I've taken a tiny detour back to my Black and White Series. Creating these "side project" sort of paintings prove to be fantastic for loosening up and relieving any sense of pressure that I feel when stepping up to a "regular" canvas. A nice change right before I attempt some new large-scale pieces. I've made these 3 available through my etsy shop only...

Bits of painting palette inspiration...

Happy to share the new canvases coming out of my studio recently.  These are the first in my series of "Waterways" paintings, inspired by nearby creeks and rivers - my favorite!

A solution has been found for storing my small paintings on paper!  Traditional flat files are so expensive and SO HEAVY; I have been on the hunt for some time looking for a more budget-friendly fix.  I can't say how happy I am to have decided on this little shelving unit.  The "shelves" pull out for easy access and I organize my paintings in it according to size.  Derek can even fit his smallest size drawings on one shelf!  (We, or let's be honest, Derek will have to construct our own shelving for the larger works on paper.  More on that later!)  We purchased it at IKEA, which unsurprisingly is proving to be the perfect place to get affordable storage solutions.  Highly recommended at a mere 20 bucks! I don't think I have ever been more excited about a shelving unit in my life...

Lately I have been using Pinterest to organize things other than chocolate cake recipes.  Thought I would share my planning board for setting up our new studio space - some items have already been purchased!  And some are not in any way within my budget, but I love to dream about them. More on the actual purchases later!

It's true. Today is my birthday, and it's my 30th.  I won't comment on how I am dealing with this particular birthday (if anyone has wonderful things to say about turning 30, for instance, how all your wildest dreams come true once you hit this milestone, I could use it!), but I will say that it has got me back to focusing on things I want to accomplish.  So I give you my long overdue "Goals 2013" post:

Production

-     Continue my "Portraits" series

-     Continue my Black and White series

-     Complete at least 6 canvases per month

-     Introduce 16 x 12” size canvas

-     Complete 5 small paintings on paper per week, keeping the focus on large canvas works.


Business 
 
-     Update mailing list quarterly
 
-     Have postcards(2) revamped with new images, one with bio on back, one blank

-     Update notecards with new images
 
-     Update website at least once a week with new paintings and current events.

-     Update blog at least once a week, preferably 3 times mostly.
  
-     Continue to develop and improve my monthly Studio Newsletter.

-     Reach out to bloggers who may be interested in what I do, quarterly
  
-     Update Etsy site 2 times a week

-     Tweak Etsy shop listing copy

-     Continue to tweak Etsy tags/titles

-     Review artist statement

-     Update my bio picture

-     Create "About" video for website

-     Update my video portfolio

-     Assist Derek in building our drawing storage/drying rack area in studio

-     Stay on top of all ordering (painting supplies, mailing supplies, promotional materials, etc)

-     Update my etsy shop “About” page, review copy and add new images

-     Maintain all social networking outlets: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Youtube channel
  
-     Update my onesheet yet again

 -     Create a book showcasing my art

-     Enter 1 juried show within the year
 
-     Update my inventory at the end of each month

-     Keep detailed records of travel/mileage

-     Connect with my lovely mailing list people  via snail mail at least twice a year

-     Send out follow up mailing of onesheet/cover letter to galleries in July 2013

-     Send follow up email with new work to selected contacts
  
-     Make sure I reference this list at least twice a month to keep me on target and make this entire "goal setting" process worthwhile!

My focus this year will be about refining a consistent, powerful body of larger work, while introducing a new small canvas series. The creation of large diptych works on canvas will be a priority. At the same time, I need to make sure that I maintain a good administrative routine.  Ordering supplies, tracking expenses and income for tax time, filing receipts, recording mileage, and cataloging work are just some of the un-fun parts of being an artist that I really just need to get over and do in a timely fashion.  It will make my life so much easier.


 

I'm in the studio again today, starting 3 canvases in a new small size that I want to test out.  Hopefully these turn out and I can share them here soon.  Also, wanted to say a big "thanks!" to Victoria at her lifestyle blog, vmac+cheese.  She featured my work in a really nice post, so make sure you stop by and have a look! 

Hmm...now I have a craving for some really good macaroni and cheese...
Have a great weekend everyone!