Winter and COVID

It has been a long year, shows cancelled and travel limited. While I have still been able to create and work with a great group of artists to put on our own show, it has been difficult to expand my client base in my new home.

Winter is here, my second favorite season. My first is autumn as the colors never cease to amaze my senses and inspire more painting. You will find autumn represented in many of my paintings.

Winter is close behind for my love of the snow and being out in the back country on skis. The crisp air and the quiet rejuvenate the soul.

A quick escape to the ocean (hopefully) will bring the salt smell and enliven a few more potential pieces.

Hang in there we re almost finished with all this gunk.

Shows and Event

With the state opening up a bit, with proper social distancing , of course, I was able to help coordinate and participate in the Artisan Festival in Big Sky Meadow Village on July 4th. Probably the first art and craft event in the area.

There is more events beginning to blossom.

August 8th. The Sweet SLAM Tour d’Arte Open Studio Tour is happening from 11-7 pm. Great time to get your art fix.

Next up is the “Art for Everyone” Show and Sale at The Wilson Hotel in Big Sky MT. Labor Day Weekend. Three days of great art and community.

Hope to see you all soon

Shelter in Place

The new normal is helping me get a lot of “Business of Art “ accomplished. There is a lot of work to be done in a studio that has nothing to do with painting but is still required to keep things rolling. Inventory for keeping track of art to sell and also for insurance purposes. Accounting to maintain records and do the taxes. Marketing plans if you hope to sell your art. Portfolios to plan, business cards, press releases,……So much to do.

A very successful artist can hire people to do these task but early career artist must find the time and energy to handle it all themselves.

This spring I was accepted into an amazing program through the Montana Arts Council called Montana Artrepreneur Program. A six month, college level program to help artists expand their art and their “business” of art. It is a lot of work with a great group of teachers and artists that will take my art business to the next level.

It has been a challenge as all our seminars are now virtual on zoom but we are getting the work done.

Here’s to a new normal and looking toward summer.

Winter Stillness

Many days have passed since my last post. Studio has been reorganized. Casual show on the weekend of the 4th of July in Big Sky MT. Introducing myself to the community. Working through ideas for a new series and looking at shows and fairs for the summer.

I shared an Open Studio Tour space in Big Sky in December. Limited attendance but it was a start and planned in only two months. Met some area artists and sold a few small pieces.

More to come.

Creating a personal artist website

This is a very daunting task. First, I am an absolute novice at this techno stuff. Secondly, putting yourself out there is a difficult task. I have found this to be an educational process but I would much rather be making art.

I hope to see you at the studio soon. www.artlandishstudios.com