The time is NOW to Make Art that Sells

The time is NOW! (Ok, almost now.Soon. I need a bit of a breather to rest,regroup and reorganize my portfolio!)

My wonderful time with Lilla and Make Art that Sells has come to an end. Wow,it was awesome. A big thank you to Lilla and Beth Kempton of Do What You Love. Well done!

As most here know, I am a fan of the art e-course. I love learning and am happiest trying new things. I would have to say that this course ranks top in my collection of “very worthwhile art courses”

Lilla is a joy. She is enthusiastic, supportive, yet very straightforward. There is no sugar-coating – this art licensing business is competitive. It demands great effort, patience and perseverance – all words that seem to have become my way of life.

Lilla shares with us many of her experiences and her artists too in the art licensing world. She made me laugh the whole way though and I really enjoyed the light-hearted fun in between all of the hard work and reality checks.

Journal page – finding inspiration

So, here I sit pondering all that I have learned during my 10 weeks with Make Art that Sells. I have taken a breather from creating new art for now. It’s difficult, but I believe necessary. I have doodled and sketched,painted and taken many a note during this time but,as of yet, have not a chance to sit down and really review and consider it all.

Scrapbook Market

I thought I would be overwhelmed by it all, but oddly I am feeling very relaxed and confident right now. Lots of good things are happening and the momentum is all there.I am feeling that I am exactly where I am supposed to be.

HOW crazy is that?!

Having a bit of fun…

I have been trying to think of all the goodness that Part B of Make Art that Sells brought into my life.

Part A was all about my art-icons,color,original design in my style,composition,learning my limitations and what I need to improve upon.

Part B was a continuation of working my art, but also thinking more about my brand and what markets I feel I am suitable for.I have a new-found knowledge of the potential of ten different markets all in search of art to display on their products, I have contacts and a wealth of information on what makes your art sell. I have a lot of art!

I am feeling that I have all the necessary ingredients to make it happen. Now it is up to me to stay positive, make a plan and stick with it. Oh, that dreaded F- word…Focus.

(The course is not set out this way, you can take it in any order and not miss out.This just happened to be my approach to it all)

Other great benefits of this class included:

Community– I have met another awesome community of like-minded creatives. We are all at different stages of our developement, but we are still in it together. These people understand my journey. I am always a bit overwhelmed at how others are so willing to take time out of their busy schedules to share information or offer a word of encouragement or piece of advice.It all makes me pretty happy.

Folk art – finding inspiration

Trends– I am still not sure if Lilla is just so bang on her trends or whether she is leading the way and creating them. I do know that it brings me a bit of delight every time I open a magazine and see a theme we have created for during the class. It feels great to have a portfolio piece that is right on trend.

Party paper market

Many people have asked me Part A or Part B? I have to be honest and say both.I feel I received a very well-rounded education by completing both modules.

I was also pleasantly surprised at some of the markets I enjoyed creating for.The one I was least excited about is the one I am most excited about right now…you will see soon!

I believe it is important to explore all possibilities. To my surprise, I learned that all of this motif making is pretty versatile. Many of the markets overlap and all of your motifs can be used accordingly.

If you are interested in Make Art that Sells, but still have questions please feel free to email me at jules@bollah.com

It is a big investment, but I believe very worthwhile. (and no, I am not affiliated:)

If you are interested in reading about Part A have a look here

Onward my friends!

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Always inspired by Bloom True with Flora Bowley

I am at it again! Spaying, splashing and stamping paint and it feels oh, so good.

We are very fortunate to have the use of the Station house on Alta lake in Whistler to paint, sketch and just be creative. Beautiful views, the sound of the lake and wind through the trees, painting with like-minded souls. Pretty awesome!

It felt so liberating to just play with all my mark making tools ~ exploring different brush strokes and paint combinations. I didn’t produce anything, or I should say, I didn’t finish a painting, but I learned so much in the process.  All lessons  I can apply to my sketching, surface pattern and digital skills.

I love the intuitive approach to painting. No pressure to recreate a picture or get tight trying to represent something. The goal is to be messy. Create lots of layers. Surprise yourself with under layers peeking through.It adds so much depth to your painting.

I find the most interesting paintings are those that have a little something just waiting to be discovered.I love a painting I can come back to again and again, each time discovering something new.

Loose. Free. Big!

Time to get out your mark making tools!  Flora Bowley’s Bloom True class is coming to you!

I have written many blog posts on Flora Bowley. My admiration runs deep for this woman! I love her story.She has put herself and her art out there and it was not an easy task for her. I think she best defines brave and bloom. She has taught me how to let go and discover my own personal painting style and helped me along on my own personal creative journey.

Flora Bowleys next Bloom True ~ the e-course starts Monday Sept. 30th! Five weeks  painting in your own private classroom. No one critiquing~ just you, your paints and inspiration. You will have the added bonus of professional video, audio interviews  and a private, online community to discuss your process with.

