Lately, I've been feeling so very blessed and many of you have been asking how I'm doing since my move, so I thought I would share some of what is happening. It was such a huge leap of faith to make this move and I just believed that with hard work & a little bit of luck that it would turn out great. And it has. So here's an abbreviated version of my time in California so far.
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| "Heat of the day" |
Landed here in December, started teaching a drawing class in January, then quickly added another 10 week session and as well as an oil painting class. I have wonderful students that have become my cheerleaders. In fact 2 of those cheerleaders recommended me for a teaching job at Pasadena City College (PCC) which I just started a few weeks ago. Once again, an opportunity arose to add an additional class this session and I've have invited back for next year. I also,started a Sketchbook Monday" class with students meeting me at different locations around Pasadena to experience drawing from life. I love teaching, meeting new students and seeing the joy when someone has an "Ah Ha" moment. And I believe in the end, it makes me a better artist.
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| "At the Fair" |
My time here has been an exploration in whether I could make a living here in a very expensive area of the country and to that end, I'm making good progress. A couple of months ago I became an assistant for the fabulous oil painter,
Lori Putnam. The opportunity to work for such a kind and very talented artist is a true blessing. I get to see the behind the scenes of a very much in demand artist and what it truly takes to make it in the art world. It's a lot of hard work and perseverance. This opportunity has given me a road map for where I want my career to go.
In addition to teaching and working for Lori, two weeks ago, I launched my
Artist BFF Virtual Assistant service, designed to help artists on a project oriented basis with tasks that range from marketing ideas, social media to starting a newsletter, and everything in between. I've had such an amazing response. So much that I now have a waiting list of clients. As the saying goes, "See a need, fill a need". I'm a lucky girl with some great clients that I learn from every day. For my artist friends (shameless plug), check out my
Artist BFF services to see how I can help you.
Between the teaching, working for Lori & the Artist BFF, I'm looking for extra hours in the day. Where does my art fit into this picture? Well at the end of the day, I'm a painter. It's what feeds my soul. So not having the stress of my next sale to pay the bills, has presented a wonderful chance for me. So I've made a decision to take the rest of this year & 2015 to focus on my growth as an artist. I can paint and challenge myself in ways that aren't possible when you are painting for galleries & shows. I'm excited, terrified & fully realizing that sleep might be a luxury over the next 15 months. Sleep is highly overrated. At least that's what I'm telling myself.
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| "Fence Line Flowers" |
While you might not hear from me as much on this blog, I do plan to post on a more regular basis on my Art Tips blog. And I will try to share some of my artistic journey along the way.
I want to thank my friends, family & students both here & across the country for being my cheerleaders. And for being a shoulder to cry on when needed as well as pushing for me to challenge myself. I feel very blessed by having each one of you in my life!
I would love to hear from you, so please feel free to call or email me. I promise to respond and remember the time difference for my east coast friends. So I think I can officially say that I'm a California girl! The water is warm, everyone is welcome to join me but just not all at once.
Blessings from a very happy "southern" transplant.
Kelley
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