Motivation To Finish

Motivation To Finish

Finish is my word for 2018!!!

I started upgrading and redoing my website,

www.paintingwithacrylics101.com

late last year and I had hoped to have it completed by now.

It's not finished yet,

but it's very close.

I write a Motivation Monday blog post almost every Monday,

and you might think it's for you,

But really - it's for me!

I struggle with tech stuff and I put off doing this project

because it is so difficult for me.

So my Motivation Mondays are my effort to keep me going on the project and 

FINISH!!!

I really wanted to add a membership site to my website.

So what's a membership site you ask?

It's sort of like a gym membership.

You pay by the month and every single month you receive new classes to teach you how to paint.

The Painter Nation Members Club will be available in May

 (I hope)

Things are going well!

I'm nearly done!

I am so excited, because 20 years ago when I was first learning how to paint, I would have hopped all over something like this that could have shortened my learning curve and got me up and painting much quicker.

If that's something you're interested in, 

stay tuned for more information tomorrow about what you can expect in the Painter Nation Members Club.

You're gonna love it!!!

This short little video is just a tiny sample of the types of things that you will find in the Painter Nation Members Club in addition to two new classes each month.

I sent out a very short survey last month to my email list.

If you didn't receive that email 

I'm attaching a link to the survey here.

Click HERE to take my short survey.

It will help me know what you would like to learn in the future.

And since this is an art blog,

I thought I'd better throw some art on here.

The Kentucky Derby is quickly approaching and this area of the country is going into overdrive about horses,

I thought I'd show this painting.

This is the front of the Kentucky Derby Museum

at Churchill Downs.

This original painting is on a 6" x 6" canvas panel and
 is set in a wooden shadow box frame.

It can sit as is or hang on a wall.

First Saturday in May

Special Price

$50 + $10 shipping.

Thanks for stopping by today
and have a great day
and FINISH something.

Give It A REST!

You've thought it!

You've said it!

Enough already.

Give It A REST!!!

 I'm not talking about the current
 political craziness,
although it wouldn't hurt to "Give It A Rest",
but I'm talking about your and my life.
 

I don't know what your schedule looks like,

But mine is usually work, work, work,

Monday - Friday

and often on Saturday as well.

My husband is a worker.

He has few hobbies,

he works.

Work has always been our life.

But, throughout our lives of raising 4 kids,
working our jobs,
working our farm,
our church responsibilities,
and giving time to our few outside interests,
like painting,

We have always taken a rest, once a week.

Sunday, to us, is a day of rest.
A much needed day of rest.
It's a day for church and family,
and a day to rest.
Very little TV, little if any internet,
not running around.

A chance to refresh,
rejuevanate,
recoup,
re-vitalize,
REST!

On Monday, I am always amazed at how much better I feel.
I am ready to hit it again.
To paint,
to blog,
to clean,
to work.

I think we all need a chance to walk away from the stresses of life and to rest.
Even the earth rests during the winter months
as things go dormant and rests.
Then in the spring,
beautiful things happen.

When you make bread, 
it rests after its been kneaded.
Then it grows like crazy into beautiful delicious bread.

It's not a dirty lazy slacker word.

It doesn't matter how or when you get your rest.
There are lots of ways to accomplish this important need.

If you're on the computer a lot,
go old school and read a real physical book or magazine.  
Block out some time to take a nap.
Cook your own food.
Go for a walk.

Whatever it looks like for you,
know you will feel better and ready to accomplish more
after your rest.  

Give it a try.

Currently I'm working on adding a new class to my online art school.  Click HERE to see my classes.
 There's even a free one on there.    

Hope you didn't pass up that pop up box to subscribe to my blog.  Why you ask?  Because that's how you enter to win a painting I give away every month.
If you received this in your email, you're all good.
You're already entered.

You can always scroll back to the top right hand side and put your email address in that box that says,
Subscribe to my blog.

Have a wonderful week!

 

  

Your Creativity is Screaming to Get Out.

Unleash Your Creativity

You are creative!

LET IT OUT!

I truly believe everyone is creative.

Everyone has talent.

