tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21655518142559985882024-02-19T06:58:54.551-06:00scratching throughThoughts and current Artwork of a Folk Artist Outsider who specializes in Scratchboard, Collage and Assemblage.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09837777133363353335noreply@blogger.comBlogger411125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2165551814255998588.post-91391728169664874942017-02-08T16:34:00.001-06:002017-02-08T16:34:57.818-06:00Still Looking For The "Next"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVic6V2Syxd8LpeBfyMOXKnI5WMAcS_7Mm_AuzPUurQy6B8KUZyMicmjpxmjCg-QuCLFKdzuM3-lr0iaH2YSB7rFK-XXJINk2vDkh4jLw_D3BkzAr25-pPCefojyjqVKL7Qy7kKPoV6xux/s1600/BestBuds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVic6V2Syxd8LpeBfyMOXKnI5WMAcS_7Mm_AuzPUurQy6B8KUZyMicmjpxmjCg-QuCLFKdzuM3-lr0iaH2YSB7rFK-XXJINk2vDkh4jLw_D3BkzAr25-pPCefojyjqVKL7Qy7kKPoV6xux/s320/BestBuds.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcwV5iAGVAjuhOueRFj4CEO441h7RbhyIEwbFoDbdKjOvrh26AGGFK83siptqle735TiPSESKRyJ4bgts-BNCC8W2iuE3PKlEzgR5uA6gWGA5hzOUjYXjScZxJTra9hy4wDG976GvpsnOw/s1600/Pacific2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcwV5iAGVAjuhOueRFj4CEO441h7RbhyIEwbFoDbdKjOvrh26AGGFK83siptqle735TiPSESKRyJ4bgts-BNCC8W2iuE3PKlEzgR5uA6gWGA5hzOUjYXjScZxJTra9hy4wDG976GvpsnOw/s320/Pacific2.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
I continue to work on the series of scratchboard drawings from my collection of vintage photos. Above are two of the completed works. I haven't gotten a show for them yet...I tried a few local places with no luck. Still, I draw, and draw, and draw. <br />
Just keeping my head up in the American political chaos is difficult these days. In my sixty plus years I have never seen anything like this. I hope we survive. I hope the world survives. It is interesting (and horrifying) to watch democracy play out. Okay. I'm over and out for now. Please support your artists.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09837777133363353335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2165551814255998588.post-27743064025916714922016-08-05T11:55:00.001-05:002016-08-05T11:55:42.978-05:00What's Next? Damned If I Know For Sure...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0h72ODahSLKw7u0m7u-PsXdp-kSfnN10CQPlsKGM_3ujVWagwil8ZbqnBlFQBvLWC92HqGCL4P3vlGiobqTH_dSTbYmQrMEQXbV29SAgLtqSwj7eGI4eZy-38-QbeuXGFgD4R80laFikY/s1600/CowGalLCS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0h72ODahSLKw7u0m7u-PsXdp-kSfnN10CQPlsKGM_3ujVWagwil8ZbqnBlFQBvLWC92HqGCL4P3vlGiobqTH_dSTbYmQrMEQXbV29SAgLtqSwj7eGI4eZy-38-QbeuXGFgD4R80laFikY/s320/CowGalLCS.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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"Come 'ere Cowgirl"</div>
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Yes, it has been months and months since I last posted here, and I'd love to say that I've been so busy with commissions and gallery shows that I just haven't had time to sit down in front of the screen. The truth though is, I'm at yet another place of change and struggle. My life seems to have an abundance of these moments. From turmoil comes creative change...</div>
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These last months I've been more and more a hermit of sorts, which is not a bad thing for me, as it helps me focus more on the artwork. I've been making art like the above everyday, inspired by, and working from my collection of vintage odd photos.</div>
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Last month I made a quick trip back to Austin to pick up artwork from the two remaining galleries that were representing me. (Sorry TX friends, no time to visit, I got in and out as fast as I could...) No major complaints about the galleries, except to say that my work wasn't selling and so, why use them as a storage facility? Both galleries seemed to be splitting their focus from selling art to wine tasting, music events, pet adoptions etc...While I understand the need to bring people into the space, and god knows galleries all over the US have struggled with this, I've found it doesn't translate to art sales for me. So, in spite of my friend here who tells me almost daily that I need to find a gallery closer to NW Arkansas, I'm stepping away from brick and mortar gallery space for now. I know I have to update my website, redo the etsy store etc, etc....and so forth. Yes, yes, yes...</div>
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Adding to the 'leaving old ways behind' theme is the recent death of the 98 year old man that I had been caring for, as one of four caregivers, over the past 2-3 years. While it was time for him to go, still every death is tough.</div>
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I closed my flea market booth that contained the vintage ephemera and collectible items that I had been buying and selling for years. (Many of these things will end up on etsy and ebay, just as soon as I can get it together enough to build the stores...) </div>
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This is all to say, I'm growing as an artist, every new piece I finish becomes my favorite, at least until the next one begins. </div>
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If you have need of a pet or people portrait I happily take commissions. Or if you know someone who would be interested, send them my way please. If you have old photos of unknown relatives and you'd like me to put my spin on a scratchboard drawing of them, contact me. Leave a comment here or give me a hollar at <a href="mailto:lcsheets@blue-eyedponystudio.com">lcsheets</a><a href="mailto:lcsheets@blue-eyedponystudio.com"><a href="mailto:lcsheets@blue-eyedponystudio.com"></a>@blue-eyedponystudio.com </a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09837777133363353335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2165551814255998588.post-77087657628578282482015-11-26T17:56:00.000-06:002015-11-26T17:56:55.842-06:00Home For Thanksgiving...And it's alright. Really.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ3ByuDHuYZPbfcufQsxqqT5_hKvjTL-r5nTGZN81pXvfFe-J-n-mne3dzMmPj6RXf3AtLmPCdUkrympfEZoULZyNGUzYmpfJ9Gbdyq6Q6n2Tvkk_h_TKO0yiaLuwifRJnRB9g6WF_oP9D/s1600/LittleHouses.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ3ByuDHuYZPbfcufQsxqqT5_hKvjTL-r5nTGZN81pXvfFe-J-n-mne3dzMmPj6RXf3AtLmPCdUkrympfEZoULZyNGUzYmpfJ9Gbdyq6Q6n2Tvkk_h_TKO0yiaLuwifRJnRB9g6WF_oP9D/s320/LittleHouses.png" width="231" /></a></div>
For the past ten years or so I've not really had a Thanksgiving (or even Xmas)holiday (read, rest) vacation...I've had to drive here or there to set up and sell my artworks. Blue Genie and Eye of the Dog in Austin and San Marcos, Texas and the past couple of years, the Little Craft Show here in NW Arkansas. This year, due to many reasons; I'm still here in NW Arky. I didn't get picked for the Little Craft Show, haven't done Blue Genie in a few years because I moved, and my cat got sick, my back is bad and I'm exhausted from my work schedule. But mostly the cat getting sick threw me over the edge, so I cancelled my annual trip to Austin where I usually have turkey with friends and then spend the weekend in San Marcos, selling and hanging out. At first the possibility of not going was so strange and foreign I didn't even want to consider it. My younger self would've said, "Oh what the hell, just go and get through it!" Now that I'm somewhat older and maybe just a little bit wiser I thought, "Well, what's the worst thing that could happen if I don't go?" And that's when I realized that while I will and do miss my friends/family there, I'll live, they'll live and I can drive down another time, when I can really spend a good focused visit. It's nice to be relaxing, eating, working on a bazillion pet portrait commissions that need to be done before xmas. It's a good life. I do have some small scratchboard trinkets and art pieces at the Walton Arts Center gallery here in Fayetteville during the holiday season. The gallery is open one hour before events/shows until December 23rd. There are 20+ other artists there with pottery, paintings, jewelry etc... It's a good show, and the best part about it is they do all the selling and smoozing. There is an artist reception this Saturday from 2-5pm. I will clean up and go mingle. I also have many little pieces of art that were destined to go to Texas to sell...contact me to see/buy them. That's it. The above piece of art is a mixed-media piece from my "Little Houses" series. Happy Thanksgiving! I hope my cat gets better soon. I hope y'all had plenty to eat and good times wherever you spend your turkey day.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09837777133363353335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2165551814255998588.post-8548420127385568252015-09-22T06:48:00.001-05:002015-09-22T06:48:33.924-05:00All Is Good--All Is Fine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcBJxSrWQkfYEXnA1O_m-vuKXwY-CyTxMXI15bJZAZYc3WptovT9NCPZYWbKQG6VvXu5WB8SKcHEtSLHPMcIUmCGkzfZ-GTvJ3xBB9VOumEC66LU7z5hxDhjhEH3Nmbkfi-z7HBBD4kXQT/s1600/9LittleOriginalMags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcBJxSrWQkfYEXnA1O_m-vuKXwY-CyTxMXI15bJZAZYc3WptovT9NCPZYWbKQG6VvXu5WB8SKcHEtSLHPMcIUmCGkzfZ-GTvJ3xBB9VOumEC66LU7z5hxDhjhEH3Nmbkfi-z7HBBD4kXQT/s320/9LittleOriginalMags.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The above are some earlier examples of my "Little Originals". They are 2x2 inch scratchboards colored with Ampersand Scratchboard inks. These are from maybe two years ago.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF9UcV1CX3qdl3Ou7kdrbmwjKeBQQr0cqNiyPlMkA0BS79R26CHxhuZn76lRPE2DkGJooytpt8ez5vzOcfOPR5RqUCDfHFovf6_59bNin6YNhIwpD94hekW9bipHRy_Jmn0TAT-6UWjp-Z/s1600/LittleMagnets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF9UcV1CX3qdl3Ou7kdrbmwjKeBQQr0cqNiyPlMkA0BS79R26CHxhuZn76lRPE2DkGJooytpt8ez5vzOcfOPR5RqUCDfHFovf6_59bNin6YNhIwpD94hekW9bipHRy_Jmn0TAT-6UWjp-Z/s320/LittleMagnets.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
