Unlocking Success: Proven Ways for Creatives to get Discovered

Image via Pexels

The realm of artistic ventures is teeming with talented individuals, yet not everyone garners the attention they deserve. Standing out in a saturated market is a challenge, but not an insurmountable one. With the right approach and targeted strategies, you can rise above the crowd and gain the recognition your work merits. Today, Kimberly Meuse Watercolors explores eight actionable tactics that can set you on the path to becoming a renowned name in your creative field.

Gaining the Spotlight: Strategies for Visibility

Visibility is your first key to unlocking success. Be present where your audience frequents. Exhibiting your creations in public venues like art shows, local venues, or online forums can amplify your reach. When more people encounter your work, the chances of it resonating with someone increase exponentially.

Your Best Foot Forward: Crafting an Outstanding Portfolio

When potential clients or collaborators consider working with you, they'll want to see a range of your capabilities. Smart Blogger notes that a portfolio, therefore, is not just a vanity project but a crucial business asset. Include a variety of your best works to provide a comprehensive view of your talents. Moreover, regularly updating your portfolio to include new works can show that you're an active participant in your field, committed to growth and development.

Marrying Creativity with Commerce: Business Basics

Ignoring the business aspects of your craft can be a critical mistake. Basic knowledge about business strategies, marketing techniques, and client relationships can give you a significant advantage. You don't need an MBA, but understanding the principles of supply and demand, branding, and customer engagement can go a long way in establishing a sustainable creative career.

Designing an In-Home Studio: Cultivating Creativity

Creating an in-home art studio is a wonderful way to cultivate your creativity and have a dedicated space for artistic expression. By setting up a comfortable and organized environment with art supplies and inspirational decor, you can immerse yourself in the joy of creating art right in the comfort of your own home. If you create a multifunctional space, you may even be able to boost your home’s value, so be sure to save receipts for any work you have done.

Finding a Guiding Star: The Importance of Mentorship

Having a mentor can offer unparalleled benefits. Whether you're a novice or seasoned professional, there’s always something to learn. A mentor provides not just technical advice but emotional support and industry-specific insights that can help you avoid common pitfalls and succeed faster.

Making Waves Online: Why Digital Presence is Indispensable

We live in a digital age where most people first encounter new artists and creators online. A slick, professional-looking website can serve as a portfolio, a store, and a blog – all avenues to connect with your audience. MasterClass points out that social media platforms can further amplify your reach and help you engage directly with people interested in your work.

Joining Forces: The Mutual Benefits of Collaboration

The phrase 'two heads are better than one' rings particularly true in creative industries. Collaborating on a project can offer fresh perspectives and introduce you to each other's fan bases. This shared publicity is mutually beneficial and can significantly expand your audience.

Achieving visibility and recognition in the arts is not just about raw talent – it's about strategically positioning yourself for opportunities. Whether you’re designing a logo or creating a portfolio, the roadmap provided in this article is designed to guide you toward achieving your dreams in your creative pursuits. So, don't wait. Start implementing these ideas and begin your journey towards recognition today.

Kimberly Meuse Watercolors takes watercolor painting from a generally loose methodology to create works that defy the confines of representational painting. Reach out to Kimberly today to learn more!

Image via Pexels

Unlocking Success: Proven Ways for Creatives to Get Discovered

The realm of artistic ventures is teeming with talented individuals, yet not everyone garners the attention they deserve. Standing out in a saturated market is a challenge, but not an insurmountable one. With the right approach and targeted strategies, you can rise above the crowd and gain the recognition your work merits. Today, Kimberly Meuse Watercolors explores eight actionable tactics that can set you on the path to becoming a renowned name in your creative field.

Gaining the Spotlight: Strategies for Visibility

Visibility is your first key to unlocking success. Be present where your audience frequents. Exhibiting your creations in public venues like art shows, local venues, or online forums can amplify your reach. When more people encounter your work, the chances of it resonating with someone increase exponentially.

Your Best Foot Forward: Crafting an Outstanding Portfolio

When potential clients or collaborators consider working with you, they'll want to see a range of your capabilities. Smart Blogger notes that a portfolio, therefore, is not just a vanity project but a crucial business asset. Include a variety of your best works to provide a comprehensive view of your talents. Moreover, regularly updating your portfolio to include new works can show that you're an active participant in your field, committed to growth and development.

