Today is about trying to get back into the saddle and move forward. I have a lot of painting to do. I have committed to doing several of the Sugarloaf Art-n-Craft Festivals. Besides having to produce the vast number of 2-d and silk products that I need for that kind of (rather expensive) multiple exposure show, I am also creating the table covers, wall unit covers, set decoration, and displays for the booth. At this point I figure I have to finish painting and framing about 150 new works, plus some 200 pieces of hand-painted and constructed silk garments.

My partner and I spent the last year narrowing down my focus and fine tuning my techniques to produce the lines that I am creating in painting, art, and wearable art (such as the small affordable Designer Decorator Blocks pictured above). While I have a good idea of my abilities and my limitations, I also know that each piece of art I work on is furthering my sense of self, my exploration of art for expression of my vision of the world and my dream for a happy life. I am also working on my techniques for different art media, and creating my livelihood.


Like most artists I struggle daily with schedule, with finding faith in myself, with the "sell out" or quit mentality of "is it art if it is not in a museum". Lately though I find the struggle becomes more and more about the fact that I didn't build a business at being an artist because I wanted to be rich and famous. (Although as everyone does I need money to survive and for art to at least pay for itself.) But I have a business because it is how I share my life with the man I love. We work together to promote my art, to focus on the coming year and what our priorities are. At times I wonder if my relationship were to end, would I still pursue a career in this world of art? The answer is, yes! Art is how I share my vision of the world with the man who is my soul and my inspiration. Ultimately it is a reflection to me of how I see myself. It helps me to examine my own vision of the world, my priorities in life, and my principles. "Create Beauty and fill the world with love is not just a by-line motto for a blog... It is how I try to live my life, have a relationship, and yes, run a business too!

Back to the art work!

Til Next time
Create Beauty and fill the world with Love!

Wynn

I have taken a few weeks off from writing to organize my life and plan out the New Year.


I have found that for me to keep focused and to move forward in my creative and business life I require time to plan, to set goals, and to strategize meeting those goals, in order for me to achieve anything.





I have been working for the last few years on building my art business based on the work of my fine art paintings in oil and oil pastels. I love to paint so very much and I have had good response to my Virginia Landscapes. I have managed 11 solo9 and group shows in 2007 and feel very proud of the work I have done. In the coming year I intend to return to those media and keep expanding my use of color and form to express nature as she draws me to her.





I have also been exploring the whole sale world as a means of supporting myself 100% with my art. I have found that the market for 2-d work is very undependable in both the gallery world and in wholesale art markets. But I have gotten a wonderful response for my hand-painted silk wearable art landscapes. This year I plan to continue to develop shawls, jackets, dresses, and pants for upscale clothing, as well as throws and pillows for interior design.





I am booked for several Fine Art and Crafts shows this year, including the Sugarloaf Craft shows in Timonium Md, and in Chantilly VA. The Spring Show in Richmond Va and other to be announced soon. There I will be selling my silk-work and some small 2-d works including decorative wall blocks and my Twilight series and Appalachian Trail series paintings, as well as hand painted cards. I look forward to meeting many more people and the fun of craft fairs.
It means a lot more time working in my studio... which I love!




Part of my planning for 2008 is to work harder at maintaining my web sites and my online sales at ebay.com and etsy.com as well as my wholesalecrafts.com site.

Time to get back to work!
Until next time
Create Beauty and fill the world with love!
Wynn

Every  artist knows that in order to build a life, a following,  and to sell art work we need lots of presxs coverage and name recognition. Here is an article that came out on my work and life in the Washington City Paper today.

http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/display.php?id=2376

One correction.. lol  I did NOT say my success is based more on my marketing than my talent!

until next time

Create beauty and fill the world with  love

Wynn

 

I admit it. I am a mess when it comes to balancing life with work with art with romance.

I have a wonderful partner with whom I enjoy sharing my life and my art business. He is my strength and my back bone and is great at keeping me focused on the next thing on the list. My partner is great at creating brochures and marketing materials. (You have no idea how many other artist have asked to borrow him! Thank goodness I have first dibs!) He is the practical one. He is more conscious of the business world and of politics. He reminds me often that I can be brash and outspoken, and at times step on people's toes and perhaps cut off my nose to spite my face. We rarely disagree on what needs to be done, but we often disagree on how to do it. When it comes to publicity and marketing, press coverage is important. So is having the materials at hand to sell yourself and make it easier for the people in position to make choices and to promote you.

My dilemma is how true to be to myself and my beliefs in the rights of artists and how much to subjugate myself in order to sell more. I take a great deal of pride in the work I do. Not just my painting, but also my professional level framing and matting. I listen to the people around me and I try to incorporate their needs and desires for types of art, while still painting in my style and with my palette. I try hard to maintain a fair market value on my work, but recognize that I am not selling to high end collectors regularly (yet).

I have learned over the last year that in the market for art sales presentation is everything. How works are chosen to hang in unified groupings, subject matter, etc. can have an impact. In out-door art fairs and Farmer's Markets the way your booth looks and how you grab attention can draw a stroller in and make them a client.

I want to present myself as professionally as possible. I also feel the need to clearly present myself as the woman of honor and integrity that I strive to be. I hope that I also seem friendly and easy to work with. I want every contact I have with an agent, corporate art collector, private collector, or simple a stroller-by to be fun, informative, and to provide what they need: a work of art, information, or a referral for another time. By being sure of who I am and what I offer I can do that. By listening to them I can do that.

My dilemma is really not a dilemma. It's simply a fact of life. Balance

Til next time

Wynn