These "Little Originals", on the other hand are from this past spring. I love making the "littles", they are challenging detail wise and just darned good fun for me.<br />
I'm working on several pet portrait commissions, along with creating a heap of the little original scratchboards for a few holiday shows. It's all good here. I'm fine.<br />
I've spent the past four or five years sorting and cataloging the archives of my favorite poet and there is still so much to do. I'm happy with that for now. It's incredibly interesting and helps me to feel even closer to him though he's been dead now for nine months. I suppose I will be extremely sad when I'm finished, it will be another kind of letting go. And damn, I've been learning to let go for sure.<br />
I'm terribly busy...what with the art-making, archive sorting, and oh yeah, caretaker of a almost 98 year old man (that's a whole different storyline for another time). What curious twists and turns my life has taken, from artist to plumber, back to artist, to archivist, to healthcare. I'm usually juggling all of them, well, not so much the plumber anymore, as it's too hard on me physically. And that's just fine with me.<br />
Today I travel to Boston for a week with friends. My first time off in quite a while. Excited. Happy.<br />
Sorry for the somewhat blurry photos. I prefer that to finding them duplicated without my permission...and I really hate the 'hallmark' thing that some artists put on their images to try to prevent copyright infringement. Just don't use something that doesn't belong to you. Simple as that. Got it? Thanks.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09837777133363353335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2165551814255998588.post-66336495661485288152015-04-02T22:25:00.000-05:002015-04-02T22:29:52.251-05:00Goals Set and Met. Now What?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Two For The Road</div>
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It's already been quite an eventful year in Linda-Land just four months in. Chock-a-block full of ups, downs, and ins and outs. I just reached my 60th year with mixed feelings so I thought a look back might help me make a little sense of it all.<br />
I'd set a few goals for myself in 2014, one being that I didn't want to enter my 60's overweight so I set about to loosing around forty pounds, and fortunately did it. Everything feels better now, although I'd like to have ten more pounds gone by mid-summer. Small goal, but a goal nonetheless. <br />
Another goal, and you might think me silly for having this, was, along with the weight loss I wanted to be able to fit into a pair of jeans that had belonged to my dad, by the anniversary of his death on Jan. 26th. Eleven years ago I was back in Indiana helping to care for him when he was dying. I hadn't packed many clothes because I wasn't sure how long I would be there. I flew in Xmas eve,stayed until the first week in Feb. and had gotten really tired of wearing the same things everyday, so dad offered a pair of his pants to me. They fit and I got a little change of wardrobe to take my mind off of the saddness. After he died I took them with me and put them away. Due to some side affects from the anti-depressants I took after returning home from this life changing event, I put on some weight...and then ballooned up to a really health damaging weight.<br />
Two somewhat related goals were set and then met. As I said in the title, now what? <br />
A dear friend fell down the stairs and broke her ankle badly Dec. 28th and then four days later on Jan. 1, her husband, another dear friend of mine, died. I've been renting a living/studio space from them since May; after knowing them several years and working on two art books with him, it made perfect sense to me to do my best to help her recover, not only from the physical injury, but from the emotional loss. Doing this has also helped me to deal with my own grief. I've stayed busy enough to stay a few steps ahead of it.<br />
Just recently I got back to making some artwork...little scratchboards, mostly rv's or trailers to satisfy my desire to someday own one and hit the road like a nomad. I'm also revisiting the mixed-media 'little house' series. There are a few examples shown here. I hope to sell a lot of them at the spring version of The Little Craft Show here in Northwest Arkansas. It's May 30, downtown Springdale. One day only. I'll add more information later as the date comes closer. It promises to be a great sale.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLbO-2G_2w9qDapfg4tKQJ6vZK7JFAmgLHhgSom4kxL5XyBuhgnmQ2R2F3zhi0Bii749vnevbXjdNgtORhufr_Bw3J0U0WZfxDwsVuXh3J_YSyQSdUV8JvJoCANRWP8KUifaucq3NIuouj/s1600/LittleHouses4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLbO-2G_2w9qDapfg4tKQJ6vZK7JFAmgLHhgSom4kxL5XyBuhgnmQ2R2F3zhi0Bii749vnevbXjdNgtORhufr_Bw3J0U0WZfxDwsVuXh3J_YSyQSdUV8JvJoCANRWP8KUifaucq3NIuouj/s1600/LittleHouses4.jpg" height="219" width="320" /></a></div>
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Oh yeah, I also got a new car. After almost forty years of owning trucks of one kind or another...I got a little suv. You might say, "what got into you?" Oh hell, who knows? It was a reality check of sorts, I had an older truck with 218,000 miles on it and plenty of expensive future repairs just waiting to happen. The money I'd been saving for an RV was there and willing to be spent. My days of hauling tools and lumber around are pretty much over, so a truck is less important to me than it once was.<br />
So, here I am. Wanting to get through the memorial service for my friend on the 26th, really hoping that all will begin to heal. There's a goal worth having, mentioning, and reaching. <br />
What's next? Art, of course, always. And staying right where I am for a bit until I figure it all out. Keeping the weight off, would be good, of course. Mostly I do a little work and thinking about all of this everyday, so I figure I'll come up with something. If not, at least I've been working and thinking.<br />
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<strong>One more thing; I need to get some commission work going and so I'm officially declaring April half-off month for pet and people portraits. If you've ever wanted one of my scratchboard interpretations of your pets or people, now's the time to jump in and book them. Normally a 5"x 7" framed scratchboard is $150.00. All of April they are $75.00, including shipping unless you're out of the US and then the shipping is extra. So give me a holler and I'll get started on your custom drawing.</strong>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09837777133363353335noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2165551814255998588.post-20760931656394349302015-02-25T09:27:00.001-06:002015-02-25T09:29:09.366-06:00Some Things To Look At...And Think About.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The above are just a few of the scratchboard artworks I made in the latter part of 2014. People, Dogs, Cats, Birds, what's next, you might ask. Honestly, I don't know. A dear friend died January 1st and I've been dealing with the emotional aftermath of that, plus helping his widow (who I rent a space from) recover from a badly broken ankle. (she fell down the stairs, broke it four days before he died) It's has been so difficult, but I'm glad I was here to help.<br />
Another kind of difficult event I had to deal with in November was being dropped from the big gallery that I had been with for ten years. That one stung. But, shit happens, people change and so I'm rolling with it. My Linda Sheets Art etsy shop is closed for now as well, at least until I can figure this all out.<br />
