February 30 in 30, Day # 11

30 paintings in 30 days.

Today is a commission piece.

I had a great time at the Nicholas Conservatory last night. We were painting orchids as a part of the In Full Bloom; The Orchid Exhibit. It was a great opportunity to tell people about the Rockford Art Guild and JR Finally Art.

Crab Apple BlossomsII

Alcohol Inks and Pen on Yupo Paper

11" x 14"

NFS

New friends, Jim and Vicki

Pam, The Guild President

Cristi

Beth and John, the Vice President.

February 30 in 30, Day #10

30 paintings in 30 days

In celebration of  In Full Bloom; The Orchid Exhibit at The Nicholas Conservatory, The Rockford Art Guild wild be hosting a  Make and Take this evening, 5:30 -7:30pm. Come on down and paint an orchid on Yupo paper with alcohol inks. It's free to everyone that has purchased a ticket for the exhibit. These are the sample orchids hopefully showing the many varieties and colors they come in.

Be sure to visit the Conservatory again next week as the Rockford Art Guild has a show of art February 14th - 25th.

Nicholas Orchids

Alcohol Inks and Pen on Yupo

The exhibit runs through March 11th. 

For More Info on the In Full Bloom- the Orchid Exhibit click here 

September 7,30 in 30

Day 7, 30 paintings in 30 days
 hosted by Leslie Saeta.

Today's piece comes from a project with the Rockford Art Guild. I have been a member of the guild for about 4 years. I joined shortly after I left my job to start painting daily. I thought I would need the socialization.

What I found was so much more. Our group of 50 members is an eclectic group of people of various mediums and ages. Not only did I meet some incredible people who I consider very good friends, but I learned a lot. That's the value of a guild, the sharing of experiences, the opportunities to try new things surrounded by people who are willing to guide you. Now that I have a bit of experience I hope that I can help others achieve their dreams.

The puzzle project, is a group project with hope as it's theme. There were about 30 pieces which were painted or drawn on by various guild members. There was some variety too; two people carved wood, one attached glass beads and one attached mosaic pieces. The pieces will be put together and given to the local cancer center.

I painted sunflowers on my piece. Big surprise? But I feel they are very cheerful and hopeful. and you know I love them.

Hope

5" x 7"

Alcohol Ink on Heavy Foam Core Board

Not for Sale

An Unforgettable Day

Yesterday was the end of two very busy weeks.
 It ended with Unforgettable Art - An Affair to Benefit the Alzheimer's Association. My neighbor at the event, fellow artist, Beth Wemmer stated that she was looking forward to my blog this morning. Okay, I have to admit it, I was surprised. You read my blog Beth? I felt honored and also a bit of pressure. Better blog today. So this is for everyone who actually reads my blog.... with a warm heart felt thank you. And I say that just because blogging is a strange world.  You write your thoughts and unless you get a comment or two it kinda feels like writing in a diary, like I did as a kid. " He looked over at my side of the room during social studies. I think he likes me. I hope he likes me. Oh gosh, why did I wear that sweater today? It's so old."

So, I think it's only fitting to start this post with Beth. 

This was her first year at Unforgettable and she flew through it like a pro.These are her birds done with oil pastels. It's important for the survival of the event to have newcomers. The new blood pumps in a lot of energy into the rooms. Beth was calm throughout the event and finished with time to spare.Very unlike how I approach the event. I get there as early as possible, work to the last minute and don't allow myself breaks for fear that I'll run out of time. In fact, I went to lunch too late and there wasn't anything left. Beth was the one who brought me some pizza in the late afternoon after I felt I couldn't afford the time to leave my table. Thanks Beth.









There are several artist who have been with Unforgettable since their beginning, 14 years ago. One such person is the Rockford Art Guild's own Treasurer, Chuck Gregory. They are the rock stars of the night and keep us all going.

 
When I taught a workshop in Addison earlier this year I was privileged to meet Tania Blanco, an incredible abstract artist. I wasn't aware that that so many artists come from far way and pay for hotel rooms and meals etc. just to be a part of this day. It's thrilling to meet these new artists and watch their pieces progress as the day becomes night.