I encourage you to let your creativity work for you in improving:

your home,

your work place,

your life.

How can you do that?

1. Don't be afraid to create something.  No matter if it's a great meal, try a new skill, decide on a new hobby, try quilting, gardening, crafting, jewelry making, knitting, crocheting, painting, etc.
2. Follow your heart.  If you have an idea of something you want to create or learn, start today and move in that direction.  Create for you even if you don't get great positive response in the beginning.  
3. Perfect your process.  As you find the thing you want to learn or create, work on it.  Study it.  Practice. Practice. Practice some more.   
4.  Share it! That can be a really scary part.  It makes you vulnerable.  It puts you out there.  But sharing it, when you're ready, is important for your growth.  You don't need to be a closet creative person.  I think when people come to the gallery to take a class, one of the scariest parts is the first few minutes of the class when they think they can't do it and they were foolish to try.  Another scary moment is when I either take a short video during the process or take the group photo at the end.  But, people enjoy seeing your success.  They want you to have success and so do I. 
5. Enjoy YOUR success!  So what is your success?  To most people, creative success is learning something and then being able to do it all by yourself without a teacher standing right over your shoulder coaching you along.  I took a workshop several years ago from Dreama Tolle Perry in Carmel, IN.  I adore her work, but as soon as I got there, I started having doubts if I could paint in her loose colorful beautiful style.  I looked at everyone around me and was sure they were all better than me.  Well, I am more of a realistic painter so it didn't come naturally for me, but during the three days of the workshop, I worked and painted three or four small paintings.  When I came home I decided to paint one again to see if I could do it on my own. I named it Balcony Victory, because to me it was a victory that I could do it without her standing right next to me guiding every stroke.   

The painting at the beginning of this post is "Balcony Victory".  And it represents a victory to me.

 

Every artist, every creative has victories all along their journey.

Don't cheat yourself out of yours. 
 

Are You A Calander Girl?

Carrollton, KY Calendars

You can get your own calendar of paintings I did

during the September 30 paintings in 30 days.

My theme was, "Scenes From My Front Door"

so every page features a different painting of something seen in Carroll County, KY.

They are wall calendars with a spiral binding.

These make great gifts for those whoever lived in Carrollton, KY or if you love that small town feel and look.

They are $20 + $5 shipping

and are in a very limited quantity.

 

 

A Fist Full of Reasons to Go to a Gallery Opening.

What is a gallery opening and why should I go?

Aren't galleries always open?

A gallery opening is a way of saying, "Hey we have new art you might want to see!"

A gallery opening is a festive affair where usually the featured artist is there, dressed  in something other than their paint splattered clothes.

A gallery opening is a chance to meet the artist or artists and find out about them and how and why they create what they create.  You will learn about their process.  You will learn about what inspires them.  You will some really cool stuff.  Maybe you'll be inspired to create your own art.

A gallery opening is a chance to get dressed up (nothing formal) and go out for the evening.

A gallery opening usually has food.  Yum! Who doesn't like food?

A gallery usually has an opening when they have a new artist or a competition, or a new show, or if the artists have changed out their work and everything is different from the last time you were in.

A gallery opening is usually free, at least in Carrollton, KY and it is a fun change of pace from the Friday night football game, shopping at the mall, or sitting home in your jammies.

You don't have to stay long.  Come in, walk around, look at the art, talk to the artist, have a bite to eat.  Now that doesn't sound too painful does it?

We will be having openings the first Friday of every month from 4-8 p.m. so pencil us onto your calendar.  It will usually be a featured artist of the month, but we could branch out into a theme show or something else wild and crazy.  

I usually give something away.  Who doesn't like free stuff?  No free original art for you?  OK, don't put your name in the hat.  

Sometimes I have a pretty good sale on certain items.  Not sayin for sure, but you'll want to check out the prices on all the paintings I did as demonstrations during classes.

So there, now you have a fist full of reasons to come to our gallery opening tonight.  As if seeing 30 paintings in 30 days wasn't enough of a reason.  

See you tonight.

449 Main St.

Carrollton, KY  41008

4-8 p.m.