The only place to find my art on the wall right now is in Johnson City, Texas at Taste, Wine and Art Gallery. And directly from me of course. I'm looking for commission work for 2015. Give me a hollar and I'll send a price list and get started on your piece.<br />
Meanwhile, I snatch moments here and there, starting and stopping pieces that appeal to me. Nothing completed so far in 2015. I'm not afraid that I'll 'lose' my momentum or stop making art, I've realized that I'm doing what's most important right now...the art is just in my head rather than on the drawing table. Check back with me later to see what pops out.<br />
And then there's this:<br />
Google has sent me an email saying that my blog may be 'privatized' or hidden because of 'adult content'. I guess it's because of the nude women drawings on earlier posts? Really? It's ART, mofo's. Jesus H. Christ.(and I say that with my 'adult' agnostic voice) I'm just about to unleash a string of 'Adult' words...I'll try and restrain myself. In this time period of 50 Shades of Grey, (which I didn't read because it's so fucking poorly written, not because of any prudishness on my part, because, believe me, I've danced in many of the grey shades) And, oh yeah, I have no desire to see the stupid movie that lonely housewives in overtly religious states like Arkansas and Mississippi are flocking to. Go figure that fact. <br />
So are you saying that crap like that soft porn is ok by you, but nudity in artwork is not? I'm just trying to figure out the guidelines here.<br />
I'm going to quit now while my head is still attached to my body (my blood pressure is high as hell from all of this government and authorities 'trying to regulate morality')and hope that a few of you are sticking around to see what's next from 'Linda-Land'.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09837777133363353335noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2165551814255998588.post-66247988755533984272014-05-05T19:14:00.001-05:002014-05-05T19:14:55.048-05:00Where I've Been Lately...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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From the date of the last post you can see it's been more than a month since I've posted anything here. I've been busy drawing portraits for my latest little kickstarter project. There are many more than what is in the above photo, but that will have to suffice for now. They are all Ampersand Art scratchboard.<br />
Since the last post I've; celebrated my birthday, drawn many portraits, did several dog and cat commissions, packed up my house to move, and have built over 40 picture/mirror frames from the pile of salvaged lumber that never seems to disappear. The frames are to sell, wherever and whenever I can. I'll post some photos next time. They are really nice, and I'm pretty proud of them. I especially like the vintage beadboard ones, that wood came from a monumental dumpster dive. Those opportunities unfortunately, seem to be few and far between here in NW Arky. I'm glad I stopped when I did and got a truck load. Oh, yeah, I guess that's why the pile never goes away. I'm determined this time to use it all up! All of it. The location I'm moving to will have a sweet little studio space, but not really a big wood working space so I'm trying to get it all re-used/re-purposed and done with before the house I've been living in, with the workshop is listed for sale.<br />
So that's it. Trying to keep my spirits up. Not many sales of existing artwork, either here or at the galleries in TX. That's ok, I'm downsizing to just the basics for a while in order to be able to continue making art. Because that's really all I ever want to do, and all I ever think about doing. I'm getting farther and farther away from being that person who "fixed" things...at least as a way of making a living that is. I still occasionally will repair this and that for special folks in my life.<br />
Well, that's all for now. I've just been busy, busy, and writing a blog post is just about the last thing on my to do list. I'll try and post on a more regular basis...or not. I guess it doesn't really matter that much, or at least at this point in my life I wonder if it does matter or not because it's more of an exercise in sharing what I'm doing/thinking etc...and of course hoping that someone out there might read it and get something from it. Happy Trails to you...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09837777133363353335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2165551814255998588.post-79327091116097504432014-03-24T08:05:00.000-05:002014-03-24T08:05:06.775-05:00Why I like Construction More Than Making Art...SometimesIn my quest to make money I've been doing odd construction jobs in addition to art commissions and I must say, sometimes I like the construction more. There's a clear beginning, middle, and end to a building project and that satisfies the part of me that likes completion. The fence I'm building with a friend is just what she wanted, and makes me feel pretty happy.<br />
Art is not always so clear. I'll set something aside and come back to it later and realize that it's not exactly what I wanted or meant to do. Fussing with it more can do more harm than good at times, meaning you can go too far and then ruin the piece. I've thrown many of those away in my brief artist life. Construction can be frustrating and hard, but there are usually clear solutions to the problems that arise. Still, I love making the art and don't wish to stop. All of the guru's say, "follow your heart and do what you love" blah, blah, blah. I believe that, I've been doing that, and I also believe that art is a much harder sell than plumbing. Your toilet's broken, you need it fixed right now. Your wall is blank, you can wait on that perfect piece to hang. These are lessons I've been learning over the past twelve years. <br />
Today I am at a turning point. I tried to fund my vision of a Chicken Scratchin' book and it failed, now I'm trying to do a portrait project on<a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1547701634/send-me-your-selfies?ref=home_location"> kickstarter</a> and while it is successful the dollar amount raised will hardly be a bump in my budget. I live in a house that is too large for me and that I own a portion of. It's time to move out and sell it to recoup my money invested. That will help to get me a little ahead for a minute or two. After that? I don't know. Get an RV so I'll always have a home and then travel around looking for something, is the current plan. Although, I am staying here in NW Arkansas for as long as it takes to work on organizing and cataloging my dear poet friend's archives. I fell into this project about two years ago and it has taken on a life of it's own. A lovely life it is. I feel like I am going to school on 20th Century poetry and writing. He saved everything, every scrap and letter from so many significant writers and people that he encountered, and I get to read them. Such a story. I hope to translate this experience into a book of my own someday. We'll see how that goes. Meanwhile I'm packing, selling, and giving stuff away. How I collected so much is kind of mind blowing. Stay tuned I may even put some of that stuff up here for all two of you who read this blog to see and possibly buy. Mostly though my facebook page Linda Sheets Art is the best place to find out the latest.<br />
Thanks for stopping by. Below is my portrait of the poet Miller Williams.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09837777133363353335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2165551814255998588.post-54193192337668796502014-03-19T09:12:00.001-05:002014-03-19T09:13:28.900-05:00Why I Like Making Art More Than Plumbing...A long, long time ago I was a contractor, which seems like a fuzzy, and fading, other life of mine. I even served time in a plumbing apprenticeship back in my hometown, following my father and brother into the trades. Over the years I became much more than a plumber, building and repairing houses as a business. I was pretty good at it, and spent about 25 years of my life doing this. If there was something I didn't know I could read a book (and even now, google it) and learn how to do it. For the past twelve years I've tried to steer myself more in the direction of art and the business of art. I still approach it pretty much like plumbing. There's a problem to solve, (or something that needs fixing) a way to solve it, and "nothing to it but to do it". I don't spend a lot of time in artistic angst, or struggle with blank canvas blockage. I'm just so happy to be making art, instead of fixing toilets, or lifting heavy things, that if I get stuck, I just move on to the next thing. I'm working on improving my ability to do portraits, of people this time instead of dogs and cats etc... In order to do that I've got a kickstarter project going to draw <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1547701634/send-me-your-selfies?ref=home_location">YOU</a> from your 'selfie' photos. Just like construction I've identified an area where I need work. The best way I know to learn something is to just do it over and over again until I get it right. I've got a portrait on the boards right now that is not exactly what I want it to be. I sure had fun while making it, but it's just not right. So what I have to do is start over tonight. I can hardly wait. But first, I'm revisiting my past life and building a fence with, and for, a friend. It's pretty complicated as we're building lattice from scratch; it would've been easier to just buy the lattice that's available in the building supply store, but she wouldn't have it, and I was willing to make what she wanted, so here we are, banging it out. It's not a bad way to spend some time, and it's always satisfying to have a visualization of something, and then to make it come into reality. Pretty much like art, only with art I get to experiment and play around and start over. With construction there's a right way to do it, and you'd better pay attention to that because mistakes cost time and money.<br />
