Alyson B. Stanfield Archives - Dora Sislian Themelis Art

Photo for Friday on Saturday of Stuff

Yes, I know, I missed Friday. Too busy, too many things going on, too much to catch up with this week. The house, the errands, the food shopping, the cooking, the eating, you know the drill.

And what about the painting? Well, painting is on the top of the list, remember? Don’t worry, I made it to the studio for some time with the latest work. I’m not ready to post it just yet.

At the last minute I decided to take the next online art business class by Alyson Stanfield, Go! Get Organized. This is going to be a rough one to tackle.

We’re going to learn how to organized our stuff, and boy do most of us have plenty of stuff! Between the rest of the house, the art studio and the office space are full of some kind of stuff. Where does all the stuff come from? And every time I clean it out, donate, throw away, there’s still stuff.

So yeah, trying to get organized. I read somewhere that you cannot organize clutter, it has to go out.
But some clutter is stuff we need, it just doesn’t have a home to live. That’s what my aim is, to find certain stuff a home. Ugh.

In this early lesson, Alyson said to take a photograph of our office space. Hopefully it’s not in the art studio and she suggests we find a separate space for the business stuff.

Here is mine, messy as it is.

It’s not in the art studio, thankfully, or I’d never get any painting done. Talk about distractions! It’s not an organized mess either. I don’t know what that stuff is until I get a look at it. Folders, paid bills, junk needing shredding, and what ever. My computer also has stuff that needs ditching.

I wasn’t going to take this course so soon after finishing up the other two, but man, I need some direction over here.

The weekend will be busy. Too busy to catch up, which leads me to Monday. Ah, Monday. My day of rest, sort of.

A Welcome Back to 100 Paintings

I did it again. I re-upped for the 100 Paintings Challenge. Will I make it? I don’t know for sure, but with my new plan and schedule in place I am well armed. So far I am making headway and have plunged in with both feet. I’m using a swimming/diving analogy and I’m not any kind of good swimmer, but it’s how I feel.

This week is my first back in the challenge. Laure Ferlita, the facilitator of 100 Paintings Challenge posted a Welcome Back interview we had on the blog.

Something about the challenge appeals to me. The opportunity to build a steady painting schedule and a strong, consistent body of work is something I need. The accountability is there. I know I signed onto something that others are waiting to see.

The classes I’ve been taking, in person and online, with Alyson B. Stanfield have been a huge factor in my growth as an artist. She suggests we do certain tasks, and I just do it. I feel great about what I have accomplished with her advice and I’m moving forward.

Beginning Another Work

With the Blast Off class over, affirmations in place, and a plan in hand, I began a new painting. The last thing I needed to do was listen to a phone interview by Alyson B. Stanfield with the author Eric Maisel, on his interesting book, Ten Zen Seconds.

I chose one of the last photos I took of the vegetable share haul and spent a good amount of time sketching in the subjects. The paper is one of the large sheets of Canson watercolor paper I bought a while ago. Yes, I know, it’s not Arches, but it will have to do for now.

Since I wanted to get the proportions right, I made a grid with pencil lines and lightly drew in the items. I wanted to try out the new Isabey brush I purchased to see how it would work. It’s a size 12, large sable hair brush and it holds alot of water, if that’s a good thing.

While I painted I listened to the interview and many of the things discussed resonated with me. Maisel talked about his work with artists and the overwhelm they encounter while trying to work, getting the work out there, promoting and talking about their work. It’s so interesting in that it’s the truth. Where to start? How to do it?

The anxiety of it all causes some of us to freeze. I know that well. Ever hear the phrase “When in doubt, don’t”? That’s what happens. If we don’t know what to do, we do nothing. Well, Maisel said that overwhelm can be helped by saying certain affirmations that he called incantations, together with deep breathing. Zen. He explained that after doing the exercise, artists find they can continue.

It makes plenty of sense. I think I’m need to get his book from the library after listening to this interview.

As I listened I painted. After the 30 minute interview was over, I kept on painting. I must have worked for 2 hours, slowly playing with the new brush and the paints.

Usually I’m done at 20 minutes, but this is large paper. It took some time. And I could wreck my work if I’m not careful. So when I saw the time I stopped and took this photo.

The process is still the focus. Another 100 paintings challenge is on the horizon so I have to make it count and work the time schedule. The Blast Off class and all the resources I have from it will help push my agenda.

