Saturday, December 27, 2008

The Artist's Christmas

I would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and thank you for following this blog. I love all the comments and suggestions, even spelling corrections. I am especially thankful for being able to share my artistic life with you!

Christmas has just passed! If you are very lucky, your loved ones will have guessed ( with strong suggestions from you) what to pick out of the confusion at either John's or Kim's and you have a wonderful new-( insert art supply here) to play with. If you are only a wee bit less lucky, you will have the GIFT CARD, and have to postpone your enjoyment a day or two. Now the fun begins...

There have been a few new toys this year, but even the old standbys will be appreciated because of the advanced warning of an over the board price climb the beginning of 2009. This is truly the sign of real inflation coming to the market ...

After collecting a few supplies, the artists needs a place to set up and paint. One of my students has to put everything away after painting and time is wasted setting up each time she gets a few hours to paint. Two things need attention here. First, you can paint for mere minutes and still show progress. You don't need a few hours, just squeeze a few minutes in when ever you can.
Keeping your easel in view lets you paint those precious few minutes at a time and helps sharpen you artistic eye, BUT...it also keeps the mess in plain sight.
The second solution I've found is to throw a vinyl table cloth over the whole thing, easel and all, with an 'Under Construction' sign on it...sometimes a 'Don't touch' sign is a better choice!
So, if you have the time,( and now we know we really do) enjoy the holidays with a brush in your hand! I'm looking forward to a productive and colorful 2009!