If you're interested in having a portrait done it's really easy, go to the project <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1547701634/send-me-your-selfies?ref=home_location">HERE </a>and jump in. If you don't want the original you can get a download of my drawing of you for $25.00--You can't get plumbing done for that price anywhere folks! I'll post the two portraits next time on this blog....Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09837777133363353335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2165551814255998588.post-61173594146214114582014-03-14T09:21:00.000-05:002014-03-14T09:21:18.618-05:00Kickstarter And Why I Won't Be Using It Again...For Anything<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In the past two years I've had five successful Kickstarter campaigns; I did two books (Dog And Cat Scratchin') two sets of posters using images from those books and now this current campaign <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1547701634/send-me-your-selfies?ref=home_location">"Send Me Your Selfies"</a> a small project to do a series of portraits. I've watched the formula shift and change, really drastically over the past year. Once a site for individuals and "mom and pop" grass-root-type business to create buzz and raise funds for sweet, even unusual projects, now it's been co-opted by large businesses who've realized that they can get free publicity and raise funds and sell their product before it even hits the brick and mortar. And even Rock Stars and Hollywood folks who've jumped in with their pet projects churn the dollars even more. Little projects like mine get lost in the corner, while big names (who I'm sure could find alternative, or conventional funding) stir the pot and make their millions. Along with all of that, the amount of "marketing" and "crowdfunding" organizations who fill my email with their offers to help me raise the maximum amount, if only I'd pay them a small fee, increase daily. It all makes me sad. It was a nice way to fund my book projects, and I was feeling pretty hopeful about the Chicken Scratchin' book. Between the changes at Kickstarter, and the radical changes at Facebook, (what the hell is up with that? I hardly ever see any of my friends posts because of the ads and bullshit that they put up which blocks everything else out) it was hard to connect with folks who might want to back the project. So, it ended, underfunded and unsuccessful. I put it aside thinking that I'd re-launch at a later date. Now I understand that unless I get a "Star" to back it, or pay to have a company promote it for me, chances are it would fail again. So, <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1547701634/send-me-your-selfies?ref=home_location">this little project of mine</a> will end in thirteen days, I'll draw however many portraits (not many right now) and then go back to the drawing board and make a different plan for my life as a professional artist. Meanwhile, I'm always looking for commissions and trying to make a living, like everyone else. There are a couple of spots on this page to check out the Selfie project, if you want a portrait, the price is much less than I usually charge...last chance, going soon.<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09837777133363353335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2165551814255998588.post-51153682270725796302014-03-05T09:26:00.000-06:002014-03-05T09:26:48.946-06:00Snow Days And Other Things That Are Out Of My Control<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I sit here this morning, reflecting on life, after two days of not getting out much due to snow and ice. When I did attempt to drive around yesterday it was like "The Hunger Games", with folks running off the road and/or crashing into each other like crazy people. I was happy to make it home unscathed. So, I've had a lot of time on my hands... Three commissions were finished and thanks to the internet the results were approved by the clients, now they are framed and ready to ship, once things thaw a bit today and tomorrow. With all that time on my hands I've had much time to think about art, projects, success and failure. The Chicken Scratchin' book is not funding with just about 24 hours to go. I don't anticipate that it will raise the total amount needed by the deadline.(unless there is a freaking miracle) But, I've got to say, I'm not too upset about it. I still believe in the project and think it's doable, just not right now. I have resolved to adjust and tweak the project and re-launch sometime in the near future. Obviously I need to find the chicken people and network there first. I know they're out there.<br />
As things go I'm still pretty happy. I've had 4 very successful projects fund on kickstarter and one that flopped. It's not the end of the world, or even the beginning of the end. I'm actually working on a new, smaller scale project that I hope to launch within a week or so. More on that once it's live. <br />
Meanwhile, here's the link to the chicken book project: <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1547701634/chicken-scratchin-a-collection-of-good-chickens-an">Chicken Scratchin'</a><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09837777133363353335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2165551814255998588.post-26732906535488834302014-02-18T09:16:00.000-06:002014-02-18T09:16:10.652-06:00Art Is A Hard Way To Make A Living--But It's Worth It...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXb0AybhQg8IwuiSL3iPexQKJp6P3CeFnPmYxcYyu7LKleOlszNEpi5TW_wS9gqQZIqMPGKW6dn6mb1DYT5f1egldMNhI1yVRL2Pj65GozumXQWZm4NRTMCxuPutu0IThDJT1rMmBvtNE7/s1600/ChickenLittleNecklaces.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXb0AybhQg8IwuiSL3iPexQKJp6P3CeFnPmYxcYyu7LKleOlszNEpi5TW_wS9gqQZIqMPGKW6dn6mb1DYT5f1egldMNhI1yVRL2Pj65GozumXQWZm4NRTMCxuPutu0IThDJT1rMmBvtNE7/s1600/ChickenLittleNecklaces.JPG" height="282" width="320" /></a></div>
I've been making these little 1x2" scratchboard chicken necklaces for the past month. (They may be a reward for backers of the chicken book I want to do) Meanwhile, I'm trying to 'will' this kickstarter project, Chicken Scratchin' book into being. It's hard work. I've only raised around $1200+ and need to raise $9500.00 by March 6th. So far every project I've done on kickstarter has raised the amount needed....this may be the first failure. I'm not too worried though, it can be tweeked and re-launched in March or April. I am not getting rich doing these book projects, just a steady small stream of money(well, maybe more like a trickle). Really, that's all I need to keep going. I don't need the big bucks, I just want to contribute, bring folks a little joy, and pay my bills. When I'm not making art I'm a pretty unhappy human. Lately I've been creating a series of bird art on Ampersand Scratchboard, just to keep me busy and happy. Sold a couple already, even posted a bunch on the social networking sites, hoping for the best. Here's an example of one of the sold pieces.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjku9bfRY7eWRBDuiagJ7x2HX3EdB8RoWPODpeAxsyhLFnZacDg6gTJqWMq4I4SbrOpMoOUe36OvG0gy5QLwCtur2ABz-5ZfJTAagTDB_b6Ce7i2gvnEyrVGUpC7OoyteTx6MOx0cFLRF5N/s1600/Birds1+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjku9bfRY7eWRBDuiagJ7x2HX3EdB8RoWPODpeAxsyhLFnZacDg6gTJqWMq4I4SbrOpMoOUe36OvG0gy5QLwCtur2ABz-5ZfJTAagTDB_b6Ce7i2gvnEyrVGUpC7OoyteTx6MOx0cFLRF5N/s1600/Birds1+(2).jpg" height="244" width="320" /></a></div>