Let’s see how it goes.

The Finish Line, or Not

I spent the weekend in reflection. January 31 was my first post to the 100 Paintings Challenge. A year ago I found out I could paint finished work in twenty minutes and I would post my paintings to the Twenty Minute Challenge. That’s where I found out about 100 Paintings.

Well, I will not make it to the required 100 pieces of art in this year. There is always next year to try my best. What else can I say? As of today I painted 56 watercolor paintings, with a few pen and ink drawings thrown in that mix to keep at it.

In my opinion, I accomplished plenty. As I said in another post, I am good for another go. See what happens this time.

Yesterday I went into the studio to survey my space. What is it that keeps me from doing better work there than at the dining room table? For one thing, the dining room table is lower than my drawing board allowing me to stand while I paint. I can move around, look at my work from a distance, keep some energy going. The drawing board is high and I can’t get away from it. Need to change it.

The dining room table has great north facing light, the studio is in the basement. Can’t do much about that, but make sure I have good light in the studio.

Most paintings took twenty minutes or so to complete. The larger works took a couple of days of work, and then I was a slacker some days. And I was working in the dining room because I needed to be near my granddaughter while she napped. A year later she’s not napping much, so there goes that.

Then I was also battling with Mr. Resistance. It’s been easier to beat the demon after all the work I’ve been doing since the Artist’s Way, Alyson Stanfield’s book and workshops, and my own lazy brain.

So I will forgive myself for not painting the requisite 100 works. It’s okay. I’m not looking to excuse myself because I did agree to the challenge, just didn’t pass the finish line on time.

We are all a work in progress. The Blast Off class I am taking online with Alyson is a huge help and I am working on my curriculum for the year ahead.

Painting will be regularly scheduled on the calendar of to-do list items at #1.
Reading artists bios, looking into documentaries of artists and museum visits is on the item list.

I’m already reading this great biography of Vincent van Gogh and it’s been very interesting to learn how he came to paint.

And there’s been knitting. Knitting socks at that. While I knit I daydream as I watch the stitches or color fly by on my needles. As I watch my brain is planning the next painting.

Not a bad start to another year of paintings. Wish me luck, again!

Blasting Off

You know me, I’m so last minute all the time. Well, true to form, I decided, at the last minute once again, to take a class in self promotion, process, progress, organization, all in the name of art.

Yes, I said Yes, again.

Alyson B. Standfield of the Art Biz Coach/Blog regularly holds online classes in various matters pertaining to artists and their work/business. This class is called Blast Off! and that’s just what I need right now. A little guidance can go a long way. It’s not hand-holding either. You have to do the work to succeed. No one can do it for you.

I’m all strapped in and ready to Blast Off. Wish me luck!

Shameless Self-Promotion, Sunflowers and a Sale

The workshop weekend went great. Alyson B. Stanfield conducted a two day workshop called Shameless Self-Promotion which was hosted in Bohemia, NY, on Long Island, by a group of artists called Women Sharing Art. I was on the fence about attending, but how could I miss an opportunity like this, practically in my own backyard?

Everyone was lovely, friendly, and accommodating. The information Alyson gave us was invaluable. Being part of a group of artists, each one with their own talents and experience, made me feel like I had a community, rather than me and my lonely self in my studio. After signing on, I received email from Alyson on what to bring, and expect, to the workshop which was business cards, a portfolio of work, an open mind and a willingness to work, and I did.

A few years ago I read Alyson’s book I’d Rather Be In The Studio and it was a big push for me to get myself and my work “out there.” There’s no magic bullet. You have to work at it, and put the work into it. As Alyson says, the paintings do not speak for themselves, but the artist can and must. It was wonderful to meet the author in person! Alyson looks great, my hair is doing something funny.

All of us were pretty excited to meet our icon! I chose a chair up front, as is my habit. When I sit in the back of a room I tend to become distracted. Another artist came to sit at my table and asked if there was room. Of course, I said. When I looked at her name tag I recognized it as a casual Facebook “friend” and said “Mary? I’m Dora!” We started screaming and hugging!

About a month ago, Mary wrote on Facebook that she had decided to attend this workshop and said “Who’s with me?” I answered her with “I’m just thinking about it..” Imagine our surprise when we realized who each of us was, sitting at the same table! This social media thing is amazing, as Alyson explained.

