Last year, I had a lot of things going artwise and booking things. This year, with so much art in the house that didn't sell last year, I am trying to get my online "ducks in a row". I did have a website that I cancelled and they said they couldn't give me a prorated refund (Artspan) and had to stick it out until the end of the year. On their information page they gave rates for monthly and annual fees, but when I was signed up it only had the annual. I was upset when they wouldn't prorate my cancellation (even with taking out fees) so when they asked if I would be back, I said "no!". Why would I want to be back if that is their service. I had to let them know I was cancelling again when June came up because I didn't want them charging my charge card again for the year and domain name. I had chosen Artspan to have my things on because they had a gallery and people could order prints right from my webpage. I didn't sell anything in 6 months and didn't have time or a place to promote myself so I figured it wasn't worth it. Not sure if it is my fault - if there was more I should have/could have done or not.
My next forray into trying to sell my art was to sign up for DailyPaintworks.com. You can put your art on there with a monthly fee of about $12-13/month. They do have auctions so your work gets seen and you have a gallery page. I signed up at the beginning of the year and have posted paintings and prints. I have only sold 1 ACEO for $5 - so I am reconsidering my choice. I know they have other things and contests that I haven't explored as well as perhaps liking and commenting on other artists work. I am still on the fence on this one.
Ebay/Etsy - I have been on there mostly to sell vintage items - paper dolls, sheet music, other misc. I did put some prints and paintings on and have sold a couple. I have a couple of larger paintings on Etsy but have only sold one and that was several years ago. Sometimes they do not get any looks for a long time or ever so I do not know if they are even getting seen. Both have been slow,slow, slow this year. Summer is usually my big selling time next to Christmas but it has been crickets. I did set up a separate Ebay store for Postcards, Prints and Paintings. I have had a little action there and most of my small prints and painting and ACEO's are on there.
Bonanza - they have an importer so my things on Ebay are on there - sometimes in duplicate. I haven't sold but one thing so I put them on vacation. With Ebay some advice is that you change something in the title or about the price or description to get it to hopefully look fresh and pop up somewhere. Every time I do that, it goes on Bonanza with the new listing without getting rid of the old one, so I spend a lot of time editing and looking for duplicates. now they have where you can pay a tiered membership to get more advertising and exposure. Not sure if I want to do that yet.
The next thing I am looking at is Orangenius. Still looking, not signed up yet. I also am considering POD. I did Truegether and did the Ebay download, but haven't had time to look it over much yet.
The thing is, I think there is something I am missing. When I watch these art promote videos, they talk about a mailing list - which I do not have. They talk about doing it on Facebook - which I am nervous about. I am on a Facebook Page that talks about how big copyright infringement is right now. I hate to have my creativity stolen and others make money off of it. There is talk about SEO. Google ads, Promoted listings. They talk about the POD sites where your designs might be stolen off of.
So, as an artist, what am I to do?
Outside sales and fairs - I go alone. It would be setting up a tent alone - if I had a tent. Not sure if my car would hold everything in one trip. If I get overheated I get sick (I know I sound like a baby with a lot of excuses), I use a tablet for taking charge cards but if there is no wifi in the field I am out of luck. I need to get a phone, but rarely use the cell I have now and with not working for the summer it is tight anyway without buying a new phone and service.
I guess I will have to look for indoor sales. Take a fan if there is electricity.
Online issues - I cancelled my webpage and have been using DailyPaintworks.com as my portfolio and a way to show my art. I feel pressured (by myself) to put my work on there and then am compelled all day long to see how many people looked at it, at my gallery and my blog. My options are to look it over and see what more I can get out of it. Maybe there are ways by their contests, or looking at and commenting on other artists work to network and encourage others. I know the numbers go by how many people a day are looking at the site and some days there are more than others. I think I will try to see if there is more I can to to use and enjoy it more before cancelling.
Etsy/Ebay - I am sure there are a glut of artists and artisans (besides everything else) that it is hard to be seen. I know there are creative ways to get known online and I might have to try some.
- Etsy - Jules Art Stuff - I think I will be moving my paper dolls off of Etsy. It seems like when I sell something it mostly pays off fees from listing and selling. My art doesn't seem to get seen. They charge a listing and selling fee(s) and now are having promotion and advertising fees. I may wean most of my art off of there and convert it over to a pod and have some prints. I think a lot of people are doing t -shirts right now so it is an option. They also have other ways to promote like collections or treasury that I haven't tried yet either.
