Blank paper/canvas syndrome

I know pretty much every artist has faced this affliction at one time or another. Staring at that blank piece of paper or canvas and wondering where in the hell to start.

I found this meme that I keep on my inspiration board. It has helped me SO much. I now buy watercolor paper and sketchbooks on sale and use them to play and experiment. I am gradually encountering the blank canvas phenomenon less and less.

I hope it helps you.

Charging into the new year!

This month has been a whirlwind so far! I put my foot down and told myself this is the year I’m going to really market my art and man, has this shit kept me busy!

Since the first of the year: Painted almost a dozen paintings; applied to be selected to attend my first show (jury selection – yuck – and still awaiting an answer) in May; submitted three paintings for display/sale at a local show (accepted – yay!); sold an original on Etsy (yay!) with a possibility for custom commissions; had a separate custom commission request which I’m currently working; overhauled my Etsy shop (again); and almost completed filling another sketchbook (which I just started in November).

I also began keeping a spreadsheet with a list of my paintings so I can remember sizes, mediums, what originals have been sold and when I painted them. It’s really been a big help, but it’s also a bitch-kitty to keep up to date.

And lastly, I’m involved with two community projects — one is for a public street (pavement) mural project and the other is with my local art association – volunteering to help get them current with their website and social media.

If I keep up this pace, I am really going to earn my vacation this year.

Happy creativity to you all!

Ravens with Hearts. © 2015 Aprille Lipton. Original watercolor painting on paper.

Dove with Flowered Crown. © 2014 Aprille Lipton. Original watercolor painting on paper.

I love your art but I have no room…

One thing I hear a lot as a visual artist is that people have “no more room” for art on their walls. While for some, this is a polite way to avoid buying (which is perfectly acceptable), for those of you (like me) who really are limited on wall space — think about changing your art/photo displays to a Gallery Wall style.

I’ve done it in my teeny tiny house and LOVE it. It really has a big impact and there’s almost no right or wrong way to do it. Here’s a search on Pinterest for examples, ideas and tips.

Buy the art you love!

http://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=gallery+wall&term_meta%5B0%5D=gallery%7Ctyped&term_meta%5B1%5D=wall%7Ctyped

Life changes

It’s amazing how quickly your life can change. In a matter of months I no longer work for the place I’ve been for the past 18 years. My husband got a new job and they keep changing his schedule. My nights, days and weekends are all a blur now.

I’m trying to get a handle on things and add some structure back to my life. I don’t mind some chaos, but these last few months have really done a number on my mental state. The good part is that I have much more time to concentrate on my art. I was able to do a painting for my husband for Christmas that I’ve been wanting to do for quite a while now. He loves it! I’m pretty happy with it, too.

Dive Deep with Me. © 2014 Aprille Lipton. Original acrylic painting on canvas.

I’m really loosening up my style, and the orders for custom works are still coming in. I also launched my own website — which was WAY overdue. It still has a long way to go until I’m satisfied, but it’s a step in the right direction.

Blue Owl with Heart. © 2014 Aprille Lipton. Original acrylic painting on paper.

Happy New Year! And please, if you like my work, share with friends and family, Like my Facebook page or follow me on Pinterest.

O. M. G. the H-word?

OK, I’m going to go “there” — the holidays. Yes, I said the h-word before Halloween. But I have good reason. It’s personal… as in personal gifts.

If you know an artist and want to give something really special (and special does not necessarily = expensive) this season, whether it be for a birthday, anniversary, wedding, new baby gift, the big Holiday or other occasion, check in with them. They can probably come up with something custom within your budget if you give them a little notice.

And how awesome would it be to give a uniquely crafted art gift to someone you love?

First Whale of Spring – crappy phone pic. © 2014 Aprille Lipton. Original watercolor with acrylic painting on paper.