Life Is Change

This one is important to me

You know the old saying,.
 'The only constant in life is change'
We've been going through some major changes lately. Like so many of my generation I've become the primary caregiver for an elderly ailing parent. Also like so many of my generation I have kids who are in difficult relationships, who seem to still think Mom can fix anything. 
At the same time I'm  trying to manage my art career, and my businesses, all of which are keeping me really really busy, really busy.
The only way I've found to get through these times, are accept and organize. 
The serenity prayer hangs on the wall of my studio, you know the one...

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change; 
courage to change the things I can; 
and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time; 
enjoying one moment at a time; 
accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; 
taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it; 
trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will; 
that I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
forever in the next. 


To that I would add, stay organized, and learn to say no. 

Clear the mental clutter and time drains. Too much stuff can be deadly, as can too much to do.
 In all of our schedules there are cluttery bits, tasks that we don't know how we got roped into doing, or that we've 'always done'. 
One of the hardest things I've had to learn, is to really think about how important a task is to me, and to say no when I decide it's not important enough to keep in my schedule.  
This is the first year since I joined the guilds that I'm not up to my neck in setting up the shows. I've really had to fight my feelings of guilt on this.  I should...I always have...They need me...but to my amazement, the world is still spinning, the tasks are getting done, the shows will go on.  
It's change, not easy, but neccessary.

Don't Wait: Part three

In part one we talked about the dreams that get left on the back burner of our busy lives, and I suggested writing those dreams down, a bucket list if you will.

In part two I suggested that you choose one to start working on, I asked 'What can you do as a first small step? how soon can you do it? What might stop you from doing it? What do you really want? Why is this goal important to you?  How will you know it worked? Create your plan, and work it.'

That last part is the hardest, for example:
Heather Kohl and I are planning on doing a joint show, we've been talking about it forever.
Our work is dis-similar, but we both love rich colour, texture, and glossy deep finishes, and we feel that our work compliments each other. Heather and I have similar goals, work ethics, and drive. We both want to break into new (to us) markets, and are willing to do the work to make it happen.
We met this week to talk about planning, and what we need to do as first steps.
We chose a name 'Omnium Gatherum' meaning a collection or medley, a few simple parameters for the work we'll each be doing and looked at venues and their submission requirements. 
We have each talked to contacts about what we would need to do/know/prepare, we looked at the resulting suggestions and each choose areas that we needed to either brush up on or start.
 We have decided to keep in contact to keep each other encouraged and on track, and get back together in March to check our progress and decide on our next steps. 
If we've both completed the tasks we've set for our selves we can start submitting to the venues on our list.
Our first steps are: creation of (her) and maintenance of (me) newsletter contact lists (I've let mine slide this last year or so, lots of excuses, but no real reasons),  creation of at lest 6 good pieces for portfolio submission, and good photo's of each. We both need to create great web sites, mine sucks, her's is an embryo, and we both need to document our sales history,  show history and any media coverage we've garnered.
A few of those steps are outside of our respective comfort zones, but they need to be done, having each other for support, and a time line will hopefully take some of the pain away, but not entirely. I take solace in knowing that it will be worth facing my fears, and that the bogeyman is mostly imaginary.
And that is the bottom line, most of us don't act on our dreams because we're afraid, but the fear is mostly unfounded.  I've always said to my kids 'what is the worst thing that could happen? and what is the best? don't miss out on the best for fear of the worst.'
It's time to follow my own advice.
How about you? What are the first steps to your dreams? what is the worst that could happen? and the best?
Are YOU prepared to miss out on the best that could be?

Vincent, My hero and inspiration what fears you faced, and overcame. 

Call for Artist's 1-2-3 foot squares show

Art Emporium Port Stanley is hosting their 2014 Juried 1, 2, or 3 Square Foot Show.  The show will run from Saturday, October 18, 2014 to Sunday, November 16, 2014.  An Opening Reception will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2014 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. The remainder of the show will be open for the public during regular Art Emporium hours of operation.  Wall hung Art and 3D Art will be accepted. Ribbons will be awarded as 3 Honourable Mentions, 2 Judges Choice and 1 Best in Show. There will be a cash prize of $100 to the Best in Show winner.  Juror: Cathy Groulx

Criteria:

• Art Emporium Members will be granted maximum submission without charge as part of their membership, with a 15% commission on all sales.
• Non-members will pay the following entry fees, and 35% commission will be taken on all sales.
• Each Artist will have a maximum submission totalling the entry fee of $30 in any combination. 

Prices for entry are as follows:

• 1-foot square (12”x12”) $10   
• 2-foot square (24”x24”) $20
• 3-foot square (36”x36”) $30

(e.g. One 1-foot piece ($10) and one 2 foot piece ($20) = $30). One 3-foot piece = $30.

