Unwanted Delay

Dang I feel like I’ve been painting so much lately without finishing a thing! This makes painting No. 4 that is presently waiting to be acrylic resin layered.

Honestly the resin can be so expensive though! Yikes!  

Lately I’ve been putting all my funds into printing the Happy Hawai’i Greeting Cards that I’ve had to hold off on finishing a growing stack of artwork. The first set of five 3D paintings I created was with a fantastic resin but it was so pricey I decided to look for another brand instead that was a little bit cheaper but it wound up being horrible (and you can’t return open containers!).

I just sourced yet a third and fourth brand that will arrive in the coming weeks (screw it, I’m going all in) that are both waaaaaay cheaper than the original great one but that claim to be just as excellent.  Keeping my fingers crossed that one of these next ones will work because it will cut down my resin costs by over 80% and I won’t have wait to create any more. Yay!

Above is a little oil painting I knocked out this past week. I still need to add in her hair and on the next layer will be the orchid she’s gripping in her teeth. 

Below are two more that are waiting ever-so-patiently to be layered. Soon enough, my darlings!!!

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originally published December 11, 2018

Art Vlog :: New Ventures + Being Grateful on the Kamanaiki Ridge Hike

Join me on the amazing Kamanaiki Ridge overlooking Kalihi Valley, HI while I talk a little about my ongoing projects and what I'm most thankful for (spoiler alerts :: a big one is you guys!!).

I've got some incredible views to share with you, and I've even added in a little bonus photo shoot I had with Jan Galvan not too long ago at the end.

Let me know what you think, should I share more of my artsy photo shoots at the ends of vlogs?

Watch my Happy Hawai''i cards come to life in this 1 min quickie:

https://youtu.be/bbKcHIMFi8o

And snag a set of cards here at the discounted pre-sale rate (with free US shipping!):

https://www.caleighbirdart.com/happy-hawaii-greeting-cards/

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originally published November 22, 2018

Planning My Next Art Show

Oh boy, oh boy…. crunch time is nigh for my upcoming solo show at The Naughty Vegan Studio this Friday! Yikes!! (Get the info for my opening here!)

But no worry - I’ve got this ;)

If you’re curious about the 1001 things I’m doing to prepare, and especially of you think you might put on your own art show one of these days, check out the four part series I created earlier this year called….

Putting on an Art Show on a Budget

Part One: Creating a Flyer

Part Two: How to Frame Your Paintings Inexpensively

Part Three: Preparing for Your Art Opening

Part Four: Opening Night!

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originally published October 30, 2018

Ergonomic Art-Making Habits

It's absolutely essential to ergonomically set up any workspace you use on a regular basis to be kind to your back, neck, wrists, and knees. Many office and studio habits, although mellow, are actually terrible for your body and can cause strains, overuse, and even tendinitis.

Now I am no medically trained professional, but I have done a fair amount of research to create a safe and physically stress-free environment for my art-making as well as office work. Today I am sharing some easy and inexpensive ways to work efficiently and with your body's health in mind.

Resources:

Advice

http://www.taylordergo.com/cushioned-wrist-rest-mouse-yay-nay/

https://lifehacker.com/how-to-ergonomically-optimize-your-workspace-30833302

Ergonomic Mouse

https://ebay.to/2O7VJYm

Ergonomic Chair

https://ebay.to/2PVXYQk

Hip Flexor/ Lower Back Stretches

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dg_66cTAVCc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ie5SW9mqmuk

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originally published October 25, 2018

Waking Up at Dawn

So I’ve been starting something new in my life: waking up at dawn, which, if you’ve known me for any amount of time in real life, you’ll know this is kind of insane for me considering what a night owl I have been for most of my life.

I started getting up around 7 - 8 the last few years, which I’ve really enjoyed (especially being in sunny Hawaii), but lately I’ve become inspired to start waking with the sun with no alarm clock. This requires me to be in my bed by about 10:15, with a few minutes for reading and then lights out.

This is the first time since I was a preteen that I’ve had such an early bedtime, yet it’s been the best few weeks! I feel like I’m getting an entire extra day every day! I wake up and am instantly inspired and ready to be productive and creative. The feeling of looking at the clock at 7:30 AM and already having your workout, breakfast, and shower finished really puts you in the mindset that “there is no way today can’t be a success!”

Who else chooses to get up with the sun? Are there any especially delightful morning habits that you have? Leave me a note in the comments!

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originally published October 22, 2018

Studio Vlog :: New Art + Facebook Scam Update + Sock Monsters!

