Some Things To Look At...And Think About.

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.
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.
 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.
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.
And then there's this:
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.
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.
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'.

Pricing Artwork And Other Confusing Things

Today 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.

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.
 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....)
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.

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 HERE.
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)

Let The Art Fly Out The Door.

The above, "Big Black-Bird" is available, for free, for the next 36 hours. It's early Linda scratchboard with acrylic work, 16"x20". If you want it, go to my facebook page Linda Sheets Art and first, like my page and then like this photo and say, "Hell yes, Linda, I want this!" If you don't want this piece you can still like my page, ya dig?You will pay for packaging and shipping, simple as that. I'm clearing out the old so I can continue to make new. The thing about this is it's a fun walk down the path leading to where I am today. This is from 2008 (I think) and while I'm so much better/different with my technique now, it does give me some perspective. Would I rather be selling art? Of course, and I am selling newer stuff. I'm just of the mind that either it should go to someone who will appreciate it or it must go to the dumpster. (I'm not going to be storing or carting these things around forever) So I'll be posting these free-bees until I run out of old work that needs a home. Mostly around noon, but don't hold me to that, because I might get a wild hair and put up two or three a day.
I love seeing these go out the door. A couple stopped by today to get the "Monkey Stack" and I'm glad they got it because they love it.  They were kind of shy about asking for it online...please, don't be shy, these are first come, first served and I really mean it.
And if you're worried about me getting rid of these, don't be. I love making the art, but when a piece is done, I'm done with it and would much rather have it be gone than just hanging around. That's how the process works for me.
The other request I have is, if you do take one of these pieces, please make a donation to your local animal shelter. Whatever amount you can give, and I don't need verification, we're on the honor system here.

Feeling Kinda Krafty

I know I've not been true to the blog lately...it's been over a month since I've posted, but I've been a busy gal. Above you can see the little 2x2 inch scratchboard originals I've been making(these are just a few of the over 100 that I've made).They are pins, but also can be hung on a tree as an ornament (thanks Richard for the idea) or if you are especially creative you can put a jump ring on them and wear as a pendant.  These can also be mounted and framed if you're into the whole small art thing. I'll be selling these in Austin (San Marcos) November 29, 30, Dec 1st at the Eye of the Dog Home Show. If you live in the area and have never been, you need to go. This art center is an amazing place, hard to describe....just go.  I'll also be at Wally Workman Gallery November 21st from 5:30-7:30 signing Cat Scratchin' books. This event will give a portions of funds to Austin Pets Alive (two of the cats in the book came from that shelter) and it should be a fun night.
I'm also waiting to hear about a couple of December Gift shows, one here in Fayetteville, and the other in Tulsa. I haven't done many shows, they are a lot of work and sometimes not too much moola in return. We'll see. I'm feeling like the kid on the playground waiting to be picked for the volleyball/kickball whatever ball game. I hope they pick me. If they don't (please, pick me) many of these pins will be posted for sale in my etsy shop in October/November. There are birds, monkeys, chickens, dogs, cats and a snake or two. I even made a few of my favorite little house theme pins. They will retail for around $12.00. A bargain for a little original I think....you tell me what you think.
I'm also waiting for the Cat Scratchin' books to be delivered to me. Sometime in the next week or so I hope. It seems like forever since I finished the drawings and edits and all the other stuff that goes into making a book.
The above are all Ampersand Stampbord that I turn into Scratchboard by inking with Sumi or Speedball Super black ink.

Making Birds With No Place To Go

Well, the 'Flock Together' class at Eye Of the Dog Art Center in San Marcos TX didn't fill, so we cancelled it. It's just as well, because a dear friend is having a birthday on Monday and I wasn't too keen about missing it. Now, I can go celebrate with him. Lemons into lemonade and all.
I will however be headed to Austin later in the week to deliver a piece of artwork (below) to the Animal Trustees of Austin who will be throwing their big Petcasso shindig. I participated last year and had a ball.

Then it's back to NW Arkansas to continue drawing cat after cat after cat. I finished one this afternoon and started another tonight. My hand and arm are pretty tired from all the scratching. Soon I'll get into the groove and really start pumping them out. Right now there are around 60 cats to draw. Oh my, I'm a tired gal tonight. Time to clock out.

Making Folk Art Birds and Such

Please join me Sunday, April 7th for an all day fun-filled workshop making folk art birds in San Marcos, TX. Go here to find out more. Small fee, lunch included. Really great art center out in the beautiful Texas scrub-brush country south of Austin.

Flock Together Folk Art Birds

It's Official...I'll be in San Marcos, Texas at Eye of the Dog Art Center,  April 7th teaching a class called "Flock Together". We'll be assembling folk art birds from various pieces parts. It's going to be a great, day- long class including a delicious lunch.  Click here to go to the page and sign up.  I hope we have a full house or flock. If you've never been to this art center, it's amazing. A sweet little gem out in the country south of Austin.
I've been using up pieces of scrap wood and misc stuff from yard sales and such. These are so much fun to make. If you are in the area, please join me!

