What's Going On

I haven't posted photos in awhile, so tonight I'm doing a brief post of pics.  

First, this is a photo of Bounty paper towels.  


After a trip through the washing machine.  


(they should pay me for this!)


Yep, my husband cleaned up a doggie accident and left paper towels stuffed inside the dog bed cover that he threw in the laundry room.  Days later, I put it in the wash not thinking to look inside and after the trip through on Heavy Duty mode - hot water, double rinse, high speed spin- I found a long, wrinkly mass at the bottom of the tub (we have a front loader, so it was just inside the door.)  I pulled it out and found this - 4 paper towels, still attached to one another and intact.   I've always favored this brand in the studio due to it's absorbency.  I'm sold for life.  

This pic on the right (or it's supposed to be on the right) is a painting I'm currently working on for an upcoming show.  
I began this one as I often do - a demo for an evening class.  It's slow going, as I'm still working on two commissions and doing this one half in studio, half in class. 

And this is Mikki - you may remember from prior posts. After settling on green for a background color, I'm now laying in the setting and finding tones that don't compete with the dog.  I've resolved a few other issues - a quirky front let, some odd shadows and once that background comes together will put final layers in her hair.  This painting went from frustration to fun after my aha moments.  (which I talked about in a prior post.)  

Nothing Quite as Planned

Some weeks things just go all awonky.  It's been one of those weeks and I can honestly say that my life is never boring.  It may not be exciting....but that's another thing altogether.  (chuckle)

I had planned to complete another painting this week during my studio time, but plans do change.  My husband's work schedule forced me to rearrange a future date to happen NOW, so yesterday I had Susan B. and Will Turner join me in making notecards.  Will is a local artist who has envisioned a project called The 1000 Strong Project.  The intent is to sell the artwork of 1000 artists to raise (oh, shoot me Will - I can't remember! ) 10,000 dollars (I think) for the benefit of Comfort Zone Camp.  In exchange for helping me to print and prep my notecards for sale, I showed him the program I use and how to create the cards.  Susan was here of course to learn and help, as I hope she will take over that task in the future. 

I work mostly from home, so we convened in my small and cluttered office filled with everything from golf clubs to a paper shredder (my cat loves to sleep in the shreds) and computers and printers and more; oh my.  First the program acted up while showing Susan how to find and recreate a card.  Then Will arrived and we got things running fairly smoothly.  Then the ink misbehaved.  I had to discard cartridges with ink, as none of the remedies were working.  In the meantime, I switched to printer B and that was worse - it has never liked chatting with my Mac and refused to feed paper properly in protest.  About 30 minutes, 3 ink cartridges, about 10 or so damaged notecards and 6 sheets of test paper later, we began rolling again.  Missions somewhat accomplished.  Thankfully both Will and Susan are good-natured souls who go with the flow. And I'm just happy that at least there is that much less I have to do later. 

Today's to-dos include changing out art at a gallery, delivering sketches to be matted and shrinkwrapped, and spending time with aforementioned husband at some point.  Previously I would have stressed over NOT getting into the studio and how much further behind that would put me.  But, things come along and I can be only in one place at one time, mind and body.  If I do get into the studio, great.  If not, there will be another moment when I shall.  

The Effect of the Creative

Last night I attended Talk 20, an event sponsored by C3 (The Creative Change Center) and 1708 Gallery in Richmond, Va.   Talk 20 

It was affirming, enlightening, inspirational and at times moving, to listen to each one share their creative journey. I felt in awe to be part of the gestalt that is art in Richmond and at the same time felt like an outsider, because these creatives are sooo in touch with their destiny and purpose.  The event was standing room full and was packed with artists/creatives, many of whom I recognized or knew.  What struck me as missing were people who are NOT creatives to experience an event such as this.  If we could but reach more of our community with the many positive things artists are offering not only to Richmond, but in some cases the world. 

A few examples:

Brian Korte - founder of Brickworkz.         Brickworkz 

Brian began creating mosaics out of legos which grew into a fascinating business.  His real aim?  To change the world, using his legos to facilitate fundraising for charity.  He has traveled the globe doing so. His personal volunteer passion is with Comfort Zone Camp.       Comfort Zone

My friend Susan Singer's goal is to paint Naked Women - with the purpose of changing how the world views women in often negative, idealized versions that do not exist, and bringing to light how those views affect our collective psyche.  Her blog has an international following.   Susan's blog

Tiffany Glass Ferreira is a powerhouse of energy in a very tiny package.  Her Real Small Art League is bigger than I can describe.  Real Small Art

Sheila Gray is another artist I've been fond of for years.  Her ethic of living her art and making the world a place of joy is impassioned and uplifting.   Sheila Gray

More of the creatives can be found via the Talk 20 link above.

Why am I using my blog to share this with you?  Because after, I was thinking about my own very recent journey from cluttered space to painting again to choosing to leave pet portraiture behind me.  And how all that fit in with my teaching and where I'm headed.  My friend Sarah (who attended with me) helped me realize my original intent when I began painting animals:  To show the relationship between animals and humans and somehow use that connection to change how many in the world treat animals in such brutal ways.  