Ebay - Jules Art Stuff - I have an awful lot of sheet music on there. I am marking down my paper dolls and hopefully by the first of the year be close to done with them. I enjoy selling the sheet music. I have a store and have been paying a raising fee so the goal would be to end the store subscription and just go on the free listings. They also have a collection you can set up that might help promote y sites.
Ebay - Jules Paintings, Prints and Postcards - for a new site, doing not too bad for the limited items. For having 50 free a month non-store, they give me plenty of extra listings so I am up to 200 listings. I have both hand pulled prints as well as prints of my paintings. I mostly my lower end paintings on there for now. I figure I would like about 100 ACEOs on there too in the future.
Artzok - I signed up with them to teach Painting, prints and ACEO's. New operation, waiting for a job.
Explore Orangenius and Truegether.
The thing is, nobody knows me. I have enjoyed Daily Paintworks because I know my work is getting seen even if sales are slow. Ebay and Etsy have disappointed me this Spring and Summer and this is not the first year with it. I want that whatever I do, I do it well. It has taken this half of the year to come to this point. I am thinking of a Weebly portfolio for free just to have some things out but will look to see what Orangenius has first. I am re-thinking about the big craft shows too if I am doing the local art.
I know a lot of this comes down to promotion. I am not on Instagram.I have a Linkin site just sitting there with my profile blank. I have lots to do, and it just doesn't end. I just want to create but I also want to get some of my art out of my house. Any good ideas - please let me know as I know this is a common problem with other artists right now.
Wednesday, July 11, 2018
Wednesday, July 4, 2018
Artzok
While I do have a degree and could teach English on line or converse with people from around the world, I also would like to teach using my art. I just found Artzok - which was just launching today. I had seen it before in my art lesson search but just applied and got my things on yesterday. Today it is up and going.
Artzok is different than other art lessons. This is something where you can work on your art on your own and if you have a question or somethings is not right you can email a teacher in the speciality that you are in and they will respond with helpful lessons or information. Say you draw a face and something is not right you can have them look at it and they can help you out and get over that road block. I have chosen to teach 4 different things.
https://artzok.com/downloads/learn-acrylic-painting-with-julie-miscera/
This one is acrylic painting. I have been doing it for quite awhile, so if you want private lessons you can take a picture of your artwork and I can help you out. If you are struggling with materials or the subject I can help you out. It is on your time. You email me and I email back and answer. When you are ready, you can email me again. There are different mediums and teachers that you can choose from.
I also am teaching printmaking - without a press, ACEO's and those can be done in any medium, and I also have up for approval the Inktense and water-soluable pencil drawings. Please check out Artzok and see if there is something that you would like to do or if there is somebody in particular whose work you like that you would like to work with.
There is a free trial. Take advantage of it!
Monday, July 2, 2018
Aceo's and Creativity
So, I have done some Aceo's lately and it seems like a nice project when you don't want to do something large. I have also heard them called "pocket painting or art". That is kind of fun too. The more I do, the more I want to do. They are not as intimidating as large paintings. They are small, intimate and fun. These pieces of artwork are 2.5"x3.5" and at first I thought it would be hard to get details that small. It can be, but you need to plan ahead. The size makes you not put in too many details because you have to be able to create them in a miniscule size but you also want them to be seen. Because my eyes are getting older, I need to use my glasses or the clamp on light and magnifying glass. It allows me to see exactly what it looks like. It may look fine to your naked eye, but if I am going to photo and put them online, this small painting gets enlarged and all the little flaws or details show up big time. What looked great in person looks sloppy and uneven when it is blown up on the computer screen.This is one time the magnifying glass is my friend. These have to be able to stand up to the scruteny of being blown up so your viewers can see them.
So, these are my thoughts -
-I like working on watercolor paper but prefer the Arches Art board. Blick doesn't carry that particular one any more but it may be released under a different title with Canson. It is watercolor paper on a 300lb art board so it is stiff. As a painting, I try to paint the edges of these with paynes gray acrylic paint like I would a regular painting to finish it off if someone is going to display it on an easle or someplace else where the side shows.
- I mostly in the past have used Cold Press paper and board. For somethings it works well and other mediums - not so much. I have done the Inktense pencils on the Arches CP board, but it is uneven in coverage because it is going over the bumps. I think I will be trying the Inktense on the Hot Press watercolor paper because it will be smooth.
