Expanding and class prep

A warm welcome to you from Crows Chase Cottage. As I sit here writing, rain clouds hang heavily in the sky and a lovely refreshing drizzle is falling. What a peaceful end to a busy over extended weekend. Despite being rushed, the days were full of happy events. Friday, we traveled to Knoxville and while there, I was able to visit a larger art supply store. Even better, they were having a massive sale on paints, brushes, easels, canvas, etc. This worked out brilliantly for me, as the large brush I had been needing was now in my price range. There were even display easels marked down 50%! So yes, I snatched up one of those for my floor space at Grinning Possum in Pikeville. And finally, I now own a Bob Ross style painting knife 😀 Hopefully, now I can attempt to paint little barns and cabins without them turning into brown and black blobs 👏

Of course paints were on my list. These Liquitex professional artist paints are quickly winning me over. While the majority of my selection is still from Artecho, I find myself slowly replacing each color with this brand. The consistency/texture looks better on a canvas and the colors seem more pleasing to my eye. That being said, there have been a few instances where I have used metallic craft paint mixed with these to create unique effects. Still, for canvas pieces, it is better in my experience to use professional art paints overall. 

Craft paints do have a place in my heart when it comes to my mixed media paper art. I love painting my own papers for my Junk Journal ephemera. Once the paints are watered down, it absorbs nicely when applied with a foam brush. Actually, I am going to teach this effect in my upcoming Junk Journal classes held at FACS and Grinning Possum. 

Even though these will be the first journaling classes I have taught, my apprehension level is low. Art has become my go to when I need to escape the insanity of the world. I have become so passionate about my painting and journaling that sharing it with others seems special. I am by no means an expert in any of these formats. However, sharing all the tips, tricks, and favorite techniques with others that are just beginning their artistic journey is also a boost to my art therapy goals. 

The remainder of my time this weekend consisted of class outlining, making tags and painted paper packets for customers, and the most exciting of all, applying to sell my art on an online forum. If accepted, I should be able to add a 'Shop' button on my web site which will lead directly to my seller page. I am so excited to be taking this step! While the platform I applied to join does offer a website for their sellers, it did not seem pragmatic for me. After working for days earlier this month to design my own, I decided to take the mid range option and have only a marketplace page. In the end, those persons interested in purchasing my artwork and journal pieces that do not live close enough to visit Crossville or Pikeville can still have the opportunity to do so. 

That is what matters most to me. The fact that my work speaks to someone so strongly they want to bring it into their home lifts my spirits. That I am able to make someone else inspired is what this is all about. Sharing our creativity with others, bringing a bit of peace, fascination, bemusement, or contentment should be what lies at the heart of what we do. If I can bring joy to someone else in what I create, then I have not wasted my time. Moreover, what I have discovered on this art journey, is that I can bring joy and peace to my own soul in creating. It has in no way been a wasted endeavor. That can be said for all of us who seek to create. Your creations, your attempts to create, never are they wasted moments. That realization alone is deeply spiritual. It is my hope that this realization has been revealed to you. If it has not, never give up in seeking it. Keep creating ✌ With kindest regards, from the cottage at Crows Chase.