Inspiration is everywhere for artists even in our own backyard….at least that is how I feel. (These photos I took a few days ago as inspiration for a new painting.) I don’t often write about the “how” of operating an art business in a small town. It’s a challenge…and I love it….but it’s not easy. When people tell me that I have a fun job and they wish they could work doing something fun all the time like I do I just smile and agree. Because it is fun. But it’s a lot like making sausage….you don’t want to see what actually goes in to it. There is so much behind the scenes to get an image that I think people might enjoy painting at a party….so much that no one ever sees. First I go through tons of photos trying to find something that will appeal to a large number; then I have to paint it; then I usually paint it again to simplify it so that it will look good but be easy enough for beginners to paint it in a 2-3 hour paint party time; next is the promotion, the registration, the ordering of supplies, etc., etc., etc. I only say all of this to make people aware that when you choose to attend a paint party with an artist that steals another artist’s image that you are hurting someone…the artist that created the work. You might ask, well how do I know if its original? Ask! Find out if the artist leading the party has a business license. Are they a legitimate business or just a cash business not paying taxes or licensed? I think most people don’t want to support people who are stealing from others and probably have never even considered any of this….they just see an offering for a paint party and think, that looks like fun and I’d like to paint it. I’m writing about this today because one of my paintings was being offered at a Paint Party without my permission. I only knew about it because I saw it on Facebook. When I contacted the owner of the business offering it she immediately took the image down and contacted the artist she’d hired to do the party to correct the situation. I appreciate that. But even more I would appreciate people offering these parties to be inspired by their surroundings or developing images of their own. The internet has been a wonderful thing for artists to share and sell their work but it’s also made lazy artists lazier because they don’t have to work at it. They can just lift something to use. Don’t be lazy….CREATE! (OK…rant over….thanks for listening!)
“Mixed Flowers in a Jar”, acrylic on canvas, 9″x12″. Available for sale $185. Contact kwalker@kellywalkerstudios.com
I made an agreement with myself to get The Studio straightened up on my final couple of days off. Since the space is small we really have to keep it organized in order to be able to find the things we need to work. And that is hard to do when there are so many people there creating cool things each week. But we can do it! So yesterday I took everything out of storage areas and decided what goes and what stays. What a mess. But it’s coming along. I don’t know about you but I am more creative when my studio space is organized.
What are your art resolutions for this new year? Did you make any? Do you want to create more? Want to learn something new? A new technique? A new style? Want to paint more? Want to paint larger….or smaller? Want to learn to sew or knit or crochet? Or just have more fun with art and crafts? Whatever it is JUST DO IT and get in touch with your artistic side. It’s time to refill the glass!!!!
We saw the Matisse-Diebenkorn exhibit at the Baltimore Museum of Art this week. Fabulous! While photos were not allowed in the exhibit you 
The much beloved companion of Rich and Mary Ruth….this was a commission for Christmas. Such a cute pup!
The Studio 