For me, painting is not just a hobby. It is therapy. When summer is overwhelmingly hot, I paint blizzard paintings. Likewise, when winter chills me to the bones, I paint summer paintings to recapture the warmth.

This painting represents the joy of living on the lake, of experiencing the presence of wildlife and waterfowl. Wetlands teem with all kinds of life, even when they appear mysterious as the fog rises. I take pictures with my watercolors. This scene is one of those places I truly adore.

It also represents a small break from my usual style. I still love realism and will always embrace it. I added a dreamy quality to this work to give it a different feel, one that may draw you in. It also incorporates a new palette of colors for me that strive to capture realism better.

This is the height of creativity for me–when you can create your own worlds and enjoy what enfolds. I hope you like this one. Buy at eBay

As an artist, you’ll probably relate. There are a few paintings that you feel you can never replicate. You put your heart and soul into a work. Perhaps you tried a new technique or color mixture, without noting it somehow. That’s how I felt about this painting that I titled, “Deep Thoughts.”

My cat, Sophie, is very intelligent. She has unique vocalizations to communicate different things. Every now and then, she might stare off in the distance. My husband and I wonder what it going on in her little pea-brain. Somehow though, I think there’s more going on, hence, the name, “deep thoughts.”

For artists, selling other forms of your work through venues like Zazzle is a great way to keep enjoying your works. I have to admit buying several items from my own store for those few paintings that I almost wish I didn’t sell. That is one lesson an artist must learn–do not sell all of your favorites. Keep one or two to cherish and remind you of your talent as an artist.

“Deep Thoughts” is one of those paintings that I wish I kept. I’m glad to know that it is making someone happy. As I enjoy my coffee with my cat mug, I’ll remember how good it feels to immerse myself in a painting.

AT & T is not known for their marketing. Witness the latest WTF moment.

For some unknown reason, they continue to push a stupid ad about flash mobs. Flash mobs! Are they advocating robbing convenience stores? That is the current contation, if they have noticed.

A basic marketing rule this company desperately needs to adopt is to stay current. They should have dropped this inane campaign weeks ago given the news. Their disregard for the current situation shows that they are not a player. Grow up, boys.

If you are a woman, today is a good reason to celebrate. As a self-representing artist, you have achieved what many only dream of. Welcome to National Business Women’s Day!

Being self-employed, running your own business is tough work. I don’t have to tell you that. As a woman and an artist, you have a bigger task ahead of you. Your dedication to your work shows your business aptitude. It demonstrates your will power and determination. Give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back. You are an American success story.

Not everyone can make the same claim to fame. You beat the odds. You found a niche for yourself. It is a testimony to your hard work and dedication. Congratulations on your success! You are proof of the American dream.

Today’s marketing meeting is about embracing the feelings of the market. Perhaps no other opportunity gives artists a better in than fall colors.

Fall never fails to surprise us. The timing and intensity of colors are variable, which adds a bit of a surprise. When they do come, you can’t help but be awestruck by Nature’s incredible palette. As an artist, this is the time to pause and take in the lesson being played out before you. No artist does it better.

Fall colors give you as the artist a chance to exercise your palette. Fall paintings carry a certain forgiveness about them. Fall colors can push the extremes, so your work can build on that fact.

I don’t have stats to support me, but I’d wager that fall paintings are some of the most popular landscape paintings ever created. How can you not help but notice the beautiful variations in reds, yellow, browns, and oranges?

If you find yourself short on ideas, take up your fall palette and create some magic.

Photo by chappy14

One skill that all artists possess is the ability to see below the surface. We see the emotion, the nuances of a scene. We see what others do not. That is why we are artists. We have the gift of sight.

Sometimes that gift can be vexing. It is especially so when the subtle variations in color are no longer visible in foliage. Without having to think about it, you know that summer is waning and that fall is approaching.

I’m not sure which is worse—the return of winter or the loss of color. I don’t mind winter, usually. If it’s brutally cold, that is another story. The loss of color is disheartening. I don’t like to see trees go from an explosion of greens to a monotone of dull olive. Olive is fine for camouflage but not for tree cover.

As summer tries to stick around, I’ll recall the wonderful summer days with cool breeze and vibrant color until once again spring opens up the world of green.

Photo by silgluck

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Woodrow Wilson. All opinions are 100% mine.

If there is anything you can learn from marketing and starting your own business it is to take advantage of learning opportunities. There are so many ways you can grow your business and enhance your personal knowledge through education. It is the greatest gift you can give yourself.

I recently stumbled along the Woodrow Wilson Teaching Fellowship which seeks to help college graduates ease into the work force. I don’t have to tell you how hard things are economically. Your best strategy is to improve your marketability. As artists, we do this through finding our niche. If you are in a technology field, you do this by improving your knowledge base through education.

Education is a gift whether it is in the arts or science. My personal belief is that if you have knowledge, you have a moral obligation to share it. That is why I have this blog. I want to help artists. Artists play a vital role in society. They deserve support. If I succeed as an artist, fine. If I learn something that other artists can benefit from, the more the better.

My background is science which is why my art includes landscapes. Nature is the god in my life. Art is my prayer.

I encourage artists to learn. Learn about your subject matter so you can add the nuances of one in the know. You can convey a deeper meaning which will make your art more powerful. Find a way to share the precious knowledge that you have.

www.wwteachingfellowship.org