ART, ART, ART!

The art of doing, writing and seeking out possibility.

and she makes some great cookies!

~~*~~

"Flight" 24x48 oil on canvas

I send cookies!

Kathy's Chocolate Chip Cookies

Cream together:
1 cup 'real' butter (not margarine!)
1 1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 Tbl. black strap molasses
1 tsp. salt
add and blend two eggs
don't overdo this part or your cookies will turn out weird.

sift together then fold into sugar mixture:
2 1/2 cups flour, 1 tsp. baking soda

add and mix to above mixture:
1 cup coconut
3/4 cup old fashioned oatmeal
2 full cups chocolate chips

Bake at 325 degrees for about 12 minutes. Use only an old junkie cookie sheet... not one of the new ones, they tend to make these cookies cake. Take the cookies out 'just a hair BEFORE they are done'. Let them finish up after they come out of the oven.

">http://www.squidoo.com/kathysart

What is a business opportunity list some examples, for an artist, fine art paintings reproduction for one.

Marketing fine art is a whole different ball game from just being a hobbyist. So you say, what is a business opportunity list some examples. Knowing whether or not one has a marketable product takes some trial runs, at craft fairs, local galleries, stuff like that. It you do well within the small picture, maybe you have your stuff together enough to spread your wings even farther. It is from those small efforts at first, that an artist is either rewarded with the knowledge that others resonate with their work, or not. It is from there that one can gain perspective on their work. You'll also be able to determine if you are ready for fine art paintings reproduction, known as gicless. Or is it makes sense to make greeting cards and/or art posters or prints.

I always say that, "Talent is DESIRE and the rest is practice." I don't believe in the notion that one is 'born with talent'.

If your 'talent' (talent if you want to describe it that way) is not perceived well locally then maybe more 'practice' is in order. That is what I tell myself anyway. I also tell myself that, "The second I think I have arrived? I am indeed finished."

Testing the market.

The best way to test the market, discover if your road to business opportunities for your artwork is sound and ready is at crafts fairs.

Why not galleries or local shops?

Because if you do not have a marketable product you don't want to leave a bitter pill in the gallery director or shop owners mind about you and your art. You want to walk in with a confidence knowing that the art you represent is highly marketable and will show them the money!

Why craft fairs?

Because you can hear first hand the opinions of shoppers. If you have art that stops traffic you are going to be rewarded by finding that out directly. If you have art that can be walked by without even the slightest hesitation? Its a bummer, oof, but you have to know that, if your goal it to market your work. Nothing is more difficult than being made to feel invisible when your are trying to feel noticed as an artist. Oh! It is just so darn sad! Keep in mind though, we have 'all' been there, we really have.

Every single person in every single thing had a beginning.

Take note and care of your heart however, that you should never rely on just one craft fair.. never ever! I have been to many a horrible craft fair in my day and know that sometimes they just stink and it has absolutely nothing to do with you. Be sure to base your critiques on several shows. Check the ratings of those shows as well, why waste you time at a bad craft faire?

What to do with that bitter pill?

If creating for yourself is all you aim for then 'who cares what they think?' But if your aim is to be a professional artist? That bitter pill of having people walk by your work as if it did not exist has to be considered very well.

What to do?

* Look around and see who is selling that resembles your style or energy and try to understand why that is. What IS selling in other words.

* Go back to the drawing table and consider the fact that maybe more practice is in order.

* One thing not mentioned about craft fairs by me so far is that you need to make sure your display is well done. This is your store in a sense so make it as beautiful as possible. Think of different levels of display too, don't just put a tablecloth on a card table. Having some fine art paintings and reproductions will help too, just don't overextend yourself till you are sure of your arts marketability.

It takes a lot of work but in the end it will be so worth it if you are really trying to fulfill your dreams and know the answer to what is a business opportunity and list some examples on your own.

"Law of Attraction Rich Science Secret and Skulls of Crossbones Artwork-All Wear White Wings"

My never going back remains on my menu.
Skulls crossbones artwork
trying to fight back.
That end will always be with me.
Something we made fun of at times.
So close to laughing
yet too much pain remains
along with wasted time.

I still write poems.
Hope for wealth I guess.
I lie in wait.
That law of attraction rich science secret
peeping in these days.
I hold on to fantasies.
You must have known I would.
I write them
but rarely recognize them in the morning.

