Resolutions for Successful Artists for 2021

I know it's a little early in December to start thinking about New Years Resolutions, but the best way to be a successful artist is to plan ahead, so today I'm going to share 5 things that should be on your mind as we enter 2021.

Yep, I’m available for art mentoring via webcam!

I'm happy to help fellow up-and-coming artists with anything from drawing or painting technique to small art business advice, as well as with perfecting your portfolio or thesis. Have a look here to get a feel as to how I can help your art business in 2021.

How I create my figure drawings: https://youtu.be/qUcnWwKL59g https://youtu.be/OlMi5izeBaM

12.13.2020

2021 Art Calendars are Here!

…and they turned out beautifully!! I couldn’t be happier with the quality and vibrancy!

I decided to do another art wall calendar for the upcoming year since my 2018 calendar was such a big hit, and I have now accrued enough 3-D oil and resin paintings to create a new one!

I only printed a limited edition of 50 calendars and each one is signed and numbered in gold leaf pen. The last time I created calendars they went way faster than expected so if you like them don’t miss out!

Here’s the initial mockup - just ignore the red dotted lines.

The Details:

This calendar features 14 of my 3D oil paintings and is a nice large spiral bound size of 8.5 x 11 inches folded and will hang on the wall at 17 x 11 inches.

🌒🌕🌘 And guess what?!!
My calendar features all the full moon, solstice, equinox, and eclipse happenings of 2021 so you can be sure to be aligned with all the upcoming year’s shifting cosmic energy.

Plus, at the end of the year, you will have an entire set of mini prints to frame and hang on your wall forever!

BONUS :: Each calendar comes with your choice of waterproof vinyl sticker featuring a piece of my artwork.

Getchu one!

$24 includes US shipping // $30 for international orders

12.9.2020

How I Package Print Orders

I've started packaging my prints using brown craft paper which not only gives that handmade-with-love feel, but is way more eco-friendly than most packaging, and will probably even save you money both in supplies and at the post office.

Sending print orders with lots of extras and goodies lets your customers know just how important and appreciated each and every art order truly is.

And whenever you get a print order or sell an original piece of art, make sure to check out this video on how to turn your first-time buyers into repeat collectors: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GrubX9yNtxs

If you snag some craft paper (or anything else!) through my special links it helps to support this channel at no cost to you - thank you! https://bit.ly/3fUKr9D

11.29.2020

Holiday Vlog 2020

I really hope you are able to find some peace and happiness during this Holiday season, even though most of us won't be able to spend them with the folks we love the most. If you find yourself with a little extra solo time (yep, even more than 2020 has already given us) then consider investing some love into your art biz or art practice. The best thing we can do for ourselves in any situation is to never stop learning:)

So enjoy this quickie vlog while I take my own kind of holiday, and look below for a pile of links to help you brush up on your knowledge during some down time this week.

References:

How to Set Up an Online Art Store

Complete Guide to Oil Painting

Hand Drawing Workshop

How to Clean + Organize Your Art Studio

How to Write an Artist Statement

How to Write an Artist CV

11.22.2020

A Special Hawai’i BDay Treat!

‘To My Wonderful Mama on her 70th Trip Around the Sun, I would never have been able to behold scenes like this had you not given me the courage to explore. I love you more than anything, Caleigh ❤️’

I created an extra special island care package for a big milestone for my fave person: my mom just turned 70!!

I painted this little seascape for her in gouache (above) and also got this amazing silver and precious inlaid stone pendant that my twinzie Emsy (@emsyvision) created with her own two beautiful slender little hands this past summer during her first apprenticeship with a metalsmith jeweler. I am so floored by her incredible craftsmanship that I had to pick up a few pieces for myself too, which I promise to share as well!

I also scored a few other tiny treats including this gorgeous tiny hand painted bowl and some of the best coffee chocolate I have ever tasted in my life!

I was thrilled to hear it arrived right on time on the big day and was a welcome surprise during these quiet says around the house. In this Birdie’s opinion, care packages are just as much fun to send as to receive… I just love imaging the look of surprise and excitement pulling each little piece from the tissue.

11.18.2020

How to Set Up an Art Studio at Home+.

