New Paintings, New Chapter, New Questions & Choices

I’m back in the studio this morning for a 3-day painting blitz.  I love those!!!

I never shared here this little painting that came out of the last one.

Caméo – – 12″ x 12″ – acrylics on gallery-wrapped canvas (no framing required).

“Caméo” 12″ x 12″

Back to the Classroom:
On Monday, I start a 5-week teaching English Second Language (ESL) contract at the university (in place of a teacher on maternity leave).  Part of me is already mourning the end of this chapter as a full-time artist, but part of me also welcomes what’s coming.  I’ve just always found transitions and change challenging … despite my constant practice.  Still, I’m looking forward to discovering what gifts I have to share this time in the classroom, and what I too will learn from my students and the experience.

The Only Thing Constant is Change Itself:
One thing I can say for sure is that there is movement happening in my life (inside & out).  Things are definitely not stagnant.  My mixed feelings this week have given me much food for thought  – and I continue to ask the Universe my questions and listen for answers.

Sharing My Art: Great Exposure
On many levels, I have felt so blessed to have had the opportunity lately to share my art – bringing my brand of love & beauty into the lives of those open to receive it.

• AANL: Last week, I had 3 paintings in the Art Association of Newfoundland & Labrador’s Fall Exhibit & Sale.  The feedback I received and the connections I made were really nice.  These paintings are still looking for a home.

• TRIBE TUESDAYS: According to my website statistics, being featured on Flora Bowley’s popular blog has led to thousands of image views for my artwork.  The exposure is amazing!  Although my ego is flattered by the feedback, it goes so much deeper: the knowledge that sharing my story and my art has inspired people all over the world feels so good on a soul level. Part of me is feeling that deep inner knowing that I’m fulfilling my life’s purpose.
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• 37th ANNUAL GARDEN & NATURE ART EXHIBIT:  I’ve also created two new paintings for this exhibition starting on Friday (Nov. 7-30) at the MUN Botanical Garden in St. John’s (306 Mt. Scio Road).

Eternal Time Witnesses – SOLD – 12″ x 36″- Mixed media: acrylics, tar gel, labradorite, mica on gallery-wrapped canvas (no framing required). Labradorite: a powerful protector, a Stone of Magic, enhances mental and intuitive abilities, brings out the best in people, assists communication with other realms. I was gifted this labradorite directly by the one who harvested iit from the ground here in Newfoundland.  Along with generations of trees represented in this painting, this stone holds within it the memories and energies of time.

Festivity – SOLD – 12″ x 16″- Acrylics & granular gel on gallery-wrapped canvas (no framing required)

Two Sides to Every Story:
Despite all this wonderful exposure and soul fulfillment, there’s another voice calling my attention this week.  My business mind keeps kicking in asking how I might convert some of those views into customers for the many paintings I’ve got out there waiting for homes.  How do I earn a more sustainable income from my art?  This is a natural question for any entrepreneur.  How to do it lovingly is my bigger question.  Perhaps I need to keep thinking outside the box like I did to finance my year overseas…  So many questions… I know that asking them, however, is already part of the answer.

I Keep On Learning: NLAC Social Media Series

Yesterday, I walked to the LSPU Hall downtown to attend the last of ten Social Media Workshops put on by the Newfoundland and Labrador Art Council. It was nice to see the mustard clapboard house beside it- I had rented it for my first month in NL in 2011.

So many have said that the social media site Pintrest is a good way to sell art.  It took me so long to join Facebook, however, and I feel like I already spend enough of my days at the computer, so I’ve resisted adding to that. Nothing new there… The workshop was great though, and I now plan on watching the other nine online – a great resource, not only for artists.  There’s so much to learn and implement.  Being a professional artist definitely requires as much or more time spent on the business side than the creative side.

After the workshop, I enjoyed another hour’s walk, this time in the torrential rain.  Most of it was along the river that passes through my backyard – a deserted trail laden with golden leaves. Truly beautiful! The bit of my walk that was by the side of the road, however, was pretty dramatic, with big trucks sometimes sending waves of water twice as high as my head. Luckily, I was never under one of those.  Still, I got home pretty wet. My Gortex jacket and plastic rain pants did quite well, but my Gortex-lined hiking boots aren’t as waterproof as they used to be.  Oh well.  I dried off, ate, and spent the evening covered up with blankets watching movies. Perfect.

Making a Choice:
So – which voice am I going to listen to? The scared voice of scarcity and fear, or the trusting voice of love, abundance, and soul purpose?  Both co-exist so strongly within me at varying times. As my wonderful housemate Orinda says, it’s a moment-by-moment choice of which one to focus on.  This is all part of my journey, and sharing it with you helps me to make the choice that’s obviously more aligned with my Higher Self. Thanks.

Now back to painting! Yay!