Building some momentum to knock out some tasks and reach some goals this month! Artwork has been on track but other tasks not so much. I think my time management has been needing some work. I have been taking a more flexible approach to personal life and family time. I love working from home and having my studio at home.
Since summer of 2022, I have been fortunate to have several art commission projects come my way. I appreciate the response from many of you and have enjoyed our time working together to develop vision for new art pieces. Some artists might find it daunting to take on art commission work but I do not find that as my experience at all. I find it exciting and refreshing to listen to client (seems impersonal...friends, really) ideas and interests, see the photos to work from or find photos available to artists, hone in on color palettes that will be best suited to client or recipient, and then take off from there to create an original artwork that brings it all together. The reactions from clients in the end are priceless gifts to me and renew my energetic spark to make the next new artwork.
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| Meeting The New Day 5" x 7" |
I have one client I am chatting with about a few new pieces and hope to get started in the next few weeks. We have talked about potential subject matter and photos to be provided by the client. We have talked about the dimensions of the pieces so soon, I'll have photos from client and we'll talk over the color palettes to possibly suit these pieces best. The client has frames purchased so seeing them will help me in going forward as well. I take a lot of interest in getting feedback; this in turn helps me clearly understand what each client will be most pleased with in the end.
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| A recent art commission: Pemaquid Point Lighthouse Walk 9" x 12" |
I will be taking new projects through the coming months so if this interests you, please contact me soon. You are under no obligation to commit and I will not pressure you to agree to an art commission. This process works most successfully when you feel comfortable and excited to proceed! I am more than happy to explain the process fully and answer questions for you. I will be up front and if I don't feel I will be the best for creating with your goals in mind, I have no problem being honest about that. Here, on the blog, there is a page which outlines my procedure for art commissions. That may be a great place to start if you are still undecided but curious. My previous post, Openings For Art Commissions has more details.
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| Listen For The Hopeful Tune 7 1/2" x 9 1/2" Available for purchase. |
I cannot emphasize enough that taking on an art commission project takes time. Please allow 2 to 3 weeks to begin the project as we coordinate our schedules to chat and exchange ideas, write contracts, submit deposits, etc. There are quite a few steps required to take place before I can begin the initial sketch. Creating the artwork itself takes several weeks and then the packaging/shipping takes about a week. I do not ship artwork until final payment is received.
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| Persistence For Life 9 1/2" x 12 1/2" Available for purchase. |
I am working on making changes to my art prices based on dimensions. The cost of supplies has increased. The time has come to be sure I can continue creating original artwork and cover the overhead. Price changes will be taking place with standard artwork that I create and on private art commissions as well. Those changes will take place by the end of May 2023. I will publish a post when the new prices take effect.
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| Familiar Notes Of Spring 5" x 7" Sold. |
Whoop Up weekend is quickly approaching. On June3rd, a piece of my artwork will be displayed alongside the Rhubarb Pie Sales at the vintage camper on Main Street. That piece, which I am still undecided in choosing...will be available for purchase. It's an honor to be included and hope you'll be sure to take a look if you happen to attend.
June through September will be busier months with gardening, camping, and plein air painting outings. I will most likely participate in Farmer's Market here in Conrad, MT but I hope to be there every other week at most. Last year, taking artwork every week became too much so I will try to find a better balance this summer. I would love to find a local spot for a pop up/limited time display where I can show artwork and meet & greet. Watercolors do so much better indoors away from direct sun. I keep thinking on locations that might do well for a 3 day set up that I can host on location. Please comment or contact me with any ideas!
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| Lingering Attentively 5" x 7" Sold. |
Recently my subjects for artwork have been birds. I began with European robins and then a chickadee. Coming up, more European robins, another chickadee, a titmouse, American robins, bluebirds, hummingbirds, cardinals, and blue jays. Sketches are being done and transferred to watercolor paper so those new pieces of artwork will soon be started.
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| Scrap of watercolor paper with swatches of color. |
I seem to be always mentioning the possibilities of teaching workshops and not following through. I have the paper, brushes and palettes here so that helps with arrangement of supplies. I now need to choose a few dates and announce so sign ups can begin. I don't know whether afternoon or evening will work better...I personally prefer afternoons. That will come together with time.
Please be sure to check out art pieces available on my website! Landscapes in a wide range, vibrant with color and texture. Montana inspired watercolor artwork with my own personal style.
Thank you for following along and I would love to hear from you! How is your spring going and are you finding time to be creative?
Christy
-She must make art.
