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!

Musings

Being an artist in a retail environment is always interesting. I understand that a person walking into the gallery would not automatically know that I am the creator of the works they are viewing. However, it is amazing how casually people speak out their personal likes and dislikes without consideration. This holds true for art shows as well. Yesterday it was quite blunt "I don't like that one or that one." Then the inevitable "Are you Deborah?" and the chagrined look and back pedaling. It has triggered musings about the push/pull of emotions that we artists must live with. In order to survive in this environment one must develop a bit of a thick skin. Comments like "I could do that" or "Look at that price!" or whatever are more than common. On the other hand it takes a soft heart and an ability to reflect upon life to open the door for creativity. So, we learn (or keep trying to learn) to not take comments personally, laugh about it, think about that book of customer comments all artists dream about writing, and move on back to the easel.

In Progress

Thought I'd share something I'm working on. This is a large piece: 48x48. It feels great to be working large after focusing on smaller Christmas season items for a while. What you see here is the first layer of paint. Several more layers will follow bringing definition and detail, highlights and lowlights, additional texture and all 'round finish to the painting. Kind of like life isn't it? We start with who we are in our most basic sense, and as life moves forward we experience that which brings greater definition and depth through the highlights and lowlights of life. In that experience we gain greater texture, depth, and all 'round finish to our lives. Hmmmm.

Sold

This painting went to a new home yesterday. As I moved it from the available section of the website to the Sold Gallery,I was reminded of the question I am asked so often. "How do you part with something you have put your heart into?" And "Time of Reflecting" is a good one to consider as it did have special meaning to me (a memory of a family trip on a houseboat on Lake Powell in Utah.) The answer to the question is this. As a professional artist, everything I paint is meant to be enjoyed by someone else. It's purpose is to bless (I hope) another house and speak to other people. Therefore it gives me great pleasure when it is "released to its destiny" so to speak. It brings joy to see something I have had a hand in creating be what it was created to be. And I must admit, I am honored when others think highly enough of my work to part with their hard earned money to enjoy it in their homes. So I'm on to the next piece, got a "hole" to fill on the wall.

Just Keep Painting

Let me just say I am opposed to the term "starving artist". I intentionally do not use the phrase because I believe in the self-fulfilling prophecy that suggests that we become what we speak. I believe one of the keys to being a successful artist and running a successful business is diversification. In addition to painting, I teach, speak, write, etc.. I try to follow design trends so that I can offer my customers advice when asked to serve as an "art consultant". Here at the gallery, by representing other artists we give our customers a variety of purchasing choices. Today, being a Saturday in December I certainly sold my share of jewelry to customers who were not looking for art. Different income streams is how I present the concept to artists I speak to. Diversify your product line: yes, diversify your sources of income: absolutely, but never, never give up your first love. Just keep painting.... With that I think I'll make my way to the easel...

To Frame or Not to Frame

That is always a question for an artist in the retail environment. Here at the gallery I try to offer my customers choice. I frame many of my smaller pieces (11x14 or smaller) but I seldom frame my larger pieces. I find that although many people prefer a framed painting, there are just as many who do not. I am often asked my opinion. I suggest the client consider a few things. First of course is personal taste: some people feel strongly one way or the other. Second, what type of piece are you considering? Many abstract paintings do not look as good if they are confined within a frame. And conversely many landscapes look more finished with framework surrounding them. Third, what does your space look like? Framing makes a great way to give more presence to a painting but would it cause it to be overpowering? Fourth, what color are your walls? With the deep rich tones we are using on our walls these days there are times that the wall itself serves to frame the piece. I give my customers choice by using "gallery wrap" canvasses. These are the canvasses which are stapled on the back thus allowing a painted edge. From a gallery owner perspective, it allows my customers to decide not only if they want something framed but it also keeps me from having to guess what style of frame would fit the perspective buyer's decor. It's a win/win situation.
So yes, I have spent the last day or so getting some of my smaller pieces framed. The name of the piece shown is "Under a Golden Sky". It measures 6x12 unframed and 13x19 framed. Sells for $165 and is available from the website.