30 in 30 wrap up

30 in 30 Wrap Up

and what I learned.

This is not all 30, but I couldn't get all 30 on one. 

You have to be smarter than the template or program and I obviously am not.

Anyway, I learned a lot from this challenge.  One of the things was perspective finally started to come together during the challenge.  One of my favorites is the motorcycle because of the buildings in the background.  All of a sudden how to get the perspective correct came to me, after much study, practice and observation.  Then I did the city scape and after several failed drawings I realized where my error was and was able to correct it and paint that painting.  The boat brought it's own form of perspective issues, which I began to understand and was able to see clearly how to paint it.  I had a breakthrough while painting the bright red and yellow carnations and daisies.  The carnations and all its ruffles had always escaped me, and then after studying the actual flower I again saw how I could do it.  

Learning how to see is huge to an artist and I learned this more during this challenge than ever before.  I still have so much to learn about observing and seeing, but I feel like I opened a door to know how to do it and know what I'm seeing.

Thanks so much for following along during the challenge.  If you have a favorite I would love to know what it is. Just leave it in the comments. 

All the paintings will be on display during the month of October with an opening reception, Friday, Oct 3, 4-8 p.m.  If you're in the area, please stop by for food, friends fun and art.

You're the best. 

Day 9 - Deck Decco

Day 9 - Decking the Deck

The deck off the back of River Run Gallery faces the Ohio river.

It's a small deck, but it's fun to paint out there, when I get the chance.

I have these beautiful flowers left from Mary Ebert's artist of the month opening

and I have had a great time painting them and the new-to-me vases

I recently purchased at a local auction.

8" x 8" acrylic on a panel

$95 + $6 shipping

Tomorrow I will be 1/3 of the way through the 30 paintings in 30 days challenge.

WoooooHooooo!

Flying without a Net

Flying without a Net

Creating art is normally a solitary pursuit.

You work alone for most of the time, sometimes days at a time.

Some people equate it to flying without a net.  

You know what you like,

the colors you like,

the subject you like,

BUT

and that's a pretty big but,

you don't know how your art will be received.

There are no focus groups,

no marketing surveys,

no product analysis

for art.

It is made because the artist has to make it, draw it, paint it, sculpt it, whatever it,

it has to be made.

Having said all that, sometimes you get some validation 

and it feels SO GOOD!

I went to Art in the Garden in Augusta, KY this past weekend

and I had a wonderful time.

 

This framed 10" x 8" acrylic found a forever home.

Here's a link to my facebook page to show Mary with her new hydrangea table.

These are two of the three paintings I did of Augusta scenery.

 

Walls of art.

 

The two paintings in the matts are two acrylic paintings I did on canvas paper.

I matted them and I love the colors in them.

 

 

Forever Pink was painted from a set up I did.

This is a vase I've had for 30-40 years and I love it.

We raise all these flowers.

 

Walls from a distance.  

Talking to lots of people about my art is validating in itself, even if no one else liked it.

But, when you hear great comments it is so good for your artistic soul.

Thank you to everyone who stopped and talked with me.

Thank you Barb Pask for coming the two hours to Augusta, KY.  It was so great to see you.

I'm sorry I missed you Missy and I hope you feel better soon.

I try to have a lot of variety in types and prices of art,

and I did sell 8 of my painted roof slate shingles. 

Art in the Garden has lots of great music, a variety of artists,

and a tremendously beautiful setting.

Artist of the Month Display at Gallery 104, LaGrange, KY

If you didn't make it out, 

here's a little peek at what I displayed.

Thanks Gallery 104 for giving me the honor of artist of the month.

I sure appreciate a reason to throw a party.

Sold 2 paintings on the wall, the smallest framed painting on the wall and the one top left.  

Also sold one out of the basket on the left, plus lots of note cards.

These were the display shelves in the show room.  

I sold two of these also.

Summer Scent,

I gave this painting away and Heather Toombs was the winner.

I took some of my garden stones and sold 2 or 3 of them.

This was a display of my entries in the KY state fair and a basket of 8 x 10 and 5 x 7 unframed paintings.

