Lessons From the First Days

I declared going full time as an artist starting on January 6th, 2020. What I've learned since then is a lot. No. 1) Studio space and lighting are a must. I didn't realize how washed out a painting becomes to your eye with too much light flooding in the window. I thought I was clever placing a white plastic kitchen garbage bag over the window to filter the light, then a more seasoned artist suggested some nice wax or parchment paper. Hmmmm,... yes. This is more effective and it looks a lot less trashy. 2) Fur babies want to be at your feet AT ALL TIMES when you are painting. Watch the rollers on your painting chair! They are horribly jealous. You are not talking to them, playing with them, or feeding them. How dare you! 3) Web quality photos versus print quality photos; you must know how to move between the two. In your files be sure to label accordingly. 4) A work that took the most time to make is not always the most successful. Let it go. Post the more successful work. The conditions under which it was created may have been more ideal for any number of reasons. Embrace serendipity! 5) Websites, blogs, social media, and the like will make time disappear quickly. Be mindful. Set a timer. Finish the post. Be done. Go paint. 6) BUT... Never be too busy to be grateful. Thank you for following me here and my other channels. I wholeheartedly appreciate my collectors and followers!