Marrying Creativity with Commerce: Business Basics

Ignoring the business aspects of your craft can be a critical mistake. Basic knowledge about business strategies, marketing techniques, and client relationships can give you a significant advantage. You don't need an MBA, but understanding the principles of supply and demand, branding, and customer engagement can go a long way in establishing a sustainable creative career.

Designing an In-Home Studio: Cultivating Creativity

Creating an in-home art studio is a wonderful way to cultivate your creativity and have a dedicated space for artistic expression. By setting up a comfortable and organized environment with art supplies and inspirational decor, you can immerse yourself in the joy of creating art right in the comfort of your own home. If you create a multifunctional space, you may even be able to boost your home’s value, so be sure to save receipts for any work you have done.

Finding a Guiding Star: The Importance of Mentorship

Having a mentor can offer unparalleled benefits. Whether you're a novice or seasoned professional, there’s always something to learn. A mentor provides not just technical advice but emotional support and industry-specific insights that can help you avoid common pitfalls and succeed faster.

Making Waves Online: Why Digital Presence is Indispensable

We live in a digital age where most people first encounter new artists and creators online. A slick, professional-looking website can serve as a portfolio, a store, and a blog – all avenues to connect with your audience. MasterClass points out that social media platforms can further amplify your reach and help you engage directly with people interested in your work.

Joining Forces: The Mutual Benefits of Collaboration

The phrase 'two heads are better than one' rings particularly true in creative industries. Collaborating on a project can offer fresh perspectives and introduce you to each other's fan bases. This shared publicity is mutually beneficial and can significantly expand your audience.

Achieving visibility and recognition in the arts is not just about raw talent – it's about strategically positioning yourself for opportunities. Whether you’re designing a logo or creating a portfolio, the roadmap provided in this article is designed to guide you toward achieving your dreams in your creative pursuits. So, don't wait. Start implementing these ideas and begin your journey towards recognition today.

Kimberly Meuse Watercolors takes watercolor painting from a generally loose methodology to create works that defy the confines of representational painting. Reach out to Kimberly today to learn more!

How to be a Responsible Dog Owner in Your Neighborhood →

Owning a dog is a privilege that comes with responsibility. Just like your dog relies on you for food and shelter, it is also your obligation to ensure she is well behaved. Responsible dog ownership is critical for peaceful interactions in your neighborhood. Here are the three main pillars of being a conscientious dog owner.

Teach your dog public etiquette skills

You can teach your dog the right public skills or hire a trainer to do so. The most critical dog etiquette skills include basic commands, walking etiquette, socializing etiquette, leash training, and dining etiquette.

Experts recommend you adopt a force-free training approach. Socialize her by exposing her to different people and different social setups, such as by taking her to the park or bringing her along as you go shopping.

Deal with your dog’s bad behavior

Common bad dog behavior includes jumping on people or other animals, aimless barking, pottying in public places, digging in yards, begging for food at the table, chewing on objects, and exhibiting aggressive behavior. While dog training can help to prevent such behavior, in the event your dog misbehaves, it’s important to find the cause and ways of mitigating the naughtiness. For instance, your dog may chew on things if she is teething, bored, or anxious. If she is teething, see a veterinarian for teething gels. If she just needs to be kept occupied, provide her with chew toys to play with when she is bored.

You can also mitigate your dog’s bad conduct by praising her for good behavior. Praise offers positive reinforcement and encourages her to keep behaving well. Communicate with your dog in a pleasant and polite tone. While she may not understand the actual words you are saying, she picks up on your tone and body language. Being too harsh on your dog may cause her to be rebellious.    

Take care of your dog’s well-being

It’s important to provide your dog with a safe environment, so start with the basics:

• Dog-proof your home.

• Set up a quiet and clean sleeping area for her. You can use a crate or even just a pile of blankets.

• Fence your home to prevent her from straying to neighboring properties.

• Replace toxic indoor and outdoor plants with pet-friendly options.

• Always keep an ID tag on her in case she gets lost.

