December 4th, 2009
I have set up my tables in the living room, and begun to load them up with pieces I am taking to Winter Fair, the last show of the season. I am tired, having painted and prepped for the shows spending long hours, but how many people get tired doing something they love. I am so lucky! I’ll slow down a bit next week, but still paint daily.
I used to not paint daily, but a couple of years ago I decided to set a goal to become a full time artist. Like the slow turtle, I am learning many lessons, applying them and working, now, daily to reach my goal. As I sit here at the computer, I am surrounded by words of encouragement from the likes of Robert Genn and Alyson Stanfield. My studio is a sanctuary, a workshop, and my favorite space. I am making a place a peace and tranquility where I can go to zone in to paint.
I made a decision this year to only do inside shows for both practical and health reasons. I will focus on build a web business, developing online classes material and entering juried shows. My mother always asks me if I am rich yet. I say no, but I really am. Well, not as reflected by my bank account, but in all other ways I am a very wealthy person. I am blessed to have a wonderful family to surround me, new grandbabies being born, and children who want me in their lives. I have a talent, skill, or gift that I am using and am constantly learning new techniques and stretching my wings. Through art I have met so many new people that I would never have know in my small town.
The biggest lesson I learned this year was to build a relationship with people first and foremost. Do not try to sell, just share your self with others and the business will come.
November is a time for giving thanks, and I did give thanks for all I have, but December is a time to look back on the year and count your blessings. so, I am looking back, thanking God and all those who have come into my life this year, and looking forward to 2010! A new beginning!