• 3D art sizes will be determined by their greatest dimension in any one direction, excluding circumference. Pieces 12” or under in any dimension will be counted as one $10 entry, pieces over 12” and up to and including 24” will be counted as a $20 entry, pieces over 24” up to an including 36” in any dimension will be counted as a $30 entry. No pieces over 36” in any one dimension will be accepted.
• The Art Emporium asks all artists to price their work no less than the minimum prices set out below. Feel free to price your work higher, but we ask that you abide by the minimum prices specified.

• 12” x 12” minimum price $100 minimum
• 24” x 24” minimum price $200 minimum
• 36” x 36” minimum price $300 minimum

• Wall hung art submissions must be in the format of 1-foot square (12”x12”), 2-foot square (24”x24”) or 3-foot square (36”x36”) to be accepted.
• Posters, Hard Copy Invitations (limited) and E-vites will be provided to each submitting Artist for distribution.
• Artists are requested to provide a one sided 8.5” x 11” biography for the Biography Book that will be on display in the Gallery during the show.
• All entries will be accepted between Saturday, October 4, 2014 and Monday, October 14, 2014.
• The Art Emporium will jury all artwork upon submission. All unaccepted work must be picked up no later than 3:00 p.m. Friday, October 17, 2014.
• The Art Emporium will collect HST on all sales and submit on your behalf. 
• All wall-hung work must be strung gallery style and wired securely for hanging.  Saw-tooth, or any other means of hanging material will not be accepted. Jagged or sharp edges on framed work will not be accepted.
• All 3D work will have shelving provided by the Art Emporium.  If the piece requires a special display, the display is the artist’s responsibility to provide for the Art Emporium’s use for the duration of the show.  All special displays must have the Art Emporium’s approval prior to the show.
• All unsold artwork must be picked up as early as Monday, November 17, 2014 and no later than Sunday, November 23, 2014 during Art Emporiums regular business hours. (Thurs-Mon 11am-5pm)

Art Emporium will take reasonable care with submitted artwork; however we cannot accept responsibility for damage or loss.

Submission Form and Artwork Labels:

Submission	Size	Title	Price	Sold
1.	☐ One Foot
	☐ Two Foot
	☐ Three Foot
2.	☐ One Foot
	☐ Two Foot
	☐ Three Foot
3.	☐ One Foot
	☐ Two Foot
	☐ Three Foot

Title:________________________________     Price:_______________________________ Medium:  ____________________________ Artist:  ______________________________	Title:________________________________     Price:_______________________________ Medium:  ____________________________ Artist:  ______________________________
Title:_______________________________     Price:_______________________________ Medium:  ____________________________ Artist:  ______________________________	Title:________________________________     Price:_______________________________ Medium:  ____________________________ Artist:  ______________________________
Title:________________________________     Price:_______________________________ Medium:  ____________________________ Artist:  ______________________________	Title:________________________________     Price:_______________________________ Medium:  ____________________________ Artist:  ______________________________

Square Foot Show Opening

I can't beleive I forgot.

 I was supposed to meet my friend (Candy McManiman) and drive into town with her, but at 9:30 I was gabbing on the phone with youngest, and something he said reminded me. 

I'm afraid he thought the house was on fire from the wail of anguish I let out. 

However, it was a great opening and Candy took lots of photos, including this one of Dr Suess's Garden with a red dot :)  (sold)

This one is another one that passed the hubby test. He hated it, the more he dislikes a painting....the faster it sells lol. 

Paintings for Westland's Square Foot Show

I've taken my three paintings in to the Westland. Thanks to my Facebook friends for helping me choose which ones.

The opening is July 18th at 7:30 and the show runs till August 16th. 

The Westland is run by Al and Karen Stewart of the Art Exchange, and is just down the street from the original location in Wortley village, at 156 Wortley Rd in the historic Westland building. 

My entries are: Dr Suess's Garden SOLD

Green on Green

And Road Less Traveled SOLD

I hope to see you there!

Green on Green, new painting for Westland show

I'm putting the maximum three paintings in the Westland (Art Exchange) square foot show. This is the third, and is the completed painting I'd started in my last post.

Green on Green, 12x12, $160.00

At lest I think it's done, until the final varnish goes on change is always a possibility, sometimes even then.

The first painting I did for this show 'fiery parrot' had a bit that bothered me, so I ended up carefully cutting it out and changing it, so even varnish is no garentee of change!

Fiery Parrot, 12x12, $169.00

The Myth of Exposure

I'm about to sound like a cynic, but unfortunatly this is based on experience.

Artists are inundated with requests for art. 

'It'll be great exposure' they say. 

Occasionally it is. 

But more often it isn't. 

Always ask your self. Who is going to see your art?  

Will it be in a high traffic area, or is it going to be tucked away in an office to enhance someone's decor, and not seen by others? 

Will people stop to look at it, or will they be busy, or on autopilot?

Will the people who see it be aware that it's for sale?

Will they be in a position to buy?

Will they know who to contact?

Will the sale be easy for them to make?

How will you find out, and how soon will you get paid?

