I ran into this little guy (he is smaller than my little finger) when I was running with my dog yesterday. Isn't he a doll :-). Work has picked up a little, so today and tomorrow are paint days and the rest of the week is devoted to making money. Having two more days to paint is such a blessing. I have one more done (pictures soon) the big one on it's way and another just started.
My paintings are labor intensive, so I can't hurry them, but I feel as though I am on my way to having a new body of work very soon. I am learning some lessons lately (all the time really :-).
One lesson is that my body can only do so much and as I get older I realize this more and more.
That means I honor my body by resting when I am tired, sounds simple, but I wonder how much of the time we don't listen when our body talks to us? I am also learning to honor my time.
I have lost some work because of my prices, but I feel my time is precious and I am not willing to
give myself away for a few dollars. This is a hard one to stick to, especially when money is needed, but it is something I really believe in and I am sticking to it. Life teaches me more and more, that if I trust and stick to my guns things work out. On that note I will sign off, my paintings are waiting for me :-). Happy Monday! XOXO
15 comments:
Amazing you spotted this toad as he blends in so well. Hurrah for all the work you are doing. And yes, important to listen to the body and hard to do esp when maybe we were used to pushing a bit harder when younger and rebounding better. Or whatever.
So proud of you!
I must take a closer view of that little critter. (smile)
Time, materials, experience and creativity... all add up.
Prices - I was trying to figure out prices for my ACEOs. Average prices I've seen on Etsy are about $10. - I can spend up to, or over, 2 hours painting, visualizing, drawing, trimming and spray finishing EACH card. At $10 a card, I'd be making 5 dollars an hour... below minimum wage.
We artists love to paint, but we cannot give it all away.
Suki-I am always on the look out
for these little guys :-).
Emom-Thanks!
Chewy-Yes! I was talking about my non art work, but it is also important to charge enough for the art! My large paintings can take up to 3-4 months to do, so I charge a lot for them. I think your cards would still sell at 15-20 dollars, perhaps more. Pay yourself what feels good :-).
I will love to see your new works when they are ready. Of course the lessons learned are every where (seeing a horn toad as example, resting when we nee, pushing when we must) all very importent.
That is a cool frog. Yes, Annie..listen to your body and do what's best. I have the same problem too, sign of getting young ;P
Slowly puts hand up- guilty. I ignore my body all the time and follow the ideas in my head.
Well done for being able to pace things. I need to learn this skill. I hope the paintings go well.
Love the photo, and good for you for honoring your time. Rick (hubby) faces the same issue with his metal sculpture, but I think it is better to honor yourself and your art in the long run...
I get a good feeling when I read about how you decide to value your time and your paintings. And value yourself by resting when needed.
I think the vibration of who you are and how you create becomes a part of your creations. You have a loving way of making that decision and I feel the world responds and lovingly reflects it back to you.
Good for you for sticking to your guns. There will always be some people who go looking for someone cheaper. I wonder if they realize that you get what you pay for? Do you have any way to convey the quality and work ethic they will be paying for if they choose you to do the job?
Wise words to live by. I like the honoring of the body when tired. It's one I am still working with.
Great camouflage! One might easily step on that poor guy by mistake.
Annie, I am glad you are sticking to your guns about the value of your work. I just turned down a speaking engagement for the same reason...
I also appreciate how you are honoring your body and resting when you need. I think rest is a sacred act...Blessings!
Did you pick up the horned toad without it spitting blood at you? I remember the delight of seeing those as a child in Deming, New Mexico.
I enjoy reading about how hard you work to produce your art and get by. I appreciate your effort and passion and the things that you are learning as you go.
The toad kills me, you can barely see it.
xoxo
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