Still at It

WIP

Colored Pencil Drawing

12 x 16"

I am still working on this piece and feel like I am struggling with it. Most of the time, I have a distinct vision of what I am working toward; other times the vision is a little blurry and the end result begins to emerge as I work. This is definitely one of those "emergence pieces". I will know when it's finished - not there yet, but very close.

My time spent making art has been eroded lately due to tending to the business side of my work. It's not the fun stuff, but I do know that if I want any kind of success, these are things I must take care of and can't ignore. This side of the business should be taught in art school so that it's not a complete surprise when you really begin to work out in the real world. (Thank goodness I had many years of experience in corporate America!) Here's just a sampling of what I've been doing:

• Inventory and catalog my work
• Take new work to the framer
• Spend time with the printer, proof and order prints
• Design and order new marketing materials
• Keep track of financial matters
• Schedule commissions
• Prepare and package prints for resale
• Package and mail e-bay orders
• Constantly pursue and follow up on new opportunities to display my work

And that's just the basics. There's so much to do and many of us spend 30 to 50% of our time on this stuff. Not fun, but necessary.

Nevertheless, it is all worth it when I get to spend hours and hours making art. It's the best job I've ever had and I love it!

Changes

WIP

Colored Pencil Drawing

12 x 16"

Change 1: Watching Kids Grow Up

Cameron and I spent the past couple of days in Cincinnati visiting my little sister and her kids. We spent yesterday at The Beach waterpark before all the kids go back to school this week. (Does it seem they go back earlier and earlier each year?) My youngest niece was just tall enough (and brave enough) to ride the big slides this year and told us all that she was having "her tallest day ever". We dodged a couple of storms and had a wonderful time. (That is my excuse for not blogging recently.)

Change 2: Reworking a Composition

But now I'm back to the WIP above; I am struggling to get the layout right and feel a bit better with the reworking on the leg and foot but may need to do some more. Any comments or suggestions? (By the way, I just changed the setting for this blog that you do not have to be registered to leave a comment.)

Change 3: Personal

Oh, I also just cut my hair. It's been a long time, but well overdue. I saw pictures of myself taken at the CPSA convention and thought "my she looks dated and tired" and I never want to be the one whose friends have to take her on the Oprah Winfrey show to be made over! But my oldest son said I look younger, my youngest son said he hates it, but my husband thinks it looks just right. Two out of three ain't bad, I guess.