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.

The Holiday Bear is here!

I just listed my little holiday polar bear with his warm cup of cocoa and red scarf, all bundled up against the snow. This is an INSTANT DOWNLOAD and only $2! Just think of the adorable holiday cards, gift tags, ornaments, mugs, t-shirts/sweatshirts or totes (and I’m sure even more things I haven’t thought of) you could make with this.

Christmas Bear. © 2013 Aprille Lipton. Original watercolor and ink painting on paper.

I think I’m ready to open the gates

On Etsy, that is. I’m going to take the plunge and start offering instant digital download art for printing at home. I’m still not convinced that Etsy is where I really should be, but if I can generate some money to help tide over between original artwork sales, it would be welcome.

I’ve already started with a few of my digitally altered photos and will work on getting some of my watercolor and mixed media sketches online.

These Boots – ©2013 Aprille Lipton – digitally altered photo

Number 33 – ©2013 Aprille Lipton – digitally altered photo

Hawk’s Hill – ©2013 Aprille Lipton – digitally altered photo

I also have an idea for a series of child-themed initial art that would translate well to instant download.

What are your thoughts? Have any of you tried selling instant download works? If so, what has your experience been like?

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.

Wolf prints now available

The prints for By the Light of the Moon – Wolf are now available in my Etsy shop and they are GORGEOUS! Two sizes to choose from.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/204729902/wolf-art-print-from-original-watercolor?ref=shop_home_feat_4

By the Light of the Moon. © 2014 Aprille Lipton. Original watercolor with acrylic painting on paper.