I keep paints in every room now.
I lust and gather their gifts to me.
I keep articles of deeds
superstitions I guess
hung up on my easel.
One never knows
when roadways will open.

Being a good person
seemed wise once
now its just confusing.
I prop up all potentials with newspaper clippings
and keep files of possibilities.
There is always room for discovery.
No matter how tainted one becomes.
I guess that is part of the joke.

I sat next to a church one day
outside of it
and I felt grateful.
You know what I thought.
All those tokens unraveled
paying their prices in secret still.
We never really kept tidy records
but the swan bleeds
and that is enough to know for now.
Who would want to relive all those headstones anyway?
No one is that strong.

Too much time has been wasted
I know you agree
its what you've always said.
I wish I could believe you were traveling
traveling without all that same luggage.
I suspect you would be my hero
if that could possibly be true.

I keep hearing those voices.
All that singing that never ends
my fault I know.
I lost my head and remembered the tune.
I wonder though
when did it all become meaningless
was it always that way?

Those voices.
I hear them from time to time.
I wish I could stop their breathing
or at least silence their judgment of me.
Those voices
praying
forever praying
still.

I thought I was wise once.
So funny reflecting on that now.
Hypnosis?
Skulls crossbones artwork
tangled in the fire?
Maybe.

The spotlight is on the main event.
The sky is falling!
Law of attraction rich science secret
dead?
Not the one they always mentioned.
The one with white wings?
So I am choosing to walk past it.
I have my umbrella now.
Its not that I am not listening
I just got a little wiser
after the snow melted.

by Kathy Ostman-Magnusen
02 September 2007

We are unique... did you know that? Sometimes I forget.

I came across these pics that I added phrases to because they speak to circumstances at times. I send them just because I love them... especially the second baby.



Nothing is impossible



If we take the time to listen we will be blessed...



Ohhh!! Yes we are unique!!

Aloha with hugs that wrap around you when you need them.

Kathy

"I Am Unique and I Am Grateful"

I am Unique

I am grateful today.
I feel this day with soft eyes.
I smile at everyone I see.
There are people who can barely walk.
There are people who cannot see at all.
For me
on this day the landscape goes on forever.

People in their cars
everyone seems to know where they are going
I lost track
but I am still writing lists.

I take my sketchbook everywhere I go
one never knows
I might catch a touch of blue
or green against the soil.

I see sprinkles of laughter
from creatures I invent inside my head.
High tea served at midnight
thank you very much.
How generous of the flowers to include me.

There are signs pointing out directions
this way and that.
This way will bring you home
or that way will take you further away
if you need to run.

Well meaning people often displaced.
I am yet grateful.
My appointments bring me hope.
I am not just another flower in the garden.

I hold out my hands
see that I am different from any other.
There are people who have decided
I am worth it.
So I think maybe
despite my own declarations
and objections
that creep in from time to time
I am grateful for this soul
that is my own.

I think of all the days that I stood still
lonely
all those days that I invited sad.
all those days of my not noticing my living
wishing I was not here at all
and thinking how long?

I am grateful now.
I have grown past only feeling regret.

While I know those feelings will return
from time to time
I know happy a little better
and it is saving me.

I am less harsh on myself now
not demanding answers
or positive outcomes only.
I am in touch more in the moment
and it is safe.
Creating within
and without
finding beauty in the simple
accepting each day as it comes.
Not holding anyone to their word
we all need room for excuses.
I allow for mine.
I guess I am focusing more on possibility.
It feels like a day I can finally breathe in.
I am grateful
I am unique.

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ABOUT Kathy Ostman-Magnusen

I paint and sculpt female fantasy art and map faery tale adventures. I dream of whimsical angel pictures, legends of mermaids and fairies in art. Tiny angels whisper fantasy art, these innocent angels guide me. I also paint fantasy art of exotic women.

Sign up for my mailing list for FREE ART GIFTS. I will from time to time offer free magical gifts. Free poems, whimsical musicians artwork, fantasy art of exotic women, I'll also have a bit of fairy advise and gifts ideas! Giclee canvas art work, greeting cards and posters available for sale as well.

http://www.kathysart.com