Studio or Factory?

There is an inherent dilemma that artists face if they become commercially successful (ie. they are selling consistent!). I know as I have prepared for this Christmas season in a retail environment I have been very aware of what has sold, what might sell, etc. Whenever we prepare for an event or a show it is the same. The question I face in the midst of all of that is "Am I motivated to paint this or that, not because I have successfully sold it, but because it comes from my heart?" You see, I learned my line of demarcation on that score years ago. Every artist who sells their work faces that question and must place that line in place. And every artist has a differing placement of that line. I certainly have pieces that are more product oriented like these little angels, but somehow, perhaps quite miraculously, they still come from a place in my heart. Perhaps that's why they touch others. It's a heart to heart connection. I like that...

Getting Started

I am often asked if I know what I'm going to paint when I begin a painting. There are times when I get my inspiration from a photo, but most often I paint what is in my heart, mind, and spirit whether it be a landscape or a non-objective abstract. Those are times when a blank canvas can be very intimidating. Where do I start? With a paint color or palette that inspires me at the moment. With that laid out, mixed with gel medium, palette knife in hand, I begin. At times I am amazed at what flows out onto the canvas. Easy at times, more concentrated at others, beginning is the most important thing. The vision comes as if the painting itself is showing me the direction to take.

Have you ever watched the Food Network show "Chopped"? Professional chefs are given a basket of very unrelated foods and asked (with a stop watch going!) to create a dish using all of the ingredients. I have watched as some chefs have a complete knowledge of what they are going to do from the get go while others don't have a clue. But what I have seen is that inevitably the ones who don't know, begin the process: they slice, carve, crush, etc. until the idea forms.

Same process, different expression. I wonder how often in life we just need the courage to begin and allow the vision to come to us in the midst of the process. Worth pondering while I paint today....

Between Here and There

I have pondered quite a bit lately on the business of art. The difference between owning a retail shop/gallery and being the artist behind most of the work in the gallery. The marketing of art seems to have a few standards that don't necessarily fit the retail model. But here's the thing I've come to. As an artist, I believe my job is to communicate what is in my heart and vision to the canvas and ultimately to the viewer/collector/customer. Getting the message out beyond the walls of the gallery has become my motivator and underlying mission to any business plan. We (my husband and I) are working to shift our paradigm and get out of the box when it comes to this business we are in. Stay tuned for new developments. For the first time ever I am offering my customers a drastic discount on art this weekend. We are working on a new program we call Artful Access. We are preparing to re-engineer the gallery. We aren't there yet, but we're on our way.

Kind of like the place that inspired this painting. It literally was in the midst of the mountains between the desert of Redding, CA and the coastal town of Trinidad, CA.

Pulling out all the Stops

My eyes are positively blurry from all of the computer work I have done this week. I am doing all I can to get my work out there (or should I say here?) on the internet. You can now go to my shop at www.deborahgallart.etsy.com, order prints on demand from www.fineartamerica.com/profiles/abide-studio.html, become a fan of Deborah Gall Art on facebook, or follow me on www.twitter.com/abidestudio. Soon there will bargains to be had on EBay. I'm exhausted just thinking about it! It has been challenging and fun, and I hope will help spread the word and the art. Sometimes ya just gotta try.....

Rejected, Selected, or Directed?

Being a professional artist is risky business I have come to understand. Being a professional artist with a retail setting even more so. Every time I submit a piece or pieces for an exhibit or show I am opening myself up for rejection. It's actually quite common, those rejections. I have recently decided however that I was not the object of rejection, my work was just not selected. That is a subtle yet all important difference. One is about me, my heart, my self-confidence, etc. The other is about the work and the juror; it is about the wrong fit, not bad work. The other day at the gallery a person (can't call him a customer or a gentleman really since he was neither) spoke out quite loudly against a painting I had on an easel just outside of the shop. Insensitive. Rude. Both describe the comment he made. Further consideration showed me Uninformed would be another valid word. Again, not a valid commentary on me or on the work, but in this case a reflection of the speaker.

