all about the process. We are constantly growing, learning, changing, just like our little ones who will soon be independent little dare devils fighting bad guys in the back yard for hours at a time. 
It gets easier.
And I will promise you that- if you promise to remind me of the same thing next time I'm at my wit's end and about to implode. Hahaha!

Happy painting!


Here's what is on my easel:

WIP

12"x24"

I don't like the angle of the roof on the right side, so that will change, and there are some more dark spaces to block in, but I am happy with the progress so far.