"In House" encaustic workshop

I had been scheduled to teach an encaustic workshop at a local art association today and about 10 days ago I was notified that there was not a high enough enrollment to run the workshop. I didn't really understand that because there were enough people signed up to cover the cost of their supplies plus my fee. Immediately after the class was cancelled I received emails from several people that had been looking forward to attending the workshop and each inquired about private lessons. I decided to offer a semi-private workshop in my home today. I knew the electrical requirements limited the amount of griddles I could turn on at the same time, and until I make a change in electricity, 2 griddles with a heat gun (and music and proper lighting) is all I can accommodate.

We had so much fun and I plan on opening my home up to future workshops. Several other people are waiting to hear back from me about scheduling another workshop but I needed to see how it went today before I took the next step. After everyone left, I completed my demonstration painting, and it felt good to get back into encaustic painting.

"Winter Brook", encaustic image transfer

I setup a temporary studio in my garage. Fortunately the weather was perfect and the garage door was up all day.

I continue to add work to my Etsy shop with focus on small encaustic works because of the lower price point and the ease in which I can create them. I have so much to learn about Etsy and networking there but for now I am going to just continue increasing my inventory. 

Etsy

Right before I went on vacation I setup an Etsy shop with only two items. I had been familiar with the website and knew it was another way to showcase and sell online but I had never thought to use it because I have always scheduled shows where selling my work in person has been my preference. I am not scheduled to participate in any weekend art shows unless I decide to accept my invitation to participate in the Paradise City fall shows, (first one is not until October) and I will decide at the end of the month. In the meantime, I am going to give Etsy a chance and today I added additional items to my shop. I am wondering if any of my blog followers have used or shopped on Etsy? any thoughts or suggestions?

My Etsy Shop

The costs involved when using Etsy start with a minimal fee to post each item, then another fee goes to Etsy when an item is sold. Accepting payments via paypal also involves a paypal fee, and the end result is very similar to how it feels when a gallery sells work and takes their percentage. I will try and keep an open mind and re-evaluate end of summer.

In general, it feels like the art world has become even more competitive, plus galleries continue feeling the economic downswing of the current state of the union. Finding appropriate opportunities to show and sell my work seem few and far between. I thought going on vacation would refresh my outlook but I still have not felt the spark to "go get 'em"!

Recently my friend Mark posted about show competitions and jurors and I agreed with his conclusion -  paint for yourself, and paint what you love.

Today I did a bit of gardening, something for myself, something I love. This was my "painting" of the day.

Vacationing in Jamaica

I had the best time learning how to snorkel off the Jamaican coast this past week, I am addicted. Now that I am rested and rejuvenated, I should be ready to start new work in the studio soon. In the meantime, I am thrilled to be sharing photos from my trip....  new inspiration for future paintings.