This little promotional video sums it up nicely!

BUT this is my all time favorite video of Flora painting from start to finish

I have been lucky enough to take both Flora’s e-course and live class. While I loved meeting her in person, I found the online setting to be more conducive to me letting go and playing. No distractions from other classmates or being influenced by what others were doing. Lots of time to review the videos at your own pace and do what she does. I also felt I received enough critique from Flora and my online community as both were quick to answer any questions I had.

Put the music on, move and explore your creative side…

If you paint at night I would even suggest a few glasses of wine because it just never hurts!

I hope this helps to give you an idea of what to expect during Flora’s course. I have many a blog post discussing my trials and tribulations with the whole intuitive way of painting. Just “search”  intuitive painting, Flora Bowley, Bloom true ,Brave Intuitive you or mark making in my “search” box (in the side column to the right) I think everything is there to answer any questions you may have. If you are still curious, please feel free to ask away, either below in comments or, directly at jules@bollah.com.

P.s. I have affiliated with Flora and Do what you love to help promote Flora’s Bloom True classes! This is as close as I could get to buying the company:) If you are interested in taking her class please mention me or click through my site here to register. Help me save up to take more Do what you love courses! I am a little addicted and need  help to pay for my art habit!

Learning from Lilla Rogers

I am half way through  Part A of Make Art That Sells. We have covered Bolt fabric, Home decor, Children’s Books and Wall art. My eyes are wide open and my heart is beating a little faster.The possibilities for surface design are endless and as Lilla likes to say  “There’s room for every style, trust me”

Lilla has introduced me to a multitude of ways to get my art out there into the world. Markets that I would have never considered – think.. tattoos, stickers, coloring books,ornaments,ceramic art, wall decals. The list is endless. She has me considering opportunities that I would never have dreamed possible.She also has me a bit overwhelmed and thinking that the time is now to start thinking about my art, my brand and my direction.

For now though, I think I will immerse myself thoroughly in all aspects and enjoy the introduction to all of the possibilities that are out there. I am feeling creatively stretched to push my work just that little bit further. I am raising the bar.

Sharing a few art journal pages with you that I have created during my time in the course ~my visual way of thinking, finding direction and just plain old daydreaming.

The course has been  full of interesting information.I appreciate how Lilla has broken down the art assignments into smaller bite size pieces.Instead of being faced with the daunting task of creating one large piece, she has you slowly creating everyday, using the smaller parts to make up the greater whole.It is a  nice and easy way of approaching the, sometime ,overwhelming big white canvas.

working some of my hand drawn kitchen elements into some sort of cohesive whole

Taking time to add detail and interest my goal, to “delight my audience and blow myself away”..I love that! I think that quote is going to have to go up in my studio.

Lilla encourages you to follow your heart, create what you love and create things that get you excited. Your enthusiasm and joy will shine through in your work  “People buy your joy”

“See the world around you as raw material”. I never thought I would have so much fun and find so many ways to illustrate a plain, old mushroom.

Lots of daily reminders and encouragement to be authentically you ~ create how you love to create ~ but don’t be scared to try new and different media and tools. Approach your work with an open mind.

Round? Yes, round!

I am  loving Lilla’s  enthusiasm for her course. I feel she is really present in our community and classroom. She is a wealth of information and loves to share. She is a teacher in the true sense of the word.

Yay for Lilla, our Momacita Fairy Godmother!

More to come next week for Make Art that Sells ~illustrations, wall art, editorials and more. Watch out for Lillas  Global Talent Search starting this week!

I will be back later this week for another creative process blog post!

Enjoy the sun.

Inspired by…a work in progress

I may have a wee bit too much time on my hands today. To give you a little insight into my day…the theme, header and background have been changing hourly over here on my blog.

I have a bit of spring fever…I want fresh, clean, colorful…NEW! I want something a little more current and in keeping with what I am up to these days.

Well that definitely opened a can of worms so to speak…Now I want to customize the entire site!

I want  artsy,hand sketched social icons(my own!) some new, bigger, fonts, a gallery..or two, maybe a static page…I want my very own site. I have the domain “artistically afflicted” and I am itching to use it. So hold on and watch for changes coming this way….My techie brother is on speed dial these days.

With all of my newfound digital skills,there is lots of fun (and hairpulling) to be had.My blog reconstruction sign =1hr. When I actually figured out how to do it, it only took me about 5 minutes.But, that’s how things roll when you are learning.Right now I am tabs deep trying to figure out how to make my very own badge.It may take me a day or two, but you know what? Secretly…I love this stuff…I will take a an Illustrator tutorial over T.V anyday…

Another little nugget of wisdom from artist Robert Genn that arrived in my inbox tonight.I always find his words very timely…

We are drawn to our labour of love because it fills our cups like no other nourishment. The making of art is a private puzzle and working out the puzzle is beguiling. Let the folks who don’t love their work look forward to their retirement from it. We creative folks have a different mind-set. “Work cures everything,” said Henri Matisse. “I need to work to feel well,” said Edouard Manet. “Work is more fun than fun,” said Noel Coward. “Work is the ultimate seduction,” said Pablo Picasso. “I work day and night without sleep,” said Jules Olitski, “The paintings keep me fired up.”

