My big fat skinny book. The journey ends. October 9, 2007

Today I completed the last of my skinny book pages.  26 all original pages, 8″ X 4″ each,  were required and as I look through them I realize that I have learned much from this  exercise.  I have learned to doodle. I have learned to control a paint brush.  I have learned that I actually like watercolor, something I never thought I would say.  I have learned to mix colors without fear.  Basically, I have learned how to behave like an artist. 

 26 all original pages is a daunting task, to say the least.  I promised that I would use this opportunity to explore different techniques.  But this  exercise has brought me so much more.  It has helped me to develop the style I was looking for, one full of whimsy and color.  It has forced me to put aside the notion that I can’t draw and accept my abilities for all their faults.  It also forced me too create when I truly didn’t want to – and I am amazed at what came out during that time. 

In short, creating 26 all original skinny book pages has helped me to feel and act like an artist, and trust that I am good at it.  I highly recommend the experience.

Kathleen

How do you thank someone for buying your art? October 1, 2007

I have had a few sales on Esty (Etsy is a fabulous place to buy and sell handmade items.  Check out my shops by clicking on the links under “buy my art”) and am now wondering what to send as a thank you.   If the item is above a certain price and the package can hold another item, I might send a little freebie that doesn’t raise the price of shipping.  However, my last couple of sales have been refrigerator magnets.  These items sell for only $4.00 and the $2 shipping won’t cover the addition of another item.  So what to send?  I have started making little thank you cards on scraps of watercolor paper.  I figure it is a nice gesture and uses up a piece of paper that would normally be garbage. 

But it leaves me thinking… Is it wrong to thank an art buyer with more art?  Seems like rather circular logic to me.  I mean, just because they buy something from me doesn’t neccesarily mean they will like my style of doodle art.   True, I have gotten a good reaction from these pieces, but that does not mean they are universally loved.  So I wonder, do I look like I am cheaping out?  Or is it really the thought that counts?

 Let me know what you think.  I would be interested in your opinions.

Kathleen