Blog

Can you live your best life in a crisis?

Can you live your best life in a crisis?

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?

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….

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

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

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

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
Movin’ On Up!

Movin’ On Up!

“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
The Artist’s Secret That David Leffel Shared With Me

The Artist’s Secret That David Leffel Shared With Me

It’s no secret that David is one of the most renowned artists in the country. He has been one of my teachers and mentors. He’s so generous and passes on so much of his knowledge to artists. I was at a workshop with him and I was talking to him about how many bad paintings I had done and even sold. I told him how embarrassed I was about these flawed paintings. He looked at me and said, “You have to step over your dead paintings.” If you’ve ever spoken to David you probably know that he tends to speak...Read More
Five Mindset Keys for Success as an Artist

Five Mindset Keys for Success as an Artist

When I started on my art journey in 2007, I had no idea where it would take me. Along the way, I’ve met a lot of artists, some successful, some not. I’ve been a student, an amateur, and I’ve met a lot of other students and amateurs along the way. Some of which transitioned into successful artists while others did not.  So what’s the secret? Mindset. I believe there are notable differences in the mindset of the successful artists/students and the unsuccessful ones. Here’s what I’ve discovered that determines whether or not you’ll be successful as an artist.  Lilacs and Lemon,...Read More
How to Remove a Creative Block and Get Painting Again!

How to Remove a Creative Block and Get Painting Again!

We’ve all been there, BLOCKED.  Being blocked is different from being in a rut or just not feeling it today. Let’s clarify what I’m deeming as a BLOCK. This means for weeks, perhaps months and in some cases I’ve heard of years you just can’t bring yourself to create. On those rare cases that you do create during a block it’s apathetic and perhaps even a paint-filled self-deprecating hate fest. Yuck.   Unseen Potential, 18" x 14", oil on panel I believe if you’re an artist (even as a hobby) if you’re blocked you’re negatively influencing your entire life. They deplete...Read More
The Lesson I Learned from Sherrie McGraw

The Lesson I Learned from Sherrie McGraw

Even though the weather is heating up, I’m still in the spring spirit. My studio efforts this week were focused on capturing the spirit of flowers. It’s interesting how each flower has its own little personality. I painted these strong sunflowers that were oh so bright and exuberant. I paired these with a rich earthy rustic confit jar all the way from France. (It’s oh so fab and was totally worth the wait)  I felt it was the perfect partner for these unique sunflowers.   Standing Tall to Find the Light, 18" x 14", oil on panel Next was this vase...Read More