Learn from Each Other

Successful artists learn from each other. We study each other's work and feed on each other's enthusiasm.
Recently I helped hang an art show for the Utah County Art Board at the Health and Justice Building in Provo, UT. While enjoying the beautiful art I was hanging I also visited with some of my artist friends.
By asking a few questions I began to understand the climb, defining moments and strength that each of them needed to prevail in the art world. The guidance and inspiration form these artists that I call friends helps me figure out how to forge the creator's path. It's not too late to try new ways and discover why you do what you do. Role models bless our lives and our careers.

Marilyn and Bill Brown

     "Marilyn is my inspiration" says Bill as Marilyn smiles in her petite and demure way. This delightful couple lives in Hobble Creek Canyon and gleans creative muse from the beauty surrounding their home. Marilyn reads about western artists to find her own voice in her paintings. Her advise to aspiring artists is "Keep painting. If you don't like how it's turning out, paint over it and start again." When it comes to naming a painting the location comes in to play. Sometimes a name comes first and the painting follows. When asked about their favorite quotes, these were mentioned. The Glass is half full and An Elephant can be eaten one bite at a time. Creighton Abrams

Winter Water by Marilyn Brown

Old Man and The Sea by Bill Brown

Jolynn Forman

     The reason Jolynn loves being an artist is the freedom it provides. There is also a social camaraderie where artists become friends. Our work is different but the same. Some favorite inspiration comes from Richard Schmidt , Daniel Keys and Alla Prima. 

     Her advise to artists is "Expect to take time at your craft. Develop a style. Don't expect to get rich quick. At times it can be lonely." Her go to quote is Every child is an artist. The trouble is how to remain one as he grows up. Pablo Picasso 

The Walk Home by Jolynn Forman

Marilyn Hayes

     Being an artist teaches me how to see the world in small ways that most people don't even notice. She learns to love the land around her. Being outdoors is the perfect way to be inspired. She names her paintings by the location or the feeling it evokes. Her inspiration comes from the Lord. He makes the beauty she paints. 

Linda Paulsen

     The thrill of creation is the ability to see things differently. Linda is inspired by the Supreme Creator. Her artist library consists of children's books and collections of classical artists such as Monet, Renoir and Matisse. 

   Her advise to budding artists is "Don't give up. Sometimes you have to go back to basics to find your own voice. You are not the same as other artists. You are you. Learn from others but be true to your own style."

     Linda is also a writer and a poet She has a passion for words. Finding the right title for a painting is part of the joy. It is the final touch even though sometimes the title comes first.  You want the viewer to connect with the painting and not be left out so the title is an important component. Her favorite quote is "Beauty is not optional" Terry Tempest Williams.

Finding Gold by Linda Paulsen

     Speaking with these lovely artists reinforces my resolve to continue creating. I hope it had sparked a fame for you too. 

If you are in Provo be sure to visit the show and look for my glass mosaics. All works of art in the exhibit are for sale. I might see you there. 

Begin Again

January is my favorite month. It's a time to begin again. With an intention for a fantastic year let's get those brand new calendars and planners out that we got for Christmas, some colorful pencils and get excited.
As an artist you need to plan the year now. You may not know all the fairs and shows coming up but the ones you do know need to be in your calendar.
Here are 5 tips to begin an awesome year of making and selling your art.
     1. Find fun shows you would like to participate in. I live in Provo, UT. I'm going to look at shows near me first. For instance, The Art Stroll happens every first Friday in downtown Provo, Lots of businesses look for artists to show work on their walls. Here are a few places to check out.
* Writ and Vision
* Pioneer Book
*Covey Center for the Arts
* Provo Library
You may have an Art Stroll or something similar in your town.

     2. Join Organizations such as Utah County Art Board or Utah Valley Artist Guild. These groups host shows and would love to help you get into a show. There are groups in every state.

     3. Organize your inventory. If you know you need 2 pieces for a show in January, 2 in February and 5 in March you have some work to do. Calendar these events and plan your artwork accordingly. It won't be fun if you are hurrying to get work done ant the last minute.

     4. Apply to shows outside your immediate neighborhood. I know it's a little scary but well worth the effort. You never know when a gallery owner will see your work and want to represent you. Check online for local shows. Use sites like  these. 
* CaFE'
*ZAPPPlication
*The Art Guide
* Artist Trust

     5. Don't overextended. Save time to enjoy going to shows just o see other artist's work. Keep your studio time sacred and get a good planner.
 Enjoy your  year of making and selling your art.

Patterns Everywhere

You can't open your eyes without seeing patterns. As a matter of fact I see them when my eyes are closed too. They are everywhere. I smile when I hear an interviewer ask where an artists' ideas come from. How can you pin that down? Ideas are floating around our heads a mile a minute. It's settling on one that's the tricky part. I think our job is to be amazed. When we are amazed at our surroundings we find the art in the moment. While writing "Mandalas for Meditation", a book of patterns and essays , I paid attention to the circles, squares and curves of meaningful things. Just bringing together a few of these mandalas was a labor of love. Here are just a few of the windows I built for the pages of this book.

It was inevitable that "Mandalas for Success" would follow. I thought of how entrepreneurs became so connected with their logo and their brand. This is not only to encourage revenue but also to relate to the core of the business they were beginning. Not only is this relevant to businesses but also to everyday life. A mandala is like a vision board. Symbols are collected to articulate the feeling and purpose behind the brand or the intention. The feelings of your heart can come out in the lines and curves of the design. Here is a peek of some mandalas inside "Mandalas for Success".

I would be thrilled to help you design a window for your home or business. There is meaning and function to the glass art you choose.

You can order these books and also videos by clicking this link.