Other wellness measures you should take for your dog include:

• Create a schedule to feed, exercise, and groom your dog.

• Stay up to date on her vaccinations.

• If your dog shows signs of illness, immediately take her to the veterinarian.

• Take the necessary parasite control measures to prevent her from being infested with fleas, ticks, or worms and spreading them in the neighborhood.

• Manage breeding through neutering or spaying. If your female dog is in heat, keep her secure; male dogs can sense her from a distance, which could lead to unplanned breeding.

• Provide your dog with adequate mental and physical stimulation by playing with her, taking her for walks, and giving her toys to entertain her when you can’t be with her. When your dog is well stimulated, her energy levels are well contained, which will prevent her from excessive barking, howling, and hyperactivity.

• Work with your veterinarian to determine the best diet for your dog, depending on her age, health condition, and breed.

• Find a pet sitter or pet boarding facility to care for your dog on days you are away. This will prevent her from becoming restless.  

A dog who is well taken care of and trained is less likely to misbehave whether she’s at home or taking a walk with you through the neighborhood. However, no animals, including humans, are perfect. If she misbehaves, take responsibility by correcting her behavior in a positive, reassuring way.

Photo credit: Pexels

Andi

This portrait is of my Molly’s mirror image, Andi. I painted it for a couple who commissioned me for another portrait of their sweet Andi. I loved this pose that came through among several other reference shots, and on a whim painted it as well. Because this couple was so devoted to their pup I gave it to them free of charge as an extra gift. Kathi was our sponsor from YGRR when we were being considered for adopting Molly in 2018, and she helped clear the way for us to have Molly in our lives. It struck us all how much Andi and Molly looked alike - they could’ve been sisters.

I found out today from Kathi that their beloved Andi fell sick out of the blue a week ago and they have to let her go this afternoon. My heart is broken for them - this couple were so thrilled with the portraits and so crazy about their girl - she is only 7.

I am so very thankful that I can share my love of painting to memorialize and honor the lives of the most beautiful, loving and innocent souls on earth with their families, but I know that a painting doesn’t hold a candle to the lives that end way too soon. I hope when portraits hang on the wall it’s a reminder of a life well loved and well lived, however brief.

I wish Andi a peaceful journey across the rainbow bridge knowing she was loved so very much.

Signature Memberships

I’ve been so honored to be accepted as Signature Member in both the National Watercolor Society and just this week into the American Watercolor Society - two of the most esteemed watercolor societies in the country and internationally. This is a thrill for me as a career watercolorist to reach this moment! Looking forward to including NWS and AWS beside my signature.

How to Help Abandoned Animals in Your Community

Sadly, there are millions of abandoned animals throughout the United States, and animal shelters are often overcrowded and short-staffed. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to help homeless or neglected animals in your community – even if you personally can’t adopt a pet at this time. Kimberly Meuse Watercolors shares some resources to learn how you can make a difference!

Help Local Animal Rescues

Local shelters and rescues rely on kind volunteers like you to care for the dogs, cats, and other animals in their care.

●      Volunteer to help animals directly, or donate items for their care, such as fleece blankets, gallon storage bags, or dog and cat treats.

●      Use VolunteerMatch to search for other volunteer opportunities in your community. Virtual opportunities are also available.

Welcome an Animal Companion Into Your Home

Are you ready to welcome a dog, cat, rabbit, or another companion animal into your home? Here are some resources for potential adopters and fosters.

●      Foster a dog, cat, rabbit, guinea pig, or another small animal.

●      Be sure to read product reviews from veterinarians to find out what pet products are best for your home.

●      Learn how to rescue stray animals in your community, even if you can only provide temporary housing.

Start Your Own Animal Nonprofit or Business

If you’re business-minded and passionate about saving animals, why not start a nonprofit organization or business of your own?

●      Find out how to start an LLC to better meet the needs of animals in your community.

●      Learn how to start a nonprofit corporation, which will make it easier to gain access to grants and other funding.

●      Utilize free or low-cost tools for nonprofits, including MailChimp, Salesforce, Slack, and Google Analytics.

●      Use an infographic maker to create a graphic for your website or social media page detailing your mission and goals.