Now this is probably no surprise, but most artists choose to set up their art studio at home since it is the most convenient and cost effective. But sometimes setting up an art studio in a small space can be tricky so today we are going to go over the essential studio needs for an oil painter, as well as how your easel should be set up not only for maximum artistic potential, but to be healthy for your back and shoulders.

References:

Mediums + Thinners

Simple 5 Color Artist Palette

Best Oil Painting Brushes

Setting Up an Ergonomic Art Studio

Complete Guide to Oil Painting

If you need to add anything to your own studio, please consider going through my special affiliate link for art supplies: https://bit.ly/36vvPr8

Any purchases through my special Dick Blick art supplies link helps to support this channel at no extra cost to you. Thank you!

11.15.2020

How to Mix Skin Tones in Oil Paint

Today is a long requested video about mixing skin tones with oil paint. And to make mixing these skin tones extra easy for you, we're only going to be using 4 colors plus white to create a large variety of skin tones for anyone across the world. These are the same five oil paints I recommend picking up as a beginner, so if you'd like to see how to create most of the other colors of the rainbow using just these same paints check out this video here

Check out my Complete Guide to Oil Painting here (More videos coming soon so make sure to save it!)

FREE Skillshare workshop coming Nov 2020!

Need any of these paint colors? Any purchases through my special Dick Blick link helps to support this channel at no extra cost to you. Thank you!

Titanium White: https://bit.ly/2Uqiugo

Cadmium Yellow: https://bit.ly/30e3iWh

Alizarin Crimson: https://bit.ly/2S9HO8t

Ultramarine Blue: https://bit.ly/308ydmU

Raw Umber: https://bit.ly/2xrsAF5

11.8.2020

Caleigh Calla Lily

I’m becoming an honorary flower faery by my sister artist Seana McCarthy (@theillustratr on Insta), and I could not be more excited to be part of her super creative, educational, and totally endearing upcoming project!

She’s been creating a beautifully and meticulously illustrated guide to useful and medicinal herbs and plants, and since we love to use each other for inspiration, Seana invited me to help represent the Calla Lily, which is so fitting not only because if the name similarity, but because I actually have a Calla Lily as part of my large thigh bouquet tattoo as a sign of feminine strength, purity, and natural beauty.

Seana used a few photos from another past photoshoot from here on O’ahu, which is one of my faves since it took place on the ridge of my favorite hike, Lanipo, located just above my beloved Palolo Valley.

Every week (on Faery Friday!) Seana has been coming out with another sneak peek of her faery illustrations, which will eventually be compiled into a gorgeous handwritten book coming out in 2021. Definitely follow her on Instagram to see more of her illuminating and whimsical drawings and writings!

11.5.2020

How to Set Up an Online Art Store in 2020

Now you know the holidays are coming up…. all of them… all the time…

Not to mention the fact that your followers LOVE your art and want it all over their walls!

So it’s time to polish off that dusty online art shop you tried to start that one time you felt a lil ambitious… and instead let’s make it shine so you feel a lot ambitious!

These steps are super important not only for setting up your own online art store on a website, but for selling art on sites like Etsy and dropship/made to order places like Shopify or Society 6.

Now remember, if you’d ever like a seasoned artist’s eyes on your website or personal help with structuring a marketing plan, ya Birdie offers one-on-one mentoring via webcam right here.

And definitely check out Janet Meinke-Lau's artwork and fantastic descriptions/layout on her website janetmeinkelau.com as well as her Instagram @janetmeinkelau

My art shop is here:)

How to Photograph Art without a Glare

How to Photograph Artwork Using Natural Lighting

How to Write a Newsletter for Artists

10.28.2020

Back on Da 'Aina

I’m back on O’ahu until December and I couldn’t be more excited! Since I’m working totally from home these days, I figured I could just as easily get things done from friend’s houses or camp spots as I can in my quiet lil Florida studio so this Bird just decided to fly back to the island she loves the most:)

Up, up, up!!!

Plein air sketching dream-come-true!

Waking up to the sun while listening to the waves crash just outside your cozy bed is a feeling that absolutely never gets old.

Can’t beat these mobile office views!