Why 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 YOU 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.
If you're interested in having a portrait done it's really easy, go to the project HERE 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....

Kickstarter And Why I Won't Be Using It Again...For Anything

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 "Send Me Your Selfies" 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, this little project of mine 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.

Snow Days And Other Things That Are Out Of My Control

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.
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.
Meanwhile, here's the link to the chicken book project: Chicken Scratchin'

Art Is A Hard Way To Make A Living--But It's Worth It...

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.

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.

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 HERE to see it.

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)

Chicken Scratching And Other Thoughts

I 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;
Chicken Scratchin' Book. 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.
Click HERE to see the project.  This is a sample two page spread. 

Kickstarter, Chickens, And Marketing

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:
Coffee: 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.
Wallets: 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!
Pens: 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?
Watches: 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.
Oh yeah, one more, Playing Cards: 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 look here. Let's make a chicken book just for fun.
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..."
They want money to bug the hell out of your social networks....I can do that myself, thank you!

Chickens and Other Life Stuff...

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 HERE.
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.
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.

Chickens...All De Time and Such!

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 HERE. 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.
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!
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'.

It's Chicken Book Time!

Today I launched my 5th kickstarter project: Chicken Scratchin' A Collection Of Good Chickens And Their People.The videos look good, fun even. Hey it's a chance to see me with a red cock's comb in my hair...
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.
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!

Here's the chicken project link:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1547701634/chicken-scratchin-a-collection-of-good-chickens-an?ref=home_location

Feeling Kinda Twitchy

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.
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!

Holy Thank The Chicken Gods, I have Health Insurance Now!

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.
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.
Ok, over and out for now.

Almost Xmas-Ho-Ho-Ho

Made 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.

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.
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.
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. 
Now don't get your "panties in a wad" and enjoy your life!

Today 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.
If you are in Northwest Arkansas area, come on out between 11-6pm today. Check it out here.
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!
 Whoo hoo! Let's go Art Sales!

Art Show Prep Sunday Morning

It'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.
Today is the final day of the Eye of the Dog Art 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.
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!'
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.
Next stop, The Little Craft Show 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!!

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.
Cheers! And Happy Trails!

Wally Workman Gallery Event--The Cat Scratchin' Book Signin'

I look forward to this coming Thursday night from 5:30-7:30 when I'll be at Wally Workman Gallery 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.
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.
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 Eye of the Dog Art Center show, which is one of my favorites.
All is good in Linda-Land today. Hope all is good in yours as well.

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.

Free Art--Yes Free

I've been spending some time cleaning out my studio in preparation for the next big adventure. Currently I have a heap of large and small art that is old work just sitting or hanging around and I am ready to heave it out the door. I started yesterday on facebook and have already given one away. So starting today until I'm finished I will be posting at least one if not two pieces of artwork at my facebook page Linda Sheets Art. You can go there to see what's currently on the way out. And for the love of crap, like my page while you're at it. I don't know what benefit that is to me, but everyone seems to be doing it for some reason or another, and god knows I like to be liked.
Here are some rules:
*You will pay for packaging and shipping. If you don't have the money for this, obviously don't say you want a piece of artwork. If you are in Fayetteville, AR or Austin, TX we can arrange for pickup...so it will really be free--free for y'all.
*The artwork will be available for 36 hours (give or take a few) and then, if there are  no takers it going in the dumpster
*If you've already snagged one piece from this give-away, hold back and let someone else get one
*You must give the art a good home...but knowing that I can't control your behavior and the destiny of the art after it leaves me at least know that I retain full copyright to the piece.
Ok, let the games begin! I appreciate you helping me lighten my load and hope that my art makes you happy. If you don't see something you like, for crying out loud, commission something. I'm fast and not too expensive. This is how I make my living...and while giving it away may not make much sense, I can't take it with me when I'm on the road (or when dead) and I don't want to take up the space in the storage unit. Plus, and I know a lot of artists who agree with me here, if it hangs around me unsold I feel strange about creating new art. It's a mental thing...and I want to continue creating new...so out the door with it.

Kickstarter Cat Poster Funded!

Well, the short funding period came and went and I raised the money to make a small, limited edition of posters of all of the cats from the Cat Scratchin' book. Whew. I'm happy. Oddly enough (or maybe not odd at all) the Dog Scratchin' posters raised more money (double what I was asking for) I don't know what to think of that, although I do know from experience that most cat people want a portrait that looks exactly like their cat(or as close to exact as I can do). Dog people are usually more open to variation of design. I've sold more dog portraits that only slightly resemble their dogs. Curious.

The photos here are of my latest projects that I'm making for craft/art shows. Plus I'm working out the displays for said shows.  These are Linda's Little Originals. They are 2"x3" Ampersand Art Scratchboards.  Most are just ornaments with a loop for a tree hanger, but some are both ornaments and pins that can be worn. I'm churning these out like mad. I've also picked up some commissions that need to be done before the holidays...the Littles can be done for $15.00 + shipping, let me know if you are interested....soon! I'm fast, but I'm getting booked up.
I'll be in Austin, TX Thursday November 21st 5:30-7:30 at Wally Workman Gallery signing and selling books and art. This event will give a portion of sales to Austin Pets Alive which is one of my favorite shelters. Save the date and if you are able to attend, I hope to see you there.
I will also be out in San Marcos, TX at The Eye of the Dog Art Center Home Show November 29th, 30th and Dec. 1st.

Kickstarter Cat Poster Project is Live!

This is #1 of a total of four different posters that I'm putting together for a kickstarter project. Earlier this year I drew 78 cats for the Cat Scratchin' book. These posters will have every cat (twenty per poster) plus two for a total of 80 cats in a limited edition series of posters, signed and numbered. Today is the first day of thirteen days to fund. If you love cats and want to participate please go take a look at the project and jump in. Thanks, I appreciate your support. And the posters are pretty awesome! Here's the link: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1547701634/cat-scratchin-limited-edition-posters-for-your-wal