-Aceo's are not just limited to painting. The only thing you need to have to qualify it as such is size. So, I think of other things I can do to create artwork with this size. I have the water soluable graphite pencils that I want to try and will experiment on hot and cold press paper. I want to try some relief and silk-screen prints too. I will have to experiment if I want to print directly on my base or if I want it on paper and then mount it to the base. Mixed media and collage. In the past I have made a ton of homemade paper. I have some I resoaked and cast them in a rectangle shape the 2.5x3.5". It is thicker and I think it will be fun to experiment with and maybe go more sculptural. I have also been playing with the sun developed paper. These are the sheet you lay things on and then set the out in the sun and after a little bit "develop" them in water. I have done a few of those that I cut out shapes and layed them down as a blockout . When dry, I mounted the on the art board and then used acrylic paint to put accents on to make them more interesting.
-Small but not always fast. These are still artwork that you put care in and want to make them look interesting. They do take up less room in my studio and supplies can be more affordable.
- I have been a careful but not totally frugal artist. I like to reycle things, or not go with top of the line always. However, I do have standards. I do not use the cheapest stretched canvas. I like things that are gallery wrapped and actually prefer my own stretched canvas. I don't use the cheapest paint because it just does not cover, so I go a step or two up. I don't go with the kid grade brushes but a lower grade artist brushes individually purchased not as a pack. With the aceo's though I am going to step up my game. I have used cheaper brushes because my kids would borrow them and not wash them out and I would end up with a stiff, useless brush. I didn't want to invest too much in a brush that had that kind of a demise. Acrylic paint dries so fast that it is one of those things you have to watch for. If you have it in water too long too, that does not do it favors. I have some that I liked but they ended up looking like my hair on a bad hair day. So, next step is better brushes and smaller ones so I can capture all of those tiny details.
Please keep checking in on here and Daily Paintworks to see what I am up to. I am thinking wood, screws and wires might be in my future.
-
So, these are my thoughts -
-I like working on watercolor paper but prefer the Arches Art board. Blick doesn't carry that particular one any more but it may be released under a different title with Canson. It is watercolor paper on a 300lb art board so it is stiff. As a painting, I try to paint the edges of these with paynes gray acrylic paint like I would a regular painting to finish it off if someone is going to display it on an easle or someplace else where the side shows.
- I mostly in the past have used Cold Press paper and board. For somethings it works well and other mediums - not so much. I have done the Inktense pencils on the Arches CP board, but it is uneven in coverage because it is going over the bumps. I think I will be trying the Inktense on the Hot Press watercolor paper because it will be smooth.
-Aceo's are not just limited to painting. The only thing you need to have to qualify it as such is size. So, I think of other things I can do to create artwork with this size. I have the water soluable graphite pencils that I want to try and will experiment on hot and cold press paper. I want to try some relief and silk-screen prints too. I will have to experiment if I want to print directly on my base or if I want it on paper and then mount it to the base. Mixed media and collage. In the past I have made a ton of homemade paper. I have some I resoaked and cast them in a rectangle shape the 2.5x3.5". It is thicker and I think it will be fun to experiment with and maybe go more sculptural. I have also been playing with the sun developed paper. These are the sheet you lay things on and then set the out in the sun and after a little bit "develop" them in water. I have done a few of those that I cut out shapes and layed them down as a blockout . When dry, I mounted the on the art board and then used acrylic paint to put accents on to make them more interesting.
-Small but not always fast. These are still artwork that you put care in and want to make them look interesting. They do take up less room in my studio and supplies can be more affordable.
- I have been a careful but not totally frugal artist. I like to reycle things, or not go with top of the line always. However, I do have standards. I do not use the cheapest stretched canvas. I like things that are gallery wrapped and actually prefer my own stretched canvas. I don't use the cheapest paint because it just does not cover, so I go a step or two up. I don't go with the kid grade brushes but a lower grade artist brushes individually purchased not as a pack. With the aceo's though I am going to step up my game. I have used cheaper brushes because my kids would borrow them and not wash them out and I would end up with a stiff, useless brush. I didn't want to invest too much in a brush that had that kind of a demise. Acrylic paint dries so fast that it is one of those things you have to watch for. If you have it in water too long too, that does not do it favors. I have some that I liked but they ended up looking like my hair on a bad hair day. So, next step is better brushes and smaller ones so I can capture all of those tiny details.