●      For inspiration, check out some of the best animal charities in the U.S.

Do Your Best to Make a Difference

One person can’t do it all, but each act of kindness adds up and makes a difference in the lives of animals everywhere. Help abandoned or neglected animals in your community by volunteering with a local shelter or rescue, fostering or adopting an animal in need, or starting your own nonprofit organization!

Kimberly Meuse Watercolors creates beautiful portraits of pets that you could commission and use in promotional materials for your nonprofit. Visit her website to see examples and to enquire about commission opportunities.

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Portrait of Bruce

Since adopting Molly, our golden retriever rescued from the meat markets in China, I’ve offered my skills painting watercolor portraits to the Yankee Golden Retriever Rescue fundraiser auction. YGRR in Hudson, MA, is the rescue organization that brought Molly home to us. This portrait is of Bruce who was one of the 3 first Golden’s rescued from Turkey by YGRR in Hudson, MA. He was estimated to be 8 yrs old when he came over in Nov 2016 on a Turkish airline cargo plane. He had to have some teeth removed and a torn ACL repaired when he got here, but he survived and is thriving. He is named Bruce after Bruce Springsteen as the group of about 18 dogs he flew over with were named after musicians as the theme for that rescued group. He is a super quiet dog who loves all toys, people and his “pointer sister” Scout who was just adopted 10 months ago. 

Please consider visiting the webpage for YGRR to learn more about their rescue organization and the stories of the dogs they bring to the US.

How Creativity Is a Crucial Element in Developing Children With Learning Disabilities

It is hard for most of us to imagine a life in which we can’t express how we feel.  We talk and text and post about our responses to what is occurring throughout the day.  However those emotions and expressions can be extremely difficult for children with learning disabilities.  Thankfully, creative activities offer the outlet those kids desperately need.

Healthy benefits.  Being creative is beneficial to all of us.  The arts aren’t just for entertainment and pleasure; creativity is part of what makes us human.  As some research shows, doing something creative can benefit our mental health by helping to manage deep emotional traumas, improving one’s sense of self, and helping to maintain a more positive outlook on life.  Our physical health also benefits from artistic endeavors, with better brain functioning, improved pain management, reduced responses to stressful situations, and better immune system health. 

Vital for expression.  For children with learning disabilities, the benefits of creative activities are even more meaningful.  As explained by Parent Guide News, “While art is important for all children, it’s crucial for kids with special needs.  Artistic activities directly exercise and strengthen the cognitive and physical skills that generally challenge special needs children, such as oral, tactile, visual, sensory and motor skills.”  Through the arts, special needs children have better physical and cognitive development, enhanced ability to problem solve, improved critical-thinking skills, a better ability to set goals, and improved social skills.  Children’s capability to make plans grows, as well as their self-esteem and sense of achievement.

Making art accessible.  One of the challenges for involving special needs children in the arts is making creative activities accessible.  Thankfully, there are many ways to navigate this issue, depending on individual needs and limitations. 

Drawing, painting and crafting.  The University of Tennessee at Knoxville notes a number of options, such as altering desk height or angle, using non-slip materials for ease of handling, using large-handled tools such as paintbrushes and pencils, and using adaptive scissors.  Some children can better participate with precut materials or by using larger materials, or an adult may need to do the final assembly with the child’s input on where things go in his or her creation.  Families can benefit by creating a designated hobby room for children with learning disabilities so they can work freely on their activities without concern for messes.

Textile arts. Although it might seem a little old-fashioned to some people, textile arts are a fantastic way to inject some much-needed creativity into your child’s life.  Whether it’s sewing, knitting, or crocheting, there many healthy benefits associated with this form of creativity.  What’s more, there are countless informative resources on the internet to help you and your child begin a hobby that could benefit them for many years to come.

Performance.  When it comes to activities such as dance, some experts recommend focusing on options appropriate for your child’s age, and looking for both freestyle and choreographed activities.  Children benefit from both, since freestyle allows for more self-expression, and a structured dance encourages better impulse control, following of directions, teamwork, and listening skills.  Playing music is also a boon, since children can improve their gait through learning steady rhythms and routine.  To get your child started on the road to musicianship, introduce them to instruments such as flutes, tubas, and cellos, just to name a few.  Although you might prefer your child to play one over the other, it’s important to let them choose which one they prefer.  Otherwise, they might not stick with it.

