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My coaching & my art go hand in hand

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My coaching & my art go hand in hand

When I was working with my coach last year, she explicitly asked me if I wanted to make watercolor my full time job, and I said no. Both because I think the struggle to make it sustainable & profitable would be incredibly hard, but also because I simply didn't want to put that type of pressure on it. When painting is a hobby or part time gig, I can choose to not do commissions (which are stressful & anxiety inducing for me). I can paint when I want to. I can paint what I want to. It can stay a stress...

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Why Watercolor?

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Why Watercolor?

In the interest of "work smarter, not harder" & "done is better than perfect" in 2023, I'm resurrecting some blog posts I started months (or even years) ago and posting them in whatever state they're in.    Recently an acquaintance asked: "So why did you decide to try watercolor?" I was stumped for a bit. I know how I started watercolor (took a free class at the library with decent supplies) but why? I wasn't sure how to answer that question. I jokingly replied in a silly voice "Cuz it's pretty." But this question won't leave the back of my mind since then....

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2023 Small Business Superstar!

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2023 Small Business Superstar!

Wow! A new surprise in my inbox last week: I'm a Small Business Superstar again for 2023! This is a program run by the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce to recognize area small businesses. I was nominated last year totally out of the blue but I'm excited to see I'm keeping the goodness going. It's always energizing to get confirmation I'm on the right track and doing a good job. Being a solo entrepreneur, and especially an artist since it's an extremely popular field, can be isolating and competitive. I know, I know: I'm not supposed to compare my journey...

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The latest addition to my house

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The latest addition to my house

I've been procrastinating on this post for...oh, about 4 months now! My excuse was that I wanted to figure out how to get a nice photo of the addition in the title. Well that still hasn't happened, so come with me on this journey of "done is better than perfect" in action! In August I attended a networking event at an auction house that was showcasing all female artists. It was great to see the art in person, partially because I have no sense of scale when I see measurements online. They provided fun goodie bags, tasty snacks, and the...

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Holiday Gift Guide: 2022 Edition

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Holiday Gift Guide: 2022 Edition

Now that I've been painting a few more years since I published my original holiday gift guide, I have new additions to suggest as gifts for the watercolor artist in your life this year!  As always, these are not sponsored suggestions. They're supplies or tools I use and love in my own watercolor practice. I'll provide links to websites where you can purchase them, but I highly encourage you to shop your local brick and mortar businesses this year if you can! Cheap Joe's Watercolor Paper Sample Packs Watercolor paper is hugely personal. Each artist has different styles or brands...

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