Solar Panels working!

 

I have solar power!  Glenn did all the wiring and mounted everything to wood; which we installed inside the studio.  We still need to install the panels to the studio's roof…….once we remember how we installed the roof brackets. LOL (A little hiccup)

Currently I am moving the two solar panels outside the studio and then moving them back inside when I am finished for the day.

Here are some notes and lessons we learned about solar power for a small space:

 We did purchase a 400 watt solar kit from Renogy. Currently we only have two solar panels wired. Next year’s goal we will be to mount the roof brackets and panels for the remaining two solar panels. 

We did opt for a deep cycle battery.  I am so glad we did and I will tell you why. From my understanding a deep cycle battery is designed for not everyday usage.  I know I won’t be in the studio every day; however, when I am in the studio I need a battery that will hold a charge. So far I haven’t been let down by our battery.  Things to consider with your battery.  Did you know that your inverter and control monitor can use up 20% to 30% of your battery when not in use?  I didn’t know this; which led us to purchasing a battery monitor.  The battery monitor will show you how much “juice” is in your battery. Also, there is an alert system if the battery is too low. Lastly, it shows you that your battery is charging. 

Additionally, after hours of research, I realized I wanted an “on/ off” switch; which we purchased. I knew that I needed a way to quickly shut down our system for “just in case”.  Since the solar panels have been in use now for a couple of weeks, I shut the system off when not in use, and the battery has been holding it’s charge.  

Lastly, Glenn’s research resulting in us purchasing fuses.  We didn’t realize at first but you really want a fuse linked to your battery.  Eventually we will have a small shut off for the battery………but for now the system works great.

I love that I can plug my stereo into the invertor and listen to my favorite CD.  When I have some time off I do want to purchase and LED light and mount on the ceiling so I can have light when I want to paint during rain or at night.

 

Check it out:

"Wires look a little messy, I do need to twist tie them"

"These panels are a little heavy to move in and out, can't wait to install on roof"

Happy Creating with Solar Panels,

Christin 

How not to destroy your Arches Watercolor Paper

 For a couple of years I have been wanting to paint on Arches Watercolor Paper; however, since starting my Studio I have been focused on producing not so much on experimenting.  This year I decided it was time to experiment, grow my ideas and my artwork.

I purchased Arches Watercolor Cold Press 140 lb paper and began drawing on it. Now, I am not the type of artist that can draw something in one try.  I am an artist who likes to draw, erase, draw, erase...etc. Unfortunately Arches Watercolor Paper is not recommended for this type of work.  On my first drawing, I destroyed the paper with the erasing. I was surprised by this.  In addition, I found some of my pencil lines couldn't be erased.  After doing a little bit of research, I found that quite a few artist will draw on paper and then trace to Arches.  It is an extra step but it keeps the paper from being damaged. I do love wetting the paper and dropping the watercolor paint onto this paper. Also, I find you need a lot of water to move the paint around. I do like that the paper can hold lots of paint..........so layering is a plus. Check out the mess ups on my first drawing. I circled the damage to the paper. Also I realized I should have been using a watercolor pencil compared to a soft pencil: 

Arches Cold Press Watercolor paper with mess ups

I still love my Grumbacher Watercolor 140 lb paper. Something about the hills and valleys. I definitely create less damage with my drawing on this paper.......and maybe this will be my go to paper.  I am still experimenting.  Although, I feel I can't add as many paint layers on this paper compared to Arches.  So I guess it depends on your style of painting.  I like to create loose washes, and this paper is great for that. Check it out. Here is an example of a loose watercolor on Grumbacher Watercolor Paper: 

Grumbacher Watercolor Paper with hills and valleys

Then there is the Canson watercolor paper.  I do like to draw on this paper but for watercolor it is ok.  The paper is basic with hardly any hills and valleys to hold the paint; which makes fixing mistakes very difficult.  I have overworked an area of a painting with this paper and the paper balled up. It never fails that this would happen with the painting was almost complete. LOL.  Check it out. This paper is fine for a simple watercolor like this vine work: 

Canson Watercolor paper, hardly any hills and valleys

I hope this post helps anyone attempting watercolors. Of course if anyone has questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. 

Enjoy creating.

Christin

Epson Photo Perfection V600 Scanner

 Last month Glenn gifted me an Epson photo perfection V600 scanner to help me with my watercolor prints.  Also, he installed the scanner to my computer. What an amazing gift. I am beyond grateful....it is magical.

Previously I 'v been taking my completed watercolor paintings outdoors to photograph. Having to rely on good weather is not the most efficient way to take photographs and I would easily become frustrated because I would have to wait for another good weather day to retake photos when the first set didn't come out.  

Of course with any new business adventure you try to keep your spending down, so I told myself one day you will get that scanner, just not now, and I pushed through.

Let's talk about the Epson Scanner.  I read tons of reviews, but could it possibly take great images of my watercolors; which can sometimes be painted very lightly.  

To my surprise this Scanner is amazing.  The scanner will even pick up light pencil drawings. So yes, it does an incredible job picking up watercolor washes and tiny details. 