Please keep checking in on here and Daily Paintworks to see what I am up to. I am thinking wood, screws and wires might be in my future.
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Tuesday, June 5, 2018
Aceo - Interesting option
So, I have seen this term ACEO off and on for awhile. I wondered why people would want to do something that small. I had for years seen the Art trading cards and thought I wouldn't do that - put all this time into a little card and then give it away. A teaching friend of mine had a box where students could make one and put it in there and then take somebody else's out. I just didn't get the attraction.
I don't know what opened my eyes to how neat these mini artworks are, but it has been recently. I looked into them and they have been around since 2006. I had been living under a rock at that time since my hubby had been hurt at a work accident and for about 10 years didn't do much art wise except paint on bee hives. I think I missed the trend because of it. Anyway, since I substitute teach, I have some down time. Some days more than others. After subbing for 10 years, I am tired of reading books and sometimes want to bring my art supplies. I have had an acrylic paint set up that I had taken to certain classes in the past but am always having to be careful with not getting it on things like teacher's desks, clothes etc and then the brushes and water that I do not want to spill there either. I have been looking for a cleaner/easier material to take with to school but also on day trips where we may not sit for hours so I can paint. I have different dry materials like colored pencils, water color pencils, oil pastels, water soluable pastels etc, but there was always a shortcoming with it. I started using my Inktense pencils again and these seem to be a good take along material. I needed something small that I could have in a box so it would not be heavy or take up much room. I think I have found what I was looking for.
I began by taking minimal drawing supplies - the Inktense pencils, watersoluable graphite pencils, sharpener, eraser and things like that. I needed something small to work on. I began with bookmarks but may need to laminate them when finished in case there is some undissolved ink still on the paper. I was looking for something different and came across the ACEO cards.
These are small - 2.5"x3.5" - so they are a handy size. I have plenty of watercolor paper and artboard that I can use. They are meant to be an art collector card like the sports trading cards. They are cheap to do. I can use them for studies because they are handy to take with. If I make a mistake, I can keep it and redraw on another card or just throw it out. The difference is that ACEO's can be sold where the ATC's cannot because they are just meant for trade. There are mats and frames out there that your card can be put in as well as some store them in albums like other collector cards. Some online say that the fad is over, but there are still plenty selling on ebay and some are big prices. They are still original art and some put quite a bit of time into these and the details show their care in working.
So, for now, this is another option. I may do these off and on, do them for studies, maybe work on postcards and the 5x7". I think the point is to keep on working, keep on drawing, painting etc. These do not have to even be paintings. There can be some out of clay or other materials just so they meet the size criteria. I think about doing silk screen and relief prints on these also.
I don't know what opened my eyes to how neat these mini artworks are, but it has been recently. I looked into them and they have been around since 2006. I had been living under a rock at that time since my hubby had been hurt at a work accident and for about 10 years didn't do much art wise except paint on bee hives. I think I missed the trend because of it. Anyway, since I substitute teach, I have some down time. Some days more than others. After subbing for 10 years, I am tired of reading books and sometimes want to bring my art supplies. I have had an acrylic paint set up that I had taken to certain classes in the past but am always having to be careful with not getting it on things like teacher's desks, clothes etc and then the brushes and water that I do not want to spill there either. I have been looking for a cleaner/easier material to take with to school but also on day trips where we may not sit for hours so I can paint. I have different dry materials like colored pencils, water color pencils, oil pastels, water soluable pastels etc, but there was always a shortcoming with it. I started using my Inktense pencils again and these seem to be a good take along material. I needed something small that I could have in a box so it would not be heavy or take up much room. I think I have found what I was looking for.
I began by taking minimal drawing supplies - the Inktense pencils, watersoluable graphite pencils, sharpener, eraser and things like that. I needed something small to work on. I began with bookmarks but may need to laminate them when finished in case there is some undissolved ink still on the paper. I was looking for something different and came across the ACEO cards.These are small - 2.5"x3.5" - so they are a handy size. I have plenty of watercolor paper and artboard that I can use. They are meant to be an art collector card like the sports trading cards. They are cheap to do. I can use them for studies because they are handy to take with. If I make a mistake, I can keep it and redraw on another card or just throw it out. The difference is that ACEO's can be sold where the ATC's cannot because they are just meant for trade. There are mats and frames out there that your card can be put in as well as some store them in albums like other collector cards. Some online say that the fad is over, but there are still plenty selling on ebay and some are big prices. They are still original art and some put quite a bit of time into these and the details show their care in working.
