Author: Kelli Folsom

Have You Decided?

Have You Decided?

Posted on by Kelli Folsom
Have you made the most important decision you’ll ever make as an artist?  When I took the chance of a lifetime at age 28 and enrolled in art school (and plunked down $25,000 to do so) I thought that was the most important decision I needed to make.  Surprise Sunday Bouquet, 16" x 20" It wasn’t. It was a move in the right direction, but it wasn’t the most important decision.  At the end of my first year of art school, I was thinking about quitting.  I called family members and filled with pity I lamented that I just wasn’t...Read More
Can you live your best life in a crisis?

Can you live your best life in a crisis?

Posted on by Kelli Folsom
I’d love to hear from you about how you’re bearing up in the midst of the crises we’ve had this year. It’s been a crazy roller coaster for sure. In the beginning I know I was in disbelief and full of hope that it would all be over soon. Sunrise Eleven, 5" x 7" Then I immediately shifted into trying to be there for the artists in my community by showing up more and holding many online calls and workshops to support them. My focus was so much on others that I kind of forgot about myself and became a...Read More
Where do you want to be in 6 months?

Where do you want to be in 6 months?

Posted on by Kelli Folsom
I thought going to art school would magically turn me into a successful artist overnight.  What I found out was that art school, while it taught me the fundamentals of technique, would contribute very little to my success as an artist.  Awaiting The Irises Dance, 18" x 14", oil on panel There was very little accountability or customized mentoring at the school.  So I had to figure that out on my own. I became OBSESSED with goal setting, learning about planning, time management, and understanding the psychology behind success.  I experimented with different techniques and productivity hacks that helped me...Read More
BORING….

BORING….

Posted on by Kelli Folsom
I’m so BORED! Have you ever said that? I would say that when I was a kid from time to time. One time I got the response that if I was bored that meant I was a BORING person. OUCH!  I have to agree though. Saying your bored is putting yourself in a victim state of mind. You’re waiting for something to magically happen to you so you’re not bored anymore. Accepting responsibility that YOU’RE BORING right now puts it back on you to do something about it.  As adults, we don’t usually say this out loud anymore, but we...Read More
OPA Virtual Western Regional Exhibition

OPA Virtual Western Regional Exhibition

Posted on by Kelli Folsom
Dates & Times Show Dates: August 1, 2020 - September 12, 2020 Location The show will be held virtually on the Illume Gallery of Fine Art website. Click here: https://illumegalleryoffineart.com/. Additional Info I am proud to announce that The Fullness of Beauty is included in the Oil Painter’s of America 2020 Virtual Western Regional Exhibition! Oil Painters of America (OPA) is an organization that is “dedicated to preserving and promoting excellence in representational art”. I have been a member of OPA since 2011. Oil Painters of America truly helped jumpstart my career. I highly encourage people to join them! It...Read More
The Non-Artist’s Guide to Speaking to Artists: 10 Things NOT to Say

The Non-Artist’s Guide to Speaking to Artists: 10 Things NOT to Say

Posted on by Kelli Folsom
Dear non-artist partners, friends, parents, siblings, neighbors, collectors and gallerists,  Have you ever said something to an artist and got a glaring look, silent treatment, roll of the eye, tears, a canvas thrown at the wall, or criticism back about something you’re endeavoring to do? Did you wonder what happened?  I can tell you what happened. I’d like to help you with this handy list of what NOT to say, ask or do to the artists in your life.  We know you don’t understand and do mean well, but I hope this list of what not to say to artists...Read More
3 Steps to a Successful Still Life Composition

3 Steps to a Successful Still Life Composition

Posted on by Kelli Folsom
I am so honored to be included in the August/September issue of International Artist Magazine! I am immensely grateful for this opportunity as it is a milestone in my teaching career. This four-part series began in the June/July 2020 issue of International Artist Magazine. The series will continue into 2021, so grab your copy of Part One and Part Two in the series by clicking here. I want to take this opportunity to say “thank you” to everyone who has supported me and encouraged my art career. Your support along this journey has meant the world to me. Without you, I...Read More
OPA 2020 Virtual Juried Salon Show

OPA 2020 Virtual Juried Salon Show

Posted on by Kelli Folsom
Dates & Times Show Dates: August 13, 2020 - October 3, 2020 Location The show will be held virtually on the Oil Painters of America website. Click here: www.oilpaintersofamerica.com. Additional Info I am proud to announce that Unseen Potential is included in the Oil Painter's of America 2020 Virtual Juried Salon Show! Oil Painters of America (OPA) is an organization that is “dedicated to preserving and promoting excellence in representational art”. I have been a member of OPA since 2011. Oil Painters of America truly helped jumpstart my career. I highly encourage people to join them! It is such a...Read More
Movin’ On Up!

Movin’ On Up!

Posted on by Kelli Folsom
“Beauty belongs to life, but is immortalized in art.”-Leonardo Da Vinci- There's nothing like a pandemic quarantine to make you realize how IMPORTANT your environment can be! I’ve definitely been feeling the strain of mine over the last few months. Kelli Folsom with her painting Standing Tall to Find the Light Research has shown that your environment has a BIG impact on your mental health. The condition of your environment can either reduce or increase stress, motivation to act, and the ability to focus on your goals. Maybe this is why spring cleaning and straightening up makes us feel so...Read More