Coloring.  We didn't do any kind of color adjustment on the scanner program.  I scan using professional mode.  I think the colors are very close and not all the time but sometimes I will adjust the colors in Affinity.

Stitching.  My watercolor paintings are painted on paper that is 11" x 17" size or 9" x 12" size.  Glenn found a Stitch and Save program for me.  So I literally scan my watercolor three times (left side, right side and then middle) and then tell the program to stitch.  The program does all the work and I end up with a complete image. 

I love this scanner!

The only thing slightly negative I should mention is the high pitch scan frequency.  Check it  out:  (Of course one of the dogs is barking in the background.  They do this too me every time I take a video. LOL)

For anyone out there who paints in watercolors and is looking to take their originals and turn them into prints, the Epson Photo Perfection V600 Scanner does a fabulous job getting you those high resolution images for high quality prints.

My best to you,

Christin

New Year, New Goals

 Happy New Year Everyone,

With a new year comes new intentions for building my brand.  I am hoping to make more artwork, update my studio website, and continue adding new paintings to my Etsy Shop.  I am determined to participate in at least three art festivals this year too. (Four if I have enough energy.:) 

I have been drawn to metallic watercolors for awhile and finally etched out a little bit of time to play with them. Last year, I started a watercolor painting and screwed it up on the first sitting....bummer.  So I took the unfinished painting and tested out my new metallic watercolor paints on the figure. Things I realized.  I won't be able to make fine art prints with paintings using the metallic paints.  The metallic paints look best over regular watercolor paint. Eventually, I will make more watercolor paintings with and without the metallic paints.  I am looking forward to the response of these new metallic watercolor paintings during festivals.  Check out my test: 

Lessons learned this past year.  I decided on the best watercolor paper for me to use. Believe me it took awhile. Although, I have tried Arches paper, I am drawn to Grumbacher's cold press watercolor paper.  I love the little hills and valleys. Additionally the paper doesn't get too distressed when erased. And I erase a lot. :) As for paints, I am loving the Sennelier watercolors. I am so looking forward to sharing my new paintings with you.

For fun, I entered one of my original watercolors into a show, and it was accepted.  Although to be honest, I think they take anyone's artwork with a swamp theme? Happily this month and next, one of my paintings will be on display, "Swamp Spectacular Show" in Baton Rouge.  Check it out:

Also, I donated an original watercolor for a silent auction for the Playmakers Theater in Covington.  The painting I donated is "Wintertime in the Swamp".I would love to attend, but is a "school" night for me. Anyway, Check it out: 

Painting ideas are constantly swirling in my mind.  I love my time in the studio.

Wishing everyone time for all the things you love to do.

Christin

Year End Review Regarding Art Festivals/ Studio

 Lessons learned, crisis averted, and being practical...........what a year it has been!

For any artist looking to participate in art festivals I hope some of my experiences help you with your interest in art festivals.

First and foremost, be prepared for the amount of work (physical and mental) that goes into participating in an art festival.  Usually it takes me two hours to set up and display my tent, about an hour to disassemble.  Even though I am very careful with rewrapping my artwork for the return trip home.....everything else is thrown into our vehicle to get us home.  The next day is when I return everything too it's rightful place, ex: rolling up tent walls, sheers, organizing display bin, etc.  I always make sure that the day before a festival I take off from work to prepare for any last minutes issues, there always seems to be something. Ha. Also, I take the day off from work after the festival to focus on inventory and reorganizing my bins.  Typically you set up your tent one day and then return the next for the festival.  On the last day of the festival you pack up and leave. Lastly, I think of my art tent as a pop up business, I want it to be eye catching, yet professional. 

Streamline:  Really think about what you should bring to display your artwork.  Do you really need two tables or can you make a beautiful display with one?  At the end of the festival you are usually very tired and the thought of having to lug that extra table you didn't need back home can be exhausting. Most artists set up their tent and display ahead of time.....I think this is a great idea. However, one I never followed. I tend to learn on the fly.....for better or worse.

Is the festival really worth the time, effort and money?  This is a hard one, because I feel like if you don't try, then how will you know?   Since I am still in my gaining experience phase, I tried many different types of festivals this year. Some were great, others not so much. I did receive good advice from a fellow artist, she says she only participates in two shows a year because she works full time, and it has to be a two day event, not a one day event.  I tend to agree with her, because I work full time too, and a two day event typically produces more sales.  Although, I do love The Shadows in New Iberia and will probably attend in the fall of 2024.....even though it is a one day event.

Give yourself time.....With any business, it takes time to grow.  Sometimes I compare myself to other artists, who have been participating in festivals  for years and have built up a clientele, and wish I could be like that.  We all have to start somewhere so it is ok if you don't have 1000 followers on Instagram and Facebook friends.  Eventually you will get there if you stick with it and are consistent.

Crisis Averted: I displayed a painting on the top of my checkout stand and I wanted to move my stand a few inches up to be out of the sun.  So I started to slide the stand forward and accidentally raised the top and everything fell off.  There went my painting flying into a ditch behind me. Fortunately the painting wasn't damaged and there was no rain water in the ditch......but I realized I need to be careful how I display my artwork. Accidents happen, so I display artwork to minimize damage.