Community theater groups and clubs may offer opportunities for children with learning disabilities as well.  According to some professionals, participating in group activities offers unique benefits, as special needs children can better develop emotionally and socially through the interaction.  Plays and other performances can often be modified to accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility issues, and some troupes offer special performance classes specifically oriented toward special needs children.  There are also camps which cater to children with learning disabilities.  Some offer year-round participation, and some are seasonal.  You can reach out to travel agents who focus on special needs travel accommodations in order to make arrangements for your child and to further explore possibilities.   

Creativity for growth.  Children with learning disabilities have much to gain from participating in the arts.  It’s important to make opportunities and accommodations so they can enjoy creative activities.  Through the arts, children with learning disabilities can blossom!

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Lillian Brooks is the founder of learningdisabilities.info. For years, Lillian worked as a special education teacher with a focus on teaching children with learning disabilities. She created learningdisabilities.info to offer information and understanding to parents of children with learning disabilities, as well as adults who are in need of continued support in order to succeed.   

Want to Improve Your Well-Being? Get a DIY Hobby

If you are struggling with chronic stress or high blood pressure, you should consider getting a DIY hobby. Arts and crafts hobbies and other DIY projects that engage you creatively naturally boost your mood and help improve your overall well-being. Indeed, researchers found that people who participate in creative activities daily are more enthusiastic and feel better the next day, and those positive feelings prompt them to be more creative on the same day.

Overall, people who engage in creative DIY projects flourish, and researchers say that daily creativity is one way to promote positive psychological functions. Still not convinced that you should take the time to pursue a DIY hobby? Read on for a few tips and more information to help you get started.

DIY Hobbies Improve Your Mental Health

Stress, anxiety, and depression take a toll on your mind and body. One way to give your mind the break it needs is to take up a creative hobby. Studies show that DIY projects have the power to boost your attention span and motivation, because you learn how to do a new skill and divert your attention from negative thoughts to a positive task.

Participating in a DIY hobby also helps you focus on completing a project, so you keep your mind busy by focusing on the steps required to create something instead of thinking about your problems. Better yet, you gain a sense of accomplishment and boost your self-esteem when you complete a DIY project.

Creative Projects are Akin to Meditation

Experts say crafting helps people who struggle with anxiety, depression, and chronic pain. Creative projects also reduce stress and increase feelings of happiness in addition to protecting the brain from aging-related damage. From completing a crossword puzzle to quilting a complex pattern, people experience cognitive benefits from creative hobbies. Creative time, like meditation, reduces stress, combats inflammation and gives both your body and mind a break.

People who pursue hobbies -- such as quilting, sewing, painting, sculpting, cooking, drawing, or other activities that allow them to get creative -- are reaping physical and mental benefits. They are in the flow, and lose themselves in an activity that absorbs them and helps them pass the time in a healthy way without feeling stressed or anxious. These meditative-like states help people feel happy and live more fully, because they’re spending time doing something they love and forgetting about the outside world and their problems for a short time. 

Start with Repetitive Crafts

Repetitive craft projects, such as quilting and knitting, have a calming effect on the mind and body. These types of DIY crafts help you concentrate on the task at hand without requiring you to expend a great deal of energy thinking and analyzing; the break this provides your brain is a form of distraction that keeps you busy enough to forget your problems for a bit. Your mind won’t race, and you won’t feel anxious or stressed when you engage in these types of creative projects.

Pursue More Complicated DIY Projects When You Want to Challenge Yourself

Challenging yourself with DIY projects is another way to foster creativity and help you improve your overall well-being. Pursuing DIY projects can enhance your problem-solving skills and improve your self-esteem as you successfully complete increasingly complex projects. When you push yourself, you learn more about how talented you are, and you gain a new sense of self-respect.