Is there a commission. This is not a bad thing, a commission will motivate the seller to sell.

If it's a donation to a charity, will you get a tax reciept? 

Most charities don't give receipts for goods, you'd be farther a head to donate money. You can only write off the cost of the materials you used to create the art, not its value, without a reciept. 

I've given away a lot of art, and I've NEVER had any sales, commissions or enquiries as a result of the 'exposure' I received, and I know that, this is the common experience. 

At charity auctions the art usually goes for a fraction of its worth. 

Are you OK with your art going for the minimum bid? Is there a minimum bid? And who sets it?

I do still donate to causes I beleive in, but I donate BEACAUSE I believe in the cause, not to get exposure. 

I also get invitations to juried shows, usually with a fee.  

Most of these are on the up and up, but ask the same questions before you send in your non refundable fee. 

If the 'gallery' is a little hole in the wall that has no traffic, no following, and no advertising budget, the answers to the above questions will be negative. Base your decision accordingly. 

If you get a out of the blue offer from a gallery, look closely. It does happen, but more often the gallery is a vanity gallery. 

A vanity gallery will have a prestigious sounding spiel, have large fees, and few sales. Their focus is on your money not your art. 

Don't confuse these with artist run galleries, which are usually run on varying degrees of the co-op model.

In a true co-op everyone works, everyone pays a portion of the expenses, and gets a portion of the profits. 

In most artists run centers, everyone pays a portion of the expenses, which may vary depending on how much they work. The artists get the profit from their own sales only, and the centre is run as not for profit as possible.  

Do your research. It will save you money heart ach, and the possable loss of, or damage to, your art. 

Chose well. 

Show aftermath

The St Thomas Elgin Artist's Guild show and sale was an awesome success. I'm not just saying that because I won a judges choice award for 5 Yellow Butterflies, and subsequently sold it, either. It truly was a wonderful show!
I've had some other really amazing news, which once the details are worked out and the contract is signed, I'll fill you all in on....for now though, lets just say, my feet haven't touched the ground in days!

Flower Face

I've played with a couple of names for this one, Face first in Flowers, Face Down in Flowers, Flower Face-plant, or just Flower Face.  I loved that this bumble bee dove into the centre of the Cosmo as I was taking it's picture, and I'd like to honour his enthusiasm, but what to call it?  Coming up with a name is one of the hardest things to do, especially when you've been at this a while and you've used the obvious ones :).
I'm madly making art for the spring shows, yes spring is just around the corner, and the count down is on for the shows. More details soon!

And a detail:

*Poof* and an art show appears

Well, not quite *poof* there actually was a lot of work involved. 

The 6th annual STEAG Art Show and Sale 'the Art Before Christmas' has fill the CASO Station (750 Talbot St., St Thomas) with art of every kind. Stupendous. Superlative. Sublime. Be there!

Opening tonight (Friday Nov 9th) 7-10, and continuing Saturday 11-5, and Sunday 12-5, 2012.

count down

My apologies to everyone who follows my blog, facebook and newsletter. I only appear to be MIA, or as one friend asked dead. Like the famous duck I'm paddling like hell to keep up.

I'm in full count down mode for 4 major events, all of which I'm heavily involved in, all come to fruit in the next 3 weeks. I keep doing this to my self, and every time I vow I won't do it again...must be a slow learner :)

Elgin Studio Tour

I've spent a lot of my precious painting time this week working on the Elgin Studio Tour.
Things are steaming ahead, we have artists coming on board, and sponsors committing to ads on our map. As it says on the blog-website I started for it our intention is to showcase the artists, attractions and beauty of this area. We still have room for a couple of artists and a few more sponsors. Contact me if you want in.
I did manage to finish two paintings-one's a triptych, does that really make 4? Both had been started the week before, and both are still drying. As soon as I can put them up to be photographed I'll show them to you.
I have my fingers crossed, the acceptance/rejections should come out for the Woodstock show this coming week. I've submitted twice before, I'm hoping that this time is the charm. I took in the Oriole painting and Attila the Hum's portrait. Wish me luck.

Portrait bride and groom signed, sealed, and delivered!

The charcoal bride and groom portrait has passed muster, been signed, sealed with fixative and delivered to the framer. The client wants a small calla lily, and the date of the wedding drawn on the mat, and then we're done!
It's always a good feeling when you know that your work has made someone happy.
Catherine, Rose and I have a show booked for September in the Central Library in London, and I feel like I have nothing to hang :( So today I've been working on getting some canvases ready for projects that want to get out of my head and into the real world. I do have two more commissions to do before I can have too much 'me time', but I need to be ready to leap into action as soon as possible.
Recently I've been going back over some old work and deciding if I'm going to keep it, give it away, or re-work/gesso over it. Any thing that is more than 3 years old goes through the gauntlet. It's a tough thing to do, but if I didn't do it periodically I'd be buried in old 'stuff'. Not to say that I don't keep favourites, but after three years, they become part of 'the collection of the artist'.