Reworking my Portfolio

Before and after I reworked “Generous, Kind, Hearts, Shine”, 18 x 18″ original oil painting

It is so good to be back in the studio after the holidays! I do what I love and love what I do, so it can be difficult to take time off. Honestly, I have to force myself. My biggest hope for the world is that everyone could do what they love for a living!

Last month I received a critique on my art portfolio from a gallery owner that I have always admired. She is an artist too, which in my eyes means she is twice as qualified to give a critique. At first, I was a little hurt, which I guess is normal. I have never had a completely honest critique of my work. I don’t have an art degree, I am a mostly self-taught artist. Honest feedback is one of the things I feel I really missed out on with an art degree.

Once I got over the initial shock of getting an honest critique, I started thinking about what she said and realized she was absolutely right about most of what she had to say. The other 20% was personal opinion and things I will never change because they are what my art style is about.

This week being my first full week back in the studio, I’ve started working on one of the paintings that needed improvement. I’m sharing the before and after with you here to get some more feedback! 😉 I’m amazed at the difference a couple of hours made! What do YOU think? Thank you in advance for any and all comments, they are very welcome.

 

Artsy Quote: Patience and Perseverance

Today’s photograph was taken in Colorado on the the way up to Creede. This is a photo of the Rio Grande headwaters, the place were the Rio Grande river begins in Colorado.

Painting in progress, Artsy Quote, and Tshirts

30 x 30″ oil on canvas, work in progress

It’s been another one of those busy months. Enjoying summer and the outdoors as much as possible while also getting my work done. Unfortunately, the blog posts have been one of the casualties of summer!

Time to get back on track! The air is getting cooler, we’ve been getting LOTS of rain this summer! Living in the desert, that doesn’t always happen. In fact, we’ve been in a drought for about a decade. This year, the mountains, where we hike, have been open most of the summer. Except for the week surrounding the 4th of July, of course! Needless to say, we have spent a lot of mornings this month hiking!

A couple of weeks ago, I finally got back into my painting studio. I have a gallery show coming up in December, so I’ve also been busy getting work ready for that. The painting above is the current work in progress, still has a ways to go before it’s done.

Screens for our Sunlight Tshirts

My band, Sunlight, has also been busy lately! After taking July off, we have 4 shows in August, with two coming up this weekend in Colorado. We play on Friday night at Mean Jean’s coffee house in Lake City, CO and Saturday night at The Swing Station in Laporte, CO. One of the things we accomplished this month was getting silk screens made for our Sunlight T-shirts. Tomorrow we will spend the afternoon printing them. I will let you all know as soon as they are available! 🙂

Last but not least, it’s been a while since I’ve posted an Artsy Quote, so here you go!

Christmas in July!

As a big fat THANK YOU, I have decided to have a Christmas in July sale in my Etsy shop for the rest of the month! 50% off everything over $50! YES, you read that right, 50% off!!! All you have to do is enter the coupon code, FACEBOOK50, when you check out and it will be automatically discounted! This sale ENDS on August 1st! Great time to get that original painting you’ve had your eyes on!

“To Move Forward”, 12 1/2 x 12 1/2″ oil on canvas and wood, Available for $215

Rise with the Sun

I just finished another painting in my “Words” series! 🙂 This one is called “Rise with the Sun” and it is painted on all sides as well as the front.

“Rise with the Sun”, 12 x 12″ oil on gallery wrapped canvas, all sides painted. Available for $215.

The four sides of the canvas include other parts of the verse that was used for this painting.

Artsy Quote: Love

Artsy Quote: Strength

Artsy Quote: Inspiration

Today’s Artsy quote: Flowers

Today’s Artsy quote: Nature