Brenda, Rita, Heidi, Lindsay, Gisele, Erin, Ally, Patti and Steven, you are all rock stars! Thank you for a fabulous weekend! I don't think I've ever had this much fun in Art Marketing 101 before. I think we could have added a whole other day just to keep on taking! See you guys in September for the Art Marketing 101 follow up! Have a wonderful summer!

xoxo

PS more pics on facebook

A SOLD OUT two day workshop! Good for you little birds! I am so proud of each and everyone one of you for having the courage to make your dreams a reality. It's gotta start somewhere right?! See you tomorrow armed with your "definition of success" on hand.

You know those stickers that the windshield repair guys give you so that next time you get a rock chip you can place the sticker on so it will contain the break? They make great emergency band-aids. (see above) I was lucky they gave me two stickers. One for each foot! Damn those cute summer shoes I just bought, wore once and will never wear again! So that's the feet situation.
 
The nail situation is an ongoing saga. As much as I try to keep the gloves on while I am painting, they come off mysteriously every single time! My nails are a constant monstrosity. For a long time, I said that my nails were so beat up because of my craft. But how do other painters manage to have nice nails? Is it just me? Finally, I recently resorted to acrylic nails. So pretty. So strong. And they hold up to a lot of abuse. But blue? I feel like I have little fireflies on the end of each finger.

Vanity is a bitch.

I keep wishing that Calgary had more museums for me to visit. But we just don't. So this is how I deal. I visit places like Chintz & Company and surround myself with beauty, creativity and most importantly, ideas! Get out there! Enjoy the sun. Make good use of it.

4 days until we begin painting the mural in West Yellowstone, Montana. So excited!

This Saturday & Sunday at the Calgary School of Art I will be teaching a two day workshop called Art Marketing 101: Becoming a Professional Artist - The Artist's Guide to (Fearless) Self Promotion. OK, the word "Fearless" I just added in there now. And I like it! I think I'll change he title next time around.

I wrote and teach this course because I saw it all too often: talented artists who have accumulated a basement full of their own artwork and it just sits there. After talking with literally hundreds of artist the common sentiment was this: "I love art, I love making art, but I don't know the first thing about selling it. I don't even know if it's good enough to sell! Usually I just give it away. I'm not even sure I'm a real artist. I like the sound of possibly getting rid of some of it by selling it, but I have no idea how to begin. Besides, I'm no good at the computer."

I had the same feelings. The same concerns, the same fears, and so can you. The style of this class is very much like my paintings classes: I share with you everything I know. There is no holding back. 

My goal for each and everyone of my students this weekend is this:

1) I want to instill in them a sense of possibility that yes, this can be done and it's much easier than they thought it would be.

2) I want them all to leave the class knowing exactly what steps they need to take. Wether it's making business cards, photographing and editing photos of their art, booking their first show or pricing their work. I want them to feel confident that they can accomplish any and all of these things.

3) I want them to make connections with each other and form a supportive community.

4) Last but not least, I want them all to be able to say with confidence and excitement: "I am an artist."

Preliminary drawings for the commissioned mural in West Yellowstone, Montana are nearly complete! I can't mention who they were done by because she prefers anonymity. So as a result, I grant her wishes the best I can. But I gotta say at least this one thing: Isn't she AMAZING?!! I am so excite for this project.

This morning I had the opportunity to tour the Canada Sports Hall of Fame. Did you know that Calgary had a Canada Sports Hall of Fame? I didn't either! But we do! It opened last July on the same grounds as COP. And it's beautiful.

I was there to drop off a painting of mine for the Canada Sports Hall of Fame induction dinner and fundraiser. I was honored to contribute. And for the fact that I was asked to do so in the first place. I was told this was a privilege given to a select few.

Now on to my second question leading up to the grand finale: Have you seen the movie Secretariat? You know, the one with the horse? I haven't either. But one way the board is expressing thanks for my donation, is that they will give me a personolized autographed picture from Secreteriat's jockey, Canadian Ron Turcotte. Sweet! I'm watching the movie.

It's on! On Monday I go to Montana to paint a mural with my fabulous colab partner: mom! I'll take lots of pictures and keep you posted on our progress. I'm so excited! Have I mentioned that it's a realistic western scene?! Gulp. There's a first time for everything. Be fearless little birds. Just because you think you might be in over your head for a proposed project, don't reject it. Charge ahead and learn!

I can only imagine what it's like to be a mother. This afternoon, as I dug in the dirt, pulling up weeds and preparing the soil for my new herb garden, I had an inkling of an idea. Inside the planter, buried deep, away from adult eyes I found several surprising treasures: painted rocks, legos, beads, nails and even corn kernels. The corn kernels reminded me of the times when I planted apple seeds, (without my mother's encouragement) hoping they would sprout. Oh the curiosity and faith of a child! We would all be so lucky to have some of that back.