E-commerce and art.

Who has bought something online? Have you?

I have quite often and don't know many folks who have never made an online purchase. (My grandmother, who is in her 80's, is the only one I can think of off the top of my head.)

Too many traditional galleries are closing, taking on more artists or diversifying by selling "other than original art" products. Most everyone is feeling the pinch of this economy.

The trick to success in tough times is to learn, grow and adapt your business practices. There ARE people making plenty of money in spite of this crazy economy. What are they doing that is different? How can we as artists-who make AND market our products-make more money?

First, follow the trends. How do people purchase and take care of details of their lives? Why online of course!

As an artist, I just got on board with technology in the past five years and I came kicking and screaming. But, once I figured out some basic similarities and strategies for folding technology into my regular business practices, I see the value.... and, honestly, I do enjoy facebook, working on my website and online research.

Still, I don't update enough and may spend too much time on the silly side of fb, but any business person has to balance their day to day operations and adding technology tools is no different.

So, Happy New Year to everyone. As for me, I'm venturing out into uncharted waters with a brand new website (coming soon!) in which all my paintings will be for sale online.

And, I am happy to announce my business is now a division of Brushmark Studios, LLC. My husband and fellow artist, Chris Craft and I are now "officially" business partners.

My prayer is for all of us hard working individuals to have a prosperous 2011!

The process...

Art is a process. I forget sometimes to play and move through different creative processes! I really enjoy painting my women in water, but love to also explore drawing and painting just water.

Here's an inspirational blog... followed by a couple of my latest paintings, in process.

womenpaintingwomen.blogspot.com/








A set of three canvas panels, in process oil painting... I like what I have, but better to find a nice composition from this one and use that as a starting point for a new painting. (Thanks Chris Craft:-)













A detail like this perhaps...









Three more, slightly larger panels... painted with oil, inspired by moving water...











This is more interesting... though I need to crop in tighter with this one.

Painting is a process. I'm an artist. It just takes discipline, passion and a little talent!

Don't give up!

Don't give up! I have been applying for a residency at McColl Center of Visual Art in Charlotte, NC for years and finally got a yes. I will be an Affiliate Artist (for artists in the area) from April-August 2010. Check out the website... www.mccollcenter.org

The photo above is the studio I will occupy for that time. I am extremely grateful and excited. And, if I'd given up one of the many times I applied before, I would NOT have finally heard the "yes" this time.

(FYI... I also contacted the woman in charge of residencies after my last "no" and we discussed the strengths AND weaknesses of my application. This was kind of tough to hear, but information I put to good use with my most recent application in which I got in. Often there are tips posted on websites or organizations giving grants & residencies will often give applicants help.)

There are numerous artists applying for the same grants, residencies, galleries, etc... And many times, one doesn't get in the first time. Sometimes, it's because it is very competitive that year, maybe your work is not as strong as it could be... maybe they just want to make sure you are a dedicated artist and will keep applying. There are too many variables and each time is different.

As an artist who's received a LOT of rejection, but also has received multiple grants and sold work in galleries... I'm telling you to not give up!