Some artists brought their postcards, others their laptop/iPad/iPhone for their portfolio. I went “old school” with my old presentation case holding some of my work from this past year. Everyone was excited to see each other’s art. A table-mate looked through my watercolors and fell for one of my sunflower paintings, and I was happy to sell it to her. I hope it makes Grace happy when she looks at it!

What a wonderful experience this was. We had the chance to meet other artists, learn networking and art business skills, build relationships, move out of our comfort zone to try something new, and hopefully, cultivate collectors of our art.

Got it Together? Check!

There’s not enough time to do everything I have on my to-do list and the day is not over yet. The workshop weekend is here and what I need to bring is ready. Item by item, I crossed things off my list. I have not been sleeping well, waking at 4:30A.M. every morning, wide eyed and thinking. It’s not the workshop, just a sleep cycle changing I guess.

I had my usual Friday of things and there is no way I can paint today. I had the fleeting thought I could play with some beads and cord, but decided there is just no time after my busy morning. After lunch I went back to review what I need for the weekend. Good thing I don’t have to pack clothes and get on a plane, I’d be dizzy.

Portfolio? Check. Artist statement? Check. Directions? Check. GPS in the car? Check. My brain? Oops!

Alyson the Art Biz Coach, who is leading the workshop, commented on my post to bring only new, up to date work. That’s what I thought, too. What it is that I am working on now rather than three years ago, makes sense.

Taking this workshop at this time is the next step. Everything I’ve been doing the last few years has led me here. I am thankful to have taken the big step to blogging, facebook and twitter, or I would have to get up to speed with it. I found the Twenty Minute Challenge, and the 100 Paintings Challenge, two great sites that help me build a new body of work and try to find an art habit. Reading the Artist’s Way, by Julia Cameron, allowed me to tap into that inner child artist, try to fight off resistance, and rediscover the artist voice. Step by small step.

Friends always said I should have an art show. I always answered that I needed a body of work to show. Yes, college work was great, but people want to see today, not all those many years ago. And anyway, that’s not who I am now. Even work from a couple of years back is not me today.

Yesterday I realized I have been blogging since September 16, 2009, and I could not believe it’s been that long ago that I got my feet wet here. Who I was then, what kind of art I was making, if at all, compared to today, is like another person, but the same person. Just more awake, aware, in tune.

The rest of my day is not over. I have a kids dance class to teach tonight. After that let’s hope I sleep.

Preparing and Painting

Peppers on a Platter (c)2011Dora Sislian Themelis
11×16 Watercolor

With the workshop weekend looming, I wanted to spend the day preparing myself and my stuff. We are to bring a portfolio of work. I’ve been throwing it around in my head which work to bring. The obvious thing would be to show recent pieces. Although I do work in other media, I guess I will bring the watercolors. And maybe my little pen and inks done while waiting at the allergist’s office.

I printed out my artist’s statement, such as it is. It’s for my eyes only, but my eyes are pretty critical. It’s a loosey goosey art language statement. In college, art majors needed to take English for Art Majors Only. They expected us to be able to discuss our work to regular people, as well as other artists. We wrote papers reviewing the masters works, museum pieces, and each other’s work. It wasn’t easy, but helped us to develop an art speak that normal people understood.

Every paper I wrote, my professor would ask if I wrote it. She’d say my language on paper was not the same thing that came out of my mouth. What could I say? I’m from Queens and what comes from my lips is not how I think or write. Ugh.

So yes, artist statement is ready. I also printed out the directions. Believe me, I’m not leaving home without a GPS thing.

I had a small bit of time yesterday and today, before getting involved in other things, to paint. Working from some photos I took a while ago I just went to it. Yes, I said from photos! No pencil, just paint. I didn’t get a chance to take a photo at the twenty minute mark and what you see is well past that. I just wanted colors, shapes, and values. I was going to continue to add to the lower left corner, but I think it’s balanced just as it is. Heavy with color on the upper right, and void of it at the lower left. Weird composition, but I’m going with it.

Besides, I’m out of time. Tomorrow is another day.

Yet Again, the Operative Word is Yes

I said “Yes” again. Am I becoming braver as I go along? I don’t know about brave, but I’ve been more agreeable to new things. I take long thinking things over though. Then I say yes. Yes to blogging. Yes to social media stuff. Yes to going to the beach alone to paint. Yes to the 100 Paintings Challenge.