So, I have decided that I will take these "bumps along the road" as direction. Protection not rejection. And along the way I'll pat myself on the back for once again risking it, trying something new, and putting myself out there. So I'll keep the faith, stay the course, and do it all over again.....

Interwoven

This morning was a monthly Christian business women's networking breakfast. I am not accustomed to getting anywhere by 7:30 am these days, but once a month it is absolutely worth it. On my drive up to Brentwood this morning I realized that although I have gotten business from this group there is something more important to me. It's just nice to know that I'm not walking this journey alone. My regular customers help me along the way as well as friends and family, but I have also discovered the benefit of being intentional about gathering with this group who all share the same basic business philosophy: to God be the glory! Made me think of this painting, one of Angles, Lines, and Curves collection. It's titled "Interwoven" and although the lines don't necessarily follow all way across the canvas, I find that interesting. Kind of like life's relationships: for a reason, for a season, or for a lifetime...

The Sky's the Limit

It has been a tough year in the art business. There is evidence of that all around me. I have decided however that I can concentrate on lack (of traffic, of sales, of interest, etc) OR I can focus on the future. With that the perspective I believe the sky really is the limit in terms of turn around and increase (of traffic, of sales, and of interest). And that is always true in terms of growth and increase of creativity. There is life to be enjoyed if we simply look and anticipate it. So my perspective of late has been, "What today?" Which painting do I work on? Who will I encounter? Where will i find a new lead or idea? What new technique would I like to explore? You get the point.
This piece is called "The Sky's the Limit" It is 30x40. $1350

Repurposing

Is that a word? About a month ago I decided I was tired of looking at a few paintings and put hang tags on them with great discounts. And they're still here. So, in the spirit of "Living Green" (there's an expo with that title going on at The Factory today) I decided that I would simply redo the skies and add a few highlights on a couple of paintings. It helps my creative juices flow, recycles paintings, and gives them a fresh look that I'm not tired of looking at. I call that a win-win situation!
Rushing Waters before is to the left. Rushing Waters after is to the right. 16x20 $400

Dance Anyway

Today I will close the studio early to attend a memorial service of a young man who died suddenly in a car accident last week. It's been a difficult week as we stood believing for a miracle and then heard the word that he had died. How do you find joy in the midst of that situation except to stand on the Rock of our Salvation? There is a passage in Isaiah that tells us that the Lord turns our mourning into dancing. I think it's the only way. This life is full of storms so it is imperative that we learn to dance anyway. To learn to dance in the midst of the storm is truly miraculous. Thanks be to God that He holds the key and gives it to His children. Shall we dance?

"Dance!" 18x18 $375

Different Perspective

Yeah, yeah, I know it has been a very long while since I've written...and I apologize and pledge to stay on top of things. It is interesting how a month or so can change your perspective on things...kind of like this painting vs the previous Redwood painting. I am fascinated by people's reactions to these two pieces in the gallery. Each has its own unique message and energy level and I find myself being drawn to one or the other depending upon my mood and energy level on a given day. Interesting. Being the ponderer that I am, it also interests me to see how one month later I am looking ahead with different lenses. Moving forward in the journey of life does that. Suddenly you have rounded a bend and the horizon looks different than it did just the other day. So, this being the month of new beginnings I wonder where the next bend in the road will take me. Wherever it is, you can be sure I'll still be painting! Until next time....peace for the journey and vision for the future be yours.

It's taken awhile...