One challenging DIY hobby that more people are beginning to pursue is woodworking. Thanks in part to Pinterest and HGTV, DIY woodworking has become a popular hobby for people from all walks of life. You may want to build an outdoor swing, a new kitchen table, or a custom desk after taking on a few basic projects. Similarly, if your home needs a new coat of paint, you could take it on as a DIY project after tackling a smaller project like painting a shed. After all, a professional paint job can cost as much as $7,500; if you’re able to save this expense by doing it on your own, you’ll be even prouder of yourself.

Pursuing a DIY hobby is an ideal way to improve your mental and physical health because you increase your positive feelings and reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Hobbies foster creativity, relaxation, and other benefits for the body and mind, and you’ll learn new skills that you can enjoy for years to come.

Image via Pixabay

A Few New Works this Spring and Summer

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Tangerines 

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Parrot Tulips

Guest Post by Julie Morris

The 4 Best Characteristics a Business Owner Should Have

Photo credit: Pixabay

While just about anyone can dream about starting a business, not everyone does so successfully. In fact, while about 80 percent of businesses survive their first year, half fold after five years, and only 33 percent survive to see ten years. The high percentage rate of failed businesses is due to several factors, but some businesses fail because the owners lack the characteristics needed to succeed. We explore some of those characteristics here, to help you decide whether you should attempt to run your own business.

1. You Are a Risk Taker

Business, by nature, is risky. There are no guarantees, especially as technology, markets, and the role of the customer evolve. Many new business owners leave lucrative positions, make financial sacrifices, and put everything on the line to get off the ground. You have to be willing to put your security, relationships, and pride on the line when you venture into business ownership.

Still not convinced that you need to be willing to take risks when you start a business? The Houston Chronicle highlights the most common risks you will have to be willing to take:

●      Financial risk - You will have to invest some of your own money and other people's.

●      Legal risk - The rules and regulations regarding business change rapidly, and it's your responsibility to stay on top of them.

●      Personal risk - There are no guarantees that you will hire the right people, that you will be a capable leader, or that your relationships and mental health can withstand the stress of starting a new business.

●      Market risk - Your business plan is not a guarantee of consumer interest, and markets change all the time.

2. You Have Tenacity

Many characteristics of successful business owners are traits that exasperated their parents and teachers when they were young. Thankfully, those characteristics that tend to be challenging in childhood help you remain strong in adulthood. For example, to succeed in business, you must have spunk, determination, stubbornness, and tenacity.

Why do you need to be tenacious when you decide to go into business for yourself? At times, it will seem as though the world is against you, and you will have to buckle down, keep your eye on the prize, and make it through if you want to be one of the few that remains in business at the five- and ten-year marks. As Freedom Fast Lane puts it, you have to be more than persistent to succeed; you must be tenacious so you don't stop when things are just good enough.

3. You Can Adapt

One reason that people want to go into business for themselves is that things never get stale. Indeed, each day brings new challenges and opportunities when you are a business owner, so you need to be adaptable. Responding to change is a must, as markets, technology, and customer needs change. You must be flexible and prepared to handle whatever business throws your way if you hope to succeed.

Adaptable people also are better leaders. You don't get bogged down when change occurs, but you see it as an opportunity and capitalize on it. You lead by example and show that you can make decisions no matter the situation.

4. You Are a Problem Solver

Starting a business is, in itself, solving a problem. Businesses only succeed when they address a need, so starting a business begins with solving a problem. As a business owner, you need to continue to find ways to address problems and solve them cost-effectively. You also will need to solve challenges caused by vendors, regulations and requirements, employees, and customers.

To be the best problem solver you can be, you should define the problem, consider it from every angle, select the best solution, delegate to solve it, and evaluate your success in doing so.

If starting a lasting business were easy, everyone would do it. The best way to become a successful business owner is to take stock of your personal traits and determine if you have what it takes. At the very least, you should be a risk taker, tenacious, adaptable, and a problem solver.

Newsletter updates

Social media is an amazing venue for promoting anything, including art. In this time when brick and mortar art galleries are closing, social media is becoming an interesting alternative to showcase work far and wide. For example, I've started creating a newsletter detailing recent paintings and events, and sharing ideas and other artists' work through Mail Chimp. My first newsletter went out last week and I hope to continue it biannually. (Anyone wishing to sign up, please let me know through my contact page.) I'm still trying to figure out how to configure my blog to allow me to post each campaign here on my website. Stay tuned!

