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

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

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

“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

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