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I had a great time making this...left it black and white for the new owner. It's been a while since I've not used color on a piece, it was hard to restrain myself.</div>
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Ok, done for today: Here's the kickstarter plug (and let me remind you, you don't have to have chickens to back this!) Click <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1547701634/chicken-scratchin-a-collection-of-good-chickens-an?ref=home_location">HERE</a> to see it.</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09837777133363353335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2165551814255998588.post-53231123426198283612014-02-07T10:42:00.001-06:002014-02-07T13:41:02.146-06:00Pricing Artwork And Other Confusing ThingsToday I'm thinking about this whole 'making a living from my art sales' mystery. I do make sales, and I also give a lot of work away during my "Linda's Big Art Giveaways" on my Linda Sheets Art facebook page. While making art I'm not thinking about how much this piece should cost, or keeping a time-clock on the hours I put into it. Mostly I'm thinking about where should the next line go and what color do I want to put here, and there, and uh oh...is that line right or wrong! I try to keep my prices consistent so that a 5"x7" at the gallery in Austin is the same as my studio in Arkansas. It's just good business to do that. Below is a 5"x5" Two Little Birds scratchboard. It's finished and ready to go out the door at $70.00. Now considering I put about 4.5 hours (probably more because I really don't keep track) in that, and not even counting costs of materials that's about $15.00 an hour. Above minimum wage of course, but my hours are not that consistent. I don't get a paycheck from some corporation every week, and I pay a lot of overhead out of that $15.00. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs8zdaimJeWqNF3o2sHnIQAQWd3SNRgQ1j4jwTOYyXorchNZZz7NH1jijgo0R2fWeMz83a0rAKfpHT7kx5fWRXERAjnEnDymFT1MkAGIkQ4hO86SRD8FLMvYFSRzWhAu3GzcbVsfV3IYg2/s1600/birds2+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs8zdaimJeWqNF3o2sHnIQAQWd3SNRgQ1j4jwTOYyXorchNZZz7NH1jijgo0R2fWeMz83a0rAKfpHT7kx5fWRXERAjnEnDymFT1MkAGIkQ4hO86SRD8FLMvYFSRzWhAu3GzcbVsfV3IYg2/s1600/birds2+(2).jpg" height="313" width="320" /></a></div>
I'm on this subject today because I wonder sometimes, should I lower my prices? Will that equal more sales? Or will that undermine the value of the artwork? I know I'm not the only artist who struggles with this. I see artwork sold in stores that is a giclee or in other words a print on canvas etc...that is mass produced and sold for $59.99 or less, or more, and I get more than a little bothered. Although if I licensed my images to a big company and got a payment every time they sold a piece I would be happy. So, see the conflict for me? I'd rather folks buy original art from the artists.<br />
I want to be as successful with my art business as I was with my repair/remodeling business. Folks gladly paid me $50.00 an hour to fix their plumbing. Why can't I (we artists) be paid that much to bring joy or whatever we bring with our art into your lives? Is plumbing more important that art? (sometimes it is....)<br />
This piece below is not finished yet, or maybe it is, if someone wants to buy it as a black and white scratchboard. It's a 6"x8" and it's $140.00. I've got at least 7 hours into this one...so somewhere around $20.00 an hour. Why it's the price it is? My set price for 5"x7" framed pieces, commission or not is $140.00. This one an inch more each way, no frame because it's 'cradled' so that's how I get to that number. Ok. My head hurts now. Math and numbers have never interested me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrVZUyVARs8r75C9ivgxV959MyQW3IIFgbSVvSOZw60q3gMCCAAB8OQa7rrDhWQq7fhZSdfZnkN3n1g4o6ZSChwn3rnS7q_qNJ-f4UyCO765abf8BYiJ3RIC7yhDgxHLw6ykt577Q52r4O/s1600/Birds1+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrVZUyVARs8r75C9ivgxV959MyQW3IIFgbSVvSOZw60q3gMCCAAB8OQa7rrDhWQq7fhZSdfZnkN3n1g4o6ZSChwn3rnS7q_qNJ-f4UyCO765abf8BYiJ3RIC7yhDgxHLw6ykt577Q52r4O/s1600/Birds1+(2).jpg" height="244" width="320" /></a></div>
Oh yeah, I'm still trying to fund the Chicken Scratchin' book at kickstarter. Maybe it will go, maybe not. I'll deal with it after funding ends in 27 days. See it <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1547701634/chicken-scratchin-a-collection-of-good-chickens-an?ref=home_location">HERE</a>.<br />
So what is it that most artists want? For people to see our art, love our art, (or even hate our art), and to buy our art. And to buy it because it brings something special into their lives...not because it's a good investment. (unless of course the 'investment' is one of your joy and love of the piece)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09837777133363353335noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2165551814255998588.post-67558551991288597712014-01-30T07:47:00.000-06:002014-01-30T07:47:02.264-06:00Chicken Scratching And Other ThoughtsI approach the art business pretty much how I ran my contracting business; there's a job to do, a right and wrong way to do it (I choose the right way, of course), a length of time it will take, amount of money, expected final outcome, etc...etc... This makes me very focused and 'project' driven. For the most part I have commissions or jobs to work on daily. If I don't, I try and 'make up' work that must be done, that's the creative challenge for me. Sometimes what I make is just a bunch of crap and it gets tossed into the trash...or it is given away on my Linda Sheets Art page at Facebook. Usually someone likes it a lot more than I do. Or I go out into the little woodworking workshop in my garage and cut and sand lumber which is very satisfying and often results in a fun piece of furniture or decorative box or what-not. Right now, this is my project;<br />
<a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1547701634/chicken-scratchin-a-collection-of-good-chickens-an?ref=home_location">Chicken Scratchin' Book</a>. I'm trying to raise the funds at kickstarter. I know exactly how much it costs, and how much work it takes to 'build' this book. So far though, I have not raised enough or attracted attention from the backyard chicken community. I still have over 30 days to make this happen, and I believe in the project, so we'll see if I can blog, tweet, instagram, facebook, pinterest, this enough to find folks who want a portrait of their chickens and a place in the book. Plan B, if it doesn't fund? I'll tweak it and re-launch soon after. I am persistent. So here it is, share and share again, please. I can't do this alone. I already do so much alone, I need your help. Thanks for stopping by.<br />
Click<a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1547701634/chicken-scratchin-a-collection-of-good-chickens-an?ref=home_location"> HERE</a> to see the project. This is a sample two page spread. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG-NA2mWfvyKzkK-nD5eGOhmmfRc7Iz9V7_zUQpMY-sL0WXr8-nlZOGsa_gZG-nkj2Wi3w7Pyzj56a7pVnagS-be9q_YhSawfA-1cUec5BPfhvcV3gO2nuKw2XKIQPhBGIMERGwsLGeUnc/s1600/1Chicken_text_spread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG-NA2mWfvyKzkK-nD5eGOhmmfRc7Iz9V7_zUQpMY-sL0WXr8-nlZOGsa_gZG-nkj2Wi3w7Pyzj56a7pVnagS-be9q_YhSawfA-1cUec5BPfhvcV3gO2nuKw2XKIQPhBGIMERGwsLGeUnc/s1600/1Chicken_text_spread.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09837777133363353335noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2165551814255998588.post-41844237801936279812014-01-29T13:36:00.000-06:002014-01-29T13:36:31.656-06:00Kickstarter, Chickens, And Marketing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3EvYqQ35HjsVqmM3rnAiNQLh4rA7rcqbjcedV6Ell2ALkhQknfM56PjFrO_B3sG7jeamJ8x_Z2x-aX7qsNe4Bzfz5aXUCv7JxhU5EHDj_indMEO2-ToPgQ0Zx8vbSplNNSTSG0FeC55IF/s1600/LittleChicks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3EvYqQ35HjsVqmM3rnAiNQLh4rA7rcqbjcedV6Ell2ALkhQknfM56PjFrO_B3sG7jeamJ8x_Z2x-aX7qsNe4Bzfz5aXUCv7JxhU5EHDj_indMEO2-ToPgQ0Zx8vbSplNNSTSG0FeC55IF/s1600/LittleChicks.JPG" height="320" width="228" /></a></div>
The Chicken Scratchin' book continues to fund until March 6th. It's slow but sure. Here are some observations about popular projects on kickstarter that seem to always fund above and beyond the requested amount:<br />
<strong>Coffee:</strong> mostly new improved ways to brew it, dispense it etc... One of the projects that raised big bucks was an affordable espresso machine, which hasn't seemed to come to fruition...at least from the comments I've read, production is way behind and folks are unhappy. Now, I like coffee, in fact I love coffee, but I guess having the 'perfect' cup every time is less important to me than it is to others.<br />
