2011 - Progress Update

Well, 2011 is almost over....I didn't get to post my third quarter update with exhibits and vacation taking over....so here's my update for the second half of 2011....up to and including the rest of December. I have to get busy this week with my 2012 plan...I have a lot of ideas already in my head, so they need to just be written down in a logical manner.....

My statement for 2011..."My focus will now get back to what it originally was...the production, marketing and sale of my own artwork. Most of my goals for 2011 can be subdivided into three main categories - learning activities, productivity, and visibility:"

Learning Activities:

Increase my knowledge of various painting techniques and styles through courses online and/or participate in local workshops or classes - I have signed up for a couple of online courses, so some progress here. Ok, so I signed up but haven't had time to work on them. Tomorrow is hopefully a holiday, so I hope to do some painting and tackle one of the courses. I was able to spend some time on some of my online courses, no local workshops or classes have really interested me, except one which clashed with something else I had happening, so hopefully I'll be able to do that one in 2012.

Work on further expanding my existing classes and workshops offered to students - Well, slight hiccup in this one....I had intended on continuing my classes with the City of St. John's past my current schedule which finishes in May....short version, the City seems to be changing some of it's rules and I do not agree with how they are handling things...so I have decided to move on in the fall. I will be increasing classes of my Artist's Choice and various Workshops in "the Shed" instead. Not exactly my original plan, but we'll have to go with it. I have scheduled 2 nights for Artist's Choice (which one is full and the other almost full) as well as 4 Workshops for the fall in "the Shed". I have loaded up on Workshops for the Fall as many students do not like to venture out in the Winter. I have now expanded to 3 classes each week, plus workshops. I think 3 nights will be my limit, especially as I have a lot planned for 2012. My schedule for the winter is posted, classes are almost full (registration started last week) and I have my spring/summer schedule figured out as well. I just have to figure out which workshops I'll plan for the spring.

Research local art groups/organizations to determine benefits of memberships and learning opportunities - VANL looks promising, but have decided to hold off on joining until 2012. Status quo. I've done some research, but nothing is striking me right now....I'll speak with my art friends to get their opinions and decide if I'll sign-up anywhere for 2012 to give it a shot. 

Complete the studio and hold grand opening in the Fall - Now that the warmer weather is here (wishful thinking I suspect), work will continue in "The Shed". Work on the studio is continuing and we now have running water! Progress! Almost ready for more paint and then onto the ceiling. The studio is almost complete...just a few baseboards and trim left....that should be finished during the Christmas break. Fred did a wonderful job on the banister at the top of the stairs!

Productivity:

Create a defined body of work using a theme of my choice for the purpose of an art show. At least 8 major paintings should be produced for this endeavour - Well, no theme unless you count lack of a theme, a theme! I have changed this goal a little which was a result of the formation of our own art group. My loose working terms right now are textures....The art show is booked for late July-early August for 3 weeks, so more painting must be completed. If I get 6 new paintings done for this show, I'll be happy. The show is on now! 8 major paintings were produced and I also decided to put in 2 former paintings that I previously did not wish to sell....time does wonders! The next theme is nature, so I'm well in my comfort zone there. Second exhibition was titled "Window into Nature" at MUN Botanical Garden in October - 5 new pieces painted for that one for a total of 16 pieces on display. I exceeded my goals for this one!

Create at least one painting a month that is not part of the defined body of work or commissions - Month 4 and I'm just finishing off paintings 3 and 4 (There was one commission in there too). So on track. 8 new paintings were completed for the show, which doesn't include 2 others that I had completed early in the year that are going in the next show. 5 new pieces painted for the second show, so I have a total of 15 new originals produced this year!

Create more artwork that is focused on the market demands - Right now I've been picking subjects I like, so I'm not really focusing on market demands...YET.....seems at least one of my counterparts will be joining me at a Christmas Fair, so I decided today I have to paint some Christmas/Winter subjects....so sort of on track? I have an idea, sort of a theme...maybe I need to revise the goal above....it's a secret right now though..... Ok, so decided against the Christmas fair with so much going on with exhibits/sales and teaching. Apparently need to sleep sometime. Haven't started a winter painting yet...must find one to do soon. Haven't really done that, but have started research and have some firm painting ideas for 2012...a theme for myself as well, on top of the theme we will have for our Arts Northeast exhibitions.

Visibility:

Increase my online presence through use of my website, facebook, blog, and venturing into sales online - Website updated and PayPal added, Blog is going well so far, Facebook has my Blog updates posted, and have secured one local online company, working on another local one that I have a commitment from, and also checking out some global print-on-demand sites.... Hoping to do some work in these areas in the next few weeks.... Didn't get to the global print-on-demand sites this year...major effort will go into this for 2012.

Increase my advertising for commissions using online advertising methods - Did post some online ads...got a few students, but no commissions. Will post ads again online for the fall.... Did not repost any ads for commissions....did receive one through other means though....

Creation of an artist's group who will be focused on increasing our visibility and also in sharing meaningful critiques and knowledge - Well underway, a somewhat slow start, but we have a group of 4 now and have our first show booked (mentioned above) and working on 1-2 more for this year. Have a plan for a proposal for 2012. Very Excited...more details to follow. First show is in progress, second show is booked, third show still possible....will decide that in a few weeks. Second show completed, decided against the third show for this year...pushed that one into 2012 perhaps in Gander....

Participate in more public showcases - I have a few venues secured....looking at a few more..... Truly haven't gotten to this yet..... This one got by the wayside, so I'll add this to the "to do" list for 2012.

