Blog

3 Reasons Why I Left Galleries

Posted on November 4, 2020November 3, 2020 by Kelli Folsom

Working with galleries is the traditional path for most artists. There’s a level of prestige and validation that’s implied when you’re accepted into a gallery. This was the path I took as a new artist upon graduation from art school 9 years ago. I remember when I received my first gallery representation I was so excited! For eight years I would work with 13 different galleries. My experience with them led to my decision to leave galleries altogether and represent myself in 2019. This choice didn’t happen overnight but evolved over time. I’ve never shared the reasons why I made...Read More

Have you found your art tribe?

Posted on September 26, 2020September 30, 2020 by Kelli Folsom

We don’t want your content; we want your connection! This is the message I wish I could shout out to the world and to artists right now. For at least the two years in my business, I’ve seen that community and connection is more important, more nurturing and more powerful than just content. During this Covid19 crisis, this idea of connection over content has been beautifully proven true. While everyone is isolated and quarantined, my online group is coming together more and more intimately. Instead of growing further apart, they’ve grown closer together. They’ve shared their fears and frustrations. They’ve created...Read More

What I Can and Can’t Live Without

Posted on September 2, 2020September 30, 2020 by Kelli Folsom

Have you ever noticed that you think you can’t live without something until it’s taken away? We’ve all learned so many lessons since the hit of Covid this year. Some of those lessons have been harder than others and some have left us focusing on what’s really important in our lives for the better. I’ve certainly learned about what I can and can’t live without. Covid took away things that I enjoyed as rewards and self-care like getting massages, pedicures and manicures, haircuts and facials, getting dressed up to go out for dinner with Monte, the symphony, and travel to...Read More

What do you need?

Posted on August 26, 2020August 25, 2020 by Kelli Folsom

I want to hear from you. What do you need to achieve your artistic goals? 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. Dutch Red and Lemons, 12" x 16" 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...Read More

Have You Decided?

Posted on August 19, 2020August 18, 2020 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?

Posted on August 12, 2020August 11, 2020 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?

Posted on August 5, 2020August 4, 2020 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….

Posted on July 29, 2020September 30, 2020 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

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

Posted on July 22, 2020July 21, 2020 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

Posted on July 15, 2020July 14, 2020 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