<strong>Wallets</strong>: Esp. super skinny. I guess this is for the 'hipsters' in their skinny jeans. Lord knows you don't want a big bulge in your back pocket, or the front pocket. What more than ID, credit card and a little cash do you need anyway? There are even some that you can slide your smart phone into. Wow. Since I'm not skinny and my jeans are baggy I guess this really isn't for me. I can go into any leather shop or amazon and find a pretty good wallet. I'm still amazed at how many of these projects to 're-invent' the wallet there are out there!<br />
<strong>Pens:</strong> This is truly interesting to me, as hardly anyone writes anymore. We all type, or text or when I write it is more like printing and I just use one of my art pens. They make these pens out of vintage wood from liquor casks, or sustainable, reclaimed, recylcled, upcycled wood that came from who knows where. It's a pen for crips sake. Do we really need 6,000 more of these on the earth for folks who've forgotten how to write?<br />
<strong>Watches: </strong>Ok, I admit to being totally baffled by this one. I use my phone to tell time. It's super easy and I don't have to look at my wrist. Hell, I look at my phone about 5,000 times a day, so I usually know where I am and what time it is. There are so many different versions of watches being made on kickstarter I have to wonder if I somehow fell asleep and went backwards in time.<br />
Oh yeah, one more, <strong>Playing Cards: </strong>there are more artist designed or machine designed decks of cards raising money on kickstarter, along with the odd ball Tarot versions left and right. How often do all y'all play cards? And what card games are you playing? Or maybe you're just framing these beautiful works of art and using the usual cards to play your poker with. Oh, no wait, you can play poker on the computer with virtual cards. All of this scrambles my brain. And it is to say; there is no other Chicken Scratchin' book project being marketed out there...just me, maybe I need to do like everyone else and make a Coffee Drinking Chicken with a watch and skinny wallet writing on a deck of cards...Nah! So take a <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1547701634/chicken-scratchin-a-collection-of-good-chickens-an">look here</a>. Let's make a chicken book just for fun.<br />
One last thing, I have received at least six solicitations from various marketing firms that have formed just for the online crowdfunding model. My answer is NO. Stop sending your damned emails saying, "How nice your project is, I can help you..."<br />
They want money to bug the hell out of your social networks....I can do that myself, thank you!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09837777133363353335noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2165551814255998588.post-8344803167250732392014-01-26T17:44:00.001-06:002014-01-26T17:44:59.696-06:00Chickens and Other Life Stuff...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk5Yr6Lfm0h8FnBz_yZbpYKb9sL1bwWyBIJzQ4MrfeFkK-d9PDksw-Yhd9J6GV0MuH3479FJa3OBnVQNjWUVquMLvm-ZRe85ha5sDslLHTJ1ieSBxM1pi8bQuw_fcNPzTxJOCG4IeCnUXF/s1600/ChickenLittles.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk5Yr6Lfm0h8FnBz_yZbpYKb9sL1bwWyBIJzQ4MrfeFkK-d9PDksw-Yhd9J6GV0MuH3479FJa3OBnVQNjWUVquMLvm-ZRe85ha5sDslLHTJ1ieSBxM1pi8bQuw_fcNPzTxJOCG4IeCnUXF/s1600/ChickenLittles.JPG" height="259" width="320" /></a></div>
The project is funding at Kickstarter, slowly, but surely. As a friend told me today, "Don't get discouraged, you're a 'doer' and you will make it happen". That and a sale of a folk art cat and dog on etsy at my shop made me feel a lot better. And you don't have to have a chicken to back the project, there are plenty of $$ levels that don't require you have a chicken in the book. Although, I will be beating the bushes for chickens to draw and tell stories about...that's the whole point of the book. To see the project and a pretty funny video of me with a rooster comb go <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1547701634/chicken-scratchin-a-collection-of-good-chickens-an?ref=home_location">HERE</a>. <br />
I've also been giving away a lot of my older artworks on the Linda Sheets Art Facebook page. That is always a fun ride. It helps me clean out the studio so I can make more art. And I ask folks to make a donation to a shelter. Win-win.<br />
The other life stuff going on today is that it is the 10th anniversary of my father's death. I always acknowledge it every year, this year though seems to be even more significant. I was there for the whole dang deal. He knew he was dying and wanted to do it at home. So, back to Indiana I went to help care for him, and spent the time saying goodbye and loving him...and crushing pills, mixing them with water and squirting them into his mouth to keep the pain at bay. He and I didn't always get along, in fact for most of our relationship it was difficult as he was kind of a tyrant. But the last year and a half of his life we made up for lost time. When he got sick it was a true wake-up call for me and that's when I began moving back to art and more and more away from construction. It was a sweet gift he gave to me. And even as hard as it was being one of his caretakers at the end, it was an extraordinary experience that I will never forget. So that's where I am today in a nutshell. Pushing the book project, and having sweet, sad memories of my dad.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09837777133363353335noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2165551814255998588.post-17700892827408830322014-01-24T08:49:00.000-06:002014-01-24T08:49:19.176-06:00Chickens...All De Time and Such!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-g9d4GEfrsqmxqmsEQrsUhAl3Qtj3CdQS_UZCNYMKQvNDrQOi4T9N07L0JGpnXsolVxbKYpHAHKieEfjhOwMpUBoDN8-8pQaXS7FSlSv8fShztPdeZM5vXlgaDktouBvBHDVeNy7GPMCy/s1600/ChickenMan2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-g9d4GEfrsqmxqmsEQrsUhAl3Qtj3CdQS_UZCNYMKQvNDrQOi4T9N07L0JGpnXsolVxbKYpHAHKieEfjhOwMpUBoDN8-8pQaXS7FSlSv8fShztPdeZM5vXlgaDktouBvBHDVeNy7GPMCy/s1600/ChickenMan2.JPG" height="320" width="267" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMlwLf27wFxjXUa6D6_mbZGhSaLquuPOaM2deGIE-IIEDqtaOY9W9Mc0C-YT8bVKokgm2d7BskxbA1domW0gcdeKhmaXraCNXKwScoR7v5i-vxP5bsGo4_06kYkMO4v5e36w-N6eeGJIdu/s1600/ChickenMan6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMlwLf27wFxjXUa6D6_mbZGhSaLquuPOaM2deGIE-IIEDqtaOY9W9Mc0C-YT8bVKokgm2d7BskxbA1domW0gcdeKhmaXraCNXKwScoR7v5i-vxP5bsGo4_06kYkMO4v5e36w-N6eeGJIdu/s1600/ChickenMan6.jpg" height="320" width="251" /></a></div>
I've been drawing chickens and chicken-like creatures for the past 12 years. The above is 'Chicken-Man', and it's just a silly little wooden sculpture I picked up at a yard sale. I've done a number of renditions of him over the years, (the second image is early black and white scratchboard work of mine) there's something quirky and fascinating about him, and I like drawing quirky. Unfortunately there is no signature, so the artist is unknown. Most likely this came from some sweatshop in Mexico or Central America where folks making one after another earn next to nothing. Even though I'm earning next to nothing right now, I am still so much better off then they are. Wow. There's a thought. I'm sipping my starbucks coffee, the heat and electricity is on and I have food for breakfast. I'm lucky, and happy to be living my dream of making art my life's work. I've got a few commissions on the table, and I hope to fund the Chicken Scratchin' book project on kickstarter. Take a look at it right <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1547701634/chicken-scratchin-a-collection-of-good-chickens-an?ref=home_location">HERE</a>. You don't have to have chickens to participate, but if you know folks with chickens please share. A friend has said that this might be a stretch to fund because people have a much different relationship with their chicks, "they're not really 'pets' and sometimes you eat them". I hope she's wrong, or even if she's right, I think this could be a really sweet book. Working on my plan B idea, in case it doesn't fund.<br />
Still moving forward with the Art Nomad idea. Sell the house, buy a little RV and make art wherever I am with lower living costs. Just Opal Mae the cat, and me in the little box on wheels. Dreamy!<br />
