Knocked Down A Few Pegs

Hi all!  I had yet another productive day working on some paintings.  I was cranking out what I like to call my "quick sales."  They are unframed, smaller paintings, all costing under $100.  Check 'em out!



Lotus Flowers 1 {12x12}

 

Tree of Life 1 {12x12}

 

Tree of Life 2 {12x12}

I finished this larger painting today, too.


Flower In Motion {20x20}

I'm really happy the way it turned out.  It's so whimsical!  Loving the yellow tones.

I also heard back from the Black Swamp Arts Festival (Bowling Green, Ohio).  I didn't get in.  I wasn't dying to get into this show, but after getting acceptance emails from Shaker Heights and Mt. Gretna, I felt like I was on a roll!  I guess this rejection just puts me back in reality-- sometimes you get some, sometimes you don't.  I wasn't really that surprised (sadly enough).  I checked out the paintings I used in my submission, and I was like, "Oh Nikki, no you didn't."  They weren't that good.  Oh well!
Tomorrow is a very busy day.  I'm going to the Brooke County Animal Shelter again with Sue and Bonnie.  We are going to pick out some cats and dogs to adopt out.  I promise to bring my camera with me this time!  It's such an interesting, yet heartbreaking, experience.  I just like knowing we are saving lives by going there.  It makes me so happy to help those animals.

I'll be sure to post some pictures mid-week!

Peacing out,
Nikki

Finished Painting! And Some Not Surprising News...

I finished a painting!  It's been awhile since I've painted, and I'm happy I still know how to do it! :) 

This painting is called "Up High."

Up High
16x16
2011

I still need to take a "serious" picture of it.  I just wanted to snap it and put in on my blog quickly.

I'll be uploading more of my artwork soon (sorry for the wait!).  I need to get on that.  But I keep getting distracted by other things.

Oh, and the not-so-surprising-news is that I heard from the Penn State Arts Festival coordinator today via email.  I didn't get in for this year's show.  I'm pretty down about it.  I'm telling myself that I just need to keep moving on and trying.  It's hard to take the rejection, though.  I really wanted to get in because Sandi and Karyn are showing at the Arts Fest and it would have been fun to work along side them.  Oh well...maybe next year.

Peacing out,
Nikki

Thin Skinnned

Well, it happened: my first rejection from an art show.  I got the email yesterday, early in the morning (I wanted to post my blog yesterday, but my Internet was running slooow).  It was from the Boston Mills Artfest, located near Akron, Ohio.

I knew going into this new venture that it was going to be tough and competitive.  Steve's aunt and cousin, who are very experienced in the world of art shows, have explained this to me.  And I honestly didn't know how I was going to react from rejection.  I knew it was bound to happen, and I thought I would be okay with it.  But, I wasn't.  I'm a sensitive person, and I took it personally.  I guess it is hard to NOT take it personally since you are putting yourself out there through your artwork. 

I read the email that politely explained I was not picked, that there was a TON of competition the jurors had to choose from, and I called Steve.  After I called Steve, I emailed my mom.  After I emailed my mom, I started investigating.  Who was picked?  Are they better than me?  Who, exactly, are these jurors that voted on my work?  Are my artwork images not good enough?  I realized I was reacting this way because the Boston Mills Artfest was my first response from a show, and it was a rejection.  I finally get what Aunt Sandi and Karyn (cousin) were telling me.  If you apply to 10 art shows, you will hopefully get into 2. 

Steve knows how obsessive I can be, and he called and checked up, sent texts.  I love him so much.  He is definitely my cheerleader, my rock.  He's been his own boss now for over 10 years, and he knows how hard it can be to "win a client over."  So, he was giving me the pep talk, telling me that my artwork is beautiful, and that this was only one rejection, and that I need to keep pushing forward and grow thicker skin.  Rejection is part of the game.

Steve and our kids, Camper and Pilot

I pouted for a while, but mostly it just made me feel nervous.  What if I don't get into any of the art shows I apply to?!?!  I don't want to go back to working in the corporate world!  My mind was running, wondering what I would do if I didn't get picked by any show. 

After going through a ton of emotions, I finally calmed down and thought about things logically and clearly.  I need to accept the fact that I am new to the art world.  I have a lot to learn, and it is not going to be easy.  As fabulous and innovative as I think I am, others may not see it that way.  I need to accept that I might not get into any of the shows I apply to this year.  And regardless of getting into art shows this year or not, I need to keep pushing forward and try harder.  So, I resolve to try to maintain my positive attitude, and keep doing what I love-- with minimal whining. :)

Peacing out,
Nikki