So, for now, this is another option. I may do these off and on, do them for studies, maybe work on postcards and the 5x7". I think the point is to keep on working, keep on drawing, painting etc. These do not have to even be paintings. There can be some out of clay or other materials just so they meet the size criteria. I think about doing silk screen and relief prints on these also.
It's Summer! Sorting out my direction
This is the last week of school in the area. Some go until Friday but many are done Wed and Thurs. I worked yesterday and also have a job for tomorrow so that is pretty good. I am thinking of what I want to do next. I have been substitute teaching for 10 school years. Sometimes - like this year - I think that maybe I should find something else to do that does not involve behavior issues and putting out fires (not literally). Summer break is starting and I am back to re-evauating my direction.
I have some online stores with my vintage things and art. I have an Ebay store, and Etsy store, a Bonanza store and now just started a Truegether store. They are not all different items though. My Bonanza and Truegether allow me to move my ebay stuff over to them so they can be viewed in two markets. I just opened up a new site on Ebay for my postcards, prints and paintings because I wanted to set my art out from the vintage jumble of paper dolls and sheet music. I have had 2 sales of postcards already so that is positive. Sales have been slow on Ebay, Etsy and Bonanza for 3 months so I am looking at different options. I may eventually faze out the Ebay and Etsy store or reduce it and was thinking of a new Etsy store for POD and my art. I have been online a lot trying different things to tweek and get things back to where they were. With school out, I may have time to keep getting my stuff together like it should be.
Sometimes, I wonder if I should just get a regular job. Regular hours, even some overtime, regular checks instead of hit and miss. I like the snowdays where school is closed and I do not have to drive in that, but it comes with a price - low pay (subs get paid much, much lower than teachers), intermittant checks (not having an amount that you can count on each week), and dealing with behavior problems. Pay has gone up and supposedly there are jobs out there, but in this area they have always been tight. I feel like I have always been chasing the dollar. I should be signing up for art fairs but don't have a tent yet, I would have to do it alone, and getting overheated makes me ill. It may come to that though. I look at correcting exams online or teaching English online too. Those are always options.
With all the work, family and trying to get my online stuff together, I haven't painted much this winter. I probably will do it now that I have a chance. I still have online things to do - like finally getting my Linkin profile together and using it, listing more items for sale, getting things on Truegether. I also need grandkid time and see some friends.
This probably sounds depressing, but I feel like something has to change. I need a new roof , the cars need to be replaced and the crumbs just are not going to do it. I am excited to think of getting a full time job again but also know what it involves. Life just goes on.
I have some online stores with my vintage things and art. I have an Ebay store, and Etsy store, a Bonanza store and now just started a Truegether store. They are not all different items though. My Bonanza and Truegether allow me to move my ebay stuff over to them so they can be viewed in two markets. I just opened up a new site on Ebay for my postcards, prints and paintings because I wanted to set my art out from the vintage jumble of paper dolls and sheet music. I have had 2 sales of postcards already so that is positive. Sales have been slow on Ebay, Etsy and Bonanza for 3 months so I am looking at different options. I may eventually faze out the Ebay and Etsy store or reduce it and was thinking of a new Etsy store for POD and my art. I have been online a lot trying different things to tweek and get things back to where they were. With school out, I may have time to keep getting my stuff together like it should be.
Sometimes, I wonder if I should just get a regular job. Regular hours, even some overtime, regular checks instead of hit and miss. I like the snowdays where school is closed and I do not have to drive in that, but it comes with a price - low pay (subs get paid much, much lower than teachers), intermittant checks (not having an amount that you can count on each week), and dealing with behavior problems. Pay has gone up and supposedly there are jobs out there, but in this area they have always been tight. I feel like I have always been chasing the dollar. I should be signing up for art fairs but don't have a tent yet, I would have to do it alone, and getting overheated makes me ill. It may come to that though. I look at correcting exams online or teaching English online too. Those are always options.
With all the work, family and trying to get my online stuff together, I haven't painted much this winter. I probably will do it now that I have a chance. I still have online things to do - like finally getting my Linkin profile together and using it, listing more items for sale, getting things on Truegether. I also need grandkid time and see some friends.