This Saturday (tomorrow) I will be posting new 'old' artworks on my Linda Sheets Art page for free. Yes, free. All you have to do is, pay shipping and any special packing, give a donation to a shelter of your choice, click like on my page and say I WANT THIS! That's it. I'm cleaning out the studio and these are pieces that either were not super successful as a gallery piece, or they are old style for me, whatever they are/were, they can be yours. I'll start around 11am Central Time and will quit when I get tired. Ok, lots of words today....Thanks for lookin'.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09837777133363353335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2165551814255998588.post-75472992192008509822014-01-20T20:14:00.000-06:002014-01-20T20:14:29.642-06:00It's Chicken Book Time!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQVLhuT_zAIcLQQW5Ttr89tqmrsVdJTy7HZs_R_MaQHJrbQerRvFSMzKpuw5vnaM_Ig828MFQx77cNZ_clVoNns-9ZTOmJMdenTBrxfy_WVkYG3smPLouO5h6U0YP9VKRWfv310YKcPthY/s1600/ChickenCoverMock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQVLhuT_zAIcLQQW5Ttr89tqmrsVdJTy7HZs_R_MaQHJrbQerRvFSMzKpuw5vnaM_Ig828MFQx77cNZ_clVoNns-9ZTOmJMdenTBrxfy_WVkYG3smPLouO5h6U0YP9VKRWfv310YKcPthY/s1600/ChickenCoverMock.jpg" height="320" width="253" /></a></div>
Today I launched my 5th kickstarter project: <em><strong><a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1547701634/chicken-scratchin-a-collection-of-good-chickens-an?ref=home_location">Chicken Scratchin' A Collection Of Good Chickens And Their People.</a></strong></em>The videos look good, fun even. Hey it's a chance to see me with a red cock's comb in my hair...<br />
I've been ready for this for months, got the videos and site built in record time and now I'm ready to hit it. The funding process will go for 45 days and I hope to raise $9500.00, which is the least amount I need to make this happen. We shall see if folks with chickens want me to scratch out a portrait of them, and if they have a story to share. I'm sure hoping they do. Would be a huge bummer if it doesn't fund. <br />
I'm also continuing a Linda's Big Art Giveaway at my Linda Sheets Art facebook page(if you're on face book look for me, like the page and watch for the giveaway. Free art, mostly scratchboard, and mostly older work of mine that needs a home. All I ask is that folks pay for shipping and packing, and that they give some $$ to a shelter of their choice(human or animal). Am I crazy for giving my art away? Maybe, but maybe not. I do like spreading the wealth and get a real kick out of sharing these pieces rather than tossing them, or worse, packing them away and hanging on to them like an 'art hoarder'. Would I rather sell art? Uh, well, yes I would, thanks for asking. But what I've found in doing this is new people come along for me to share it with, and I've even gotten some commissions out of it all. So not a bad thing this giving it away, letting go. Try it sometime. It really does feel good. In the meantime, do something that makes you happy!<br />
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Here's the chicken project link:<br />
<a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1547701634/chicken-scratchin-a-collection-of-good-chickens-an?ref=home_location">http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1547701634/chicken-scratchin-a-collection-of-good-chickens-an?ref=home_location</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09837777133363353335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2165551814255998588.post-11245920105534576542014-01-15T18:14:00.000-06:002014-01-15T18:14:58.457-06:00Feeling Kinda Twitchy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQiz4lKezydnQJhYa4NAj304abhw1vlb22ZxWQ1r3Rmiwk-U7BRrlgn2VmL9GxF_fWtgWtiRW_bHW3FLO2C_ofZ4zwEeisiDfVeW1IlKvkYjVgQGlEPDFzGbRU3I5_3mGKipPIX3DAimlJ/s1600/1Chicken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQiz4lKezydnQJhYa4NAj304abhw1vlb22ZxWQ1r3Rmiwk-U7BRrlgn2VmL9GxF_fWtgWtiRW_bHW3FLO2C_ofZ4zwEeisiDfVeW1IlKvkYjVgQGlEPDFzGbRU3I5_3mGKipPIX3DAimlJ/s1600/1Chicken.jpg" height="320" width="224" /></a></div>
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Those who know me well might say I lack patience, and I would agree with them. This waiting to launch to Kickstarter Chicken project is just about killing me. The site is built, ready to go and approved by them. I am waiting until January 20th because that's when I decided to launch,--but is the waiting easy? Oh no, it is not! I'm so used to putting something together, bang, bang, bang, and then just pulling the trigger--boom, go. I will survive this, and I'm probably going to learn something about life and myself, in spite of my resistence. Tick-tock...suffice to say, check back in with me on the 20th. <br />
The two chickens above are 5x7 scratchboards. They will go into the mix of the big art giveaway, which coicidently will begin the same day as the Chicken project. So come back for that too. That happy event will take place on my Linda Sheets Art facebook page so if you haven't gone there and clicked to 'like' it you might lose out. Stay tuned. All is good in Linda-Land. Went to Crystal Bridges with a friend today to see the Stieglitz/O'Keeffe collection again. Pretty fabulous. Feeling lucky to have such a great place here in NW Ark. Ok, over and out for now...things are a fixin' to heat up soon!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09837777133363353335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2165551814255998588.post-17252868945123260232014-01-06T13:09:00.000-06:002014-01-06T13:09:17.331-06:00Holy Thank The Chicken Gods, I have Health Insurance Now!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEH3tIW2_XnnVTeQUnuQSJdWveVmg_cPj7SnmWpFzLpHrFiYljIScWXk8Cd5qc48R9n5gADHHWD4yjq00XPovGkbzuIAgx41dusEJqAFz6Vapcd8UJS495NzPLa8l15BQhdZcfZQwx5kxV/s1600/ChickenChicken.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEH3tIW2_XnnVTeQUnuQSJdWveVmg_cPj7SnmWpFzLpHrFiYljIScWXk8Cd5qc48R9n5gADHHWD4yjq00XPovGkbzuIAgx41dusEJqAFz6Vapcd8UJS495NzPLa8l15BQhdZcfZQwx5kxV/s1600/ChickenChicken.JPG" height="320" width="232" /></a></div>
After a confusing start at the Healthcare.gov site I am enrolled and now have coverage. You better believe I'm heading to the Doctor office this week to get checked and schedule some tests I've been putting off. Once you've had cancer (and I had the 'easy' type of thyroid) every ache and pain becomes 'suspect'. Without insurance I have had to just suck it up and hope everything is alright in there. I'm so happy right now. Bliss, I won't have to go bankrupt from an illness. Here we are in one of the richest countries in the world and folks like me worry about these things. And I am not the poorest of the poor by any stretch. I have a house, truck and I'm warm and well-fed. But I'm an artist and being that means that it's feast or famine with sales for much of the time. I had a good end of the year with commissions and sales so I'm grateful. I am by no stretch of the imagination a 'slacker', I've worked hard all of my life to be productive. Whether it's fixing houses, or making art, it's something I push, push, push at everyday. It seems like people always say, "Oh, I love art", but when it comes to supporting the artists who create it, they don't make the connection or understand that it means PAYING the artists. So I ask you, not just for myself, rather than buying some imported print at a big box store, find an artist you like and ask them to make something in your price range. Trust me, most of us will work with you to make you happy. And good golly, promoting the arts, and buying our work will make us happy too.<br />
I'm working on the Kickstarter Chicken Scratchin' project and dang it is fun. Last night Cindy Jo, Jan Van and Teresa and I recorded an original chicken song for the video soundtrack. We are not Hollywood, or Nashville but we sure had a hoot and a holler doing it. Stay tuned for that to launch Jan 20 and run through March. I'll also be doing another one of my 'Big Art Giveaway' things at my facebook page Linda Sheets Art. Check it out, like the page, and check in around Jan. 20. The artwork goes quickly. All I ask is shipping/packing charges and that you donate dollars to a shelter.<br />
Ok, over and out for now.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09837777133363353335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2165551814255998588.post-34557154108580165572014-01-02T08:36:00.000-06:002014-01-02T08:36:23.535-06:00New Year New Life Working On A Dream<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOF87UFB7nXifjcnIA6CfI2lKgT0V8-F53zeBTSES-Zv612ga9UUH1P5p5oY07HOwrhROFvKgd5dZXhXk4qhJmPMIJs7ccSRp2RjDgxn9_zsATUjmDzarPWazIk4BZhMDoAiuB9O8_3wpg/s1600/JanAndJulie2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOF87UFB7nXifjcnIA6CfI2lKgT0V8-F53zeBTSES-Zv612ga9UUH1P5p5oY07HOwrhROFvKgd5dZXhXk4qhJmPMIJs7ccSRp2RjDgxn9_zsATUjmDzarPWazIk4BZhMDoAiuB9O8_3wpg/s320/JanAndJulie2.jpg" width="233" /></a></div>
The above is a sweet little commission I got to do before Xmas. It was hard, the person who commissioned it was doing it as a surprise, so obtaining the photos was difficult. Between the two of us, me scratching and showing, and her advising on refinements, it got done and was well received by the dog owners. This is not the finished piece, I had to add the ear on the right of the middle dog, even though the photo didn't show it, because it was just odd looking without having it there.<br />
