Comments on: A.B.E. (Always Be Evolving)

By: Darrell Mordecai

Tue, 24 Jan 2017 19:37:52 +0000

My main evolution is to begin to incorporate business practices into my art business. I am making lists and getting in touch with those lists. I am learning about seo and how to drive traffic to a web site. I am really enjoying the learning process. I love the idea that my list is the real asset in my business. This is really starting to snowball. I have already recieved new commissions. I’m really fired up.

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By: Madeline Faiella

Mon, 23 Jan 2017 19:12:55 +0000

Oh how I love this post. Why SHOULD you not change with your own evolution. I am so happy to see that there are others who believes this. I applaud you!!! Thanks for this share.

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By: Debbie Hoskins

Sat, 21 Jan 2017 16:39:31 +0000

Provocative questions.
My business is 18 years old. I’ve always followed my intuitive ideas. I have done A.B.E. without being aware of it. It’s amazing how all of our experiences build on each other.
Last year I was ready to take my business to the next level (more $$$) and NO day job! I found Alyson a month ago. I get an A++++ and 2 gold stars for all the progress I’m making. I’ve learned to be intentional in doing 60 to 70 percent studio time – in my case most of it is done on the couch and breaks & lunch time at work- and 30 to 40% marketing. In my artwork, I want to do 80 percent spiritual work and 20 percent design to see if I can sell for textiles. The design work is grounded in spirituality. I’m called to not force anything in my work. I’m curious to see what happens this year.

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By: Jennifer Kirby

Sat, 21 Jan 2017 16:15:15 +0000

Thank you for this post. I have been stuck. I had a drawing I was supposed to be working on but I have been doing anything but.
After considering what you had written, Alyson, I suddenly realised there is a painting I passionately want to do that is completely different from my regular subject. I went out and took reference photos while my inspiration was still in existence. I no longer feel stuck even if I have to wait a while before I have time to do the new paintings.

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By: Christie Nicklay

Fri, 20 Jan 2017 18:27:26 +0000

Hey Alyson…

LOVE YOUR BLOG! My art business is evolving, albeit snail mode, but this past year I did get my art into a gallery. I have yet to sell an original painting, but I have sold a few prints and postcards. I also recently started attending a weekly live figure drawing class, which is a definite challenge for me as I haven’t been interested in figure drawing at all. I had such a good time with this new group of people, that I’ve invested in colored papers, charcoals, pastel pencils, and a French easel as tools for these sessions.

My goal for 2017 is to set up a better studio. Currently, I have a room in the lower level of our home, but the lighting is not good. So I plan to move my studio to a spare bedroom on the main floor. My husband also plans to build me a studio shop on the end of our backyard with in-floor heat so that I can “go to work” regardless of weather. Until that’s done, I need a “better” studio that is more accessible so that I have no excuses not to work my art daily.

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By: Cherry Jeffs

Fri, 20 Jan 2017 17:58:59 +0000

In reply to Patty.

Congratulations Patty for moving your work into another medium! I love your installations by the way 🙂 I’m afraid my artist’s books won’t lend themselves to the eBook medium as they fold out and/or pop up and have strong tactile qualities but one day I’d like to see some of them as multiples…

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By: Susan Klinger

Fri, 20 Jan 2017 14:26:06 +0000

Oh man! 2016 was huge for my evolution. A year ago, I knew I should think about creating a new website as I was muddling along trying to update my old one using an HTML format that I really didn’t understand. During the year, I created an entirely new website that allows me so much freedom. From that, I started a newsletter every other week and I have faithfully stuck to that schedule. With that, I started a blog that I thought would be every month, but that has also become an every other week posting.
As for my art, the past several years have added abstraction to my typical realism. I sit here and wonder what the new year will bring. I could not have seen the changes that last year brought, so I can only look forward to what lies on the horizon.

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By: JustATish Designs

Fri, 20 Jan 2017 13:12:16 +0000

Thank you so much! As much as I fight it, and like to stay in my comfort zone, great things ALWAYS happen with change and growth!!!

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By: phillippa lack

Fri, 20 Jan 2017 04:43:20 +0000

Hi! Thanks for that A.B.E. For thirty years I pursued painting on silk… if I say so myself, got pretty good t it. BUT! surely there is something MORE?? so I am now looking at digital printing experiments .. one-off pieces printed from my designs. Very entertaining, to say the least. Me and the printers go round and round about resolution, sizes, fabrics to print on, etc. etc. I may even branch out and do limited yardage for some custom sewn creations!

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By: Gary Black

Fri, 20 Jan 2017 01:18:41 +0000

Kia Ora Alyson,
I am a Kiwi (New Zealander) currently living in Bundaberg, Queensland, Australia. When I retired nearly five years ago I returned to oil painting with a vengeance. I studied a lot of artists work on Youtube and tried out a several wet in wet techniques. Entered a local art festival at Moore Park Beach in 2013 and sold one painting. Since then exhibited work at a local monthly art and craft market. Found out people like my work but have short arms and deep pockets (they can’t reach their wallets). I had a 3×3 metre tent setup with my work displayed around the sides and on a table top so people could walk around and have a good look. Had business cards printed and on display. Never left my site and spoke to everyone who walked past. This approach made many people stop and look at my work with many of them entering the setup to look at specific paintings.
So have decided to enter into as many sections of the Bundaberg Arts Festival in March this year to get my “name” out there. The top prize is $5,000.00 for a big and bold painting (1.5x 1.0 metre up to 2.0×3.0 metres). There is prize money of $13,000.00 in the oil painting section alone.
So my focus this year is to enter as many art competitions as I can and get my name promoted through this type of exposure; where people who appreciate art come to view.
I have also extended my range of painting styles from landscape to realistic (mainly World War two aircraft) and modern art to appeal to a big potential market.
Will let you know middle of March how the Art Festival pans out.
Kai pai tou ra
(have a great day)
Gary

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