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Montana Artrepreneur Program

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This will be my year to look up to the sky and shout it out…I am going to soar.  I am going to push myself beyond what I’ve thought would ever be possible.  I am going to ask for support.  I am going to have tears, laughter and emotional ups and downs.  So many ideas to put down on paper, so many visions to paint on canvas, so much to explore.  It’s going to be a time to be good to myself and share myself with others.  It will be a time to override fear, push it so far back that maybe it might disappear!

Loads of words tossed about in that first paragraph, makes me smile.  I am beginning the  Montana Artrepreneur Program for 2016.  I can certify in May of 2017, if I’m ready.  The blessing with this program is that it is self-paced.  Removing the pressure to finish as we artists have an impossible life sometimes trying to keep on track.  We get distracted with creating, which is our passion.  This course will be teaching me the business aspect of the art world.  Sounds boring but gosh, I need this so much!  It is an opportunity to take a course that is equal to two years of college in a time frame of ten months.  Taught within a small cohort of other artists (our cohort has 10 artist participating).   A coach (who is also an artist).  And past MAP artists as mentors.   All to provide that needed, valuable, individual attention.  The time frame is ten months to complete the course but that is flexible, no pressure.   Being the crazed goal oriented personality that I am I’ve set the bar high and told myself I will finish in May 2017.  It doesn’t feel impossible to me at this point.  I may have to retract that comment come May of 2017!

We had our first 10 hour workshop in February.  Oh, so much to learn, so much to absorb and that handbook.  I was told not to be fearful of this 3 inch book but at first sight it was something to behold.  Still, it gave me goose bumps, so thrilling.  The workshop  opened up my mind.  The opportunity is just laying out there waiting for all artists if we are willing to put the work into our passion.  There is a way to make sense of it all, I really like that possibility.

Looking forward to 2016 and the knowledge I’m about to receive.  Keeping my mind open and my heart ready to embrace this life of art.  I am grateful.

Miniature Show

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Creating in the studio, preparing for a Miniature Show on Saturday at one of the little galleries that sells my art.  I’ve made several items but these mini framed hearts are a favorite!  Each is a different shaped heart with expressions of words.

If you are local please stop at Bailiwick on Grand to see the lovely Miniature Show.  There are several very talented artists displayed. It will be fun!

Saturday, April 5th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.copyminiframed

Mini Wooden Tags

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I’ve been working on some mini wood tags that will be for sale at an event the end of March.  It is nice to create something outside of painting on canvas.  These are quite small.  They would be nice as a small gift  or even used as a sweet little gift tag on a special package.  I’ve coated them with a layer of art varnish.  I like the shine it gives them as well as a nice protective coating.

Happy Sunday & thanks for visiting…comments are always welcome!FSCN1664

Spud

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copy TweetieA bit of time has passed since my last post.  It’s been a busy time and I imagine will only get busier as the holidays approach.  Oh, that’s right, Thanksgiving is next week!  Our daughter is coming home (and her little doggie that we love…our grand-dog) for a few days and the time will be marvelous.  I have plans for a relaxing and yummy Thanksgiving day but come Friday, we may have to kick into high gear!  I have some shopping and baking to do and trying to spend some time with other family and friends!  We try to balance the calmness and the running around like crazy!  I love the holidays and oh, yes, I usually start decorating the day after Thanksgiving!  We’ll squeeze it all in, I’m sure!

This painting may stay in my private collection.  Two reasons, one being, years ago I had a special little canary we named Spud.  Little Spud sang and sang for several years, giving us such joy.  I’ve not had another bird since Spud passed into bird heaven but maybe one day.  The other reason for keeping this piece, well. I grew up shy.  It’s been a lifetime challenge for me to force myself to speak out and be heard.  I’ve often told close friends that at times I feel invisible.  They disagree, only because I can talk freely within my close circle.  I still get anxious around groups but I’m learning.  I always think of myself as a late bloomer!  Life is truly a journey and I believe we never stop growing, learning and developing into our purpose!

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

 

Sweet Girl

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copy green skirtA new piece for my Collection of Girls.   Hot outside so I’ve retreated to my art studio the last couple days.  Love being outdoors but finishing this piece really felt good!  This piece is for sale.  The words are “Before the rising sun, we fly; so many roads to choose”.   Starting two smaller pieces as well and will post when completed.

Thanks for stopping by my blog…enjoy!

Six Hearts

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IMG_6407This piece I have titled Six Hearts.  This canvas I had done about two years ago and it truly needed a facelift!  I covered it with black acrylic paint and started over.  I was not truly in love with it but it is growing on me.  If you click on the photo you can enlarge the image to read the words.

I am still working on the dress collection and have finished two more paintings.  I needed a break from painting the dresses so created the six hearts.

Thanks for visiting my blog everyone!  Hope your heart is filled with joy today!

Spring Canary

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My latest artwork, little yellow canary, titled Spring Canary.  Posted it on my Facebook page and it has sold.  Makes me smile as I’ve worked so hard on getting my Etsy Shop up and running.  My Etsy Shop is under greengrassart.  I’ve posted ten items for sale so far.  Realizing how many artists are on Etsy, I’m not sure how all of that will develop but I wanted to give it a go.  The canary painting was not posted on Etsy.  I was able to link my Etsy Shop to my Facebook page.  I spent hours setting up the Etsy Shop.  I am so amazed at what some artist are achieving, not sure how they do it but admire all their hard work and effort!  This little canary  inspired by my beautiful little canary that has since flown to bird heaven but was so, so loved by our family!  The words on the painting…”Whispering colors of spring”…and I am really looking forward to spring!

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Flora..new girl

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This is my latest for my girl collection.  Painted on a wood surface and not a canvas.  It was fun experimenting with something new.  I did her background with various recycled papers.  I am in the process of starting an Etsy shop and will be setting that up this weekend.  Hoping to sell some of my art.  I feel like I’ve neglected my blog for several weeks, need to start posting again!  I’ve been busy with getting art finished for my Etsy shop and have posted some on my Facebook page.  I will be trying to link all my sites together…I’m not the best when it comes to the internet but my daughter will be helping me…we are calling it the Etsy Party Weekend!!  Have a great day everyone!!

Her words…nurturing your own spirit

House

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IMG_5693Just finished a new painting.  I’ve been working on a 30 ~ piece collection of small works for an event in April.  I submitted three pieces for judging and will find out in February if I am in…hoping!!  The earlier post of the cow is one of the pieces as well.  I’ve spent so much time in the studio and have neglected my blog so I do apologize!  I just learned how to do watermarks.  Although, from everything I’ve read those who want to copy your art still can get around it…what to do 🙂  Thanks for visiting everyone…I’ll be back at it tomorrow.