Studio vlog straight from my lovely lil lanai nest:) I've got an upcoming art show featuring new works you haven't seen until today... Yaay!

I'm also challenging myself to go out of my comfort zone in the coming weeks in an effort to get my artwork seen by more people. Cold calls are not fun so any and all advice for bravery is welcome in the comments! (I'm also going to create a series for you all about how to get your artwork seen by more people as I tackle challenges and get creative with my own art marketing)

Plus I've got a whole pile of my handmade one-of-a-kind Sock Monsters to introduce you to as well as where you can adopt one for yourself. (Hint check my Story Highlight):

https://www.instagram.com/caleighbird

And last but not least I have an update for you on that horrible Facebook scam that cost me hundreds of dollars earlier this year.... spoiler alert: somehow I'm still getting f*%!ed over despite not giving them any ad money since July. If you don't know what I'm talking about, you should watch this vid (especially if you've ever considered using FB ads for your small business!):

https://youtu.be/FaNN74QzB0Q

Jump on my Birds of a Feather list for a more personal peek at this artist's life:

https://www.caleighbirdart.com/birds-of-a-feather

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originally published October 4, 2018

Triumphant Return from the East Coast

Oh man did I have a smashingly good time visiting South Carolina for some hometown stomping-ground adventures! I cannot believe how much I packed in in just under three weeks!

Got to visit Charleston (where I grew up) for some fabulous shenanigans starring a multitude of close friends, some live music, and trips to my favorite dive bars and music venue. We even stopped by the Angel Oak and good ole Folly Beach as well. So grateful for my friend Laine for hosting me and making sure I got to see everyone I could.

Next I went to my mom and stepdad’s house about an hour inland on the Edisto River where they run their treehouse rental eco tourist business. It is so calming to be there tucked away in the woods, and so delightful to swim in the freshwater river right behind their humble little abode.

I also managed to attend and volunteer at a four day camping music festival called Surrounded by the Sound which was just what this lil Birdie needed. Music festivals are the one thing I miss most about living on the mainland; I really miss jamming out in the woods in such a care free environment and connecting with so many other free-spirited people.

And last but certainly not least my closest aunt and uncle who I love and miss so much drove out from Nashville to stay with us in an amazing glass house which is a rental property owned by my parents’ neighbors. What a special place to relax and catch up with family!

Whew, what a whirlwind! I was so happy to be there every minute, but am happy to be home now and back in my studio. The best thing about living out here is when you’re done with vacation, you just go back to Hawai’i! Ha!

September Figure Modeling Sketches

I think I was just gifted my favorite drawing of myself to date by my friend and fellow artist Patrick Mizumoto (@paintedpatrick) during my last figure modelling session at the Museum of Art School here in Honolulu. I’m so honored to be drawn like a little forest fairy nymph..:)

Modeling at these open figure drawing sessions has really helped me connect with a new artistic side of myself. When I'm up on the platform I try to imagine myself from the outside looking towards my poses with a mental eye for lines, composition, and of course lighting and shadows. I try to make an interesting piece out of my own body with the goal of facilitating beautiful creations from the other artists. When they are able to make something unique and lovely, I like to feel like I can share in that win in some small way.

Here are a few more from that evening. (The first one is Patrick as well but the others are by artists with no links).

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originally published on September 24, 2018

5 Things About Me

Aloha friends! I've been tagged a few times to share 5 random things about myself so here's my quirky little list :)

If you'd like to read my regular bio you can see that here and if you'd like to see more hula hooping check out my channel here. 

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originally published August 23, 2018

Fear of Failure?

Do you ever fear failure? I suppose all of us do to a certain degree... Perhaps a better question would be does your fear of failure ever prevent you from doing what you want or know you should be doing?

 I have recently realized that I have more of a fear than I thought I did and it has been preventing me from branching out in certain aspects of my art business. It's not a fun thing to acknowledge (especially out loud!) nor to experience, but I feel like admitting there's an issue is always the first step towards growth.

I truly want to be more brave when it comes to sharing my work in person! Plus, if there's anything I've learned by listening to successful artists it's that you will fail a thousand times before you make it....

Right now I'm putting my fears in the spotlight and doing my best to overcome them. I know that the more I attempt to share my work, the easier it will become and the rejections will sting less than the successes will soar. Just gotta take a deep breath..... 🤗💙

((Excerpt from my Birds of a Feather monthly letter that will be going out in just a few days. If you're interested in a more personal peek into the ups + downs of this working artist's life drop your email below or pop over here to get added to my special list 💜))

drawing from life, pastel + chalk 6x9 inches

:: originally published August 19, 2018