This probably sounds depressing, but I feel like something has to change. I need a new roof , the cars need to be replaced and the crumbs just are not going to do it. I am excited to think of getting a full time job again but also know what it involves. Life just goes on.
Friday, May 25, 2018
Hot Spring, Art and Distractions.
So, we have had an odd Spring. We went from cold and continual dumping of snow to hot temperatures. There may have been just a couple of 60 degree days and then went into hot, hot, hot. This week we had 91, hot today again and this weekend - Memorial Day weekend they are predicting 90,95. Ugh. I have gardening to do so will see if it is cool tomorrow to get some things in the garden.
This time of year, after being trapped in the house for so long you want to get out and drive. We have done that once, but I also want our fishing license. It is hard to photograph when the fish are calling. Our Summer is so short that when you have time you want to do it all.
I signed up for the Go Paint! Plein air even in Eau Claire. It has grown through the years and the participants, activities and awards have grown. I did the Quick Paint in Phoenix Park a couple of Saturdays ago. We went from cold to 80 degrees out there. I got a painting mostly done - done enough to submit for the judging. I took it home to fine tune and ended up putting more on it so I just count it as a regular painting and not a plein air. I had to go back to photo the benches and light posts, but haven't added those yet. I was struggling getting started and this sweet little girl began to talk to me and I was able to relax and work. It had been a busy day with prom participants strolling and having pictures taken by themselves and their parents besides the other walkers.
It made me realize that the plein air that I enjoy is not the contests. I like to go to a park, pick out a nice spot while my husband birdwatches or photographs. I can stand or sit where I want, when I want, and for how long I want. I can choose my spot with nobody looking over my shoulders (even though I do enjoy talking with those interested). Maybe it is the introvert in me. I am working through problems, thinking, and I don't want to call attention to myself when I am working. I don't like being hot, being cold, the bugs, possible snakes. I know, it sounds like I am a princess:) When I do the contests, I am often working alone and maybe the difference would be to have that friend to paint along with. Go Paint! tries to help you meet other artists by the train event in Tiffany Bottoms to paint and the get-together at Many Fires. It still may be hard to connect when you are working on your own things. I also consider the financial effects of taking a full day off of work and if I do take a few jobs, I have my feel in both worlds and don't have the mindset. Maybe another time when I can be free to just do it.
Last year I dropped out because I was sick. This year I did the Quick Paint. A family member passed away that day so it was hard to concentrate. I think that I will do it on my own for awhile. In my own way, in my private locations, in the shade. It also is hard to be by water to paint. The fishing calls me.
This time of year, after being trapped in the house for so long you want to get out and drive. We have done that once, but I also want our fishing license. It is hard to photograph when the fish are calling. Our Summer is so short that when you have time you want to do it all.
I signed up for the Go Paint! Plein air even in Eau Claire. It has grown through the years and the participants, activities and awards have grown. I did the Quick Paint in Phoenix Park a couple of Saturdays ago. We went from cold to 80 degrees out there. I got a painting mostly done - done enough to submit for the judging. I took it home to fine tune and ended up putting more on it so I just count it as a regular painting and not a plein air. I had to go back to photo the benches and light posts, but haven't added those yet. I was struggling getting started and this sweet little girl began to talk to me and I was able to relax and work. It had been a busy day with prom participants strolling and having pictures taken by themselves and their parents besides the other walkers.
It made me realize that the plein air that I enjoy is not the contests. I like to go to a park, pick out a nice spot while my husband birdwatches or photographs. I can stand or sit where I want, when I want, and for how long I want. I can choose my spot with nobody looking over my shoulders (even though I do enjoy talking with those interested). Maybe it is the introvert in me. I am working through problems, thinking, and I don't want to call attention to myself when I am working. I don't like being hot, being cold, the bugs, possible snakes. I know, it sounds like I am a princess:) When I do the contests, I am often working alone and maybe the difference would be to have that friend to paint along with. Go Paint! tries to help you meet other artists by the train event in Tiffany Bottoms to paint and the get-together at Many Fires. It still may be hard to connect when you are working on your own things. I also consider the financial effects of taking a full day off of work and if I do take a few jobs, I have my feel in both worlds and don't have the mindset. Maybe another time when I can be free to just do it.
Last year I dropped out because I was sick. This year I did the Quick Paint. A family member passed away that day so it was hard to concentrate. I think that I will do it on my own for awhile. In my own way, in my private locations, in the shade. It also is hard to be by water to paint. The fishing calls me.