Being practical:  Did I really need to build a grapevine chandelier for my tent?  I didn't even bring it to the last show..........I was too tired. Now the thing is taking up space in my studio. Eventually I will disassemble it but not until I have free time.  Oh did I mention I work full time? LOL    Art Festivals require a lot of moving parts.  Where will you store your artwork, tent, tables.....etc when not in use?  Our entire house has some aspect of Christin's studio stuff, along with her tuff shed converted to studio.   Needless to say, it is a commitment in time, storage and money.  Hopefully I didn't scare anyone!

Ultimately, I love participating in art festivals.  I love meeting people and explaining my art process.  You never know who you are going to connect with. You have to be the type of person who can roll with the punches too.  I had a woman tell me my fairies (in the paintings) weren't real fairies because they were too large compared with the landscape.  I smiled and said, I have to think about that.  However, in the back of my mind I was like, you don't get what I am doing. Ha. Seriously, you can't take anything personal.  People are entitled to their opinions and they do not mind sharing:)

I did want to share upcoming ideas for 2024:  Check it out:  I purchased metallic watercolors and Sennelier watercolors. 

Here is a (part of an) oil painting I started working on last year but I will be turning into an encaustic painting, titled< "In Her Garden". 

So that is that.

I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday and the best New Year.

Keep creating

Christin 

One more show to go

 

Citrus Art Market will round out my shows for this year.  I am looking forward to this market because it is held at my friend’s house. This is an easy market, and the artist’s are really good people.

Although with any Art Sale there is still much preparation that goes into any of these events. I have postcards to distribute, signs to fix and we are running an ad in The Gambit.  I am very curious as to how this will drive sales?

Check it out:

 

After several shows, I think I am finally content with my tent setup.  This is my tent set up for now:

 

I really have worked on streamlining my tent to cut out time in putting the artwork up and taking it down. Although there are a couple of things that I could take out (like the lighted vines hanging inside my tent) but I love them….. so they will stay, along with the extra few minutes it takes to hang them.

 

I did create a lighted vine chandelier for my tent for an event that was held during the evening and night; however, the event (for me) was a bust & fiasco and I didn’t even have time to hang it. So for Citrus Art Market I will be hanging the fixture, I would like to use it at least once since I put so much effort into making it………but the chandelier is something that I will not be taking for any other art festivals. (Again streamline).

Oh I did want to mention that my checkout stand worked beautifully for sales. The stand keeps me organized and makes my sales transaction smooth and quick.  Love it.  I highly suggest investing in making a stand or purchasing one to keep you organized. 

 

After this Art Market I will be ready to get in the studio and paint. I miss moving paint around and being in my studio.  I have several ideas swarming my mind and want to get them down on paper.  Also, I ordered new watercolors.  The watercolor set I am currently using is not as brilliant as it should be..........so I splurged on a Sennelier set. Thankfully they were on sale. In order for me to continue to move forward with my art.......my skills, supplies and paintings need to be better.  

Keep creating,

Christin

Ahhh the start of fall

 Fall is in the air........well maybe not here, but the days are getting shorter and it is slightly cooler..........and I am happy just for that. So I am preparing for three fall shows and I still have much to do.  I tell everyone work (job) gets in the way of my fun. LOL

I finished my foldable check out stand.  Yes, I custom built the stand, scallop and all.  Check it out: 

Costs:  fencing wood was recycled but I did spend hours sanding the boards down and cutting out the rotten parts. Since this was an old fence....underneath the worn surface was  beautiful solid wood. Although if you do have to purchase fencing I believe the boards are around $3 each. I did purchase one 1" x 2" x 8' wood stick for the shelf brackets. Cost $3. Also, I purchased a better piece of wood (1/2" plywood) for the top and shelves which cost about $13 . I believe the piece was 24" x 36".  The scallop wood trim was left over pieces from my flip bin. The hinges were repurposed from my screen doors I use for art displays.  The white stain I had on hand; however, I did purchase satin polyurethane which cost around $17.  I sanded down the wood in between the 2 to 3 coats of poly...........yeah I definitely didn't want any splinters while handling the stand.  

I am happy with the design and by keeping the stand narrow, it is not too heavy to lift in and out of the truck.....which means I can do it myself. The size is 39" tall by 24" wide and the sides are around 12"The amount I spent was reasonable, (do able for my art budget)compared to the portable stands for display booths that can cost up to $800.  

I know to measure twice cut once; however, I did make a mistake that cost me time fixing.  I made the sides too wide so that when I folded the checkout stand it wouldn't lay flat.  What a bummer, because I glued & screwed the fencing together.  So I had to use a circular saw to cut down a 1/2" from the sides. Of course it came out a little rough so I had to sand down the rough edges.....but hey I shouldn't have to rebuild another one anytime soon:)

I did purchase a couple of yards of cotton duck fabric.  I plan to sew up a carrying case for it.  Since the top and shelves are removeable.........I really want a case to keep everything together.  I still have time to sew one up, but if I can't get to it for the first show....I am ok with it, and will get it done for the next show.

Check out the map for Twin Steeples:

My tent # is 45.   I am so excited ....smiling big right now!

My best,

Christin