In the meantime, check out a quick video I compiled of recent works!

American Watercolor Society 151st Annual International Exhibition

"Hydrangeas in Glass Pitcher" been accepted into the 151st Annual International Exhibition of the American Watercolor Society! Awards will be decided in February, and the Exhibition will be held April 9-28, 2018 at the Salmagundi Club, 47 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY.

Guest post by Julie Morris

How You Can Turn Your Holiday Wish List into a Self-Improvement Blueprint

It’s not a coincidence that the biggest gift-getting season of the year comes right before New Year’s. This is the universe telling you that your holiday wish list should be filled with things to help you kickstart a new you this new year. If you want to tailor your wish list to net items and services that can be used for self-improvement, here’s where to begin.

Think about asking for something that gives you more free time

The more free time you have, the more time you have to focus on self-improvement. If you’re swamped with work, family, and other obligations, then it’s really hard to take time to take care of you - diet, exercise, meditation, mindfulness, etc.

Consider asking for a subscription to a meal kit delivery service. There are tons of options available, all of which deliver fresh ingredients (often pre-portioned) that are ready to hit your skillet. If you take away the pain of recipe hunting and grocery shopping, cooking can take little to no time at all. Cooking at home helps keeps you healthy, and these food delivery services are a true time-saver.

Focus on your sleep

If there were a wellness pyramid, sleep would likely rest near the top. That’s because good sleep can trickle down and positively affect almost every other aspect of your life. For a better you, focus on getting better sleep. One item to add to your wish list should be a smart alarm clock. There are various types of these devices, but most use some sort of tech that wakes you via light, pleasant sound, and based on your natural sleep rhythms. Also good ideas: a sensor-less sleep monitor, quality sleep earbuds, and a sleep mask. Check out more cool gadgets to boost your sleep quality here.

Ask for a little bit of mindfulness

What is mindfulness, you may ask? Mindfulness, simply put, is the state of being mindful of your present. You could call it living in the moment. You become aware of you, your own thoughts, and by this process the world around you. There’s no time to regret the past or worry about the future when you live a present-focused life. Sounds nice, right? Well, practicing mindfulness can be your ticket to better overall mental health.

One easy gift idea that could help you out with this is a handful of coloring books and some great coloring implements. Coloring is more than a kid’s activity. It has some serious meditative and stress-relieving benefits. Check out this list for more gift ideas from Redfin.com.

Art, journals, candles, beads, and indoor plants also help those looking to focus on being mindful. Check here for more ideas.

Go high-tech with your fitness

It’s kind of hard for some people to justify spending $100 or more on a smart fitness tracker, even if they like the idea of it. That’s what the holidays are for - getting gifts that you would probably not buy yourself. Fitness trackers like the Fitbit aren’t miracle workers - you have to put in the work. But they do make fitness an ever-present part of your daily routine and can provide that little bit of motivation you need to get off the couch and get moving. Think about adding one of these top-rated trackers to your wish list.

Don’t waste the holiday gift-giving season. Make it count and turn your wish list into a blueprint for your own self-improvement.

You can read more posts by Julie Morris by visiting her website here.

Photo Credit: Pixabay.com

Heading to the Holiday Show #NHAA #LincolnLevyGallery

Sending a few paintings to the holiday show at the Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery in Portsmouth, NH. A study in fall hues and my beloved tulips. It doesn't matter whether tulips are in season - I can never resist the lush petals and depth of color!

Petals Pink and Apricot.

Painting a memory

This past July we had to say goodbye to our old, beloved girl, Hazelnut. She was with us for 15 years - a significant chunk of our lives - planting herself firmly and forever in our hearts. I chose this pose for myself alone. It's how she looked at me, her "One". It's how I continue to see her every day now that she's made that trek over the bridge. It's how I love to remember her.  

