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I think about entropy a lot

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I think about entropy a lot

Entropy, noun: lack of order or predictability; gradual decline into disorder. Entropy is one of the most frustrating parts of life for me. No matter how hard you work at something, if you don't do it for long enough, your skills will decay and you will have to start over.  Ok, fine. You don't literally have to start over, but it can feel that way! Your last memories of the time you did the activity are of you at your peak; then when you try it after a while away, your skills no longer match up with your memories.  I...

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Lessons from a summer of art shows

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Lessons from a summer of art shows

My goal at the beginning of 2020 was to get out and show my work at events. Well...Covid had other plans and we we all know how that year went! So 2021 was the first year I really got to participate in art shows and events. I have done 11 events over the spring and summer, and as I wind down for the year I figured I'd write up some notes here, both for myself and others who may be looking to get into the KC art scene next year! I had a goal to do on average 1 event a...

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Paying Yourself First

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Paying Yourself First

The stereotype of “starving artist” exists for a reason, but I just came across a talk by a local KC artist and gallery owner that wants to challenge that concept. Vanessa Lacy presented the concept of “Profit First” for artists via a free Facebook Live.  I started watching the video and I’m only halfway through, but I can already tell it’s changed the way I’m thinking about money in my art biz. I’m definitely guilty of not paying myself at all from my art sales. Part of this is because I have a full time job with a good income,...

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It's OK to not make art all the time

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It's OK to not make art all the time

Sometimes life throws an unexpected curve ball at you, like around this time last year when my husband fell off our porch step, broke his foot, and had to be chauffeured to work for a few weeks! And when these things happen, we need to be able to give ourselves the grace that staying afloat is perfectly acceptable. Sometimes it's enough to just survive, even if we're not thriving.  Our society tells us we need to constantly hustle, that relaxing is a waste of time. After a while this messages seeps into us and we tell it to ourselves as well....

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Secret Artist Pet Portraits

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Secret Artist Pet Portraits

I recently offered my time, supplies, and talent to the Friends of Parkville Animal Shelter's Secret Artist fundraiser. A neighbor of mine is heavily involved in the group and had asked me to participate this year. Painting pet portraits is totally out of my wheelhouse, but I decided I was up for the challenge! I was assigned two commissions: a dog and a cat. I did 3 thumbnail sketches for each one, working out what colors I wanted for the backgrounds and for their fur. Then I used the fancy LED light pad my husband got me for my birthday to...

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