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

Marketing can be grueling. You use enormous amounts of mental energy to stay focused and look for ways to make money. It takes a mental toll.

The best advice I can give you as a marketer is to listen to your mind. When things are getting fuzzy, it is time to turn off and take a break. You don’t do yourself any favors by pushing through fatigue. Fatigue is a signal from your body to slow down. Do yourself a favor; listen.

A fortunate but unfortunate aspect of artist’s vision is noticing the change of season. My artist’ eyes have detected it; fall is in the air.

As an artist, you notice the shades of green, especially if you are a landscape artist. I’ve always said that I knew that I was an artist when I could detect the shades of green in a forest.

It is subtle, at first. As an artist, you see a multiples of greens in a forest. Then, all of a sudden, you see a monotone of green. That’s what I’m talking about.

The greens seem no longer vibrant and alive, but rather a monotone. Every since I’ve become an artist, I’ve mourned the transition.

It is a bane of artists that we see more. We feel more. We are aware of the changes around us. I don’t necessarily look upon it as a burden, but rather an opportunity to learn. I want to know Nature so that I can bring new knowledge through my work.

As the greens wane, I watch the waterfowl gather up for migration. It leaves me hopeful for the return of spring.

As a painter, cows are one of my favorite subjects. I love rural settings, particularly farm scenes. So, I’m not letting today pass with expressing my gratitude. Welcome to Cow Appreciation Day!

I suppose my obsession with cows has its roots in my Midwestern upbringing. Cows are everywhere in the Midwest. Wisconsin, the Dairy State, is one of my favorite holiday destinations.

To me, cows are very expressive. It is also a good opportunity to inject some humor. This painting is called, “The Long Wait". The name denotes the abandoned barn and presumably the long wait for it to be active again. The cow has an expression like “What do you want?”

In my artist’s world, cows lie with cats. Old barns have new lives. The peace of the country life lives on.

Today’s marketing meeting is about closing sales. You probably have made some efforts to increase your Internet presence. Perhaps you have a website or a blog. The most important maintenance task you need to do is to keep your contact information current.

If your email has changed, update it. If you use a form, make sure that your PHP script has the correct address. Likewise, don’t miss phone calls because you don’t have current info on your site.

One way you can keep your phone number current is to use a Google Voice number. That way, if you change your cell number or you move, you will still have a number that travels with you.

The advantage of using a Google Voice number is that you needn’t give out your own number. You can create a personalized message for potential clients. You can screen calls and create groups for regular clients. Your clients will appreciate the personalized touch.

The last thing you want as a self-representing artist is a lost sale. They can be hard to come by. As I often like to preach, make it as easy as possible for people to give you money. Having current contact information is one way you can ensure you will not lose  a sale.

Photo by kgreggain

As an artist, you have probably noticed the change. It’s natural. You see color like no person can. You see and appreciate the nuances of hue and shade. You have the eyes of an artist.

I love this time of year. It’s almost as if a switch has been flipped. No longer is the sky the cool color of cerulean blue. It is cobalt mixed with ultramarine blue. with a dash of windsor blue for good measure.

It is warm and wonderful, a color that makes you pause and marvel at its beauty. Welcome to spring! This is the time of year that you should be studying Nature for inspiration. The sky holds the first key to your exploration.

Get outside and bathe yourself in the color blue. Bring the feeling back to the studio and create.

Photo by AlexaSky