A year ago in October, my Adopt-a-Painting group on Facebook opened..... the opening of a new world for me. A world of regularly selling my work.
I started out by painting on paper bags, a different picture every day, and selling the bag paintings for $25 a piece.
I started out by painting on paper bags, a different picture every day, and selling the bag paintings for $25 a piece.
By the time Christmas rolled around, quite a few paintings had sold. It was exciting to realize that I was able to invest in my work and to touch the lives of others with beauty and meaning as well.
I have continued in this vein for most of this year, painting daily on sheet music one month, and trying out canvas and claybord as well. It grows a person a lot to be practicing so often, to be trying out new things, getting very familiar with the media, with the paint on the end of my brush, and starting to grow an inkling of the power of composition. I have produced over 150 paintings in the last year, and nearly half of those have sold.
I have continued in this vein for most of this year, painting daily on sheet music one month, and trying out canvas and claybord as well. It grows a person a lot to be practicing so often, to be trying out new things, getting very familiar with the media, with the paint on the end of my brush, and starting to grow an inkling of the power of composition. I have produced over 150 paintings in the last year, and nearly half of those have sold.
I discovered the joy of painting on natural surfaces, of making a painting almost seem to grow out of the surface of bark or leaf. Sometimes I sell them, and sometimes I abandon these in public places for people to find... and wonder what joy it brings them to find it.
By May my work was accepted in a local gallery, Artists North Art Center. The center is an artists' cooperative, and I spend two blissful days there every month, working on art, soaking in the beauty all around me and the peaceful atmosphere, as well as meeting a lot of interesting folk.
It's been an amazing year! As I look ahead to next year, I'd like to focus less on quantity, taking more time with my work, and working on some large pieces. I'll still be doing studies to sell as well as making lovely small pieces for subscribers. And, I want to be able to spend more time encouraging others who want to develop a creative practice. Wherever this year takes me, I am full of thankfulness that I get to make art, all the time. Thankful for everyone who takes time to lift me up with their words and actions. I am blessed.