I figured it out! Art makes me happy (duh) and so does exercise, and getting out with friends. So those are my “big 3” this Fall.
I’m fully in the swing of making art nearly every day. I’ve been taking classes online through Carla Sondheim - which I love. The flexibility to watch videos whenever I have time, and then share work in a private Facebook group is perfect for me right now. My classmates are super supportive and willing to give gentle critique when requested. The instructors are very responsive to posts and encouraging as well. Sometimes I am even pushed beyond my comfort level and really weird and interesting things appear. For example I just finished up a class called Making Faces. It’s all about loosening up and creating faces that are weird and wonderful. I opened my mind a bit and allowed myself to be less than perfect. In fact, far, far from perfect. And I loved it!
I’m fully in the swing of making art nearly every day. I’ve been taking classes online through Carla Sondheim - which I love. The flexibility to watch videos whenever I have time, and then share work in a private Facebook group is perfect for me right now. My classmates are super supportive and willing to give gentle critique when requested. The instructors are very responsive to posts and encouraging as well. Sometimes I am even pushed beyond my comfort level and really weird and interesting things appear. For example I just finished up a class called Making Faces. It’s all about loosening up and creating faces that are weird and wonderful. I opened my mind a bit and allowed myself to be less than perfect. In fact, far, far from perfect. And I loved it!

I’m pretty busy with the rest of my life (mom, wife, athlete) and have a limited schedule for in-classroom classes. It didn’t work out this Fall to take a class with live people and an instructor. I really miss those folks, so the other day I stopped in to one of my former classes to say “hi”. Seeing the variety of people and artwork and techniques gets me excited to get back in a classroom (not to mention having people to talk to!) So next session (2019!) I will carve out some space in the schedule to get back into a classroom with my art friends.
One goal I’ve had for a while is to figure out how to set up a shop to sell my original artwork. I’ve had (and still have) a shop on Fine Art America where people can buy prints of my work. It’s a great site, very easy to navigate and they offer a fun collection of products. One can buy a shower curtain, a pillow, or a phone case, among other items, with my artwork on it. Often, when I share my art on Facebook, people ask about buying the original. For a long time I’ve been sort of shy about selling originals, but now I’m ready. I set up a spot on my website where that can happen. It was (and still is) definitely a learning experience. You can visit that shop here. Please feel free to message me if you see something wonky about it, or if you have any questions. And of course, feel free to buy something!
Next on my list: showing my art in a gallery, and... going BIG. I really want to paint a large canvas and I should do it now, when I can work outside before the rain comes (hoping for rain in CA!)
I’m making new art nearly everyday, so check back often. Enjoy your one creative life… I certainly am.
One goal I’ve had for a while is to figure out how to set up a shop to sell my original artwork. I’ve had (and still have) a shop on Fine Art America where people can buy prints of my work. It’s a great site, very easy to navigate and they offer a fun collection of products. One can buy a shower curtain, a pillow, or a phone case, among other items, with my artwork on it. Often, when I share my art on Facebook, people ask about buying the original. For a long time I’ve been sort of shy about selling originals, but now I’m ready. I set up a spot on my website where that can happen. It was (and still is) definitely a learning experience. You can visit that shop here. Please feel free to message me if you see something wonky about it, or if you have any questions. And of course, feel free to buy something!
Next on my list: showing my art in a gallery, and... going BIG. I really want to paint a large canvas and I should do it now, when I can work outside before the rain comes (hoping for rain in CA!)
I’m making new art nearly everyday, so check back often. Enjoy your one creative life… I certainly am.