Art Studio News

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

In December, I had a bit of fun offering a collection of winter miniatures to my followers on Instagram and Facebook.  It was such a success!  The number was under twenty five total.  Each watercolor painting, an original artwork, were 3" x 4" in size.  

I am preparing to begin work on the spring collection of miniatures, limited number to be available.  With under thirty available and each one painted by hand with unique details, no two will be alike.  

Those who have purchased a winter miniature have already expressed interest in collecting from each season.  This makes my heart sing!  I was thrilled with the response to something like this working so well.  I am able to sell my artwork to a those who have a more limited budget...or just need a little bit of artwork to splurge on now and then.

The way this works for me...I begin small watercolor artworks on 3" x 4" watercolor paper.  There are about 30 small artworks in the collection.  These paintings are painted in one short span of time, say about 2 weeks' time.  With a single palette of colors chosen, the paintings have a continuity yet they each have their own "personality."  As I share previews of these mini works in progress across social media, I ask potential buyers to direct message me to claim one.  I may have to set a limit of 2 or 3 going forward.  I create my list as messages come in.  Once the watercolor minis are completed, I begin private messaging buyers with a photo of the miniatures still available.  Payment is taken preferrably Venmo, Paypal, or cash (local pickup).  Once the purchase is made, I prepare the art to ship in the following 2 or 3 days.

Shown below is an example of my first little spring miniature.  It may be finished, I am not quite sure yet.  I will set it aside and glance at it again later...fresh eyes sometimes see something that it still needs to be finished.

Along with spring minature collection, I am preparing to offer the many other miniatures I have in stock in the coming weeks.  By removing these small artworks from my website inventory, I will manage it more easily to bring a spotlight to artworks.  Each release will be in numbers of about ten or less within a week's time.  I am still deciding whether to offer them available like the miniatures were done OR record a LIVE video showing them off and claiming done in the comments.  Separated into smaller categories like flowers, mountains, waterfalls, and prairies/farmlands will help make these into a more enjoyable experience.  And more easily manageable for me.

With a few hours of bright sunlight the past two afternoons, I have been able to tackle some artwork photography.  I began by cleaning the floors especially where the sunlight is free of shadows on the landing.  The tripod set up on with a cell phone mount is my usual method now.  I set the tripod on a sheet of foam board as the base for placing artwork.

If all is good with detail and color captured in the photos, I may be ready to move to the next step of cropping and giving each artwork a title.  It all takes time so I'll keep plugging along!

Artwork prices have been updated effective 1/26/2022.  This applies to artwork available for purchase from now going forward.  Private Art Commission prices have been updated as well.  These prices are now listed here on the blog and on my website christysheeler[dot]com.

If you are not following me on Instagram and Facebook, I encourage you to do so!  I share so much more in the way of Live video as I paint; I am still a bit unpredictable but hoping to work out a regular schedule of when I go Live on those platforms.

There's my little update on what's happening here.  Thanks for following along.  I sincerely appreciate all the encouraging feedback.  Knowing that you are enjoying my updates is a boost and looking forward to sharing more along the way.

-Christy

She must make art.

New Artwork: Garden Blooms Collection!

Garden Blooms Released!

It's very rainy here this week and though it is a bit dreary and chilly here in northern Montana,  I am hopeful for gardens sprouting new life.  It brings me joy to spread a bit of good news from my art studio...new artwork is available on my website at christysheeler.com!  They are sizes 5" x 7" and smaller so very easy on the pocketbook for sure.

Thank you for popping in to see what is happening here with my art creating space.  I am making time in the early morning for art...and then on the occasional day off and weekends.  While my time is a bit more challenged for being in my art room, I continue to make it there just the same.

Here is a limited preview of what you can find in this collection:

More artwork is ready to be added again soon...next collection coming is Ethereal Expressive Collection, loose and refreshing landscapes.  While you are on my website, be sure to sign up for my newsletter.  Early notice of upcoming art releases will be sent out each time, giving insiders the news first.  Three days earlier than on social media!  

Thank you for stopping by to spend a few minutes here...see you again soon!  Have a great week.

Christy

-She must make art.

Garden Blooms Collection Releases Soon

I am so ready for spring.  Montana spring is full of the occasional snow.  Gardens full of peas and lettuce will be a welcome sight.  And flowers.  I am excited for flowers.  The year 2020 has brought so much unpredictable and strangeness for daily life.  So while we might be feeling impatient for some beauty in the garden, I can bring you some blooms earlier than they will bloom locally.  Color so vibrant and touches of playful watercolor effects are on the way.  They are titled, in my art inventory,  have been photographed and now being uploaded on the website!

It has been my goal to remain  creative.   I find that even if no one needs my art, I need it.  I crave and heal through the process of creating art.  This outlet helps me cope with what is happening around me.

There are roses and sunflowers among the artworks coming soon to my website.   Nearly twenty in all, ranging in sizes from miniatures to 5" x 7" with prices that are super budget friendly.   My target date is May 21st, 2020 for these to be available online to purchase. 

I would like to add a few larger pieces to this collection though that may take a few weeks.  I have limited time available now.  I have returned to my seasonal nannying position on weekdays.   The small pockets of time available are key to making art and getting it ready to release online.

Would you like early access to see new artwork? 

My plan at the present is to release an art collection every 2 or 3 weeks.  That is dependent on a lot of things but it always helps to have a target.  There are seven collections ready to be released.  I will need to create the listings on my website which takes a few hours for each collection.  At this time, the collections are as follows:  Garden Blooms, Ethereal Expressive (landscapes), Summer Memories (landscapes), Waterfalls and Rivers, Trees, Autumn, and Winter.  I have plans to add two more collections, Wildflowers II and Prairie.

My website is www.christysheeler.com so go visit and you will be invited to sign up for my mailing list.  I have not been brave enough to actually try sending out a newsletter...until now.  Do it scared, right?  I do plan to send out an announcement for the release of each collection.  Sign up and you'll know before I publish it on social media!  What can be better than that?

I have two private commissions in the planning stages.  These will be larger pieces considering the sizes I have been working in lately.  I have been trying out studies in watercolor to prepare myself for working out the composition and values and color pigment choices.

One of my goals for this season is a better morning routine,  with about an hour reserved for being in my art room.   

Along with this, I have been bringing a small bag of watercolor supplies to work and I can find time to paint one or two times a week.  Even 30 minutes helps my outlook so much.

The two palettes shown are the Cornucopia Empty Watercolor Palette Trays.  They come as a 2-pack with 72 empty half-pans.  I ordered them from Amazon and they were under $20 total.  Dick Blick sells a larger variety for sizes of empty palette and full pans or half pans.  I chose pigments that would be lovely together, either just the one palette by itself or both together.  They have primary pigments and other favorites for pairing and mixing.  The sketch journals are Global Handbook Artist Journals.  The collapsible water cup is the Faber-Castell Clic & Go

I have been searching out a small and medium size bag perfect for organizing and protecting my art supplies.   Another of my goals is to have a perfectly packed for small quick day trips and longer ones as well.

It's great to be able to post this update and I will be working hard to make this spring and summer productive.  Thanks for stopping in to join me for this chat and let me know if you have any comments or questions.  You can comment below or send me a message through the link off to the right.

Christy

-She must make art.