Everyone wants to do their part in the fight against Alzheimer's but there's something very special about Unforgettable Art. I think there's one main factor that draws us all to it, the feeling of camaraderie. We're all in this together, trying to create something in 8 hours which will be good enough that others are willing to dig deep in their pockets and pay for. It doesn't always work out the way you may want it to but you know people are there who have your back - or your pizza.

   I haven't said a thing about the volunteers. Honestly, I know very little about what they have to go through to put on such an affair. I assume they're already planning for next year. They're like the older siblings in a large family - working endlessly and allowing the artists to take the spotlight, never requiring much attention themselves. Thank you to them all.



And let's not forget those people with the pockets. Let's not forget those who drive a long way, pay $60 all for a beer and a chance to say hello. The night would be nothing with out them. There are people who I only get to see at this event that I look forward to seeing each year.

My biggest supporters.

(Lauri, we're wearing the same necklace.Yours is a lot shinier than mine.)

This was one of my favorite students from RAS.

I didn't say much about my piece of the night. That's because I guess I'm so over it. I completed it - it sold for a decent amount and I'm already planning for next year. I feel so inspired by everyone else's work from the night that my head is whirling with ideas. What, I'm doing it again? Next year, I want something completely different. Someone remind me, I said no flowers in 2018! I've got a whole year to figure it out. Better get nervous now.... well maybe not.





So Beth. I hope this is what you hoping for. I just want you to know that you're obligated to comment now - just saying.

But sincerely, thanks to everyone who reads my blog. You make my day. I may not see comments but I see the numbers. I just don't know who you are always, but thanks just the same. Feel free to comment anytime - or not.

My Four Year Artiversary - All on April Fool's Day

I've been doing art in some form for most of my life, but over four years ago I made the decision to leave my job of..... how many years did I work there? 16? (It seems like a lifetime ago.)

There's a lot of misconceptions that I started out with. One is that if I had a web page the people who wanted my work would FIND ME and orders would begin to pour in. Another is that I would be alone in my studio day after day painting away. (My husband was worried that I'd be lonely - being a social person by nature.) Talent will get you wherever you want to go.... another misconception. Never underestimate the power of good marketing.

The truth was that I had entered a life filled with friends, challenges, learning opportunities and days much fuller than I ever dreamed of. All of a sudden I was learning computer programing, bookkeeping, marketing, to name a few of the challenges I would face.


I started out in my studio listening to pod casts of Artist Helping Artist with Leslie Saeta. Turns out, it was an excellent place to start. I knew nothing of marketing, social marketing or very much concerning the business end of art at all. I learned a lot in those 300 podcasts including how to run a biz page on Facebook, Instagram, u tube, Pinterest, pricing, commissions, art shows to name a few.

One of Leslie's suggestions was to join the local art group. I joined the Rockford Art Guild in February of 2014. They were preparing for Spring Art Scene - a city wide art party held two times a year. Getting involved in that show helped me get to know some of the members a bit better. I was hooked. I started going to the monthly board meetings. This gave me a closer look and better opportunities to learn more about the business. Most of all, it provided me with an incredible base of artist friends. Some of whom would become my mentors, advise me in marketing, teach me new techniques, ask me to show with them, paint with me, and on occasion, drink with me.

You can't embark on something like this without a lot of help from those close by. My husband, Mark was incredibly supportive through this whole process - as always. He encouraged to follow my dream, built my first booth for shows and went to every show hauling and setting up all my equipment.


Probably the most significant thing he would repeatedly say to me was,  
"This is not a sprint, it's a marathon." It's a great thing to remember whenever I feel things are not moving fast enough. Things take time. Don't give up.


When my daughter Samantha, a graphic artist, joined my team I began to have a more polished look.She helped me move from my old web page, that I loved but couldn't program to one that was intuitive. She became one of my roadies, along with my son, helping set up each show and staying for the duration, crocheting behind the scenes waiting in case I needed anything. My family and friends have purchased a lot of my work and scheduled private painting parties. They continue to do so and I'm grateful to them.

