Over the past few months, I have received a number of e-mails, asking a variety of questions and I thought that I would try to answer them here. That way everyone can be a part of them.
First question, what have I been up too lately? I have been taking some on-line classes and trying to expand my computer knowledge, but also a different perspective on the business side of an art business.
Here are the two on-line classes that I have taken;
DJ Pettitt offered a Photoshop on-line class. Now, anyone who knows DJ's work, knows that this is a great opportunity to learn how she does some of her work on the computer. She uses layers, brushes, blending, etc. This was not something that I wanted to miss, especially since...all I have to do is look at my computer and freeze that darn thing up. DJ has a way of explaining the process, so even someone who doesn't do alot of art work on the computer could understand.
The class that I took is closed, but she is planning on offering it again this year.
My next class was with KC Willis. She is offering a class that goes over the aspects of consignment, wholesale, gallery, etc. for your artwork. Even thou some of this is stuff I might already know, having someone give their perceptiveness of it and their expertise is worth it. She has a wealth of information to share and I am coming away with a whole new look on this part of the business.
Second question, I don't write on my blog every week. Well, I really wished that I could and that is my goal that I am working on. I have always been one who balances things real well. When I had my surgery and my brain shut itself down, that part didn't come back to its full potential...lol. I have had to realize that I can't do it all and do 100% well. I have to let others help, so that is where I am going to be hiring someone to help me do the paper work. My husband and I own and run a trucking company and with my art business on the side and 3 kids, I am finally ready to admit, I can't do it all. God comes first, then family and everything else is next. I have done a great job at God, the kids and family, but it seems that I am always running behind on everything else...lol.
Third question, I don't share much of my personal life. I have to laugh at this one, because...I think that I really have a quiet life. My life is really busy, but it is fun. If you walk into my house, everyone always states, how calm, serenity and peaceful it is. I really have had to do alot of work to get it that way. First, I had to get help years ago, to overcome my childhood abuse that I suffered and then with all of the health issues of my brain shutting itself down, I had to really pull into my faith with God to survive it. So to be able to achieve this, I created a place that anyone could come into and feel at home. So, to be able to help people see this, in the following weeks...I will post a picture from time to time of my house and studio. But, I have to tell you...for every picture there is a story and it usually is a funny one. Nothing in this house comes easily. I think the first story that I will tell in a week or two is about my kitchen and the hole in the ceiling that one of the kids did. Oh, you will love this one, especially if you have kids.
Fourth question, What music do I listen to? I wanted everyone to know that I finally figured out how to add my playlist to my blog. Every so often, I do get asked, what do I listen to when I create my art. I have tons of music that I listen to and it ranges anywhere from country to pop. So, I added a few to give you look into my world. I plan on adding more down the road. It took me 3 tries to figure that darn thing out. That is the funny thing about our house, whether we work on it or hire someone, it always takes 3 tries before it will work. Workers have never seen anything like it.
Fifth question, when am I ever going to teach my art. I use to teach years ago. Then I got sick and with losing my memory I had to relearn all of the art techniques, products, etc. Some of it, came back with regaining my memory, but with the 10% of memory that I never regained, I have had to reteach myself and take classes. I have been in this art world for over 13 years and I use to spend hours practicing things and experimenting and to have to lose all of that was very hard. But the great news is, I am here and taking everyday one day at a time. I hope to someday soon, go back to teaching, but for now...I love just sharing it with you.
Last, but not least...I am heading off this week to an art retreat in California," Artful Journey". You might remember me mentioning this last year. This time, I am taking a 3 day class with DJ Pettitt. I just love hanging out with her. It will be fun connecting up with new friends that I met last year.
So, I leave you with a couple of pages from one of my journal books...
