Custom Portrait Holiday Special

20% OFF Custom Holiday Portrait Drawing Commissions until Sunday Nov. 18

What can I say... I really love my Early Birds who like to plan out they're gifties well in advance so that some of the last minute-type folks (like me!) can still snag a custom portrait at the eleventh hour.

If you’d like more info on the commissioning process check out this lil write up here.

Holla at me for some portrait photo advice or go ahead and jump on my special website www.CustomFineArtPortraits.com and use the code HOLIDAY2018 for a fantastic price on these lovingly drawn portrait gifts 💜💚

PS Want to make sure you never miss a notice when my portraits are on special? Pop right over here!

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originally published November 13, 2018

How Much Oil Paint to Use on a Painting

Knowing how much oil paint to use for your artwork can vary greatly depending on how much surface you are covering, how many layers you like to paint in, and how thick you lay down the application. Because of this there really is no right answer, it mostly comes with practice to learn how to waste as least as possible.

However I do have some paint-saving tips I will share with you today while mixing oil paint for an 'adult hand-sized' subject so that you can see the proportions I use for my own artworks.

And PS: This video comes partly from a question I got here on YT so feel free to leave them for me in the comments and I just might make a video just for you! Yay!

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originally published November 9, 2018

Oil Painting Demo :: 'In the Beginning'

I've been enjoying oil painting these fun shadow stripes so much lately! Enjoy this chill video of the process:)

And stay tuned for a resin-pouring demo in the next few weeks. I can’t believe how simple it is!

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originally published November 1, 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

3 Ways to Improve a Drawing for Painting

Improving your drawing before applying paint is key to a successful work. Trust me, you do not want to wait until you've got wet paint on your linen or canvas before correcting any compositional or structural issues.

The good news is that I've got 3 super easy tips for you to implement before, during and after your preliminary drawing to insure the strongest and most beautiful final piece possible.

If you didn't catch my previous 'Rule of Thirds' + How to Make a Composition Grid tutorial you can find it here:

https://youtu.be/VvSAlq3ctkw

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originally published October 11, 2018

Upcoming Art Show :: Naughty Vegan Studio

HOOORAYYYY!!! Mark your calendars Honolulu friends! I’ll have a collection of my all new Shadow Play series on display all month with a special First Friday opening reception.

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originally published October 9, 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!