I forgot to take pics of the food, which was delish, thanks to my daughter Kari, the chef.

I also gave the painting on the right away and one of our missionaries, Elder Lowe won this.

He was so tickled.

I think everyone had a good time.  

I did and I thank everyone for coming.

We had a great crowd of friends and family

and sometimes I can't who is what.

If you went, please post what you liked the best.

Thanks

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Gallery Rotation

These three Water Lilies are now in Gallery 104

LaGrange, KY.

I painted them to hang horizontally and they can be purchased separately

for $100 each or $275 for all 3.

Plus $10 shipping for 1 or 2 or $20 for all 3.

Water Lilies #2

These are each 12: x 12" gallery wraps and painting continues around all edges.

Water Lilies #3

These were a lot of fun to paint.

Balcony Victory

is a 12" x 12" gallery wrap canvas.

I took a class and did one like this, only in a 6"x6".

When I got home I had to try it again without a great teacher like Dreama Tolle Perry standing behind me.

I really like the style and the colors of this painting.

$150 + $20 shipping.

Lilacs

is a 5"x7" framed acrylic of

what else,

Lilacs.

I have them in my yard and they are beautiful.

$50 + $10 shipping

Sweetness

speaks for itself.

This was so fun to paint, I've painted it in this 12"x12" and a 6"x6".

This one is the 12"x12" gallery wrap and all sides are painted.

$150 + $20 shipping.

All of these paintings are currently at Gallery 104 in LaGrange, KY.

Please contact me if interested in any of them to check on availability.

Thanks for stopping by.

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Balcony Victory

Yesterday I entered my basement studio with only one thought in mind.

Give the balcony painting from Dreama Tolle Perry's workshop another go.

I work in acrylics and I already had a pallet of paint going, so I worked in my normal paint.

It was so interesting how it just sort of flew off my brush.

This is a 12 x 12 gallery wrapped canvas and the painting goes around all four edges. 

I was very pleased with the final result.

What do you all think?

$150 + $20 shipping

Currently in Gallery 104 

LaGrange, KY

Contact me if interested.

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Learning Curves Ahead

First Attempt

This was the first painting we did at the Dreama Tolle Perry Workshop.

It's hard learning to loosen yourself up,

but it was a lot of fun learning.

These two paintings are from day two.

The red awning one is the one we were supposed to do

and the green one I did because it reminded me of my flower shop

in Augusta, KY.

Thought my kids would get a kick out of it.

This is my musical easels painting.  

We each got our own paintings started,

then when the music quit 

we moved to another easel to work on someone elses painting

and someone moved to our easel to work on ours.

We only had a few minutes to work on each painting

so it really freed you up to see what needed to be done,

and do it.

This was my free style painting.

We were each supposed to bring some photos to work on in our free time.

I took the photo for this painting at Stream Cliff Herb Farm several years ago.

This is a 6 x 6 and I'm going to keep working on it in different sizes until I'm really happy with it.

Again, I wasn't too happy with it until I got the pathway pretty chunky and added a different color to the sky.

Neither of which took more than a few minutes to do.

Amazing what a few strokes can do!

None of these are for sale.

But,

as I get better,

there will be some at a future time.

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Dreama little dream

Dreama Tolle Perry Workshop

Carmel, IN

February 27-29, 2012

Learned so much and had so much fun.

Met some incredibly talented women.

Loved the Renaissance Gallery

and the town of Carmel, IN is fabulous.

These are the paintings from the first day.

Mine is still too tight, but it was so fun learning how another person paints 

and trying to go there.

Don't know if I ever will,

but the journey is so fun.

These were our paintings the second day.  

I did two that day.

The second one has a green awning and I painted it to look like my flower shop I owned in Augusta, KY.

Petal Pusher Flowers

These are our musical easels paintings.

This was a really fun exercise where we started our own paintings,

but then 8-10 people actually painted and finished the paintings.

That was the funnest exercise I've ever done.

They are all beautiful paintings even though they had many authors.

I'll post my own paintings later.

I tweaked them once I got home and caught my breath.

I really like them all.

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