Blog

How to Be a Student

How to Be a Student

Posted on by Kelli Folsom
I’ve been a student of art since 2008 and in that time, I’ve learned that not only to you must learn how to paint, you also must learn how to learn. I’ve learned many of these lessons the hard way especially in the earlier days when learning can be the most challenging to our sensitivities. Others I’ve learned later after many years of teaching myself and letting go of my ego which can come more with maturity and success oddly enough. So, I wanted to share with you some of my top recommendations on how to be a student because...Read More
What is your commitment level?

What is your commitment level?

Posted on by Kelli Folsom
On a scale of 1-10, how committed are you to your art path? I hope you said 10 because that’s really the only level of commitment that works.When we have one foot in and one foot out, it allows us to have a reason to fail, to quit and to play the victim. If you’re finding yourself in any of these states it’s because you’re not 100% committed.Is you’re wobbling on your commitment, what could you do to strengthen it? Amber and ClementineOil on panel, 9" x 12" What would allow you to be totally committed and not look back?I...Read More
The Art of the Rose

The Art of the Rose

Posted on by Kelli Folsom
I remember a day when trying to paint a rose would make me swear, break a paintbrush and open a bottle of wine. The amount of frustration I’d feel would make me want to give up and avoid them forever! Pink Rose 6" x 6", Oil on panelFrom day 27 of the #stradaeasel challenge Often times I would avoid them for a while to lick my wounds and go back to something easier. Eventually, I’d circle back around and get up the courage to TRY AGAIN. One of my Vital Art Sessions members Pam shared this quote with our group:...Read More
Star of the Show featuring Cindy Mac

Star of the Show featuring Cindy Mac

Posted on by Kelli Folsom
I was recently accepted into The American Impressionist Society (AIS) Small Works Showcase. The particular painting that was accepted, came on the heels of completing Kelli’s Finding Your Artistic Voice Course. We had just completed the segment on identifying our Mirror Mentors, Artists from past and present who speak to us on a deep level. It was then I was able to reconnect with my deep lifelong passion and identity towards The Impressionists and Art History in general. (It reminded me that the first and only master copy I’ve ever done was of Manet’s Blue Venice Canal painting in 7th...Read More
Sabotaged by Shame?

Sabotaged by Shame?

Posted on by Kelli Folsom
Are you being sabotaged by shame? I know many of us are participating in the Strada Challenge. Here we are day 22 out of the 31 days working from life Strada Challenge. Rice Basket and Pear18"x14", Oil on panel I know many are wanting to through in the towel. I don’t blame you. I’m not gonna lie I have too from time to time. Thoughts of “I’m too busy. This is too hard. As if I don’t have enough to do already!” Start to kick in. And worst of all the pressure we can put on ourselves to perform since...Read More
Winners of VITAL Art Sessions Still Life Competition!

Winners of VITAL Art Sessions Still Life Competition!

Posted on by Kelli Folsom
As you may know I have created a new online course program called VITAL art sessions. Last year was my first year doing this and I have to tell you that my heart is so full working with so many wonderful artists! I love being able to pass on what I have learned as an artist to more and more people. One of the the keys to my artistic development was the importance of competitions. I do not consider myself that competitive and frankly competitions are always a risk for rejection.....and well that's never a fun experience.  However, competitions always...Read More
What They Don’t Teach You in Art School

What They Don’t Teach You in Art School

Posted on by Kelli Folsom
Lately, I have been reflecting a lot of my art school days and what they didn’t teach you there. It was so great to have 4 years of uninterrupted focus on the fundamentals, technique, and attempting to master the skill set of art making. It was so great to be in this little bubble where the world revolved around art. Every day I struggled to improve and my entire focus was achieving that technical and aesthetic improvement. My entire focus was on excelling at my craft. Sometimes a secondary focus would be on trying to figure out what great art...Read More
Starving Artist – What Are Your Beliefs?

Starving Artist – What Are Your Beliefs?

Posted on by Kelli Folsom
So last year I read this book on the myth of the starving artist, by Jeff Goins, along with a whole other slew of books about how to sell art online, how to sell to interior designers, etc, etc, etc. So obviously I was a little obsessed with this topic. Last year, I also signed up for a motivational course called the 100 day challenge and my goal was how could I sell some artwork? This was my frustration, my conundrum, my quest for answers last year. I thought I had done everything right. I went to art school, got...Read More
What People Are Saying About VITAL Art Sessions

What People Are Saying About VITAL Art Sessions

Posted on by Kelli Folsom
Wow! With the deadline looming tomorrow for joining my new online video lesson program we have over 80 members who have decided to join! This is going to be a great kick off to the New Year with so many artists helping each other out and new fresh lesson content every week. I wanted to remind you that there are only 1 day left to enroll and get the $20 monthly introductory offer for my new VITAL ART SESSIONS, so if you know that it's right for you please CLICK HERE to enroll. Enrollment for January- March is open until...Read More