So interesting that my last blog spoke about painting majesty. Last Saturday I began this painting titled "A Road Less Traveled". It measures 24x48 and in fact in person it does a pretty good job of communicating the majesty of these incredible trees. At least that's what my artist's heart felt as I worked on it. It really was an exercise in worship of the Creator. A joy filled and very fulfilling experience. May we always approach the canvas with a sense of wonder and amazement. I believe it unlocks the creative process in a deeper and unique way. Today a friend commented that in fact I had to go down the road less traveled in order to be able to paint this piece. Guess that happens when we step up to a new level of operation; it feels strange and bit foreign. Eventually we adjust to the view and the new perspective...that is until it is time to step up again.

Inspiration

Here's the question. How do you paint majesty? Over the past week, I have witnessed amazing landscapes, terrain, and vistas. Desert, mountains, ocean coast, giant redwoods, rolling hills, and now vineyards rising on every hilltop. We have taken over 200 photos (thank goodness for digital cameras). I don't paint from a photograph usually so why the photos? To remember is the obvious answer and that is truth. But also to study. How do light and shadow work together to communicate to the eye the shape of a hill? Where do lines converge to give scale to these giants of creation? How do colors fade or brighten as the horizon fades or waves lap the sand?
Can't wait to get back to the studio and explore the possibilities.

From California

Greetings! I have been in California now for several days. As I woke this morning I realized that I wanted to share an experience of a couple of days ago. We were in Redding earlier in the week, surrounded by mountains and it was time to head west to the coast and the redwoods. No quick way to get there. One must traverse the mountains in order to get to the ocean. So we did. It was beautiful. So here's the thing. I have never been to that part of California but as we traveled from Redding to Trinidad I kept repeating "This is amazing! I've never been here, but I've painted it!" I've had others tell me that I have painted a place I've never been, but I've never experienced that for myself. The Creator whispered something in my ear, inspired me to paint, and brought to canvas something I've never seen with my eyes. As an abstract artist that's more understandable. That He would bring to my vision a specific place? All I can say is "Wow!"

Muti-Faceted

This morning I have been struck by the multi-faceted nature an artist in business must have in order to succeed. Yes, there's the obvious right brain/left brain, creative/business contrast. More than that however, in today's economy I see artists all around me pulling out the stops to stay in the business of art. Whether it is developing new ideas, new products, or new venues for exhibition, I am amazed at the creative thinkers that surround me. It is what keeps us going I think: creative exploration. When artists take their creativity off of the canvas so to speak and apply it to marketing, sales, scheduling, product development, etc. it is fun to watch. It is why I love being a part of an artistic community where ideas are tossed out, shared, and hands reach out to help. It is what community is all about.

This piece is called "Brilliance" it is 18x36 and sells for $850. As a part of my multi-faceted approach I am submitting it for an exhibit, so it's "on hold" until I hear whether it has been accepted. I keep ya posted!

New Work

I know, I know, it's been awhile. I have been having problems with my shoulder. It doesn't like it when I spend much time at the computer/internet or if I overdo it at the easel. Not a good combination for an artist in business! I am however learning to overcome and have indeed worked on new paintings that I believe are the beginnings to whole new collections. This one is part of an abstract series (that can only be seen in my head at this point) called "Castles in the Air". It is 24 inches square (available for $525). What I see in the series are 18 inch square canvases each focusing on a different color. To be hung together or separately. I gotta say, it must be the spring season, but I am having a great time exploring new images to express on canvas. Several have been a matter of revisiting something I may have interpreted in fiber years ago. Renewal. Regeneration. Or is it that there is nothing new under the sun? Don't know but meanwhile I'm having fun! Visit the website. I just added nearly 20 new pieces to the New Work page with more tomorrow. Enjoy!