I'll continue with that train of thought another time.  For now, I'm going to continue to enjoy the "afterglow" of energy and inspiration from last night's event. 

A new Week

I had the best week in a long while working in the studio last week.  Even though I took off most of last Tuesday, I couldn't help myself and did wind up painting a bit in the evening.  And I painted every day after until Sunday.  I never really believed in having a "painter's block" until after sharing with fellow artists what I was going through.  Another is having a similar bout of wanting to work, but getting into the studio and just having nothing there.  She's doing the same thing....a little of this and that, and not much else.  She even has these huge panels ready to goa and I know she's just processing how to tackle them. Even so, it is when she just plays and throws paint or gets into something different that her creative juices begin to flow again.  I suppose there can be a painter's block, for whatever reason.....overload, stuck in a rut, no inspiration, not knowing how to express inspiration.  At any rate, I'm glad to be past that phase and hope it continues.  


I belong to a group called the Collaborative Artists Group - a small division of a larger umbrella in Richmond known as C3, the Creative Change Center.  Members include artists of all genres, but the meetings mostly consist of visual artists lately.  I love attending these meetings, small or large, for the opportunity to get to know other artists and what they are doing, how they work, what they think about.  Our latest meet was this past Thursday evening and I have yet to walk away from one without feeling invigoration and confirmation.  


 That is enough random thought for one posting.  

A Day Off

I did something today I didn't intend to do, but the weather was so nice.  I took the day off.  The only thing I did was to grocery shop.  I haven't done that in quite awhile, take the day off totally that is,  and I haven't done it in several years without the guilt of knowing I had clients waiting for a painting.  You can tell it's still on my mind, but the weight has been lifted. Maybe posting to the blog counts for work?  ummmm - a stretch?   


Ironically, since my decision to inform my clients about the changes I'm making, I have been more productive in the studio. It baffles me and I'm thrilled.  

Here is Ditto, about ready to go home after a little tweaking and tuning.  His parents are delighted and so am I.  This was a pleasure to work on.  Even though it's not my preference to do a head shot, I love this one. It captures him.  It helped that I met Ditto quite some time ago and remembered his gentle manner along with his impressive stature. 
Ditto has been gone awhile now and I was honored to have had the opportunity to do this painting for the couple that loved him. 

I also met with Mikki's Mom this weekend and we chatted about the painting which I'm ready to get finished now. Something really clicked with this one recently and I suppose sometimes that's what happens with a piece...it takes time to pull it together. She sees her Mikki and that's what I struggled with for quite awhile. Still some things to work out, but we're in agreement as to what, so that will happen.


After these two, I have Plum the kitty hanging out in that limbo stage - where I think I'm done, but set it aside for awhile to make sure it's all ok. I've done work on her tail, the background colors and added in a number of layers to make her more solid.  I don't have a recent image of that one to post here, but she is on another post from awhile back.  Once Ditto goes home, Plum gets back on easel # 2. 


On another note, I was contacted by a number of wait list clients who were generous and understanding about my letter and blog.  A few asked to be removed from the list and I'm hoping to help them find the right artist, if they choose.  I appreciate their honesty in wanting to move on, too.  One wrote to me telling me she had found another artist some time ago, and was obviously angry that I was not more often in touch.  I am tickled for her that she went ahead and did what was right for her and now has a painting she loves.  I wished she had let me know so I could have kept my records more up to date, but she felt she was not obligated to do so (and she is right.)  I listen to my critics as well as my fans, as they have insight which helps me know what I should do.  Her response confirmed that I had done the right thing, but perhaps I should have done so sooner. At any rate, most who contacted me asked to remain on the list regardless; and I am so thankful for their kind words of encouragement.    


I keep wondering if this productivity will last, but for now I'm enjoying what's happening.  

Two Days Later

About my decision to quit pet painting as a business (see prior blog post):


If it sounds like I am blaming my clients, I am not.  Not at all.  Any artist who has taken commissions will tell you the same things I have said.  It is a fine balancing act between answering to your call as an artist and meeting the expectations of a client.  It's the nature of the business.  If anything, what I am doing, is admitting this: I am not suited to be a commission painter as a full-time endeavor. I don't like the business aspect of it.  I don't want to spend my time contacting people with frequent updates (and I haven't.) I can't afford full time help.  Clients don't want to wait so long for their painting and they shouldn't have to.  I maintain stress over not painting more quickly. It's even more stressful knowing I have people waiting for a painting, and I can't get there yet.  I don't mass-produce and I don't have a formula, so paintings, when I'm working, usually take a while to do.  Again, not the client's fault, it's part of the business.   I do enjoy meeting clients and pets, taking photos, arranging the sketches and doing the art.  A lot of artists hate commission work and won't do it at all.  I actually like it, but I never expected the stress level to be so high. 


