A Fine Time for an Artist Date

Today was the perfect day for my weekly artist date for two reasons.  First, the week is nearing an end and second,  after a long week of the little baby boy who wouldn't sleep, if I didn't get out of the house for a while, it wouldn't be such a beautiful day in this neighborhood.  Thankfully, my amazing husband knew that and strongly suggested, more like ordered me to get away for a while, probably for his sanity, as well.  

Off I went, even the feeling of driving away, in an empty car was lovely.  My first stop, Michael's, the home of all arts & crafting goodness.  I went in with about ten dollars to spend and no time limit.  The next glorious hour or so was spent wandering up and down each aisle, with the exception of all things knitting, jewelery making, and clothing embellishing (no feathery boas for me.)  

I put all sorts of things in my basket and took most of them out, eventually.  One by one, I decided upon my little items of inspiration for today and was very pleased.  I even engaged in a mini-conversation with the cashier, about how amazing a $500 gift card to Michael's would be.  

All the excitement of my fun little projects almost caused me to cut the date short.  Fortunately, a text saying that Mr. Hudson was sound asleep encouraged me to visit my second stop.  

The moment you walk into Barnes & Noble is one of my favorite moments ever, it never gets old.  I wish I could bottle that coffee smell and let it fill the air of my home, oh wait, it does, at least twice a day.  Anyways, enough about my coffee addiction.  I really enjoy that moment, the doors are pulled open and the aroma of coffee and paper fills the air.  

More aimless, but perfect wandering lead me to grab a couple magazines, and a newly-released edition of one of my favorites, Blue Like Jazz, by Donald Miller (including a sneak-peak at his new book coming this fall) intrigues me.  I wanted to see what goodness his next book, A Million Miles in a Thousand Years, would bring.

As I drink my Venti Iced Passion Tea, unsweetened, of course, I finally figure out that if I had to pick one style for my home it would resemble something found in the pages of Better Homes and Garden's 100 ideas for Flea Market Styles  

I really would love anything found in these pages.  I never want everything in my home to match perfectly, because I'm all about this statement:  Great style is about mixing, not matching.  Thus, I don't have to pick one style, PERFECT; Everyone thinks my style has been defined, and I don't feel like anyone is putting me in a box.

The absolute best part of my afternoon was found in reading the sneak peak to Donald Miller's new book, A Million Miles in a Thousand Years.   Since, it is something completely different, you'll have to read the next blog.  I promise, you won't be disappointed. I wasn't.

Sold.

So, it's always a great feeling when someone wants to buy something that you created, something that you poured yourself into, and in the end, look upon your creation and are pleased.  I've had a small amount of success with sales of my art, literally- small.  I am confident that as my talents grow and as I keep painting, so will my success.  However, I still paint to paint, not to sell, because, the moment I begin creating on demand or for profit... I am certain that a great amount of the truth and expression will fade.

Someday, I'll just delight in the fact that someone I don't know will see my work and want a piece for themselves... I think about that day often, but for now, I'm happy to be in the stages of growth. Last week, some friends told me they were interested in purchasing one of my paintings for another friend's birthday.  So, I named the price and we made the exchange. Later, I received word that the birthday boy was very happy with his gift, which of course, made me happy too.

The piece was affectionately named, 1984, after reading Orwell's masterpiece for our book club, Cafe Classic.  I had the painting on display, when hosting the monthly meeting and it received great reviews, both the book and the art.  I thought I'd share a glimpse of 1984 with you.

While the original is gone and no longer available to you, cards and prints can be found here... or maybe you'll find something else that is begging to decorate your life.  Most of all, I hope you are inspired to find the art all around you.

Oh, one more thing on the subject of business. I received my business cards and postcards in the mail yesterday.  Isn't it delightful to see your name printed on a card?  Well, it made me a little more excited, it sure did.

Just a little something...

So, my incredibly talented, photoshop-loving husband whipped up this new banner for my blog, from some photos I took today. I am a big fan... of both the banner and the husband, naturally.

I'm always inspired by the blogs I read and their lovely designs, which make me want to know everything there is to know about web & graphic design, absolutely everything.

Oh, also, I'm joining the experience of The Artist's Way with some of other folks, you can read more about it here. It is something I started to do once before, but after a few weeks of the journey on my own, I just quit. I'm hoping that this time, the accountability and encouragement will help me prevail into unhindered creativity. I have been feeling rather uninspired as of late, so I look forward to focusing on disciplines and discoveries that will ignite that creative flow, in full force.