I made it through the holidays without any meltdowns, high drama or mishaps. For that I am grateful. For many reasons it's NOT my favorite time of year. I know, all of the holiday shows, cards, songs say it should be wonderful, but the reality is that for many of us it is chock full of painful memories. I try and approach it as 'just another day' and that seems to work, for now.<br />
So, the new year, here now...I am working on the next book project which will launch on kickstarter (for funding) around January 20th and will run for at least 30 days, maybe more. I'm putting together the video and text for the project site and just finished some mock-up drawings for it. Below is one of them. Everything I do now is Ampersand Scratchbord.<br />
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Meanwhile I'm cleaning out my studio and will donate all of the other art products (oils, acrylics, pastels etc..) to some worthy cause. Speaking of donating, I will also be doing another art giveaway around the same time as the kickstarter launch. I've found so many pieces that either didn't sell, or were not so successful but are still pretty cool, and not worthy of tossing into the trash. Watch my facebook page at Linda Sheets Art for more info. The art will be posted there and the first to like and say they want it will get it. The only requirement is for you to pay shipping/handling and give a donation to a shelter of your choice. The previous giveaway was a great experience and I look forward to doing it again. <br />
I also look forward to more commission work in pets and my latest boards, people portraits(will post that image next time). Contact me via my <a href="http://www.blue-eyedponystudio.com/">website</a> for more info regarding prices and sizes. <br />
Until next post, stay on your path, whatever it is, unless of course it's a negative dive into badness. In that case, get ahold of yourself, life is too freaking short to be unhappy.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09837777133363353335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2165551814255998588.post-3208894456402644062013-12-19T08:47:00.001-06:002013-12-19T08:50:13.161-06:00Almost Xmas-Ho-Ho-HoMade it through the cold winter weather here. The Little Craft Show was fun, although not super well attended because of the ice and snow. The folks who came were sweet and enthusiastic and I even picked up a few commissions because of it. Now I'm finishing up the last of the last drawings for others..spent some time waiting in line at the Post Office to ship done dog art. Here are a few of the drawings that I've done that I can share because the owner has already received and opened their gift. This is part of the reason why I do this: the dog recently passed on and the owner is deeply moved by the drawings; this makes me so happy.<br />
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I also finished and shipped a piece to a long-lost friend who is ill and after receiving it and giving to her partner told me, "getting a piece of your art was on my bucket list." I'm so glad I was able to make that happen. <br />
This all makes me think about how fragile and dear this life is. One minute you're there, and then the switch turns off, and you're not. Making this art, making folks happy with it--that's what it's all about for me. I really don't need much, or want much....just let me make this art for as long as I can. <br />
Happy Holidays people. It's not about the presents, or the big whoop-la, I really don't even believe it's about whatever religion you follow, it's about being kind to one another. If you can't do that, if your 'beliefs' cause you to be unkind to people, well damn, I feel sorry for you. Try this; try believing there is nothing after you die. This is it, make the most of it while you can, and try to not be an asshole. If you do get some great 'reward' after, that's just icing on the cake. <br />
Now don't get your "panties in a wad" and enjoy your life!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09837777133363353335noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2165551814255998588.post-36684887171338726052013-12-07T06:29:00.000-06:002013-12-07T06:29:17.114-06:00Today is The Little Craft Show Day!In spite of the snow and cold, the show must go on! The truck is loaded and I'll be picking up my helper in a few hours. I hope folks are able to come out and shop. There are about 70 vender/artists who have been working very hard to get ready for this.<br />
If you are in Northwest Arkansas area, come on out between 11-6pm today. Check it out<a href="http://www.thelittlecraftshow.com/"> here</a>.<br />
I'm drinking lots of coffee trying to wake up and get ready for this. I am really more of an introvert and doing these public affairs take a lot out of me. Oh what the hell, damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!<br />
Whoo hoo! Let's go Art Sales!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09837777133363353335noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2165551814255998588.post-3558922636797716522013-12-01T09:44:00.000-06:002013-12-01T09:46:09.258-06:00Art Show Prep Sunday MorningIt's my last Sunday in Austin and it's been a great visit, but I'm ready to get back to my little home studio and scratch out a few commissions. I've met up with some old friends and made some new ones in the past two weeks. That, and staying with my Austin family who have a delightful little almost 4 year old, has made me feel very grateful and loved.<br />
Today is the final day of the <a href="http://www.eotdac.com/">Eye of the Dog Art</a> Center home show from noon-4. I've been doing this show for five years now (dang...time going/moving and all that) and it's always a 'time-marker' for me. Four years ago my mother was being buried, back in Indiana, during the show. I always think of that and of her during this time of year. There are many reasons why I didn't attend the funeral, without going into all of the family drama, (and believe me there is some family drama) let's just say, she always taught me that 'the show must go on', no matter what. And so it did, and so it does, and so we do.<br />
I'll be headed out for my little road trip tomorrow. I love the driving, thinking, or not thinking, listening to podcasts or wild talk shows on the radio. I've been asked if I get lonely, or if I wished I had a companion to share the ride...my initial answer is 'hell no!'<br />
Although, I have had some past road trips with friends that are truly memorable, this driving time is my meditation. And I need that meditation just like I need my art making.<br />
Next stop, The <a href="http://www.thelittlecraftshow.com/">Little Craft Show </a>in Fayetteville, Arkansas. I'm looking forward to a very concentrated selling event. One day, December 7 from 11-6pm. Whoo hoo-Let's go little doggies!!<br />
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Speaking of little doggies; This is Maggie. I did this commission a few months back and Maggie's people loved it. It's a 5x7 inch Ampersand Art scratchboard in a simple black floater frame. I loved doing this. I'd love to do one for you. Drop me a line here and we can make this happen. <br />
Cheers! And Happy Trails!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09837777133363353335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2165551814255998588.post-73612823407244848502013-11-18T13:38:00.002-06:002013-11-18T13:38:37.347-06:00Wally Workman Gallery Event--The Cat Scratchin' Book Signin'<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I look forward to this coming Thursday night from 5:30-7:30 when I'll be at <a href="http://www.wallyworkmangallery.com/">Wally Workman Gallery</a> signing Cat Scratchin' books and hopefully making some money for Austin Pets Alive! who will get a percentage of sales. I want more than a few folks to come out.<br />
Having the big art giveaway was such a great lesson in giving. I loved the excitement that was generated on facebook and am happy that shelters all over the country got donations based on my cleaning out the studio. I'm passing on the last of those pieces to the recipients this week and hope to do it again soon. I don't regret any of those pieces handed out. I'm trying to hang onto less and less 'stuff'. Even the artworks that I loved so much while making are good to go soon.<br />
On the road in a few days. It's been about eight months since my last journey and that's too damned long. Still working on the structure of the next book, which will be launched on kickstarter in January. Weekend after thanksgiving is the <a href="http://www.eotdac.com/">Eye of the Dog</a> Art Center show, which is one of my favorites.<br />
All is good in Linda-Land today. Hope all is good in yours as well.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09837777133363353335noreply@blogger.com0