Some paintings weren't quite what I would have chosen, but I am proud of the accomplishments of each piece thus far.  Each client and their animals have been unique.  I get to meet some of the nicest people on earth - how could they not be?  They love their pets!  Nearly everyone has been excellent about letting me do what I do.  Even so, it's very stressful to try and meet someone else's expectations.  They have a certain image in their heads and I have to try and match that.  I struggle with what they want and what I think should be.  


This may not make sense to some, after reading the above and the prior post.  My artist friends will get it for sure:
Although I do not love the business, I love what I do.  I love painting; capturing an animal's personality or a moment in time.  I love the feel of paint on the canvas, the time it takes to mix a color and apply it next to another color.  I love when the painting begins to brighten and come to life in an explosion of color.  I love when I have an aha moment in the studio and silently, or sometimes aloud, yell " THAT's IT!"  I love getting the expressions on an animal that really speaks that animal's soul. I love the smile on a client's face when they see their pet and go "wow."  I cry when my clients' pets leave this earth, because I've connected with them through my paintings.  THAT is why I paint.  


One of my clients wrote back to me "It's hard to be creative when you feel internal or external chaos."  This is so true.  Another wrote, "...after what appeared, much heartfelt contemplation...it made me realize that you had rediscovered the artist I fell in love with so many years ago."  


I certainly hope so.  That is the message I am trying to send.  

Change

Several months ago I realized I no longer wished to take on commission portrait work as the main emphasis of my art.  I was becoming unhappy with the particular demands of trying to make my clients happy while painting to my own muse.  The two often do not mesh.  Painting for someone who has hired me means that I need to meet their expectations.  From both our points of view; the client is paying me to do something they want.  They love my work so they want me to do my magic, but with their pet.  What has happened more often than I expected was that once their pet is in the picture, they tend to want a more traditional painting.  Hmmmm.  I'm thinking '...did you SEE what I do?'   I find it baffling because there are so many wonderful, traditional pet portrait artists out there.  Anyway, that is when our points of view begin to diverge...they see it as they are paying me to do what they want and I see it as they are paying me to do what I do. Then I struggle. Luckily so far I've been able to complete pieces I am proud of and I think, or at least I've been told, that my clients are happy with the results.  I'd hate to think they weren't or felt obligated to take something they didn't love. 

So, after making the decision, I mulled it over for several months before even making it known. I wrote and rewrote a letter to my clients.  I hired Susan to help me get back on my feet in the office and the studio.  Things began falling into place and I wondered if maybe I shouldn't rethink my decision.  But then the stress returned.  So I knew it was the right thing for me.  I would have to tell my clients before making it known that I was going to stop taking on commission work.

My students were the first to hear.  I wanted their reaction and their feedback was interesting.  

Then I was able to finally write the letter. Last night I sent it.  I have not yet checked my e-mail.  That'll be next.  

This is my plan.  I will continue to paint and complete portraits for anyone on my current wait list.  I will create a painting that I would do with or without that client.  I will continue to listen to their input and collaborate with them at the beginning stages of the piece.  Once the image goes to canvas, it's all from my heart.  One of the things I've never done was to take a down payment or require a contract.  So if my client does not like the painting, they do not have to purchase the painting.  I know, some artists gasp at this, "your time! you should be paid for your time!" and I should.  But I want happy clients as much as I want to be proud of what I do.  It makes no sense to me to sign my name to a painting that isn't reflective of my work, and makes no sense to send a painting out there that someone doesn't want.  


In addition to honoring my wait list clients who wish to hang in there, I am going to work on some of the projects I've been setting aside for the last few years.  I've wanted to explore the various acrylic mediums, take workshops, continue teaching, and delve into a few other things.  As an artist, I feel the need to grow and learn.  I need the time to do that and will make that time. 


I think it may be a long day.  I don't know what to expect from my clients.  I'll read their responses and go from there.  I think many will understand, some will not, some I'll not hear from at all and others will want to find another artist.  It will be all right. 

March means Spring

And Spring means new beginnings.  I cannot tell the world enough how elated I feel at having whatever fog was hovering lift away.   I completed the painting, "Party Girl" in less than two weeks.  I know - yes, it DID take time away from commissions, but I needed that.  I NEEDED to get back in.  As I posted previously, it inspired me to get back into the work I was committed to. 


Here she is.   Katie "Party Girl" Richardson

This painting is making its debut at the Riverview Gallery in Portsmouth VA this Friday night.  The show is Celebrations, in honor of the gallery's 12 Year Anniversary in that location. 
Doesn't Katie look festive and dressed for the occasion? 






I just spent the last 2 hours refining a letter to my commission clients, explaining the changes that I'm making in my studio habits and how it may affect them.  I've been working on that since last December, but just didn't know quite what to say or how.  Hiring Susan and getting back into painting put me in the right place to be able to go there.   Once I've had it proofread and sent,  I'll address some of that process and the results here.  




In the meantime, spring is coming and with it new energy.  Renewal.  Yahoo.