Musings at the End of the Month

Wow! March is already past, April is upon us and that's no fooling! This has been a whirlwind week as I connected with a new gallery in Bowling Green, Kentucky and took a collection of work to them yesterday. The gallery is The Gallery at 916. It is at 916 State Street for any of you who may be in those parts and I highly recommend a visit. Not just to see my work, but all of the other fine artists represented there.
This is one of those art business messages. It is a tough economy right now. There is no doubt about it. And I am truly grateful for the customers out there that continue to support the arts through these times. Thank you on behalf of all artists and small businesses out there! For those of you who are artists, let me encourage you to use this time to explore new things. Whether it is a new venue for your art (shows, galleries, exhibits, etc) or you use this time as research and development time to explore new techniques, new media, new ideas, make good use of the time.
Let me encourage you, better times are ahead. Don't know when, but I know this is a season to persevere in the things we have been called to do. Eventually the storm passes and a new day dawns complete with sunshine.

Do Overs

About a month ago I began working on a painting. I loved it at first, then as I "developed" areas of it I felt like it was not ending where I wanted it to. So I did the drastic thing and took my gesso and painted over the area I wasn't happy with (which happened to be smack in the middle of the piece). Last Saturday I took the canvas out and knew what I wanted to do with the center. As I shared the story with my son Jesse (graduate student in creative writing) I used the term gesso as a verb and he was really struck by it. I "gessoed" over the part I wasn't happy with. Now whether or not it is grammatically correct, it is a very descriptive word to us artists. Gesso is a primer that is extremely opaque, so when it is used what is beneath is truly covered. Of course that got me thinking about life. Wouldn't ya just love to gesso over things occasionally? Sometimes life imitates art...and we are given a chance for a "do over". That's when lessons are learned and the masterpiece of life is perfected.
The painting? It's almost done. I'll share it soon.

On being stretched

Today I am fine tuning and preparing for a presentation in the morning. I am always surprised (don't know why) when my life so closely parallels a word I am speaking or writing about. The topic tomorrow is basically the analogy of how we artists stretch a canvas and how we are sometimes stretched by life circumstances. I have come to realize it takes strong support, perfect alignment, and a relaxed attitude to not only handle, but grow from what life throws at us at times. Not unlike a good canvas is it? Strong support: to hold up under the stress of fabric being stretched, the weight of paint or other media. Perfect alignment: of the canvas so that it doesn't sag in the midst of a masterpiece, of the support so that it hangs beautifully on the wall. A relaxed attitude: like a moistened canvas that more easily allows it to be stretched and stapled in place. So, I'm surrendered to the Master Artist's hand as He stretches me to receive more and do more for Him.
This painting is titled "Just Beyond". It is 18 x 36 and is a reminder to me that nothing lasts forever and there is always a clear day just beyond the storm. It retails for $750.

Landfill Art

No, I haven't fallen off the edge of the earth, just buried with admin stuff. Oh the joy of being a gallery owner, landlord, and artist! Anyway, we had a great turn out for our art event last night and I am encouraged. I know that runs contrary to popular attitude, but I just believe there is business to be had even in these economic times.

So, one of the things I have spent my time doing is painting and presenting a display of re-created hubcaps. All of the artists at The Row @ The Factory participated as well as my friend Becky Gholston whose work I sell here in the gallery. I must commend Ken Marquis for his insight and effort to go to the landfills and recover the collection of hubcaps. His international efforts can be seen at www.landfillart.org. Meanwhile enjoy. It's titled "One Fine Day"

I'm Back!

Sorry for the delay on postings. We had a death in the family which meant an unexpected week long trip out of state. Makes me think of all the unexpected things in our lives that take us to other states of mind. Certainly when dealing with the crises in our lives it is more difficult to allow the creativity to flow. However, upon return to the studio I have reached for my paints (in all my favorite colors and palettes) and have been restored as I have spread paint across multiple canvases. But more on that later.
For now I wanted to share the finished piece "Hope". It was an interesting journey as I first was led to paint the darkness of the background before layering the light which represents hope. We see hope more clearly when it is set against a background of grief, concern, discouragement. But even as I painted the background, I knew in my knower that the light and shine of hope would be applied to the canvas and that gave me the confidence to also know in my knower that there was hope for my situation as well.
"Hope" 10 x 30 $300