I am also questioning content.I havent had the mojo to write these days.I blame it on too much computer time.

Up until now I have been writing about my creative journey and sharing my discoveries with all medium. It’s easy to snap pictures of art and discuss happy accidents, cool textures and great color combinations. Unfortunately, most of my work these days has been Adobe related while I learn the ins and outs of the digital world. Not as much fun to share the process.I guess I could take screen shots, but not as captivating as beautiful, messy,paint dripping down a canvas….mingling. My painting days are by no means over, but they are on hold until I get my head around this flow of work.So please bear with me, I promise you I will be throwing paint around in no time.

I would like to share how I am trying to marry the two…

A journal page…

I scanned and photoshopped the dragonflys out.I ripped up a perfectly good dictionary and made a collage out of it. Scanned it and added it to the background. The swirly background? Hand stitched. (Thank you dad..your sewing machine will be home soon.)I may have to work on the stitching. I know I can do it digitally, but it’s just not the same.

Its getting there…every exercise is a lesson learned.

Typical of my process, I am trying to explore all avenues. Trust me, you will be seeing these dragonflys pop up in all my work!

This post has already been way too long, but I had to stop there for a brief moment and think about “my process”…I wont write about it now, but its interesting to me how I have developed a way of working.

Thats a conversation to be had over a cup of coffee or two…

Have a fantastic warm and sunny weekend!

Here in the mountains, it is still cold and damp and calling for snow!! Summer will arrive here with a bang as it always does…hopefully sooner, than later.(my plants and flowers are sitting in the garage patiently waiting)

Inspired by…surface pattern everywhere!

My head is in the clouds these days. I am very deep into my Art and Business of Surface Pattern Design course (module 1)  and loving every minute of it. Designing stationary,logos, womans clothing.. even small,smiling creatures ~ there is a need for surface pattern design everywhere. I am so overwhelmed by it all, but in such a good way.

I love learning. If I can teach my children one thing ~ it is to never stop being fascinated. Never give up the enthusiasm for newness, for the unknown.

I have been so impressed with the ABSPD course to date. It is jammed packed with all sorts of goodness. I find inspiration in it everyday. It has also allowed me the opportunity to meet a whole new crew of like-minded individuals, all willing to share, support…and commisserate when the going gets tough. That makes me very happy…

I have spent the past couple of weeks concentrating on the digital aspect of design. It is a creative facet I have played around with, mostly for photography. It fascinates me…and infuriates me. Hence, my blog neglect. I can only spend so many hours a day on the computer. I have actually had to start wearing my glasses!
I laughed when I caught a glance of my study sheet the other day…full of doodles, mind wandering….
Slight ADD perhaps..or maybe I should say AA.
Where my mind is at..

I should be vacuuming. Why is the dog looking at me that way? What am I doing this all for? Coffeee…I need an assistant …who knows Illustrator!What should I make for dinner?Bang head on counter. I just want to paint. If I draw one more daisy…

The digital aspect has added a whole new load of possibility to my artwork. Nothing like having to choose from a thousand different shades of blue. I almost miss painting and my limited knowledge of color mixing.

 I am also loving the opportunity to add my very own handwork to the digital world.All of my sewing, stamping, sticking and spraying has served me well. All of it can be scanned and added in some dimension. My hand painted dragonfly with a collaged background….what color would you like it in? This one needs more texture, but no problem. Will add it in later (when I learn how:). Lots of possibility in the digital world….

My fav to date though….sketching. I forgot how much I loved sitting down, pen in hand, going for it. So much freedom. I am always a bit hesitant with paintbrush in hand, but give me some ink and ahh…I can just let it all roll.

Have found lots of goodness lately that I would like to share ~

First off. Monica Lee and her smart creative women series.Twice weekly interviews of, well, smart, creative women. Awesome. I love listening to her interviews. Making dinner has never been so inspiring. She also makes me laugh.

Secondly… Lynda Weinman and her software tutorial site Lynda.com This site is chock-a-block full of tutorials geared towards the digital world. Photoshop, Illustrator, Aperature…endless learning opportunities. The beauty of this site though is that they charge you a  minimal monthly fee for unlimited usage. I like a good deal and this is definitely one!

Very busy, but  a great couple of weeks. Spring has sprung, the days are long and life is busy. School is out in a month! The time to get all of this done is…NOW!

I will try to blog, but if you don’t hear from me, send me a quick hello on my facebook page. A quick hello and a smile, always makes me happy. Comment with your fan page so I can like you….if I havent already. I am loving having all of my creative connections in one place. I like to know what you are up to at all times!

Have a great weekend!