Submit artwork to juried and non-juried art competitions in the Province and globally - Not yet. Deadline for Arts and Letters is in September...will enter this year. Submitted to a few....waiting to hear back. Creating a calendar for deadlines for 2012 to make it easier to plan for submissions.

So 2011 has been quite productive, even if I didn't get everything on my list completed...a great start...the Arts Northeast group has been wonderful and we are looking forward to what 2012 brings...

Any and all comments on my 2011 plan and/or suggestions for 2012 are welcome.....

Sketching & Coloured Pencils

I don't get a lot of time to sketch or use coloured pencils, but a 3 hour car ride last Friday evening provided some opportunity to get a few things done...started off with nothing really fancy, just some sketches, then got into some colours....

Snowman came next.....



Then started a funky little tree...to be continued later.....

And then candycane joy....

And what would I do if I didn't do a flower of some sort! LOL A tulip....

It was fun and I hope to more next year...perhaps during lunch on those cold and snowy days at work!

Pre-Christmas Sale Almost Over - ONLY 2 DAYS LEFT!

PRE-Christmas SALE - ONLY 2 DAYS LEFT!!!

Sale ends midnight (NST) Wednesday November 30th, enjoy the following savings:
- 30% OFF ALL ORIGINAL ARTWORK
- 30% OFF ALL CUSTOM FRAMING OF ANY LIMITED EDITION OR OPEN EDITION PRINT
- 50% OFF UNFRAMED OPEN EDITION PRINTS
- 25% OFF UNFRAMED LIMITED EDITION PRINTS

SALE applies to all orders not using PAYPAL.

NEW 2012 Art Calendars are now available for pre-order. Three versions available. Check the Gifts Tab on my website for more details.

NEW FOR 2011 - Hand-Painted Glass Blocks - 4 different styles to choose from: snowflakes, stars, holly, and candle. Comes either filled with decorative paper, ribbon, or battery-operated snowflake lights and ribbon. Due to the weight of these glass blocks, shipping is not available. Free delivery can be arranged for the following areas: Greater St. John's area, Bay Bulls, CBS, Carbonear/Harbour Grace/Bay Roberts area, Gander/Glenwood area. Pick-up in Torbay or St. John's can also be arranged.

Please contact me directly by e-mail (brenda@brendarowe.ca) or by telephone (709-437-7693) to order.

www.brendarowe.ca

Coasters & Calendars & More for Gifts!

Back by popular demand....my art coasters...set of 4 glass coasters with wooden holder (not exactly as shown), where you can choose 4 of my prints to personalize the set! Regular $25, now only $20.

Also, 3 new 2012 calendars featuring my artwork - general, landscapes, and flowers. $25 each.

Check out these gift ideas and more on my website www.brendarowe.ca

And don't forget my Pre-Christmas 10-day Sale is over November 30! So don't delay....stock is going fast! Prints of `Brothers`are sold out until after Christmas.

PRE-Christmas SALE - 10 DAYS ONLY

PRE-Christmas SALE - 10 DAYS ONLY
From Monday November 21st until midnight (NST) Wednesday November 30th, enjoy the following savings:
- 30% OFF ALL ORIGINAL ARTWORK
- 30% OFF ALL CUSTOM FRAMING OF ANY LIMITED EDITION OR OPEN EDITION PRINT
- 50% OFF UNFRAMED OPEN EDITION PRINTS
- 25% OFF UNFRAMED LIMITED EDITION PRINTS

SALE applies to all orders not using PAYPAL.

NEW 2012 Art Calendars are now available for pre-order. Three versions available. Check the Gifts Tab on my website for more details.

NEW FOR 2011 - Hand-Painted Glass Blocks - 4 different styles to choose from: snowflakes, stars, holly, and candle. Comes either filled with decorative paper, ribbon, or battery-operated snowflake lights and ribbon. Due to the weight of these glass blocks, shipping is not available. Free delivery can be arranged for the following areas: Greater St. John's area, Bay Bulls, CBS, Carbonear/Harbour Grace/Bay Roberts area, Gander/Glenwood area. Pick-up in Torbay or St. John's can also be arranged.

Please contact me directly by e-mail (brenda@brendarowe.ca) or by telephone (709-437-7693) to order.

www.brendarowe.ca

Fall was fun....now onto Winter it seems...

Fall was fun because classes had started again, then we went for our annual vacation (this time California, Oregon, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico), then home for a week to try and catch up, then away to Ontario for work (and got to see some relatives, but not all). Now I'm back and trying to catch up some more, especially with Christmas right around the corner! I think I may have almost all of my Christmas shopping finished, which is good since next weekend we are heading to Glenwood to visit good friends who are home and then my in-laws will be out the next weekend, so I had to get it done!

So, no time to paint yet...have completed my 2012 art calendars - 3 versions this year - general artwork, and 2 themed (flowers and landscapes). They are ready to pre-order. New for this year are hand-painted glass blocks. And getting the usual assortment of art cards and art coasters ready for sale. I'm bringing examples to new work and old work and also getting ready for the 2nd annual Christmas fair in Torbay on December 11. And 3 nights of teaching for Nov/Dec classes.....no painting time for me it seems for a bit....

I had wanted to get some Christmas paintings done this year, but with Arts Northeast having 2 exhibitions this year, it just didn't happen...I guess I'll do it for next year.

Classes Have Started

First week of classes have come and gone....good to see some familiar faces and some new ones too! Everyone seems to like the work we've done in the studio and the new set-up of the tables.

Looks like we will have to add an extra session for November! If you are interested, just let me know!

Now, to finish my paintings for our October show.....stay tuned for details soon!