I've painted Hazelnut several other times over the years, as gifts I've given to Dave and our son. One other painting I donated to the Stratford Animal Rescue patrol for their fine work in rescuing and caring for animals in our old hometown. Her image there has a special place in the foyer where residents are either reunited with lost pets or stand to pose for a photo with their adopted new pet. In that venue, she is Hazelnut the Patron Saint of Pet Adoptions as she looks upon the glorious reuniting and uniting of animals with human families.

Words can't express how much I miss this sweet dog, but having her with me in my studio every day, watching my process is comforting. Her presence in that painting - the soulful eyes and the unrelenting love she showered over me - is my muse. It's not just a work of art, but an addition to my soul. 

Proud to announce "Late Summer" is an award winner!

http://guildofbostonartists.org/2017-annual-regional-juried-exhibition/

New England Watercolor Society Award

Guild of Boston Artists 2017 Regional Juried Show

Just dropped off my painting at the Guild of Boston Artists on Newbury Street in Boston. It will be featured in the upcoming 2017 Regional Juried Exhibition that opens on September 9.

The reception and awards presentation is Saturday, September 9, 3 – 5 PM. Register for this Event here. Also note that this year we are again asking the award winners to talk to our patrons about their work on Saturday, September 16 at 2 PM.

Summer News!!

**Great Art News Update**

I'm very excited to announce that I will be showing my work at a local studio in the heart of Portsmouth this summer!

Through July (and tentatively at least the first week or so in August) I will be working and showing at Studio51Ceres, 51 Ceres Street, Portsmouth, NH, with the hosting studio artists Judy Gordon Schubert and Christy Hegarty. It will be a great change from my studio on Sagamore Creek - I'll be downtown amongst the bustle of summer tourism and a very different kind of energy. Plus a view of the tug boats and ships!

Please come visit me and the studio artists to see beautiful work both in progress and on show.

Upcoming events

This is the busy season for artists - plein air painting is everywhere on the seacoast (so many paint-worthy places to set up shop!) - and a lot of shows on the docket. 

I had two paintings on show in the Robert Lincoln Levy gallery this month in downtown Portsmouth (May). Coming up: My painting, "Cream Peonies" will be one of 126 watercolor paintings from all over the globe to be featured in the watercolor journal "SPLASH 19". 

"Cream Peonies" - watercolor

The month of June-July, "Hydrangeas in Glass" will be on show at The Beauty of New Hampshire | The Fells Historic Estate, Newbury, NH | May 26th - Jul. 9th. This is a gorgeous estate and gallery - a great destination for a day trip, check out there website here: https://thefells.org/.

I will be showing "Black Tulips" and "Purple Hydrangeas and Plums" at the upcoming Women's Caucus for the Arts (WCA/NH) Inspiration show "Works we love and why they are special" at the Pease Public Library in Plymouth, NH, from June 6 - August 24. 

"Black Tulips" - watercolor

"Purple Hydrangeas & Plums" - watercolor

Throughout July and August I will look towards showing at the Sheafe Gallery at Prescott Park in Portsmouth. I always love this venue right on the water in a 200 year old warehouse that once made large ropes for seafaring ships.

In September-October I will have a one-person show of work at the Concord, NH Chamber of Commerce.

I've started a Facebook page for NH watercolor painters with the future intent of creating a NH watercolor society, and we are looking at showing a few of our collected works at Breaking New Grounds cafe in Portsmouth. A small, but very busy venue in the summer months especially, so a good choice for our first foray as a group! 

Getting ready for spring

Can spring come soon enough? Here it is, two days after the official first day of spring and it's cold, with a week's worth of new snow on the ground! I long for the new buds of spring and summer - the tulip bulbs still lying dormant under the snow and hyacinth waiting to crack the surface. I'm getting ramped up now. I know that warmth is coming and my still life set-ups can be arranged in a lingering pool of sunlight in my studio with the angle of the sun moving in a more amenable pattern across my easterly-facing windows. Yes, I'm inspired! Yes, I am ready to forge forward with my paint brush in hand! I do owe some of this renewal of spirit to the two workshops I attended last weekend. Just being around other artists and talking the business of art was inspiration. Such enthusiasm and passion for our shared artistry - it's wonderful to see how eager this community is to create and share their passion.

So, perhaps I'm wrong about the winter chill. Spring has landed, creatively, figuratively, if not literally.