Why I Quietly Shared New Work
Updated: Jul 7
I quietly added new work to my website. I didn't make a big announcement or draw much attention to it, because, quite frankly, I'm tired.
Sharing my artwork was not really on my radar this year, let alone jumping into selling it and building a small business. What little free time I had before is now going to painting, social media, a website and researching markets, pop-ups, and every small business topic under the sun. I'm constantly torn in different directions, something I know I'm not alone in, between work, kids, husband, myself, our home, painting and trying to make this thing work. And I've been keeping this pace since February. I'm so fulfilled, but I'm also just very, very tired.
And if I'm being really honest, I'm not where I thought I would be at this point. I thought I'd start doing markets in April or May but due to timing and markets filling up, it just hasn't happened. In the meantime, I spend a shocking amount of time just putting posts together to get 100 views. Running myself ragged is a lot easier when it feels like I'm not just talking to myself, ya know?
None of this is complaining—my to do list has never been longer, but I've never been more fulfilled.
When I looked around my studio, I saw piles of art that I hadn't shared yet. Piles of art that I loved but couldn't bring myself to post. Because sharing it would take hours of time photographing, filming, drafting, planning, and finally posting. I was spinning my wheels with when and how and what, and finally, against all art advice, just quietly added it to my website.
I added 6 small irises on 6" x 6" canvas, and a collection of 6 pairs titled "What a Pear." I love both of these for many of the same reasons, they're whimsical and fun, but still classic and timeless. And though neither irises nor pears are in season now, the greens and creams and eclectic and timeless vibes are perfect for a Nancy Meyers or Nantucket aesthetic, something I find myself leaning into more in the warm summer months.
My mini and small irises are perfect for mom, grandma, millennial or a sweet little nursery. (I know there are gen z girlies out there who love a Nancy Meyers vibe, but I'm not even going to pretend like I know what the young people think is cool!)
What a Pear was such a fun collection for me to paint, I've always been obsessed with the coloring of a pear (something weird to be obsessed with, I know). Each has a cheeky little name like "Such a Cute Pear" or "A Good Pear is hard to Find" because I love a pun.
I really love sharing my work, and I really, really love making it. I am filling up my tiny little space and our tiny little house and think there are so many pieces that deserve a spot in the sun (figuratively) in a happy home. They're quietly and patiently waiting.
xx,
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