The latest Yes is to a weekend workshop a short drive from my area. The Art Biz Coach, Alyson B. Stanfield is coming to Long Island, NY to help artists get their act together business-wise. The host is a group called Women Sharing Art. They are not located in my immediate area so I’m not familiar with them. But I have read Alyson’s book I’d Rather Be in The Studio. It covers the business side of things they don’t teach you in art school.

Maybe it was last year, I found out a workshop was happening in Pennsylvania. Although do-able driving wise, I didn’t try to go. It’s a couple hours and I felt uncomfortable going somewhere I’d never driven before, and alone. This time around this is happening not quite an hour from my home, but I still had trepidations.

Would I benefit? As the time came closer I decided that if I could clear my calendar I would go. I did and said Yes. Anything else that pops up now has to wait. I think reading a book for information is great. Attending a class with an instructor in an informal setting with peers is even better.

After submitting my application I received some information on what is needed for the two day workshop. Of course paper and writing implements, but Alyson asked that we bring our portfolio, business cards, and if we have it, our artist statement. Oh boy!

I wrote an artist statement a while ago when I was asked to do the possible book deal thing. I checked Alyson’s book for an outline and wrote one up. It probably needs work, but okay. The portfolio is another story. What do I bring? Both old and new work?

Thinking I had Sunday to put this together I started looking through my latest paintings. Well, wouldn’t you know the garden guys show up. And they have questions. And instructions. And they want to shoot the breeze. Um, yes, haha, I have stuff to do! Thanks alot, but I’d like to go back to my thing, you go do your thing, and everyone will be happy! No.

What you see is where I am up to..nothing done.

The Art of Self Promotion, with Help

The process of self promotion for artist’s these days is involved. I guess any kind of promotion takes time and effort if you really want to get somewhere. Whether someone wants to find job, get elected to office, meet new friends or find a mate, all the information I have come across says to get yourself out there. And where is “there”?

For some of us the hardest thing to do is go to the studio to get some creative work done, let alone promote it. Once we’ve developed a body of work I think it’s easier to feel some detachment from it to sell it. I know that the portrait of my son and his Greek bagpipe will never be sold because it’s too personal to let it go to a stranger.

In a way I wish I had painted someone else so that I wouldn’t feel uncomfortable selling it. That doesn’t mean I’m attached to some other recent work. They can go!

Besides networking online through all the social media and this blog, I’m thinking about having a small gallery show eventually. A local church has gallery space that many artists use and the fee for its use is a small percentage of sales. They offer postcards as advertising and invitations, and I have a nice long list of people I know through my travels that I can invite. It’s totally doable, but I need to have work I’m willing to sell. That means doing. It’s not going to happen all by itself, right?

A helpful book I’ve been reading is I’d Rather be in the Studio, by Alyson B. Stanfield. She is an art career coach I bumped into on facebook and she has great information on promoting one’s art career. From reading her book I was inspired to throw myself into all the social media stuff and work it. Little did I know I would really enjoy doing it! She wrote in her book: don’t ask why, just do it, and I did.

Stanfield hosts various classes online through her website ArtBizCoach.com and in person workshops. She’s holding a workshop in Pennsylvania May 11-12 and if I lived closer I’d check it out. On her website Alyson is hosting an online Blog Triage class, but I think the class is already full. I believe it’s great to be able to have coaching like this because most of us artists are not business minded. We may not know how to go about getting our product “out there” other than hooking up with a gallery and have them take all the profits, if there are any when they’re done with you.

On Stanfield’s suggestions I had business cards made. I carry them around in case I find an opportunity to hand them out. During Christmas shopping I struck up a conversation with another shopper about the items for sale and how expensive they were. This shopper remarked on my scarf and said how much she liked it.

When I told her I’m an artist and I knit it myself she flipped! She said, “You probably don’t have any cards with you.” Ah, but I did. I whipped out my business cards and handed two to her. She was thrilled to meet an artist on the check-out line in Macy’s!

Self-promotion for artists is possible and doable if you are willing to suck it up and forge ahead. I know some of us are intimidated by the business end of art, but it’s not all that bad. We just have to be ready with work, keep our eyes open for opportunities to show it, be open to talking to people, and have our information at hand if asked for it, like me.