Happy Little Bluebird

Well, I know this little bluebird may not appear to be happy, but it is...really! Mostly because it sold this past Thursday night at the Fayetteville Underground! I'm happy it's going on someone else's wall. I have very little attachment to my work after it is done, framed and hung. I'm on to the next just as quickly as I can go. This is small, 3"x5" Ampersand Art scratchboard with ink for the color. I'm working on some videos to post online for future scratchboard instruction purposes, will keep you posted on that. (look at me, I'm imagining that someone reads these posts!) And today the proposal for the 5"x7" kits goes out to retailers. Here's hoping something really good comes of it for all us all. Meanwhile, I just keep scratching and scratching...
I scratched out a different version of this (yellow and turned to the right) to fill the space on the wall in the gallery.

Counting Chickens Under The Tree Of Money Assemblage

Working on this commission for a client at Wally Workman Gallery. This is a 2d sketch that I put together using pieces and parts of photos, and then painted and drew on, etc.. Kind of a collage of sorts. I'm so psyched up to be doing this. I love assemblage work, just haven't done much lately because it doesn't sell very easily at the galleries. The finished product will be 3d and around 11"x14". As I said in the above title, it's currently known as; 'Counting Chickens Under The Tree Of Money'. After weeks and weeks of scratching away at scratchboard designs for Ampersand Art ,I am relieved and happy to have this break. I'll get back to scratchboard soon enough as I've got 15 new pieces that need inked.
It's cold here, sounds like it's cold just about everywhere. I'm hunkered down in the little blue house on the highway. Stay warm and healthy folks.

Scratchboard or Woodcut?

This is a woodcut of one of my favorite artists, Lisa Brawn, check out her website. http://www.lisabrawn.com/ I met her in Austin when she was there for her first show at Yard Dog Gallery. http://www.yarddog.com/ (this was a big honking, successful deal!) We had dinner with mutual friends and I totally enjoyed hanging out with her, and of course love the quirky gal that she is. Even more than that though, her output of these woodcuts is freaking amazing. Besides the fact that they are absolutely awesome...I'm sure she must spend every waking hour in the studio making these as there are so many! They are woodcuts in every sense of the word, and yet, she apparently doesn't print from them as is the tradition. They are painted and hung as the finished product. They remind me of scratchboards (so this is of course some of the reason I am attracted to them) when you see them 2D online or in photos. In person they have depth and texture. I've never seen anything like these, and most probably you won't either. Unless of course they start 'knocking them off' for sale in home stores and such. Please, for the love of pete, don't do that! But do go to her website and buy some!

Little Wacked Out Bird Scratchboard

Scratched this out while doing an Ampersand Art www.ampersandart.com demo at Artisan Santa Fe last month. Wonder what I'll do while at the Austin Jerry's Artarama demo this Saturday (August 21st) from noon to 3pm. Wonder who will come and what they will scratch out? Come on out and play!

Early Scratchboard Work

Thought I'd post an earlier work of mine. This is a 16"x20" Ampersand Art www.ampersandart.com Scratchboard. "4&20" is the name, for obvious reasons. It's always a treat to look back and see what I was producing about 5 years ago. This looks very basic, stripped down, unfinished to me now. If you look at what I'm currently doing, it's hard to believe I was afraid of color and refused to use it. Soon I will be diving into oil painting head first. I did not pay attention to it at all when I was in first year art school. I hated the smell of turpentine and thought all the glazes and mixing and drawing was tedious. I guess I was just too young and stupid to get it. I do now. And I'm drawn to it.

More Scratchboards

These are the other 3 scratchboards I dropped off at Wally Workman Gallery yesterday. http://www.wallyworkmangallery.com/

Making Art with Hearts

Rachel of Wally Workman Gallery contacted me the other day and said folks had been calling and looking for lower priced art with a 'heart' or Valentines Day theme. So, being the practical gal I am I stepped up to the plate and threw together a few heart scratch boards. Fun stuff for me. Especially the 'Monkey dreaming of love'. I crack myself up sometimes! Now is this serious art? Is this fine art you would find in the History of Art books? Frankly I don't care. What I have discovered is I am much happier just making what ever it is I'm making at the time. Once I start thinking too hard or analyzing and critiquing I just lose the fun of it all. So, I stopped doing that, for the most part. Maybe you agree, maybe not. The bottom line is, I want to sell art. So I'm making what sells and loving it at the same time. I hope others love it of course, but some things are out of my control. So I have to love what I'm doing and leave it at that. Bliss, pure bliss! These two images are: 'Monkey Dreaming of Love' and 'Big Hearted Black Bird'. Hope you enjoy, and I always read and appreciate feedback!