One of my favorite things about this profession is the roller coaster of good and bad days. One day you're incredibly talented, the next you're some schmuck artist wannabe. The highs boost your confidence and the lows push your creativity and motivate you to work harder. Both are necessary for success.

 

Four years later, I'm

 still chugging along. 

 Things have changed. I know there is nothing else I want to do other than my art business. I never feel as if I have enough time to paint - I'm working on it. I have a new booth. Classes and workshops as well as public speaking have been added to my venue. I'm taking classes at RVC to sharpen my business skills.  There's some great shows coming up. I'm looking forward to moving into the front half of my studio/gallery soon. (Thanks to Mark again, for building it for me.) I even may have some
exciting "news" in the very near future.

Best of all I know what I want to do today - paint. 

And it all started on an April Fool's Day. 

Turns out, it wasn't foolish at all.

30 in 30. September 2, Morning Orchids

Day 2

30 in 30 hosted by Leslie Saeta.

Each February the Rockford Art Guild 

hangs a show at the Nicholas Conservatory. 

It always coincides with their orchid show. I make sure I leave with a lot of new photos of possibilities to keep my soul warm during the winter months. Sometimes the quieter pictures take a while to get to. These orchids may not scream with vivid colors like some of the others but their simple elegance is undeniable.

Morning Orchids

Alcohol Ink and Pen

8" x 10"

$95

To Purchase Click Here

Let the Art Fairs Begin

It's May, so the outdoor art fair season begins along with these  events and classes.

This Thursday I will be teaching 
my first four week class at Womanspace. I'm thrilled, because for the first time I will be moving a group of people away from the first week of alcohol inks towards some more advanced techniques. I just need to list what those techniques are. It's an interesting thing putting into words what's in one's head. The first week of class we'll do the basics and then from there students will be working on their own works as I bring  a new idea to demonstrate. I can't wait to see what people come up with. I always learn so much from my students.

 Saturday is the first collaborative event between Soul Spa and Finally Art. We're meeting at the beautiful McEachran Homestead Winery. I'm so looking forward to it as I think it will be a delightful day. Wine and lunch with two wonderful programs. One looking inward towards our own desires and one looking outward into the world as we get our creative juices flowing.

There are still spaces 

available for Taste . 

Click here for more information and to enroll.






Memorial Day weekend will be my first outdoor art fair in St. Charles, Illinois. 
 I am looking forward to doing a show in my friend's hometown. What a beautiful town it is right along the Fox River. I still have many scenic views of St. Charles to get ready in alcohol inks. This show will make the first for my new mesh booth, Pro Panel desk and print holders. I love my old booth but the panels are so large and time consuming to put up. I'm hoping that this new booth will be easier and cooler during those hot summer afternoons. (Pictures to follow.)

For today, I have a dinner with friends to discuss a new show we're developing followed by an art guild meeting. Tonight, artist Tom Heflin will come to critique our artwork. It's always a great night but a bit nerve racking as Tom is always honest, kind, but honest.

What does your month look like?

RAG at the Nicholas Conservatory

Last Saturday was the Rockford Art Guild's

 show at the Nicholas Conservatory.

As luck would have it, they had a tree out of blushing bromeliads to sell as a fundraiser. 

My Blushing Bromeliads looked just right to the side of the display.

Nicholas has their Orchid show running at the same time.
I always love to go and load up on some inspiration for new art.

Off to the studio to do some work!

Day 16, January 30 in 30

Day 16, January 16th

30 in 30 hosted by Leslie Saeta.

This Saturday finds me back at Rockford Art Guild's Art Hors d'Oeurves Classes.
I taught a class on alcohol inks than took a pastel class. Again, I've done pastels before but I wanted to see how other people do them. The class was incredibly relaxing and even therapeutic.

Field of Tranquility

Pastels

These have been so much fun. here are some photos of my afternoon. What a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon .... with friends and art.

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