Sunday, May 6, 2018
The Week of Plein Air Painting
This has been a crazy week. I worked, there was a baby born and I babysat for 3 children - one 6, a 4 year old and a 1 year old for a day and a half. Very good children but at Grandma's house we are making art, playing in the yard and all sorts of things. I was ready for a nap when they left. Yesterday was the first day of my plein air event - Go Paint! Eau Claire. This is the 4th time doing this - technically 3 since I was sick that week last year. Yesterday was the Quick Paint at 3 pm. It goes for 2 hours and you paint like mad. It is like Master Chef where when the whistle blows, you lay your brushes down. It was 80 degrees out and a beautiful sunny day.
This Quick Paint is held in Phoenix Park. It is along the riverfront in Eau Claire, WI. They had renovated the area and it has walking paths and rail bridges that you can walk over. The Farmer's Market is located there with the Community Gardens being across the street. There are always people walking there. Yesterday it was especially busy. It is Prom weekend. There were all sorts of students dressed in their finest parading around in groups and their proud parents taking photos. There was room for everyone.
I was stressing, Things were going slower than usual. I had gotten to the point that I figured that I wouldn't finish, my problem- solving was slowing me down,etc. God sent this little girl to calm me down. This sweet little girl came over to look and talk to me. I instantly relaxed because I thought it was ok to not finish since she was interested. I teach and sometimes kids hit your heart. She was kind, cheerful, just the kind of encouragement that I needed. She stayed with me for a while - her mom was a little bit over but was watching her - and I was able to start up and paint while she was talking. She eventually moved on to look at other art but would stop by a couple of times again. I did finish enough to show at the end. She asked her mom if she would take a picture of us by my picture. I stood behind the easle and she to the side as her mom too the photo of us and my name.
Plein air for me is a stretch as it is. I am not really an outdoor girl. I will do it for gardening, camping or hiking and fishing, but I don't like being hot, people looking over your shoulder, breaking your concentration, the bugs, possible snakes, ticks, etc. What I usually don't like is the having to paint on cue - it feels like performing. I did this yesterday because I wanted to meet people. When your week goes on you might never even see anybody except or the group get togethers. Yesterday I met several local artists, but the one that will stay in my memory is the angel that came to visit me and calmed me when I was stressing.
My painting at best is so-so. I know what needs to be done. I will probably go back this week and make the additional changes that need to be done to resolve this picture into something more interesting. I can add the tree and benches and other details that I just didn't have time for. It will no longer be a quick paint but I would rather have a good painting than a medocre one.
This Quick Paint is held in Phoenix Park. It is along the riverfront in Eau Claire, WI. They had renovated the area and it has walking paths and rail bridges that you can walk over. The Farmer's Market is located there with the Community Gardens being across the street. There are always people walking there. Yesterday it was especially busy. It is Prom weekend. There were all sorts of students dressed in their finest parading around in groups and their proud parents taking photos. There was room for everyone.
I was stressing, Things were going slower than usual. I had gotten to the point that I figured that I wouldn't finish, my problem- solving was slowing me down,etc. God sent this little girl to calm me down. This sweet little girl came over to look and talk to me. I instantly relaxed because I thought it was ok to not finish since she was interested. I teach and sometimes kids hit your heart. She was kind, cheerful, just the kind of encouragement that I needed. She stayed with me for a while - her mom was a little bit over but was watching her - and I was able to start up and paint while she was talking. She eventually moved on to look at other art but would stop by a couple of times again. I did finish enough to show at the end. She asked her mom if she would take a picture of us by my picture. I stood behind the easle and she to the side as her mom too the photo of us and my name.
Plein air for me is a stretch as it is. I am not really an outdoor girl. I will do it for gardening, camping or hiking and fishing, but I don't like being hot, people looking over your shoulder, breaking your concentration, the bugs, possible snakes, ticks, etc. What I usually don't like is the having to paint on cue - it feels like performing. I did this yesterday because I wanted to meet people. When your week goes on you might never even see anybody except or the group get togethers. Yesterday I met several local artists, but the one that will stay in my memory is the angel that came to visit me and calmed me when I was stressing.
My painting at best is so-so. I know what needs to be done. I will probably go back this week and make the additional changes that need to be done to resolve this picture into something more interesting. I can add the tree and benches and other details that I just didn't have time for. It will no longer be a quick paint but I would rather have a good painting than a medocre one.
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