Oasis

As artists we occasionally paint what we hope for. Recently I was moaning to someone about January (lack of) sales and the friend suggested that I do a painting about hope. Hmmm, good idea...and I have begun a series today: Faith, Hope, Love. We'll see where it goes.
Meanwhile, this is a recent painting. Another friend told me it transported her to a place where having been walking in the desert for a while, "life" was seen. Oasis: "a fertile or green spot in a desert". That's what the dictionary says. My heart says "refreshment, rest, restoration, refueling for the journey ahead". So, if you find yourself in the midst of the January blahs or anxious about the year ahead, rest awhile under the shade of the trees, breathe in the cool evening breezes, and sip on a long sweet sip of refreshment. Isn't that what art is all about? Giving pause in the midst of the chaos in order to refresh, restore, and refuel for the rest of the journey. Ahhh yes...I think so.
"Oasis" is available from the website under New Work or from the studio. It measures 30" square including frame (painting is 24" square) and sells for $600.

Wine and art; Art and wine

I just added this piece to the website and sent out a "Heartbeat of God" message regarding it. It got me thinking about all of the descriptions used for wine: "hints of cinnamon" "a peppery finish" "subtle blackberry flavor" etc. But wine is made of grapes!!! I have learned that those flavors come from the environment in which the vine grows. Hmmm. So many people ask me where the images I paint come from. My response is often "from a lifetime of input". As artists everything we see goes into this wonderful brain we possess, it then mixes with the air of experience, is rooted in the heart, stirred with the wind of creativity, until ultimately it ends up on canvas. The result: artistic expression that has hints of this, flavored by that, with a unique finish. etc. Aged properly fine art like fine wine will blend the uniqueness of the artist with their particular season and experience in life to produce art with a distinctive flavor to be enjoyed. There's freedom in that!
If you'd like to learn more about "The Heartbeat of God" message, email me at deborah@deborahgall.com and I'll tell you more. The painting is "Fruitful"; it is 10x30; retails for $300; available online in the New Work category or at the studio.
Cheers!

New Year/New Goals

For the first time in well...ever!..we have designated two days to do nothing but envision the year ahead. I must admit that there are times I'm more comfortable to fly by the seat of my pants than to plan, set goals, etc. I have recognized however the importance of formalizing (as in write down!) specific goals. Here are a few thoughts for the process if you choose to join me in this endeavor.
The first step is to re-identify who you are. Allow plenty of time to ponder this, not assuming that you are the same person you were a year ago, a month ago, or even yesterday. Where are you going professionally, personally, creatively? What is your life message? Allow creativity to flow concerning the future. The discoveries are amazing! And something fairly insignificant can change the trajectory of your journey until you end up in a completely different place.
Then there's the matter of the self-fulfilling prophecy. We become what we speak. Studies have shown that those who formalize their goals are more successful at achieving them. So, what is it that you want to happen in 2009? Wow! That question brings up all kinds of thoughts and ideas doesn't it? Write your list...don't worry about how long it is! Then go back and prioritize.
What I know is that after spending time to do some of this brainstorming for the future I am more secure in who I am, my purpose in life, and where I want to go. I may not end up where I think I will, but that's what makes life such an adventure isn't it? Can't wait.

Finished

The painting and the year! Thought I'd share the completed painting that was in progress a couple of posts ago. The piece currently hangs in my home which means it will not be available through the website. I will have a print made of it however.
So, year end. Not a business minded artist's favorite time of year as inventory has to be taken and reconciled, sales and expenses totaled and analyzed, etc.. It is however a great time to thank those who supported the art and the artist. The final tally for 2008 was better than I ever expected in light of the national economic situation. Thank you! I appreciate you! Now I'm looking forward to 2009 and new pieces are getting finished and added to the gallery. Watch the NEW WORK page on the site for updates to the inventory. Or if you're in the Nashville area, stop by for a visit. Happy New Year!