April Chaos
What’s been happening lately?
So much has happened (did I start the last few posts the same?). I’ve been working on a few things as always. My focus has moved off beach paintings and onto misty moody mountains and trees. It’s been quite rainy here at Sandy Beach/ Coffs Harbour the last couple of months, which is typical for this time of year. I was stoked that one of my misty watercolour paintings sold straight away to a lovely lady I have the pleasure of book clubbing with and working with (you know who you are ;)).
Art projects I’m working on now
I just received some lovely Australian hard wood coasters made by Warwick Wood crafting on Etsy. The wood is collected sustainably from Eucalypt species in Western Australia. I ordered some Jarrah and some Blackbutt, and Ive started painting Pink Galahs on the coasters. The first is a Galah sitting, then progressively taking flight. I’m excited to see these sprayed up and sealed, which is where the colours will pop. But they’re also just a ton of fun to paint. Reach out if you’re interested in grabbing these for yourself! They’ll be one of a kind, and won’t last long.
Commissions
Two commissions went out this month! It was such a pleasure to see how well received they were. The first one was a dog portrait, and the reaction of the new owner made me tear up.
I have one commission spot left, so reach out if you want that spot to go to you!
Sales!
I have too many paintings! Most of them are framed and ready to find their new forever homes. The mailing list subscribers will get the first for these, so make sure to subscribe if you havent already.
What have I learnt this month?
That pastels are fun! And messy. I love that you don’t need water, or to mix things. But, it’s a challenge for me to draws things that look how I want them to. Details is hard too! I’ll keep using them until I figure it out or lose interest. Pastels are great for quick studies, to then paint later, and they’re great for travel, where you don’t want to carry about water and brushes.
Squarespace is brilliant! It makes setting up a mailing list and just about everything so easy. Big recommend. I’m actually going to help a friend set up a website soon through Squarespace.
On a more personal note, I’m trying to stress less. Things have so chaotic. Working full time and setting up this business on the side has been a lot. Well worth it, but ALOT.
One method I’m trying out is to have a transition period between getting home from work and moving on to other work like house cleaning, art business stuff. Normally, my stress levels never subside because I get home from work then go straight into cleaning and art business work. Big mistake, HUGE. Have your rest people. Make yourself rest if you must.
Rest up,
-b.